The class of 2018 graduates



From the processional to the recessional the 2018 Cook County High School graduation held Saturday, June 2 in the gymnasium was a splendid success as 50 seniors received their diplomas and joined the ranks of the CCHS alumni. Principal Bill DeWitt and superintendent Dr. William Crandall welcomed the students. Dr. Crandall said many things, but two stuck out. He told […]

Cook County Chamber experiences mixed results at 2018 Minnesota Legislature



Despite extraordinary hard work by a great many people, the Cook County Chamber’s 2018 effort at the Minnesota Legislature produced decidedly mixed results, Jim Boyd, Cook County Chamber executive director reports. “Everyone worked very hard,” Boyd said, “but our efforts were overwhelmed by the Big Politics that dominated St. Paul this year. Not only is it an election year, but […]

City council hears the Creative Economy Collaborative proposal



Donated art can be a blessing, but where do you put it? How should it be displayed? Who will maintain it? In the past, some Grand Marais city councils would struggle with those decisions, but help is on the way. Members of the Creative Economy Collaborative (CEC) met with the Grand Marais city council on Wednesday, May 30 and requested […]

Jason Metsa listens to people’s concerns



What are the concerns of people living in Cook County that government can help alleviate or solve? Jason Metsa, 37, wants to know. A three-term Minnesota House representative, Jason Metsa (DFL) District: 6B, started his 12-day 12-city community conversations tour in Grand Marais Saturday morning, June 2, at the Cook County Co-op. He officially filed as a candidate for the […]

Maren Webb receives Bicycle Friendly Community Champion award



This coming August will mark Maren Webb’s fifth year working as the coordinator, Moving Matters, and Safe Routes to School coordinator. A lot of hard work has led to a lot of good things happening for the community over that time, and for her considerable efforts Maren was selected to receive the Bicycle Friendly Community Champion award by The Bicycle […]

Writer hopes this is the last communication on the subject of Social Justice



I get it that Jerry Hiniker didn’t like my earlier letter for reasons either a bridge too far or short. I say neither linotype machines nor Reconstruction history are part of contemporary Social Justice. Perhaps he’ll explain the connection, though I pray he’ll not. Harry DrabikHovland

Hopes new buildings don’t ruin feel of Grand Marais



Although our year-round home is in the Twin Cities, my husband and I have been frequent North Shore/Grand Marais visitors for 25 years. So many visits, in fact, that we decided to buy a home in Grand Marais two years ago. As “from away” homeowners, we would like to think we tread lightly on the local landscape, enjoying the beauty […]

Opportunity to take action on climate



Climate change is an important factor for Arrowhead Electric members to consider in the upcoming board election. Two-thirds of the electricity that Arrowhead members used in 2016 was generated from coal-fired power plants. The upcoming board election is an opportunity to shape a leadership team at Arrowhead Electric that will help the cooperative be a leader and a catalyst for […]

Writer voices support for Mike Littfin for the AEC board



I am writing to express my support in returning Mike Littfin to the Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Board. I have worked with Mike for the last three years as the Arrowhead representative on the Great River Energy board of directors. Mike has provided valuable and thoughtful insight at board and committee meetings. As the representative of Arrowhead Electric, GRE’s smallest member […]

Time to allow vote on assault weapons



It’s clear that neither the U.S. Senate nor House of Representatives will pass gun control legislation, mainly because the NRA lines the pockets of so many legislators. Sad but true. How about putting the question directly to the voters in the next election? Let’s put legislation on the table for the American voters to decide on this crucial issue. There’s […]