Cook County News-Herald

09/05/2026

Growing one to three feet tall

Growing one to three feet tall, with leaves six inches long, Black-eyed Susans are are a treat to see. Outdoor photographer David Johnson found a field of them at daybreak awakening under a pink-blue sky with tall pines seeming their sentinel. He snapped this picture saying,“I found a large area of what I call Black-eyed Susans and captured them at sunrise. I love the shot.” I’m guessing most people will love this picture as well. Photo courtesy of David Johnson

https://cookcountynews-herald.com/growing-one-to-three-feet-tall/

09/04/2026

Conservation Officer Tales

CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais) spent time in the BWCAW checking anglers. Time was also spent working ATVs, anglers on inland lakes and bear bait stations. Enforcement action was taken for boating violations.

CO Hudson Ledeen (Hovland) spent time over the week patrolling ATV, angling and bear baiting activities. Ledeen attended annual training at Camp Ripley, along with watercraft training on Big Sandy Lake. Station equipment maintenance was performed.

CO Trent Anderson (Tofte) focused on bear baiting and angling enforcement for the week. Bear baiting is in full swing and anglers are finding a few salmon on Superior. Annual training was attended.

09/04/2026

Cook County Viking Volleyball: Built for Chaos

The Cook County Viking varsity volleyball team enters the season with a strong foundation of experience, athleticism and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to thrive when things get chaotic.

https://cookcountynews-herald.com/cook-county-viking-volleyball-built-for-chaos-2/

09/03/2026

Pet of the Week

This week’s Pet of the Week is Milo! He is a 10-month-old German Shepherd/Husky mix owned by Carter Silence.
https://cookcountynews-herald.com/pet-of-the-week-46/

09/03/2026

BEYOND REASON

Sounds of the Sea

I recently stayed at a highend hotel. The decor is elegant. The service impeccable. Someone’s there when you need them and nowhere when you don’t. It’s the kind of place where you get accustomed to things.

The pool was no exception. It was mostly for grown-ups. A DJ spinning tunes. Cabanas with bottle service. There was a vibe. A few intrepid families braved the scowls and splashed around as well. That’s how I got there.

https://cookcountynews-herald.com/beyond-reason-62/

09/02/2026

Work continues on Cook County High School/Elementary School

According to the school district website, “The work over summer 2026 has included new secondary bathrooms, new private showers in the current locker rooms, new flooring, skylights and windows in the cafeteria, the adoption of breakout areas and offices in the elementary media center, a new elementary education classroom, new flooring in about half of the hallways, and construction of the exterior shell for the new auxiliary gym, locker rooms, building services and fitness center.

https://cookcountynews-herald.com/work-continues-on-cook-county-high-school-elementary-school-2/

09/02/2026

New Mandatory CWD Testing Rule Caps a Failed Legacy at the DNR

The DNR’s new rule mandating CWD testing for every harvested deer statewide is bad policy dressed up as science, and it caps a disappointing run by past Director Kelly Straka and Wildlife Manager Dave Trauba.

https://cookcountynews-herald.com/new-mandatory-cwd-testing-rule-caps-a-failed-legacy-at-the-dnr/

09/01/2026

Cook County Highway Department and Land Services Provide Guidance on Temporary Noncommercial Speech Signs

This news release is issued on behalf of the Cook County Highway Department and Land Services Department to provide guidance regarding the placement of temporary noncommercial speech signs during the 2026 election season.

https://cookcountynews-herald.com/cook-county-highway-department-and-land-services-provide-guidance-on-temporary-noncommercial-speech-signs/

09/01/2026

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Anna Klobuchar Community Center Assistant Sarah Waddle Community Center Director
Cook County Community Center September Programs

September is full of exciting events and programs at your local Cook County Community Center. The first of its kind Cook County Community Baby Shower will take place, which will feature resources and opportunities to connect for families with young children. On the opposite end of the age spectrum, there are two great events this month- a Connecting Caregivers opportunity with Care Partners and a Fall Prevention Day with North Shore Health. Lastly, mark your calendars – Empty Bowls Annual Fall Soup Fundraiser will be September 22, here at the Community Center!

CONNECTIONS

08/31/2026

Blandin Foundation grants

Local agencies received two of the 47 grants made by the second quarter Blandin Foundation that awarded a total of $4,500,000.

Local agencies received two of the 47 grants made by the second quarter Blandin Foundation that awarded a total of $4,500,000.