Cook County News Herald

Down Memory Lane




10 YEARS AGO
OCT. 19, 2007

It would appear that Tofte Township has a new ally in its efforts to secure a reduced speed limit through Tofte Center. Shae Kosmalski, recently hired as the county’s highway engineer, was in attendance at the October meeting of the Tofte town board. In response to town board chairman Paul James’ soliciting of her support in the ongoing effort, Kosmalski acknowledged the logic of the proposed 30 mph speed limit as part of the overall plan. To date, MnDOT has refused to allow a speed reduction in the area.

Recent heavy rains put Schroeder Town Hall to its first real test since completion of the project to improve drainage around the structure. By all accounts, the work completed in September 2006 put an end to what had been an ongoing problem of water seepage in the basement. Township roads also were reported to have weathered the heavy rains well, with a minimum of shoulder and pavement wash-outs.

20 YEARS AGO
OCT. 20, 1997

Two unidentified local juveniles have admitted to shooting and beheading a black bear in the Cook County Landfill, according to Minnesota DNR enforcement officers. The bear’s remains, minus the head, were found on Sept. 19. An officer has retrieved the missing head and considers the investigation complete. The case has been referred to the Cook County Attorney’s Office, where charges will be filed.

Local cross country skier Phil Bowen, 23, qualified during last year’s racing season to compete in the Olympic tryouts at Lake Placid.

The county board received two letters of resignation from the beleaguered airport commission at the Oct. 14 board meeting. Ernest Zankman and Robert Jensen tendered their resignation letters, both effective prior to the county board meeting. While Zankman had locked horns with many of his fellow commissioners over the method of increasing airport use, Jensen’s resignation came as a surprise.

50 YEARS AGO
OCT. 19, 1967

Bud Medlin and son from St. Paul spent the weekend in Hovland. They prepared their cabin for winter and also did some bird hunting. They reported fair luck.

Although it’s a little early to be Christmas-minded, the Christmas Design Demonstration at the Lamplighter Inn proved to be a very popular feature for the women of the community last Thursday afternoon. Over 70 attended, including seven from Silver Bay, and several from the West End Garden Club. The Grand Marais Garden Club sponsored the event.

The Midway Service Station has purchased the Hussey property in Grand Marais. The house is one of the oldest still in existence in the village, having been built some time around the turn of the century. Midway wants to have the building removed.

90 YEARS AGO
OCT. 20, 1927

The many friends of Matt Hendrik Johnson of Colvill were shocked Saturday morning to learn of his sudden death. Mr. Johnson was fishing and a strong wind sprung up. The effort to row to shore was too much for his heart and he died suddenly in the skiff. He was rescued shortly afterward.

Richard Jones, who has been driving truck for the state all summer, is now driving truck for the North Shore Fish and Freight Company.

Harold Holte’s car was stolen Tuesday night from in front of his home in the village. The car was located Wednesday morning near Cross River, upside down, in the ditch. A wrecker car from Midway Service Station went down and brought it in.

Art Johnson and Art Allen found a deer in Poplar River Sunday. It was lassoed by a policeman from Minneapolis and brought to shore, where it was turned loose.

Dr. Nelson, a veterinary surgeon of Duluth, was crowded off the road at Schoen’s corner Sunday evening. The car turned over, the top and windshield of his car being broken.

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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