County Commissioners May 12 meeting


Cook County Commissioners used the internet and Zoom for an online meeting on Tuesday, May 12. Highlights of the meeting include: • Unanimous board approval for the allocation of a $22,215.25 Secure Rural Schools Title lll funding grant with $2,000 for Search and Rescue in the federal forests and $20,215.25 for promotion of wildfire prevention within Firewise communities. • Cook […]

Great River Energy announces an end to coal

Great River Energy (GRE) announced Thursday, May 7, that it would close one of its two remaining coal-fired power plants and repower the other with natural gas; both are in North Dakota. It will also shift new investment to cleaner, more affordable wind power to the benefit of the rural electric co-op member-owners it serves. Wholesale power costs are expected […]

A Clean Heart special viral launch party set for May 19


Award-winning Minneapolis author John Rosengren is getting set to publish his newest book, A Clean Heart. “I’m excited to announce that Mango Press will release my debut novel, A Clean Heart, next month,” said John, who visits Cook County as often as he can, noting he was saddened by the loss of his favorite Grand Marais restaurant, The Crooked Spoon […]

Temperance Liquors and Temperance Traders are sold


Temperance Traders Liquors and gift shop and Temperance Traders Cabins in Schroeder have been sold. Both businesses were owned and operated by Rick and Peggy Anderson of Schroeder. Patrick and Christina Reeves, the owners of Superior Properties North Shore in Lutsen, purchased the two operations. “ We are really excited to sell the businesses to a local person,” Rick said. […]

Skills to navigate uncertain times



People throughout the county are experiencing emotional reactions to the changes caused by the COVID-19 response. There is stress over finances, health, childcare, social distancing, parenting, and the real fear over the loss of business and livelihood. Everyone reacts to this stress and anxiety differently. Some people are preparing to hunker down for a long period of time, while others […]

Where are the hummingbirds?


Slowly, warmth is creeping up into the north. Sure, it may backslide for a day and there may be snow flurries, but overall, the trend is relentless and spring pushes forward. Fishing opener and Mother’s Day were earlier this year, and while many lakes were open, there were definitely still some which were ice bound. With the bright sun and […]

Sugarloaf Cove- A Place of History, Beauty and Preservation


“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir Without doubt, the past few months have been times of uncertainty and stress, as our nation and world face health and economic crises. At such times as these, we are so blessed to be surrounded by the beauty of our forests, lakes and hills. Our […]

Face Coverings needed for local workers

The Cook County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) announced on May 13 that it needs additional cloth face coverings for employees of local businesses. With local businesses engaging in curbside service and looking toward full reopening, the EOC has been trying to gauge their needs for items such as cloth face coverings, said EOC Logistics Officer Lori Ericson. To better prepare, […]

American Legion baseball season canceled


Boys planning summer jobs around playing American Legion baseball were disappointed to learn that the season has been canceled. This news comes on the heels of the high school baseball season that never got off the ground. For kids that played for the Cook County/Silver Bay American Legion baseball team in 2019, it means they won’t get a chance to […]

Scholarship for young musicians in the Arrowhead Region

The Friends of Brad Memorial Foundation (FOBMF) announces its 2020 scholarship opportunity. Two $1000 scholarships are available. Students in rural northeastern Minnesota who plan to pursue music in college are invited to apply. “We’re gratified to be able to offer this music scholarship for the tenth year in a row,” said Foundation President Troy Rogers. “I think our friend Brad […]