Local businesses find complications when hiring staff in 2017

As is the case with many other rural parts of the country, Cook County struggles to attract young people to live and work in the area, particularly on a seasonal basis. Unlike most other small communities, though, Grand Marais, Lutsen and areas such as the Gunflint Trail attract many thousands of visitors annually, which creates a massive need for labor during the seasonal peaks.

And with the peak tourist season about to ride its way into Cook County, including for resorts along the North Shore and up the Gunflint Trail, many local business owners are facing a delicate and somewhat stressful situation this year: finding summer staff.