Staff reports


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Grants available for local nonprofits

Does your nonprofit organization need financial help? If so, consider a grant through the Cook County Community Fund. This year the Community Fund is able to offer limited grants to qualified nonprofit organizations in Cook County. These grants are made possible by individual donors who have established either permanent endowment funds and/or given unrestricted gifts to ensure that the Community... READ MORE >

Sliding scale for health care

The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic continues to offer a sliding scale payment plan for its patients. Suzanne Davies, program coordinator, said the clinic is in its 32nd year of providing the Primary Care Sliding Fee Scale Program. New this year is extended dental and mental health visits with local providers. This program is made possible through a grant from the US... READ MORE >

Jim Hall recognized by national association

The National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARC&DC) has announced that Jim Hall of Laurentian Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council in Duluth has been inducted into the National Association’s Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the RC&D Program. Hall, a former Cook County commissioner and Lutsen resident, was chosen because of his tremendous commitment to... READ MORE >

Independence Party candidate challenges Oberstar

Tim Olson of Orr was nominated by the Independence Party of Minnesota at their 8th District Convention in Hinckley to challenge Rep. Jim Oberstar (D) in the upcoming November election. Oberstar has faced little opposition in his 30-plus years in office, but this year could be different. Olson could be a tough opponent as he is well known in logging... READ MORE >

Do You Harvest the Wind?

In order to compile a resource database of the wind power usage in Cook County, the Wind Working Group, a part of the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP), is looking for people who use the wind. The goal is to promote the use of wind power by informing people about what works and what does not work in Cook... READ MORE >

Missing Michigan man found dead in Grand Portage

When the 2008 Pontiac Vibe of a missing man from Allouez, Michigan was spotted in the parking lot of the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino on April 13, it was hoped that the mystery of his disappearance would be solved. Unfortunately, later that day, Marvin Leroy Manninen, 66, was found deceased a few miles from the lodge on the shore... READ MORE >

ISD 166 adds healthier options to A la Carte

Cook County Schools ISD 166 cafeteria is busy. Nearly 400 children ages 5 to 18 can stream through the “lunch line” for a nutritious meal each school day. Students in middle school (grades 6-8) and high school have the additional option of purchasing food from the “A la carte” line. Just like in a café or restaurant, students can pick... READ MORE >

“Saplings” receives $5,000 grant

TheSaplings preschool program, located in Tofte at the Birch Grove Community Center, has received a $5,000 grant from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation. “This program, unlike most preschools, runs on participation fees alone. This has been a challenging year for the program and this grant came just in time! We are thankful that the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation board believes... READ MORE >

Tofteys nominated for regional business award

A Grand Marais business has been nominated for a Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Award. Dockside Fish Market owners Shelé and Harley Toftey have been nominated in the “Established Entrepreneur” category. They have owned and operated the downtown business since June 1998. Asked how it feels to be nominated, Shelé Toftey said, “Looking at the other nominees, it is really an... READ MORE >

Win the Minnesota Cup with entrepreneurial ideas

What’s the recipe for entrepreneurial success in Minnesota? Participating in the Minnesota Cup – a statewide contest designed to seek out, support, celebrate and promote Minnesota’s newest and most innovative business ideas. 2009 competition finalists have taken their Minnesota Cup experiences and gone on to secure more than $8 million in capital and broker numerous business partnerships, collaborations and distribution... READ MORE >