During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses were shut down or their hours cut back, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security (CARES) Act, which established the SPA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP offered loans for forgiveness that allowed business owners to cover payroll and keep their doors open through the pandemic. The PPP began... READ MORE >
On a busy Friday August 26, the signs went up fast at some areas businesses: “Cash or check only. We don’t have access to the internet to accept credit card payments.” And for those patrons who didn’t have cash or a checkbook on them, the businesses wrote down credit card numbers so the bill could be run when the service... READ MORE >
Mini looked at me and didn’t know what to do? I had taken her leash off and she just stood there, big brown eyes questioning why she was unleashed. “Run,” I said. And without a second invitation she was off, checking the trails of the newly opened dog park. She never went too far before returning to me as a... READ MORE >
The pandemic has spurred many lifestyle changes and one of them has been that Americans have been adopting more puppies than ever. Tracking that information has been TOP Data Marketing Agency, a research-agency who collects and analyzes information and broadcast its findings via news media. Noting that National Dog Day was Friday August 26, a big day for dog owners,... READ MORE >
Fans of Catlin Nicol-Thomas will get a chance to see this talented Nashville musician/singer/actor perform in the area. Every year after she finishes a family trip into the BWCA Catlin shows up and plays at different venues. Most times there isn’t much notice and folks don’t get a chance to come out and catch her act but this year there... READ MORE >
Sunday, August 28, was warm, cloudy, and damp, but that didn’t stop folks from coming out to participate in the Care Partners fundraiser at Sydney’s Frozen Custard. The yearly event gives Care Partners a chance to tell people about the services they provide and present volunteer opportunities to people who come by to enjoy a sundae. For $5, people also... READ MORE >
The Cook County High School Vikings football team participated in a scrimmage in Mountain Iron on Saturday, August 27. Scrimmages help coaches decide who will start, who is getting better, who is learning the schemes that will be used in varsity games. One of the big unknowns is who will emerge to play quarterback for the Vikings? Last season’s starter... READ MORE >
Meeting in the courtroom because the commissioner’s room was used for voting, the Cook County Commissioners had a lengthy conversation about the wage and benefit study that is in the formative stages. Commissioner David Mills gave the backdrop for the six or seven meetings that have taken place by a working committee. The committee is comprised of employees representing department... READ MORE >
Football practice is underway, and the coaches are running the kids through various drills to help with conditioning and build strength and coordination. The players are also learning the offense and defensive systems they will use this year, and with the first game scheduled for September 2, there’s not a second to lose. The 2022 Cook County Vikings have 25... READ MORE >
Viking head volleyball coach Marlene Wester greeted 28 players to her 2022 squad. The players have been practicing their skills and conditioning for the last two weeks. Did you know that a player will jump on average of 300 times during a match? A regulation volleyball court is 29 feet, six inches wide by 59 feet. That’s a lot of... READ MORE >
