Budget and new levy discussion at school board
After months of discussion, debate and community input the preliminary budget for Cook County Schools – ISD 166 has finally been set at the April 7, 2016 school board meeting. Superintendent Beth Schwarz reported that the district has had a couple of pleasant financial surprises recently. An unexpected $22,000 impact aid clean up payment was received from the state. In […]
New director hired, new board member sought for EDA
The Tuesday, April 12 meeting of the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) started on a high note, with the introduction of EDA director candidate Mary Somnis. EDA Board Chair Howard Hedstrom introduced Somnis and asked the board to ratify the recommendation of the personnel subcommittee, which it promptly did with a unanimous motion. “This is the best thing […]
Market: To move or not to move?
Whether or not the Farm and Craft Market (FCM) gives up its present location and moves across the street into the Grand Marais City Hall’s parking lot or not this summer, it was clear listening to the 24 people attending the Thursday, April 7 vendors’ meeting that people were surprised to learn that the city council had voted to move […]
No agreement reached on mining resolution
A resolution brought forward by east end County Commissioner Frank Moe regarding copper nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota brought 10 citizens to the public comment portion of the county board meeting on Tuesday, April 12. After listening to citizen concerns, Commissioner Moe’s colleagues declined to second his motion to add the resolution to the next meeting’s agenda, effectively killing the […]
Grand Portage man dies in ATV accident
On April 11 at 11:43 a.m., the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office received a request for assistance in locating Kim Crawford, 48, who had missed multiple days of work. Crawford was not at his home, but his dog was there. His ATV was gone. He was eventually found deceased, apparently killed in an ATV accident. An “attempt to locate” message […]
Shooter training a necessity
In today’s world training is the key to success or in some cases survival. I remember when I was in grade school we had training on what to do in case of a nuclear bombing. Today in schools, it’s lockdown in case of a shooter. All public places and employees need to be trained in case of an attack. I […]
Donations appreciated, volunteers also needed
On March 29, 2016, I was grateful to hand carry a $5,000 check to our Cook County Area Food Shelf, as our local share of Hunger Heroes first program (See the Cook County News- Herald article on April 9 – page A3.) We are very thankful for every donor and each person who has supported this effort. Food Shelf doors […]
Time to sell?
During breakfast one morning the Polymet Mining/Northmet U.S. Forest Service land exchange proposal surfaced again. My wife, silent until the discussion was done, suggested we sell our recently purchased lake cabin. Why sell, I asked, since real estate in Cook County is still depressed? Simply because Lake Superior will ultimately become the acid runoff depository from the proposed biggest mine […]
Prevention is possible
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year’s campaign focuses on ways that individuals, communities, and the private sector can prevent sexual violence. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC): 1 in 5 women is a survivor of rape, and 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their […]