10 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 2009
The Pine River Bridge near the end of the Arrowhead Trail has three to four more years of life left in it, according to an inspection by Erickson Engineering of Bloomington, if it can get some new decking to hold it over. County Engineer Shae Kosmalski told the county board on Oct. 20 that there are two options: replace the deck planks at a cost of $8,000 and ban travel by fully loaded dump and fuel trucks; or purchase “glulaminated” deck panels at a cost of $14,700 which would require no weight restrictions, and the panels could be reused after the bridge is replaced.
It’s official – The Gunflint Trail received National Scenic Byway designation on Oct. 26. The Gunflint Trail is a historic roadway in Boundary Waters country, dating back to the 1800s with origins as a footpath for Native Americans and geological surveyors. Pursuit of the designation was motivated by the dedication of local business owners and residents to forever preserve the road for future generations. The Gunflint Trail is 57 miles long and runs from Grand Marais to the Canadian border and serves 22 resorts, campgrounds, lodging establishments and private residents.
20 YEARS AGO
OCT. 25, 1999
Less than two weeks after being assured that people who paid to have downed wood from the July 4 storm cleared within a 150-foot perimeter of their home or cabin could be reimbursed by the federal government, a federal agency has said it won’t happen. “No one who has already cleaned up their property will be reimbursed by FEMA,” said county Emergency Management Director Nancy Koss.
The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will sponsor the second running of the Grand Portage Passage Sled Dog Race, which is developing into one of the premier races in the lower 48 states. This year, both the 330-mile race and the 100-mile race will have a segment through the Canadian Wilderness as racers compete for a combined purse of $81,000.
50 YEARS AGO
OCT. 23, 1969
Lynne Benson will perform with the 1969 Warrior Marching Band at halftime in Minneapolis for the Nov. 23 Vikings-Steelers football game. The organization numbers 115 and performs at all home football games at Mankato State College, as well as one or two trips with the team out of town.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Warburton, who have taken care of the Grand Marais tourist park for the past three years, will be leaving Nov. 1. They are going to Glenwood, Minn. During that time, 25,070 persons have been admitted at the park, according to records in the village clerk’s office.
Janet’s Outfitters, a new canoe outfitting business, will open at Sea Gull Lake next May.
Oliver Sundquist was taken to the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis Monday for therapy treatments. He was injured in a car accident some time ago.
90 YEARS AGO
OCT. 24, 1929
A forest fire of unknown origin and driven by the terrific off-land wind of Wednesday morning, caused the residents of Colvill to look to the safety of their homes and property. The fire which began about a mile from shore, swept rapidly southward, endangering the homes and property of settlers living in its path. The State Forest Service was immediately called into action and firefighting equipment and men were rushed to the scene – a combined force of about 30 men. The smoke was plainly visible from town. Reports now are that the fire has been kept in check with the dying out of the wind and efforts of the men. No houses have been burned.
John Jacobson has been excavating for a large cellar under his residence building at Hovland, and has struck two veins of spring water. Now the problem is what to do with the surplus flow.
Lars Lundquist has been busy sawing his winter supply of wood.
Violet Schoen is now engaged at the printing office as Linotype operator.
If you aren’t too busy stop a few minutes and work the cross-word puzzle in this issue. You will find it interesting. This is a new feature of the News-Herald.
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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