Valerie Marasco


Latest Articles:

Aging Well Resources Cook County, A New Program for Cook County Seniors

The Cook County Aging Coalition is pleased to introduce Aging Well Resources Cook County, a new “one-stop” guide to local programs, events, and support. Aging Well Resources includes a comprehensive easy-to-use website designed for residents of Cook County, as well as a Care Navigator for phone assistance. It’s never been easier for Cook County seniors to find the information they... READ MORE >

Real Estate leaders invest in health through new foundation partnership

The North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF) is teaming up with local real estate leaders in an innovative new partnership that invests in local health. The Listings That Give Back: Foundation Home Program is a pilot project developed by the Foundation in which local real estate professionals donate a percentage of the commissions received from the sale of selected Foundation... READ MORE >

Oral Health Task Force receives funding to continue care mission

The Oral Health Task Force (OHTF), a program of the North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF), has recently secured four grants to continue its mission to provide greater access to and address gaps in oral health care for the children of Cook County and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Task Force received funding from: . The... READ MORE >

Unique partnership delivers for K-9 unit and public safety

On Tuesday, May 28, staff from the Cook County Highway Department transported K-9 Eddy’s agility equipment to the Cook County Airport where they also assisted the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office in setting up the course for K-9 Eddy to keep his skills sharp and continue his ongoing training. The students of Cook County High School/Middle School Industrial Arts classes... READ MORE >

K-9 Unit assists and deters death by suicide call

On June 5, 2019, Cook County Sheriff ’s Deputies responded to a possible suicidal person call at the Hungry Hippie Hostel, approximately 10 miles northeast of Grand Marais. Initial reports stated that a 21-year-old male hostel guest was intending to complete suicide and had run off into the woods with a knife. Deputy Jonathan Baumann requested K-9 Unit assistance from... READ MORE >

Gunflint Trail VFD evacuates Sag/Seagull area for training drill

This week, the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department/EMS, in conjunction with the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office and Dispatch, Emergency Management & PIO Department, Cook County Search & Rescue (SAR), and the U.S. Forest Service Superior National Forest, led an evacuation exercise at the end of the Gunflint Trail. With command staff based out of Hall 3 located next to... READ MORE >

County Road 45 right of way acquisition to begin soon

Cook County continues to move forward with the planned Pike Lake Road (CR 45) reconstruction project. In the coming weeks, representatives with the consulting firm WSB will contact property owners to arrange on-site meetings with each. The highway department contracted with WSB to facilitate right of way acquisition services and landowner communications for this project, and WSB’s meetings with property... READ MORE >

Stint of vandalism and damage to vehicles occurring in city

Multiple incidents of damage to vehicles and graffiti within the City of Grand Marais have been reported to the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office over the last few days. The vandal(s) is marking or scratching the sign “5 – D” with multiple lines either under the writing or in the vicinity of the marking, on each vehicle. One vehicle also... READ MORE >

Firewise— Saving lives and properties from wildfire

Firewise is a national program, adopted by Minnesota and Cook County. Firewise encourages local solutions for wildfire safety by involving homeowners, community leaders, planners, developers, firefighters, and others in the effort to protect people and property from wildfire risks. Locally, Cook County has developed a successful and active Firewise Committee and mitigation program across the county. Cook County’s Firewise coordinator... READ MORE >

Cook County’s radio analyst wins award at state conference

At the 2019 Public Safety Communication Conference hosted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Communications Networks in St. Cloud, a presentation of Outstanding Leadership Awards was held. Across the state, there are seven regional Emergency Communication Boards and each region chose an elected official and a non-elected individual who has played a significant role in supporting... READ MORE >