Staff reports


Latest Articles:

Local artist seeks mosaic donations for wall project

Karen Neal of Hovland is encouraging local artists to participate in a fundraiser to benefit public art projects such as creation of a new wall mural in Grand Marais. “I recently finished a 12-inch by 12-inch mosaic for the A’RT (Art ‘Round Town) fundraiser which will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais from Feb. 14 through... READ MORE >

Avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the enactment of the Minnesota Carbon Monoxide Alarm Statute, which requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all newly constructed, single and multi-family dwellings. “Thanks to efforts of Minnesota legislators, many potential CO-related injuries or deaths have been prevented,” said Deborah Hanson of First Alert, a manufacturer of residential CO detection devices. “But installing... READ MORE >

DNR seeks comments on Grand Marais area lake and stream management plans

Citizens interested in learning about or commenting on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) strategies for managing Grand Marais area lakes and streams have until Jan. 3 to ask questions or submit comments. “Management plans describe the past, present and desired future conditions of the waters,” said Steve Persons, Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor. “The plans identify specific management activities... READ MORE >

School board member sought upon resignation of Mary Sanders

Cook County Schools will soon be in need of a new District 3 school board member to represent the west Grand Marais area. At the November 21, 2013 school board meeting, Mary Sanders submitted a letter of resignation, effective December 6, after 11 years on the board. She is building a new house and moving out of her district. The... READ MORE >

Middle School Knowledge Bowl represents Cook County well

The Cook County Middle School Knowledge Bowl teams have completed their 2013 season and both teams advanced to the regional tournament held on November 19, 2013. There were two middle school teams of 7th and 8th graders this year that traveled to Mountain Iron to compete against 24 other teams. Team members were Bryn Soland, Greg Howe, Maya McHugh, Linnea... READ MORE >

Give to Food Shelf before heading south

The Cook County Food Shelf, like many other community food programs, sees increased usage in winter months. A thoughtful West End resident offered a tip for snowbirds who don’t want to haul their non-perishable foodstuffs south. Instead of boxing up those groceries, donate them to the food shelf! It’s very easy to do. Donations can be dropped off at the... READ MORE >

Bell ringing at Red Kettles helps meet needs in Cook County

A local holiday tradition begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving—the annual (and only) effort to raise funds for meeting needs in Cook County by the Salvation Army. This effort can only succeed with the help of many bell-ringers (or music providers) who attend the Red Kettles in the main grocery stores of Grand Marais and Tofte weekdays and Saturdays until... READ MORE >

School and county consider support of biomass heat system

Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) representatives appeared before several governmental entities this month with updates on the investigation of whether or not it is feasible to heat government and commercial buildings in Grand Marais with a central biomass-fueled heating plant. ISD 166 unsure about 25-year contract Paul Nelson and Gary Atwood talked to the ISD 166 school board on... READ MORE >

Youth Metal Tooling Workshop at the Grand Marais Public Library

The Grand Marais Public Library invites children 7 – 12 and older to participate in a unique art experience— metal tooling—on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. Shannon Cousino, education director for the Duluth Art Institute, will be conducting the workshop. Participants will create a picture frame using rolls of soft aluminum and chopsticks as the tool to draw... READ MORE >

Huge results for Cook County motocross racers

In the 2013 dirt bike race season Cook County riders once again showed huge results. In the Northern Series conducted at the Echo Valley Race track in Brookston, Minn., Lance “Boomer” Wilson of Grand Marais won second place overall racing in the Senior 40+ B class. Devin Smith of Grand Marais won first place overall in the 250 C class.... READ MORE >