10 YEARS AGO
AUG. 22, 2009
Grand Marais City Councilor Tim Kennedy informed council Aug. 12 that the planning commission will review the sign ordinance after some negative comments were received regarding the newly installed rooftop sign on the Co-op building. Kennedy said the concerns were that the sign facing north looks more like a billboard than a sign, because it isn’t directly attached to the wall and “blended in” as is the west-facing sign on the building’s façade. “Maybe it’s not what we want to continue to see,” Kennedy said.
An unexpected misfire of a round at the 2009 Independence Day fireworks display in Tofte resulted in a frightening explosion, but no serious injuries. However, the ensuing news coverage garnered the attention of the state fire marshal, who recently informed the Tofte Fire Department that there were multiple problems with conducting the volunteer pyrotechnical show. At the Tofte town meeting on Aug. 13, longtime fireworks volunteer John Nelson told the town board that 2009 may have been the last year for West End fireworks. He said that according to the fire marshal, the site used for fireworks is too close to homes and businesses, and it appears there’s nowhere on the Tofte bay that would work. “With all the new restrictions, we may not be able to do fireworks at all,” Nelson said.
20 YEARS AGO
AUG. 23, 1999
The winds of change in Cook County seem to be bringing a larger commitment to summer school next year. This year, only a few courses were offered in the district and those primarily for students who did not pass the basic math and reading tests necessary for graduation. School officials said an expanded summer school that includes a complete range of courses and helps the advancement of at-risk students is “inevitable.”
According to the general manager of WDSE-TV (Duluth Public Television), a new translator tower is still scheduled to be built in Grand Marais sometime this fall. The new tower will hold equipment for WDSE, KBJR, KDLH, and the U.S. Coast Guard and eventually, news and music services from Minnesota Public Radio. The old tower on the hillside behind the city was deemed unsafe almost a year ago. Studies showed it was rusted and “critical weaknesses” were present.
50 YEARS AGO
AUG. 21, 1969
Construction of the new Johnson Grocery supermarket on the corner of Broadway and Highway 61 is under way. The building will be a one-story block construction, with an area of 68 by 115 feet. Owners are Theodore, Tumsey and Paul Johnson, sons of the late Matt Johnson, from whom they bought the business in 1947. Occupation target has been set for next Christmas if all schedules can be met.
Tim Kaine, a third-year Menogyn camper, saved the lives of a mother and child last Thursday after the child apparently fell into the lake near the Coast Guard Station in Grand Marais. The mother jumped in to rescue him, but had trouble with high waves and screamed for help. Tim was nearby and dove in to bring both to safety. The father had stayed on shore, apparently unable to help.
90 YEARS AGO
AUG. 22, 1929
Approximately 1,000 people and probably even a larger number attended the annual picnic of the North Shore fishermen held at Tofte last Sunday. Fishermen from all along the shore together with their families gathered early at the appointed grounds and by noon there was already a large crowd present.
The Devil’s Track Cabaret has been closed to the public, announced Miss Crandall, after running the night place of amusement nearly three months. Cause for closing, she states, is her inability to cope with the drunken, disorderly element who insist upon coming into the place, showing no respect for the 18th Amendment law, nor courtesy or regard for the majority who are there for a clean, quiet good time.
Two forest fires east of Grand Marais were started by lightning during the past week. A number of foresters, assisted by local people, eventually got the fires under control.
Miss Christine Clinch was the recipient of many lovely gifts at a parcel shower given by her friends Tuesday evening in the Village Hall.
The undertaker, F.A. Johnson & Sons of Duluth, announce that they have left in charge of C.O. Backlund of Grand Marais, funeral equipment such as coffins, suits and artificial flowers which are on display at the residence of Louis Falk. For embalming and use of hearse see Mr. Backlund, who will be glad to make any necessary arrangements.
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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