Publish an obituary in Hometown Focus

WHAT IS PUBLISHED FOR FREE:

  • HTF will publish a full obituary and a photo (if desired) on our website free of charge.
  • HTF will publish an abbreviated obituary (no photos) in the print edition of the newspaper free of charge.

HOW TO PAY FOR A FULL OBITURARY:

  • A full obituary and a photo (if desired) published in the print edition of the newspaper is charged by the column inch.
  • Once HTF receives the obituary, photo and your request for a full obituary, we will provide you with the cost prior to publication.
  • Payment is due prior to publication and can be handled by phone if paying with a credit card.

The deadline for submission of the print edition obituaries (both full and abbreviated) is first thing Thursday morning, although sooner is always better.

Please email: editor@htfnews.us

2020-06-12 E-Edition

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our FOCUS ON COOK edition! Under normal circumstances, the BIG little city of Cook would be celebrating their annual Timber Days festival this weekend. However, as we all know, this kick-off to the summer season of community festivals and events in the Northland—among so many others—has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017, Cook celebrated the […]

Governor Walz announces gradual re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, more

STATEWIDE — Governor Tim Walz on Friday, June 5, announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10. Customers and employees will be either strongly recommended or required to wear masks and will be required to […]

P.E.O. Chapter ER Lake Vermilion

Supporting community, celebrating advancement of women


LAKE VERMILION/COOK — P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization, was founded in January 1896 by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, IA. This circle of kindred spirits, bonded by their enthusiasm for women’s opportunities, eventually expanded to include women off campus. Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to nearly a quarter of a million […]

It should have been festival-time in Cook this weekend!

Cook Timber Days 2020: what was to be will not be until 2021


COOK — Over the past 65 years, residents of Cook have organized an annual festival called Timber Days. Traditionally held on the second weekend of June, many northland residents consider our threeday event as the kick-off to the summer festival and fair season. Although our small town is home to approximately 550 residents, we will play host to thousands of […]

Home-cooking and caring people

To me, Cook means roots, community, lakes and good FOOD!


COOK — Several years ago, the folks at Hometown Focus posed the writing topic, “Why the Northland will always be my home.” And to this, I gave four reasons why the Northland is special and they were (in no were specific order of importance): lakes, roots, community support and Dave’s pizza. Now a similar proposition to recall those things significant […]

Cook and the Lake Vermilion area long to again hear the sound of music



COOK — Summertime is usually our time to enjoy festivals, celebrations and reunions. This year will be different. As the country slowly opens back up, our business owners hope that customers will return. The Lake Vermilion area has been great for live music for years. Most of the bars, restaurants and resorts that normally would see a full schedule of […]

Pre-orders will be distributed Saturdays at the City Park

The Cook Area Farmers Market will have a new look this year


COOK – The Cook Area Farmers Market had humble beginnings, but has become a traditional summer community gathering in the city of Cook. The market was formed in 2006 by Missy Bakker Roach and former area resident Candi Nylund. Only two vendors set up that year, in the spot once the home of the burned down IGA store. Last year, […]

Train your dog to stop pulling on a leash


If there’s one thing I envy at the park it’s seeing dogs that walk perfectly by their owner’s side. My dog and I used to be the complete opposite. I was the lady trying desperately to keep my dog calm on walks. I’d be holding her back with all my power whenever someone walked by, and I was the one […]

While the overall veteran population is declining,

Census Bureau report shows female veteran numbers on the rise

A new report released on June 2 by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that while the overall population of veterans is declining, the number of female veterans is on the rise and Post 9/11 veterans have the highest rate of service-connected disability compared to any other group of veterans. The report “Those Who Served: America’s Veterans From World War II […]