10 YEARS AGO
OCT. 17, 2009
For the first time ever, the City of Grand Marais is going to start charging the Cook County Community Center for the water it uses, including the flooding of the hockey, skating and curling rinks. Community Center Director Diane Booth told the county board Oct. 13 that a meter would be installed next month, although the Grand Marais PUC is giving them a year to monitor their water use before billing them for it. It was also noted that the city has started charging the school for its water as well.
WTIP North Shore Community Radio has launched a new signal, WGPO 90.1 FM, in Grand Portage. Approval for building the transmitter was granted by the Federal Communications Commission last fall. Station Manager Deb Benedict said, “WTIP has been trying since the mid-90s to get our signal to Grand Portage. One of the reasons we went to the FCC for approval for a transmitter is because the village of Grand Portage itself could not receive our signal.” With the addition of WGPO, the radio station’s signal now covers all of Cook County.
20 YEARS AGO
OCT. 18, 1999
With little discussion and no debate, the Schroeder Township supervisors voted last week to return a $15,042 overpayment to the Cook County treasurer. Schroeder was one of three Cook County townships that were mistakenly awarded a total of over $55,000 in federal funds in March. County administrators said the error occurred because they used a formula intended to determine the largest percentage allowable, rather than what each township was actually entitled to.
The Grand Marais City Council went out looking for bids for a city attorney after City Clerk Todd Bodem brought it to the attention of council about two weeks ago that the contract is traditionally put out annually. Council received nine applications, seven of which were from outside of Cook County. A special meeting is set for Oct. 11 to make a decision.
50 YEARS AGO
OCT. 16, 1969
Raymond Hatanpaa, 10, entered a clown contest and won first prize in his age group, receiving tickets for the Ringling Bros. Circus in Duluth for his whole family. Not only the free tickets, but he is going to be with the clowns Friday night, have a clown suit to wear and clown make-up on his face for the show!
Virginia Hansen broke her arm while playing football with the Lutsen squad on Shroyer’s field.
Moose hunting in the Pigeon River area has been slow this year with only three hunters getting their moose the first week.
The heavy drizzle, turning into sleet Sunday night brought the first evidence of snow this fall to Grand Marais. However, this was but a trace here, while inland about 2 inches fell. This is one of the earliest snowfalls in recent years. But the snow did not stay on the ground. It has all vanished in Grand Marais, but it is a reminder that winter is just around the corner.
90 YEARS AGO
OCT. 17, 1929
Last Tuesday, the Hollis M, the steamboat that plies between Grand Marais and Isle Royale and which is owned by the Booth Fisheries of Duluth, ran aground between Outer and Malone islands at Isle Royale. The accident happened when Capt. Smith was unable to see the markers by means of which the boats are guided through the narrow and rather treacherous channel. He said the afternoon sun hit the guiding objects at a wrong angle, and it was impossible to see them. Consequently the boat went too far to port and ran aground on a reef, where it remained 31 hours and 40 minutes before the sea gods came to the rescue with waves that finally worked the Hollis free from the reef.
A flat tire was the unfortunate cause of a car accident last Saturday afternoon about a mile east of Cascade. The car was driven by a wealthy apartment house owner from Milwaukee, who with her companions had been on a tour of Canada. Fortunately no one was injured, but the car was badly damaged and was brought to Grand Marais by Hall’s Battery and Electric Co.
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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