Norman Deschampe, Chairman of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, introduced Minnesota Governor-Elect Tim Walz to an appreciative crowd as he visited Grand Portage on Monday, Dec. 3. Meeting in the log schoolhouse, Walz received a warm reception and a standing ovation before he began speaking for about 15 minutes, introducing himself, his hopes, and his dreams for […]
Truth in Taxation meeting draws nice crowd
There was a nice turnout for the annual Truth in Taxation meeting held Thursday, November 29 in the commissioners’ room at the Cook County courthouse, and although the room wasn’t as packed as it has been in recent years, quite a few people were on hand to ask questions and to listen to the presentation. To start the proceedings Cook […]
A new season at Lutsen
Lutsen Mountains ski resort, co-owned and operated by the Skinner and Rider families, has kicked off the ski season with a promising fall. Steady cooler than normal temperatures plus the recent snow accumulation indicate a solid start to the year. In 2017 Lutsen suffered from cold spells over the holidays, which impacted skier numbers. In the changing ski industry, temperatures […]
Dum-da-dum-dum
In the tradition of perhaps the most recognized police drama in media history: Dragnet, The story you are about to hear is true. Unlike Dragnet, however, the names in our story haven’t been changed, in an effort to protect the innocent taxpayer. My name is Joe Friday and this is Cook County, known for its getaway appeal. We are a […]
Lloyd Speck’s comments: Truth-in-Taxation meeting
As I see itEditor’s note: Lloyd Speck went over his five minute limit at the Truth in Taxation meeting and had to step away from the microphone. Auditor/ Treasurer Braidy Powers said Speck’s numbers are correct in this piece. Here is what he had to say to the county board in its entirety. I’m not here tonight because I want to be, but […]
Proposed county prison project, budget process questioned
The momentum is growing for another building that not even the company hired to research the need can support. No numbers have been provided that show the county will need a bigger, better law enforcement center. In fact the growth in the next 25 years of criminals – yes, 25 years – is minimal. Facts say the Minnesota statistics reflect […]
Minnesota holds title as the top dog in the country for voter participation
Secretary of State Steve Simon convened the State Canvassing Board on Tuesday, Nov. 27 to review the canvass report for the 2018 General Election and certify the results. In addition to judicial and state legislative offices, the board certified the election results of Minnesota’s constitutional officers and election results for two U.S. Senate races and eight U.S. House of Representatives […]
Cross Country ski report
Early snow and cold temperatures brought Nordic skiers out onto trails whether they were groomed or not. However, some rain that fell Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 erased some of the white fluff near the lake. By December 1 all thoughts of rain were gone as the entire region was covered with snow that seems to fall more days than […]
Lessons for and from a child
Last week as I prepared to lock the doors after our Sunday church service and fellowship hour I saw one of the children finishing up something that was an important task to him before he could run out and join his family as they waited outside. With sincere and extreme care he was signing his name. What caught my eye […]