Masked Fan Speaks
Controversy in Hockey? YES! If you are a fan of any of the four major sports in this country or of all four, you know that they aren’t without their drama and controversy at times. Sometimes it is pretty serious, sometimes not.
News
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Critical Issues for Lake County discussed
Short term Vacation Rentals. A special planning group recently discussed STVRs. Goals for Lake County were established: 1. Prioritizing and protecting housing for long-term residents, both owning and renting. 2. Mitigating property value spikes. 3. Ensure residential neighborhoods are not unduly impacted by STVRs. Topics that rose to the surface included the difference between STVRs in residential second homes and STVRs as business investments. Is limiting STRVs per neighborhood or prohibiting them in certain areas a better idea? Or strongly enforced ordinances that motivate STRV owners to make sure renters follow the rules so their licenses are not denied? In-town neighborhoods have different issues than rural areas, which have a much higher density of second homes. Long-term rentals tend to get more run-down over time. Is the STVR factor inflating market prices beyond what starting families can afford? Are homes near STVR’s losing real estate value? County Administrator Matt Huddleston commented that there is information out there for the Board to review which needs to be compiled. How many permits have been issued, how much it has grown in recent years, whether longterm rentals are transitioning to short-term rentals, what has been the cost of real estate over time, the number of second or seasonal homes, what is being built and what is it being built for—are just a few of the questions that compiled data could help answer.
Random Strangers
Mattie and I met today when we both bought a jar of Trollius Sibiricus from Josh at his Gitche Gumee Kimchi booth at the Two Harbors Farmers Market. Mattie said, “It’s a beautiful day and I found some beautiful flowers “.
Cook County Pride Celebration of Gay Pride Month
Last Saturday an informal group calling themselves the Pride Committee organized a community event to celebrate June as Gay Pride month, held in the Harbor Park area of downtown Grand Marais to celebrate and support LGBTQA+ people.
Food Truck ordinance considered for amendment by Silver Bay
Last Monday the Silver Bay city council voted to authorize the city to accept bids for the Boathouse Bay infrastructure project, a bidding process that is likely to take about a month to complete. Should the council give final approval to the project, public water and sewer improvements would then move forward.
A Look at the Past
Excerpts from the front pages of the Lake County News Chronicle from 1922, 1947, and 1972. Submitted by the Lake County Historical Society.
Finland News
Happy Graduation to Class of 2022! Lets dive right in, hummingbirds are here in force it seems this Spring. I can’t keep nectar in the feeders! Whose gardens are planted? Ours was planted over Memorial Day Weekend despite the varied weather. I’ve spent a little time sitting on my deck and enjoying the birds, flowers and sunshine, it’s been too long, and I forget so easily how beautiful things are. Speaking of how beautiful scenery is, this past weekend’s lightening was intense, with gusting winds and rain that came in sheets at times. Although thunderstorms have always been eerie to me, if you catch the stillness in the flashes of lightning the beauty is magnificent. On a dryer note; I know two boys who are excited to be mowing grass in place of shoveling snow, I’m hoping all reports of another hot dry summer are false. Here’s to hoping for the perfect weather all summer long… (whatever that may be.) Until next time……
Inspiration Station
The Northshore is known for the wealth of talented artists who live and work throughout the region. And, to this point, I am highly impressed with the support of local businesses, organizations and media outlets to welcome and feature the artists’ work. Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Harbor Rails Pub & Event Center in Two Harbors and the Public libraries along the shore are just a few who host exhibits on a regular basis. Not to mention the many gift shops and galleries who make it a priority to sell locally produced art.