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Northshore shutdown extended to next April

REGIONAL- The uncertainty surrounding the future of Northshore Mining taconite mining and processing operations in Babbitt and Silver Bay was magnified last week when parent company Cleveland Cliffs … more

David Colburn | 7/27/22

Former Ontario cop gets 10 years for Bois Forte child sex abuse case

REGIONAL- A former Ontario Provincial Police officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison last week in federal district court in Minnesota for sexually abusing two young girls while he was a guest at … more

David Colburn | 7/27/22

MCEA: ‘Jobs’ mantra transitioning to ‘renewable energy’ argument

ELY – Sulfide mining companies are subtly shifting their rhetoric and messaging about the proposed projects in northern Minnesota.“No one is probably more familiar with this rhetoric over … more

Keith Vandervort | 7/27/22

Obituaries: July 29, 2022

Carrie Cazares Carrie Henrika Folz Cazares, 59, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, surrounded by family at her home in Hillsboro, Ore. A memorial service will be held on what would have been her … more

7/27/22

Babbitt mine, Northshore to remain closed through next April

REGIONAL- Northshore Mining taconite mining and processing operations in Babbitt and Silver will stay closed until at least April 2023, as owner Cleveland-Cliffs says they’re “not … more

David Colburn | 7/22/22

Ely native to UM Board of Regents

REGIONAL - Tadd Johnson, from Ely, was appointed to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents last week. He is the first Native American to be appointed to the Board since it was established more … more

Keith Vandervort | 7/22/22

Town board updated on summer projects

SOUDAN- The Breitung Town Board got an update on summer projects, along with some preliminary discussion of projects needed in 2023, at a special meeting on July 14.Chairman Tim Tomsich talked about … more

Jodi Summit | 7/22/22

Commerce: Cut electric rate hike by 55 percent

REGIONAL— Financial analysts with the state’s Department of Commerce (DOC) are recommending a sharp reduction in Minnesota Power’s request for higher electrical rates for its … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/20/22

Odin Picard turns his pot into a helmet while waiting in line.

Old Settlers is booyah fun!

Old settlers, ranging in age from infants to 96-years old, gathered last Saturday at McKinley Park in Breitung Township for the annual community get-together which has been continuing for over 100 … more

Jodi Summit | 7/20/22

Council facing difficult budget work for 2023

ELY – The city’s budget committee released a proposed 2023 budget calendar Tuesday night and council members here were warned that difficult monetary decisions lay ahead in the coming … more

Keith Vandervort | 7/20/22

LTD’s winning bid for providing broadband coverage in northern St. Louis County includes the areas shadded in blue.

Troubled telecom faces state review

REGIONAL- The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) last week ordered an investigation of embattled telecom company LTD Broadband over concerns the small company may not be able to deliver on … more

David Colburn | 7/20/22

It appears that the area is experiencing one of the best blueberry crops in the past few years. Last year’s drought prompted many plants to kick seed production into overdrive and that means this year’s berry crop is looking plentiful.

Berry Bonanza

After back-to-back berry busts, it appears the summer of 2022 is headed for a berry bonanza, and that’s good news for bears and berry pickers alike. Credit last year’s drought. Just as … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/20/22 | 1 comment

Vermilion loon count shows decline in adults

LAKE VERMILION— Volunteers here recorded a total of 193 loons during the annual loon count, a hefty decline over last year’s numbers and the lowest overall count in several years. This … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/20/22 | 1 comment

Lake Vermilion is known for its scenic beauty and good water quality. The Vermilion Lake Association is hoping to keep it that way.

VLA conducting extensive water testing

LAKE VERMILION— Members of the Vermilion Lake Association will soon have a better understanding of the water quality here after the lake association’s board approved an extensive lake … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/20/22

After a century, sports finally rights a wrong

You know you’re getting older when something happens to which your first reaction is, “Well, I never thought I’d live to see the day when ….”That was exactly my … more

David Colburn | 7/20/22

For the first time in Blueberry/Art Festival history, event pins are available at the Ely Chamber of Commerce and at the chamber's booth at the festival.

Blueberry/Art Festival to be held July 29-31

ELY – Following a severe storm that altered the 2021 Blueberry/Art Festival, planning for this year’s edition of the Ely community’s major summer festival began back in January and … more

Keith Vandervort | 7/20/22

Longest-running rodeo prepares for 67th year

EFFIE- Like most summer activities this year, higher prices for everything from gas to food have affected the rodeo circuit, but the chance to compete in the 67th Annual North Star Stampede in Effie … more

David Colburn | 7/20/22

Fixing mental health

We can do something about America’s mental health crisis. The only question is whether there’s the political will to act. We know that resources matter, because resources can translate … more

7/20/22 | 1 comment

"Konst” Marttila behind the counter of his confectionary and variety store in 1945. The shop was a popular place in Tower when it sold candy, milk shakes, comic books, and other delights.

It was everyone’s favorite hangout

TOWER- While everyone who has lived in Tower for any length of time has stories about Marttila Drug, over 60 area residents got the chance to learn more about the Marttila family’s long ties to … more

Jodi Summit | 7/20/22

Chorus King Ian Lah sings “I Don’t Mean to be Mean."

The Quiltmaker's Gift plays to packed houses in Ely

Timberjay photographer Keith Vandervort was on hand for some pictures at a recent performance of The Quiltmaker's Gift in Ely. more

Keith Vandervort | 7/20/22

Chaz Wagner sings and plays the drum at a Nett Lake pow wow in March.

Wagner wins grant for drumming and singing outreach

REGIONAL- Thanks to the ongoing efforts of a Bois Forte Band musician and a grant from the Northland Foundation, youth in multiple area communities have the opportunity this summer to learn … more

David Colburn | 7/20/22

Chisholm man nailed in highway drug bust

REGIONAL- Law enforcement officials seized more than a pound of what was believed to be the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl in a highway drug bust Monday morning in central St. Louis County.The … more

David Colburn | 7/20/22

Greenwood debates merits of state fire fighter training

GREENWOOD TWP- The Greenwood Town Board has yet to approve a monthly treasurer’s report since the resignations of both the elected treasurer and clerk. “We’ve been working on the … more

Jodi Summit | 7/20/22

ISD 696 considers active-shooter training for school staff

ELY – As school shootings continue to increase across the country, the risk of such a tragedy has not been lost on ISD 696 officials, and discussions have ramped up on conducting active shooter … more

Keith Vandervort | 7/20/22

Football coach named at Vermilion

ELY – A change in leadership is coming this fall for the Minnesota North College, Vermilion Campus football program, as Richard Brooks was recently named head coach. Coach Brooks returns to … more

7/20/22