10 Years Ago
March 7, 2003
The city’s engineer said he will do whatever he can to minimize the effects on downtown businesses of a proposed $1.5 million water and sewer project this summer. The targeted area includes replacement of the 70-year-old water and sewer lines under every street in the downtown district between Highway 61 and Lake Superior. Unfortunately, the concerned merchants were told, the short construction season coincides with the busiest time of year for the businesses, meaning shops and other businesses will be somewhat inconvenienced during the time of year that they insist they can least afford it.
City Attorney Don Davison told city council that work is progressing on the ordinance book update and recommended that council consider implementing a building inspector position. “Safety is the main concern,” Davison said, stating that buildings are currently being rented out that are “fire traps” and otherwise unsafe or unhealthy. The matter was referred to the planning commission.
20 Years Ago
March 8, 1993
With the closing of the public comment period on proposed changes in operation of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on March 1, the U.S. Forest Service in Duluth now faces the task of analyzing and interpreting the comments they have received in more than 3,000 letters. A spokesman said an interdisciplinary team of Forest Service employees, including biologists, hydrologists, management personnel and others will work on highlighting the specific issues dealt with by comments in all the letters, including those that continue to arrive bearing the March 1 postmark.
About 20 students of Bev Burmachuk of Tofte participated in the 59th Lakehead Music Festival at Thunder Bay during the weekend of Feb. 22-26. These piano students performed as solo, duet and trio.
A major event in the development of the communitywide Kids Plus program, the first “Speak Out” was held at St. John’s Catholic Church. A crowd of 120 attended the session and washed down 50 Sven & Ole’s 12-inch deep dish pizzas with 40 gallons of fruit punch. Steering committee leader Deb White said they could have eaten more, but consultantpresenter Tom Little was ready to start the 6 o’clock program. The event focused on selfesteem, parenting, community, school and the use of tobacco and alcohol. Groups talked over their concerns in each of those areas, then reports were given on each topic.
50 Years Ago
March 7, 1963
Twenty-five persons enjoyed an inspection tour of the newly remodeled Coast Guard station here during their open house last weekend. The station will have a new chief in 10 days, John Ashmore of Duluth.
The Grand Marais harbor has been a busy place the past few days with the annual harvest of ice. Between 250 and 275 tons of ice have been cut and trucked away by 10 firms or individuals. On the average the ice was about 17 inches thick with cakes weighing up to 190 pounds apiece. The lake was accommodating this year, remaining intact and in solid condition throughout the cutting.
The extremely cold weather this winter that sent the frost deep into the ground has caused several village sewer and water lead-ins to freeze. The mild weather of recent days may relieve this situation.
90 Years Ago
March 8, 1923
Howard Woodard of Mineral Center shot a .22 caliber rifle bullet through his hand Tuesday. He came to town and had Dr. Hicks attend to it, returning home on the stage Wednesday.
Harry Helmerson came in Friday from Jock Mock where he is trapping. He returned this morning. He brought in 12 beaver skins and other furs.
This week Ertsgard Bros. have been hauling ice for the Lake View Dairy at Rosebush. The ice was cut in the Grand Marais harbor.
The Grand Marais State Bank is distributing gratis booklets on how to grow potatoes, clover, and how to raise chickens profitably. Call and get them!
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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