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Subcommittee recommends Somnis for EDA director



At the February meeting of the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA), the board agreed to proceed with hiring an EDA director, something the authority has been without since the previous director resigned in January 2011. The members of the committee assigned to review applications and interview candidates has made its selection. A final decision will be made by […]

William Crandall new ISD 166 superintendent



Six months after the announcement by Superintendent Beth Schwarz that she did not plan to seek a renewal of her contract with Cook County Schools – ISD 166 the board has approved a contract with Dr. William Robert Crandall. Crandall will begin his contract July 1, 2016 after the termination of Schwartz’s agreement in June. The new arrangement was unanimously […]

Tofte seeks reparation from school for repair of grounds



On the heels of the March 8, 2016 annual town meeting Tofte supervisors held a short meeting on March 10, cruising through a short agenda in just 30 minutes. Schroeder Fire Chief Phil Bonin, who co-leads the Tofte/Schroeder rescue squad, gave a fire and rescue squad report. “Other than some false alarms, it’s been quiet for the fire department,” Bonin […]

County considers increase in permit to carry fees



Highlighting the Cook County Board of Commissioners March 22, 2016 meeting, was the introduction by Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen of his new part-time transport/bailiff deputy Mark Marxen. “Mark played football and basketball for me. He’s a fine young man,” Eliasen said of Marxen. After the introduction, Eliasen sought a motion from the board seeking Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) […]

Interim ordinance hurts economy of “Coolest Small Town”



After thoughtful consideration, we are writing this letter to provide facts and clarification in regard to the controversy over allowing a new retail business, namely Dollar General, into Grand Marais. In addition, we’d like to point out some factual demographic information that anyone can research and confirm. My husband and I were approached by a corporation wishing to purchase a […]

Support Cook County Schools



I feel strongly about supporting Cook County schools and want to encourage you to do the same. I am asking you to make a donation to the school for the amount you would have paid in taxes if the levy had passed. The school has started making the $500,000 in budget cuts needed because the levy did not pass. The […]

Tax incentives for emergency medical professionals



When accidents happen, and minutes count in that “golden hour” that can mean the difference between life and death, we depend on an amazing network of hospitals, ambulances, helicopters, police, firefighters, first responders, well trained emergency medical professionals and volunteers for help at a moment’s notice. I recently stopped by the Arrowhead Regional Medical Services 36th Annual Conference in Duluth […]

Cook County dining options are fine



As a longtime summer homeowner on the Gunflint Trail, I feel I have to respond to the March 19 letter to the editor regarding restaurants in the Grand Marais area. The letter paints a rather pessimistic view of the local dining scene. I don’t see that lack of dining options. From memory and the Internet, I come up with just […]

Easter’s early arrival




I like to decorate my house for special occasions, although I’ve gotten busier and busier over the years so I don’t do as much as I used to. In fact for the past two years I haven’t decorated a big tree at Christmas time. I’ve simply brought out an assortment of little knick-knacks, hand towels and so on with a […]