Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation Grant to Support Long Distance Students and Student Services

Cook County Higher Education (CCHE) has received a $70,000 grant from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation for the 2025-2026 academic year. The grant is comprised of two components: a $40,000 grant for tuition scholarships for Cook County residents enrolled in long distance educational programs and a $30,000 grant to support CCHE’s student support services.

Wildfires Endanger Minnesota’s Peatlands – But We Can Protect Them

With embers from Minnesota’s wildfires still smoldering and Canadian smoke darkening our skies, it’s worth remembering that fires burn more than trees—they consume peatlands, a living foundation beneath our forests that has protected us for centuries. Once lost, these carbon-rich wetlands cannot be replaced.

Locals run well at Grandma’s Marathon

In its 49th year, Grandma’s Marathon drew an impressive 7,550 finishers: 4,417 men, 3,115 women, and 17 non-binary runners, all braving the muggy conditions in Duluth on Saturday, June 22. Looking controlled and not even winded, Joel Reichow, 31, of St. Paul, Minnesota, crossed the finish line in 2:11:58. The St. Paul harrier ran away from the field. Sammy Rotich, 38, Minneapolis, placed second almost one minute back. Lilian Chebii, 31, of Iten, Kenya, ran 2:25:14 to win the women’s race, the fourth fastest time ever at Grandma’s. She took home $15,000, including $5,000 for breaking the 2:27.00 barrier. Reichow received $11,500 for his win which included $1,500 for breaking 2:12:00.

County board selects new county administrator

Following a special county board meeting held on June 16 to interview the final four candidates for the county administrator job, commissioners mulled over input received from the public about the candidates and from the Mat (Management Advisory Team) Leadership Team. They met again on June 18 to discuss and rank their favorites for the administrator job, and the vote wasn’t close: The commissioners voted 5-0 to select Kristen Trebil Halbersma.