News
Ol’ Doc Reminisces
Native Americans into Medicine This is a story of Native Americans into Medicine (NAM) and Indians into Research Careers (IRC) at the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School, my role in these programs, and of three wonderful pioneers along the way. In 1961, I completed my internship at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Duluth and over the ensuing decade served in the Navy, did General Practice in a small town, and spent several years in Internal Medicine and Endocrine training.
Random Strangers
Another snowy winter morning in April! I stopped at the White Pine Market to get myself a latte and hopefully find a random stranger. This smiling lady was reluctant to have her photograph in the paper, and I respect that.
Short term rentals set for public hearing in Silver Bay
A lively discussion was held resulting in the setting of a public hearing to gather comments regarding the proposal for allowing short term rentals (STRs) in parts of the city that are zoned as Forest Reserve (FR). The proposed change would not allow any STRs in any residentially zoned areas, labelled as R1 and R2 under the zoning ordinance. The currently proposed ordinance would allow up to six STRs with a necessary conditional permit required to be granted by the council.
Learn to pilot drones this summer at FDLTCC
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) is excited to welcome the public to learn to fly drones this summer with Geography 1060: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Students will get hands on experience flying a drone and receive training for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification exam during the 8-week course starting May 30, 2023. The course is open to anyone interested in learning to pilot drones.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
District 6 - Two Harbors area CO Thomas Wahlstrom (Grand Marais #1) checked anglers along rivers during the inland stream trout opener. The water is still very cold, but anglers were happy to finally be out.
Conner elected Two Harbors mayor
A special election in Two Harbors has unofficially chosen Lew Conner as the new mayor there. Following some turbulent times and the recall of the former mayor, voters have called for a fresh start.
Fascinating Facts learned on Two Harbors History Festival Day
“Did people believe the Earth was flat in Columbus’s time?” is one of many questions answered by Dr. Steven Matthews from the University of MN-Duluth at the Two Harbors Public Library during a presentation he gave as part of the Twin Ports History Festival on March 31. Through a history of maps and globes, Matthews taught participants to “ask the right question” which is not whether the Earth was believed to be flat but how long it took seafarers and academics to conceptualize the Americas as wholly separate from Asia. It was a fascinating story to the audience, who stayed long after the presentation ended to ask more questions.
Age Friendly
It Only Gets Better with Age What comes to mind when thinking about the people you know and love who are in their 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s? Yes, this is a test… If you guessed flexibility, heightened creativity, optimal decision-making capacity, and rationality – you are correct. According to studies conducted by the George Washington University College of Medicine and the New England Journal of Medicine, our brains in later years become much more flexible because of an increase in myelin – a substance that encourages the rapid signals between neurons that allow us to use both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously.
PFAS–Don’t stop eating fish, but stay informed
Elevated PFAS in rainbow smelt prompts caution that “forever chemicals” could be creating health risks for those eating some fish. However, not enough is known yet to make definitive rules on fish consumption.