Ask a Trooper

Question: I see the sign boards along the highway with different messages posted. Do they use these for Amber Alerts? I know I get the alert on my phone and was just curious.

The Public Is Invited to Share Input on the North Shore Management Plan

The North Shore Management Board is inviting the public to participate in an important new survey aimed at gathering public input on the North Shore Management Plan. This survey is part of a broader effort to better understand the challenges we face and to a guide for future development while maintaining the unique character of the shore for all.

New Hospital board members are sworn in at a special hospital board meeting

Cook County Deputy Court Administrator Kim Shepard gave the Oath of Office to newly elected North Shore Health Hospital board of directors Milan Schmidt-District 2 and Sam Usem-District 4 at the special hospital board meeting held Thursday, January 2. Both new board members terms expire on December 31, 2028.

December 2024 Lodging Tax Report

Attached is the December 2024 Lodging Tax Report from the Auditor's Office for October 2024 collections. The Visit Cook County Income Study shows that October collections were up 3.1% over 2023, and Fiscal-Year-to-Date collections are up 0.1%. Compared to fiscal year 19-20, October collections are up 45.9%. Please recall that last month, the Auditor's Office reported a larger late payer in the Gunflint Tourism Association region, and both last month's and this month's lodging tax collection are reported for October instead of being split between September and October.

Federal Wilderness bill affecting the Thye-Blatnik bill does not pass Congress

Despite its successful passage in the U.S. Senate in December 2024, the federal wilderness bill, a crucial initiative by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith to permanently address the 1948 Thye-Blatnik bill, faced a setback in the House of Representatives. This development carries significant implications for the residents of Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties.