Down Memory Lane



10 YEARS AGOAPRIL 6, 2007 The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has awarded a $1 million grant to the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa for economic development. The grant money will be used for technology upgrades to the Grand Portage casino, specifically for a new slot system. Sven & Ole’s was packed on Saturday morning for the Lions Scholarship Fundraiser Pancake […]

County gets update about roads



Following a review of the highway department’s entrance approach policy, commissioners approved an online permitting policy for entrance applications. The decision came at the county board’s March 28 meeting. “This policy has been prepared in the interest of public safety,” said Cook County Highway Engineer Dave Betts. “It ensures the right of access onto a county road and serves as […]

Scattered Lands project



Cook County will get more taxable land from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Scattered Lands Project, said Cook County Land Commissioner Lisa Kerr. Kerr addressed the county board on March 28. The program was started to determine what changes should be made to land ownership patterns to increase the value of citizens of the counties in the northeast […]

Couple protects one-half mile of Lake Superior shoreline



In Lake County where two-acre lots along Lake Superior are common, Karl and Beth Johansson decided to protect one of the last large lakeshore parcels that remain in private ownership. Over the last decade, the Johanssons acquired several small lots with the idea of amassing a larger parcel that would not only provide better wildlife habitat but would also decrease […]

Fast cars dominate Pinewood Derby



No sounds of engines roaring, just cheering filled the basement of the St. John’s Parish Catholic Church in Grand Marais as the kids’ cars rapidly sped towards the finish line at the annual Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby held Saturday, April 1. It was an exciting day as 22 boys and girls entered their gravity fed autos and went through 12 […]

Forever first loves



When I was in fifth grade I had two first loves. John Denver and Matt Crawford. Oddly enough they looked a lot alike. I saved my baby-sitting money for several weekends to buy my first record album back in the day when the Grand Marais Holiday sold records. It was John Denver Windsong. I played it over and over. I […]

Common Ground to perform at the library



Grand Marais Public Library is set to host a performance by local band Common Ground from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 21. Common Ground is a recently formed trio including Drew Heinonen (guitar/vocals), Jonathan Steckelberg (bass) and Bob LaMettry (cajon). Heinonen is a singer/songwriter and a professional luthier. Steckelberg also plays bass with Lake Effect and Brothers In […]

Drury Lane Books presents spring writing contest



Get your creative juices flowing and enter Drury Lane Books’ arboreal writing contest. Winners will receive a book prize and have a chance to read their piece at our store event on May 20, alongside Josh MacIvor-Andersen, the editor of Rooted: The Best New Arboreal Nonfiction, and author of On Heights & Hunger, a memoir of professional and competitive tree-climbing. […]

Kindergarten round up at Birch Grove Community School



On Tuesday, April 11, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Birch Grove Community School will hold a kindergarten round up. Children eligible for kindergarten (they must be five years old by September 1, 2017) are invited to Birch Grove Community School to experience being a “big kid”! Your child can ride the bus, participate in special classroom projects, and eat […]

Learning Life after Loss



Care Partners is hosting a six-week Grief Group led by Pastor Beth Benson of the First Congregational Church and Care Partners Volunteer Jack McHugh. The group will include sharing, facilitated conversation, readings and refreshments. All are welcome. It will be held on Tuesdays, April 11, 25, May 9, 23, June 6 and 20 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the First Congregational […]