Down Memory Lane

20 YEARS AGOMAY 22, 2000 Sterling Dance presents their Sixth Annual Concert. The annual dance performance showcases the talent and creativity of over 80 local dancers that range in age from preschool to adult. “Everyone is here because they love to dance. I try to nurture that and encourage them to dance from their hearts. They each pretty much take […]

Juneteenth commemoration to celebrate the end of slavery held Friday, June 19 at the First Congregational Church

The community is invited to join in a service of Prayer and Lament, in memory of George Floyd and in support of criminal justice reform, Friday, June 19, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. This day of “Juneteenth,” commemorating the end of slavery, also falls on the fifth anniversary of the murder of members of the historic Black church, Mother Emmanuel in […]

New hires at I.S.D. 166


The I.S.D. 166 school board approved hiring several new teachers for the 2020- 2021 school year, as well as accepted the resignation, with regrets, of school secretary Cindi Crawford. Incoming teachers are: Eric Beckner was hired full time as the Early Childhood Special Education teacher. Mila Horak was rehired as the K-12 art teacher. Thomas Long was hired as an […]

Hospital board sign-up period for general election coming soon

If you have an interest in serving on the hospital board and live in either District 2 or District 4, those two seats will be up for election this fall. Kay Olson currently serves as the District 4 representative while Justin Mueller is the District 2 representative on the board. Both are longtime board members. The filing period begins at […]

SBA help for business continues!

As of June 16, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to #COVID-19. SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of […]

2021 Cook County budget process



The corona virus pandemic has disrupted how we all live and work, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t have a similar effect on the county’s 2021 budget process. The budget is a fluid situation, changing by the week. The Budget Advisory Committee and the Cook County Board will set goals and develop a plan with the best information […]

Virginia Detrick Palmer named to Coldwell Banker® International President’s Circle

Virginia Detrick Palmer of Grand Marais, Minnesota, a Broker/Owner with Coldwell Banker North Shore, has qualified to join the company’s International President’s Circle. This prestigious membership has been awarded to the top five percent of all sales associates/representatives worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® system. In addition, Virginia was also recognized for being one of the top 10 Minnesota sales associates […]

Seasonal load restrictions lifted, all roads open on June 18

The Cook County Highway Department will lift all seasonal load restrictions at 12:01 Thursday, June 18, and all gravel roads will open to legal haulers. Cook County thanks everyone for their patience while conditions were monitored throughout the spring season. Seasonal load restrictions are put into place to protect roads from damage or failure during the spring thaw when melting […]

Advisory removed – Chicago Bay Boat Launch Beach


The “Water Contact Not Recommended” advisory placed at Chicago Bay Boat Launch Beach on June 9, 2020 has been removed. Fecal indicator bacteria levels and averages have returned to acceptable levels. Chicago Bay Boat Launch Beach is located at Chicago Bay Boat Landing, located in Hovland (19 miles east of Grand Marais). Illness after water contact If anyone becomes ill […]

Fishing report

Glaukos, the Greek patron god of fishermen would be pleased with the nifty local catches made here in Cook County. While Tyson Cronberg isn’t quite Glaukos, he is the owner and operator of Beaver House, a local bait and tackle shop, and he is a go to guy to learn about just where and how people are catching fish. You […]