Cook County News Herald

Down Memory Lane





10 Years Ago · Aug. 23, 1999 • Thewinds of change in Cook County seem to be bringing a larger commitment to summer school next year. This year, only a few courses were offered in the district and those primarily for students who did not pass the basic math and reading tests that require a pass for graduation.

Mark Sandbo, district middle and high school principal, said an expanded summer school is inevitable.

“We need to make a complete range of courses available and perhaps require summer school for advancement of ‘at-risk’ students,” Sandbo told the school board Aug. 16. This is only the second year summer school was offered in the district. • According to the general manager of WDSE-TV (Public Television in Duluth), a new translator tower is still scheduled to be built in Grand Marais sometime this fall.

Thenew tower will hold equipment for WDSE, KBJR, KDLH, the U.S. Coast Guard and eventually, news and music services from Minnesota Public Radio.

The old tower, which is on the hillside behind the city, was deemed unsafe almost a year ago. Studies showed that it was rusted and critical weaknesses were present.

20 Years Ago · Aug. 21, 1989 • Lightning-caused fires may once again be allowed to burn within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in accordance with a revised Fire Plan.

Dave Filius, supervisor of the Superior National Forest, indicated that Superior’s Fire Plan was revised to reflect national policy guidelines developed after the extensive 1988 Yellowstone fires. All national fire plans were delayed for the 1989 season pending new direction.

“The Superior’s plan as it relates to the BWCAW is the first in the nation to come back on line,” said Filius. • Jim Oberstar, 8th District U.S. Congressman, visited Grand Marais during Fisherman’s Picnic.

He flew in to Grand Marais at 11 a.m., having left Washington, D.C. at 1:30 a.m.

Oberstar visited several friends, appeared on the Picnic platform, and then went on to a DFL reception in the trailer park recreation hall. Over 50 people greeted him.

50 Years Ago · Aug. 20, 1959 • Good news from the eastern end of the county: the reefers are hitting.

Good catches have been reported at Grand Portage and near Big Bay, Hovland. The trout are not large, but they’re good eaters, and it proves the lampreys haven’t gobbled them all. • An estimated 450 people came out to see the Big Storm slides and movies shown last Thursday night at the school auditorium. From all reports they enjoyed the pictures.

Mrs. Ray Sjoberg Jr. was in charge of the unusual attraction, which was offered gratis to visitors. Mrs. Sjoberg narrated the slides which had been taken by herself, Dr. W.R. Smith, Howard Joynes and Jim Pedersen.

Mrs. Edwin Thoreson showed the 8 mm movies taken by herself, Merlin Zimmerman and Ade Toftey. Ev Bushman Jr. showed his 16 mm movies.

This was the second showing of the storm of Nov. 18, 1958. • Why don’t they put metal tips on shoelaces any more?

Is there anything more aggravating than trying to thread a walked-on, muddy, tipless shoelace through an equally muddy, stiff shoe eyelet? Especially when the school bus is due in less than five minutes.

90 Years Ago · Aug. 20, 1919 • A party of about 30 young people enjoyed a marshmallow and wiener roast on the rocks Monday evening. It was a most beautiful night and the wonderful display of northern lights made the evening one long to be remembered. • Frank Shaw is going to fish from his old place on Pigeon Point this fall. • A lecture on the life of Theodore Roosevelt will be given in the Congregational Church Thursday evening by Rev. W.H. Ripon. Special music. Everybody invited.


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