Fred D. Derewenko

Fred D. Derewenko passed away on September 9, 2020. He was born on August 22, 1941, to Fred and Marie (Lushenko) Derewenko. An illuminating and all encompassing light has disappeared. Life with Fred was never dull and full of surprises. He loved a good time. He often said,” I’ve had a better life than I ever dreamed possible. Do not […]

Ray William Sjoberg,

Ray William Sjoberg, son of J. Raymond and Mabel Sjoberg, died September 9, 2020. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Eleanor, his daughter Kristi (David) Carambula, grand sons Nathan and Aaron (Kelly) Carámbula, Christopher (Liz) and Nicholas (Cassandra) Sjoberg, daughter-in-law Cheryl Sjoberg, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by […]

Answering the call for equity



In 2020, local governments had to pivot and respond to a public health emergency that developed quickly and had widespread impact. On the heels of the rush to control a global pandemic, we have also been called upon to take action against racial inequity. Racial inequity is its own public health crisis, leading to disparities in health, education and justice. […]

A love of vintage vehicles brings together new friends


After reading “Two Bucks and a Can of Gas,” Garry Morris from Finland, Minnesota, contacted author Robert (Bob) Olson about meeting him. Morris, who owns a 1930 Model A pickup, planned to visit this spring, but COVID-19 put a damper on that plan. Fast forward to Thursday, September 10, Morris, his brother and some friends met Bob at Clearwater Lodge […]

Historical Reflections

1905 FASHION: DRESSY CLOTH COSTUMES The gown on the left is of soft cloth trimmed with applications and bands of the same cloth. The other gown is soft cloth and cashmere. The corsage is covered with two bretelles (suspenders or braces) on each side, meeting at the waist.

Down Memory Lane

20 YEARS AGOSEPTEMBER 1, 2000 Cook County officials will soon install a weather transmitter in the Gunflint District to alert residents and campers of bad weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transmitter will provide early storm warnings to people who own the $40 radios. The radios turn on automatically when a storm warning is issued. The lodging tax figures […]

On the road with the Highway Department


County services during COVID-19 have been a topic of discussion for the past several months. The majority of Highway Department activities have proceeded as planned despite the pandemic. South Shore Drive (CSAH 18) was paved; the Two Island River Bridge on Cramer Road (CSAH 1) was replaced; the Gunflint Trail (CSAH 12) between Pine Mountain and Trout Lake Roads was […]

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Ruby’s Pantry Cook County Ruby’s Pantry, 2nd Tuesday of the month food distribution 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 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 food for all! Cook County Higher Education Career training […]

Miracle on Ice hockey star back in court


After more than a year of court cases and months of confinement in a state facility at St. Peter, Minnesota, Mark Pavelich, one of the heroes on the 1980 Miracle on Ice U.S. gold medal winning hockey team, was back in Cook County Sixth District Judicial Court on Tuesday, September 15. During the hearing, Pavelich was given the option of […]

On Lake Superior, lives saved and lives lost

By Dorie Carlson as published in the Cook County Historical Society Overlook – Summer 2019 edition. The Superior North Coast Guard Station in Grand Marais became a reality when it was fully staffed in April of 1929. The commercial fishermen along the North Shore were glad to see some protection and assistance given to them. However, Lake Superior’s extreme weather […]