The Cook County Commissioners held a busy meeting on Tuesday, February 9, tackling a wide variety of topics during the session. Commissioners approved a three-way, five-year lease with AT&T and MNDOT, and the county to provide cell service on the Sawbill Tower. The county will receive half of the $137,064 rental fee from AT&T. IT Director Rena Rogers pointed out […]
Blessings
‘Blessings.’ I’m intrigued by the ways we use the word ‘bless’ in common parlance: we say a blessing before a meal or say, “God bless you!” when someone sneezes. But “blessing” is more than that. ‘Blessing’ may be when we help someone in need or serve a neighbor. It can be our taking time to encourage another, recognizing and affirming […]
Phillip Augustus Serrin, II
“A life well-lived.” Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Phil was the eldest child to Mildred and William Serrin. Phil developed a strong work ethic at an early age, working odd jobs to help meet his family’s needs, while his father served in the Canadian and US forces during WWII. He attended Central Michigan University, where he played football as […]
Silencing Sedition
As I see itThis was written two weeks ago after reading Rae Piepho’s Letter to the Editor. It was hoped that as more facts emerged about this Insurrection, she might have changed her mind – if not this must be said. When I was growing up, the worst thing I could do was tell a lie. I could confess to countless “sins” in […]
Recycling center expanding its hours to include Saturday
Fans of recycling, we all recycle, right? received some good news this week. Land Services Director Tim Nelson announced that the Cook County Recycling Center was expanding its hours. The Cook County Recycling Center will be increasing its regular operating hours by opening the facility to the public for dropping off recyclable materials on Saturdays. This change will be effective […]
Historical Reflections
October 15,1970 Recent Hedstrom Mill improvements are expected to increase production twenty percent. This layer cake looking device is the gang edger that will be installed for greater inch board production at the Mill. Philip Hedstrom (above) explained that the blades could saw nine boards at one time, but fewer than that would be produced normally.
Down Memory Lane
20 YEARS AGOFEBRUARY 12, 2001 A planned reduction in the size of the school activities/athletic budget could mean cutting cheerleading, speech, cross-country skiing and drama next year. Cutting these four activities would save the district $20,648 per year. Another $2,830 could be saved by not funding the student council advisor position and by trimming miscellaneous services from the athletic director’s […]
Cook County VITA Tax volunteers available to help with taxes this year
The Cook County VITA tax volunteers are gearing up to help Cook County residents with their taxes once again this year. They are currently undergoing testing and training to make sure they are aware of any tax changes this year. The COVID-19 pandemic will change procedures of how our tax volunteers will deal with taxes, but you can receive tax […]
Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Department Overview
The Cook County Public Health and Human Services department provides essential services to county residents. The department is organized into two primary areas: human services (including adult and home & community based services, children and family services and economic assistance and health care programs) and public health. Staff also provides fiscal and administrative support across all program areas. PHHS staff […]