10 Years Ago
Feb. 6, 2004
The Grand Marais City Council agreed in principle to approve the downtown streetscape renovation project designed at a working session Tuesday night. The project will cost $500,000.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has awarded the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa grants totaling more than $188,000 for fish and wildlife conservation projects on the reservation. Two separate grants were awarded.
The Grand Marais City Council gave a vote of support last week to a local animal rescue group that wants to improve and run the city’s dog pound. Representatives of Animal Advocates said they want to take over the city’s dog pound at the Rec Park until the volunteer organization can raise enough money and find a suitable location to build its own facility – a time period estimated at one to three years.
20 Years Ago
Feb. 7, 1994
The Grand Marais city council changed its mind Jan. 26, passing a motion to withdraw its own proposal to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources for a harbor and shoreline management plan. The proposal requesting $50,000 in legislative commission funds had been approved by the council Jan. 12, but two council members announced on the 26th that they’ve had misgivings about that decision.
Over 20 Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail business operators met Jan. 27 to start working toward snowmobile trail improvements. It is costing between $16,000 and $20,000 per year in parts and labor to keep the groomers minimally operable, so the immediate need is to find the means of getting a new groomer. Other concerns are the general maintenance of trails, the need for safety signs and direction and distance markers, straightening sharp corners, brushing, putting in culverts and building bridges. The business owners decided to organize as the Trails Development Association and work with the local snowmobile club to seek support and information – and funds – from appropriate state agencies.
50 Years Ago
Feb. 6, 1964
Innumerable snowmobiles have been seen going up the MacFarland Trail and returning with ice fishermen who have found winter fishing very fine. Most of them report very good luck.
Mrs. Russell Gunderson had the misfortune of breaking an arm on Monday when she tripped and fell. She spent several days in the local hospital but is now at home learning to do homework with one arm.
On Feb. 10, the new Birch Grove Elementary School at Tofte will begin operation. The opening will enable the school district to close the old buildings at Lutsen and Tofte. These buildings will be turned over to the county in return for work done at the new site. Construction costs were $217,000, and the building took about eight months to complete. There are 140 students expected to attend classes there.
90 Years Ago
Feb. 7, 1924
John Zimmerman, while splitting wood one day last week, had the misfortune to cut one of his fingers seriously.
Jonas Backlund and Axel Johnson have taken a contract to move 300 yards of rock on the East Road at Kadunce Creek.
The Grand Portage mail sleigh on Monday night while at Hovland caught fire. The top which was on the sleigh was burned completely off. Frank LeGarde was the driver.
An empty milk can, with A.L. Ellinquist’s name on the tag, was brought to this office last week. It will be sent home the first opportunity. It is one of those large cans.
Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Lundeen of Lutsen drove in with their pony Saturday to do some shopping.
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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