A Special 50 Year Family Anniversary Celebration: 1973 – 2023

When I was a high school sophomore in suburban Buffalo, New York, one of my Social Studies teachers announced that an international student exchange program called the American Field Service (AFS) was looking for host families for the following year. I don’t recall what caught my attention about the announcement, but the decision my family took that evening to submit an application would change many lives forever. After an involved process that included written applications and a home visit, we were selected to be hosts; and, shortly after the new year of 1973, AFS informed us that we had been chosen to serve as the American family for an 18-year old high school graduate from near Cannes on the French Riviera who would arrive later that summer.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Dust in the Wind “Dust in the Wind.” The lyrics of that infamous song by Kansas came to mind often while checking roads this June. Many Cook County residents are familiar with billowing clouds of dust trailing their cars down gravel roads, along with the bone-rattling experience of driving on a washboard-stricken hill.

Forever grateful for the help I received

I often find myself complaining about what is going wrong with things. So, it is time to acknowledge what went “right” and publicly thank all of the people responsible.

Meet Steve Perusse

Steven Perusse is available if you need your house, business, or cabin painted. So, who is Steven? “I grew up in St Paul.

Valinda Missy Hagen

Valinda Missy Hagen born February 22, 1967, lost her battle to cancer on July 10, 2023. Missy was born and raised in Grand Marais and lived here her whole life.

Eric Steven Ford

It is with great sadness that the family of Eric Steven Ford of Hovland, Minnesota announce his passing on Saturday, July 29th at his home in Hovland, Minnesota, at the age of 38. Eric was born on May 17th, 1985, to Steven and Cheryl (Zimmerman) Ford in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Patricia R. Backlund

Patricia R Backlund, 98, of Grand Marais, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the North Shore Care Center. Patricia (Pat) was born in Superior, Wisconsin on January 21, 1925, to Ruth and Walter Madsen. Pat grew up in Superior and graduated from Superior Central High School. After graduation, the family moved to Duluth where she attended St. Scholastica for a year and worked at Western Union.

Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Named Cook County Farm Family of the Year

Todd Ford, CC Public Information Coordinator Cook County MN proudly announces that Sawtooth Mountain Maple Syrup Company will be presented with the Cook County Farm Family of the Year for 2023 award during Fisherman’s Picnic. Family members Kirstin, Greg, Chris, Calvin, Jim, and Marianne will receive the special award honoring their agricultural contributions on the Harbor Park stage on August 5 at 2:45 p.m.

Geezer booth will be back at the Picnic!

We have great news: Minnesota Children’s Press Booth at Fish Pic will, for the second year, have our fun and free advice booth staffed by a beloved elder of the community! We lovingly and respectfully call it Geezer Booth. When we began it last year with the late, amazing Gordon Lindquist, we first asked him if he minded the name—used purely in fun to playfully invite conversation.