School board takes close look at special education services



One of the agenda items for the School District 166 September 15 school board meeting was a review of the Cook County Schools 2016- 2017 school district goals. One of the goals was to better define the school district’s relationship with the Northland Learning Center, the regional cooperative that provides special education services to ISD 166. The school board took […]

Grand Marais State Bank receives commemorative award



Jim Amundson, president and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota, traveled to Grand Marais on Monday, September 12 to present Grand Marais State Bank President Mike LaVigne with an American flag encased in wood as a way to honor the bank’s 100th anniversary. “The mahogany wood casing was made in the veterans’ woodworking shop at the Hastings Veterans […]

Oddz & Endz gives back to community



Oddz & Endz on the west end of Grand Marais, in the former bowling alley/Howlin’ Wolf Saloon, might be the ultimate nonprofit. Donate something you don’t need and you have more room in your house, closet or garage. Purchase something you want at a deep discount and it saves on your bank account and fills your need. Either way, the […]

PUC finds leak in water main



During the last week traffic has been slowed on Highway 61 near Benny’s Collision Center and My Brother’s Place Auto Repair west of town because crews have been working to repair a leak in the water main. Tom Nelson, wastewater/ water superintendent came before the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Wednesday, September 21 with an update on the […]

A busy summer for CCCoLA



The Cook County Coalition of Lake Associations’ September 9 monthly meeting featured Tim Nelson, Cook County Land Services director. Nelson shared how and why Cook County Planning and Zoning department is being renamed and reorganized. Cook County Coalition of Lake Associations (CCCoLA) board members were informed of how Land Use permits are issued and how variances are granted. The county […]

Rally for the Cure raises thousands for research



From the top of their heads to the bottoms of their feet, most of the 64 ladies who took part in the 9th annual Rally for the Cure golf tournament at Superior National at Lutsen on a warm, sunny Sunday, September 18 were outfitted entirely in pink. Pink. Pink, and more pink. At tournament’s end, they had enthusiastically raised $3,700 […]

Field To Feast Community Dinner



I was recently part of a beautiful Annandale community dinner called Field to Feast. The idea behind these popular dinners is to bring attention to local food growers. This includes local berries, vegetables, dairy, grains and meats. Hopefully people will try these items (prepared to perfection) and think “I could make this at home” and therefore buy from local producers. […]

Grand Marais Library announces coloring book design contest, drawing lesson



Arrowhead Library System patrons of all ages are invited to take part in a drawing contest and then submit their original artwork in the 2016 coloring book design contest. The library system is planning to create a coloring book for all local libraries through the use of Legacy funds from the State of Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. […]

Oktoberfest raises support for local nonprofits



Voyageur Brewing Company (VBC) in partnership with the Cook County Community Fund (CCCF) will host an “Oktoberfest” event from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 – a weekend that will include German music, food, games, and VBC beer, including a new “Oktoberfest” brew. VBC will donate $1 per pint and 50 cents per half-pint for all purchases of the Oktoberfest brew […]

Northwoods Food Project seeks board members to continue growth



The people involved in the Northwoods Food Project have been very busy since forming in 2009. The nonprofit is working to develop Cook County’s long term food sustainability and self reliance by developing a countywide food growing system. As these efforts continue, the Northwoods Food Project is seeking two board members to serve three-year terms. Pat Campanaro of the Northwoods […]