Further to the reduction of service at some Canadian land border ports of entry on April 15, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced the temporary suspension of service at certain small vessel reporting sites, small airports of entry, ferry terminals and to the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program. These COVID-19 related measures are temporary, and in effect […]
Go online and fill out your census form
When it comes to filling out the 2020 census, Minnesota ranks first out of all 50 states with 69 percent of its residents filling out and turning in their census form. That’s quite an achievement! However, out of Minnesota’s 87 counties, Cook County remains dead last with only 19 percent of its residents completing the form. Part of the problem […]
DEED begins making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to the self-employed
Last week the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that the agency has begun making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to self-employed people, independent contractors, and other eligible recipients who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. PUA is a new program that was authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES […]
MNsure is the only place to get financial help to lower the cost of health insurance
Starting May 11, 2020, MNsure began offering an ongoing special enrollment period for Minnesotans who experience a decrease in household income and become newly eligible for advanced premium tax credits (APTC). Those looking to enroll will need to have had health insurance that meets the standards in the Affordable Care Act, also known as minimum essential coverage (MEC), for one […]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Due to the Coronavirus, check before you plan to go. Ruby’s Pantry Cook County Ruby’s Pantry, 2nd Tuesday of the month food distribution 5 – 6:30 p.m., $20 (cash only) Sponsored by Spirit of the Wilderness Church. You will be amazed at all the food you get at the Cook County Community Center. No financial or other qualifications—this is surplus […]
Message from the Healthcare Sector in Cook County, Minnesota
In mid-March of 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) to be a pandemic. COVID-19 is a virus that had not been seen in humans before. It is spread primarily through respiratory droplets with symptoms that range from mild to severe, with around 20 percent of cases requiring hospitalization. A pandemic spreads throughout all corners […]
The North Shore and Gunflint Trail are preparing to reopen for tourism by implementing Best Practices and strategic planning
The North Shore and Gunflint Trail communities are well-known vacation destinations for Minnesota leisure travelers. As the Stay-At-Home orders are lifted, local businesses prepare to welcome back visitors who are excited to get away. “Tourism makes up over 80 percent of our local economy,” says Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County. “While April and May are some of […]
Wondering ’61, Geodetics?
Walking downhill on the north side of Highway 61 from the Wunderbar, I espied a small red sign that said “Geodetic Survey Marker.” Geodetic is a word not often used. “What is Geodetic?” I said to the Internet, not knowing I would be plunged into history, science, government, real estate, GPS, artillery, and space. Most of us have heard about […]
Anglers can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species
Clean, drain, dispose every time This past weekend’s fishing opener comes with a reminder to always follow Minnesota’s laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Along with taking care to follow social distancing guidelines while fishing and boating, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said it’s also important to take a few minutes for invasive species prevention every […]
Wolf Ridge summer overnight and day camps cancelled
Due to health and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19, Wolf Ridge has decided to cancel all summer overnight and day camps, and will not be hosting any groups between now and August 31, 2020. Our priority during this time is the safety and well being of our participants, staff, and the rural communities along the North Shore. If you’ve already registered […]