Industrial arts teacher cuts ties with ISD 166
The Cook County Schools – ISD 166 board was met with a shocking request for resignation by Peter Johnson at their January 5, 2016 board meeting. Johnson, the industrial arts teacher heading up classes in the newly expanded, state-of-the-art, industrial technology center at ISD 166, tendered his resignation earlier that same day with the intention of the very next day […]
Commissioners start year with organizational meeting
Every year the Cook County Board of Commissioners holds a special meeting on the first Tuesday of January, dubbed the organizational meeting. At that meeting new commissioners are sworn in, the board chair and vice-chair are selected and commissioners and citizens are appointed to various boards and commissions. This year’s meeting was Tuesday, January 5 and it began, as always, […]
PUC ponders permit procedures
Just because a power pole is near a new building site, it doesn’t mean the city can run power from that pole to a new house or business. “People think we will use the shortest route, but that’s not always possible,” said Grand Marais City Administrator/PUC Director Mike Roth. “If the pole isn’t on city property we don’t have a […]
Visit Cook County welcomes new board members
As it welcomes in the New Year, Visit Cook County also welcomed several new community members to its board of directors. Joining the board of directors of Visit Cook County is Emily Haussner, Zach Baumann, and Dave Seaton. Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Kratt expressed appreciation to all who came forward to work with the tourism organization and shared […]
Bring light to a neighbor
Dear neighbors, an excellent way to radiate light this time of year is to write someone you know a letter. You could be the joyful light to someone who is lonely, ill, or despairing. One letter may be the welcome sun for someone! Blessings of Light! Marce WoodGrand Marais
Set an example with energy use
I have spent the last four years being Cook County Local Energy Project’s (CCLEP) coordinator. CCLEP’s mission is to promote energy efficiency and clean local renewable energy. This journey brought me close to how we as a community use and regard energy. Here are a few observations: At the end of 2015, it is clear that human activity is creating […]
Smoke-free housing for everyone
We were excited to hear the news that HUD proposes to restrict smoking in all public housing. As you may already know, the Northland became a leader in the smoke-free housing movement. In fact, 66 percent of the public housing units in our state are already smoke-free as compared to only 20 percent in the rest of the country. For […]
Misadventure on the road to Missouri
Long time readers of Unorganized Territory may recall my misadventure with my daughter-in-law Michele (“Goosie” to friends and family) in December 2012 to pick up their family’s new puppy from my sister in Missouri. The little Australian cattle dog’s name was selected before we met him. Because Goosie and my son Ben own Benny’s Collision Center in Grand Marais and […]
Local energy project hires new coordinator
The Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) recently welcomed its new coordinator, Staci Drouillard. Drouillard lives in Cook County and brings a wealth of local knowledge to the position. Drouillard earned a BA degree in Native American Studies from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Master’s in Liberal Studies from University of Minnesota – Duluth. Many people know […]