Sports - The Timberjay

Ely junior pitcher Zoe MacKenzie winds to deliver from the mound during last week’s contest with Mesabi East.

AURORA- A big day for Zoe MacKenzie powered the Ely Timberwolves to a 9-6 comeback win over Mesabi East on Friday, as the Wolves’ hurler drove in four runs on three hits, including a solo home … more

David Colburn | 4/17/25

Wolves split in weekend road trip

REGIONAL—With winter conditions still lingering up north, the Timberwolves kicked off their 2025 baseball season last weekend with a two-game swing through southern Minnesota that showed both … more

Marshall Helmberger | 4/17/25

Talen Jarshaw keeps his eye on his pitch as it floats toward a waiting Chisholm batter.

Hopeful signs for North Woods despite 6-0 loss

AURORA- A 6-0 loss to the Chisholm Bluestreaks on Friday may have looked like an inauspicious start to the North Woods baseball season, but first-year Head Coach Steve Baker saw a lot to like from … more

David Colburn | 4/17/25

Keith Secola talked about a new flute he had just purchased. He also demonstrated how to record and edit music using Garage Band.

Lessons from Keith Secola: writing music, respecting the earth

TOWER- When Keith Secola visited Vermilion Country School on April 8, it wasn’t solely to give a concert for the students and staff. Secola, a nationally known, award-winning Native American … more

Jodi Summit | 4/17/25

Mr. B on his perch. Formerly known as Blockhead before moving to Tower, Mr. B is currently employed at Rick’s Relics on Main St.

Ely cat now employed at Rick’s Relics in Tower

ELY – A cat rescued here has found a new home – and a job – at a store in Tower. Blockhead is a fluffy cream-colored kitty who was abandoned by his former owners. “We believe … more

Catie Clark | 4/10/25

A video featuring VNP Ranger Erik Ditzler and Archivist Catherine Crawford showing part of the park's historical collection was shown during Tuesday's Zoom presentation.

Voyageurs National Park kicks off 50th anniversary

REGIONAL- Tuesday was the official golden anniversary of Voyageurs National Park, and a months-long celebration kicked off with a reception at the park’s headquarters in International Falls, … more

David Colburn | 4/10/25

Cook Lions Club President Steve Kajala talks to a group in St. Cloud about the club's flood recovery efforts.

Kajala conveys flood recovery report to LCIF donors

COOK- Ever since last summer’s devastating historic flood in Cook, the words “thank you” have been on the lips of Cook Lions Club President Steve Kajala as he’s expressed his … more

David Colburn | 4/10/25

The Outward Bound canoe planter at the Giving Garden next to the VA Clinic on Miners Drive.

Ely’s Giving Garden featured on “Great Gardening”

ELY – Nine months after the PBS “Great Gardening” program visited the Giving Garden last July, the program featuring the garden aired on April 3. “Great Gardening” is a … more

Catie Clark | 4/10/25

Burning restrictions take effect on Monday, April 14

REGIONAL— If you have spring burning to complete, this will be the weekend to get it done. Burning restrictions go into effect across northern St. Louis and all of Lake, Cook, and Koochiching … more

4/10/25

Steve Solkela, right, and his cast of comic characters will perform "La Serva Padrona" on Wednesday, April 16 at the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center.

Comic opera at the LVCC on April 16

TOWER- The Lake Vermilion Cultural Center will be hosting the comic opera, “La Serva Padrona” on Wednesday, April 16 beginning at 7:14 p.m. Yes, it really does start at 7:14. This … more

4/3/25

A recent photo of Brenna and her brother Bo.

After 25 years cancer free, Simpson remains unstoppable

COOK- Each April is a special month for Brenna Simpson, of Cook, and it has been so her whole life for a couple of different reasons. Not only was she born in April, it is also the month … more

Kirsten Reichel | 4/3/25

Encased in CRYSTAL

Last weekend’s freezing rain left the ground, tree branches, vehicles, and just about everything else left outdoors encased in a layer of ice. This week, it was heavy snow set to fall. Spring … more

Marshall Helmberger | 4/3/25

This room, which used to house two jail cells, is being renovated and turned into a new restroom.

Historic Fire Hall: Interior restoration project underway

TOWER- The oldest public building north of Duluth is getting closer to once again becoming a vibrant part of Tower’s Main Street. The historic fire hall was purchased by the Tower-Soudan … more

Jodi Summit | 4/3/25

New North Woods PTO puts together ambitious agenda

COOK- Parents and staff gathered on Monday in the North Woods School library for the second organizational meeting of a new Parent Teacher Organization, aiming to build stronger connections between … more

4/3/25

Chris Glazer (left) and Tad Drechsler are ready to roll with their new catering service, operating from the kitchen at Mitska’s Market in Ely.

Experienced chefs launch Ely catering service

ELY- A new business in downtown Ely is about to start up a venture inside another Ely store that should profit both. Boundary Waters Catering will use the commercial kitchen at Mitska’s Market … more

Catie Clark | 3/27/25

Wanted: Veterans to share their service stories

REGIONAL- The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota offers the Iron Range and Koochiching and Lake of the Woods counties something no other United Way in the state does – programs and support … more

David Colburn | 3/27/25

New leadership at the Ely Area Tourism Bureau

ELY– The Ely Area Tourism Bureau recently welcomed two new leaders into the fold. Abby Dare has been appointed Community Relations and Administrative Coordinator and Whitney Woods is the new … more

3/27/25

A Google Earth view of Moccasin Point landing. The popular access point is slated for major reconstruction starting later this year.

Moccasin Point upgrade has longtime users concerned

LAKE VERMILION— With funding finally in place, the Department of Natural Resources is planning to move forward with an estimated $2-plus million renovation of the Moccasin Point landing, and … more

Marshall Helmberger | 3/20/25

Dorothy Molter root beer AWOL until at least May

ELY- Dorothy Molter root beer addicts may be in for a tough two months. Dorothy’s famous root beer won’t be back on store shelves until May. An unexpected delay in the manufacturing of … more

Catie Clark | 3/20/25

Skraba bill would allow ATVs greater access to small town roads

REGIONAL- Since his first campaign for the state Legislature, Rep. Roger Skraba, R-Ely, has wanted to find ways to connect ATV trail riders with businesses in nearby communities served by trails. … more

David Colburn | 3/20/25

Hauschild works two sides of property tax equation

REGIONAL- District 3 Sen. Grant Hauschild, DFL-Hermantown, is walking a bit of a property tax tightrope this legislative session as he pushes forward one bill that would bring relief to small, … more

David Colburn | 3/20/25

Hospitality sector continues to lag post-pandemic

REGIONAL- At the five-year anniversary of the onset of the coronavirus epidemic, Minnesota’s hospitality industry is still struggling to get back to its pre-pandemic levels. Hospitality … more

David Colburn | 3/20/25

Wolves fall to Rangers

ESKO— The Timberwolves’ season came to a definitive end here on Saturday during the quarterfinal round of the Section 7A basketball playoffs. The Wolves managed to connect on just 15 of … more

Marshall Helmberger | 3/13/25

The Grizzlies’ Scott Morrison releases a soft jumper in the lane against Northland last Wednesday in the first round of tournament action.

Grizzlies fall in quarterfinals

REGIONAL- In a battle of beasts, only one wild animal ruled the court on Saturday as the Cherry Tigers stalked, swarmed, and shredded the North Woods Grizzlies, turning their Section 7A playoff game … more

David Colburn | 3/13/25

Ely’s Lydia Shultz looks for room in the paint.

Better than expected

HIBBING— After graduating three top senior players last year, the Ely Timberwolves could have come into the 2024-25 season with expectations of a rebuilding year. But the team and new coach … more

Marshall Helmberger | 3/6/25