September 2023

Believe what you want, but don’t be a victim

Is the Herald so desperate for submissions to the Editor that it must resort to reprinting Rae Piepho’s religious sermon which we all have heard ad nauseam? God the Father’s punishment for being human, sinful, less-than-perfect is hell after death. Sounds abusive! But Jesus “paid it ahead” for you when he suffered a miserable death thousands of years ago so you may thus avoid hell’s punishment and live forever in a blissful heaven, but only if you submit to this Jesus figure. Hero worship is required.

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Dedicate your life to love and respect

Please forgive my perhaps predictable (for those who know me) response to Rae Piepho’s impassioned letter to the editor regarding the Christian Bible and today's world. I respect her and others who hold the Bible to such high esteem and find answers, strength, comfort and hope therein. I really do! Nevertheless, I think a bit of caution might be in order before giving oneself completely to biblical teachings.

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Letters to the Editor

Momentum builds for clean energy projects As someone who works across Minnesota helping communities harness the benefits of clean energy, I am thoroughly impressed by Northeast Minnesota community clean energy efforts. The region is home to various meaningful clean energy related projects. Among others, projects led by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa come to mind.

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COUNTY CONNECTIONS

This year, more than others, has seen multiple days during which the Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air quality alert due to wildfires. Climate change has led to an increase in the length of wildfire season, the frequency of wildfires, and the total area burned, a trend that is predicted to continue in the coming years. Even when fires are far upwind of Cook County, wildfire smoke can lead to poor air quality locally, which, in turn, can lead to negative health affects for those of us who live, work, and play in the area.

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U of M study confirms brain worm to blame for moose population decline in northern Minnesota

Grand Portage Band plays a big part of the research University of Minnesota Press release Minnesota saw a 58 percent decline of the moose population in the northeastern part of the state between 2006 and 2017. A primary driver of the decline is brainworm, a parasite that affects the animal’s nervous system ultimately leading to paralysis and death.

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Forest Service denies Lutsen Mountain Ski Hill Expansion Project

Lutsen Mountains’ plans to expand its operations onto National Forest lands have run into some hurdles through the years, but the latest one will be hard to overcome. The Superior National Forest released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Record of Decision (ROD) on August 25, denying Lutsen Mountains to expand its ski hill onto adjacent National Forest System lands in the Tofte Ranger District of the Superior National Forest.

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North Superior Ski and Run Club receives two grants for the Pincushion Trails Rehabilitation Project

North Superior Ski and Run Club (NSSRC) announces that is has received $10,000 from the Legacy Trails Program, administered by American Trails, for the Pincushion Trails Rehabilitation Project, Cook County, Minnesota. In addition, NSSRC has received $12,500 from the Department of Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation for the rehabilitation project and purchase of a new flail mower.

Read MoreNorth Superior Ski and Run Club receives two grants for the Pincushion Trails Rehabilitation Project