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One of two Conoco Gas Stations located in Ely in the 1960s.

When gasoline was 29 cents a gallon in Ely

Most of us older than 65 years of age can remember when gasoline cost much, much less than today. Like maybe even $4 or more per gallon. That 29 cents back in 1964 would be worth about $3 today. Back … more

David Kess | 7/27/22 | 1 comment

The Alaspa Bunch from Embarrass beat out another Embarrass team in the championship game to take home top honors in this year's Red Bear Wiffleball tournament.

The Alaspa Bunch wins Red Bear wiffleball tournament on July 16

EMBARRASS - The fourteenth annual Red Bear Wiffleball Tournament was held at the Marlin Bjornrud home in Embarrass on July 16. Six teams from Embarrass, Tower, International Falls, Bemidji, and … more

7/27/22

Brrett Vetterkind, of Somerset, Wis. hoists a 51-1/2 inch musky he caught late last week on Lake Vermilion.

Monsters of the reef

LAKE VERMILION— For years, musky were known as “the fish of 10,000 casts,” but that no longer applies, at least on Lake Vermilion when the musky action heats up.Just ask Scott … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/27/22 | 1 comment

A DNR x-ray reveals the lead sinker (see pointer) that killed this loon.

Is a state ban the only way to get the lead out?

When we think about the changes we can make to lessen our impact on the environment, tossing our lead-based fishing tackle and making the switch to non-lead alternatives would seem to be well up on … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/27/22 | 1 comment

Harvest trimmings and kitchen waste can go right back into the garden, where it contributes to better soil.

Compost the easy way—directly in the garden

Don’t toss those imperfect lettuce leaves, onion tops and strawberry tops into the trash. Instead, convert them into compost right in the garden. Worm and pile composting are great ways to … more

Belinda Myers | 7/27/22

Chippewa Tribe votes to end blood quantum requirements

REGIONAL- Since the 1800s, federal and state laws have legally defined Native Americans in fractions of “Indian blood” – one-half, one-quarter, one-eighth, and so on – to … more

David Colburn | 7/27/22

Remember what government can do

Here’s a question: When was the last time at least half of Americans said the government in Washington could be trusted to do the right thing all or most of the time? It was right after … more

Lee Hamilton | 7/27/22 | 2 comments

PolyMet, Teck Resources launch joint venture

REGIONAL—Canadian-based PolyMet Mining and Teck Resources have launched a joint venture to bring two of the largest known deposits of copper-nickel and precious metals on the Duluth Complex … more

Marshall Helmberger | 7/27/22

The future of news

Newspapers around Minnesota have been making a point in recent days, and we’re joining that chorus in a full-page advertisement that appears in this week’s edition. At a time when so much … more

7/27/22 | 2 comments

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

District 3A Republicans share views as primary approaches

REGIONAL- A pair of Republicans are squaring off in the Aug. 9 state primary for the chance to unseat Minnesota House District 3A incumbent Representative Rob Ecklund in November, and while the two … more

David Colburn | 7/20/22 | 1 comment

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