First winter storm causes havoc



First came rain, then sleet. Then came the wind bending trees and blowing big waves into a crashing crescendo onto the shores of Lake Superior. Then came snow, softly at first, then in shimmering sheets, blowing like a white hurricane through northern Minnesota. Winter’s welcome to northern Minnesota arrived on Friday, November 18. And it came crashing through the long […]

Weekly Weather



Time Changes, Light Changes



Sunday, November 6 issued in the switch away from Daylight Saving Time (DST). It meant everyone turned back clocks, adjusted schedules, calendars, and struggled with “internal biorhythms.” And for deer hunters who on Saturday, November 5 began deer hunting? If the normal wake up time was 6 a.m.—for deer season it might be 4:30 a.m. But on November 6? Thanks […]

New Beginnings



Need help and don’t know where to turn?



Sometimes situations come up such as unexpected medical bills, reduced work hours, or even unemployment. That is what the Cook County Food Shelf is intended to help with. If you are facing an unexpected budgetary crisis, the Food Shelf can provide a box that supplies three nutritious meals for three days. The Food Shelf is open 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. […]

Salvation Army seeks holiday bell ringers



This is the time of year I look forward to most. You may have seen me by a Red Kettle singing my heart out. Many people make plans to schedule a couple of hours each year, some even play instruments or do a painting. We welcome your joy, smiles, and enthusiasm to celebrate the birth of Jesus and support our […]

Lots happening at Birch Grove Community Center



I guess I do not need to inform anyone that winter is here! The sandals are done for the season. The outdoor chores that were not done will be here in the spring. Now it will be a good time to participate in the upcoming holidays, shoveling and more shoveling. I think the bears have the right idea, hibernating sounds […]

Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 YEARS AGO NOV. 24, 2006 Three Cook County varsity volleyball players received post-season honors this year for their outstanding performances on and off the court. Junior Sherri Donek was named Honorable Mention All-Conference by the coaches of the Polar Conference. Senior Jessica Nelson was named to the Academic All-State team in volleyball and was also awarded a Polar Conference […]

Minnesota DNR pursues building Border to Border off road trail



If it all comes together someday, there will be a 400-mile back road trail from North Dakota to Grand Marais for four-wheel-drive aficionados to enjoy. Cook County Land Services Director Tim Nelson came before the county board on November 15 with some information about the ambitious project. “We just sat in on the first round of talks with the Department […]