Duluth Area Family YMCA steps in to give federal workers a leg up


The 24-day-old shutdown is affecting members of our community who work for the federal government. Many businesses and organizations are stepping in to help and YMCAs across the country are doing their part to make a difference. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is committed to serving all members of the community and stands with federal employees and their families during […]

Historical Reflections

Musher Paul Ellering of Grey Eagle, Minn., arrives at the Sawbill checkpoint headed up the trail on January 13, 1997 during the John Beargrease sled dog race which concluded Jan. 17. The 500-mile race was won by Jamie Nelson of Togo with a time of 99 hours and 30 minutes. The race featured only 15 entries, the lowest amount in […]

Down Memory Lane

10 YEARS AGO JAN. 24, 2009 At the first meeting of the Grand Marais City Council on Jan. 14, Sue Hakes was sworn in as mayor. Her first official duty was swearing-in new city councilor Jan Sivertson; Tim Kennedy was also sworn in after being re-elected last November. The doors of Cornerstone Community Church are open, and many well-wishers from […]

Gerald (“Jerry,” “Papa”) Raymond Osowski

Gerald (“Jerry,” “Papa”) Raymond Osowski, 80, of Lutsen, formerly of Brooklyn Park, MN passed away at his home, Friday, January 18, 2019. Jerry was born in Little Falls, MN on April 10, 1938, to Raymond and Mary Osowski. Jerry was raised in Little Falls, graduating from Little Falls High School in 1956. Following high school, Jerry served in the U.S. […]

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Respectful discourse is the answer

I’ve now practiced law for Cook County for over 10 years. In that time, I’ve learned a lot about how to effectively negotiate resolutions despite clear conflict and high emotion. I’ve learned these lessons through trial and error. Being too aggressive out of the gate may win the battle but lose the war. Avoiding difficult issues may be more comfortable […]

John Beargrease 35th annual sled dog race


Many of the world’s best dog mushers and their teams of sleek, powerful huskies will leave from Billy’s Bar (3502 Tischer Road, Duluth) on Sunday, Jan. 27 and end their race at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 29. “We are excited to host many checkpoints and the big finishes for the Beargrease running through Cook County this […]

North Shore businesses featured in upcoming Making It Up North


The Wunderbar and local painter Anna Hess will be featured on a WDSE•WRPT upcoming Making It Up North episode, “Making It: Chasing the Dream,” on Thursday, January 31 at 8 p.m. on PBS North (check your local listings), which features four great businesses led by entrepreneurs who dreamed big up and down the North Shore. Also featured are Northland entrepreneurs […]

Grand Portage hosts 2019 Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids to benefit kids with physical disabilities


Grab your helmets and winter gear because the coolest snowmobile event hits the trails on Saturday, February 9, kicking off the 2019 fundraising season for Easter Seals Ontario. Once again, the Thunder Bay Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids will head south of the border to Grand Portage, only 45 minutes from Thunder Bay, attracting snowmobilers from across northwestern Ontario and […]

Sones de Mexico coming to ACA


Sones de Mexico Ensemble is the country’s premier folk music organization specializing in Mexican son, including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, and son jarocho. Twenty-five years ago, the group was formed in Chicago to keep the tradition of Mexican son alive in its many regional forms. Since then, the ensemble has developed and popularized many original arrangements of […]

Ski on the Gunflint Trail at Pincushion Mountain Winter Festival Feb. 17

Two miles north of Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail, cross-country skiers of all athletic abilities and spectators will gather for the Pincushion Mountain Winter Festival on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. This one-day event includes eight skiing events throughout the day for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers in classical, freestyle and skijoring, and ranging from .5k to 30k, and is […]