Frank Allen Dvorak,



Frank Allen Dvorak, 73, of Buckeye, Arizona and Tofte, Minnesota died as a result of metastatic colon cancer February 28, 2016, in his home with his family by his side. Frank was born to the late Viola and Frank Dvorak November 4, 1942, in Austin, Minnesota. He was raised in Austin with his sister Ann Nordlund, of Bemidji, Minnesota. Frank […]

Springing into spring at the Care Center



We have seen many changes here at the Care Center this winter with the ongoing construction project, and the residents are experiencing spring fever more than usual. Not only will we be getting outdoors more as the days warm up, but the residents will soon be able to tour the first new wing of the Care Center which is scheduled […]

Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 YEARS AGO MARCH 31, 2006 The Cook County commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to place a one-year moratorium on the construction of any new billboards or advertising signs along Highway 61. The limitations were put in place in order to give county officials an opportunity to review the existing ordinance that was adopted in 1994, revise it if necessary and […]

AEOA looks at Lutsen Housing



As many as nine houses in Lutsen will be rehabilitated over the next year if the county receives funding from a Minnesota Small Cities Application that was submitted to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on behalf of the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA), said Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) Director of Housing Scott Zahorik. […]

Semi catches fire on Highway 61 in Lutsen



A call came into Cook County Law Enforcement on Tuesday, March 22, reporting that a semi truck and trailer was on fire on Highway 61 in Lutsen. The caller stated that it was unknown if anyone was injured. The truck, a 2003 Peterbilt towing a trailer with a backhoe on it, was being driven by John Hanson, 46, of Mountain […]

Cook County becoming a bicycling destination



“There is no place in the country that can run a 100- mile bike race through an area as beautiful as we have, or get the support from the community and business people and Visit Cook County, our promotional arm, that we get,” said Mike Larson. As Larson talked about the Lutsen 99er, the county’s preeminent mountain bike race run […]

Revenues up for February at Grand Marais Rec Park



Grand Marais Recreation Park manager Dave Tersteeg had some good news for the park board at its March 1 meeting. “Wow,” said Tersteeg. “We don’t say this very often looking at February revenue reports because usually it’s a lean month. However, it’s a big indicator month for summer bookings and this February we are up 46 percent versus 2015, a […]

Cook County Schools finds savings with new lighting



By installing advanced LEDs and lighting controls in the new and improved Industrial Arts Shop, Cook County Schools demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship and ongoing sustainability. For their efforts, the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) provided them with a $3,697 rebate. “It’s nice to see the school district lead by example,” Maintenance Supervisor Tom Nelson said. “Our school’s […]

Grand Marais and SMMPA recognized by EPA



The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) and its 18 member municipal utilities, including the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC), with an EPA 2016 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Award for efforts to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products. The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year […]