On Monday, January 27, the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library announced finalists in all nine categories for the 2020 Minnesota Book Awards, presented this year by sponsor Education Minnesota. Chosen on Saturday, January 25, by 27 judges from around the state – writers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and others from the literary community, one of the finalists for the […]
Cook County Recycling Program growth and challenges
Much like every community across the country, Cook County has experienced many ups and downs in recent decades, and the Cook County Recycling Center is no exception. The one thing that has never changed, however, is our community’s desire and commitment to promoting the three “R’s” of reduce, reuse and recycle. What started out in the 1980s as an initiative […]
Grand Marais city council voices support for marketing plan used during the Highway 61 construction in 2020 and 2021
Cook County Chamber of Commerce Director Jim Boyd and Visit Cook County Director Linda Jurek came before the Grand Marais city council on Wednesday, January 29 to present a marketing/ communication plan aimed at minimizing the effect of the upcoming Highway 61 reconstruction project on area businesses. Boyd and Jurek were representing the Grand Marais Business Coalition who have met […]
Sylvia Hall purchases Heavy Duty Sewing
From jack pine savage to missionary, wife, mother, teacher, and now quilt shop/ window treatment owner, Sylvia Hall Galbraith has led an interesting life. It’s old news to some, but while Sylvia bought Heavy Duty Sewing last July 2019, from Anna Latz, she is still busily transforming the workspace located above Great Gifts, making it into a shop of her […]
Vikings clip Wren’s wings
A steadily improving Cook County girls’ high school varsity basketball team traveled to Wrenshall last Friday and behind a stiff man defense, kept the Wrens’ offense pretty much grounded and won by the score of 72-31. The 72 point total is a high for the Vikings this year, with eight players scoring points for the team. With the win, the […]
Nordic skiers improving with each meet
As the nordic ski team gathered Friday morning, January 24 at 6:30 a.m., gently falling snowflakes muffled the sounds of Grand Marais as it slowly awakened. Quiet, but there was excitement in the air as the skiers worked to fit all their warm clothes, gear and skis into the van. Not much wiggle room, but five members of the nordic […]
Boys tame Wrens
The Cook County boys’ basketball team traveled to Wrenshall last Friday, January 24 to play the Wrenshall Wrens. After a slow start, the Vikings ramped up their play and led 39-26 at halftime and won 82-53. “We played well,” said head coach Colin Everson. “We started off slow, but picked up some rhythm in the second half. Wrenshall played an […]
Time to make a decision on the B2B touring route
As I see itCiting a thin administrative process, lack of clearly definable expectations, and “a new, increased scale of promotion that will occur through off-road enthusiast groups and social media on a national level,” Mike Hofer details a case against approval of the Border-to-Border Touring Route by the Cook county board (B2B requires more thoughtful planning – Jan. 10). He rightfully defines the […]
Under the Weather
Flu, flu, flu… It’s talked about everywhere: on the national news, the local news, on the streets. My philosophy has been to ignore it and hope it goes away, but I woke up several days ago, throat sore, muscles achy. I was definitely “under the weather.” Not wanting to spread this “bug,” I called, texted and emailed, canceling appointments and […]
DNR solicits park and trail grant applications for 2020
Now is the chance for local governments to request funding for natural resource improvements. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division is accepting applications to improve outdoor recreation facilities, natural and scenic areas, regional trails, local trail connections, and motorized, non-motorized, and multi-use recreational trails. Every year, the DNR distributes millions of dollars of federal and state […]