Fairy libraries are open for business!


Writing tiny books for tiny fairies seemed like a good idea, but where to put such small books? Why in a Fairy Library, of course. But who is skilled enough, creative enough, and just downright nice enough to build libraries for fairies? Simple. The kids taking Anne Brataas’ summer Fairy Library building and fairy writing course, that’s who. Minnesota Children’s […]

Can’t find it on the store shelves? Don’t blame the storeowner


Blame it on the COVID- 19 pandemic. Bar and chain oil, outboard motor oil, dish soap, hand soap, toilet paper, you name it, Stephen Skeels is having a hard time getting it. Skeels, the owner of Buck’s Hardware, said customers are frustrated because he can’t always get what they want. Still, he explained, “Ever since the pandemic, manufacturing has slowed […]

The Community Support Line: A listening ear and connection to resources in times of crisis

Daily life during the COVID-19 public health emergency can be extremely stressful. Fear and uncertainty about the disease and how it could impact us individually, as a family and as a community, can be overwhelming. Recommended public health practices, such as social distancing, can increase these feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Community Support Line, an initiative of the Cook […]

University of Minnesota Extension offering free Food Preservation Webinars

Were you one of the many people that decided to try your hand at gardening this summer? Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, or just interested in enjoying the freshness of summer all year long, we invite you to learn more about preserving your harvest. Please join Suzanne Driessen, University of MN Extension Food Safety Educator as […]

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Boyd (Bump) Blomberg performed for wandering people in Harbor Park on Wednesday, July 15. Bump is a singer songwriter based on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Lutsen. He sings a blend of rock, bluegrass and folk music and was planning on traveling and performing out of the area this spring and summer before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. You […]

CARES Act


Cook County will receive $730,000 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act along with the City of Grand Marais ($106,000), Tofte ($6,775), Lutsen $10,900) and Schroeder ($5,425) who will also receive financial assistance from the act. Individuals, families, schools, and medical facilities affected by the pandemic are eligible for some of these funds. The $150 billion Coronavirus […]

Senior Babe Ruth CC/SB defeats Aurora


Clouds splayed and played across the sky and splashed some rain over the county on the afternoon of July 14, but by early evening the clouds receded and gave way to splendid sunshine. It turned into the perfect evening for a game of baseball. The Senior Babe Ruth Cook County/Silver Bay (CC/SB) baseball team hosted the team from Aurora at […]

Snowmobile water skipping event set for August 1 & 2


There won’t be any Fisherman’s Picnic this summer, but snowmobile water skipping, a popular event held last year during the town’s biggest summer festival, will be brought back this summer if some contingencies can be met. By a 3-2 vote the Grand Marais Park board approved the special event application submitted by Justin Bystrom at its July meeting. However, because […]

Rest from the relentless current


People denigrated Mike Tyson after James “Buster” Douglas, who was flabby but ready and had heart, beat him bloody in 1990. People had always made fun of Mike for his lisp and teeth and gentle nature. But suddenly people began to say he always was susceptible, never was a great threat – that he had never faced any real challenge […]

The Lost Flag


No matter how hard I search I can’t find the pin given to me by my two favorite aunts. It was small and inexpensive, my aunts couldn’t have afforded real gems, but its red, white and blue stars and stripes sparkle anyway. I wear this tiny flag pin during the July 4th holiday to honor the ideals of my country […]