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Inspecting the mine shaft prior to filling it in.

PINE ISLAND- An abandoned mine shaft identified in 2019 on Lake Vermilion’s Pine Island that was once touted as having the potential to be “one of the largest mines on the range” … more

David Colburn | 4/3/24

The county board presented a Public Health Achievement Award to Teri Morrison, the Community Health Program Manager at Bois Forte Health and Human Services on Tuesday. She is shown (center) with commissioner Patrick Boyle and St. Louis County Public Health Division Director Amy Westbrook.

Morrison receives county public health award

REGIONAL- Bois Forte Community Health Program Manager Teri Morrison received a St. Louis County Public Health Achievement Award on Tuesday for her work with the band’s Health and Human Services … more

David Colburn | 4/3/24

Forecasters predict expanding drought in region

REGIONAL— Last week’s major snowstorm helped but didn’t alleviate the ongoing drought conditions now in place over virtually all of northeastern Minnesota, and forecasters say they … more

Marshall Helmberger | 4/3/24

United Way launches Operation: Soldier Story oral history project

REGIONAL – When United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s United for Veterans initiative brought The Wall That Heals traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial to Chisholm in 2022, UWNEMN … more

4/3/24

Forest Service seeks input for changes in BWCAW management

THE BOUNDARY WATERS— Change appears to be afoot in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as officials on the Superior National Forest look to update a management plan to better fit the … more

Marshall Helmberger | 4/3/24

Timberjay’s Easter giveaway winners announced

REGIONAL- Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Easter Giveaway drawing, sponsored by the Timberjay, Zup’s Grocery, Pelican Bay Foods, and these participating businesses. Lars … more

4/3/24

DNR authorizes more species for catch-and-release records

REGIONAL—Anglers will have new opportunities to claim the glory of catching a Minnesota state record fish. Anglers can now earn catch-and-release records for 18 species beyond the four current … more

4/3/24

As weather warms, bears become active

REGIONAL— With spring-like weather returning to the area in recent days, DNR wildlife officials are urging residents to prepare for the return of bear activity in the region by addressing food … more

4/3/24

Chavers, Drift top Bois Forte primary election results

BOIS FORTE RESERVATION- Incumbent Bois Forte Band Chair Cathy Chavers outdueled three competitors in the Bois Forte Band’s primary election on Tuesday but will still face a challenge in the … more

David Colburn | 4/3/24

Facing the fear and finding the hope

When I wrote an article months back about my intention to overcome my excessive anxiety over spiders, I had no idea the reactions I would get from readers! One email thanked me for publicly … more

Kathleen McQuillan | 4/3/24

Long-time supervisor Chuck Tekautz joins his wife, Nancy, at a table in back of the meeting hall. Tekautz has retired after 18 years of service to the township.

New faces at the table in Breitung Township

SOUDAN- Breitung Township continued its transition to a younger generation at the town board’s reorganization meeting held March 28. Longtime supervisor Chuck Tekautz, who served on the town … more

Stephanie Ukkola | 4/3/24

Police Patrol Office Bradley Roy presented Ely’s new interactive evacuation map at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Ely updates its emergency response plan

ELY- Ely Police Patrol Officer Bradley Roy presented Ely’s new online interactive evacuation map during the April 2 meeting of the city council here. He also presented Ely’s portion of … more

Catie Clark | 4/3/24

Clarification of last week’s story on permitting reform

EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week’s news report on an amendment to a bill reforming the permitting process for certain energy projects, authored by Sen. Grant Hauschild, included provisions in the … more

4/3/24

Expensive audits

It’s the auditing season for small cities in our region and, if this year is like others we have covered over the past three-plus decades, taxpayers will learn very little from a time-consuming … more

4/3/24

Scenic Rivers seeks support from communities

REGIONAL- “We love what we do and the people we serve and want to continue to create a solid foundation for Scenic Rivers Health Services to build off for generations to come,” said Kara … more

Jodi Summit | 4/3/24

Obituaries: April 5, 2024

Gordon C. Adams Jr. Gordon “Jones” Clifford Adams Jr., 66, longtime resident of Nett Lake, died on Sunday, March 24, 2024, in his home from a tragic house fire. A wake was held on Friday, … more

4/3/24

Constitutional amendment

Lawmakers in St. Paul should resist a proposal for a combined government reform amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would open the way to a full-time Legislature. The measure, as the … more

3/27/24

ISD 696 facing major budget shortfall

ELY- ISD 696 Superintendent Anne Oelke revealed here this week that the Ely Public Schools is facing a nearly half million-dollar deficit in its 2024-25 budget. The school district’s 2024-25 … more

Catie Clark | 3/27/24

Data reflects vibrance of Ely economy

ELY- Ely was a giant of business development in 2023 according to data recently provided by the Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC). After the Ely Economic Development Authority heard … more

Catie Clark | 3/27/24

City maintenance supervisor Ben Velcheff plows N. Third St. in Tower on Monday.

Packin’ a punch

REGIONAL— A major double-barreled snowstorm dumped as much as a foot of snow on the North Country this week, and considerably more along the North Shore of Lake Superior, providing the region … more

Marshall Helmberger | 3/27/24

Newly-elected supervisors Lois Roskoski and Craig Gilbert.

Newcomer Roskoski elected as board chair

GREENWOOD TWP- Newly-elected supervisor Lois Roskoski was unanimously elected chair at the Greenwood’s reorganization meeting on March 21. Paul Skubic was elected to serve as vice-chair. … more

Jodi Summit | 3/27/24

Kids make a bee-line for Easter eggs in Ely.

The hunt is on ....

Timberjay staff photographers haven't had to hunt very hard at all for community Easter celebrations throughout the North Country. From Ely to Orr and places in-between, here are a few images of the festivities. more

Timberjay staff | 3/27/24

Walz touts progress, calls for more action on guns

REGIONAL- Gov. Tim Walz delivered his annual State of the State message on Tuesday evening with a new school in Owatonna serving as backdrop to highlight his administration’s accomplishments … more

David Colburn | 3/27/24

Michael Cascone, in the outdoor seating area of the new Frisky Otter Restaurant, currently under renovation.

Ely’s new Frisky Otter hopes to open mid-May

ELY- The restaurant property at the corner of Sheridan and 3rd, most recently the home of Rockwood Grill, is about to come back to life. Michael and Nicole Cascone plan to open the Frisky Otter … more

Catie Clark | 3/27/24