10 YEARS AGO · AUG. 22, 2003
City councilors unanimously gave their backing to a request for the creation of a “tax-free zone” in the Grand Marais Business Development Area that, if successful, will encourage new businesses to move into town. The proposal was put forth by John Kremer, director of the Joint Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority. Speaking at council’s Aug. 13 meeting, Kremer explained the new state initiative known as the Job Opportunity Building Zone (JOBZ) Program. The purpose of the program is to provide taxexempt zones that will attract jobs, business and people to the designated areas.
The Lutsen Fire Department has obtained one of the two trucks needed to upgrade the current firefighting equipment. The “new” truck was purchased from Oshkosh Fire & Police Equipment of Wausau, Wis. for $15,000. It is a 1978 Ford tanker with 1,800-gallon capacity previously in service at the Pine Lake Fire Department in Pine Lake, Wis. Meanwhile, the search continues for a new pumper truck.
KDLH-TV picked the right day to broadcast a live show from Grand Marais. The Duluth television station, which produces a live newscast from communities around its listening area every Thursday, set up on the deck at Java Moose on an absolutely gorgeous day and pointed their cameras at the harbor. In addition to the natural beauty, they also captured the first cruise ship to come into Grand Marais in two generations – the Grande Mariner – which was beached just down the shore from the coffee house.
20 YEARS AGO · AUG. 23, 1993
. A petition signed by 27 downtown business owners and employees objects to the regular presence of street vendor businesses. The petition is addressed to “The Powers That Be,” and the intent is to present it to the city council and seek action to stop the vendor activity, or curtail it by regulation. The petitioners argue that “vendors employ no one, pay no taxes, do not guarantee their products, and take up limited street and sidewalk space.” They call the competition by vendors “grossly unfair” and suggest that an occasional single event flea market on the outskirts of town would be more appropriate. . Bob Spry of Grand Marais has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Clubs International Foundation in recognition of his commitment to serving the world community through Lionism. Named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones, the fellowship is the foundation’s highest honor. It is a recognition of commitment to humanitarian service.
50 YEARS AGO · AUG. 22, 1963
Mr. and Mrs. Winter had nine-foot-high delphiniums at their house west of the Rock Cut this year. Can anyone beat that?
Construction of the new Zoar Lutheran Church at Tofte is now under way with the foundation footings and walls already well along. The old church was moved northward about 50 feet to make room for the new building.
Mrs. M.H. Jentoft of Spruce Cabins writes, “We are feeding a mother bear with three small cubs. Please do not kill or hunt them if they should come your way. We love to have them around, and get some movies of them.”
90 YEARS AGO · AUG. 23, 1923
Mrs. Joe Fisher of Grand Portage was accidentally killed Tuesday by a charge of buckshot from a gun by an 8-year-old grandson. She, her husband, grandson and another man were in the field and the grandson was standing beside her with a 44-gauge shotgun on his shoulder. The gun was accidentally discharged, a charge striking her head behind her right ear. She lived about a half hour after the accident. She was 64 years old.
The S.S. Paducah, state training ship, was in Grand Marais harbor Monday and Wednesday. Capt. Guy A. Eaton is in command. The boat is now on a cruise around Isle Royale.
Two of the marines from the Paducah were in the act of stealing a car belonging to Dr. Judd, when the driver struck at one of them and they fought back. The doctor then got out of the car and got struck between the eyes and had his glasses broken. It ended in a free-for-all and the two sailors landed in the jail badly marred, having received the worst of it.
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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