10 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 2006
There are currently eight wildfires that have been detected on the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts over the past week, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Most of the fires are the result of lightning, and none of the fires are in areas where structures or other valuables are threatened.
Harbor Park, which has already become one of the most popular places in downtown Grand Marais for visitors and residents alike, was officially recognized in dedication ceremonies Sunday. A small but enthusiastic crowd attended the dedication which included a review of the challenges and history of the Harbor Park project.
20 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 16, 1996
Grand Marais City Hall staff reported Sept. 11 that the filing period for mayor and city council closed Sept. 10 with two mayoral candidates signed up, and eight applicants for the three vacant city council seats. Gail Englund and Fritz Sobanja will be vying for the mayor’s job. Incumbent Andrea Peterson did not file to run for a third two-year term. Councilor Ron Lund is the only incumbent to file for re-election. Seven other candidates, Steve Holz, Walter Schulte, Scott Puch, Betsy Bowen, Stephan Hoglund, Barrney Peet and Mark Pedersen, filed papers.
Walt Mianowski and Carol Eckel won the Sept. 10 primary election for the privilege of running for the Cook County Board seat being vacated by Jean Marie Modl. With barely over a third of the registered voters in the district voting, Mianowski was the top vote-getter with 73 votes; Eckel tallied 54; Lois Johnson received 43 votes; and James Raml took 26 votes.
50 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 15, 1966
The weatherman smiled on the Grand Marais State Bank 50th anniversary Friday and upon the large crowds that came to congratulate the Andersons and their employees on that day. It was an overwhelming success.
Someone decided to do some “joy riding” and vandalizing on their own last Sunday afternoon. A D-78 “cat” being used by Brisk Brothers on the Gunflint Trail road project was driven around the Cross River gravel pit until it finally stalled. Part of the fun was crushing an unoccupied trailer house in the vicinity. Officials checking the vandalism are at a loss to know who might be responsible and are hoping to get some leads.
90 YEARS AGO
SEPT. 16, 1926
State Auditor Ray P. Chase delivered an address in the Wigwam theater last Saturday night on the subject “Taxation.” This was the first time for Mr. Chase to appear before a Cook County audience. His way of presenting a very important matter made his talk unusually interesting and instructive. His command of statistics relating to the subject shows application and thoughtful consideration, and though the audience was left to draw its own conclusions, everyone present realized that taxation is paramount to everything else in developing and maintaining our local, state and national governments.
Miss Mildred Berg is now employed at the bakery.
The cars of C.O. Backlund and Joe Zerbach collided in front of Oscar Olson’s, the only damage being bent fenders.
George Rupley of Duluth was in Grand Marais last night. He was in poor health for a year, having had an operation following which two sponges were sewed up inside. As the place did not heal, it was opened up and the sponges removed. He is now regaining his former vigor.
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.
Leave a Reply