Inside: Keith charges dropped... See /3 Farmers Market season... See /1B Orr Bogwalk reopens...See /4B Ringo the bear...See /8B the

Serving the communitiesIMBERJAY of northern St. Louis County since 1989 VOL. 32, ISSUE 25 June 25, 2021 00 T $1 CITY OF TOWER City, developers wrangle over river docking by MARSHALL HELMBERGER Managing Editor City threatens prosecution if river pilings are removed; jurisdiction unclear TOWER— Persistence Health signed off on his plans Right: The tattered remains of century-old river has finally paid off for the for a 32-unit RV campground, pilings have become a sore point between developer of a planned RV located along the East Two developers and the city of Tower. photo by M. Helmberger park here. After six years of River. Construction on the city hall. Rose and an adjacent currently prevents access to on-again, off-again battles project has been underway, developer, Geoff Griffin, the river from their property. with city officials over his in fits and starts, for the past have expressed their intent Both developers say they want proposal, Dave Rose has his several months. to remove about 200 linear to provide docking for future final approval in place after Yet Rose still faces at feet of old retaining wall, or the Minnesota Department of least one more battle with pilings, along the river, that See...TOWER pg. 9

BROADBAND No easy options for Greenwood by JODI SUMMIT Tower-Soudan Editor

GREENWOOD TWP- There may be no easy answers on how to get broadband internet service to Greenwood Township, but there will be some options if the township decides to move forward. The lack of decent internet service, let alone high-speed service, is seen as a major issue facing the township in the future, particularly as increasing numbers of res- idents and new arrivals seek to work from home. The town WILDFIRE board met with Joe Buttweiler, from broad- band provider CTC, along Quick response saves the day with IRRRB Joe Buttweiler staffer Whitney Aerial assault contains Embarrass blaze despite extreme fire weather Ridlon and by DAVID COLBURN cials unloaded everything Above: A CL-415 RAMS director Steve Giorgi, during a Cook/Orr Editor they had on the would- drops water on the fire special meeting on June 15. be conflagration, with a on Friday afternoon. CTC did some preliminary engineer- EMBARRASS- It was massive aerial assault that ing work in the township last year and bad timing for a wildfire. knocked the fire down by Right: Fire scorches a came up with some preliminary figures With high winds, low humid- later that evening. Fire crews tree. photos by D. Colburn on the cost to bring broadband to all ity, and tinder dry woods, continued to work the site excess of 40 mph contributed road-access properties in the township. the 60-acre blaze southeast much of this week to put out to its cause and rapid spread. Total price tag: $6.3 million. of the Four Corners intersec- the last remaining hot spots. “It started from just a “You’ve done the survey, we’ve tion, sparked by a downed Called the Rahkola small tree on a power line,” done the preliminary engineering,” said powerline last Friday, could Road fire for the small Embarrass Fire Chief Tom Buttweiler. “This is a common spot to have been worse— much strip of forest between that hit a barrier.” worse. road and Hwy. 135 where Which is why fire offi- it started, winds gusting in See...FIRE pg. 11 See...BROADBAND pg. 11

END OF AN ERA Ely’s oldest business closing soon by KEITH VANDERVORT Ely Editor JD Mills Company clothing store opened in 1901 ELY – Shoppers bustled 120-year run. John Mills still uses a vintage cash register in the in and out of the doors of “I remember coming in J.D. Mills Company clothing store on Sheridan Ely’s oldest retail busi- here a long time ago when Steet in Ely. photo by K. Vandervort ness last Saturday just as we were on vacation every the summer tourist season summer and getting our the same not having this bearded man standing near ramped up. Those days will school clothes,” said one store here in town,” she said, the vintage cash register, the soon end as the J.D. Mills out-of-town shopper who as she scanned the racks for third generation Mills to own Company prepares to close reminisced about the good clothing. for good next month after a old days. “It just won’t be John, the friendly See...MILLS pg. 9

Spring Clothing, New Book Titles, New Gifts Contact The Timberjay plus excellent Canoe Camping Gear. 218-753-2950 Come in today for a New Canoe or Kayak [email protected] Open Every Day 6 am - 9 pm piragis.com 218 - 365 - 6745 boundarywaterscatalog.com 2 June 25, 2021 TIMBERJAY Newspapers Community notices IRON RANGE PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABILITY Lake Vermilion Pow Wow, June 25-27 VERMILION RESERVATION- The Lake Vermilion Traditional Pow Wow will be held Friday, Here Comes the Sun! June 25 to Sunday, June 27. Grand entries will be at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 1 p.m. on IRPS presents a self-guided solar tour of the range Sunday. 2 Step Championship, winner takes all. REGIONAL- Here answers to important, prac- comes the sun. The sun, as tical questions, such as their Babbitt Scholarship Scramble awards you may know, gives its reason for investing in solar, $12,000 in scholarships energy freely, everywhere. type of solar installation, BABBITT- The Men’s Club of the Babbitt Golf We and the whole Earth who installed, cost, time Association has awarded a total of $12,000 in schol- community live by its light. to install, energy savings, arships to six seniors from Northeast Range High As society approaches any financial incentives School. Each scholarship is in the amount of $2,000. the end of the fossil fuel used, and any mainte- The graduates receiving the scholarship are Anne era, we are increasingly nance needed. Posters at Barich, Oskar Koivisto, Alexia Lightfeather, Phoebe turning toward the endless each location on the tour Morgan, Sadie Theel and Jimmy Zupancich. In 23 power of the sun to provide provide QR access to the years of the Men’s Club awarding scholarships, they electricity. irpsmn.org website with have awarded a total of $185,500 to 115 graduates. From Ely to Grand full information. People can The scholarship money is raised during the annual Rapids, solar energy is pow- visit any of the businesses Labor Day Scholarship Scramble held at the Babbitt ering the Range. Across our Piragis Northwoods Company is one of many and public buildings at their local businesses that has installed solar panels Golf Course. area, people and communi- convenience. If someone ties are turning to the sun and will be featured on the tour. submitted photo wants to contact a solar The Art of Tying Knots: for their homes, businesses, homeowner, a connection public buildings and public homes. Many more people utilities. Each phase of the can be arranged (again, via Macramé Take and Make Kits utilities. A solar plant is are asking questions. Does tour will highlight solar the website). REGIONAL- The operating at high capacity it work? Can we afford it? projects already working Here Comes the Sun Arrowhead Library System in Mt. Iron. A new commu- The Tour in Range communities, and is a journey of discov- will be providing The Art of nity solar array is currently This summer, the some that are ‘in the works.’ ery. Undiscovered solar Tying Knots: Macramé Take under construction in Grand Iron Range Partnership Guided solar tours or group sites will be identified and and Make Kits to member Rapids. Businesses in Ely for Sustainability is pre- events will take place in added to the solar map of public libraries to distribute are saving money on energy senting Here Comes the those communities. People the Range. Solar stories July 1-31. Learn the basic costs. So are govern- Sun, A Range Summer ‘21 can find out how it works will be told and shared. three knots of macramé and ment buildings in Virginia Solar Tour. Beginning in from people who know, More hands-on information create a trendy micro-mac- and Mt. Iron. Bois Forte Ely in June and ending in either in person or on the will be made available ramé zipper pull. This DIY Reservation is turning to Grand Rapids in August, irpsmn.org website. throughout the summer. project, created by Minnesota the sun’s energy for growth, the self-guided tour will A map of solar energy Solar tour partners SUN artist Jen Anfinson, can be used on jackets, back- with solar installations on spotlight solar power across sites is being created on (Solar United Neighbors), packs, purses – anything with a zipper! This is a their government buildings the Range, at work for the Iron Range Partnership RREAL (Rural Renewable great hands-on opportunity to create an artistic gift and some homes. People are homes, businesses, public for Sustainability website, Energy Alliance), and or even start a new hobby! This program is geared finding cost effective ways buildings, and community irpsmn.org. Each location REAL Solar will be sharing towards adults and kids ages 10 and up (younger to invest in solar for their on the solar tour is providing their resources. kids may need help from an adult). Kits will be distributed at Babbitt Public Library, Cook Public Library, Ely Public Library, Virginia Public Library, EDUCATION Arrowhead Library System Bookmobile, and Arrowhead Library System Mail-A-Book Please note each location has a limited number Local students receive Alworth of kits. This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Mesabi Range College Library System, was funded in part or in whole with Honor Roll money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Memorial Scholarships Fund. To learn more about Arrowhead Legacy High Honors Events, please see the calendar at www.alslib.info or REGIONAL- The Marshall group of scholarship recipients will on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alslibinfo. (3.75 - 4.0) H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial be furthering their education at Emma Aluni, Embarrass Fund has awarded its latest round post-secondary institutions across Volunteers sought for Local Mental Christian Cersine, Babbitt of scholarships to 72 northern the United States.” Steven Fenske, Winton Minnesota high school seniors Since 1949, the Alworth Health Advisory Council Dillon Gorsma, Soudan pursuing bachelor’s degrees related Memorial Fund has distributed REGIONAL- St. Louis County is seeking Brianna Lehti, Soudan to science, technology, engineering more than $53 million among over several volunteers to serve on the Local Mental Vanessa Little, Babbitt and math (STEM). 5,300 motivated young people. Health Advisory Council. Ideal candidates include Anthony Norcia, Tower Selected from among 204 The fund is available to students anyone with professional training related to mental Derek Phillips, Ely applicants, recipients will each in 60 high schools, plus those health, or anyone who has lived experience. Evan Rabe, Winton receive $20,000, distributed over who are homeschooled, in the 10 The group works to identify existing resources Chevelle Schroeder, Embarrass eight semesters, beginning with the northern Minnesota counties listed and provide recommendations to St. Louis County Arija Thompson, Embarrass 2021-2022 school year. Awardees above. Find additional information Public Health and Human Services regarding Magnus Trembath, Embarrass live in the Minnesota counties of about the Marshall H. and Nellie changes, additions and improvements needed to local Brandie Walker, Cook Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Alworth Memorial Fund at www. mental health services for children and adults. Cook, Crow Wing, Lake, Itasca, AlworthScholarship.org. The application deadline is Wednesday, June 30. Koochiching and St. Louis. The 2021-2022 Alworth The Local Mental Health Advisory Council meets on Honors “For more than 70 years, the Scholarship recipients in our area the third Thursday of each month from 4:30-6 p.m. (3.5 – 3.74) Alworth Memorial Fund has been included William Davies of Ely proud to assist young people ded- Memorial High School, Jasper Advisory council members are asked to commit to Steven Kerntz, Ely serve on the council for two years. There is a sepa- icated to making a difference in Johnston of Ely Memorial High Jackson Levens, Tower STEM-related fields,” said Patty School, Oskar Koivisto of Northeast rate advisory council serving the southern part of St. Dustin Moravitz, Ely Louis County, though additional volunteers are not Salo Downs, Executive Director of Range High School, and Brynn Winter Sainio, Ely the Alworth Memorial Fund. “We’re Simpson of North Woods High needed for this group at this time. James Towner, Gheen More information about the work of the Local thrilled that this year’s impressive School. Advisory Council and a link to apply can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/lac. FOR FULL SCHEDULE & TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT:

NORTHERNLIGHTSMUSIC.ORG

ROSSINI’S rollicking comic opera CinderellaCinderella A special one-hour adaptation of Rossini’s comic opera, just for the children. CINDERELLA in Italian with English supertitles JULY 15 3:30 PM JULY 16 7:00 PM Veda Zuponcic Veda Zuponcic Auditorium, Mesabi East, Aurora Auditorium, Mesabi East, JULY 18 3:30 PM Aurora Discovery Center Amphitheater, Chisholm JULY 17 3:30 PM STAGE DIRECTOR CONDUCTED BY SET DESIGN Discovery Center COVID-19 Vaccine Amphitheater, Chisholm Chia Patiño Gavriel Heine Angelique Powers

NLMF ORCHESTRA CHAMBER MUSIC SHARING THE RANGE Appointments Available LECTURE SERIES OPENING CONCERT CHAMBER MUSIC IN BUHL OJIBWE NATION… JULY 2 7:00 PM JULY 12 7:00 PM BEFORE THERE WAS Scenic Rivers is now scheduling appointments for individuals Veda Zuponcic Auditorium Buhl Public Library, Buhl AN IRON RANGE Lecture by Dr. Anton Treuer Mesabi East, Aurora CHAMBER MUSIC AT VCC JULY 1 7:00 PM to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at our medical locations FACULTY CONCERT Schubert The Trout B’nai Abraham, Virginia Brahms Piano Trio, Op. 114; JULY 19 4:00 PM Festive Fourth! Concerts Vermilion Comm. College, Ely THE ETHNICITIES THAT following state eligibility guidelines. Supply is limited and call Savitski, Gandelsman, Feigelson SHAPED THE IRON RANGE with the NLMF Orchestra JULY 6 7:00 PM OPERA SCENES & ARIAS JULY 8 7:00 PM Gavriel Heine conducting Veda Zuponcic Auditorium JULY 19 7:00 PM B’nai Abraham, Virginia Mesabi East, Aurora volumes are high, so we appreciate your patience. If you Featuring West Side Story Veda Zuponcic Auditorium and opera arias performed by WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON? JULY 7 7:00 PM Mesabi East, Aurora Dr. Gary Kaunonen stars of the NLMF Opera! B’nai Abraham, Virginia believe you meet the MN state vaccine eligiblity requirements, CHAMBER MUSIC Music of Social Protest: JULY 3 4:00 PM AT B’NAI ABRAHAM The Aurora Strike 1916 Discovery Center, Chisholm CHAMBER MUSIC Music by Christopher Shin and CONCERT Schubert The Trout JULY 4 4:00 PM Lourin Plant please call the number below to schedule an appointment. Sharing the Range: Veda Zuponcic Auditorium JULY 20 7:00 PM JULY 9 7:00 PM Which Side Are You On? Mesabi East, Aurora B’nai Abraham, Virginia Veda Zuponcic Auditorium JULY 9 7:00 PM Mesabi East, Aurora NLMF ORCHESTRA Veda Zuponcic Auditorium NLMF CONCERT IN THE PARK Indian Drumming Concert JULY 10 7:00 PM Cook Medical Tower Medical CONCERT Mesabi East, Aurora Alexander Markov, violin; JULY 21 4:00 PM B’nai Abraham, Virginia JULY 10 7:00 PM Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Whiteside Park, Ely B’NAI ABRAHAM Vaccine Scheduling Vaccine Scheduling plus Winners of 2021 NLMF B’nai Abraham, Virginia FINAL CLOSING CONCERT SYNAGOGUE & THE HISTORY Concerto Competition OF IRON RANGE JEWRY 20 5th St SE 415 N 2nd St, Suite 2 OPERA SCENES & ARIAS JULY 23 7:00 PM JULY 22 7:00 PM JULY 25 7:00 PM JULY 11 4:00 PM Veda Zuponcic Auditorium Historic Hibbing High School B’nai Abraham, Virginia (218) 361-3297 (218) 753-2405 Auditorium, Hibbing Vermilion Comm. College, Ely Mesabi East, Aurora

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ACCIDENT Car versus building: Vehicle plows into Ely business by KEITH VANDERVORT failed to negotiate the turn vehicle until the car was Ely Editor successfully. pulled out of the building The car plowed through by a local towing company. ELY – A quiet Father’s the chain link fence of the “The driver must have Day afternoon here was not parking lot at the Custom been traveling at a pretty without a bit of unexpect- Theaters of Ely business, fast rate of speed to travel ed excitement when a car clipped the edge of one into the building that far,’ crashed into a building on garage, and drove com- said Ely Fire Chief David the west end of town. pletely into another garage. Marshall. According to the Ely Swanson was suffering The Ely Fire Police Department, a PT a medical emergency at the Department, Police Cruiser driven by Jeremy time of the incident and Department and Swanson of Ely was trav- was transported by ambu- Ambulance Service were eling west on Camp Street lance to Ely-Bloomenson assisted by deputies from just after 1 p.m. As he Community Hospital, the St. Louis County approached the left-hand according to police. Sheriff’s Department and turn onto Third Avenue The Ely Fire the Lake County Sheriff’s The Ely Fire Department worked to extricate a driver from his vehicle that at the end of the street, he Department could not reach Department. crashed into Custom Theaters on Sunday afternoon. the lone occupant of the photo by K. Vandervort

ST. LOUIS COUNTY COURTS Linda Keith felony charge dismissed by judge by MARSHALL HELMBERGER property had hung over she had in her possession, pandemic. During the year whether the prosecution Keith’s claim that it had Managing Editor Keith’s head for more but Keith never returned the and a half since she was had sufficient evidence to stopped working and was than a year and a half, but device. Instead, she told a charged, the case had gone demonstrate the value of beyond repair. TOWER— Nearly her refusal to plead in the Breitung police officer that to three different prose- the computer, which was “I didn’t think we had two years to the day after case prompted the county the computer had failed, so cutors. The most recent, a critical element in the a reasonable likelihood Linda Keith admitted she to dismiss the charge just her son shot the computer Chris Florey, an assistant case. The felony charge of success at trial,” said intentionally destroyed a days before a jury trial in and she later drove over county attorney, received that Keith faced required Florey. city laptop computer, the St. the case was set to begin. the device with her pickup the case about a month ago prosecutors to prove the Keith’s dismissal was Louis County Attorney’s The case stemmed before burning the remains following the departure of computer was worth at the beginning of the end of Office has dismissed the from statements made by to ash in a fire. Karl Sundquist, who left the least $1,000. That likely a city administration that criminal complaint against Keith shortly after she was The case had lan- county for private practice. would have proven difficult had fumbled numerous the former Tower City suspended as clerk-trea- guished in a court system Florey acknowledged given that the computer was issues, including grant Clerk-Treasurer. surer in June of 2019. City that had struggled to keep that cases become harder to several years old and that mismanagement that could The felony charge for officials had demanded that up with its caseload as a prosecute as time goes by prosecutors had no remains the destruction of public she return a city laptop that result of the COVID-19 and he said he questioned of the computer to counter See KEITH...pg. 5 REAL ESTATE

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Let’s Make Sold Happen For You Too! 4 June 25, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY

“CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW... ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS;”

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution e-mail: [email protected] OPINION Editorial Can local news survive? More importantly, will our communities survive as we shift our lives to the virtual world? Is the death of local on the decline for years. news unavoidable? That’s The pandemic only helped the question that’s on the speed along the continued tongues of many who follow disintegration. the business of journal- At the same time, social ism at a time when many media and the evolution small town newspapers of other forms of media are shuttering their doors have consumed our time for the last time. We wrote and drawn our attention recently about the demise of elsewhere. As of last year, the Journal in International the average American spent Falls, just the latest in a string just over two hours a day on of such stories in Minnesota social media, and that statis- and elsewhere in recent tic means that many of us are months. spending much more time It’s ironic that in the than that. Add in the time we Information Age, the best, spend in other online pursuits and often only, sources of and it’s easy to understand information about what’s how the computer and the really happening in small online world it spawned are towns all across the country, reshaping the way we see the are struggling to survive like world and our definition of Letters from Readers never before. The situation community. has prompted plenty of calls The political polariza- would have suffered like they did for action from newspaper tion we’ve experienced at Thanks for the in England with too many taxes but Maybe trade can publishers to members of the national level in recent work you do supposedly represented by the elite improve relations Congress. years has further driven a and rich members in parliament. But what if none of the wedge into our traditional To the wonderful Timberjay My point is, given all the taxes I don’t know if nuclear first- ideas proposed by would- communities, where such staff: This weekly newspaper the middle and lower class are strike capability is possible. We be saviors of small town differences formerly didn’t arrives faithfully every Saturday or paying today as opposed to the elite need to determine if an arms race newspapers will really make matter. In our online world, Monday and is read cover to cover. rich, why isn’t there a revolution with Russia could lead to our anni- a difference? What if the we can easily isolate our- This newspaper is exactly what going on? Are we different from hilation, and if so, we need to have reason that community selves into far more comfort- every community needs. In the our forefathers and why are we? both countries agree to a freeze on newspapers are struggling able communities where we suburb of Roseville, we no longer The answer lies, I think, in what new nuclear weapons (at least if is that the traditional sense can block or unfriend anyone have a community newspaper and motivates a man? Does he do things such a freeze is verifiable). There of community as we used who doesn’t agree with us. do we ever miss it. It is so good for for the interest of others or his own should, of course, be immediate to know it is disappearing? Such communities become us to be able to keep up with the self-interest? Our real forefathers inspection of any suspected nuclear We used to define com- self-reinforcing bubbles that North Country news. Thank you had to work for the elite and rich weapon sites. If Russia doesn’t munity largely in geograph- can easily leave us isolated much for publishing the Timberjay. who had been given land grants agree to this-and if any diplomatic ical terms. You were part of from those actually around Gus and Anne Haugan and privileges through rents and gesture such as inviting them to join the same community if you us. Roseville hourly wages plus British taxes. NATO doesn’t work-then we need lived within the same city While many prognos- They came to America with the to have tougher sanctions than we limits, or perhaps the same ticators have bemoaned the hope of having their own and the do at present. school attendance area or death of newspapers for Dependence keeps fruits it would provide. We should also (especially some other physical bound- years, there has long been a It is easy to see why they if such a freeze is non-verifiable) ary that could be identified belief that small town news- Americans from finally revolted. So why don’t we, consider removing the threat by on a map. papers could weather the revolution if the ProPublica report is true? My the prospect of increased trade. Being part of that seismic shifts posed by the answer is that so many people in Alvin Blake community gave one the Internet because they were, I read your editorial in your America have become so depen- Hibbing incentive to understand its literally, the only reliable paper this morning and came away dent on the government in one workings. In political terms, source of truly local news. If with a different conclusion than form or another, just like the elite that meant understanding you wanted to know what the “we must tax the rich more.” Our and rich, that they have lost their We welcome how we govern ourselves school board did this week, forefathers went to war with the sense of having their own and the and how daily life unfolds or if the city council was British Government at the time fruits it would provide. There are your letters in our communities, sub- spending too many of your over taxes….too many of them. so many things to be talked about jects that have long been the tax dollars, there was only The people who went to war and here and so little room. Suffice it to The Timberjay raison d`etre of small town one place to turn for the real fought were the same people close with a quote from Thucydides encourages letters to the story. That’s as true today who always go to war and have in describing the Athenians telling editor. You can submit newspapers. “ as it ever was. This thought to fight…..the middle and lower the defeated Melians, There is no letters by mail at PO Box Yet, for many of us, the definition of community is pushed many newspapers, classes. Those are really our fore- morality in people with power... 636, Tower, MN 55790, or evolving as the social media even in large metropoli- fathers. Of course, Washington, might makes right to them and email letters to marshall@ silos many of us have created tan areas, to shift toward Jefferson, Adams etc…..are called people with power do what they timberjay.com. Letters are subject for ourselves have taken “hyper-local” coverage, in our forefathers because they wrote can and the poor suffer what they the Constitution many years after must.” to editing, primarily for us away from our physical an effort to stay relevant length and clarity. communities. This process and timely in an era when the war and changed the governing Randy Love was undoubtedly accelerat- readers often had instant institution from a group of individ- Cook ed over the past year as the online access to national or ual states acting together voluntari- pandemic canceled the face- international news. ly to a central institution called a to-face gatherings that have But what happens if Federal Government acting with long served as the glue of nobody cares about local power over the individual states. small town life. Community news anymore? As our Before the war there were potlucks. School fundrais- attention is increasingly many royalists who had received ers. Friday night basketball. drawn away from our phys- grants of land and privileges Bowling night. These were ical communities into often very similar to the tax breaks the regular reminders of our more titillating online alter- the wealthy receive now from place in a larger whole, one natives, when do we have the Government. In fact, if King that mattered to us. The faces time to devote to local news? George and the Parliament had we saw at these events helped Perhaps more importantly, been smart and just made people to define our community. We when do we have time to in America at that time English understood that those who engage as actual citizens subjects instead of colonists and attended were our people and devoted to the hard work of allowed them representation in we recognized our common building community? Parliament instead of just taxing cause. We’ve probably all These, of course, are them without representation, there heard that traditional small questions. If only we had would have been no war. The town social life has been the answers. elite, rich landowners of the time, including Washington, etc. would have never complained or gone to war and the poor and middle class Taking a solstice trek back in time Another is an unfa- around 1200 A.D., Anasazi Nakai “Canyon Trilogy” toward home, I didn’t. I unnatural. summer solstice miliar is a Navajo word meaning CD of Navajo (Diné) flute just kept driving on toward It was in the park’s gift has come and gone phrase, “enemy ancestors” and music, and drove out of the setting sun and into the shop that I came across a without check- perhaps has never been used by the town headed west. I’d night. Thirteen hours and book about Chaco Culture ing off one of the the word Indigenous people of cur- intended to be home by more than 700 miles later, National Historic Park in items that’s been “Anasazi” rent-day pueblos to describe supper time. driving nonstop, I was in northern New Mexico. on my bucket list may ring a their Chacoan ancestors. Mesa Verde National southeast Colorado at the Situated primarily along for years now – bell. While Ancestral Puebloan has Park had long been on the entry to Mesa Verde. a broad canyon in the San partaking of the first used become the accepted and list of places I wanted to I spent two fascinating Juan tablelands of north- celestial event in by archae- appropriate term. visit, and as I listened to and mildly disturbing days west New Mexico, it looked the grand and mys- ologists and In 2005, I was in Nakai’s haunting melodies there. Seeing and learn- to be a rather different terious landscape DAVID popularized between professional gigs my thoughts naturally ing about the impressive experience just a few hours of the ancestral in modern and living for a while back drifted to the Southwest and ancient architecture and away, and I had a couple Puebloan ruins of COLBURN days by the in my little Kansas home- the Four Corners region. culture was fascinating, but more days to spend on the Chaco Canyon, supposed town. One hot summer When I reached the town 25 the tourist-driven, muse- road if I wanted to. New Mexico. mystery of their apparent- afternoon I hopped in my miles down the road where um-like air to the whole If “ancestral Puebloan” ly sudden disappearance car, popped in my R. Carlos I had thought I’d turn back experience was unsettling, See SOLSTICE...pg. 5 THE TIMBERJAY June 25, 2021 5 COVID-19 PANDEMIC County marks positive COVID milestone by DAVID COLBURN Cook-Orr Editor Vaccinations lag statewide as new variant causes concern REGIONAL- A sure ed across the Orr, Cook, the seven-day case posi- done little to raise interest the nation, as President Joe of the Center for Infectious and welcome sign that the Tower, Soudan, Ely, and tivity average dropped to among the unvaccinated. Biden’s COVID response Disease Research and COVID-19 pandemic is on Embarrass zip codes mon- 1.3 percent, well below The percentage of coordinator Jeff Zients Policy at the University the wane was found on the itored by the Timberjay. the threshold of 5 percent those 16 and older who acknowledged on Tuesday of Minnesota, urged more St. Louis County webpage The Ely cases were the first that raises the concern for had received at least one that the country would not restraint in predicting pos- on Sunday. reported there by the state in community spread. dose of COVID vaccine reach the administration’s sible impacts during an “Very exciting news five weeks. New cases were Vaccinations was 64 percent on June 1, goal of having 70 percent interview yesterday with to share! For the first time last reported for Tower and Last week the state with a goal of achieving of Americans 18 and older St. Paul television station since last summer, there are Orr on June 10, for Cook on achieved a milestone in the 70 percent by June 30. vaccinated with at least one KSTP. ZERO new COVID cases June 3, for Soudan on May vaccination effort when the With a week to go as of dose by July 4. “I do not think we reported today in St Louis 27, and all the way back three-millionth dose was Wednesday, the state was Troubling variant will see a surge across the County!!! (And this follows to April 29 for Embarrass. administered, bringing the still well short at 66.4 Stalling vaccinations nation, but this variant is 50 two consecutive days of just The most recent figure state’s vaccination rate for percent, and officials now and recent research indi- to 60 times more infectious 1 new case each day.) for the benchmark measure the entire population to 54 project that it may be early cating uneven uptake in than the last variant that Thank you to the of the seven-day daily case percent. August before the goal is different regions has some arrived here in the U.S.,” 111,444 SLC residents who average in northern St. However, the “Your reached. health officials nationwide, Osterholm said. are fully or at least partially Louis County is 0.9 percent. Shot to Summer” vacci- The total of weekly including Dr. Anthony He also said that those vaccinated!” With COVID restric- nation rewards program doses administered fell Fauci, concerned about the who received the two-dose It had been 362 days tions lifted in late May, introduced by Gov. Tim to its lowest level yet possibility that the Delta Pfizer and Moderna - vac since the last COVID case- state health officials have Walz at the end of May that last week, 73,374, which variant, a more highly cines appear to be doing free day was recorded on credited vaccinations as the promised free admission includes people who contagious version than well against the Delta June 23, 2020, and last primary reason that cases, passes to events and attrac- received second doses of any of its predecessors, will variant, and that research Thursday’s weekly report hospitalizations, and deaths tions, free fishing licenses, the Pfizer and Moderna become the dominant strain is being conducted for had more positive news for have been on a significant and $25 gift cards to the vaccines. in the U.S. soon. the single-shot Johnson & the North Country region. and steady decline. Only first 100,000 people ages 12 Minnesota’s experi- But a nationally recog- Johnson vaccine. Only three new cases, one death was reported and over to get vaccinated ence with declining vacci- nized Minnesota expert, Dr. all in Ely, were report- statewide on Tuesday, and by June 30, appears to have nation rates mirrors that of Michael Osterholm, head Letters from Readers

or the hunting blind. On as to dress and deportment. self-confident I could strap ready to indulge; just as Offer an upset guest a Ideas to make other occasions unloaded Are the Daughters of on a diminutive Freedom one provides vegan and chance for a private consult peace with firearms were presented as the American Revolution Arms .22 Rimfire revolver nonalcoholic choices for to deal with their hoplopho- gifts in fancy papers as a and family heritage groups or a .36 caliber derringer guests. A trip to the garden bia; or pull some triggers gun-toting relatives rite of passage or a marking of the like celebrating the with percussive ignition. to collect vegetables or a together in confidence. of time. Ammunition was several militias of their For a more irenic pre- tour of the neighborhood Mr. Steva is correct I am writing in reply given at leave taking, if ancestors on every occa- sentation, I would have a cultural spaces would be that there is no need for to Mr. Keith Steva’s letter at all. sion? What gives? transparent belt bag with in order. arms at family events; one in the June 18 issue of the Are there now I can only offer my several orange or yellow If someone is upsetting can always cite a previous Timberjay. Westworld and Gunsmoke response to this new clay pigeon targets. or upset, I would discreetly engagement to avoid the I have attended and themed gatherings in custom. I would adopt a The previous only take them aside and ask occasion you dread. I can hosted family shooting vogue? Do families that round shield and spear or a obtain if the invitation had them to disarm (as if in a only hope that hosts and parties for the last sixty favor Jacobean tragedies crossbow on my back as in clearly noted Bring Your saloon in the Old West) or guests make use of the rules years and not heard of this such as White Devil and the Finnish epic Kalevala. Own Armaments (BYOA). loan them a piece of their of good form to gain ease new fashion of open carry The Duchess of Malfi I might try a large revolver I would contact the hosts choosing. At a later date, I and companionship. at a family function. A guest replace the dagger and in a large caliber such as before if I was unsure of would gently ask them why Thank you, would usually bring arms codpiece with a pistol and a .50 Smith and Wesson the setting of the gathering. they carry side arms and Virgil K. Saari and ammunitions in gun holster in reenactments? if the event were held in On my invitation I would if they would be offended Pike Twp. cases and ammo boxes to Perhaps invitations are not this summer and in ‘bear clearly state an alterna- if you sent a manual of be opened at the gun range as clear as they once were country’. If feeling more tive to arms for those not etiquette for this century. SOLSTICE...Continued from page 4 It was, indeed, an alto- center of a complex cul- positioned in such a way about the rich and complex resent a trend and the influ- we could well see another gether different experience. tural system that stretched that a slim sliver of light Chacoan civilization right ence of climate change, drought-driven migration Chaco Canyon is 20 throughout the Southwest. falls on specific spots of the at home that began in the there soon won’t be enough that dwarfs the numbers miles off the main highway, Archaeologists have petroglyph behind them on mid-800s and lasted for water to go around, and from 900 years ago. the last 13 miles of the discovered a 180-mile the winter and summer sol- more than three centuries. drive on rugged dirt and network of excavated roads stice. At Casa Rinconada, It’s really not surprising the gravel roads. A signature 15 to 30-feet wide, thought a great kiva 60 feet wide at all, I guess, given that geographical feature, the to be as much for religious and 15 feet deep, a ray of throughout our history as TIMBERJAY monolithic Fajada Butte, symbolism as for trans- sunshine streaming through a nation we have valued is visible for miles before portation. Pueblo Bonito its one window illuminates Indigenous civilizations Copyright © 2021 by The Timberjay. reaching the park, adding functioned as a trading and a niche on the opposite mostly for what we could The Timberjay (PN 16025) is pub- a sense of anticipation to spiritual center, as well as wall on the morning of take from them and have lished weekly on Fridays, 51 weeks the gradual descent into an storage facility for food. the summer solstice, and at times actively sought per year, by The Timberjay Inc., PO the canyon. Turquoise and skeletons of no other. to eradicate their history, Box 636, Tower, MN 55790. Busi- A nine-mile loop road scarlet macaws found there While I’ve been back culture, and identities. provides easy access to provide evidence that the to Chaco several times and So, the summer sol- ness/Editorial Office at 414 Main St., PO Box 636, five of the intricately con- Chacoan trading network have explored many of the stice is always a time for Tower, MN 55790. Call (218) 753-2950 to sub- structed stone great houses spanned nearly a thousand other associated ancestral me to revisit Chaco, if only scribe. E-mail address is [email protected]. of “downtown Chaco,” miles. An intricate irriga- Puebloan sites throughout in my mind, but it’s been Periodicals postage paid at Tower, Minnesota. and short and moder- tion system collected and the region, I haven’t yet in my thoughts recently ate hikes lead to several stored rain water from the timed my trips to scratch for another reason as well. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to more. Stunning half-moon- surrounding mesas and that item off my bucket list It is generally accepted The Timberjay, PO Box 636, Tower, MN 55790. shaped Pueblo Bonito was distributed it to the canyon of being at Casa Rinconada that the sudden decline of the largest human-built floor for agriculture. to witness the wisdom Chacoan culture and the This award-winning community newspaper structure in North America And while still the of the ancestors play out “disappearance” of its published each week serves the communities of until the late 1800s, a subject of debate in some in light on the kiva wall. people was due to a pro- Tower/Soudan, Cook/Orr, and Ely. four-story, 600-plus-room circles, there’s strong evi- Given my own sense of longed drought that began marvel constructed of small dence to support the theory spiritual connectedness to in the late 1100s that made Publisher Marshall Helmberger flat rocks and structural that the Chacoans were the Southwest, it is surely continued life in the arid General Manager Jodi Summit timbers carried to the attuned to the stars and the an experience I would canyon untenable. Recent Cook/Orr Editor David Colburn canyon from the nearest calendar of nature, includ- someday like to have. news has been filled with Ely Editor Keith Vandervort sources of trees 40 to 50 ing winter and summer My initial visit to stories and images of the Staff Writer Stephanie Ukkola miles away. It’s estimated solstice. Chaco Canyon left my devastating and prolonged Office Manager M. M. White more than 240,000 trees The “Sun Dagger” head spinning as to why drought in the western Graphics/Ad Sales Scarlet Lynn Stone we studied the great Mayan U.S., with key reservoirs were used in building the is a rock and petroglyph Ad Sales/Sports Jay Greeney great houses of Chaco. calendar far up the side of and Incan civilizations in dropping to historic lows. Chaco Canyon was the Fajada Butte, with rocks school but never learned If recent years indeed rep- Official Newspaper: City of Tower, Townships of Bearville, Eagles Nest, Embarrass, Kugler, Vermilion Lake, Field, KEITH...Continued from page 3 Morcom, Leiding, Crane Lake, ISD 707. still cost the city hundreds sought to juggle payments current city administration. ing former Tower Clerk- of thousands of dollars, as for a city administration Given the time that’s Treasurer Keith and the Member: Minnesota Newspaper Association, well as a lack of financial that had engaged in almost gone by, city officials had city is moving forward with Lake Vermilion Resort Association, Lake Vermil- transparency that allowed unchecked spending and little reaction to the decision very positive results,” said ion Area Chamber of Commerce, Ely Chamber of Keith to drain most city poor project management. to drop the charge against Mayor Orlyn Kringstad. Commerce, Orr Chamber of Commerce. reserve accounts without Many of those issues have Keith. “We have moved on public knowledge, as she since been addressed by the from the activities regard- Subscriptions Available: St. Louis County: $39 year Elsewhere: $54 year. We accept VISA/Mastercard/Discover/ AmEx. NOTE: Changes of address must be sent or called in to the Tower office. Out-of-state de- Eastern Orthodox Christianity focus of Ely history night livery may take 2-3 weeks. For prompt out-of-state ELY - Dr. Steve College in lecture hall CL studies. His talk will focus Orthodox Christian com- delivery try the First Class Subscription: $100 year Matthews will give a talk 104 at 7 p.m. on the history of Eastern munities in the area today. or $10 per month. about the history of Eastern Dr. Matthews is an asso- Orthodoxy Christianity Admission to all Read the entire paper on-line every week. Orthodox Christianity ciate professor of history at on the Iron Range through History Nights is free. A On-line subscriptions cost $29.95/year; details and on the Iron Range for University of Minnesota- Serbian, Russian, and freewill donation is greatly payment at www.timberjay.com. Ely-Winton Historical Duluth, where he teaches Greek immigration, the appreciated. Society History Night on history of Christianity, major figures involved Moving? Questions about your subscription? Wednesday, June 30 at European history, history in the formation of their Call the Tower office at (218) 753-2950. Vermilion Community of science, and museum parishes, and the Eastern 6 June 25, 2021 TOWER-SOUDAN LOCAL NEWS THE TIMBERJAY TOWER-SOUDAN CIVIC CLUB Week of June 28 Tower-Soudan Monday TOPS - Immanuel Civic Club Lutheran Church, Tower, at 9 a.m. Canceled until keeps Tower further notice. blooming... Embarrass Al-Anon Family Group- Hope Lutheran Karel Winkelaar and Steve Church, 5088 Hwy. 21, Abrahamson (pictured) are 6 p.m. once again the volunteer plant waterers for the hanging baskets Tower City Council- on the Highway 169 bridge. 5:30 p.m. at the Tower Pauly Housenga, Jaynee Yocum, Civic Center on June 28 and Sue Ellis are taking turns watering and caring for the Tuesday planters at the Civic Center. The hanging baskets and the flowers Tower Area Food Shelf- at the Civic Center have been Open on the third Tuesday donated by the Tower-Soudan of every month from 2:30- Civic Club to help beautify our 5:00 p.m. Located in the community. back of the Timberjay building on Main Street. photo by J. Summit Next food shelf day is July 20.

Greenwood Fire Dept.- Meetings on the first (busi- TOWER-SOUDAN ness meeting) and third ELEMENTARY (drill) Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Wednesday Tower AA- Open Basics- 7 p.m. at St. James Presbyterian Church. Questions, call 753-2332.

Thursday AA Meeting- Lake Vermilion 12x12 (Open). 6:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tower, use the rear side door entrance. TS Elementary students had a fun day outdoors their last week of school during Track & Field Day, play- ing silly games and participating in individual and TSHS aluminum cooperative activities. Students earned tickets that they placed in raffle boxes for the chance to win fun can drive outdoor toys. Pictured above: Lily Russell and Zaija fundraiser Schroeder. Middle: Kija Chosa. Right: Emmett Flood TOWER-SOUDAN- and Shaye Isham. photos by J. Summit The Tower-Soudan Histor- ical Society is starting an ongoing “Aluminum Can” NORTHEAST RANGE HIGH SCHOOL collection drive. Funds from the cans donated will go toward projects and the work of the Historical Northeast Range Fourth Quarter Honor Roll Society. A Honor Roll Grade 9 Ariel Kalinowski Grade 9 A fenced-in trailer Grade 12 Aubree Gerlovich Alexia Lightfeather Natalie Backe is behind the Historic Oskar Koivisto Grade 8 Bralyn Lislegard Zander Lislegard Fire Hall located next to Phoebe Morgan Luca Brown Gracie Sperling Ruby Milton the Tower Post Office Ethan Zaitz Adeline Klatt Sadie Theel Grade 8 on Main St. Please place James Zupancich Danica Sundblad Grade 11 Noah Backe your aluminum cans Grade 11 Grade 7 Wyatt Gorsma Joshua Burton inside a garbage bag and Audrey Anderson Hannah Aldrich Amara Lampton Alexus Childs place them in the fenced Erin Backe Nevaeh Evridge Ryan Milton Kyle Kratz trailer. Other donations or Joscelyn LaSart Tuuli Koivisto Calvin Winger Chelsey Nelmark memberships can be sent Markus Maki Mabry Ohm Grade 10 Maizy Sundblad to TSHS, PO Box 465, Rylan Poppenhagen Michele Buckanaga Ian Sunsdahl Tower, MN 55790. Hannah Reichensperger B Honor Roll Layne Kaufenberg Crade 7 Grade 10 Grade 12 Jacob Mackai Chloe Adkisson Mariah DeJoode Anne Barich Jennie Nelson Avery Buschman Logan Meskill Christopher Ferguson Emily Westvik Brody Lindquist Kassidy Turner Isaac Hendrickson Jonathan Zaitz Jada Medicine Luther Johnson

COMMUNITY NEWS NOW OPEN Fridays Greenwood Membership is $8 in pride. Morgan Hensley, nations this year. rummage sale advance by June 30, and of Embarrass, was named Donations are still $10 the day of the pic- to the 2021 Spring Dean’s needed and can be 4-6 PM fundraiser nic. Pre-registrations are List. She is a student in the mailed to: PO Box 461, at the for Lakeview great-ly appreciated and College of Education and Tower, MN 55790. Cemetery can be mailed to: Vermil- Human Sciences. Thank you to: Train Depot ion Range Old Settlers Richard & Sandra Kitto GREENWOOD Association, PO Box 724, Peter & Colette Johnson TWP- Volunteers in Travis Vogh named Tower, MN 55790. Robert & Theresa Holmes Greenwood Township are to 2021 spring Steve Solkela, the Richard & Kay Hanson holding a rummage sale one-man accordion band, semester Dean’s Mark Werner fundraiser to benefit the will be this year’s en- Town of Kugler Lakeview Cemetery in List at Central tertainment. If you hav- Embarrass-Vermillion Tower. The sale is set for Lakes College, Tower en’t seen Steve in action, Federal Credit Union Saturday, June 26 from 9 check him out on You- Brainerd and Dave Joki a.m. – 6 p.m. Tables are Tube; he is definitely fun Staples Molly Korpi still available for $10 each for all ages and a unique Tim & Nancy Kotzian Cemetery (with all tables fees donat- REGIONAL- Travis musical talent. Steve is no Delores Branville ed to the cemetery). Call Vogh, of Soudan, has stranger to Old Settlers. Richard & Peggy Peyla Pam at 218-753-3006 to been named to the He has family in the Tow- Boulder Busters Association reserve a table. Coffee an’ Dean’s List at Central er-Soudan area, and he James Chiabotti will be available. Lakes College, which in- is asking for your sang the National Anthem cludes 325 students who Myre Construction Old Settlers set for one summer when he was earned a grade-point av- Aronson Boat Works a youngster. erage of 3.25 to 3.74. Tower-Soudan Agency continued support. the third Saturday Central Lakes College is a Terry & Donna Mosher in July Morgan Hensley comprehensive communi- Waschke Family BREITUNG TWP- named to Dean’s ty and technical college in Chevrolet Lamppa Manufacturing The 107th Vermilion List for spring the Minnesota State Sys- Range Old Settlers Annual tem. The college serves Pike Bay Lodge THANK YOU Reunion and Picnic is back semester at about 5,500 students annu- Northern Lights on track for Saturday, July UW-Eau Claire ally in liberal arts and ca- Dental Care Gruben’s Marina 17 at 12 noon at McKinley EAU CLAIRE, reer education programs. Checks are to be made out to: Lynn & Muriel Scott Park Campground. WIS.- The University of Frank & Jorgine Gornick Tower Cemetery Association Last year’s picnic, Wisconsin-Eau Claire ex- Fourth of July PO Box 874, Tower, MN 55790 which would have been tends congratulations to Donations the 106th year, was can- the 2,816 students named The Tower-Soudan celed due to the pandemic, Thank you, to the spring 2021 Dean’s Lake Vermilion Events but this year the commit- The Tower Cemetery Board List. Their academic per- Board would like to thank tee feels they can safely formance has been out- the following individuals Published in the Timberjay, May 21, 28, June 4, 18 & 25, 2021 serve up booyah to all who standing, and we recog- and families for their do- attend. nize these students with THE TIMBERJAY ELY LOCAL NEWS June 25, 2021 7

SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH Higher Ed Schwamm Ely Youth Golf Camp returns for 2021 honored at Bethel ELY – The Youth Golf University Camp, sponsored by the Ely ST. PAUL- Ely’s Golf Club, returned this Abigail Schwamm, a year after a COVID pause senior at Bethel University in 2020. in St. Paul, has been named Four levels of instruc- to the Dean’s List for tion are being held during academic excellence for the weeks of June 14 the spring 2021 semester. and June 21 for 39 regis- She is the daughter of tered Ely-area youth, ages Rebecca Zwolinski and 8-14. A beginner’s class Stephen Schwamm. started on Tuesday. Two intermediate-levels and NER grad honored an advanced class are also at Mount Mary offered. A new golfing opportu- MILWAUKEE, Wis. - nity is being offered to the Shawna Butler, of Babbitt, advanced class this year. a graduate of Northeast least 15 volunteers helping course every year. We hope Ely-area youth returned to the links this month Range High School, was Students, and parents as for the annual Youth Golf Camp hosted by the chaperones, spent one day with the golf camp, said, we can help many long- named to the Mount Mary Ely Golf Club. Four levels of instruction were golfing at the Wilderness at “We hope to teach these term golfers enjoy the game University Spring 2021 offered for young golfers ages 8-14. Fortune Bay. kids to love and enjoy golf for a long time.” Dean’s List. Butler is pur- Terry Cooper, one of at and to return to the golf photos by K. Vandervort suing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology,

Breathing Out

by Cecilia Rolando © 2021

OUR COMMUNITY Hidden Valley mountain bike trails take shape ELY - Ely’s Hidden Valley Recreation Trail Program and the Iron Range Resource Area is expanding outdoor recreation and Rehabilitation Board total $340,000 to wood cages secured opportunities this summer with the addi- date. While Minnesota-based Pathfinder tomato plants bursting up tion of nearly 10 miles of single-track Trail Builders came in with the low bid on mountain bike trails. Completion is slated the project, the funding comes up around soon yellow blossoms by October. $60,000 short of completing the sixth and The new trail system, designed by final loop. That’s where the Ely Nordic Minnesota-based Dirt Candy Designs, Ski and Bike Club’s 225 Project comes in. consists of six loops ranging from beginner “It occurred to me that if 225 people Libraries to advanced level. each contributed $225, that would put Ely library The first loop, a progressive skills loop us over $50,000 toward completing the Hours: Monday — Friday, for riders to practice and hone bike han- project,” said Wayne Pasmick, lead 10 a.m.-6 p.m. dling techniques, was completed in 2019, groomer and treasurer for the Ely Nordic Saturdays — 8 a.m. to noon just south of the Hidden Valley Chalet. Ski and Bike Club. “We will use $30,000 Closed on Sundays Since then, the city of Ely has contract- to secure a matching grant to complete Phone: 365-5140 ed with Kay-Linn Enterprises of Boulder, construction.” Colo. to oversee the project, and signed a The remaining $20,000 will be used lease with the Minnesota Department of for informational signage, new maps, trail Babbitt library Natural Resources to include the existing marking, website upgrade and a winter Monday Noon-6 pm Nordic ski trails as well as the new moun- bike fat bike trail groomer, making these Tuesday Noon-6 pm tain bike loops. bike trails available for year-round use, Wednesday Noon-6 pm Thursday Noon-6 pm “The Department of Natural Resources, he said. Friday Noon-5 pm U.S. Forest Service, city of Ely, and the The ENSBC has started a Go Fund Me Smokey the Bear, the fire safety mascot of the Phone: 827-3345 ski club have worked hard to make these site to receive donations. A link to the page United States Forest Service, visited the Ely trails a reality. They will be used by vis- can be found on the vlub website, elynor- Public Library last Thursday to greet young itors, kids, and adventurous adults,” said dic.org. Donations can also be mailed to visitors, including Kaylee and Emma Mestan, former Ely dentist, Dr. Scott Anderson, PO Box 346 Ely, MN 55731. “So, donate of Chicago, who were touring the Ely area with Support groups who spearheaded efforts to develop and now, a full share or partial. Full shares will their parents. USFS rangers also distributed AA - Alcoholics secure funding for the project. be honored on the 225 Project Board or tamarack and white pine tree seedlings to those Anonymous Grants from the Federal Recreation existing wood sign-board,” Pasmick said. who wanted them. photo by K. Vandervort OPEN AA - 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, in-person, First Lutheran Church, 915 E. Camp St., Ely. Ely Police Department Activity Report - June 1-15, 2021 ELY WOMEN’S OPEN Arrests/Citations Traffic Stop- Driver  Drug Incident- that was left in a vehicle. vehicle that was in the ditch AA - Every Monday at warned for speed. Officers were contacted Officers did not locate the and the people left. Officers noon at St. Anthony’s   Traffic Stop- Animal Disturbance- about drug use in a public vehicle or dog. located the driver who did Catholic Church,  Individual issued a cita- Officers located a dog that ran building. This case is under Hotter Dog-Officers not judge the turn correct- 231 E. Camp St., Ely. tion for Drivers License away. The dog was brought investigation. were contacted about a dog ly. There was minimal BABBITT AA - 7 p.m.  violation and no seatbelt. to doggy jail where the owner Neighbor Trouble- that was left in a vehicle. damage on the vehicle and Tuesdays, Woodland  Traffic Stop- later bailed them out. Officers were contacted Officers located the owners no injuries. Presbyterian Church   Individual issued a citation Theft-Officers were about a neighbor dispute. who turned on the vehicle. Smoke-Officers AL-ANON - Sundays Gas Leak-Officers were called about large for driving without a valid called about a driver that This case is under inves- 8-9 p.m. at St. Anthony’s did not pay when getting tigation. assisted the Ely Fire amounts of smoke in town. license. Catholic Church in Ely. gas. This case is under  Check Welfare- Department with a propane Officers were not able to Domestic Assault- For persons who Individual arrested for investigation. Officers were contacted to tank that was leaking. locate the source of the   encounter alcoholism Domestic Assault and 5th Public Assist- check on an individual that Fire-Officers assist- smoke. was not answering their ed the Ely Fire Department Unknown Trouble- in a relative or friend. Degree Assault. Officers were contacted BABBITT AL-ANON to walk through a vacated phone or door. Officers with a fire that was left Officers were contacted Thursdays, 7 p.m., at Complaints residence. Officers did not located the person safe and unattended. about an open line with 911. locate anyone inside. sound. Vehicle in the Ditch- Officers determined it to be Woodland Presbyterian.  Burglary- Officers  Check Welfare-  Traffic Stop- Officers were called about a phone problems. CO-DEPENDENTS’ were contacted about a Officers were contacted Individual warned for 12-step support group, burglary that occurred over- to check on an individual speed. noon Fridays, night. This case is under that was making self-harm  Public Assist- St. Anthony’s Catholic investigation. comments. Officers deter- Individual let back into Church, Ely. Alarm- Officers were mined that the messages their residence. ELY FOOD SHELF - dispatched to an alarm at a were taken out of context.  Public Assist- Third Wednesday each local business. The alarm  Security Alarm- Officers assisted a driver month, 15 W. Conan St. was set off by an employee. Officers were called to a that was stuck in the car ADULT BASIC  Smoke- Officers local business for a secu- wash. EDUCATION GED were contacted about rity alarm. The alarm was Assist Other Agency- - Study materials and smoke near a residence. caused by construction Officers assisted a neigh- Officers determined the fire workers. boring agency with a fire. REGISTRATION pre-test available. Call to be legal size and was not  Found Property- Parking Complaint- for 2021-22 School Year IS NOW OPEN! 218-365-3359, a hazard. Officers located property Officers located a vehicle 3/4 year old class- Tuesday & Thursday AM 218-827-3232, or  4/5 year old class- Monday, Wednesday & Friday AM or PM Traffic Stop- that was lost. This case is that was parked in the same 1-800-662-5711. Individual warned for pending owner pickup. spot for several days. The Deadline is Monday, August 10th CAREGIVER SUPPORT speed.  Check Welfare- owner moved the vehicle. GROUPS: Babbitt: 3rd  Public Assist- Officers were requested to Fire Alarm- Officers Forms are available online at happydaysely.com, Zup’s, and Monday of Month: 6-7:30 Individual let back into Ely Northland Market p.m. at Carefree Living check on a group of people responded to a fire alarm their residence. in a canoe without life- that was determined to be Ely: 4th Monday of  Scholarships are available. Public Assist- jackets. Officers educated a false alarm. Child needs to be 3 years old by September 1st. Month: 10-11:30 a.m. at Officers brought an individ- the people about lifejacket  Hot Dog-Officers Ely-Bloomenson Hospital ual back to their residence. laws. were called about a dog Questions? Contact Mandy at [email protected] Conference Room B 8 June 25, 2021 COOK/ORR LOCAL NEWS TIMBERJAY Newspapers

COOK YOUTH BASEBALL Teams roll into final games of a normal season

Top left: Members of the Cook Blue T-Ball team pictured include, front row, from left, Lucy Norup, Sullivan Roesch, Sebastian Larson and Jaxson Boettcher; second row, Daniel Hartline, Ilee Antus, Ryker Nurmi, Elizabeth Nuthak; third row, Ladd Pretti, Luke Pretti, Landon Nuthak, Emma Nuthak, Silas Nurmi; back row, assistant coaches Kylee Lang, Sonja Hartline, Kelly Hams, and coach Chris Nuthak. Top right: Members of the Cook Green T-Ball team pictured include, front row, from left, Sawyer Quam, Dexter Sherman, Addisyn Bakk, Abriana Budreau, Iley Murray, Kensie Herdman; second row, Joselyn Pascuzzi, Chester Talberg, Charlotte Pascuzzi, Jayson Fredrickson, Lucy Talberg; back row, assistant coaches Josh Sherman, Amanda Pascuzzi, and coach Tony Pascuzzi. Right: Members of the Cook PeeWee team include, front row, from left, Brian Hannine, Savannah Villebrun, Peyton Swanson, Silas Budreau, Gunner Fultz; second row, Brady Swanson, Jordan Herdman, Weston Quam, Hunter Lange, Reece Whitney; third row, Daniel Zupancich, Vincent Pascuzzi, Jack Hampson, Cedar Holman, Cooper Long, Ogimaa Benner; back row, assistant coach Matt Zupancich, coach Randy Long, and assistant coach Doug Lang. all photos by B. Smith COOK- The end of Forty-two players, on Monday before closing the school year and the three head coaches, and out the season on the road elimination of COVID-19 seven assistant coaches later in the week. restrictions gave rise to have been practicing and Cook Blue will host a unison chorus of “Play playing since mid-May. Clinton Blue, Cook Green ball!" from kids and par- Cook’s PeeWee team and will tackle Cherry Orange, ents alike and Cook Youth two T-Ball teams, Cook and Cook PeeWees will Baseball was more than Green and Cook Blue, try to knock off Clinton happy to oblige. have one final home stand White.

Alberta Whitenack created this fabric-on-canvas artwork titled “Sauna”. submitted photo Canvas art event approaches COOK- Small art is base for creating art using entry is Wednesday, June big again at Northwoods any combination of media 30th at the NWFA Gal- Friends of the Arts with a from paint and paper to lery. You may enter as new edition of a popular photographs and yarn, all many pieces as you like. fundraiser from last year, subject only to an artist’s As a fundraiser, canvases this time called “A Canvas personal vision. and small artworks will be and You – Two.” The second option priced at $50, with the art- Prospective artists is to submit a favorite ist taking home 50 percent have two options for par- piece of art you have cre- of their sales. ticipating. The first is to ated other than on canvas The exhibit and sale pick up an 8x10 canvas that is no bigger than 12 will run through July at from the NWFA Gallery at inches square. It may be a the NWFA Gallery during 210 S River Street, which weaving, a photo, a quilt, regular open hours. Con- is open Wednesdays, a sculpture, or something tact Alberta Whitenack at Thursdays and Fridays else. 218-666-2153 or nwfamn. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and The entry fee for each [email protected] for fur- Saturdays from 9 a.m. to piece of art submitted is ther information 1 p.m. The canvas is the $10, and the deadline for Three Amigos to play in park COOK- Cook’s free law country music with a (Alango) Lutheran Church “Music in the Park” con- twist of Southern rock. In will have burgers, brats, cert series will welcome case of a rainy Wednesday root beer floats, and more “The Three Amigos” to evening, the concert will for sale. the gazebo in the city park move to the Cook VFW. Music In The Park is for a 6 p.m. performance Grab a blanket or a made possible by multiple on Wednesday, June 30. lawn chair or sit in your car community organizations Robert Walker, Todd to hear a different sound and businesses and free- Olson and Sonny Glass, of music each Wednesday will community donations. together known as the with a total of nine differ- Three Amigos, will bring ent groups performing for raw traditional and out- 11 more weeks. St. Paul’s THE TIMBERJAY June 25, 2021 9

MILLS...Continued from page 1 the store, told a visitor, “The customers. That’s what I will miss the most. I built many nice relationships with so many people over many years. I appreciate all of those who supported us.” J.D. Mills is in the midst of a liquidation sale. John listed many reasons for the change−the chance to retire, an offer he couldn’t refuse to purchase the building, as well as the changing retail landscape, not only in Ely but around the nation, as personal service-clothing stores and other retail businesses are replaced with online shopping and bigbox stores. The J.D. Mills Company clothing store has outfitted generations of J.D. Mills Company, at it’s original location in the early 1900s. Original Ely residents and visitors owner, Abe Bloomenson is shown at the right. John Mills’ grandfather, since 1901 and will close its doors for good by the end William Mills is shown in the middle. photo courtesy of J.D. Mills Company of July. “My grandfather John Mills is the fourth owner of the 120-year-old “We transitioned into the building. I never listed “I’ve known for a long time bought the store from Abe Ely clothing business. The store will close by the women’s casual apparel it, but earlier this spring, a that the days of businesses Bloomenson in January of end of July. photo by K. Vandervort along with men’s casual party came in and asked if like this were numbered,” 1922,” John said. “We still clothing,” he said. “The last I was interested in selling, he said. have the official document of 1994.” stores.” time I ordered men’s suits so I’m taking advantage of Retirement is next showing the sale.” John started the process The types of clothing was the year before 1993 it,” he said. for John. “I plan to enjoy The business was orig- of buying the business from worn by men and women when I moved the business. “The new owners want myself,” he said. “Mary inally located on Central his father in 1983. has transitioned over the We carried sport coats for to take occupancy by the (his wife for 41 years) and Avenue, at a location that Clothing stores, like years. “In the early days of another 10 years. About first of August,” according I plan to stay right here in now houses part of Piragis many other retail shopping the business, we sold all the seven years ago I stopped to Mills. He did not reveal Ely,” he said. “Both of us Northwoods Company, businesses, are slowly apparel that a guy would ordering dress pants, dress the name of the owners or like winter too much to from 1901 until 1956. eroding on the downtown need for work and dress. shirts and ties.” He stopped the type of business that leave for half a year. We “They moved over to landscape. “There are very There was no such thing as providing tuxedo rentals will be in the building. want to take a few more Chapman Street, in the few towns of this size today sport casual. It was either about five years ago. “I’ll be here, depending on trips that we can actually building that now houses that have a clothing store,” work or dress,” he said. John admitted that he the inventory, until about schedule and I know that I Serena’s Carpet Shop, but John said. “Sales have been By the early 1970s, the had been thinking about Blueberry/Arts Festival will be able to go on.” at the time it was the First dropping for a number of J.D. Mills Company began retirement for a number of next month,” he said. National Bank,” he said. years. There’s competition moving into women’s cloth- years. “With owning the Don’t plan on any cel- “We moved here (230 E with the internet, regional ing when Lee Company building, I wasn’t going to ebration. One day soon the Sheridan Street) in April shopping and big box added jeans for women. end the business until I sold doors will just stay locked. TOWER...Continued from page 1 users or owners of their engages in any efforts to lacks a permit and that it feet off shore. Boland is skeptical of Rose said he spoke to property, yet city officials remove the pilings, without likely would not receive According to DNR that argument but indicated the U.S. Army Corps and contend that the removal government authorization a permit were the city to Area Hydrologist Kim that the DNR is in commu- the DNR more than a year of the pilings would hasten or clearance, will be subject seek to build it today. And Boland, neither Rose nication with the city to ago about installing a canal sedimentation into the to criminal prosecution for the city, as recently as last nor Griffin would likely resolve the dispute. “We and a small harbor, which river, undermining the the offense of intentional year, granted permission requires a permit under are currently working with would allow the users of city’s efforts to maintain damage to public proper- for another nearby property state rules to remove the the city of Tower to get a his property to dock boats a clear channel along the ty,” wrote City Attorney owner to remove a smaller pilings. That’s a view better understanding of the outside the river channel. river, which connects Lake Mitch Brunfelt in a May portion of retaining wall to that’s been challenged situation and are awaiting Rose said the two agencies Vermilion to the city’s 27 email. provide boat access to the by Brunfelt, who cited a additional information denied his request, indicat- harbor. Yet, it’s not clear on river, setting an uncomfort- provision in state rules that from the city in order to ing that there was sufficient City officials recently what basis the city could able precedent. require a permit to remove evaluate what state public room in the river for him to threatened the two men charge the two developers, Jurisdiction is also in a water level control struc- waters rules will apply,” install docks. But city offi- with prosecution if they since the city lacks an ordi- question. Griffin notes that ture. Brunfelt contends in she wrote in a June 17 email cials have been cool to the move forward with their nance that addresses the while the city has zoning a June 11 email to Boland to the Timberjay. installation of docks within plan to remove the pilings, issue. What’s more, offi- control over land within that the retaining wall State rules generally the river channel. And Rose which were installed about cials with the Department of its boundaries, the DNR meets the definition of a encourage the removal and Griffin can’t make use a century ago. “Any devel- Natural Resources contend has jurisdiction over public water level control struc- of manmade structures of shoreline dockage unless oper or contractor who that the retaining wall itself waters beyond the ordinary ture because it does “play a “which do not serve the a stretch of the pilings are high water mark, which positive role in being able to public interest” from public removed. Phone and Internet Discounts would seem to apply to maintain a sufficient water waters. Brunfelt contends For now, both devel- the river pilings, which are depth in the river channel that the retaining wall opers are holding off, as Available to CenturyLink Customers located more than a dozen for motorized boat traffic.” serves the interest of navi- city and state officials try gation in the river. to determine who really has The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission “Obviously, this jurisdiction over the pilings designated CenturyLink as an Eligible motorized boat traffic on and what, if anything, can Telecommunications Carrier within its service the East Two River is very be done to provide the important to the tourism and developers with access to area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s outdoors-based economy of the river. basic local service rates for residential voice the city of Tower,” Brunfelt Rose isn’t letting the lines are $15.96-$22.76 per month and business wrote in his response to dispute get in the way of his services are $34.61-$43.29 per month. Specific Boland. “These piling efforts to complete his RV rates will be provided upon request. structures constitute public park, which he is calling the MAILBOAT EXCURSIONS infrastructure and serve an Tower RV Resort. Among See 80 miles of Lake Vermilion important public purpose. the amenities he is currently CenturyLink participates in a government 9 AM-12 Noon • Call for Reservations benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential Any future decisions that touting on his website is may permit or allow for protected docking, “that telephone or qualifying broadband service more Mon-Sat 8:30-5:30 • Sun 9-4 the removal of these struc- will be the perfect spot to affordable to eligible low-income individuals 6143 Pike Bay Drive • 218-753-4190 tures should not be done www.aronsonboatworks.com dock your boat when not and families. Eligible customers are those that arbitrarily or capriciously.” in use.” At the same time, both That perfect spot, it meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC PROVEN and state commissions. Residents who live on Rose and Griffin have an seems, remains a work in interest in gaining access progress. federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify to the river, something for additional Tribal benefits if they participate that is currently blocked in certain additional federal eligibility programs. by the pilings, which form The Lifeline discount is available for only one Janet Gensler Memorial a barrier about 15 feet telephone or qualifying broadband service per offshore. household, which can be on either wireline or ELY 4 on the 4TH wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify. Sunday, July 4, 2021 Ely-Winton A household is defined for the purposes of the Miner’s Lake Trezona Trailhead Historical Society Lifeline program as any individual or group 4 Mile Run and Walk Summer History Nights Programs of individuals who live together at the same 8 AM Fast Run / 8:05 AM General Run History Nights are held in Vermilion Community address and share income and expenses. Lifeline 8:10 AM Walk College Classroom 104. All programs are on service is not transferable, and only eligible Parking and registration will occur in the parking lot Wednesdays and begin at 7 p.m. While FREE of charge, donations are always gratefully accepted. consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers at the corner of Central Avenue and Miner’s Drive who willfully make false statements in order to June 30: Eastern Orthodox Christianity on the Iron Online registration is available at active.com. Range - Dr. Steven Matthews, professor of History obtain a Lifeline discount can be punished by Day-of-race is available. Payment via cash or check only. at University of Minnesota-Duluth, will provide a look fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the Questions can be emailed to: [email protected] at the history of the Orthodox faith in the area through program. Serbian, Russian, and Greek immigration. July 14: Karelian Fever and Peacemaking - If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please Race day July 4th Dr. Thomas Morgan, professor of Russian at the registration College of St. Scholastica will explain the “Karelian call 1-800-201-4099 or visit centurylink.com/ opens 6:40 AM Fever,” a period when Finnish Americans immigrated to lifeline with questions or to request an application closes 7:40 AM the Soviet Union in the 1930s with the promise of a for the Lifeline program. “workers’ paradise,” only to face persecution and seek passage back to America. All proceeds go to fund July 28: Northern Bedrock - Jill Baum, from Northern the Ely Track Club. Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps, will discuss the Corps and the projects they have worked on in the area. 10 June 25, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY

PUBLIC SAFETY Effie rancher settles COVID lawsuit with state by DAVID COLBURN 25-percent capacity limit in assigned seating to ensure Cimarron Cook/Orr Editor Gov. Tim Walz’s executive proper social distancing, Pitzen leads the EFFIE- The only order detailing mandated allowing the rodeo clown opening clouds hanging over the COVID-19 restrictions for to engage in demonstra- cavalcade head of Cimarron Pitzen large entertainment venues tions and activities, and as he prepares for the 66th and events. failure to ensure social at last annual edition of the North The news didn’t sit well distancing was maintained year’s Star Stampede next month with Pitzen, whose family between household groups. North Star will be the ones nature has staged the annual rodeo Violations of Walz’s exec- Stampede sends his way, as Pitzen since 1955. In response, utive order carried with in Effie. and Minnesota Attorney he turned the event into a them the potential of a General Keith Ellison’s protest. $25,000 fine. Timberjay office reached a settlement “The North Star Pitzen’s supporters file photo last week in the COVID- Stampede will take place quickly rallied around related civil lawsuit Ellison with no spectators,” Pitzen him, setting up donation filed against Pitzen after wrote on the rodeo’s sites and a GoFundMe site last year’s event. Facebook page. “If people online to collect contribu- “Today we have would like to come and tions for a legal defense reached a settlement with protest against this ridic- fund. The GoFundMe site ulous Government Over alone raised $22,410 from costs a lot of money to the hundreds of good Stampede.” the state of Minnesota in get a civil case to a jury,” people who donated to our While the Attorney the ridiculous lawsuit it Reach, feel free to do 347 donors. so, I will not stand in the Pitzen enlisted the Dworak said. “Thus, once it fight against the state and General’s office issued a brought against us,” Pitzen became clear the executive have stood with us,” he lengthy announcement of said in a statement posted way of people’s ‘Right to services of Minneapolis Assemble.’” attorney Paul Dworak, of orders were no longer going said. “I would like to thank its lawsuit on their website to Facebook on June 17. to affect this year’s rodeo, our attorney, Paul Dworak, on July 31, 2020, no similar “We admitted NO GUILT Hundreds of people, Newmark Storms Dworak, many with protest signs, a recognized and successful we negotiated a settlement and especially our local law announcement regarding WHATSOEVER. With the wherein North Star paid a enforcement, Itasca County last week’s settlement minimal amount we have filled the stands of Pitzen’s expert in free speech and arena all three days of the civil rights cases. small fine, which was about Sheriff (Vic) Williams and agreement had been posted to pay and our defense as much as the cost of one his staff and Aitkin County as of Wednesday morning. fund being exhausted, it event, not to capacity but “Cimarron and I were well in excess of the limits hoping for a jury trial,” deposition. North Star did Sheriff (Dan) Guida for The Timberjay attempted made sense to settle the not and would not admit their support over the last to contact the AG Deputy case now.” established by Walz’s Dworak told the Timberjay order. on Monday. “We wanted any wrongdoing.” year. It is nice to know we Chief of Staff John Stiles The controversy “Not surprisingly,” live in an area where we via email this week to erupted from discussions State officials were the people of Itasca County there, too, and on July to let the state know what Dworak added, “the state don’t defund our LEO’s, comment on the settlement, between Pitzen and state never produced any evi- but rather defend them but no response had been officials last July about how 31, 2020, Ellison filed they thought of its lawsuit.” a 26-page civil lawsuit However, after drag- dence showing that any and support them. I am received by Wednesday’s the three-day event that person contracted COVID- looking forward to seeing press time. typically draws thousands against Pitzen’s North Star ging on for nearly a year, Ranch LLC in Itasca County with limited financial 19 because of this outdoor all of you July 23-25 for to the tiny Itasca County rodeo protest.” the 66th annual North Star community of Effie could District Court, alleging ten resources remaining and separate violations of the COVID restrictions no Pitzen’s statement proceed. Pitzen was told included expressions of YOUR HOME-DECOR STORE he had to limit daily atten- order, including such things longer an issue, Pitzen and as failure to limit occupan- Dworak decided to pursue gratitude for the support dance to fewer than 150 he received. spectators to comply with a cy to 25 percent of capac- a settlement. ity, failure to provide for “Unfortunately, it “I would like to thank Ethnic Creations Handmade gifts from the past to the present All furniture may not be as shown. Classes • Custom Orders Weaving • Felting • Quilting Needle Arts AndersonFurnitureCompany.com 214 2nd Ave. S, Virginia, MN • 218-741-9356 Open Monday & Tuesday from 10-4 7148 Cty Rd 715, Embarrass, MN 55732 218-741-1536 or 218-750-0475 (cell) www.finnishethniccreations.com Northwoods Splendor! debwiitanen.etsy.com Stay with Us Night on the Patio with live music! w Members Rooms start at $110 Ne Includes continental breakfast! 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FIRE...Continued from page 1 Martin said. “Because of Left: Flames reached spots. Light rain that fell the winds it blew up pretty into the canopy last throughout the day on quick. Once it got into the Friday in Embarrass. Sunday aided their efforts. forest on the other side of “After Friday it was the highway, east of 135, it photo by J. Boese mostly mop-up,” Martin got nasty in a hurry. That’s said. “They were making assumed command of the the point where it was sure it didn’t get down into response from DNR on getting near structures, so the root systems and peat, Saturday, the fire was still residents were evacuated.” because then you would considered to be only 20 While Embarrass and have a super long-term percent contained. Public Pike-Sandy-Britt firefight- fire instead of a short-term information officer Sarah ers worked to protect out- event.” Shapiro explained why. buildings and homes from With the fire con- “Although a dozer line catching fire, respond- sidered to be 95 percent or state highway encircle ers from the Minnesota contained on Tuesday, the burned area of the Department of Natural Shapiro said MNICS would Rahkola Road Fire, a sig- Resources and U.S. Forest be transferring command to nificant portion of the dozer Service started in on the the Tower DNR Forestry line is ‘indirect fire line,’” main fire and, given the low office on Wednesday. she said. “This means that humidity and high winds, This isn’t the first wild- there is unburned fuel the call for air support went fire Embarrass firefighters (grass, brush and timber) out almost immediately, have tackled this year, and between the burned area Martin said. while he would be glad if and the dozer line. Until “I’ve actually never it were the last, Martin said Scoopers made drops on awash in pictures and video transported an additional the fire is extinguished seen that number of aircraft dry conditions won’t likely average about every eight of the effort. 5,000 to 8,000 daily from in these areas of indirect on one fire before,” he said. disappear any time soon. minutes throughout the late But not all of the water Saturday through Monday. control line and the fire is Two helicopters were “This is a big area, and afternoon. Another small needed to suppress the fire Meanwhile, bulldoz- unlikely to spread this fire the first to arrive, followed every time the wind blows plane constantly circled could be dumped from ers also established a fire will not be considered 100 shortly by white-and-red up all it takes is one tree to high above the fray to the air, and Embarrass line around the perimeter percent contained.” Fire Boss water tankers, touch a line,” Martin said. coordinate efforts. crews moved into support of the blaze. All of the Between 50 and 60 eventually four in all. Right “Everything looks nice The air show drew mode, repeatedly filling focused effort in the air people worked each day on their heels was the first and green, but we didn’t about a dozen vehicles full two tenders by pumping and on the ground paid off, from Saturday through of four huge CL-415 “Super get much snow last winter, of amazed spectators to a water from the Pike River as the Rakhola Road fire Tuesday to patrol the scene Scooper” aircraft which so soil moisture is really Four Corners parking lot, to refill three 2,100-gallon was under control by 10 and search for heat pockets filled their 1,400-gallon lagging behind, and we and another crowd assem- portable pools set up to p.m. Friday and no longer to extinguish. They also had water tanks on the fly while went into the winter dry. bled at Hoodoo Point on support the ground efforts. posed an immediate threat, air support from a plane skimming the surface of It doesn’t take much to get Lake Vermilion to watch Martin estimated that his Martin said. with infrared heat-detec- Lake Vermilion. Flying a fire going.” the planes swoop in for crews transported between However, when tion equipment that flew in tandem as close as 15 fresh loads of water. Social 15,000 and 20,000 gallons Minnesota Incident reconnaissance flights to seconds apart, the Super media sites were soon of water on Friday. They Command System Team C direct firefighters to hot BROADBAND...Continued from page 1 The barrier, of course, the local governmental are investment groups that also looking for volunteers your state representative projects bringing service is money. unit comes up with the are looking to fund broad- willing to go door-to-door about changing the rules to to many areas in northeast- “How do we pay for capital costs up front, and band projects at reasonable in their neighborhoods to allow utility poles to carry ern Minnesota including it?” he asked. then enters into a construc- interest rates. do an in-person survey. both electrical service and Ely, Tower, and the Bois Buttweiler said if a tion agreement with CTC The township could To volunteer or for more fiber optics. Current rules Forte Reservation. As rural private entity could have who would then lease the also work with a company information contact Sue mandate a large space communities rely on higher funded the project, it would fiber from the township, that sells government Drobac at sue.drobac@ separation between the two, speeds and more reliable have already been com- including responsibility for bonds, and Chairman Mike greenwoodtownshipmn. meaning that new larger internet services for com- pleted. maintenance and operation- Ralston said he had already com, or Barbara Lofquist poles would need to be munication, entertainment, “These projects require al costs. This agreement contacted someone from at barbara.lofquist@green- installed to use this method and conducting business, either local funding or could include giving CTC a Duluth-area firm that woodtownshipmn.com. to bring fiber optic cable CTC remains committed to current and future demands. outside grant funding from the option to buy back the handles this type of bonding  Talk to your county closer to homes. As a cooperative, CTC is to see what options would state or federal sources.” fiber network from the commissioner about the About CTC owned by its members. But the awarding of township, once the costs be available for the town- importance of funding local CTC was formed in CTC currently serves Rural Digital Opportunity are paid off by their annual ship if they decide to move broadband projects, and to 1950 as a rural telephone some governmental cus- Funding (RDOF) has put lease payments. forward. your state representative cooperative. Today, CTC tomers in Tower, including a monkey-wrench into “We’ve done this “They would develop and senator about securing continues to set the standard the city of Tower, Hoodoo broadband project planning before,” he said. a plan and then reach out additional dollars for state in telecommunications for Point Campground, and the in the area, with the possible Another option would to financial institutions to broadband matching grant the Brainerd Lakes area Vermilion Country School.. awarding of a huge amount be to have CTC finance develop a loan that could programs. Also, talk to and beyond, with new of federal money to a small a smaller portion of the be paid back over 20 years.” internet company with project up front, possibly The meeting was no experience putting in bringing in other partners purely informational, and fiber optic-based systems, and grant dollars, along no board action was taken. let alone doing projects with funding from the How you can help nationwide. township.  Greenwood resi- “The problem is,” Greenwood has dents are encouraged to Buttweiler said, “nobody applied for $110,000 in complete a survey on the believes they can do what federal funding, which CTC website, to indicate they said they would do. It isn’t tied to RDOF. There is any interest in broadband costs too much.” also funding available from internet service. CTC also Currently the FCC is the IRRRB that could be offers television and tele- vetting the company, LTD accessed. Whitney Ridlon, Come See the Littlest phone service in bundled Broadband, but there is no who works on broadband packages. CTC is currently timeline for the process, issues for the IRRR, said adding broadband service and Buttweiler said he did they have $2 million for in Cherry Township (rural Member of the Pack not expect a decision until local matches for broad- Hibbing), and offering a new FCC commissioner band projects, but would broadband-speed service at Open seven days a week is installed. LTD could pos- probably only award up approximately $60/month. sibly receive $312 million to $750,000, or up to 25 Anyone with an address for projects throughout percent of a project’s cost. in Greenwood Township is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Minnesota, not just for “We want to be a asked to fill out the survey at this area. partner and we want to https://join.connectctc.com/ While this is under- help,” Ridlon said. front_end/zones. way, most other state or Steve Giorgi, who has  The township’s federal grant programs are been leading the regional broadband committee is unwilling to fund projects effort through the RAMS in the RDOF area, which group, said they are also includes huge areas of St. putting pressure on St. Louis County. Louis County to use some Buttweiler said there of the federal rescue plan PET are other options for bring- money for broadband ing in broadband, but they grants. Currently, Giorgi FOOD would involve a major said, the county only seems investment from the town- interested in funding studies ship, though that invest- about broadband, some- ment could be paid back by thing he said has already the provider over the course been done and isn’t needed. of several years. Giorgi also said there CTC is a co-op, he said, and doesn’t have access to huge amounts of capital. In other areas they have done arrangements where Plant Sale Perennials Shrubs Tiny Asiatic Lilies Gallon & 6” Buy 3 Get 10% off 5 bulbs per pot $7.99 Buy 5 Get 15% off $9.99 3/$21.00 3/$27.00 5/ $30.00 5/$40.00 Call Us For All Your LP Gas Needs! Fairy Garden Items Supplies & Seeds 20% off Hoover Rd, Virginia 15% off

741-7393 Annuals, Herbs & Veggies VISIT 1613 E. Camp St., Ely Pottery & Containers All on Sale 365-8888 15% off TO PURCHASE ADMISSION TICKETS. 24 Hour Watering Can Garden Shop PUP VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIMITED Emergency 210 N Vermilion Drive, Cook Service 218-666-5398 AND MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. Open Monday-Saturday • Toll Free • 9:00 a.m. – Mid Day 1396 Highway 169, Ely 55731 • 218-365-4695 1-800-862-8628 12 June 25, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY to everyone involved in making this happen!

to eTOve EVERYONEryone inv INVOLVEDolved in mINa kMAKINGing this AEOA happ FOODen! EVENTS HAPPEN! DONORS • EVENT SITES • VOLUNTEER GROUPS

AEOA Employees Finland Co-op Silver Bay Food Shelf AEOA Weatherization - Hibbing, MN Floor to Ceiling Store of Virginia Second Harvest North Central Food Bank AEOA Senior Dining Sites & Fraboni’s Sausage Co. - Hibbing, MN Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Meals on Wheels Gilbert HRA Semi Drivers delivering food Age Well Arrowhead Grand Portage Band of Lake Senior Housing Facilities AICHO Superior Chippewa St. Mary’s Church - Cook, MN Aitkin County CARE Hibbing Community College Sullivan Candy and Supply - Hibbing, MN Aldi - Virginia, MN Hibbing HRA Super One Foods - Hibbing, MN ANGELS of McGregor Hibbing Police & Fire Departments Super One Foods - Virginia, MN Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging Hope Lutheran Church - Floodwood, MN The HUB/Grand Marais Senior Center Arrowhead Transit - Gilbert, MN Hospitals & Health Care Facilities United Rentals- Hermantown, MN Aurora Food Shelf Hoyt Lakes Arena United Rentals - Hibbing, MN B&B Market - Cloquet, MN Hugo’s Bar - Brimson, MN United Way of Carlton County Barr Engineering Company - Hibbing, MN Hunger Solutions Minnesota United Way of Northeast Minnesota Big Woods Transportation Keewatin Community Center Unity in Christ Church - Finland, MN Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN KOOTASCA Community Action - Upper Lakes Foods - Cloquet, MN Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Grand Rapids, MN Virginia HRA Bougalis Construction Lake County HRA Virginia Police & Fire Departments Bright Spot Nutrition -Virginia, MN Lee’s Business Center - Hibbing, MN Volunteer Services Carlton County Chisholm Food Shelf Lenci Enterprises - Virginia, MN Wolf Ridge Environmental City of Buhl Local Media Partners (Radio, TV & Print) Learning Center - Finland, MN City of Gilbert Loon Lake Community Center Zoar Lutheran Church - Tofte, MN City of Hibbing Lutheran Church of the Good City of Hoyt Lakes Shepherd - Duluth, MN Chris Wolf City of Virginia McGrath Fire Department Jeremy Cole Community Agencies & Organizations Mesabi East School - Aurora, MN Kim Dickey Community Neighbors Mesabi Range College Mike Ralston Community Volunteers MnDOT - Hibbing, MN Mike Zakrajshek Crossroads Convenience - Iron, MN Moose Lake Arena Mrs. Perrella Dollar General - Aurora, MN NERCC Rich Lees Dollar Tree - Virginia, MN North Woods School - Cook, MN Thomas and Nancy Gustafson Duluth HRA Old School Lives - Cotton, MN Burlison, Koshiol, Stocwell, Berg, East Lake Community Center Quad Cities Food Shelf - Mountain Iron, MN Ahlert, Saarela, Checco and Peterson Ely Food Shelf Rainy River Community College - Families and everyone who gave free Embarrass Town Hall International Falls, MN will donations at the events! Eveleth HRA Salvation Army - Hibbing, MN Family Dollar - Aurora, MN Salvation Army - Virginia, MN Our sincere apologies to anyone we have Finland Community Center - Finland, MN missed. We do thank you!

AEOA Food Events USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Farmers to Families Food Box Program and AEOA Shelf Stable Meal Kits May 2020 - May 2021

Impact... 89,724 boxes Donations... 95,165 individuals 2,130,986 pounds 35,499 households Monetary donations helped us secure 65+: 20,475 Turkey Breasts at Thanksgiving 18-64: 42,327 Hams at Christmas 18 & under: 26,646 Extra produce boxes

Additional Donations: Juice Boxes - United Way of Northeast MN Pumpkins - NERCC Zucchini - Mike Zakrajshek

...more numbers ...by location Volunteers ...by location 303 volunteers 46 Food Events 7 Counties: ...by location 164 outside volunteers May 28th, 2020 44 Cities: 139 AEOA Staff & Retirees Aitkin was the very first event Aitkin Hermantown 7 CountCarltonies: 1,822 volunteer hours Aurora Hibbing Cook 7 Counties: Ely Nett Lake May 27th, 2021 Bigfork Hill 4City4 Citie4s4: Cities: Itasca Embarrass Orr Aitkin Aitkin Brimson Hoyt Lakes was the most recent event Koochiching EvelethAitkin HermantownPalo Buhl Int'l Falls Lake Carlton FinlandAitkin Silver Bay Hermantown Carlton Carlton Aurora IronEly Hibbing Nett Lake St. Louis Cook Floodwood Tofte Chisholm GilbertBigforkAuroraEmbarrassKeewatin TowerElyHill City Orr Hibbing Nett Lake Arrowhead Transit Cook Itasca Cloquet Marble GrandBrimson Marais Eveleth TwoHoyt Harbors Lakes Palo Koochiching Coleraine Grand PortageBigforkMcGrathEmbarrassVirginia Hill City Orr Deliveries Itasca Buhl Finland Int'l Falls Silver Bay Lake Cook Grand Rapids McGregor 362 routes Cotton GreenwayCarltonBrimsonMeadowlandsFloodwood EvelethIron TofteHoyt Lakes Palo Koochiching St. Louis Deer River Moose Lake 46,273 miles ChisholmBuhl Gilbert Keewatin TowerInt'lAv Fallserage event is Duluth Mountain IronFinland Silver Bay 1,508 driver hours Lake Cloquet Grand Marais Marble Two Harbors Carlton Floodwood Iron4.5 hoursTofte 59 semis St. Louis Coleraine Grand Portage McGrath Virginia ChisholmCook Grand Rapids GilbertMcGregor Keewatin Tower CottonCloquetGreenwayGrandMeadowlands Marais Marble Two Harbors Deer River Moose Lake ColeraineDuluth GrandMountain Portage Iron McGrath Virginia Cook Grand Rapids McGregor

Cotton Greenway Meadowlands Deer River Moose Lake Duluth Mountain Iron

THE TIMBERJAY June 25, 2021 1B

STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT North Woods golfers take fourth at state meet Freshman Olson takes part in girls tournament by DAVID COLBURN higher finish in the eight-team Right: North Woods Cook-Orr Editor field largely disappeared on the golfers at the state golf first day of the 36-hole event meet in Becker last week. photo by B. Smith FIELD TWP- In what when they found themselves trailing third-place Legacy North Woods Head Golf Coach them,” Kleppe said. “It certainly Will Kleppe termed “the cherry Christian Academy by 23 strokes at the end of the round. took some adjustment from our on the top” of a better-than-ex- guys to figure out where to land pected season, the Grizzlies Kleppe said the biggest chal- lenge his team faced was getting their shots and hit some putts claimed fourth place in the outside of six feet.” team standings of the Class A used to the greens. “We don’t get a lot of prac- Senior Sam Frazee was the state golf tournament last week one who saw the adjustments on the Pebble Creek Golf Club tice on greens like that – they course in Becker. were extremely fast with a lot The Grizzlies’ hopes of a of breaks and undulations to See GOLF...pg. 2B

MILESTONES Local runner honored at Grandma’s

Mike Korpi (right) received a distinctive belt buckle last Saturday after qualifying for the Grandma’s Marathon 1,000-Miler Club. Mike Korpi joins Duluth marathon’s 1,000-miler club REGIONAL- More than four decades after he ran his very first Grandma’s Marathon, Mike Korpi, LOCAL FOODS RETURN of Soudan, has joined an elite group as one of the newest members of the event’s 1,000-Miler Club this year. Korpi, a Soudan native, ran Farmers market his first Grandma’s Marathon in 1980 in a time of 3:26:59 and has been back every year since. This vendors agree it’s will be his 42nd consecutive year at the event, meaning he will have logged more than 1,100 miles on good to be back the course from Two Harbors to Duluth. by DAVID COLBURN grandparents have a cabin “The recognition means the Cook-Orr Editor here, but recently she and world to me,” Korpi said of her husband bought a little entering the 1,000-miler club. “I COOK- With overcast “hobby farm” in the area feel extremely blessed to have run skies and cool temperatures, where they have chickens every Grandma’s Marathon since business wasn’t booming at and eggs and, it turned out, 1980. It’s such a wonderfully orga- the start of Saturday’s Cook an abundance of rhubarb. nized race, and the volunteers and Farmers Market for first “It just sprung up,” spectators make me want to return timers Vanessa Burdine and Burdine said. “And then each and every year. I just love Top: Min Baker, of being part of Grandma’s Marathon Lauren Eggert. there were big gardens, so I Side Lake, has been a “We’ve each made felt like I had to plant stuff regular vendor at the and its history.” $5,” Burdine laughed. in them, so I just decided Cook Farmers Market Larry McNichols, of Morris, “That’s not bad. It’s been a I’m going to be a farmer and for the past 8-9 years. also ran his 42nd Grandma’s little slow start. It’s mostly go to the farmers market.” Marathon this year. Korpi and for fun.” Not surprisingly, there Above: Elizabeth McNichols were the ninth and “Yeah, it’s for fun and was fresh rhubarb, rhubarb Schmitt, of Ely, tenth recipients of the Grandma’s getting out,” Eggert said. jam, and rhubarb syrup displayed some of Marathon 1,000-Miler Award, her lush hydroponic Originally from Maple at the stand, but there which requires participation in a lettuce at the Tower minimum of 39 lifetime events. Grove, Burdine has been were also loaves of asiago Farmers Market. coming to Cook most of her life because her See MARKET...pg. 2B Right: Kelly Dahl, of EVENTS Linden Grove, sets up his display at the Ely ham radio It was a busy first day at Cook market held last Saturday. operators prep Tower’s farmers market Tower vendor Mickey by JODI SUMMIT Fire-fighting aircraft White chats with for national event Tower-Soudan Editor crossed back and forth over customers Ron and ELY - Ham radio opera- the market all afternoon, Sue Norha. tors from the Vermilion Range TOWER- High winds creating quite a sight for photos by Timberjay staff Amateur Radio Club will be taking couldn’t dampen the enthu- visitors. The planes were part in a national amateur radio siasm of the vendors during scooping water from Lake exercise here this weekend, from opening day of the Tower Vermilion to dump on a 1 p.m. Saturday until noon on Farmers Market on June wildfire about 10 miles Sunday, at the St. Louis County 18. The market opened away in Embarrass. public works facility. The event, with quite a few new Shelby Vaske’s pies American Radio Relay League vendors, as well as many have been a favorite of local (ARRL) Field Day, is an annual returning favorites. The market shoppers for several amateur radio activity organized market, which is open on years. She was warning cus- by ARRL, the national association Fridays from 4 – 6 p.m. in tomers to be careful because for amateur radio in the United the parking lot by Tower’s her pies were literally still States. train, was busy all after- hot from her oven. Hams from across North noon, and many vendors Sharon Legg had America ordinarily participate in had sold out by the time the market closed. See BUSY..pg. 2B See HAM RADIO..pg. 2B 2B June 25, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY GOLF...Continued from page 1B pay off the best. Sitting in a throughout the regular Kleppe said. same time they have their “Getting there is ment, freshman Tori Olson. five-way tie for 21st after a season, and they were “I’m super proud of own games to think about. always the biggest goal, Playing on the same disappointing first round of again at state, all finishing Sam, Ian, and Davis,” It’s something we relied of course,” Kleppe said. Pebble Creek layout as the 81, Frazee carded the third in the upper half of a com- he said. “They’ve done a on, and for Sam and Ian it’s “It was just great for the boys, the course proved to best score of the second petitive field. Olson was great job of talking kids definitely something we’re kids to get to a tournament be a tough challenge for round, a one-over-par 73 runner-up to Frazee this through course layouts. going to miss.” like that where things were the youngster, but she was that vaulted him to 12th time with a two-day total They always spend a lot Only a sophomore about as normal as you consistent throughout the place overall. of 169 to tie for 35th, and of time walking the less and the youngest player on can get. There were fans tournament. She carded “To bounce back and Kleppe was just one stroke experienced guys through the Grizzlies’ state squad, there. There was a gallery. identical front-nine scores go one over on the second behind at 170, placing the course, telling them Smith’s 182 total was fourth We played in a group with of 50 over two days and shot day on that course was 40th. Beyond their scoring, what to avoid and what best on the six-man team. eventual state champion 51 and 52 on the back nines shots to play. I think that Junior Ty Fabish carded an Fertile-Beltrami, so there to finish in the middle part fantastic,” Kleppe said. “He seniors Frazee and Olson was valuable to a guy even 200 for the tourney, was a lot of enjoyment of the pack at 46th with a got some shots to drop and and junior Kleppe were like Eli Smith - he had a followed by senior Brant with that.” two-day total of 203. his short game was working vital to the overall success pretty good idea of what Boutto’s 233 to round out The Grizzlies did not well.” of the team this season Olson competes the (Pebble Creek) course the individual scoring. The Grizzlies had one qualify as a team for the Frazee, Ian Olson in how they mentored was going to be. We super Kleppe said the whole event, which was won by and Davis Kleppe were younger and/or less expe- player in the field for the appreciate their willingness team appreciated their state girls Class A state tourna- Lac qui Parle Valley. the team’s strongest trio rienced teammates, Coach to do that, because at the tourney appearance. HAM RADIO...Continued from page 1B Field Day by establishing work reliably under any showcase their new com- community groups and earth. “Hams have a long Burger of the Vermilion temporary ham radio sta- conditions from almost munications trailer at this individuals. history of serving our Range Amateur Radio Club. tions in public locations to any location and create year’s event. The trailer The club will demon- communities when storms demonstrate their skill and an independent, wireless was funded by grants from strate a variety of communi- or other disasters damage service. communications network. Twin Metals Minnesota cations methods including critical communication Field Day highlights The Vermilion Range and Lake Country Power two-way communication infrastructure, including ham radio’s ability to Amateur Radio Club will along with donations from using satellites orbiting cell towers,” said George BUSY...Continued from page 1B quickly sold out of her grown lettuce, and several New this year is selling her own gluten-free ing along with their delicacies from last year’s pecan caramel and cinna- varieties of living basil Brooke Gruba, of Babbitt, flour blend. parents and grandparents. harvest. mon rolls, but she was still plants were a big draw. who is selling homemade Another new vendor Bear Creek Acres, of Other items regular- busy selling her “grown- Elizabeth Schmitt, of Ely, gluten-free, dairy-free des- was Sarah Wallert- Embarrass, was back with ly offered at the market up size” chocolate chip has taken over her father- serts, including brownies, Ramponi, who was selling their locally-raised pork include homemade rag cookies. in-law Paul’s growing oper- banana and other sweet homemade soaps and hand- and sausage. rugs, intricately-pieced Karl Jonas was back ation. Depending on how breads, and fruit crisps, in spun wool yarn. As far as homegrown wooden cutting boards, with his sourdough breads, cooperative her plantings both individual and fami- There were plenty vegetables, mostly salad homemade barbecue sauce, which as usual quickly are, she said she hopes to ly-size servings. of sweet treats available greens were available, but leather totes and purses, sold out. be a regular in Tower this “It’s going great,” she for sale, to the delight many local gardeners also jewelry, and other hand- Hydroponically- summer. said. She hopes to also start of the children brows- were offering home-canned made items. MARKET...Continued from page 1B bread, cookies, containers sales, and her respond to popular thing,” she said. people every year and you the end of May and it was “People come and of playdough for kids, and what it was like to be back Organizer Kelly Dahl get to interact with new down to 20 degrees at our they say where do I get specially-formulated lip after such a long absence had his regular tent pitched people. It’s a fun, festive farm and that knocked off a cup of coffee, where’s balm made by Eggert. was simple. and stocked with fresh and atmosphere.” about all the flowers off our a place to get lunch?” he A few spots away, “Life,” she said. “I see canned produce items from Cook Farmers Market apple trees and did a lot of said. “Somebody came veteran market participant people, I see friends. Much Aspen Falls Farm, and he patrons will have the best widespread damage,” Dahl and their shoe came apart Min Baker, of Side Lake, happier.” was clearly delighted with of both worlds, as many said. “Then immediately and they needed a pair of was doing brisk business. Baker has been baking the opening day turnout of vendors will continue to the heat came, 100, nineties shoes, so I sent them to the She’s been coming to and cooking for decades, vendors and patrons. sell online and package and so forth. All your cold Comet. They didn’t want to Cook for nine or ten years, working for 25 years at the “It feels great,” he said. their items for pickup on weather varieties, heads of abandon their old pair of she said, to peddle a wide hospital in Hibbing before “We really missed last year Saturdays, Dahl said. lettuce and so forth, they’ll shoes, so I sent them to the hardware store to get some variety of fresh produce, venturing into gardening when we were doing it all It’s been a challenging bolt in the heat, so this tape to put on it.” baked goods, salsas, jellies, and baking on her own. And online. That worked out year so far for growers, yo-yo effect is really chal- And with the uptick in and her own family recipe although she enjoys turning fairly well, but obviously Dahl said, which hasn’t lenging for growing. And traffic, Burdine’s $5 lament of kimchi, a staple of out the many different items didn’t get us the social affected the variety of the drought doesn’t help.” was long gone, as items on Korean cuisine. She didn’t she sells, customers appear aspect. The great thing what’s available as much Still, there was plenty her table had been shifted participate in last year’s to have a clear favorite. about the farmers market as it has the amounts. to choose from on Saturday to fill in the blank spots COVID-dictated online “Kimchi is our most is that you see the same “We had a hard freeze at among the items of produce, where many of her goods baked goods, arts and had been. crafts, and business had The Cook Area picked up significantly by Farmers Market is held mid-morning. And that was every Saturday until good not only for vendors, October from 8 a.m. to but for Cook businesses as noon in the Cook City Park well, Dahl said. on River Street.

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Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please call MNA at 800/279-2979. Thank you. Display Ad Network THE TIMBERJAY June 25, 2021 3B Spend July 3rd Saturday, JULY 3 in Tower-Soudan Celebrate our Nation’s Birthday in Tower-Soudan This Year Parade – July 3rd Saturday, July 3rd Judging begins at 10 a.m. 38th Vermilion Walk & Run at Tower Civic Center parking lot Starts on Main Street • 8 a.m. This Tower-Soudan Parade Marshals: (by the Civic Center/Fire Hall) Fourth of Mary Batinich & Linda Haugen 10K Run- 8:00 a.m. • 5K Run/Walk 8:00 a.m. July schedule 1-Mile Kids Fun Run- 8:15 a.m. of events has been Flag Raising at 10:30 a.m. Race will be chip-timed by Range Runners brought at Tower City Hall. Come join us and sing along as the REGISTER ONLINE AT to you by these Star Spangled Banner is played. community- www.rangerunners.com Questions, Call Jodi Summit minded Parade starts at 11 a.m. at (218) 753-2950 businesses: Register on race day from NEW THIS YEAR 6:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Aronson Boat Works Kiddie Parade lines up between UBetcha 10K or 5K $20 ($25 on race day) Kids Run is FREE • 5K Family Rate is $40. Barb’s Cutting Edge and Jeanne’s Cards (across from City Hall) All participating children will receive $5 and a flag. Bauman’s Vermilion Race T-Shirts available for $20 each Funeral Home All children welcome to come march in the parade. Decorations welcome but not required! $15 if ordered in advance online Benchwarmer’s Grille Bob’s Service Sponsored by Friends of Vermilion Country Charter School & Towing Adult Parade Prizes- Breitung Township Best of Show $450 Broten Construction 1st $350 • 2nd $250 • 3rd $150 David Lanari- Keller Best Family Float $100 • Most Patriotic Williams Realty Float $100 • Best Business/Commercial $100 July 3rd D’Erick’s Tower Liquors Please Pre-Register Parade Children’s Races Edina Realty - Floats/Entries with Tim Lillquist Julie Johnson (218) 750-7242 or & Sawdust Scramble Embarrass-Vermillion [email protected] 12:30 p.m. – Sawdust Scramble Federal Credit Union at the football field (west end) Fortune Bay Resort Casino Children’s Races at the school field – Frandsen Bank - Tower following the Sawdust Scramble Glenmore Resort July 3rd Greg Dostert Family and Helpers Good Ol’ Days • 6-yard dash ages 2-3 (boys & girls races) Gruben’s Marina Fireworks at 10 p.m. • 10-yard dash ages 4-5 (boys & girls races) & Village from the North Hill in Tower • 20-yard dash ages 6-7 (boys & girls races) • 50-yard dash ages 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 (boys & girls races) Janisch Realty • Backwards Race (boys & girls races) ages 2-3, 4-5, 6 Lamppa Mfg. • Wheelbarrow Race (boys & girls races) ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 Marjo Motel • Sack Race (boys & girls races) ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 Nordic Home North July 3rd • Adult Races: Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ages 15-25 and 26 & up No. Pine Embroidery FOOD, FOOD, FOOD...and more! • He/She Race, Water Balloon Toss Northwoods Land Actual races subject to change & new races may be added! Office Northwoods True Benchwarmer Grille- Value Outdoor food and beverage trailer featuring cheeseburgers & fries Pier 77 Mini-Golf (Full Menu Indoors) Pike Bay Lodge Green Machines, Strawberry Daquiris, Sunday, July 4 Scenic Rivers Medical Special Drink Prices & Dental $1 off malts & shakes from 12 - 3 p.m. Sulu’s Espresso Cafe Sunrise River D’Erick’s Beer Garden Community Picnic Boatworks Pulled Pork and Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Green Machines, Beer, Pop & Water. Breitung Recreation Area Tech Electric Bloody Mary Garden. Beanbags all week. The Timberjay in Soudan Tower-Soudan Agency Good Ol’ Days Live Music, Ubetcha Antiques & Food & Beer Garden Sponsored by Breitung Township Uffda Thrift Free Hot Dogs & Pop for Free community picnic, hot dogs, popcorn, Vermilion Club children after the parade! root beer floats, games and fun for all ages. Vermilion Fuel & Food/ Burgers, Pickle-on-a-Stick. Free Giant Slide Bouncer for the Kids. Beer Tent. Bloody Mary Window. 4th of July Raffle Drawings at 2 p.m. Soudan Store “Ely Ed” playing 12 - 3 p.m. Vermilion Land Office “Elvis” playing from 3 - 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. - dusk. Vermilion Park Inn Insphyre Fire Dancers at dusk! Zup’s Grocery - Tower Sulu’s Espresso Cafe Laurentian Train Club 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Vermilion Cooler Juice Drinks outdoors, Coffee drinks indoors The Laurentian Northern Model Railroad Club we be setting up their large working Jeanne’s Cards & Gifts display at the Tower Civic Center Handicap Parking Available Selling Fourth of July Novelties on the sidewalk. Near Tower-Soudan on July 2-4, Friday through Sunday. Elementary School Kettle Corn • Shaved Ice Fun for all ages. Learn about the history of (see signs). Plus Food Booths on Main St. railroads and mining in our area. 4B June 25, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY COMMUNITY GROUPS Life getting close to normal for Vermilion Dream Quilters by JODI SUMMIT members will feel comfortable Tower-Soudan Editor Quilting guild to resume indoor meetings in Tower on July 8 to start meeting in person again in July. “We don’t want to talk TOWER- The Vermilion about COVID anymore,” they Dream Quilters, an active quilt- said. Instead, they talked about ing guild with members from plans for upcoming weekend Ely, Tower-Soudan, Cook, and quilting retreats this fall, chal- the Iron Range area, is once lenge projects, and new patterns again meeting in person. to try. Their first in-person meet- The quilting group is open ing was held outdoors at Hoo- to all area quilters, from begin- doo Point Campground earlier ner to expert, and guests are this month, and quilters seemed welcome to attend. excited to begin meeting in per- The next guild meeting son. The group normally meets will be on Thursday, July 8, at monthly in the basement of St. 6:30 p.m. at St. Martin’s Cath- Martin’s Catholic Church but olic Church in Tower. This is a had to stop meeting indoors last change from the regular month- spring. They held a few out- ly meeting date due to the Fourth door meetings last summer but of July holiday weekend. Masks stopped once the weather got are encouraged for those not colder in September. vaccinated and/or vulnerable, At their June meeting, and there will be sufficient space members voted to begin meet- for social distancing. No food ing indoors once again, starting or beverages will be served, but in July. you may bring your own. In ad- Meeting outdoors made it Bonnie Harma shows one of the "potato chip" quilts she made to donate to local patients dition to the business meeting, difficult to hold quilting and undergoing cancer treatments. photo by J. Summit Bonnie Harma and Teresa Do- sewing demonstrations, as linar will share information and members had to deal with issues hospital infusion center pro- weathered the pandemic restric- they are introverted, most are samples of orphan block and including noise from camp- grams in Virginia and Ely. tions quite nicely. more than willing to share their scrap quilts. Please bring your ground users and boaters, and A favorite pattern for these “It helps that most of us are skills and teach new techniques own examples and show and tell the buzzing of mosquitos and lap quilts has been nicknamed introverted,” they told me. And to others in the guild. About 15 items to share with the group. biting flies. the “potato chip” quilt, because, obviously they had plenty of attended the outdoor June meet- Members showed off some I was told, “you can’t make just time to work on their quilting ing, which is about half of the of the winter projects, mostly one!” creations. usual pre-COVID attendance. lap quilts which are donated to The quilters seemed to have While quilters may say They are hoping that all their

ORR BOG WALK All-new and open for eager feet ORR- The nearly 30-year-old rickety er and opened in June 1992. The walk is structure is gone, and the brand-new Mick- dedicated to the memory of the visionary ey Elverum Bog Walk in Orr is now open who inspired it, former Orr science teacher for the enjoyment and education of visitors. Michael “Mickey” Elverum. Mickey was City officials and representatives of the known for using the outdoors as a class- project’s construction firm, Pember Compa- room, and the bog was rich with possibil- nies, Inc., of Menominee, Wis., completed ities. the final walkthrough last week and the bar- It’s been estimated that the bog walk ricades came down on Thursday. Local pa- has had 24,000 visitors annually, and it’s trons were touring the walk by that evening. sure to attract new visitors as word spreads The new bog walk follows the same about the all-new structure. footprint as the original trail, designed by Timberjay publisher Marshall Helmberg- photos by D. Colburn

th 38 Vermilion Walk & Run

Saturday, July 3 • Tower Main Street/Fire Hall Area We Can Help With Your Wood Boat Needs • 10K Run - 8 a.m. • 5K Run/Walk - 8 a.m. • 1-Mile Kids Fun Run - 8:15 a.m. • Restoration, Repair and Service REGISTER/PAY ONLINE AT • Restored and Unrestored Boats for Sale www.rangerunners.org from Recreational to Collectable Range Runners is providing Chip Timing this year! Dana Hein, Jeff Larson, Aaron Starke 10K/5K-$20 • 12 & under free w/paid adult • Kids Run is FREE Family Pricing for 5K Run/Walk is $40 T-Shirts $15 in advance/$20 on race day Registrations accepted race day 6:30 - 7:45 a.m. 202 N. Cedar Street, Tower, MN 55790 For more information, call or text Jodi Summit at 218-750-3513 or email [email protected] 218-235-8163 www.sunriseriverboatworks.com Sponsored by the Friends of Vermilion Country School [email protected] THE TIMBERJAY June 25, 2021 5B

Obituaries and Death Notices

be for one hour prior to for over 35 years. Al had a dedication and commit- Seraphine, Jon Logar, Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava the service at the church. strong commitment to his ment to Eveleth IGA will Tom Berrigan, Larry Ma- Funeral Home in Aurora. Burial will be in Lakev- customers and was well never be forgotten. jewski and John Homan. She is survived by iew Cemetery in Tower at known for his generosity Rest in peace, Al, He was preceded in her children, Alice Klaers a later date. Arrangements and kindness to all. He your legacy will continue. death by his father, “Bean- of Babbitt, Mary (Robert) are with Landmark Funer- had many valued employ- Join your beloved dad and ie” Zupancich in 1998; Wedll of Babbitt, Roger al Home in Virginia. ees whom he considered brother in that big grocery and his brother, “Chuck” Kruckenberg of Eveleth Al was born in Ely on family. store above. Zupancich in 2017. and Jane Karki of Em- March 2, 1947, the first Al was an avid sports Al is survived by barrass; grandchildren, child of Albert and Mar- fan and loved all Minne- his mother, Margaret Martha C. Teresa Fietek, Tamara garet (Owen) Zupancich. sota teams. He often at- Zupancich of Lake Ver- Kruckenberg (Robert) Ellefson, Nicole He was active in scout- tended Twins and Vikings milion-Tower; sister, Su- (Christopher) Erickson, ing, earning the rating of games and loved both san (Jerry) Chiabotti and Martha C. Espey Travis (Hillary) Kruck- an Eagle Scout. Al played UMD and Gopher hockey. their sons, Scott (Casie) Kruckenberg, 92, of Bab- enberg, Micheal (Mar- Albert O. bitt, formerly of Embar- Zupancich hockey throughout his He treasured his friends and their son Brody, Bry- lo) Kruckenberg, Bambi high school years and and their annual trip to the an (Nichole) and their rass, died on Thursday, Smith, Michael Karki Albert O. Zupancich, grew up working in the “Frozen Four”. Al also en- children Bria and Jared, June 17, 2021, at Carefree and Bryan (Celyna) Kar- 74, of Virginia, passed family grocery store. He joyed following his neph- and Neil (Nicole) and Assisted Living in Bab- ki; great-grandchildren, away peacefully on Mon- graduated from Ely High ews and great-nephews at their children, Dylan, bitt. A memorial service Courtney (Mike), Ty- day, June 14, 2021, at School in 1965, attended their high school sporting T.J., Brenden and Presley; will be held at 10:30 a.m. ler, Kyah, Hiatt, Carter, his home after a coura- Ely Junior College, and events. sister-in-law, Constance on Monday, June 28 at Chase, Lane, Riley, Shae- geous 16-month battle graduated from the Uni- Al was a very avid Zupancich and her daugh- United Methodist Church lynn, Shantel, Jace and with cancer. A Funeral versity of Minnesota in reader, spending many ter Sarah Zupancich and in Aurora with Pastor Bar- Sonya; and several nieces Mass will be held at 11 1969. evenings deep in his her children, Beau, Brady bara Hegfors officiating. and nephews. a.m. on Friday, June 25 After owning several books. Until the end of his and Grant and son, Matt Visitation will be one hour at Resurrection Catholic grocery stores, he eventu- days he continued to work Zupancich and his chil- prior to the service at the Church in Eveleth with ally found his home in Ev- at the store, giving all he dren, Kaycee and Dan- church. Inurnment will be Rev. Fr. Charles Flynn as eleth. He proudly owned could to keep everything iel; numerous cousins; in the Embarrass Ceme- celebrant. Visitation will and operated Eveleth IGA running smoothly. His and close friends, Greg tery. Arrangements are by

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1-800-662-5700 Spring Park Rd. NORTHERN COMMUNITY RADIO Mt. Iron, MN 55768 KAXE 91.7 FM Grand Rapids 89.9 FM Brainerd Subscribe to the KBXE 90.5 FM Bagley/Bemidji TIMBERJAY! Call Independent, nonprofit community radio 218-753-2950 serving Northern Minnesota. NOW BROADCASTING IN ELY 103.9 FM Memories of the Early Days Back By A fascinating look back at the early history Popular of the Lake Vermilion area Demand! Written by Marshall Helmberger • Published by the Timberjay

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PUBLIC NOTICE

EAGLES NEST TOWNSHIP EAGLES NEST TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING ST. LOUIS COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Eagles Nest Township will hold a special meeting at 9:00 a.m. on June 25, 2021 at the Town Hall. The topic of the meeting will be ATV Routing Through the Township. All who NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING are residents or who are officially responsible for property taxes on land within the township NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Township are welcome to attend. A mask is required for Board of Supervisors of the Township of anyone who has not had the full dosage of the Eagles Nest, County of St. Louis, State of COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 weeks before the Minnesota, will meet at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th date of the meeting. day of July 2021 at the Eagles Nest Town Hall to consider the alteration of Spruce Street Published in the Timberjay, June 25, 2021 by acquiring additional right-of-way legally described as follows: The South 20.00 feet of Outlot 5 of the plat of “Rearrangement Eagle Nest” located in EMPLOYMENT Government Lot 2 of Section 22, Township 62 North, Range 14 West of the Fourth Principal Meridian, St. Louis County, Minnesota, as defined by a line parallel with and 20.00 feet from the line common to said Outlot 5 and the North Right of Way of Spruce Street as shown on said Plat. Said parcel contains 0.04 acre, more or less. Sewing Staff AND The North 20.00 feet of Outlot 7 of the plat Wintergreen Northern Wear creates quality of “Rearrangement Eagle Nest” located in outdoor apparel on the main street of Ely, Government Lot 2 of Section 22, Township 62 MN. We are looking for creative, talented North, Range 14 West of the Fourth Principal individuals to sew our garments. If you love Meridian, St. Louis County, Minnesota, as to sew, we’d love to have you on our team! defined by a line parallel with and 20.00 feet Sewing experience is required. We’ll train you from the line common to said Outlot 7 and the on our industrial machines. Livable wages, a South Right of Way of Spruce Street as shown cheery, clean work environment and benefits on said Plat. Said parcel contains 0.04 acre, included. $16 an hour for skilled work. Call more or less. 218-365-6602 or email sola@wintergreen- northernwear.com for more information. Apply The scheduled hearing is for the purpose by email or at our store located at 205 East of determining whether the above-described Sheridan Street, Ely, MN. road rights-of-way should be acquired for the improvement of Spruce Street with a turn- around. Such persons who desire to be heard with reference to this proposed alteration will Retail Staff be given the opportunity to be heard at this public hearing. Wintergreen Northern Wear creates quality outdoor apparel on the main street of Ely, Dated this 15th day of June 2021. MN and is looking for a friendly, outgoing Keely Drange, Town Clerk and experienced individual to join our retail Published in the Timberjay, June 25, 2021 team! If you’re looking for a dynamic position with competitive wages that will keep you busy full time and year round, email sola@ wintergreennorthernwear.com or contact by phone at 218-365-6602. Preferred qualifica- TASHA POLIZZI • ICELANDIC DESIGNS • RHONDA STARK • GRIZZLY tions: Customer Service or Retail experience, EMPLOYMENT love of the outdoors, and computer-savvy. and many other brands $15 an hour minimum after training with ben- efits included. Feel free to swing by for more information and to meet some of the crew! 6/25 33 E. SHERIDAN ST, ELY, MN • OPEN DAILY AT 9 AM 218.365.3322 • www.mukluks.com Care Center Business Office FULL-TIME BARTENDER PT Nursing Assistant Casual Secretary / Receptionist Steger Mukluks is Hiring! Casual Restorative Nursing Assistant The City of Orr is accepting applications for a Imaging full-time bartender for the Orr Municipal Liquor Hospital Store. This is a salaried position that includes CentralCare Center Services/Scheduling BusinessFullActivities Time & Office1 Casual Radiologic Tech FTPT CentralUnit Clerk/Nursing Services Assistant/Staffing Assistant vacation package, health insurance, life insur- Factory Work: FT Year-round PT ~Current Nursing AssistantNA certification and/or EMT CasualCasual Secretary ActivitiesRadiologic /Assistant Receptionist Tech (weekends only) ance, retirement and sick leave. Looking for SchedulerCasual Restorative Nursing Assistant Environmental Services Hospital/ERCentral Supply/Nursing Imaging individuals who can interact with customers Sales Work: FT, PT & Seasonal Hospital EnvironmentalPT Housekeeper Services in a professional, friendly manner. Must PTFT RegisteredCentral Supply Nurse Assistant/Staffing (Wage starting at FTFullCasual & Time PT Laundry Housekeeper & 1 Casual Aide Radiologic Tech Competitive Wages & Benefits $34.06/hr PT Coordinator-Scheduler Unit Clerk/Nursing - Sign-On Bonus) Assistant pass background check. The City of Orr is a ~Current NA certification and/or EMT CasualCasual HousekeepingEnvironmentalRadiologic Tech & TechLaundry (weekends I only) drug-free work place and Equal Opportunity AccountingActivities Casual Laundry Aide Employer. Applications may be picked up at FTPTCentral Accounting/Benefits/PayrollActivities Supply/Nursing Assistant Specialist Environmental Services the Orr City Hall, 4429 Highway 53, Orr. Call Apply at 100 Miners Dr. in Ely CareFT Central Center Supply Assistant/Staffing FT & PT Housekeeper City Hall at 218-757-3288 with any questions. Dietary Coordinator-Scheduler or call 218-365-6553 tfn PT Nursing Assistant (Wage starting Casual Environmental Tech I tfn atPT $16.36/hr Dietary Aide/Cook - Sign-On Bonus) CasualActivities Dietary Aide/Cook Casual Laundry Aide PT RNActivities or LPN Assistant ($4,000 Sign-On Bonus) DietaryMaintenance PTFTDietary DietaryMaintenance/Plant Aide/Cook Operations PT Dietary Aide/Cook City of Tower Casual Dietary Aide/Cook Clerk/Treasurer Bailiff Court Security- Maintenance Salary: TBD Hibbing & Virginia FT Maintenance/Plant Operations Application Deadline: Apply by 07/09/2021 08/31/2021

Summary of Job Duties (full job description Emergency Communications online) See that City Charter, City Ordinances, City Specialist Resolutions and other applicable laws are Apply by 06/30/2021 enforced Oversee all departments and employees Recommend to the Council for the adoption www.stlouiscountymn.gov such measures deemed necessary for the or call 218-726-2422 welfare of the people and efficient administra- tion of the City Equal Opportunity and Veteran-Friendly Employer 6/25 Keep the City fully appraised of the financial condition of the City

Have Experience in several of the follow- ing areas: Government Administrative Activities (Approvals, Public Notices, Minutes, Agenda and Agenda Material Preparation, FUNERAL SERVICES Proper Execution of Motions, Minutes, and Ordinances); Finance (Budgeting, Claims Processing, Payroll, Contract Making / Bid Range Funeral Home Letting, Grant Processing, Taxes, Reporting Requirements); Human Resources; Real Estate and Zoning ; Grant Processing; Data Practice; Document Retention Policies and Storage; Elections; IT Support (computers, routers, servers, security system, electronic entry); Customer Service

For more information, contact: Virginia Hibbing [email protected], or online at 741-1481 263-3276 https://cityoftower.com/positions-available “Friends Helping Friends” Published in the Timberjay, June 18 & 25, 2021

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Considerations of personal privacy, time and resources prevent the newspaper from investigating ads placed in the classified section. If you respond Try out the Timberjay classifieds MARINE to an ad, we urge you to use the same care and Line classifieds cost 30¢/word, $6.00 minimum. prudence that you would use when conducting busi- ness in any other situation. Classified ads can be run a second time at half price (private parties only). We now accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Call your ad in to AUTOMOTIVE BUILDING 218-753-2950. Display (boxed) classifieds Langevin Auto SERVICES are billed by the “inch”- please call for prices & Truck Repair and information on discounts. Full Service Call Today – 218-753-2950 or 218-365-3114 Auto Repair & Garage All Out Contracting Hours: 8 AM-5 PM M-F 2 Miles South of Tower Septic Systems, 218-749-0751 Site Preparation, Land Clearing, Brushing, MARINE Class-5, Black Dirt, HAIR CARE Sand, Boulders Cody Wooster DREAMWEAVER SALON & MOCCASIN POINT DAY SPA- Open Monday- 218-290-6939 Friday 8:30 – 6:30. 218-666- [email protected] MARINE 5594. tfn Licensed, Insured, Bonded Centrally Located On LAKE VERMILION, TOWER 4655 Moccasin Point Rd Located two miles southwest Lake Vermilion Lake Vermilion HOSPICE EAST DHU RIVER SAWMILL INC of Tower on Hwy. 169 • Boat launch, rental, Summer Hours: store & repair 218-753-3319 VIRGIE HEGG HOSPICE “Put A Piece Of Mon-Fri: 8:30-5:30, Storage, Boat Rentals, Covered Wet & Dry Boat Storage PARTNERS can provide help Sat: 9-5, Sun 9-3 • Cabins for a great, for patients and their fami- Northern Service/Repairs/Sales Lease or Purchase Options fun vacation Marina • Mechanic on Duty lies in ways such as: comfort Minnesota PROVEN Mechanic on Duty care, massages, last wishes Storage • Complete Service • Sales In Your Home” See us at: www.grubens.com Convenience Store and more. For more informa- moccasinpointmarine.com 24-Hour Fuel • Live Bait tion, contact Program Director Superior Quality Call us at: 218.753.5000 Becca Bundy at 218-780-5423 MERCURY or [email protected]. • Plank Paneling OUTBOARDS 4296 Arrowhead Point Rd, 4551 Bradley Road, Tower • 753-5457 This ad is paid for by Virgie • Trim Tower MN 55790 Hegg Hospice Partners. Frank’s Marine www.shamrocklanding.com • One-Of-A-Kind Moldings Sales & Service • Industrial Lumber Mercury, Crestliner, Lund www.franksmarinesales.com SUPPORT [email protected] 218-744-1788 Hwy 53, Orr • Call 218-757-3150 GROUPS 8825 Hwy 101, Iron, MN 55751 Ely AA OPEN GROUP MEETINGS- in person meet- ings, Wednesdays & Saturdays WANTED at 7:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 915 E Camp St., Ely SELIGA CANOES WANTED: We’ll buy old Seligas in Good MS SUPPORT GROUP- meets Shape. Turn your classic canoe Sales • Service the second Friday of the month into cash. Call Steve at 365- at 1 p.m. at the Babbitt Municipal 6745. tfn Rentals Building, senior room. Open to General Store all. For information contact Mary HELP WANTED at 218-827-8327. 218-993-2214 SATURDAY CLEANERS www.handbergs.com ORR AA meets Tuesdays at WANTED- Come clean with our 8 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic amazing team on Saturdays at Church, Orr. White Eagle Resort. Competitive wages offered based upon RUMMAGE SALE ELY CO-DEPENDENTS experience. Contact us at 218- MEETING- Fridays at noon-St. 666-5500 or apply online at GREENWOOD RUMMAGE Anthony’s Church Classroom Whiteeagleresort.com. tfn SALE- Saturday, June 26 at the 3-Use west side entrance. For Greenwood Town Hall from 9-6. more information go to coda.org SATURDAY HOUSEKEEPING Tables are $10 each, with fees on the web. HELP NEEDED AT PIKE BAY going to the Lakeview Cemetery LODGE, Lake Vermilion, Tower. in Tower. Call Pam at 218-753- OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS- $15/hr. Call Jay at 218-753- 3006 to reserve a table. Set up Meetings every Wednesday 2430. 6/25c times will be on June 25. Coffee at 4:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s an’ will be available. 6/25nc Lutheran Church, Virginia. HUGE GARAGE SALE- June BABBITT AL-ANON- meets PAINTING 25, 8-5, and June 26, 8-2. 6846 Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Pike River Rd., Tower. A HUGE SUMMER SPECIAL ON the upstairs of Woodland variety of items! Lots of stuff! EXTERIOR PAINTING & Presbyterian Church. Something for everyone. 6/25 STAINING- Free estimated. A-FAB Carpentry. Licensed/ AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP- 2 FAMILIES MOVING: Help us Insured. Contact Mike at 218- Are you troubled by someone’s downsize! Shop, building, house- 235-7069 or [email protected]. drinking? Al-Anon Family Group hold, HO Gauge RR setup, pr. 25 Years Experience. 6/25p is a community-based mutual pontoon tubes. Fri-Sunday, June support program for the friends 25-27, 8-6:30. Door closed? Ring and families of alcoholics. It is doorbell. 3306 Breezy Pt. Rd., confidential and open to any- Lake Vermilion, Tower. 218-753- one affected by someone else’s 4106. 6/25 drinking. Hope Lutheran Church in Embarrass hosts an Al-Anon group on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. 218-984-2037.

VIRGINIA AA WOMEN’S MEETING- Ladies by the Lake. Tuesdays at 12 noon. Peace United Methodist Church, 303 S 9th Ave, please use side door and parking.

AA OPEN MEETING- Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Woodland Presbyterian Church, Acacia Blvd. and Central Drive in Babbitt.

ELY WOMEN’S OPEN AA MEETING- Every Monday at noon at Ledgerock Community Church, 1515 E Camp St., Ely

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DRUGS, give yourself a break. There is a way out with the help of other recovering addicts in Narcotics Anonymous. We have been there. For meeting or other information call 218-728-3199. (Narcotics Anonymous is a non-profit organization.)

HIV/AIDS? For confidential com- passionate local support call the Rural AIDS Action Network, toll- free 1-888-647-RAAN(7226).

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS- East Range meetings and infor- mation, call 218-749-3387 or www.district8online.org.

AA FRIDAYS- 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 262 E Harvey St., Ely. Meets in the basement.

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SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST Help wanted to stem illegal dumping by MARSHALL HELMBERGER problem, consider the clean-up effort paid for by the taxpayers. Managing Editor that workers on the Laurentian District “Once you take all the salaries undertook late last month. They and transfer station bill into account, REGIONAL— For many North selected a three-mile stretch of Forest you realize pretty quickly that illegal Country residents, a backroad journey Rd. 117, located north of Hoyt Lakes. dumping on public land is certainly in the Superior National Forest is a It’s a bad stretch, to be sure, but the not free,” said Kirsten Rosenberger, way to explore amidst scenic beauty. 2.28 tons of trash that the work crew pre-sale forester on the Laurentian But, for a few too many, it’s seen as an collected shows just how bad things Ranger District, who helped with the opportunity to dump the trash. really are with illegal dumping. cleanup. Now, Forest Service officials are The trash collected included Not only does dumping degrade asking the public’s help to address seven TVs, 12 tires, vacuum cleaners, natural resources and the visitor expe- Tossed appliances, old paint cans, and other junk the problem of illegal dumping on the assorted furniture, box springs, beer rience but collecting trash takes away sits alongside Forest Rd. 757 on the Laurentian national forest. and pop cans, toys and more. Total cost District. Illegal dumping is a significant issue on To understand the scale of the to dispose of the material was $181, See DUMPING...pg. 9B the Superior National Forest. photo by M. Helmberger Wildflower Watch This week’s featured flower SHOWY LADYSLIPPER

Minnesota’s state flower is in its full glory right now. Showy Ladyslippers, Cypripedium reginae, are uncommon but are always worth a search this time of year. They are found mostly in wet areas, along swamp or stream edges, or in bogs, although they can grow in a wide and often unpredictable range of habitats. A good bet is a drive along Hwy. LIVING WITH WILDLIFE 53, north of Ash Lake, where they grow in patches along the grassy ditches. Don’t confuse this flower with the other, far more common orchid, the pink ladyslipper, which tends to bloom a couple weeks earlier. The pink ladys- lipper generally grows not more Ringo Redux than a foot high, and sports only basal leaves. The showy Two years ago this month, he was a cause célébre, but his moment of fame ended in tragedy ladyslipper regularly grows two feet high and has light green by MARSHALL HELMBERGER We now know the real leaves running most of the way Managing Editor story of how Ringo lost his ring, up the stem. and that the episode ended just LY— Two years ago this days later with the death of the month, he was the talk of young bear. Outdoors briefly Ely and beyond. Ray Mair and his wife EA young male bear, sport- Paula had known Ringo for Bear nuisance ing a round garbage can lid some time, although they had a around his neck, had become different name for this frequent complaints a cause célébre, as residents visitor to their backyard on around the White Iron chain of White Iron Lake. “We called spiking as extreme lakes attempted to keep tabs on him Percy,” said Ray. the bruin, who was quickly and Percy regularly visited the weather hurts predictably dubbed “Ringo.” Mairs’ residence, occasionally wild foods The ring made the young grabbing sunflower seeds from bear easy to identify and it their bird feeders. While they REGIONAL— It’s revealed that Ringo ran a occasionally tried to shoo him looking like another season regular circuit of feeding loca- away, they noted he didn’t with limited wild foods, and tions, ranging from garbage cause any damage and never it appears that’s prompting a cans and dumpsters to bird seemed threatening. A video jump in bear nuisance com- feeders. News of the bear’s security system that the couple plaints. The extreme swings troubles soon spread. T-shirts installed allowed them to watch in weather this spring and were printed. Facebook groups wildlife from their home day Top: Ringo stops early summer, from late hard and night, which was a primary for a meal at the were formed. Eventually, Mair residence. The freezes, to drought, to extreme Ringo’s plight made the pages factor in the couple’s decision Mairs fed Ringo heat, haven’t been good news of the Wall Street Journal. It to move to the area. for a time to build for bears again this year, and was Ringo’s fifteen minutes They had been cautious enough trust to DNR conservation officers in of fame, yet it quickly faded as around bears up until then but enable them to northeastern Minnesota are the bear seemed to vanish one after Percy showed up with remove the ring reporting a number of bear day. By early July, reports of the ring around its neck, they from the bear’s nuisance calls, particularly at neck. Ringo sightings had dried up observed that he was struggling campgrounds. and it led to speculation that the to eat and began to lose weight. photo by R & P Mair One Ely family had a sur- bear had somehow managed to After DNR efforts to trap the Second from top: prising encounter when a bear remove the ring. bear in their yard proved unsuc- Another view of entered their kitchen through Efforts by the Department cessful, they decided to try to Ringo. an open window while the of Natural Resources to do just help on their own. They began photo by A. Stewart residents were at home. After laying out sunflower seeds and that had been unsuccessful. Above: A wall exiting the building, they called The DNR, under pressure other treats and worked to gain display at the Mair for help. The bear apparently from the public, tried for weeks the bear’s trust. At one point, residence honors left on its own and showed little to capture Ringo using barrel Ray reached out and touched their late neighbor fear of the people or vehicles traps along his regular route, the bear. When it didn’t react and friend. at the scene. but even though Ringo entered fearfully, they decided to try to the traps on more than occa- remove the ring by diverting Left: A Trezona Trail him with treats. In the late trash can and its sion, he never tripped them. bear-unfriendly lid. See us at The DNR caught other bears, instead. See RINGO..pg. 9B photos by R & P Mair timberjay.com THE TIMBERJAY June 25, 2021 9B VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK LAKE COUNTRY FORECAST from NOAA weather Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday

76 51 77 53 76 53 73 52 76 54

Ely Hi Lo Prec. Sn. Emb. Hi Lo Prec. Sn. Cook Hi Lo Prec. Sn. Orr Hi Lo Prec. Sn. Tower Hi Lo Prec. Sn. 06/14 71 42 0.12 06/14 72 41 0.09 06/14 72 53 0.18 06/14 73 52 0.15 06/14 71 53 0.22 06/15 72 41 0.00 06/15 74 39 0.00 06/15 72 51 0.00 06/15 73 45 0.00 06/15 72 51 0.00 06/16 77 44 0.00 06/16 75 42 0.00 06/16 75 49 0.00 06/16 81 52 0.00 06/16 75 49 0.00 06/17 81 49 0.02 06/17 81 45 0.01 06/17 81 49 0.03 06/17 81 59 0.10 06/17 80 49 0.00 06/18 82 46 0.00 06/18 82 49 0.00 06/18 82 51 0.00 06/18 77 52 0.00 06/18 81 51 0.00 06/19 78 46 0.02 06/19 78 41 0.02 06/19 77 51 0.47 06/19 63 50 0.01 06/19 78 51 0.07 A typical Voyageurs National Park campsite 06/20 69 47 0.00 06/20 78 41 0.03 06/20 65 52 0.00 06/20 61 50 0.00 06/20 67 52 0.00 Total 6.36 YTD Total 7.02 YTD Total 7.93 YTD Total 10.47 YTD Total 8.70 VNP seeking comment on RINGO...Continued from page 8B proposed user fee increases morning of July 2, 2019, Percy “Percy,” more widely known showed up and while Paula distract- as Ringo, during a visit to the by MARSHALL HELMBERGER persisting, as camping res- ed him with treats, Ray used a limb Mairs’ deck following the removal of his ring. The young Managing Editor ervations made on the day cutter to carve away chunks out of male bear was shot by a DNR they became available for the plastic ring. Two hours later, conservation officer just days VOYAGEURS the 2021 season increased just before noon, Ray was able to later. NATIONAL PARK— Park 56 percent over 2020. With wrest it free from the bear’s neck. photo by P. Mair officials here are seeking this increased pressure on “Ringo” was no more. public comment on a pro- park sites comes greater Ray said the ring was surpris- different. He was the first bear that posal to increase park user maintenance and resource ingly heavy. Though made of plastic, made me think they might have some fees, in some cases signifi- protection needs through- it contained several pounds of sand kinds of emotion,” she said. cantly. out the districts, according to help weigh it down against the Stewart said her experiences The proposal would to park officials. wind and he imagines it was quite with Ringo, and other bears that have increase fees for campsite A sampling of the a relief to have the burden removed. made their way through her yard in reservations as well as for proposed changes are as The video of the event doesn’t show the four years she’s lived in the area, park boat tours during the follows: any noticeable reaction on the part of have changed her understanding and summer and implement  Small campsite with the bear, who was focused primarily appreciation for bears. “When I first new fees for a wide range a dock: Now-$20/night, on the treats in Paula’s hand. moved here, I was deathly afraid of other park uses, includ- Proposed- $26/night. At the time, it seemed like of bears. I thought they would rip  ing during the off-season. Large campsite with a happy ending for the bear, but requested from the DNR as part of me limb from limb,” she said. “But Voyageurs National Park a dock: Now- $24/night, it would prove to be short-lived, a public data request. “They gave I’ve never had one become even has not proposed increases Proposed- $32/night. according to Mair. Just days later, me the run-around and wouldn’t remotely aggressive with me.”  since tour fees were last Group campsite: in the wake of a report that a bear provide the DNA results,” said Ray, When Ringo first appeared approved in 2010 and since Now- $35/night, Proposed- had bitten a teenage jogger near although he did eventually receive with his ring, he would often come camping and houseboat $60/night. White Iron Lake, a local DNR photos of the dead bear. The autopsy to Stewart’s house, and sit outside  fees were approved in 2013. Grand Boat Tour: conservation officer shot a young report also indicated that the bear their door, looking in. “It’s like he As a park that collects Now- $30/adult, $15/child, male bear that did not show fear had considerable degeneration in was asking us to do something,” she less than $500,000 in fees Proposed-$50/adult, $25/ when he approached it at the site of its left elbow, which is consistent said. She said she could tell that the annually, 97 percent of the child a dumpster owned by a local resort. with video of Percy, in which the ring, which Ringo had apparently  recreation fees collected at Ellsworth Rock At the time, the DNR contend- bear shows a pronounced limp on picked up while raiding a public the park stay at the park, to Garden: Now-$25/adult, ed that the bear was the same one its front left leg. garbage can along Ely’s Trezona fund projects that directly $15/child, Proposed-$40/ that had bitten the young female Mair contacted the Timberjay Trail, was a significant burden to enhance the visitor expe- adult, $20/child. jogger, but DNA tests on the teen’s back in April after this newspaper him. Stewart repeatedly called the  rience and to help fund Primitive camping ripped pants found only evidence reported on the DNA results from DNR, asking for assistance. The the reservation system. Oct. 1-Apr. 30: Now- $0, of dog DNA. DNR officials say the the jogger’s pants. He said he faults agency first deployed the barrel trap Recreation fee dollars Proposed $10/night. proximity of the bear to the scene the DNR’s handling of the incident at her residence, where they caught have funded the cleaning Park staff will host a of the reported attack on the jogger and he doesn’t believe that Percy two other bears that were later and maintaining of park meeting this coming week strongly suggested that the bear they was involved in any unprovoked released. When she later learned of sites, the ongoing improve- at the park headquarters, shot was the animal involved in the attack. “He was a very peaceful how the Mairs had removed Ringo’s ment and rehabilitation of located at 360 Hwy. 11 E., reported attack. bear,” he said. collar, she was amazed and agreed campsite structures, and in International Falls. The Mair said he has no doubt that Appreciation for Ringo was to keep their experience a secret, backcountry trail repairs. meeting is set for Tuesday, the bear shot that day was Ringo. shared by others in the neighborhood until the Mairs revealed it publicly Recreation fees have also June 29, at 6 p.m. A second Mair said his lake home is just half who grew to recognize the bear even for this story. purchased fire rings, picnic Facebook Live meeting will a mile from the dumpster in question before the day he showed up with While her view of bears has tables and bear lockers be hosted by the Voyageurs and that the bear was at his residence his ring. “What was unique about changed, Stewart recognizes that to replace deteriorating Conservancy at noon on just hours before. “We actually have him, is that of all the bears I’ve seen, they are wild animals, best observed amenities. Wednesday, June 30. video of Percy in the yard around he probably had more eye contact at a distance. “They’re beautiful to Since the implemen- The public can also midnight on the night before he was with you than any other,” said Amy watch,” she said. “People can learn tation of the reservation email their thoughts to assassinated,” said Ray. He said the Stewart, who lives with her husband a lot. Just don’t try to pet them.” system in 2014, the park has voyarecfeecomments@ bear also had a distinctive white down the road from the Mairs. “The seen an increase in camping nps.gov or leave a voice chest blaze, which he recognized way he looked at you was kind of activity of 11 percent per message at 218-283-6708. in autopsy photos which he later year, although that jumped by 40 percent last year. This trend appears to be DUMPING... Continued from page 8B from other employee duties and costs the national forest in disposal fees and salaries. Forest Service offi- cials are reminding the public that unauthorized dumping on public lands is illegal, and this includes the dumping of materials like branches, rock, soil, and yard waste, most of which can be disposed of at no charge at area transfer stations. Forest Service officials are asking the public to help in an effort to reduce illegal dumping by report- ing incidents as they occur. According to officials, if you see someone dumping, don’t approach the violator. Instead, contact your local Forest Service office with the following information, if possible:  Date, time, and loca- tion of the illegal dumping.  Description of the vehicle and license plate number.  Description of the person dumping.  What was being dumped.

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