Cook County News Herald

Down Memory Lane




10 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 2003

The Grand Marais Fire Department’s plans to replace one of its aging trucks within the next five years stayed on track last week when city council approved a 2004 budget which sets aside $15,000 for the new vehicle. Although a new fire truck is expected to cost between $150,000 and $200,000, Assistant Fire Chief Tim McLean said the department has a plan in place to gradually come up with the necessary funding. In addition to the $15,000 earmarked for a new vehicle purchase in next year’s budget, $10,000 has already been set aside for that purpose in previous budgets.

If plans to incorporate Cascade Lodge into the surrounding state park eventually materialize, it would be a first in the state of Minnesota. So said Jim Willford, DNR regional state parks manager, as he addressed the Cook County commissioners Tuesday. And although the process would likely be a lengthy one, Willford said it’s one the DNR would be willing to pursue. “Obviously, we’re not in the business of running lodges, but we believe the cultural heritage value here is high…and we’d really like to maintain that integrity.”

20 YEARS AGO
NOV. 8, 1993

The Cook County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Nov. 2 to discuss a draft of proposed building plans for the Cook County courthouse. The meeting is the latest step in the process of space needs assessment undertaken in June 1993.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approved a consent decree resolving LTV Steel Mining Company’s violations of its air quality permit. The decree, which is to be filed with the court, includes a $285,201 penalty. The MPCA said that during 1992 LTV violated its permit limit for the release of sulfur dioxide, as indicated by tests of emissions from its stacks, continuous monitoring equipment and coal analysis. Current data show the company is now meeting its permit limits.

50 YEARS AGO
NOV. 7, 1963

The new international crossing at Pigeon River was officially opened to traffic last Friday morning, and the first vehicle to make it was a truck owned by the Northwest Canadian Produce Company out of Minneapolis.

The two-story frame building formerly owned by the late B.A. Rude and now owned by Gene Hanson was ruined by fire early Sunday morning during the absence of the owners. The stubborn blaze, which evidently started in the basement, worked its way to the upper rooms and at one point pierced the roof. The volunteer firemen held four streams of water on it for three hours.

Andrew L. Johnson defeated incumbent mayor Clark McElevey for that post in Tuesday’s village election. Johnson’s vote was 185 to McElevey’s 141. Mayor McElevey had served as mayor for the past six years.

90 YEARS AGO
NOV. 8, 1923

G.H. Mayhew received a new shipment of soft coal today on the scow Limit.

The gravel loader that has been at Two Island River all summer was brought into Grand Marais Tuesday night.

The electric light and telephone wires above the courthouse were pulled down Tuesday night by the gravel loader when it was brought into Grand Marais.

Joseph Chosa and a man named Roy were arrested last week with 24 beaver and three muskrat skins. The arrest was made by Chas. Boostrom, game warden. The pelts and traps were taken away from the men, but the men were not brought in. The game supervisor was instructed to bring the men to Grand Marais for trial.

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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