Staff reports


Latest Articles:

Cook County continues to support VetDogs

From World War II to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Cook County is home to almost 700 veterans. Although the residents of Grand Marais honor their veterans in a variety of ways, some wanted to do more. Pastor EvaLyn Carlson of the First Congregational United Church of Christ began to search for a way to bring together people with... READ MORE >

Sequestration affects Grand Portage National Monument hours

Grand Portage National Monument staff will temporarily open the historic Lake Superior fur trade depot at Grand Portage for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 25-27. The historic depot will be closed again from May 28-31. During that time the heritage center will remain open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily. Chief of Interpretation Pam Neil said the National Monument... READ MORE >

Cook County Family YMCA announces director

After a lengthy process, the Cook County Family YMCA has named Emily Marshall its Branch Executive Director. Marshall will begin her new role on May 13, 2013. Marshall is currently employed as the aquatics director with the Duluth Area Family YMCA where she has been serving since 2002. Marshall has served in numerous other roles for the YMCA, including member... READ MORE >

Mesabi Range College offers forest archaeology class

Interested in archaeology, field work or native cultures? Mesabi Range College is offering students an opportunity to learn archaeological methods and help find and record actual prehistoric and historic cultural sites in the Superior National Forest. The class is being presented this summer by Mesabi Range College in conjunction with the Superior National Forest Heritage Resource Program. For details and... READ MORE >

Ham Run happening— snow, rain or shine

Winter on the Gunflint Trail has been reminiscent of the Energizer Bunny—it keeps going and going and going. With ice still on the lakes and snow on the ground it’s hard to believe the Ham Run half-marathon is right around the corner but it is. Are you ready? For those who aren’t ready for the half-marathon, there is the chance... READ MORE >

DNR seeks volunteers for frog and toad calling survey

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) nongame wildlife program is recruiting volunteers for a frog and toad calling survey to help track the health of the state’s 14 species. This effort is part of the nationwide North American amphibian monitoring program. “Without the dedication of generous volunteers, this project would not be possible,” said Heidi Cyr, frog and toad... READ MORE >

Bear hunt applications available until May 3

Applications for Minnesota bear hunting licenses are available through May 3, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced. A total of 3,750 licenses are available in 11 permit areas. The number of available licenses for 2013 is about 35 percent fewer than the 6,000 licenses available in 2012. The 2012 bear harvest was 2,604. That was a 22 percent... READ MORE >

Brazilian native charged with criminal sexual conduct

Ricardo Alfredo Lobato Santos, 29, of Brazil, now residing in Grand Portage, has been charged with criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree and solicitation of a child to engage in sexual conduct. According to the court complaint, the Cook County Sheriff ’s Department received a report on January 15, 2013 that a 14-year-old had told a trusted adult that... READ MORE >

Burn before snowmelt, DNR says

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages homeowners to complete necessary open burning now, as restrictions will take effect shortly after snowmelt occurs. “Warm temperatures will continue to erode the snowpack in the next few weeks,” said Larry Himanga, DNR fire prevention coordinator. “This will expose last year’s leaves and other yard waste. The safest way to dispose of... READ MORE >

County to take part in statewide tornado drill April 18

Because severe weather can threaten the lives and property of Minnesotans at any time, Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed April 15-19 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. On Thursday, April 18, Cook County will join with the National Weather Service in statewide tornado drills at 1:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Plan to participate with your colleagues in the afternoon and with... READ MORE >