Public Input Wanted as Cook County Updates Hazard Mitigation Plan

September 10, 2024 – Cook County residents, community leaders, business owners, area agencies and organizations now have an opportunity to share how severe weather events impact their property and lives. There is also an opportunity to share their ideas on how to reduce local impacts in the future.

Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program invests $10 Million in Two projects on the Superior NF to Expand Work to Confront the Wildfire Crisis as part of Investing in America Agenda

The Kawishiwi Collaborative Fuels Reduction Project has been awarded $5 million in CWRRP funding. This project will restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk in overly dense forests with high wildfire risk in areas of limited access. The project includes reducing hazardous fuels through mechanical and prescribed fire treatments, creating strategic fuel breaks, improving access, and bolstering planning efforts.

Backstage Buzz

The Grand Marais Playhouse will hold auditions for The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree on September 17 at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

FEMA Assistance Available In-Person in Virginia & How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

Homeowners and renters in the 19 designated counties— including Cook, Lake, St. Louis and Itasca—with underinsured or uninsured disaster-related loss from the June 16 - July 4 flooding and severe storms can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or in-person at the Disaster Recovery Center in Virginia. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is September 27, 2024.

Cook County Middle Schoolers learn about the Boundary Waters

This Wednesday, September 11, twenty- seven 7th graders and twenty-nine 6th graders at Cook County Public School participated in some hands on wilderness skills such as fire building and portaging, to learn more about the Boundary Waters.

Let’s Plant Trees expands free native tree seedling distribution for Spring 2025

Let's Plant Trees, a Minnesota nonprofit based in Lutsen, is giving away 15,000 native seedlings across a dozen carefully selected native tree species, for the Spring 2025 planting season. Tree species are chosen based on research from the University of Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources, and other reliable sources, ensuring they are well-suited to thrive amid changing climate conditions. With distribution points expanding in 2025 to Grand Marais, Lutsen, Two Harbors, and Virginia, Minnesota, Let’s Plant Trees aims to reach even more property owners while underscoring the importance of planting a diverse range of species.

Vikings storm past Bigfork

What a remarkable turnaround from a challenging week. After a tough 42-6 loss to Mountain Iron-Buhl two weeks ago, the Vikings showed their resilience and determination, ready to secure a significant win.

BEYOND REASON

Thank You Note I don’t mean to brag or anything but I’ve been around the block. I’ve seen much of this world.

Wondering ´61

has the best columnists of any nonmetropolitan newspaper in Minnesota, at least. Or so I say.