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Community Thanksgiving draws a large crowd



Mary Igoe, Community Thanksgiving coordinator, reported that 174 people turned out for the 2017 Thanksgiving feast at the First Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ in Grand Marais. At 44 years and counting, the annual Thanksgiving dinner’s popularity appears to be growing. For those who were ill or physically unable to attend the dinner, volunteers brought meals to […]

Property taxes explained at Truthin Taxation meeting



In taking a hard look at the county’s struggles to maintain a consistent “manageable” levy without dipping into the fund balance, the county board has decided to embark on a one year plan which calls for a higher than average levy. It’s a plan they believe will right the county’s finances for years to come. It’s a plan, however, not […]

No new leads in who sent threatening letters to Zoar Lutheran



Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen said there are no new leads in the case involving threatening notes sent to the pastor at Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte. Three notes were posted on church property, the first on October 3. Two were typed, and one was handwritten. The handwritten letter was sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to be analyzed, […]

ISD 166 sponsors Community Storytelling Series



Last month ISD 166 invited concerned citizens to discuss racial and bullying matters during a gathering in the Jane Mianowski Conference Room. While everyone present was grateful for the opportunity to speak and share stories, it was the consensus of the group that this good work should continue. In that spirit, Cook County Schools is inviting community members to participate […]

3D



Anyone who attended the recent “Truth-in-Taxation” meeting witnessed firsthand three-dimensional government in action. I’m not referring to a 3D 2018 proposed budget film presentation— although there appeared times when images from the bench bore striking similarities to those of a 3D motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth perception. I’m focusing my lens, literally, on 3 D’s: Disregard— disillusion—despair. […]

Writer frowns on athletes who take a knee



I normally enjoy reading this segment of the CCNH but this week I was troubled and take issue with some of the comments the pastor of the month gave. I found his comments on being thankful for athletes “who risk their careers by taking a knee” as something I for one am not thankful for. The whole taking a knee […]

Proposed levy exceeds reasonable expectations



I observed the “Truth in Taxation” meeting of November 27 via streaming media. Sitting in front of my computer, I could feel the tension that was present in the room. While the comments from the public were passionate, I was most struck by the introductory statements from the county administrator regarding the need for the increase in the levy. What […]

Troubled by proposed budget increase



I’ve been a seasonal property owner in Cook County since 1998. I’ve been a happy supporter of the county’s well-being and its high quality of life since first investing here. I’ve never written a letter to your paper or the county board complaining about my taxes or anything else. That said, I’m very troubled by the currently proposed 19.9 percent […]

Is it time to call for a special election?



To the editor, Cook County News-Herald and the good citizens of Cook County. A call to stand! Monday, November 27, 2017, at 6 p.m. I, along with many of my fellow Cook County residents, stood before the Cook County Board of Commissioners and listened as they attempted to justify the insane. The meeting started with the county administrator (who I […]