July 2025

Brain Health Fair

Care Partners is thrilled to present their first Brain Health Fair, a unique event focused on promoting brain health and supporting those living with memory loss. Join us on Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, outdoors on the east end of Wisconsin Street between Drury Lane Books and East Bay Suites. The event will feature booths from community businesses and organizations that highlight tips and tricks for loving your brain Each booth will feature a diverse range of complimentary interactive activities that promote brain health, from fun games to informative quizzes. Group demonstrations will also be scheduled throughout the Fair, offering a chance to try activities like yoga, storytelling, Zumba, and balance exercises. Care Partners Executive Director Julie Wilson hopes that this event “not only helps people understand conditions like dementia but also gets them excited about taking positive steps toward better brain health at any age. Our community partners have put a lot of thought and creativity into their booth activities, and some of the brain-healthy habits they present might be surprising.”

Read MoreBrain Health Fair

News of Students

Silas Sobanja, Grand Marais, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls during spring commencement in May 2025.

Read MoreNews of Students

Conservation Officer Tales

Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are a few that run afoul of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers. Periodically, the DNR provides a report of some of the miscreants the Conservation Officers (CO) have encountered. The News-Herald shares these stories as a reminder to all to be safe and to follow the rules!

Read MoreConservation Officer Tales

2025 Hovland Art Festival draws well

Held on July 5th and 6th, the 18th annual Hovland Art Festival once again was a big hit, as people came from near and far to attend. The festival proudly showcased the work of 37 talented local artists, with music provided by Emma Tweeten, Jim Miller, Joe Paulik, Brothers in Arms, Michele Miller, and Tina and Drew. The Arrowhead Regional Council of Arts, North Shore Music Association, and Visit Cook County helped make the music possible. Shannon Crossbear, storyteller, was once again part of the great two-day event, held inside the Hovland Town Hall and in a wide variety of tents on the town hall grounds.

Read More2025 Hovland Art Festival draws well

Rec Park numbers up!

In his July 1 report to the park board Grand Marais Parks and Rec Director Dave Tersteeg said that June 2025 revenues outpaced June 2024 revenues by seven percent and that the year-todate- revenue is four percent higher than last year.

Read MoreRec Park numbers up!

HRA Director hopes to have community conversations about housing needs in the county

As Executive Director of the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, I share the commitment of the HRA Board as well as our Cook County Commissioners in helping to make housing more attainable for the people who live and work within the county. The HRA is working to expand housing options, support local residents, and to ensure that Cook County remains a place where individuals and families of all incomes can call home.

Read MoreHRA Director hopes to have community conversations about housing needs in the county