Cook County News Herald

Down Memory Lane




10 Years Ago ·
April 3, 2000

• Two representatives from the St. Paul office of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources were in Grand Marais for a special meeting March 29. The purpose of the meeting was to give the elected and appointed officials in the area a heads-up call concerning the Army Corps of Engineers.

According to Julie Yoho, the Corps has found funding to do a feasibility study in the Grand Marais harbor, and would like to meet with local officials to “see what you’d like to have studied.” • North Shore steelhead anglers are catching more fish—and seeing fewer fishermen— than they were in 1990.

Minnesota DNR creel census data indicates that steelhead fishing success steadily improved during the ’90s, with a significant boost during the past two years. • It seems that extra-curricular success is running amok at Cook County High School. The most recent additions to the long list of 1999-2000 CCHS successes are Greg Dohme, Teri Eicher, Crystal Nicolaison and Nathan Dobbelmann.

These four students are members of the speech team who recently placed well enough at the March 27 Subsection meet to move on to the Section speech meet at Mesabi on April 8.

20 Years Ago ·
April 2, 1990

• Sheriff John Lyght’s oft-repeated statement that his department is busier than ever seems to be borne out by statistics comparing the past two years.

Lyght and his staff saw increases in a number of categories during 1989, including a 10 percent increase in total complaints (2,530), a 35 percent rise in civil processing (180), and a doubling in the number of adults jailed (133).

Fines collected for the county increased from $28,098 in 1988 to $35,254 in 1989, a 25 percent increase.

Additionally, assault cases were up from 27 in 1988 to 40, while burglaries went from 36 to 48. Drug offenses were up 25 percent to 79, and DWI and aggravated DWI went up a similar percentage to 61. • It may be possible to establish a community college in Cook County, but it will take commitment and hard work by local individuals and organizations, according to Arrowhead Community College Region president Philip Anderson.

Anderson spoke to about two dozen community members at an open house last week. He said the community has many strengths to draw upon, and said educational partnerships could be formed with the Grand Portage Band and Canadian academic institutions.

“I don’t want to throw cold water on your enthusiasm, but it will be tough. You’ll need to do your homework,” he said.

50 Years Ago ·
March 31, 1960

• Some smoke and fire damage was done in an early morning fire at the basement home of Mrs. Pat Briggs, a mile and a half east of the village, yesterday.

Firemen said they believe the fire started from a water heater that ignited clothing, which in turn sent the flames to the ceiling. Most of the damage was done to ceiling board and rafters.

The four children escaped through a bedroom window, but Mrs. Briggs made her way past the danger point which she had to pass to get out.

Thealarm sounded shortly after1 a.m. • Elvin Deadrick this week announced that he has established a serve-yourself wash and dry service located in the Arrowhead Creamery building. The equipment is pretty well established and hook-ups are being made so the service is expected to commence immediately. However, barring delays, it would be best to call before planning to use the service this week.

The service is known as Speed Wash, a nationwide company. The equipment, which includes 16 automatic washers and five dryers and a washer-extractor, along with the remodeling of the room, represents an investment of close to $17,000. • The U.S. Border Patrol is currently releasing bids to area contractors for the construction of a new government building. The new building will be located just east of Cathcart’s Electric Shop on Highway 61.

90 Years Ago ·
March 31, 1920

• Thegasoline boat Alvina arrived in the harbor Tuesday evening with a load of freight and mail from Two Harbors. Thisis the first boat of the season. Theyexpect to carry the mail for a while, until the roads get in better condition at least.

All the other boats wintered in Duluth and it may be some time before they are running. • C.J. Johnson returned from St. Paul Tuesday. He reports that the state is going to commence work on the Gunflint Road, an appropriation of $30,000 having been made for work on this end.

The residents and property owners of the county have looked forward for a long time for the opening up of the northern part of the county to travel and it now seems their long cherished dreams are to come true. • John Hardegger was killed when he slipped while cutting ice near Redwood Falls and fell against a circular saw. His body was nearly cut in two. • Ojris Bergens, formerly of Martin County, who died recently in the Stillwater prison, earned $400 while serving a life term for murder, according to an announcement of his estate filed in probate court here.


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