Shining the Light


On Saturday afternoon, a one thousand footer steamed past Tofte Park quite close to shore. I knew the big ore carrier could handle much rougher seas than we had on Saturday, but it nevertheless must have been chilly standing out on its deck in the cold north easterly wind. Watching that big boat pass reminded me of one of my […]

Richard (Dick) Lee

Richard (Dick) Lee, 89, went home to be with his Savior on December 5 with family at his bedside. He was joyfully reunited with his wife, Betty, who went home with the Lord 25 years ago. He was born in Gettysburg, South Dakota, and lived in many states before retiring to his and Betty’s dream home in Grand Marais. The […]

Mary Howes Blackwell “ Bakineyaashiikwe” (Winning Soaring Woman)

Mary Howes Blackwell “ Bakineyaashiikwe” (Winning Soaring Woman), 63, of Bemidji, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, in Fargo, North Dakota. Mary was born October 8, 1956, at Saint Mary’s in Duluth, Minnesota. She was raised in Duluth and was a 1975 graduate of Duluth Central High School. She started her family and moved to Grand Portage to […]

Patricia Marie Holte

Patricia Marie Holte, 89, of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, passed peacefully on December 5, 2020, with her Great Granddaughter by her side. Patricia was born in Grand Marais, Minnesota, on February 17, 1931, and graduated from Cook County High School in 1949. She married Darrell Wayne Holte, on October 15, 1950. Throughout her life, Pat was a woman of many talents […]

Cook County Food Shelf expands service


For the Cook County Food Shelf during 2020, it’s been quite a year. Where did you hear that before? The Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the First Congregational Church at 3rd Avenue West and 2nd Street in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Our PO Box 51 (Grand Marais) has been busy with donations this year, as we help […]

Historical Reflections

Woodblock prints by artist Betsy Bowen will be featured at the North Shore Art Fair July 7-8 at Lutsen Mountains. Betsy will demonstrate the printing process throughout the Art Fair weekend. Note: This archive image is from a June 1990 paper, but it seemed like a lovely image for our winter holidays. Thank you, Betsy Bowen!

Down Memory Lane

20 YEARS AGODECEMBER 18, 2000 Officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources gave the Cook County Board an update on proposed improvements at Cascade State Park. The plan, when completed, will spell out the proposed improvements for the park over the next 15 to 20 years. Most significant among the recommendations is the relocation of the campground. Other changes […]

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic urges community members to donate to The Giving Tree program this holiday season

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) reminds community members that donations to SMC’S The Giving Tree program this holiday season will help patients ease financial burdens as they seek healthcare services out of the immediate area. The Giving Tree program is more important than ever as some patients face financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Giving Tree dollars are converted into essential […]

The 2020 Holiday Season


The holiday season is the time of year where public safety folks pass on tips to the community regarding safety and wellness for the upcoming holidays. This year is significantly different from past holidays in that many or all of us are experiencing pandemic fatigue, anxiety, anger, uncertainty, skepticism and loneliness. Our generations have never witnessed such a trying time […]

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 […]