Cook County Churches Part I

For several years, I have been considering a series of columns on Cook County Churches. Because I filled the pulpit at my home church last month, I now have occasion to start that series. I begin with my home church, First Congregational UCC in Grand Marais.

Grand Portage National Monument Rendezvous Days threads together the past

The theme for this year’s Rendezvous Days was “Dressing the fur Trade”, with textiles-clothing, moccasins, finger weaving, rabbit fur, blankets, beaded garters and more on display throughout the Grand Portage National Monument, a site managed by the National Park Service in conjunction with the Grand Portage Band, the interactive demonstrations and workshops related to the 17th and 19th-century fur trade.

Conservation Officer Tales

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) reports a busy weekend in the Northwoods. Many folks were out riding ATVs and paddling canoes. Nuisance animal calls were fielded along with questions about the upcoming bear hunting season.

Matters of Record

Daniel Alan Drassal, 75, Isanti, Minnesota, was cited for operating an unlicensed watercraft and fined $135.00.

Lake Superior Water Emergency

On August 12, 2025, the Cook County Sheriff ’s office was notified of a person in the water at approximately 4840 West Highway 61 in Lutsen Minnesota. Deputies arrived to observe an unresponsive body in the water which was drifting in the current approximately 100 feet from shore. Cook County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) was paged, and responders launched a boat in Tofte but could not navigate the rough water and had to turn back.

North Shore Challenge Cross Country Meet Thursday, August 28

Get ready for a thrilling display of athleticism as some of the northland’s finest boy and girl cross country runners gear up to conquer the Pincushion trails on August 28. The action kicks off with the junior high boys and girls races at 1 p.m., followed by the junior varsity at 1:30 p.m., and varsity boys at 2:15 p.m., culminating in the girls’ varsity race at 3 p.m.

Man drowns in Baptism River

The Lake County Sheriff’s office reported that on Monday, August 11, at 11:34 a.m. that “Lake County Dispatch received a 911 call stating that a male had jumped off the High Falls (of the Baptism River) within Tettegouche State Park and had not resurfaced. Lake County Deputies, Lake County Rescue Squad, Silver Bay Police Department and Lake County Ambulance all responded.