November 2023
Down Memory Lane
20 YEARS AGO NOVEMBER 7, 2003 v The Grand Marais Fire Department’s plans to replace one of its aging trucks within the next five years stayed on track last week when city council approved a 2004 budget which sets aside $15,000 for the new vehicle. Although a new fire truck is expected to cost between $150,000 and $200,000, Assistant Fire Chief Tim McLean said the department has a plan in place to gradually come up with the necessary funding.
Cook County 1 percent Local Option Sales Tax
One way to show the strength of tourism in the area is to look at the 1 percent local option sales tax for this year versus last year over the same period. And a close look shows that tourism is on the rise in Cook County.
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic welcomes new provider
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic (SMC) is pleased to announce that Kristin DeArruda Wharton will be joining our team of providers in 2024. Kristin DeArruda Wharton is a nurse practitioner trained in primary care of the family and adult and geriatric acute care. SMC CEO Kate Surbaugh notes, 'Kristin's career has demonstrated commitment to providing quality care for rural communities and closely aligns with the missions and values of SMC.'
COUNTY CONNECTIONS
Veterans Day “America’s finest – our men and women in uniform – are a force for good throughout the world, and that is nothing to apologize for.” Sarah Palin On Saturday, November 11, we once again take time to honor the men and women of our armed forces. In 1921, an American soldier – his name “known but to God” – was buried on a Virginia hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C.
Grand Marais PUC sets electric rates for 2024
The Grand Marais Public Utility Commission Board met on Thursday, November 1, and reviewed the city's Electric budget in great detail before passing a two percent utility rate increase for 2024. City Administrator Mike Roth talked about some new—albeit small— revenue the city was receiving from the vehicle charging stations and the solar power generated from the roof of the public works building, with the power being sold to Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA).
Northland Foundation announces 35 quarterly grants awarded July through September
More than one-third of funding went toward helping sustain and expand child care in northeast Minnesota. From July through September, the Northland Foundation awarded 35 quarterly grants totaling $603,500 to support northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
Rep. Lislegard and Sen. Hauschild appointed to serve on new legislative EMS task force
Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman has appointed Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) and Senate MajorityLeaderKariDziedzic has appointed Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL – Hermantown) to serve on the Legislature’s new Joint Task Force on Emergency Medical Services. The panel will be charged with examining new ways the Legislature can strengthen the lifesaving services EMS personnel provide, including in rural areas where providers are facing challenges.