News
Cook County EDA Launches Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project
A Community-Driven Vision for the Future of Taconite Harbor
Revenues holding strong in the Grand Marais Rec Park
Grand Marais Director of City Parks and the Rec Park Dave Tersteeg addressed the park board at the board’s Sept. 2 meeting, telling them that the August 2025 revenues finished slightly up by $2,600 over August 2024. However, due to the park’s five percent rate hike, Tersteeg said the numbers indicate a ‘dip in occupancy sales’ from last year, which means that there were fewer visitors staying at the park’s facilities. However, despite this, the year-to-date revenue is 2.6 percent higher than last year, indicating a positive overall trend.
New Firearm Permit Application Process: Appointment-Only Effective 9/1/25
The Cook County Sheriff ’s Office (CCSO) is updating the firearm permit application process to improve efficiency and ensure that appropriate staff are available to assist you. Effective September 1, 2025, the CCSO will no longer accept walk-in applications for firearm permits. In addition, the CCSO will extend firearm permit application hours on Wednesdays to better accommodate the public.
Molly Lafreniere named to SNHU President’s List
Molly Lafreniere of Grand Marais has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Matters of Record
Asa Gerald Grimm, 43, of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to “Fish and game-Take fish without an angling license.” He was fined $185.00.
Marriage Applications
August 20, 2025- Rayna Mae Evans, Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Hunter Lane Schartzberger, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
WTIP Welcomed 88 Musicians to the 18th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival
The 18th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival took place September 5 – 7 in the Grand Marais Rec Park. Organized by WTIP Community Radio, the Festival showcases the work of local and regional musicians and is a way for WTIP to give back to the community. There were 88 musicians who performed in 2025, and the station welcomed music fans from nearand- far for this unique, local celebration of live music and community on the North Shore.
Cook County Commissioners set the preliminary levy at 7.57 percent
Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers presented a comprehensive set of options for the board to consider in setting the county’s 2026 preliminary tax levy, demonstrating a thorough and careful approach to the decision-making process.
Unplugged Returns Sept. 19-20 with a Free Community Concert and Other Big Changes
For more than 20 years, the arrival of a tent on the North House campus has heralded the arrival of fall along the North Shore. Started through a chance meeting between North House’s Executive Director Greg Wright and acclaimed songwriter John Vezner, this event has had many iterations over the last two decades, bringing tens of thousands of guests to Cook County to enjoy incredible musical performances and raise funds for the folk school.