Commissioners explore half-cent transportation tax
With one quarter of a billion dollars in transportation projects looming, Cook County commissioners have been looking for creative ways to finance them without laying the entire burden on local taxpayers. Currently, the state and federal government pays much of the cost to improve roads and bridges for projects submitted by the county engineer, but bridging the funding gap falls […]
Wood resigns as director of Birch Grove Community School
Birch Grove Community School (BGCS) Director Caroline Wood submitted a letter of resignation at the Birch Grove Community School board meeting held July 26. Wood’s last day will be August 15. “Thank you so much for the opportunities for professional growth provided during my nine months of employment. I have enjoyed working with such a committed team and appreciate the […]
County grants conditional use permit for Positive Energy Outdoors
A Duluth-based company that specializes in working with troubled youth and families in outdoor settings has purchased 160 acres of land north of Pike Lake and west of the Cascade River to use as its Cook County base of operations. Cazier Properties LLC purchased the property and will lease it to Positive Energy Outdoors (PEO). Positive Energy Outdoors is owned […]
Blue Cross and building concerns on hospital board agenda
At the North Shore Health hospital board meeting on July 21, Director Kimber Wraalstad told hospital board members that Blue Cross Blue Shield would no longer offer health plans to individuals and families in Minnesota next year. Instead, said Wraalstad, Blue Cross will only offer health insurance plans to companies that provide coverage for their employees. As Minnesota’s largest health […]
Work and play of alumni football game appreciated
As I sit back and evaluate the July 2 alumni football game, may I first say excellent job to the two individuals responsible for the game happening at all, Kyler Hawkins-Hawsen (I wish it was VanDoren), and his lovely wife (my daughter-in-law) Kelly Senty. If it wasn’t for those two, this couldn’t have come to fruition. Most of us started […]
School and community center both worth fighting for
“In a fight between W.E. Connect and Tofte Township vs. Birch Grove Community School, the school will lose.” These words, spoken by Jim King at the first joint meeting of those organizations in over a year, did not resonate the meaning of community to me. Keep in mind that W.E. Connect is Tofte Township and the Birch Grove Community School […]
Forest Service is right to be concerned about mineral leases
A letter in last week’s paper favored Twin Metals’ request for mineral lease renewal. It implied that because the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are multiple use agencies, the leases should be renewed. But think about it. These agencies must sustainably manage for, among other things, recreation, commercial uses, wildlife, fisheries, and protection of wilderness and watersheds. All […]
What’s happening with bingo?
The number one question that we are asked is: Is the American Legion going to have a Bingo Tent and Beer Garden this year at Fisherman’s Picnic? The answer is yes. The second most asked question is: Where does the money for Bingo and Beer Sales go? Let us give you some background. In order to get a bingo permit […]
Small music world
The Cook County News-Herald just finished putting together the special insert for the 87th Annual Fisherman’s Picnic. Although it is a lot of extra work, it is also a lot of fun. I enjoy seeing what’s in store for us during the last big celebration of summer. One of the most enjoyable pieces to compile is the music page. I […]