Down Memory Lane



10 Years Ago Feb. 24, 2006 A house on Tait Lake burned to the ground on the coldest night of the year last week. No one was hurt as the owners and their guests scrambled to safety just in time to run to the neighbors’ in the minus 22-degree darkness and call for help. The Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department covered […]

“Fine! Let’s just get a divorce then!”



In my psychotherapy practice I have heard this statement more than a few times. Married couples seeking guidance and clarification on whether their relationship can make it. There is truth to the old saying “Marriage is the hardest thing you’ll ever do.” So what makes it so hard? And how do couples get through the hard times? In the beginning […]

Higher Education in Cook County



One of the questions we here at Cook County Higher Education hear the most often from people both inside and outside of our community is “What exactly is Cook County Higher Education?” There is some confusion about what we do within the community because of frequent mix-ups between services we offer and services other local educational organizations provide. This is […]

Melissa Steele nominated for teacher of the year



Although she hasn’t lived in the county very long, Cook County Schools middle school mathematics teacher Melissa Steele has made a big impact on her students, and for her efforts she has been nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Steele came to Cook County through a circuitous route. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University […]

County hears good news from highway department



Commissioner Frank Moe thanked County Highway Engineer David Betts for getting the very large cement culvert that was sitting near Flute Reed River in eyesight of drivers on the North Road in Hovland removed. The culvert—in 10 sections— was placed there in 2006 by the highway department, and at one time there was a plan to remove it. However the […]

August 2014 RV fire ruled accidental



More than a year after a fire destroyed a recreational vehicle (RV) belonging to Lawrence Scully of Grand Marais, the origin of the fire is still not certain. However, on February 22, 2016, Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen said the case is closed and the fire is considered to have been accidental. On Friday, August 8, 2014, at about 11 […]

Robotics team storming ahead



The new industrial arts area at Cook County High School is a busy place with enthusiastic students enjoying the state-of-the-art space and equipment. The new shop area is the perfect place for the members of the school’s robotics team—Ice Storm—to work on this year’s project. Excitement is building as the students work to meet the deadline for the competition at […]

Candy and comic books



I was recently visiting a pet shop in the Cities. They had two big, beautiful cats lying on the counter. I love all animals so I of course started petting them and the owner said that their names were Betty and Veronica. So I said “Oh you’re an Archies fan too?” and the owner said that I was the first […]

Apply for help to create your Great Place



Over the last two years, a transformation has been taking place in Cook County. Twenty-nine Great Place projects have been created by local artists, business owners, and nonprofits. The Cook County of Chamber of Commerce and the Moving Matters project of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, with new support this year from the Minnesota Power Foundation, announce the third year of […]

Cast your vote on March 1 “Super Tuesday”



Political caucuses are not only where you can make your voice heard about governmental issues, these gatherings are also your first— and only until November 8, 2016— chance to choose who you want to be the next president of the United States. The count of the presidential preference ballots cast at caucuses across the state are taken to county caucuses […]