October 2025

The September 2025 Lodging Tax Report from the Auditor’s Office for July 2025 collections. The Visit Cook County Income Study shows that July collections increased by 6.4% over 2024, and Fiscal-Year-to-Date collections are up 6.5%. Compared to fiscal year 2019-2020, July collections are up 36.3%.

It has come to our attention that scammers may be targeting residents who apply to or contact the Cook County Land Services department. The scammers are impersonating Land Services staff. This scam is also happening in several counties across the state. We were informed by multiple citizens that they received an email impersonating a Land Services employee and asked for $7,000 via wire transfer for their variance. Please know that Cook County Land Services will never contact you by email requesting payment via wire transfer.

The Grand Marais City Council met on Sept. 24 to discuss developing an Urban Forest Management Plan, a strategic initiative that will significantly enhance our city’s greenery and environmental health. This plan aims to grow and maintain our tree inventory, with the goal of contributing to stormwater management, energy conservation, improved air quality, CO2 sequestration, noise reduction, aesthetic appeal, and habitat preservation.

The Cook County/Grand Marais EDA made its final grant of the year by authorizing a business development grant of up to $10,693 to Beaver House LLC, reaffirming the EDA’s commitment to supporting local businesses.