COOK COUNTY – With the National Weather Service calling for more cold weather, Cook County in Minnesota is remaining focused on keeping people safer.
Extreme cold temperatures are expected to continue overnight into Thursday if anyone in the community needs emergency shelter accommodations overnight, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 218-387-3030 and assistance will be arranged. Cook County has Emergency Shelter Plans that can be exercised if needed.
Residents are also encouraged to check on friends and neighbors, elderly or vulnerable relatives and report any utility outages.
“To date, we have not been had any requests for assistance through this extreme cold snap or reported outages, but we want to make sure that nobody is left out in this extreme cold if that changes,” said Valerie Marasco, Director of Emergency Management. “Please check on friends, neighbors, elderly or vulnerable people you know of. Our agencies are ready to assist with providing emergency overnight shelter if needed. Safety of our citizens is paramount. Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith Decoux has generously offered two rooms at their bed and breakfast at no charge if anyone needs a warm place to stay, and if the need arises due to outages we are prepared to open an emergency shelter at the YMCA.”
The following local hotels have also offered discounted rates for individuals needing a warm place to stay overnight. Individuals choosing that option would need to make arrangements directly with the hotel.
Aspen Inn- $60 +tax – (800) 247-6020
Aspen Lodge – $69 +tax – (800) 247-6020
Shoreline – $50 +tax – (218) 387-2633
Temporary warming locations for the remainder of Wednesday:
- The Cook County YMCA, located at 105 W 5th St, Grand Marais, is opening its doors free to the public today and Wednesday, as a place people can come and warm up. The YMCA’s regular hours are 6 am – 8 pm.
- The Cook County Senior Center located at 10 Broadway, Grand Marais, MN – Open 8 am – 4 pm
Report any utility outages to the utility, or if after business hours, contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 218-387-3030. In an emergency call 911. Updates will be issued if the Emergency Shelter at the YMCA is opened – watch for more information.
