News

Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are a few that run afoul of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers. Periodically, the DNR provides a report of some of the miscreants the Conservation Officers (CO) have encountered. The News-Herald shares these stories as a reminder to all to be safe and to follow the rules!

In the early morning hours of August 14, 2025, three vehicles were stolen from a local repair business in Grand Marais. Two of the vehicles were taken for rides and then abandoned, while one of the vehicles was still missing. The vehicle was described as a 2014 Blue Subaru Legacy with a Minnesota license plate number - JRB837. On August 18, the Subaru was returned to Tire & Auto. The incident is currently under investigation.

Isle Royale Rangers killed an approximately two–year–old female wolf earlier this month that was increasingly getting bolder as it ventured into campsites and stole food from campers.

The 6th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office has an upcoming event in Grand Portage on September 2, to be held at the Grand Portage Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrating Community Leaders & Entrepreneurs Who Go Above and Beyond

The July 2025 Lodging Tax Report from the Auditor’s Office for May 2025 collections. The Visit Cook County Income Study shows that May collections were down 8.9% over 2024 and Fiscal-Year-to-Date collections are up 4.64%. As compared to fiscal year 1920, May collections are up 40.3%.

Wildfires burning across central Saskatchewan and Manitoba continue to produce heavy smoke that is spreading across Minnesota. This past week, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued a three-day air quality alert that affected Cook County and Grand Portage. Stating, “This air is unhealthy for everyone. Anyone may begin to experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, possibly leading to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.

Earlier this month, Cathy Wurzer, the host of MPR News' Morning Edition, visited Cook County and conducted short, separate interviews with Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson and Linda Jurek, Director of Visit Cook County/ Cook County Chamber of Commerce.