News
From the Outside
Debts, Deficits, and Stupidity I really hate stupidity. The recent “debt crisis” in Congress, where one party put the nation’s credit rating and economy at risk by refusing to raise the federal debt ceiling, and thereby defaulting on debt payments unless major cuts are made to government spending, was self-inflicted.
Curious Incident at Duluth Playhouse, a wonderful adaptation
A keenly intelligent and empathetic play review is offered by Lake County Press’ student intern from William Kelley High School, Marley Schumacher, who is not only a lover of the arts but an accomplished actor.
Masked Fan Speaks
The Stanley Cup Final is underway! In the lead-up to the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final there was a lot of dialogue about the break between each team's last game and the start of the Final. The Eastern Champion Florida Panthers had a nine-day break and the Western Champion Vegas Golden Knights were off four days.
Holiday Inn Hotel proposed in Two Harbors
At a Two Harbors Planning & Zoning commission meeting on Tuesday night a proposal was brought forth regarding a Holiday Inn hotel for the property previously occupied by the VFW, long since closed next to the curling club. Nick Christensen, the person proposing the project, brought the issue to Planning & Zoning requesting a variance on height restrictions. The proposal for the 93-room hotel that would include a swimming pool and parking is designed with four floors reaching 41-feet in height, plus a design parapet of several more feet over entrance. This would exceed the city’s 3-story restriction, and the Shoreland Overlay zoning agreement that has a 35-foot limit. The commission did vote unanimously to approve the variance request. Discussion prior to the vote indicated that since the structure would not block the view of Lake Superior from the road, and is in close proximity to commercial-type operations; gas station, hockey arena and hospital, that no residential view of the lake would be obstructed. Commission chair Tom Koehler did inquire from city planner Justin Otsea what might happen in the future if others request a similar height variance. Otsea stated during the meeting that granting a height variance in this case cannot set a precedent for others that may follow, and any decisions on future projects must be made on their own merit.
Birds in decline: survey shows dwindling populations in MN forests
Another article referencing the citizen research work of our birding friend Steve Wilson, Isabella, and the latest Christmas Bird Count. by Greg Seitz, Quetico Superior Wilderness News From tiny insects to global changes, several forces are making life more difficult for some types of birds in northern Minnesota’s forests.
Take a Sunday drive, get your groceries on the Trail
The Clover Valley Farm Trail opened at the end of May, with a group of 11 small farms offering locally grown produce and made products at farm stands. For those of us consigned the cold, red clay ubiquitous to most of Lake County, the fertile lands of Clover Valley are akin to the mythical Shambhala.
Flag retirement ceremony, public welcome
The public is invited to a formal flag retirement ceremony at the Lakeview Cemetery Veteran’s Section on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. To most veterans or military personnel, the retirement of a tattered or faded U.S. flag is a solemn, yet celebratory business. Retiring a flag means the flag is unserviceable after symbolizing the ideals of this nation and representing the men and women who have fought and died for those ideals. The flag is often an inspiration and symbol of strength for those who go into harm’s way on behalf this nation. The flag should never be desecrated. It is a sacred symbol and we take its retirement seriously.
Ripped from the Headlines!
JUNE 2ND 2023 100 YEARS AGO: Building of roads in the superior national forest will be postponed indefinitely because of the protests raised by sportsmen all over the country, according to word received here today from WT Cox, state forester. Leading publisher of sportsmen’s magazines and men nationally prominent in the establishing and maintenance of national forests last fall protested strongly against the opening up of roads in the Superior National Forest.