The city of Grand Marais has been discussing and debating an ordinance to end neighborhood conflict over outdoor musical performances for several years. The matter seems to arise every summer as the weather warms and local establishments provide entertainment for customers on decks and patios. I respect the current city council for its determination to resolve this matter—but I... READ MORE >
The billboard stood unceremoniously among the Jerseys and meadow grass in a Wisconsin cow pasture, boldly proclaiming its message. On the left was a 15-foot line graph, in red and in rapid decline, captioned: Investments, Stocks, and Bonds. To the right, a 15-foot high portrait of Wisconsin serenity, a lakeshore emblazoned with the words, "Wisconsin Real Estate." In between,... READ MORE >
With the passing of Irv Benson and the transfer of his five-acre resort, an era has come to an end for the family of Tempest Powell Benson. Barbara Hoffman submitted the following photo and memories of her grandmother. I was awakened this morning by a phone call from my Mom, Betty Skoog. She informed me that Irv Benson had passed... READ MORE >
10 Years Ago · June 28, 1999 • According to local translator maintenance technician Duane Ege, KBJR is back, but not at full power. TheNBC affiliate from Duluth was knocked off the air after a plague of problems including a recent fire and the Easter ice storm. The station has been unable to reach the outer regions of its broadcast... READ MORE >
I lifted the lid of the storage box labeled Fourth of July. Mr. Magoo (my pug) poked his nose over the edge to see if any food crumbs might be there. No food—just American flags; red white and blue candles; and a stars and stripes quilt hanging. I was setting out my Independence Day decorations. I understood Mr. Magoo’s lack... READ MORE >
For the past month, the core members of the Cook County boys’ basketball team have been traveling to the University of Wisconsin-Superior to compete in a summer basketball league. Each Sunday, the Vikings go down and compete in two games against other Northeastern Minnesota and Wisconsin schools. 22 schools in total are in the league. I have been asked... READ MORE >
In the past few years I’ve noticed that some people refer to the annual Fisherman’s Picnic as the “Fish Pic.” I don’t know how, who, or why it started, but personally, as someone who grew up here, it bugs me no end. I find it kind of disrespectful, even offensive… It makes no sense. It isn’t cool or cute. If... READ MORE >
I am writing in response to the “General Notice” to control or eradicate noxious weeds and grasshoppers. What? The taxpaying public owns less than 10 percent of the land area in Cook County. How can an average citizen be responsible for all of the noxious weed problem when government is in charge? I have yet to see more than two... READ MORE >
I would like to say the article Pelican perishes from lead poisoning, seemed to put the cart before the horse. The header was misleading in the fact that the poor bird was not proven to have died from lead poisoning, it was assumed. The jury is still out on this one. Innocent until proven guilty, they say. Yes, the symptoms... READ MORE >
