Brian Larsen, long-time reporter here at the Cook County News-Herald, received some well-deserved recognition at this year’s Grandma’s Marathon. 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the event, and Brian, as one of the marathon’s founders, has been involved since day one. From stuffing race packets and painting the finish lines to working as the assistant race director, he has filled... READ MORE >
With an eye toward increasing bicycle tourism, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) had worked out a route for bicyclists starting in St. Paul and working its way through Duluth and up to Grand Portage. The goal is to achieve official designation for this planned 325-mile route by October 2016. In the meantime, MnDOT representative, Liz Walton, has put on... READ MORE >
A spirited debate occurred at the Lutsen town meeting on Tuesday, May 17 as the two supervisors present, Lynn Rose and Andrew Beavers, revisited the board’s previous decision to raise the monthly stipend for both the Fire and EMS department chiefs and assistant chiefs. It had been over 10 years since the wages were last raised, and Fire Chief Larry... READ MORE >
Kristofer Bowman, originally from Aurora, Minnesota, did not expect to find himself starting his new business in Grand Marais. Prior to opening, Bowman had worked as a jewelry buyer for a gift store and also had a store in Indianapolis for a few years. “I actually always thought that I would move back to Minneapolis,” said Bowman. “Even when I... READ MORE >
“How many of you have done something with Higher Ed?” asked Paula Sundet Wolf of the crowd gathered at Voyageur Brewing Wednesday evening, May 18. With much laughter, hands filled the air. Nearly everyone in the room had somehow benefited from the services provided by Cook County Higher Education. It was no surprise since the small crowd filling the room... READ MORE >
City Administrator Mike Roth came to the council meeting on Wednesday, May 25 with a complete list of the people who had been recommended for the city’s comprehensive plan steering committee. The names came from both council members and from people who had been asked for suggestions by the council. After compiling the list of suggestions, Roth said he had... READ MORE >
Intending to put together a steering committee for the comprehensive city plan, the council has been gathering a list of people who might be interested in serving. During the meeting on Wednesday, May 11, plans for the committee began to move forward as the council discussed what the members could expect and who would be qualified to serve on the... READ MORE >
Jim Starr, a Hovland resident, had some company on May 7, 2016 as a group from The Institute on Lake Superior Geology made their way along the North Shore, stopping at various points along the way. The institute is a nonprofit organization that has been meeting annually since 1955 at various locations near Lake Superior in both the U.S. and... READ MORE >
The chilly weather and unexpected dusting of snow on Friday, May 13 did not deter Cook County residents as they trekked up the Gunflint Trail to pick up their pine and spruce seedlings for the annual Hedstrom Lumber seedling giveaway. The 25,000 seedlings, divided into three small stacks according to the type of tree, took up surprisingly little room in... READ MORE >
Author Kathy Rice has published yet another book brimming with stories about the guests and recipes that are the flavor of The Pie Place Cafe. Secrets of the Pie Place Café: Recipes and Stories Through the Seasons features not only a wide variety of great recipes, but also the relationships that grew between the staff and their many guests. “Then,... READ MORE >
