10 Years Ago
March 14, 2003
The Cook County school board voted 3-2 to restructure the administration of the school at its meeting Monday at Birch Grove Elementary in Tofte. Chuck Futterer, principal of Sawtooth Elementary School, will be the new superintendent of schools as of July, replacing Dale Tormondsen, whose resignation was accepted at the meeting.
Sheriff Dave Wirt told the Cook County Board of Commissioners Tuesday that his department has been awarded an $18,500 grant to upgrade the 911 system. Specifically, the upgrade will allow emergency calls received from wireless phones to be geographically located, meaning responders will be more easily able to get to those in need of help.
A record number of eight-dog teams have entered the Grand Portage Passage Sled Dog Race this year, a fact that has organizers anticipating a great race. Beth Gagnon, race coordinator, said the 54 sled dog teams that have registered so far will comprise “the biggest number we’ve had.”
20 Years Ago
March 15, 1993
Announcement was made March 11 that Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M) has given Carlton Peak to the Nature Conservancy, a private nonprofit organization established in 1951 to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The 320 acres just above Tofte in the Sawtooth Mountain Range is part of 3M’s $2.6 million commitment that includes land donations in four states. Carlton Peak is one of the highest and most widely recognized points in northeastern Minnesota. 3M has owned the property since the early 1900s.
Cook County Highway Department Engineer Ed Lukacsek startled the county commissioners March 9 by presenting his letter of resignation and asking that he be released from job duties effective March 19. Lukacsek cited family problems as his reason for leaving, and said the decision had been very difficult, but necessary. He told the board of commissioners that he has enjoyed his work during the few months that he has been here, and regrets having to leave. “I wish I could stay, but the circumstances demand that I resign,” he said.
50 Years Ago
March 14, 1963
According to a recent letter from the Glen Austins, Long Beach, they attended the Minnesota state picnic on March 3. They were joined by the John Alneses and the Chris Tormondsens, also on vacation in California. All report a very good time. They met friends from Two Harbors and Silver Bay.
The bird feeding trays are popular bird cafeterias these days, especially since the heavy snowfall.
The annual meeting of borderland game wardens of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada was held in Grand Marais last Thursday and Friday with 31 in attendance. At these meetings, mutual problems in game law enforcement are discussed, and ways of cooperation agreed upon. The meetings are rotated, last year’s being held in Cable, Wis., and the year before in Canada.
90 Years Ago
March 15, 1923
Chris Pederson of Lutsen was a caller in town Wednesday. He brought in a couple cases of eggs.
Chas. Howenstine brought in the finest silver gray fox Saturday that has been caught for some time in this county. He also had a number of mink, muskrat, weasel and beaver.
John W. Kelley, the veteran tie cutter and all-around woodsman over 80 years young, was in town Tuesday. He is as spry as ever. He smokes a pipe, which he says does not hurt him, but he has always curbed his appetite. He says he eats about half as much as the average man.
The snow plow opened up the road between here and Lutsen Monday.
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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