Lodging tax income down for first half of 2009
Grand Marais area lodging establishments are faring much better so far this year than lodging establishments in the West End and on the Gunflint Trail, according to a quarterly report on the 3% tax assessed in the three lodging districts. Full Story
Weekly Weather
Photo by Nancy Ullrich There is a slight fall chill in the air and daylight hours are getting shorter. But fall also brings brilliant sunsets, like this one on Poplar Lake. Full Story
Nelson's Towing purchases Birch Grove bus garage
At the July 28 meeting of School District 166, it was announced that the district had signed an agreement to sell the bus garage it owned at the Birch Grove Community Center/School in Tofte. Since the sale was pending, the purchaser's name was not revealed. Full Story
Final hearings on two proposed DNR land exchanges
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not normally seek public input regarding potential land exchanges in the early planning stages, however it made an exception in 2008. DNR Division of Forestry representatives provided information to the public on a possible land exchange between the agency and seasonal Hovland resident Larry DeWester. Full Story
Dealing with racism
Wynton Marsalis, in his book, Moving to Higher Ground¸ shares an important lesson he learned at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans from the realistic, but painful, Full Story
Cook County Schools meeting No Child Left Behind standards
Cook County Schools achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status for the scores of its students on Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) during the 2008-09 school year. Full Story
County drops local insurance agent
At the recommendation of Cook County Personnel Director Janet Simonen, the county board unanimously passed a motion July 21, 2009 to have an outside company send out requests for proposals (RFPs) for life and long-term disability insurance policies on the county's behalf. Full Story
Sheriff's Office to conduct alcohol compliance checks
TheCook County Sheriff 's Officehas received a $3,600 grant from the Minnesota Institute of Public Health to conduct alcohol compliance checks between August 1, 2009 and May 15, 2010. Full Story
Planning Commission recommends rezoning for Thompson Performance
Nearly 30 people turned out for the Cook County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on Wednesday, August 12 to ask questions or show support for a zoning change for Thompson Performance on the outskirts of Grand Marais. Full Story
County board decides to pursue broadband stimulus grant
The county board met in special session Friday, August 7, 2009 to decide whether to authorize application for a federal stimulus grant that would bring high-capacity broadband Internet service to homes and businesses throughout Cook County. Full Story
1st and 2nd volunteers bring amazing yield to local nonprofits
The volunteers for 1st and 2nd Thrift Shop in Grand Marais have brought their favorite Cook County nonprofits a whopping $40,000.14 this year. Enthusiasm was high at the Senior Center Tuesday, August 18, 2009 as payouts were made to 37 different organizations during an annual celebration coffee. Full Story
Family remembered at Hughie's Taco House
Hughie's Taco House wasn't the first name considered for the unique "Home of the Puffed Taco" in downtown Grand Marais—but it is the perfect name for the successful restaurant opened by family-oriented businesswoman Anna Hamilton. Full Story
City budget still hinges on two unknowns
Even though Grand Marais city councilors devoted their Aug. 12 work session to a discussion of next year's budget, City Administrator Mike Roth cautioned that until two key factors are determined — the amount of state aid the city will receive, Full Story
In other news:
» On the recommendation of the planning commission, two variances were approved. The Cook County Tennis Association will be allowed to construct a wall for a practice court near the existing courts. The wall will be three feet from the east line and five feet from the north line; the required setback is 20 feet. Full Story
Retracing steps of Cook County ministers
Five people walked the 19 miles from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland Sunday, August 9, 2009 in honor of early Cook County pastors who years ago made the trek once a month to hold services and meet with parishioners. Some of those pastors also walked to Lutsen and Tofte as well. Full Story
Photo
Photo by Nancy Ullrich The Gunflint Mid-Trail Property Owners Association once again hosted an amazing auction on Saturday, August 15. Auctioneer Phil Serrin, assisted here by Janet Little, kept bidders on their toes as they vied for a beautiful handmade diamond willow table, handcrafted jewelry, cozy blankets and more. Winning the beautiful quilt raffle was Natalie Rogers from Ishpeming, MI. She is the mother of Darlene Katajamaki, who with her husband owns Loon's Nest Gifts on the Trail. The event raised $5,625 for the Gunflint Volunteer Fire Department. Full Story
Cajun fun coming soon!
The 18th Annual Bayou Boogie celebration at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Friday - Sunday, September 4 - September 6 will feature the return of old friends and new performers. In addition to authentic Louisiana cuisine like jambalaya, gumbo, and shrimp creole; Mardi Gras parades; and games and crafts for kids; there will be some new performers. Full Story
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