20 YEARS AGO
SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
Minnesota DNR biologists will examine a six-pound five-ounce brook trout that might be the new state record. The fish was caught in the Pigeon River by a Grand Portage man.
Industrial and commercial land within the city limits of Grand Marais will see a state-ordered 10 percent increase in tax valuation next year. The order does not include developed property. A state official said the changes take effect immediately and are necessary because of a history of low valuations in the county.
Following a lengthy discussion full of input from seasonal campers, the Grand Marais Park and Recreation Board voted unanimously to recommend to city council that campground fees remain unchanged next year. And, going a step farther, the park board also voted to ask the city’s Public Utilities Commission to lower a controversial 1999 surcharge assessed on campground users from 20 to 15 percent. Implementation of the surcharge marked a steady and ongoing decline in both the revenue and number of visitors to the campground.
30 YEARS AGO
SEPTEMBER 10, 1990
It may seem incredible, even impossible, but downtown Grand Marais may have been the warmest location in all of Minnesota last Tuesday noon. With the noon temperature a steamy 84 degrees, Grand Marais was anything but its typical refrigerated self. At the same time, weather stations across the rest of Minnesota were reporting a range of temperatures from 73 to 80.
As of last Thursday, no candidates had filed for the two City of Grand Marais council positions. Incumbents Mike Quaife and Joyce Heiskari have both said they will not file again for re-election.
The Sawbill Trail will be reconstructed and widened over the upcoming decade in preparation for eventual paving. “The road will be built to standards so we can blacktop it when the funds are available,” said County Engineer Bill Tardy. “The traffic count on the Sawbill Trail is high enough to meet blacktopping standards. Over the long run, paving will mean less road maintenance,” he said.
60 YEARS AGO
SEPTEMBER 8, 1960
Taking part in a church clothing drive last year, Mrs. Orton Tofte left her name and address in the pocket of one of the garments. The recipient was a person in East Germany who sent word through relatives in Weensiedel, Germany and through a friend in Miami, Florida expressing thanks for the fine gift.
Interesting school exhibits at the County Fair included a box full of puppets and a science compass made by a sixth grader from Lutsen; a cardboard submarine and a big dollhouse complete with furniture and stick puppets from Tofte; hand-made instruments and a booklet of history of Grand Portage from Grand Portage; an outstanding booklet of art designs, a rock collection and a booklet on transportation from Hovland.
100 YEARS AGO
SEPTEMBER 8, 1920
The U.S. lighthouse tender Marigold arrived in the harbor Tuesday with supplies for the local lighthouse.
Mrs. Thomas Reed of Grove City reports raising a chicken that has four legs. Two of the legs are shorter than the ones it uses to walk on, but it is perfectly developed otherwise.
A lady who came here from Pine City to seek relief from illness has penned these little thoughts on Grand Marais:
Thy skies are Italian blue,
Thy clouds drop sweetest waters.
Thy sons are noble, strong and true.
The fairest are thy daughters.
I love thy winding, limpid streams,
I love thy sunshine golden gleams.
O! Grand Marais, land of golden light —
Thy sunbeams are a treasure.
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 ccnh@boreal.org; or stop by our office at 15 First Avenue West.
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