Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 YEARS AGOSEPT. 28, 2007 In an effort to sustain and grow the economy of Cook County, members from the region’s tourism industry have developed a countywide events and visitors bureau. This new bureau is a joint venture among the Lutsen- Tofte Tourism Association, Gunflint Trail Association, two Grand Marais tourism properties, the majority of West End properties, and Lutsen […]

Continuance granted in Beck case



A continuance was granted in the felony criminal case against former Cook County Public Health and Human Services Director Joshua Beck at Beck’s September 26 omnibus hearing held in Grand Marais. On August 1, 2017 Beck was charged with two felony charges and two gross misdemeanors alleging child endangerment. The charges included one felony count of domestic assault by strangulation. […]

Block scheduling at Cook County Middle School and High School



The new school year is under way. Many thanks go out to students, parents, and staff for a great start. One big change that our staff and students are working with is block scheduling in the Middle School and the High School. We’re excited by the benefits offered by block schedules, even as we work out the kinks and learn […]

MCA test scores need to improve



Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) tests given statewide last spring to sophomores and juniors show I.S.D. 166 students below the state average for both core subjects. CCHS juniors (grade 11) scored 42.9 percent on the math test in 2017 versus the state average of 48.04 percent. Cook County sophomores (10th grade) scored 55.80 percent in reading while the state average was […]

Vikings derail Rails, send Lakeview into the drink



The Cook County High School volleyball team traveled to Proctor on Monday, September 25 and played four close games but in the end prevailed 26-24, 25-21, 19-25 and 26-24 to defeat the Rails. Senior outside hitter Meredith Sutton led the team with 24 kills and 29 digs. Raina Ryden finished with 24 set assists and 14 digs; Reilly Wahlers had […]

WOW bike loan program continues growth



About seven years ago, a conversation at the Grand Marais UCC/Congo Church generated WOW, a bike loan program that has taken over the county. Rick Schubert of Hovland and Dan Strayer, a summer resident, discussed the possibility of developing a bike loan program for Cook County international workers. At that time, a California library was lending bicycles, just like reading […]

A Personal Haven



The day was not going well. I was running late, had too many errands and the sky was overcast and gloomy. As I careened through town doing this and that, muttering about my fate, I drove past the Grand Marais Public Library. On impulse, I skidded to a stop, suddenly craving the peace and quiet I always find in a […]

From Farm to Fork: A conversation with Beth Dooley



Drury Lane Books and Cook County Whole Foods Co-op present “From Farm to Fork: A Conversation with Beth Dooley” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. The event will be held at Drury Lane Books, 12 E. Wisconsin Street in Grand Marais. Join author, journalist, and local food expert Beth Dooley for a conversation about your local food scene. Beth […]

NSHCF Golf Scramble… It’s all about the fun (money)



This year marks the 22nd annual North Shore Health Care Foundation Golf Scramble. The event will be held at Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen on October 7 and 8. It will also feature some significant changes from previous years. Expanding to a two-day event allows for the general fundraiser on Saturday and an optional competitive challenge for the serious […]