Cook County News Herald

Down Memory Lane




10 YEARS AGO

JAN. 19, 2007

The first meeting of 2007 began at Grand Marais City Hall Jan. 10 with the swearing in of Evelyn Larsen as new mayor, Bill Lenz as new councilor, and Kay Costello as a second-term councilor. All three won seats in November’s election.

At its Jan. 11 town meeting, Tofte supervisors and residents heard the latest proposals for continuing the 1 percent sales tax scheduled to sunset in November and for adding new 3 percent taxes on food and lodging, and recreation. Treasurer Bill Hansen and Lutsen Resort owner Scott Harrison, both members of the Cook County Economic Analysis Council, presented some of their findings and sought feedback.

20 YEARS AGO
JAN. 20, 1997

A runaway freight train hauling 7,500 tons of iron ore taconite pellets derailed at the end of a five-mile grade at Schroeder last Monday, blocking traffic on Highway 61 for more than three hours. In all, 93 cars derailed. The engineer and brakeman both rode the lead locomotive to the end when it crashed between two sets of railroad tracks in the yards of the LTV Steel Corporation’s power plant and ore dock on Lake Superior. Both were taken to the hospital and treated for broken bones and contusions.

A parking lot for the use of snowmobilers has been built in Tofte. It is above Highway 61, just below the electric line right of way. The lot was built with a combination of private and public funds including the snowmobile club, town, county and other agencies. Right now there is no sign marking the location of the lot, but one is scheduled for installation.

50 YEARS AGO
JAN. 19, 1967

Eight couples enjoyed a pinochle card party last Saturday night at the Don Bjerkness home, where a lot of fun was had by all the players.

During the year 1966 there were 50 deaths recorded in the office of the clerk of district court, Cook County. This compares with 54 deaths recorded for the previous year.

Hilda Anderson and Edgar Roberts were re-appointed village treasurer and clerk at their annual re-organization meeting last week. Councilman Ed Humphrey was elected acting mayor, and Mrs. Theodore Johnson and Mrs. Henry Eliasen were re-appointed to the library board for three-year terms.

85 YEARS AGO
JAN. 21, 1932

A frightful accident befell Lyman Roberts of Mineral Center this afternoon. While working at a circle-saw his hand was drawn into it and cut across the palm. Amputation at the wrist was found necessary by Dr. Hicks.

The teachers of the Grand Marais school plan to give a public program on Washington’s birthday. This year will be the 200th anniversary of his birth.

Tofte Service has now finished putting up ice, which they cut and hauled from Two Island Lake.

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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