Local government representatives exchange information

Representatives of Cook County, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the city of Grand Marais, local schools and medical facilities and the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) gathered for a joint government meeting on the last day of February. 

The governmental entities have been meeting quarterly to share information and to consider ways the various boards could work together. This meeting was hosted by School District 166 at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. 

The meeting follows a round table format, with participants taking a turn sharing activities and expressing concern about issues. Here's some of the conversation that took place.

Grand Portage
At this February 28 meeting, Bobby Deschampe, county commissioner and Grand Portage Band Member spoke about happenings in Grand Portage. He said there will be a special election to fill the Tribal Chair position held by the late Norman Deschampe. Bobby Deschampe said there are some really big shoes to fill.

He said the Grand Portage community continues to be concerned about opioid usage and will continue Norman Deschampe’s quest toward a solution.

And, he said a 6-million-dollar project is coming to Grand Portatge, repairs and upgrade to the dock that serves the Grand Portage – Isle Royale Transportation Line.  Deschampe said Grand Portage is the only place in center of the U.S. receiving funding. 

City of Grand Marais 
Representing the city of Grand Marais were councilors Kelly Swearingen and Tim Kennedy, along with City Administrator Mike Roth. They spoke of the six priorities set by the city council at recent meetings. A list of those priorities can be found in our recent city council story here. 

The councilors also said another area of interest in Grand Marais is the idea of becoming a Dark Sky Community. 
 
Cook County
County Administrator Jeff Cadwell said the county is working on getting an assessment on what the county owns and what needs improvements. He said one facility that is getting a lot of attention is the Law Enforcement Center.  There will be a public meeting on March 21st at 6 p.m.   More news on that can also be found here on our website. 
 
Cadwell said the county continues to examine the idea of permitting VRBOs, or vacation rental by owners.

The county also continues to work on transportation planning with the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.  The goal of this plan is to evaluate survey responses and create a 20-year plan for transportation.
 
They will seek public input and collaboration in the form of a countywide survey to be released in March. 

School District 166
Superintendent Bill Crandall spoke about matters at School District 166 and said there is a focus on vaping at the school—and throughout the community—right now.

Crandall said it has becoming evident that the potency of these vaping or e-cigarette devices is much higher than anyone thought it would be. Young kids are vaping and getting hooked on the fruity smells, vanilla and bubble gum flavors.  Vaping is being done in classrooms and school bathrooms. 

Crandall said the school is working with Grand Portage to bring a presenter to the school to talk about the issue. All agreed the community needs more information on this.

North Shore Health
 Hospital Administrator Kimber Wraalstad was at the meeting for North Shore Health and she also spoke about the opioid issue and the hospital’s efforts to provide medicated assisted treatment. 

She also spoke about the influenza in the community, the hospital’s new chemotherapy offerings and more.

On a pleasant note, she reminded all that there is an Artist Reception on March 14 for Keith Morris and Jim Ringquist, whose art is currently on display at the hospital. She encouraged everyone to come into the hospital to look around.

Additionally, there is a now a Call for Artists.  North Shore Health Foundation would like the names of any artists who may want to contribute. 

Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority
Updating the government group for the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority was EDA executive director Mary Somnis, who gave an update on the Grand Marais and Lutsen housing projects, as well as Village North, the improvements at the former Gofer Cabins on the east side of Grand Marais.

These joint governmental meetings are held quarterly. Each governmental entity takes a turn hosting the meeting.  WTIP will share information when the date and time of the next meeting is announced.