Supporting neighbors and community

As I listen to friends, neighbors, relatives, and former coworkers, one of the common conversations revolves around what to do with “stimulus” money received from the government as a result of COVID-19. It goes without saying that food, shelter (whether in the form of rent or a mortgage payment), medication and necessary clothing are priorities. After those expenses are taken […]

Fire at Bluefin


At 9:47 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, a call went into the Cook County Law Enforcement Center that some gray white smoke could be seen coming from the roof of the most western end unit at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts. Shortly after 10 a.m., the Tofte Fire fighters were on the scene work-

Fire danger increasing with drier conditions


Dry conditions the last two weeks of April have contributed to several wildfires in northwestern Minnesota. The Department of Natural Resources warns of an outlook for similar conditions into May, increasing the potential for higher wildfire activity in the region. Everyone can do their prevention part by following current burning restrictions and being safe with fire. “Year after year, escaped […]

Cook County ranked top spot in Minnesota to own a small business


According to SmartAsset, Cook County is ranked as the top spot to own a small business in the state of Minnesota. When compared with other counties nationally, Cook County was ranked 455th best place to operate a small business. To determine which places are best for business owners, Smart Asset looked at three factors: The proportion of people in a […]

Some community garden plots still available

There are a few Cook County Community Center Garden plots available this year if you would like to have a garden. Seven new garden spaces were built this spring and they are ready for people to grow some great food! Please contact Diane Booth at 218-387-3015 or diane.booth@co.cook. mn.us if you would like a garden plot for this year.

Weekly Weather

Packing Tips


I suspect many of you have been having weird dreams, like I have, during this pandemic time. One recurring theme in all my dreams is packing—what I’ve packed too much of or what I forgot. Our lives are sometimes compared to a journey, and the journey we’re on has taken a turn. You know how it is when you’re packing […]

Dwayne Jerome Broe

Dwayne passed away at home in The Villages, Florida, on May 5, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by parents Gil and Harriet. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Deanna, son Douglas, daughter Diane (Kelli), sister Phyllis (Don), seven nephews and nieces, in-laws and countless friends. Dad was born September 25, 1936 in […]

Historical Reflections

From HUMPHREYS: Look for a dazzling display of blossoms on this dacron-cotton night shift. Each bloom reaches upward to the bow accented neckline.

Down Memory Lane

20 YEARS AGOMAY 15, 2000 A helicopter built to lift heavy machinery and buildings into war zones will be used to keep peace in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this summer. The S-64 Skycrane helicopter, the largest lifting helicopter in the world, arrived in northeast Minnesota last Friday. The U.S. Forest Service has an “exclusive use” agreement that will […]