County board hires some new staff, fills a board position


At the county board’s August 13 meeting the commissioners filled some jobs that were open. Commissioners voted unanimously to hire Pamela Dixon as the county’ new Human Resources Generalist. Pamela replaces Judy Hill, who resigned earlier this summer. Michael Keyport was hired to replace Valerie Marasco Eliasen as the county’s new Emergency Management Director. Valerie left to take the executive […]

Cook County High School fall sports schedule


I.S.D. 166 kicks off its fall high school sports with the girls’ Vikings volleyball team playing at home on Tuesday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. against Floodwood High School. The boys’ varsity football team travels to Ogilvie on Thursday, August 29 for its first game and then plays at home on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m. against Carlton. Boys […]

Folds of Honor and Superior National at Lutsen celebrate Patriot Golf Day


On Sunday, September 8, PGA Head Professional Heath Ekstrom and his brother and fellow PGA Professional Member Drew Ekstrom are challenging themselves as part of the Folds of Honor’s “100-Hole Challenge” to celebrate Patriot Golf Day, the largest grassroots golf fundraiser benefiting Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to children and spouses of fallen and disabled […]

Small town gatherings


The best thing about summer in a small town is the traditional gatherings. Here in Annandale the Fourth of July is celebrated over five days with a carnival, parade and great music. It’s the same in Cook County. Only in Grand Marais the traditional gathering is the Fisherman’s Picnic. This is also celebrated over several days the first full weekend […]

Minnesota Farmers Union presents the 17th annual Minnesota Cooks™ Summer Celebration at the State Fair


The Northshore will be well represented at the Minnesota Cooks celebration at the Minnesota State Fair. One of the six hourly presentations on Sunday, August 25, will feature Chef Chris Homyak of Lutsen Resort, Chuck Corliss of North Shore Winery and Sawtooth Mountain Cider House, who will be paired with John Jacobson of Pine Tree Apple Orchard. He will prepare: […]

The Playhouse welcomes Carrie Nath as co-director


In 2021, Grand Marais Playhouse will be celebrating its 50th season. In preparation for this milestone, the Playhouse is two years into a four-year strategic plan focused on creating a sustainable leadership and programmatic model. As part of the sustainable leadership goal, Grand Marais Playhouse is happy to welcome Carrie Nath as co-director. Along with Sue Hennessy, this dynamic duo […]

Community Calendar

Caring for Our Whole Selves Violence Prevention Center is offering a free 5-week group for individuals who have been harmed or received services at the VPC. Experience how to care for yourself from a different local professional each week. Nutrition, Art, Yoga, Nature, Meditation. When: 5 consecutive Mondays beginning Sept. 9. Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Where: Lower Level First Congregational Church. […]

Lutsen native Cindy Nelson featured at Higher Ed’s annual fundraiser


Cook County Higher Education hosts its annual fundraising event on Wednesday, September 4. The featured speaker is Lutsen native, Olympic medalist and world champion skier, Cindy Nelson. Cindy will weave a dramatic story of success, injuries, resilience and determination guaranteed to inspire the audience. Donning her first skis at the age of 2, shortly after learning to walk, she and […]

Minnesota author Allen Eskens to visit Grand Marais library Sept. 30


The Grand Marais Public Library will present Minnesota Author Allen Eskens on Monday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. in a program entitled “I’m not supposed to be here: my implausible journey to becoming a writer.” Eskens is the recipient of the Barry Award, Minnesota Book Award, Rosebud Award (Left Coast Crime), and Silver Falchion Award and has been a finalist […]

DNR manages wild rice lakes with an eye on water levels and climate


On a recent visit to Lower Dean Lake, Ann Geisen, wildlife lake specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, looked out at what she called a gorgeous stand of wild rice. “We’re happy to have a part in managing this lake for wild rice and wildlife. Favorable weather helps the rice, too,” Geisen said. “Wild rice and its harvesting […]