10 Years Ago
Dec. 20, 2002
Minnesota Power representative Jim Atkinson attended the Dec. 10 Schroeder town meeting to present a rezoning plan to the town supervisors for nearly 3,000 acres of land owned by Minnesota Power. The plan includes a variety of development including cluster residential housing, commercial and retail establishments, and a proposed centrally located equestrian center. Atkinson displayed maps of the proposed changes. After the power plant, ash disposal facilities and docking facilities are removed, there remains 2,200 acres for the development. The area under discussion was once the old town site and housed much of the same type of businesses, longtime resident and supervisor Bill McKeever said.
City Parks Manager Chuck Carbert reported to city council that things are on the upswing at the Rec Park, with revenues this year reaching $559,000 versus $536,000 a year ago. Occupancy rates for the season also rose 3 percent, to 35 percent, from the prior year. Carbert also told council that inspectors have begun opening up the walls at the swimming pool building in an effort to determine the extent of damage created by moisture and poor ventilation over the years. Carbert said that so far, everything “looks pretty sound,” but the insulation and outer wall do contain moisture and even some ice.
20 Years Ago
Dec. 21, 1992
County Commissioner Floyd Johnson made a motion at the Dec. 15 commissioners’ meeting to allow use of all terrain vehicles on designated snowmobile trails from June 1 through November. He reported that a $3 million untapped fund is available if such a use is allowed. Johnson said, “You can get some of this money to build and maintain trails.” Johnson gave assurance that not all snowmobile trails will have permits, but only those to be designated by dulyauthorized agencies. He did not specify who would be deciding what trails could be used. The motion passed by a 4-1 vote.
The home occupied by Jim and Sally Wannemacker and their four children was heavily damaged Dec. 10 by a fire that swept through the interior. The home was located behind D&S Laundry on the south side of Highway 61.
The city of Grand Marais got a Christmas bonus when Sen. Doug Johnson and Rep. David Battaglia announced the awarding of $17,441 of additional local government aid and equalization aid to the city. Johnson said the additional aids are possible as the result of sales tax collections being greater than expected last spring.
50 Years Ago
Dec. 20, 1962
A road block and a shotgun blast at Stewart River Saturday night ended a short-lived escapade by a 15-year-old youth alleged to have held up the Go-Fer grocery store, taken the owner as hostage, and run three road blocks in an attempt to elude police. The boy had been in trouble before and an effort was being made at the Wilderness Canoe Base to straighten out his difficulties. Up to this point, it appeared they had been making progress.
Four students from Cook County are attending St. Cloud State College this fall.
Diane Backlund had an arm fractured while playing girls’ basketball at school. She is wearing a cast.
Recently issued was the Grand Portage “Portager,” written by the Grand Portage elementary students. The staff includes Richard Hendricks, editor; Duane Lhotka, assistant editor; Chuck Paro, art editor; and Judy and Mary Deschampe and Shirley Olson, reporters.
100 Years Ago
Dec. 19, 1912
Fred Paine is having a new roof put on his hotel building. The old roof was new, but it didn’t keep out the wet, so the company is making its guarantee good by replacing it with another.
George Haller, an employee of the Rosebush sawmill, was brought before Justice Durfee last Thursday charged with violating the game laws. For keeping a deer-hound he was fined $10 and costs, and for attempting to hunt without a license a fine of $25 was imposed. In both cases a plea of guilty was entered.
Amos Annis and Michael Cary, each 29 years old, were drowned in the Rainy River while trying to cross the stream in an old skiff from Gleemans to Clementson. When about midstream the boat sprang a leak in the ice floes, sinking beneath them. Their cries were heard, but they were drowned before aid reached them.
The county commissioners met in special session on Thursday last and disposed of some items of important business. Among other things, the board decided to dispose of all the old buildings on the courthouse grounds, and will on Jan. 7 receive competitive bids.
Do you have an old picture or a story from years gone by that you would like to share with the Cook County News-Herald readers? We’d love to hear your Historical Reflections Call (218) 387-9100; e-mail starnews@boreal.org; or stop by our office at 15 First Avenue West.
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