News & Local Affairs
Local group gets grant to promote ride sharing
-The Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP), a citizens group whose stated mission is to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy on a local level, has a new project. The organization wants to promote ride and delivery sharing in Cook County.
County Board moves forward with new community center planning process
-The Cook County Community Center Board of Trustees sought direction from the county commissioners on Tuesday when Diane Booth, the center’s director, and two community center board members pleaded with commissioners for direction on how to proceed with plans for a new and improved community center.
Local school class gives gift to WTIP
-It’s the time of year for giving, and the Bear Cub class at Great Expectations school in Grand Marais is doing just that. One sunny morning this week, the cubs hand painted ornaments to give to WTIP for the station’s very first Christmas tree. Everyone knows the best thing about ornaments is hanging them on the tree, so teacher Sue Butter brought the Bear Cub class to WTIP to do just that. The children hung their ornaments on the tree and serenaded WTIP staff with a special Christmas song. Thanks Bear Cubs!
County Board struggles to find solution for Onion River Road winter maintenance
-On Nov. 17 Cook County Commissioners agreed with members of the Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Association – the county, not LTTA, should plow and maintain the Onion River Road.
New Border Patrol Chief talks about enhanced community involvement
-The Border Patrol has a new Chief Patrol Agent at the Grand Forks North Dakota sector headquarters. The sector covers over 800 miles of border with Canada, including all of Cook County. While the Border Patrol mission remains unchanged, officials are emphasizing an increase in community involvement. WTIP’s Jay Andersen has this interview.
EDA cost vs. benefit study gets underway
-The EDA Center at the University of Minnesota, Crookston has approved a request for assistance from the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Sen. Klobuchar supports drug imports
-In a speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke in support of an amendment she co-sponsored to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment would allow American consumers to safely import lower-priced Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs from other approved countries.
Weekend News Wrap Dec. 12
-Each week the WTIP News Department provides a summary of the stories it has been following that week. Tune in to WTIP's North Shore Weekend Saturdays from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. to hear the Wrap live or visit our website and listen at your convenience or subscribe to a podcast.
Arrowhead population goes down but Cook County bucks trend
-Minnesota’s population has grown by just over 6 percent so far this decade, while six of the seven Northeast counties have declined by roughly that same amount. Cook County is the exception, with a population growth of about 5 percent in the last decade.
City adopts 2010 budget with 3 percent levy increase
-Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes said she hoped to go into 2010 without a raise in taxes. However, Hakes says unallotments made by the governor totaling $31,000 along with the possibility of further cuts next year, made a 3 percent levy increase necessary.