Grand Marais

Cook County’s aquatic invasive species program is preparing for a significant reduction in state funding beginning in 2027, although local officials say core prevention efforts are expected to continue. The state currently provides $10 million annually in Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Aid to Minnesota counties. Under a proposal approved during the 2025 budget process,... The post State AIS funding cuts expected in 2027, Cook County plans to adjust outreach efforts appeared firs

Four wildfires have been reported on the Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota as of Tuesday evening, three of which are within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The Camp Fire is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Ely. The wildfire is approximately 1-2 acres in size, and fire officials said it has creeping... The post Four wildfires reported on Superior National Forest, three burning in BWCAW appeared first on WTIP.

Authorities responded to Palisade Head in Tettegouche State Park early Monday afternoon after a body was reported on the rocks at the base of the cliff. First responders were dispatched at 11:13 a.m. after receiving a report of a body. The Lake County Rescue Squad and Sheriff’s Office recovered the body a short time later.... The post Authorities investigate second fatality at Palisade Head after Duluth man found dead appeared first on WTIP.

Residents and visitors across Cook County woke up Tuesday morning to the smell of wildfire smoke and slightly hazy skies, as smoke from Canadian wildfires moves across the northeast region this week. Air quality in Cook and Lake County is in the moderate range, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, meaning air quality is... The post Canadian wildfire smoke brings slight haze, moderate air quality to Cook County appeared first on WTIP.

A familiar business on the north side of Devil’s Track Lake has a new owner and a new name. The former Pine Mountain General Store has been purchased by Cook County resident Nick Niemeyer, who has renamed the business Northwoods General Store. Late last week, he officially opened the store and welcomed the first customers... The post Former Pine Mountain General Store begins new chapter under new ownership appeared first on WTIP.

An approximately 800-hectare (2,000-acre) wildfire in Quetico Provincial Park, north of the U.S./Canada border, has prompted closures and evacuations within the park. The wildfire, designated FOR015, has prompted a temporary closure of the area after park officials announced Monday that periods of significantly increased smoke have reduced air quality in the park. The fire began... The post Wildfire in Quetico Provincial Park prompts closures and evacuations appeared first on WTIP.

State and federal legislation passed in 2025 is beginning to take effect at North Shore Health, according to the latest administrative report from North Shore Health CEO Kimber Wraalstad. One of the measures is Minnesota’s “swing bed” legislation, which Wraalstad worked on with state Sen. Grant Hauschild and state Rep. Roger Skraba. The law allows... The post New state, federal laws bring changes to North Shore Health appeared first on WTIP.

Tofte’s annual July 4 parade brought hundreds of residents and visitors to the township, followed by evening fireworks along the Lake Superior shore. Watch a short video of the fireworks finale. Photos by Chuck Olsen. The post Independence Day, Tofte-style appeared first on WTIP.

A wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that was caused by lightning on Thursday is now 100% contained, according to Superior National Forest officials. The Long 2 wildfire is south of Pine Lake within the BWCAW. It is located west of McFarland Lake, near the end of the Arrowhead Trail, in Cook County.... The post Long 2 wildfire contained after burning 3 acres in Boundary Waters appeared first on WTIP.

One year after transitioning to a smaller magazine-style layout and an in-house printing system, the Cook County News Herald is still adjusting to the change. The shift from a traditional newspaper press to a Xerox printer in May of 2025 marked a significant operational change for the Cook County News Herald, one that many, including... The post Cook County News Herald marks one year of printing changes appeared first on WTIP.