The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched “Get Out Minnesota”—a new website for kids ages 5 through 11. The site uses games and interactive tools to educate children about Minnesota’s state parks and trails. Kids accrue points by playing games on the site and then visiting select Minnesota state parks, state recreation areas and state trails, where they... READ MORE >
A recent collaboration of volunteers has led to a significant community donation. Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church raised $1,750 for its Good Samaritan Fund at a garage sale held at the Grand Marais home of Reed and Barabara Holaday on August 17, 2013. Each year, the church donates 10 percent of its previous year’s operating budget to its Good... READ MORE >
A newly published book written by a man with roots in Cook County is available as a historical resource for others with local ties. An American Story by Jesse McIntyre III is a historic account of nine families who left their homes in Europe to eventually settle in southeastern Missouri and the Missouri Ozarks and along Minnesota’s North Shore. The... READ MORE >
The Cook County Highway Department will be hosting an open house to discuss upcoming projects on the Gunflint Trail (County State Aid Highway 12). The open house will be held 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center. Two Gunflint Trail projects are slated for 2014 and 2015. They consist of replacement of the portion of... READ MORE >
Two films will be presented at WaterLegacy movie night Aug. 24 at Betsy Bowen’s What’s Upstairs Grand Marais studio. The public is invited to come for one or both films. There is no charge, and popcorn and soft drinks will be served. WaterLegacy is a citizens’ group formed in response to concerns about the first nonferrous (sulfide) mine proposed in... READ MORE >
The Tofte Historical Society has a lot to celebrate – 20 years as a historical society, the return of a historic boat, and a new shelter to house it. The public is invited to a celebration at the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum at 2:00 p.m. on August 24. The Viking fishing boat will receive a warm welcome as it... READ MORE >
Invasive species – plants not natural to this area that aggressively displace indigenous plants – affect human health, economics, and forest ecology, according to Angelique Edgerton, invasive species coordinator with the Cook County Invasive Team. Invasive plants are present in Cook County, and to help people learn how to control them, several workshops are being held in August. The workshops... READ MORE >
Protecting lakes and streams from construction runoff is the purpose of a statewide permit recently approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Citizens’ Board. The MPCA explains that construction runoff can contain pollutants, such as sediment that fills in lakes and wetlands, nutrients that fuel algal blooms, and chemicals harmful to fish and other life. Severe erosion can threaten... READ MORE >
At Cook County Higher Education’s next Guest Lecture event, the speaker will be Margaret Watkins, water quality specialist, presenting Mine Effluent Treatment Technology and Financial Assurance. Watkins will speak on Thursday, July 18, 2013, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the North Shore Campus in Grand Marais. The presentation will raise questions and discuss key points around this controversial issue, including:... READ MORE >
The Cook County West End Garden Club will hold its annual Flower Show on Saturday, July 20 at the Schroeder Town Hall, 124 Cramer Road (Cook County 1) in Schroeder from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Fanciful Flights.” The Garden Club members cordially invite anyone, whether resident of the community or visitor, to participate in this event... READ MORE >
