Blueberry/Art Festival g July 23, 24, 25 g Special WhitesideBlueberry Arts Park, Section...inside Ely Fri & Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM

the

Serving the communitiesIMBERJAY of northern St. Louis County since 1989 VOL. 32, ISSUE 29 July 23, 2021 00 T $1 SULFIDE MINING Court remands PolyMet air permit Fires threaten BWCAW Suggests MPCA may have ignored planning for larger project by MARSHALL HELMBERGER for further proceedings. reversed, remanded, or that the state regulatory Managing Editor That decision, issued suspended over the past agency had no obligation Monday, was just the latest two and a half years. to investigate whether REGIONAL— The setback for the company, The decision comes PolyMet was engaging in state’s Court of Appeals which hopes to eventually five months after the state’s so-called “sham permit- has remanded PolyMet open its NorthMet cop- Supreme Court handed ting,” by seeking an air Mining’s air permit back per-nickel mine near Hoyt PolyMet and the MPCA a permit for a substantially Wilderness fires threaten both sides of the to the Minnesota Pollution Lakes. Four of PolyMet’s partial victory in the same U.S.-Canada border. See Outdoors, Page B8 Control Agency (MPCA) major permits have been case, when it determined See...COURT pg. 9

VERMILION RANGE TRADITION LAW ENFORCEMENT As calls rise, Ely loses a squad car Blown engine prompts rental agreement with Breitung Township

by KEITH VANDERVORT Ely Editor ELY – The Ely Police Department will operate for the rest of this year, and perhaps longer, with just two primary squad cars due to a blown engine in their third vehicle, a situation which could affect the department’s overall response capabilities. The EPD responded to 2,347 incidents in 2020, about two dozen MORE more calls than in Ely Police 2019, according to Police Chief busy this BOOYAH! Chad Houde, so summer. the number of inci- Page 10 107th Old Settlers Picnic returns after COVID pause dents/calls for 2020 is about typical. However, having one by JODI SUMMIT Above: Joe Yapel, left, and Stephen less squad car for at least a year could Tower-Soudan Editor Tekautz scoop buckets of booyah, a be a challenge for the overall response meat and potato stew, at the annual efficiency of the department, Chief BREITUNG TOWNSHIP- It was the Vermilion Range Old Settlers Picnic Houde told city council members end of an era as master booyah chef Nick last Saturday. Tuesday night. Tekautz was honored for his 32 years, or To solve that challenge, Houde perhaps it was 36 years, of chef service for Right: Ed Swanson, 3, helps with received approval from the budget the annual Vermilion Range Old Settlers cleanup. photos by J. Summit committee and the full council to work Picnic on Saturday. out a rental agreement with Breitung Tekautz has now trained in a younger Township to provide a squad car in the generation of Tekautzes and Tormas to asked by his father-in-law Herb Lamppa event that another Ely police vehicle take over the supervision of the hundreds to take over for “just one year” when the is taken out of operation. of gallons of meat-and-vegetable stew committee needed a new head cook. Interim Mayor Chuck Novak told prepared each year. One year stretched into an almost per- the council that while the squad car Tekautz wasn’t quite sure how many “had a lot of miles on it and is not that years he had been in charge, after being See...PICNIC pg. 11 See...POLICE pg. 10

COOK Family breaks ground for Habitat for Humanity home by DAVID COLBURN Cook/Orr Editor Slab already laid as volunteers get to work raising walls COOK- When way. NW, a property that Tara Cotten, and her North St. Louis County The latter was the neither Cotten or Habitat daughters Natalia, left, (NSLC) Habitat for case for Tara Cotten, of Executive Director and Brooklyn are backed Humanity starts looking Cook, and her daugh- Nathan Thompson knew up by two dozen volun- into a new build, they ters Natalia, 7, and they would have when teers and supporters at most often start with a Brooklyn, 6, who on she was selected last a groundbreaking property in hand and Sunday participated in winter. ceremony on Sunday approve a new family for groundbreaking cere- “We found our for their new Habitat for it. Sometimes, however, monies for their future Humanity home. it unfolds in the opposite home at 419 4th Street See...COOK pg. 12 photo by D. Colburn

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 July 23, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY Community notices TOWER-SOUDAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Art On The Lake open to the public Information needed for Soudan One of those lost... on Saturday, July 24 TOWER- Art On The Lake, a public showing and Mine Memorial Exhibit sale of fine art by local artists, will be held on TOWER- has created a list of 143 details regarding the Saturday, July 24 at the Lake Vermilion Cultural Volunteers from the names of those who died cause of death and any from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The paintings are ready to be Tower-Soudan Historical from 1884 to 1957. He other record or memora- hung in your home or cabin and are both watercol- Society continue to work spent hours painstaking- bilia you may have. or and oil media. This event is a fundraiser for the with James Pointer, ly going through death The three-page LVCC located at 705 Main St. in Tower. While the Interpretive Supervisor records, newspaper arti- list of names has been building is still under renovation, this event will be at the Lake Vermilion- cles, cemetery records, posted on the Tower- held in the Halunen Lobby. Soudan Underground and other primary source Soudan Historical Mine State Park, to materials to make this Society website at tow- 5K Glow Run supports mental health create a new exhibit at list. Larson acknowledg- ersoudanhs.org. In addi- programming; race set for Sept. 24 the Soudan Underground es there are inaccuracies tion to names, the list Mine Visitors Center. in the list due to names includes the date of ELY- Run and have some fun at the Northern Jeannie Burlowski sub- The purpose of the being changed, names death, marital status, mitted this photo of her grand- Lights Clubhouse’s 5K Glow Run on Friday, Sept. display is to honor the misspelled, details age of the deceased, 24 at 7 p.m. beginning at Ely’s Whiteside Park. The father, Matt Avikainen, taken in memory of those who reported incorrectly, country of origin and, his WWI uniform. Avikainen run takes you through glow zones as the sun sets. died of injuries sustained etc. The goal is to update in some cases, details People of all ages and abilities are welcome to partic- died in the underground mine in the underground mine, and correct the list as regarding the accident. on May 14, 1945 at age 55. ipate. Costs are $30 for adults, $20 for students and the open pit mines, and much as possible before Volunteers from the $5 for kids. Proceeds support the Northern Lights Avikainen was a “barman” on the nearby property it becomes part of the historical society will who had gone into a chamber Clubhouse, a place where adults with mental health and railroad. A plea went display. If you know of be doing further research challenges have the opportunity to make and reach after a morning blast. It was out earlier for infor- someone who died in the on this list in the next his job to ensure that the rock personal goals. For more information and to register, mation and interesting mines or in a mine-re- few months at the Iron visit www.elymarathon.com/5k. overhead was safe. He repeat- stories and photos have lated accident and have Range Research Library edly jabbed his iron bar into been received from loved information, please send in Chisholm. It is hoped the “ceiling” of the chamber to MnDOT to detour Highway 73 for ones of some deceased copies of documents that this research along ensure there was no loose rock culvert replacement miners. However, help to the Tower-Soudan with additional help from above. Unfortunately, there is still being sought from Historical Society at the public will allow DULUTH- MnDOT maintenance crews will was much loose rock that day. It the public to verify the PO Box 465, Tower, the exhibit to open by detour Hwy. 73 from Hwy. 1 to Cty. Rd. 22 west of fell on Avikainen, crushing him names and other details MN 55790 or scan your Memorial Day weekend Cook on Monday, July 26, through Thursday, July to death instantly. Jeannie has about those who died. information and email 2022. If you have ques- 29, to install a new center line culvert. her grandfather’s silver pocket Andy Larson, it to towersoudanhs@ tions, call the historical Important reminders for motorists regarding work watch, stopped at exactly the former president of gmail.com. Documents society at 218-753-5021 zone safety: moment when the ore crushed the Tower-Soudan needed include death or send an email to the Stay alert, work zones constantly change. him. She will be donating this Historical Society and records, newspaper arti- address above. Slow down when approaching every work watch to the exhibit. retired Soudan Mine cles, cemetery records, zone, then navigate through with care and caution. tour guide of 27 years, photos of the deceased, Watch for workers and slow moving equip- ment. Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300. Minimize distractions behind the wheel. National Night Out celebration planned in Wuori Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times. WUORI TWP- St. National Night Out is an Deputies from the St. Louis attend as schedules allow. For more information on projects in northeast Louis County Sheriff’s annual celebration on the County Sheriff’s Office will There will be drawings Minnesota, follow us on Facebook at https://face- Deputies along with rep- first Tuesday in August be there along with squad for youth and adult prizes, book.com/groups/MnDOTnortheast and Twitter at resentatives of Wuori Twp. held by neighborhoods cars, a K-9 demonstration, music by Casey Aro, magic @mndotnortheast. For real-time traffic and travel are coming together to host across the country. The and the St. Louis County by Amazing Charles and information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org. National Night Out. The event strives to promote 911 dispatching center. St. more. Attendees will have community celebration will community and strengthen Louis County Volunteer the opportunity to meet be Tuesday, Aug. 3 from relationships between citi- Rescue Squad members, with community leaders History Night on Wednesday, July 28 4:30-8 p.m. at the Wuori zens and the public safety local EMS and fire depart- from the area. St. Louis ELY- Jill Baum of Northern Bedrock Historic Community Center, 7449 departments in their area. ments also will partici- County would like to thank Preservation Corps will speak at the fourth and final Werner Road. The event The festivities will feature pate, along with a Life the numerous sponsors who Ely-Winton Historical Society History Night of the is free to the public and child-friendly activities and Link III helicopter landing. helped make this event season on Wednesday, July 28 in Auditorium CL 104 all are invited to attend. a free community barbecue. Other area agencies may possible. of Vermilion Community College at 7 p.m. Hooked on historic preservation ever since dis- covering “This Old House” in middle school, Jill is the Executive Director of Northern Bedrock Historic Homer’s Odyssey picnic operetta performed July 31 Preservation Corps. She has worked for mis- sion-based organizations most of her career, includ- EMBARRASS- Mixed carnival, this adventure is ing extensive experience managing AmeriCorps and Precipitation presents a new filled with summer fun and field team programming throughout the country with production, traveling and the joy of being together the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Jill performing on a pickup following difficult and majored in geology at Carleton College and earned truck. This year’s produc- scary times. an MS in Land Resources at UW-Madison. tion is an adaptation of Mixed Precipitation’s Learn how Northern Bedrock Historic Homer’s Odyssey, featur- mini-residency on the Preservation Corps is working to build pathways to ing a musical mix of baroque Iron Range will feature the preservation trades for young adults, including melodies and Dolly Parton free pop-up performances using the Halfway Ranger Station Historic District tunes. Using the music of for residents at Carefree just outside of Ely as a hands-on training center for Claudio Monteverdi’s 1639 Living, the Tower Farmers both corps members and the community. opera, Il Ritorno d’Ulisse Market on Friday, July 30 All History Night events are free to the public. A in Patria (The Return of and area parks and beaches. free-will donation is greatly appreciated. Ulysses to His Homeland) The finale performance July 31 at Early Frost mixedprecipitation.org/ and the spirit of a country is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Farms in Embarrass. This summer-2021-dates. hobby farm, founded by The performance is Ericka and Jack LaMar, has offered for a suggested YOUR HOME-DECOR STORE ice cream treats, berries, donation of $10 - $25 per ARTART honey, chickens, and it’s person. But no one will ever a short walk from the be turned away for lack of GALLERYGALLERY Darwin Myers Wildlife funds. This performance is Management Area, on the family-friendly and fun for Local arts and crafts Mesabi Trail. all ages, approximately 75 You can see the full minutes in length. All furniture may not be as shown. for viewing and salesS listing of performances Bring your own lawn 210 S River St, Cook MN 55723 throughout Minnesota and chairs and a picnic. Open: Wed-Fri: 10 AM-4 PM, Sat: 9 AM-1 PM make reservations at http:// AndersonFurnitureCompany.com [email protected] • www.nwfamn.org 214 2nd Ave. S, Virginia, MN • 218-741-9356 Hungry I’m A Summer Restaurant Guide

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STATE AND LOCAL NEWS Senator Tomassoni reveals ALS diagnosis by DAVID COLBURN disease,” uals gradually and working with ALS,” “I am going to continue DFLer is now caucusing as Cook-Orr Editor Tomassoni lose strength Tomassoni said. “I have representing you to the best an Independent, although said. “I will feel and their abil- had it for a while now as of my abilities like I have he continues to consider the effects of it ities to move, I worked all through the always tried to do in elected himself a Democrat. REGIONAL- A long- in my speech, speak, eat, and entire legislative session office,” he said. “I give you Contacted on Tuesday time Iron Range lawmaker my movement, even breathe, feeling its effects. Initially, my word that my brain and via email by the Timberjay, is vowing to continue to and my life.” according to I decided to not let anyone my body will continue to Tomassoni expressed grat- represent his constituents ALS is a the National know about it, but dealing represent you with the same itude for the response he’s after revealing this past rare neurolog- Institute of with it upfront and becom- passion and vigor I’ve tried received to his announce- week that he has been diag- ical disease, Neurological ing an advocate seems to be to give in the past. I have ment. nosed with amyotrophic commonly Disorders and the right direction to go. I been fortunate and blessed “I just want to thank lateral sclerosis (ALS), diagnosed Stroke. There intend to look at each day in my life, my career, in everyone who contacted also known as Lou Gehrig’s between 55 and is no known as the best day of the rest of sports, and with friends and me with their best wishes, disease. 75 years old, that causes cure. our lives and I’m going to a great family. This is the prayers and advice,” he District 6 State Sen. the nerves controlling Tomassoni did not live with this disease. Many next challenge.” said. “They mean very David Tomassoni, DFL- voluntary muscle move- say specifically when he have lived and successfully A Minnesota Public much to me and I want Chisholm, a 29-year leg- ments to deteriorate. Initial was diagnosed, but he contributed back to the Radio report noted that them all to know that islative veteran in both the symptoms can include said ALS was something community with ALS.” Tomassoni, 68, was first I feel fine and I’ll be House and Senate, made the muscle twitches, cramps, he had to deal with during Tomassoni was firm elected to the state House around for a while longer. announcement in a letter tightness and weakness, the recently-completed in his commitment to in 1992. He was elected I’m finding that the ALS published in the Mesabi slurred speech, and difficul- legislative term. continue to represent the to the Senate in 2000 and network is extensive, and Tribune on July 16. ty chewing or swallowing. “I want you to know interests of his district in is currently the Senate I look forward to getting “There is no sugar Over time, affected individ- that I am a person living the legislature. president. The longtime involved.” coating it – this is a tough Suspects charged in Babbitt stabbing, shooting

by KEITH VANDERVORT The suspect, Dylan allegedly stabbed mul- three felonies after he scene in a truck. Several ing to court records. He Ely Editor Thomas Peterson, 29, of tiple times, court doc- was accused of shooting shell casings were found was arrested later on July Grand Rapids, was charged uments say. An online at the stabbing suspect as by investigators at the scene 10 after he called 911 to VIRGINIA — An ice last Wednesday with three fundraising effort identified he fled in a vehicle. Joel that matched Vandervest’s report that he was at the pick or similar object was felonies, according to the the stabbing victim as Earl Vandervest, 38, was type of gun. A neighbor said Y Store near Tower and allegedly used in a July criminal complaint. He was Leah Marie Bodas. She is charged with second-de- he found a bullet that went heard that police officers 10 attack in Babbitt in charged with two counts of reportedly recovering from gree assault, intentional through his house. No one were looking for him. He which a business owner second-degree assault and serious injuries that are not discharge of a firearm that was hurt from the gunfire. was arrested there without was stabbed multiple times one count of third-degree life-threatening. endangers safety, and reck- At the time of the incident. in the stomach and legs, assault. Meanwhile, a Babbitt less discharge of a firearm. incident, Petersen was Petersen was sched- according to court docu- The victim, the 53-year- man who was working According to the crim- free on bond while facing uled to appear in court ments filed last week in old owner of the NE Time in the store where the inal complaint, Vandervest a pending charge that he this week. Vandervest is St. Louis County District NE Wear screen-print- stabbing incident took allegedly shot at the stab- stabbed a man in the leg in scheduled for an Aug. 2 Court. ing store in Babbitt, was place was charged with bing suspect as he fled the Eveleth on June 4, accord- court appearance. REAL ESTATE

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Let’s Make Sold Happen For You Too! 4 July 23, 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 Police in Tower City residents have made it clear that local policing is not a high priority The city council in Tower already among the highest has an important decision to around, given the size of its make in the coming days over tax base. That could save whether they wish to contract some city residents $1,000 or for coverage with the soon- more per year, on residential to-be reconstituted Breitung property alone. Police Department. What’s more, the city Based on public sen- could just wait and see how timent, including survey it works out in Breitung. results, officials in Breitung It appears that Breitung is likely made the right deci- moving ahead with the hiring sion— for them— in moving of a police chief, regardless ahead with the hiring of a of what Tower decides to police chief. Yet, as most of us do. That means there’s no know, these twin towns don’t inconvenience for the town- always view things in the ship if the city holds off on a same way and that certainly decision. As a city that’s still appears to be the case when recovering from its financial it comes to local policing. crunch, the city could simply When Breitung suspended bank the savings it is pres- Letters from Readers its police department back in ently experiencing from the management mentality is slow Underground Railroad, the Trail March, we had expected to discontinuance of its police to change. Timber is a valuable of Tears, Indian boarding schools, hear more from residents in contract to bolster its cash Why do free people and versatile resource, and select Sundown towns and green cards, Tower on the subject. Instead, flow and begin to rebuild its fall for charlatans? cutting while leaving “seed” or segregation, the lunch counters, the change, for the most reserves. “mother” trees (with their estab- and the history of voting rights is part, generated a collective It’s not as if the city Why do free people fall for lished fungal networks) is better not CRT. shrug from the community. doesn’t have police cover- charlatans? than clear cutting, as done in the In an effective classroom, When the city council held age, no matter which way The Rise of the Moors group past. teachers often plan curriculum two well-publicized public the council goes. Since the had 200 or more people rally in Mark Roalson units to nurture knowledge and meetings to take citizen Breitung police department Philly. It’s amazing to me how a Hoyt Lakes critical thinking skills in students. input on the subject, council suspended operations last free people, such as we are, can fall Students in these classrooms have members sat in nearly empty March, St. Louis County for the words and ideas these char- access to multiple resources, liter- rooms. Out of the roughly 500 Sheriff’s deputies have been latans expound. The Proud Boys, Critical Race Theory ature, and materials in examining residents in town, only 23 noticeably present in the Oath Keepers, Jim Jones, David a topic. bothered to return a survey community. The sheriff’s Koresh, are four that come to my is not taught in our In my education courses, I asking for opinions on the office is a well-run, pro- mind easily. The list is much larger K-12 schools often designed curriculum units. question. And only three of fessional organization that though I won’t go into it here; I’m Critical Race Theory, or CRT, An example was one I developed those surveys indicated con- provides generally prompt sure that the point is clear. which originated in the 1970s, is a on Emmett Till. Students utilized tracting with Breitung as their response to emergency calls Skip Dickinson body of legal scholarship that seeks multiple resources. Factual news first choice. The most popular and maintains real investiga- Britt to critically examine U.S. laws and reports. Research. Books. One of the eight options offered on tive resources when crimes how they intersect with race, exam- powerful book was a young adult the survey was to simply rely are committed. One could New thinking ining possible disparate outcomes story by Chris Crow, “Mississippi on 911 service from the St. argue that Tower-Soudan needed in forestry in the legal system based on race. 1955” along with a factual book by Louis County Sheriff. would be better served having In the 1990s, Critical Race Theory the same author, “Getting Away Perhaps residents in the sheriff’s office as the Recent breakthrough became a research design used by with Murder: The True Story of Tower recognize the tradeoffs primary responding agency research has revealed that trees scholars in education focusing on Emmett Till.” A beautiful poetic involved. Up until March, the rather than a very small police exchange nutrients not only with inequities in the context of schools tribute to Emmett Till, “A Wreath police contract consumed department with marginal like species, but with other trees with research on the impact of seg- for Emmett Till” by Farsi Chideya about 30 percent of the city’s resources. And, since tax- not of their DNA. regation, relations between race, was also offered. The book begins levy. That’s a huge expense payers are already paying for “Finding the Mother Tree” gender, and academic achievement with the words, ‘Emmett Till’s for a service that, as the past the sheriff’s office through by Dr. Suzanne Simard illustrates and pedagogy. name still catches in my throat like several months have shown, their county levy, there need the importance of fungal mycelia Critical race theory is not a syllables waylaid in a stutterer’s city residents don’t care all be no additional cost for that relaying nutrients back and forth subject taught in schools, but a mouth.” Students also pondered that much about. If the city service. along their underground networks theoretical concept examined in the meaning of a poem by Langston missed plowing the streets Most residents of the to trees and other plants. In short, research designs and methodolo- Hughes, “Mississippi 1955” along after the next big snowstorm, Tower area, including using the aid of the mycelia, trees gies. By scholars. By researchers. with a story song by Emmy Lou you can rest assured that Greenwood, Vermilion Lake, help each other with nitrogen, Not teachers. Not in classrooms. Harris, “My Name is Emmett Till.” city council members would Kugler, and Eagles Nest water, and minerals, and also Not in elementary schools. Not in The response of students catch heck for it right away. townships, have long relied send warnings of disease or insect secondary schools. was impressive as they pondered, They catch grief reg- on the sheriff’s office for law invasion. In turn the trees can give Recently, an individual named digested, researched, and engaged ularly for the condition enforcement. Greenwood the fungal networks the sugars that Christopher Rufo went on a in meaningful discussions and of city streets, or for the alone has nearly twice the they cannot make. rampage against Critical Race projects. This is teaching. This city’s longstanding failure to year-round population, ten This is must reading for all Theory, erroneously claiming that is critical thinking. Examining. enforce its blight ordinance. times the summer population, forestry managers who presently it was being taught in our class- Learning. Expanding. And But the disappearance of the twenty times the property think of trees as only a crop and rooms as an attempt to indoctrinate growing. Breitung police? It’s been value, and at least as many also think of “weed” or competi- students. His bizarre rant incited For all who are up in arms mostly just crickets. businesses as Tower, and tive trees as needing elimination. such an uproar that lawmakers in about Critical Race Theory, you The tradeoffs are very relies, without issue, on the For U.S. Forest Service lands, 16 states have introduced or passed can relax. It is not being taught real. When the city spent sheriff’s office for local law this has been partly dealt with legislation prohibiting the teaching in any elementary or secondary approximately $115,000 enforcement. If residents in the courts whereby herbicides of CRT in public institutions with classroom. It is a meaningless on its police contract last there didn’t feel they were have mostly been eliminated groups now storming school board inflammatory buzzword which year, that was money that well-served by the sheriff’s and mechanical brushing is used meetings and school administrators has alarmingly gained too much couldn’t be used to improve office, we suspect we would instead. This gives other species a and holding rallies demanding that traction. city streets and alleys. It’s have heard about it by now. chance to grow back and re-inte- CRT be abolished. As a retired educator, I ask any money that couldn’t be used It’s understandable if grate. However, on state and county The good news for everyone who are concerned to spend time as the local match on any members of the city council lands here in Minnesota, herbicides concerned is that CRT is NOT in classrooms. Talk to teachers. number of grant-funded don’t rely on the feelings of are still in heavy use. Biologists, taught in any elementary or second- Engage in meaningful discussions. projects, or for economic township residents to make botanists and timber managers ary classroom. It is a concept and And listen. Listen carefully to development, or for any of a their decision. They’ll likely need to become re-educated as research focus that is only applied those voices so vastly different number of other services that rely, instead, on the input to the intricate and complicated in legal and academic research from your own. Listen to your own small towns often provide for they received from residents relationships that exist in the world courses and designs. children. Discuss books that they their residents. Perhaps, most of Tower, who’ve made it of tree roots and fungal life. Even Teaching accurate facts and read. Read them together, grow, significantly, it’s money that abundantly clear that a local new horticultural studies and prac- history is not CRT. Learning about learn, and expand. could otherwise support a police department is not a tices have shown the importance slavery, the civil rights movement, Ellie Larmouth sizable reduction in the city’s high priority. of mycelia and their relationship Japanese-American internment Retired educator property tax levy, which is with plants. Unfortunately, government camps, the Tulsa Massacre, the Tower Flight turns writer ‘Blue’ with envy Most folks for the phrase. of the Mercurys, Geminis, to which I subscribe. It Post. While he doesn’t get refrigerator box that I had are familiar Whatever its and Apollos of the race to was to be a typical start to involved in the paper’s converted into a spaceship with the phrase origins, green space. And what was the a typical day. editorial content, how could that carried me, my sisters, “green with has long been origin of my abrupt color But in the center of the Post not cover live its and numerous friends on envy.” While the color asso- shift? the page was a live video owner’s historic flight? many a thrilling mission, some attribute ciated with The aptly named Blue stream of the impending Like millions of other kids aborted only by the sound its origins to the feeling of Origin. launch of Blue Origin, the in the 60s, space flight of Mom’s voice calling us the ancient envy. On Tuesday morning, rocket that was about to fascinated and enthralled to dinner. Like millions Greeks, others But this I sat down in front of my take the world’s richest me. I bought and assembled of other kids, someday I turn to William past Tuesday, computer with my usual man, Jeff Bezos, and three models of all of NASA’s wanted to go to space. Shakespeare’s envy took on cup of extra dark coffee, other passengers to the spacecraft and used them But my dreams of Othello and DAVID a decidedly a couple of pieces of toast edge of space. Bezos, to do my own simulations being both a fighter pilot his declaration bluish tone slathered with smooth known as the owner of the while watching similar and an astronaut were of jealousy as COLBURN for this writer, (never crunchy) peanut online shopping behemoth ones on TV. Out in the crushed by an eye exam a “green-ey’d a child of the butter, and pulled up the Amazon, also happens attic of the barn behind monster” as the inspiration 1960s who grew up in awe Washington Post website, to own the Washington our house was a cardboard See BLUE...pg. 5 THE TIMBERJAY July 23, 2021 5 Letters from Readers

ulation informed and will together on those items facts around here is that have seen some lawn signs of the political aisle, that America’s ensure the health of our on which we can all agree the Virginia Ambulance up which are meant for came hundreds of miles to democracy is in democracy. Many states to move forward. That Service carries a lot of name recognition. What our city to be a part of the are now choosing to move requires trust in each other the responsibility for a deal, lawn signs but no West End Project ribbon trouble public financing away from and honesty. Truth based helping sick or injured policies nor goals for our cutting ceremony. How people because Virginia city. Sounds exciting. My father-in-law is public schools which are on fact and science, not important is that? All of is an “Advanced Life In the short past years 95 years old this year. He managed by elected leaders rumor and conspiracies at these state legislators are Support” service, meaning we have seen numerous is a remarkable man from to fund various forms of every turn. The fact that on the state bonding board that Virginia ambulanc- new city streets with all the “greatest generation” private education which are 50 percent of Americans that decides which cities es have paramedics on new infrastructure added. having fought in World managed by various leaders either have not believed the get bonding money. Many board. It’s an expensive And, thanks to our now War II serving in the Army who seem to be more con- science to get vaccinated cities did not get a dime; service for Virginia to retired county commis- in the Pacific Theater. His cerned with indoctrination or believe that Trump won while we got millions maintain, and we are sioner Mike Forsman, we memory and reasoning have of certain religious or polit- the election suggests we of dollars. It was Mayor very fortunate that they have seen a number of city not diminished. He is well ical agendas. Other govern- have a serious foundational Novak who extended the respond to calls through- streets, which are county informed and can speak at ments are simply reducing problem that does more to invitation and who gave the out the area when designated, newly paved. length about his thoughts educational funding in undercut our strength in warm Ely welcome to these injured or sick people We can see on our City on politics and the state of general. Rating: 1 the world and the future traveling legislators who need more than an ambu- of Ely website the good the union. Recently he said The Constitution seeks of our democracy than are the deciders on bonding lance which offers “Basic number of city streets now “While probably not in my that the least able and most any other aspect of our funding. What a plus that is Life Support”, as the in the process of being lifetime, but highly likely in-need members of our country. Rating: 0 for our fine city. The two TAAS ambulances do. redone. We have a newer in your lifetime, the United communities are cared for We are doing poorly stated mayoral candidates I believe at some point, 17th St. which connects States will no longer be a and that all people have in all essentials of our did not show up for this primarily due to the Sheridan to Pioneer Rd. democracy. Weakening of equal access to essential American democracy. We ribbon cutting event... they monetary and recruit- Thanks to Mayor Chuck our democracy is already services and protection. are clearly in trouble. Our could not be seen. ment issues that rural Novak, our city received a underway and is acceler- To do so the Constitution democracy requires our A short time ago Mayor ambulance services $700,000 grant from DEED ating.” decrees that the government people to first recognize Novak, city clerk Harold face, there will need to and a grant of $250,000 to His words prompted provide certain services and acknowledge we are Langowski, and economic be a consolidation of complete the project from me to consider the founda- such as the U.S. Postal on a course that could make developer John Fedo put ambulance services, much the IRRRB. No Minnesota tions of our democracy and service and other services America the next China in many hours working like we see with the area city in the last quarter of to anecdotally assess the which have been deter- where our equivalent of the together to complete the schools. In our area, a century has received a status of each. I’ve applied mined to include Social Chinese Communist Party request for an addition- Virginia eventually grant this large for a city of my own rating where a 0 Security, Medicare, and is the American Republican al $4.1 million in state will play a pivotal role, our size. Maybe it helped means “poor” and a 5 means Affordable Care. As our Party and the equivalent bonding funding for the because they have the that Gov. Mark Dayton “good”. government is elected of Premier Xi is Premier West End Project. This time Trump. If that isn’t what we population and they have visited our city twice and Democracy is based to define and make our they added funding to tear want, we need to take this a major hospital and had amicable discussions on everyone having an government work for the down the old city garage, seriously and begin to work fire department to draw with Mayor Novak. Mayor equal say in choosing our wellbeing and safety of our funding for a workers together to strengthen our paramedic person- Novak gave our governor leaders. One person, one entire nation, it is in our housing so we can house struggling democracy. The nel from. It will come, the Ely welcome. vote. A vote in California best interest to work to trust many summer workers and outcome is not certain, sooner or later. I just hope Let us add in the and a vote in Wyoming (with vigilance) our elected the completion of Pattison unless we do nothing. that the EMSRB is numerous refurbished should ideally have equal officials and government St. to Central Ave. Keith Steva doing a comprehensive buildings around our city impact in our governance. employee and help them The real significance Cook assessment and that their such as the now-prized Due to a historic politi- make our government work of this bonding request is forthcoming recommenda- Ely State Theater and a cal compromise during better and more efficiently that none of this money will tions will reflect that. refurbished VFW building Revolutionary times, we rather than advocate for impact our needed local There is one other thing and others around town. We have the United States fewer services and to under- Consider a government aid. We can in the Timberjay article can see the development of Senate. So, our democracy mine the effectiveness of continue to use our LGA regional approach that I’d like to clarify: If the new pocket park, the starts in a hole. In a perfect our government. Rating: 2 for projects that we have in Greenwood were to development of a first class world the Senate would be The leaders of our to ambulance Ely such as our infrastruc- be included in the mountain bike facility and eliminated. The president nation take an oath, “I will ture and streets. And, we service Cook Ambulance the very important West is selected by the Electoral support and defend the can keep our taxes low, a In the Timberjay’s report Service, Greenwood End Project which will be College, which should also Constitution of the United strategy of Albert Forsman on last week’s Greenwood would NOT have to join the a regional trail head. be eliminated in favor of States against all enemies, and Paul Kess, our two city Town Board meeting, Cook Healthcare District, The West End Project a popular vote. Rating: 2 foreign and domestic; that I council members who work there is a paragraph about as my friend Carmen has received millions of The Declaration of will bear true faith and alle- on our city’s budget com- our ambulance service. DeLuca misstated. dollars in state bonding Independence states that giance to the same.” We mittee and Mayor Novak. Certainly, the Tower Actually, a significant part money. Considering the “all men are created equal, should expect nothing It’s about making our City Area Ambulance Service, of Greenwood is already large number of state that they are endowed by less from our elected offi- of Ely a great place to live, to which Greenwood and in the Cook Ambulance bonding requests just from their Creator with certain cials. President Trump not which is why I most certain- four other townships, District and is well served Northeast Minnesota and unalienable Rights, that only incited the insurrec- ly support his leadership as along with the city of by them. But Cook is we voters can get an idea among these are Life, tion at the Capitol and sup- our mayor and his goal and Tower, belong, is having not an Advanced Life of how competitive these Liberty and the pursuit ported it, but also attempted policies. problems. That’s the Support service and that of Happiness.” It doesn’t to secure support of the bonding requests from John Esse primary reason is why I have advocated say “white men”, and the United States military to other cities are. Consider Ely that the Minnesota for the regional approach, meaning “of men” has take power by a coup. Our the number of state leg- Emergency Medical relying heavily on, and also changed to mean over own Rep. Pete Stauber, islators, from both sides Services Regulatory supporting the Virginia time “mankind”, including 8th District Congressman, Board agreed to conduct service. Like I said, it will people of all genders. Today, signed an amicus brief in an assessment of happen, sooner or later, out the most state legislatures have support of the petition the TAAS and will be of necessity and common submitted hundreds of bills filed at the U.S. Supreme presenting recommenda- sense. TIMBERJAY to reduce the rights, includ- Court by Texas to overturn tions sometime this summer. Lee Peterson ing that of voting, of many the national presidential Copyright © 2021 by The Timberjay. The EMSRB regulates all Greenwood Twp. minority groups: people election results in a thinly The Timberjay (PN 16025) is pub- veiled coup attempt, which of the ambulance districts of color, people of certain lished weekly on Fridays, 51 weeks in Minnesota. religious beliefs, various would have invalidated Here s why I I contacted the ’ per year, by The Timberjay Inc., PO sexual preferences, at the millions of votes and would EMSRB’s Holly Box 636, Tower, MN 55790. Busi- same time increasing the have interfered with the support Novak’s Jacobs early on and ness/Editorial Office at 414 Main St., PO Box 636, position of certain religious state’s constitutional right recommended that the goals and policies Tower, MN 55790. Call (218) 753-2950 to sub- communities and economic to conduct their own elec- EMSRB take a regional It is about one month scribe. E-mail address is [email protected]. advantage. Rating: 1 tions. Rating: 0 approach in the assess- until our important mayoral The Constitution pro- Finally, a democracy Periodicals postage paid at Tower, Minnesota. ment, looking at the nearby election. We still have not vides that the government to survive is based on a ambulance districts of heard a word from either provides education to all nation of people that have POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ely, Cook, Virginia and mayoral candidate about in the belief that an educa- many different beliefs The Timberjay, PO Box 636, Tower, MN 55790. ours. They form kind of a their expected policies or tion provided on an equal and values, but at the corridor for emergen- goals that they have for basis will result in a pop- end of the day we accept This award-winning community newspaper our differences and work cy services. One of the our city, nada. Instead we published each week serves the communities of Tower/Soudan, Cook/Orr, and Ely. BLUE...Continued from page 4 Publisher Marshall Helmberger in fourth grade – unable It’s just not fair – I wanted inclusiveness of the future my station in life in the General Manager Jodi Summit to read the teacher’s chalk the experience as much as portrayed in the numerous early years of my seventh Cook/Orr Editor David Colburn writing on the blackboard any of them. With Bezos, iterations of Star Trek, decade on the planet, with Ely Editor Keith Vandervort 15 feet away, I knew right Richard Branson, and soon commercialization has for a better job, house, truck, Staff Writer Stephanie Ukkola the time being turned space camera and cat than I need away I’d never qualify to be Elon Musk, space has Office Manager M. M. White either. It didn’t lessen my become the new play- into yet another realm of the or deserve, living in beau- Graphics/Ad Sales Scarlet Lynn Stone interest or desire one bit, ground of the filthy rich. haves and have-nots. So, tiful country among terrific but it did change my reality. I didn’t watch Branson’s Mr. Bezos, a fast phooey people. I find it more than Ad Sales/Sports Jay Greeney I’ve said for decades that flight, didn’t intend to on you and your billions OK that station is firmly Official Newspaper: the one regret I have about watch Bezos’s flight, and and the nanny-nanny-boo- planted on the ground my mortality is that I’ll won’t watch Musk’s. boo of a ride on your Blue instead of circling the globe City of Tower, Townships of Bearville, Eagles never have the opportunity The reason is simple Origin rocket ship. It’s high above. Possibilities Nest, Embarrass, Kugler, Vermilion Lake, Field, to fly through outer space to – I’m sorely afflicted by of little solace that it was realized are ever so much Morcom, Leiding, Crane Lake, ISD 707. “seek out new worlds and Shakespeare’s green-ey’d named New Shepard in better than dreams never Member: new civilizations” or more monster. In this, I am com- honor of astronaut Alan achieved. Minnesota Newspaper Association, Lake Vermilion Resort Association, Lake Vermil- mundanely to simply wave pletely derelict in adhering Shepard, the first American ion Area Chamber of Commerce, Ely Chamber of at an orbiting satellite on my to the Tenth Commandment, in space. That Mercury way past it. It’s something for in truth I totally, com- flight opened a dream every Commerce, Orr Chamber of Commerce. I’ve always wanted to do pletely, 100 percent covet American kid could aspire Subscriptions Available: that won’t ever happen. my neighbor’s rocket ship. to. This one did not. So, as I watched on Unless Marshall and Jodi Whew, glad to get St. Louis County: $39 year Elsewhere: $54 Tuesday I was totally Helmberger give me one those sour grapes off my year. We accept VISA/Mastercard/Discover/ envious of billionaire Bezos super-sized Christmas chest so that I can return AmEx. NOTE: Changes of address must be sent and his three passengers bonus, I’ll never be able to to fully reveling in my • PUMPS or called in to the Tower office. Out-of-state de- livery may take 2-3 weeks. For prompt out-of-state blasting off in Blue Origin afford to buy a multi-mil- life here on terra firma in • WELLS as I sat and watched, wholly lion dollar ticket into space the North Country. For delivery try the First Class Subscription: $100 year incapable of following. in my lifetime. Unlike the I am quite content with or $10 per month. • HYDRO-FRACKING Read the entire paper on-line every week. On-line subscriptions cost $29.95/year; details and payment at www.timberjay.com. Look for us 1-800-662-5700 Spring Park Rd. Moving? Questions about your subscription? Call the Tower office at (218) 753-2950. on the WEB! www.timberjay.com Mt. Iron, MN 55768 6 July 23, 2021 TOWER-SOUDAN LOCAL NEWS THE TIMBERJAY TOWER-SOUDAN SUMMER BASEBALL Week of July 26

Monday Embarrass Al-Anon Family Group- Hope Lutheran Church, 5088 Hwy. 21, 6 p.m.

Tower City Council- 5:30 p.m. on July 26

Tuesday Tower Area Food Shelf- Open on the third Tuesday of every month from 2:30- 5:00 p.m. Located in the back of the Timberjay building on Main Street. Next food shelf day is Aug. 17.

Greenwood Fire Dept.- Meetings on the first (busi- ness meeting) and third (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.

Vermilion Country School Board- Meetings posted online at vermilioncountry.org. Tower-Soudan-Embarrass Coach-Pitch and Little League Minors have both wrapped up their seasons. Pictured clockwise from top left: Dylan Crego, the coach-pitch dugout, Minors during the National Anthem, Kasen Dostert adjusts his helmet before a successful at bat, Alli Vesel speeds towards home base, Levi Clemenson races to first, Kayla Dougherty gets ready to smack the ball, Nixon Levens pitching, Corey Goodbird takes a strike, Audriana Olson smiles as she runs. photos by J. Summit

Tower-Soudan Historical Society oral history project underway

by JODI SUMMIT ment on this project. line on Facebook; search Tower-Soudan Editor The society has done for Tower Soudan Histor- approximately 10 oral his- ical Society and click on tory interviews since last videos. The group plans TOWER- Tower- year, and has another five on having the most in- Soudan Historical Society or six scheduled this sum- teresting clips from the volunteers Kathy Wagen- mer. oral histories available bach Siskar and Cookie Interviewers asked for viewing in the old fire Hendrickson conducted questions such as what hall, once it is open to the an oral history interview was it like growing up in public. with Lynn Olson and Tower-Soudan, what chil- The TSHS is interest- Carol Bystrom Chiabotti, dren did in the summer, ing in finding more com- both former Tower res- historical contributions of munity members willing idents and friends since family members, memo- to contribute oral histo- childhood, in the Tower rable school experiences, ries. Please contact Kathy coach car on July 19. The memories of downtown Siskar at 218-290-6013, interviews are part of a se- Tower, and what the im- or email fksiskar@gmail. ries of oral histories being pact of the closing of the com, to get more informa- recorded by professional Soudan Mine had on their tion on the project. videographer Rod Lund- family and community. strom, who grew up in The interviews are Soudan, and is volunteer- available for viewing on- ing his time and equip-

Kids Day and Opera ities for all kids. Market tale of Odysseus and the tion on Facebook for more St. Martin’s 30 minutes before Mass or Performance at hours are 4-6 p.m. shenanigans that ensue info. Summer Schedule by appointment. The market will host as he travels home after Tower Farmers a pop-up performance by the Trojan War. The per- TOWER- Holy Cross Tower-Soudan of Orr, St. Mary’s of Brooklynn Berg Market on July 30 Mixed Precipitation The- formance is suitable for Class of 1966 to named to Iowa ater at about 5 p.m. that all ages and interests in Cook, and St. Martin’s of TOWER- The Tower Tower are all clustered Farmers Market will hold day. This excerpt from ancient Greek literature. meet Aug. 8 State University "The Pickup Truck Opera, Mixed Precipitation will VERMILION LAKE under one pastor, Father spring 2021 dean’s its annual Kids Day on Beau Braun. Mass sched- Friday, July 30, with free Volume 1: The Odyssey" bring a 25 foot-long trail- TWP- The Tower-Soudan list is based on Homer's epic er to serve as a stage for Class of 1966 will meet ules also available online snacks and outdoor activ- AMES, IOWA- the performance, which is on Sunday, Aug. 8 at 4 at www.stmmhc.com. Brooklynn Berg, of Tow- about 25 minutes long. p.m. at Neighbor’s BBQ St. Martin’s Cath- er, has been named to the Bring your lawn (the old Black Bear Café). olic Church summer spring 2021 dean’s list Fridays 4-6 PM chairs. Free-will dona- All classmates and spous- schedule in the College of Human tions will be accepted af- es are welcome to attend. Sunday Mass at 10:30 at the Train Depot Sciences at Iowa State ter the performance. Everyone will order off a.m. University. The dean’s list A full-length perfor- the menu. Please RSVP Wednesday Mass at COMING...JULY 30 honors students who have mance of "The Pickup by calling Pat S. at 218- 9 a.m. with Adoration at earned a grade point aver- KIDS DAY!! Truck Opera, Volume 1: 741-9225 or Faye T. at 8 a.m. age of 3.5 or higher. and Moving The Odyssey" can be seen 218-753-4877. Friday Mass at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 31 at with Adoration at 7 a.m. Precipitation Early Frost Farms, 7273 Monday Adoration Pop-up Theater Palo Tia Rd. in Embarrass. from 2 – 8 p.m. Visit Mixed Precipita- Confessions are held THE TIMBERJAY ELY LOCAL NEWS July 23, 2021 7

OUR COMMUNITY Tuesday Group ELY – The Tuesday Group community lunch gathering meets at noon every Tuesday at the Tribute to a baseball mom Grand Ely Lodge. July 27: Minnesota by KEITH VANDERVORT State Senator Tom Bakk Ely Editor Ely community gathers to honor Renee Lassi Aug. 3: Tanner Ott, Alley A Realty ELY – Renee Lassi was more than a baseball mom. Some say she lived at Veterans Memorial Field Higher Ed here for many summers Snyder graduates while she managed the concession stand. from UW-Platteville The Ely baseball com- PLATTEVILLE, munity meant so much Wis.-The University of to Renee that it was only Wisconsin-Platteville fitting for her family to awarded diplomas to hold a special tribute to nearly 900 students, her for friends and fans including an Ely student, last Thursday night on the from its three campuses for field at Veterans Memorial the spring of 2021. Wesley Field. Snyder earned a degree in With her famous pulled Industrial Engineering. pork sandwiches on the Because of COVID- menu and her name in 19, no ceremonies were lights on the scoreboard, her held, but will be resched- extended family gathered uled at a later date. at the pitcher’s mound and all who knew her filled the grandstand to celebrate the Breathing Out life of Renee Lassi. by Cecilia Rolando © 2021 Lassi, a 1969 Ely High School graduate, died last October, and with public health restrictions in place Renee Lassi due to COVID-19, her large poster of photographs. family made the decision to Renee Lassi’s family, top, gathered at the pitcher’s mound at Veterans wait until a proper memo- And they ate pulled pork sandwiches. Lots of Memorial Field last Thursday for a special tribute. Renee’s supporters rial service could be held viewed a poster of photographs, above. under safer conditions. them. Jessi Leeson and The time was right Amy Kromer helped serve last Thursday in between in the concession stand. Junior and Senior Legion “We are on our second baseball games. The ISD batch already,” Leeson she 696 athletic director, Tom said as she assembled a Coombe, listed off many couple of sandwiches. “We titles for Renee, including started out with 45 pounds concession stand manager, and we will run out soon.” a blueberry blast Coombe, also the Ely ball park mom, Ely sup- creativity explodes porter and ambassador, Legion team coach, said, “Our ball park’s concession even wedding coordinator art, music, and eats (she helped to plan the first stand is the best anywhere baseball field wedding at and that’s all thanks to the Ely venue) as he spoke Renee. She grew that stand about the impact Renee from a place for just a hot Libraries made on so many people. dog and soda, to a place Ely library Her son, Ely school where anyone could get a full meal.” Hours: Monday — Friday, teacher and coach Cory 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lassi, said he could think A scholarship fund in Saturdays — 8 a.m. to noon of no better place to honor Renee’s name was recently Closed on Sundays Renee than at the ball established by her family. Phone: 365-5140 park. “During the summer Two dollars from every months, if you wanted to pulled pork sandwich and find my mom, your best every serving of pulled pork Renee’s grandson, Clark Lassi, threw out a ceremonial first pitch. His Babbitt library bet was to check the con- nachos was donated toward father, Cory, a teacher and coach at Ely school, was impressed by his Monday Noon-6 pm cession at the ball field,” he the fund. Many people throwing form. Tuesday Noon-6 pm just added dollar bills to a photos by K. Vandervort Wednesday Noon-6 pm said. “She spent countless Thursday Noon-6 pm hours each summer, sling- donation jug. “Without a doubt, dents at EHS,” Cory Lassi were thrown in her honor, because of the relationships Friday Noon-5 pm ing burgers, stocking the Phone: 827-3345 fridge, painting, being a my mom woke up every said. as her two granddaughters, that she made with so many second mom to so many of morning wanting to make In between the baseball Morgan and Harper, and the people,” Cory Lassi added. the young men that walked a difference in the lives games, Renee’s family rest of the family hugged According to Coombe, through that gate.” of others, especially the gathered at the pitcher’s each other and fought back the Ely Baseball Association students of Ely Memorial mound and a short cer- tears is looking into permanently Support groups Fans gathered at the AA - Alcoholics High School. We wanted emony was conducted. “This baseball program honoring Renee with a ball park and reminisced Anonymous to make sure that we carry Ceremonial first pitches was so special to her for plaque that would be placed about Renee, signed a OPEN AA - 7:30 memory book, and laughed on her legacy in providing by Renee’s grandsons, many reasons, but certain- at the Veterans Memorial opportunities for the stu- Colton and Clark Lassi, ly at the top of the list is Field concession stand. p.m. Wednesdays and and cried as they enjoyed a Saturdays, in-person, First Lutheran Church, 915 E. Camp St., Ely. ELY SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT ELY WOMEN’S OPEN AA - Every Monday at noon at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 231 E. Camp St., Ely. BABBITT AA - 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Woodland Presbyterian Church AL-ANON - Sundays 8-9 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. For persons who encounter alcoholism in a relative or friend. BABBITT AL-ANON Thursdays, 7 p.m., at Woodland Presbyterian. CO-DEPENDENTS’ 12-step support group, noon Fridays, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ely. ELY FOOD SHELF - Third Wednesday each month, 15 W. Conan St. ADULT BASIC EDUCATION GED - Study materials and pre-test available. Call 218-365-3359, 218-827-3232, or 1-800-662-5711. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS: Babbitt: 3rd Monday of Month: 6-7:30 p.m. at Carefree Living A pile of scrap material and a large hole in the ground are all that remain of the former boiler plant building on the campus Ely: 4th Monday of of the Ely school district. With the Washington building in the background, demolition crews continued work this week on Month: 10-11:30 a.m. at the $20 million renovation project. A new structure will link the elementary school with the Memorial school building. Work is Ely-Bloomenson Hospital expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. photo by K. Vandervort Conference Room B 8 July 23, 2021 COOK/ORR LOCAL NEWS TIMBERJAY Newspapers Family finds new life direction as resort owners Once guests at Island View Resort, Brodeens enjoying second season at the helm

by DAVID COLBURN ter and better. Then we Cook-Orr Editor met (former owners) John and Lisa Matthews, and ORR- Folks might they’re super great people have given a skeptical and really good hosts, and look to Brett and Alaine we started vacationing Brodeen last year upon here.” discovering that the cou- The Brodeens vaca- ple was looking seriously tioned at Island View for into buying a lake resort, the next three years. The right as a global pandemic thought of taking over began hammering the hos- the resort began that third pitality industry, but that’s year with what Brett first OK. Brett and Alaine had assumed was some joking questions of their own, around with John. too. “He said, ‘I suppose “We did have to think you’re going to change about it,” Brett said. “We things when you own this had to weigh the pros and place,’” Brett recalled. cons and think about life “And I laughed and said, for our kids and the fu- ‘Yeah, it’s a dump, John,’ ture.” which obviously it’s not. “It was a big decision It’s beautiful. And he goes, because it was a huge life ‘No, seriously, I want to change,” Aileen said. “I talk to you about this.’ So, never thought I’d live in we started talking.” a town so small. That was “It was never some- probably one of the things thing we thought we I was nervous about. Be- would ever do,” Alaine fore we decided on this, said. our faith is important to But the Brodeens’ us, and we prayed a lot life in Superior, Wis. had about it. And we really felt changed significantly af- ter Brett left the school like this is where we were Brett and Alaine Brodeen pose with their daughters Anelise, Corra, Esme and Evelyn in front of district where he had been supposed to be.” their Island View Resort sign at Pelican Lake. And now a little over working as an elementary submitted photo school principal in 2017. a year later and well into And while Alaine got None were, but when the year,” Brett said. Right after he was fin- Alaine had a recurrence of their second full tourist right to work trying to Brodeens learned about The transition has ished with school, Alaine her cancer and would need season at Island View Re- master QuickBooks, Brett Haugen's predicament, been made easier, too, was diagnosed with breast additional chemotherapy sort on Pelican Lake, the was in for a shock of his “They immediately went because of family connec- cancer, with months of through the summer, right Brodeens and their four own. to one of their storage tions in the area. Brett’s surgery, chemotherapy, when they would be tak- daughters – Evelyn, 15, “It seemed like every- sheds and retrieved a boat father, Randy, grew up and radiation to follow. ing over the resort. Corra, 12, Anelise, 10, thing was breaking down trailer for us to use so south of Cook, the oldest Alaine had been school- “We were like, ‘Can and Esme, 7 – have taken all the time,” he laughed. we could continue north. of six kids. As a child, ing their children at home, we really do this?’” Brett to life running the resort “I didn’t know what had When I returned the trail- Brett came to visit his and that continued as the said. “But we were ready with vigor and joy, as re- been fixed when. Now er, they refused that I pay a grandparents during sum- family found ways to for a change.” flected in online reviews that we’re a year into it I rental fee. Now that is in- mers. make ends meet. Alaine’s So, John and Lisa by recent guests. can tell you what things credible,” Haugen wrote. “It’s fun to be up here treatments were success- Matthews developed an “The owners are in- are starting to wear so I While the first season was and run into people that ful, but the young family alternative financing -ar credible and made our stay can keep my eye on them. largely about learning the are like, ‘Oh, Brodeen – I found themselves search- rangement with the Bro- this year the best yet!” one Now we’ve got a good ropes, the Brodeens have went to school with your ing for new directions. deens, and after 16 years customer wrote. handle on it.” gradually started to put uncle or your grandpa,’” “There wasn’t a good rea- of ownership they turned “New owners, same Creating excellent their own personal touch Brett said. son to be there anymore,” the keys to the resort over giant fish! The new family guest experiences has al- on the resort, whichw The Brodeens are also Alaine said. to Brett and Alaine in May running the place has been ways been the Brodeens’ officially became theirs grateful for the reception So, the Matthews’ 2020. The Brodeens were fantastic,” wrote another. top priority, and that’s earlier this month. Over they’ve received from the interest in selling the re- committed to making it A seed planted perhaps illustrated best the winter, Alaine and other resort owners on sort became a matter of work, knowing the rest The Brodeens are by an example in which a teacher friend turned Pelican Lake. being in the right place at of the family would have former educators, and for they went the extra mile nearly three football fields “They have been the right time for a new to pick up the slack to ac- 15 or 16 years had been for someone who never worth of fabric into new really awesome,” Brett opportunity for the Bro- commodate Alaine’s treat- vacationing twice a year stayed a single night at the curtains for the cabins. said. “If we get in a jam, deens. ments and reduced energy at resorts across the Min- Overcoming levels. resort. A man named Scott They turned to Ryan’s they help us out. If we’re nesota North Country and Full speed ahead Haugen related the tale in Rustic Railings to replace looking for boats, we’ll Wisconsin, Brett said. On obstacles Quite familiar with an online review. some of the furniture. just trade back and forth. a rainy day while vaca- Things were falling the variety of amenities “My family and I did They’ve added apparel If we’re full and someone tioning on Lake Vermilion into place for the transac- and activities resorts offer, not stay at this resort, but and gift items in the lodge, calls, we’ll point them in a number of years ago, tion early in 2020 when the Brodeens fell into that did experience the kind- including handmade pot- their direction, and they do they decided they should the coronavirus pandemic aspect of the work natu- ness and generosity of the tery mugs customized for the same thing. It’s really “check out this Pelican hit, and it didn’t take long rally, but not everything owners,” he wrote. “On the resort. Walkers and nice. I think that the resort Lake place,” Brett said. for banks to become wary came easily that first sum- the way up to Voyageurs bikers have new paths to association and the peo- That’s when they first of hospitality investments. mer. National Park for a few travel down, and the Bro- ple in it all want to work came across Island View “The two banks we “Our skills were days of camping, the axle deens have fulfilled a wish together to make Pelican Resort. were talking to said, working with people in on our fishing boat trailer of their daughters – the Lake a better place.” “We drove in and ‘We’d love to be partners, hospitality, and I can fix disintegrated just as we lodge now sports a new For more information Alaine and our girls and but we can’t right now,ʼ” things,” Brett said. “But pulled into Orr.” ice cream shop. about Island View Resort, my mom loved the beach,” Brett said. “That was a not bookkeeping.” Believing they were “The first year with call 218-757-3469, view he said. “My dad and I curveball.” “That was probably stranded, Haugen said COVID restrictions it their webpage at island- loved the fish house and Then life hurled an- the biggest shock for me,” they stopped at Island didn’t make sense, so viewresort.com, or look marina. And as we drove other curveball their way. Alaine agreed. View to see if any of the they’re really excited for their page on Face- up, it just kept getting bet- 13 cabins were available. we got to open it up this book.

PHILANTHROPY COMMUNITY NEWS Library expands tech help, newspapers, enjoy the concert. St. Paul’s Heiam Medical Foundation open hours printing, copying, and (Alango) Lutheran Church faxing. Wi-Fi access is will be serving food and COOK- Patrons of available 24 hours a day, refreshments from their gives $100K to hospital Cook Public Library be- seven days a week. burger and bratwurst stand gan enjoying expanded Stay updated on during the concert. In the COOK- A new bed- Board President Sally the return of the silent on-site access this week library hours and ser- event of rain, the concert side ultrasound machine Ludlow said that the Jor- and live auctions, dinner as the library continues vices by visiting www. will be moved to the Cook and an Omnicell medica- dans have donated to the by Boomtown Woodfire to thoughtfully ease away cookpubliclibrary.org, or VFW. tions dispenser will soon Heiam Foundation in the Grill, and refreshments. from restrictions imple- contact Phillips at 218- Music in the Park add to the quality of pa- past, and that Jack Jordan But the success of the mented to protect citizens 666-2210 or via email is made possible by the tient care at Cook Hospi- contacted them earlier this virtual auction has earned from the coronavirus pan- at crystalphillips@alslib. Cook Lions Club, Cook tal, thanks to a $100,000 year wanting to fund the it a repeat edition as well, demic. info. VFW Post 1757, the Cook donation from the W.C. purchase of the ultrasound Ludlow said. It will be pri- Library Director Chamber of Commerce, Heiam Medical Founda- machine. Jordan was suf- or to the annual benefit. Crystal Phillips an- the Cook Timberwolves tion from their spring fund fering from cancer at the All are invited to par- nounced that the library The Hutter Bunch returns for Music Snowmobile Club, North- drive. time, and Ludlow said ticipate in the annual ben- is now open Mondays woods Friends of the Arts, A significant portion she learned that he passed efit. To purchase tickets, through Thursdays from in the Park and free-will community of that gift, $60,000, came away this past Friday, July sponsor the event, or bid 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hand COOK- A favorite donations. from the Jordan Family 16. She expressed deep in the virtual auction, visit sanitizer is available and regional band, The Hutter Foundation, established gratitude for Jack and http://heiam.cbo.io. More social distancing is still Bunch, will again per- by former Cook dentist Joan’s desire to look to information is also avail- recommended and en- form for the free Music Dr. John “Jack” Jordan Cook Hospital and make able by contacting Tifany couraged. Bathrooms are in the Park series on July III and his wife, Joan. The such a generous charitable at info@heiamfoundation. also now open. Individu- 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the couple moved from Cook gift during a challenging org or calling 218-750- als who feel ill are asked city park gazebo on River to California many years time personally. 1352. to visit the library on a Street. ago, and then eventually Ludlow and her fel- The W.C. Heiam day when they are well. The Hutter Bunch is Read It to Brentwood, Tenn. But low board members are Medical Foundation was The meeting room, a large and diverse group they remained a part of the looking forward to wel- established in 1993 to indoor programs, head- of talented Iron Range area community here with coming supporters to the support local healthcare. phones, and children’s musicians who love to HERE a house on Lake Vermil- foundation’s 28th annual More than $758,000 has toys are still on hold and make music and deliver lion where they have been benefit on Saturday, Aug. been given to local health- unavailable, but the bulk a good show each and part-year residents, and as 14 at the Lake Vermilion care providers, in addition of services patrons are ac- every performance. They and such have made signifi- Fire Brigade building. to growing an endow- customed to are available perform a variety of mu- cant charitable donations Limited to a virtual auc- ment for future healthcare to them, including brows- sic. to diverse area organiza- tion last year because of needs. ing the collection and Bring your appetite, online tions and causes over the COVID-19 restrictions, checkouts, hold pickups, a lawn chair, a blanket, or years. this year’s event will see public computers and sit in your car to hear and THE TIMBERJAY July 23, 2021 9

RECREATION Eagles Nest residents cry foul over proposed ATV route

by MARSHALL HELMBERGER of funding for ATV trails Managing Editor Traffic, noise, dust and public safety concerns cited but said there needs to be a more coordinated effort EAGLES NEST which is attracting signif- club will publish maps noted, in order to accom- State Park. The DNR also as the state develops trails TWP— Residents here icant numbers of off-road directing ATV riders onto modate snowmobile trail recently accommodated to prevent a “helter-skel- are upset over a plan to riders, will prompt a large the township roads. groomers. Potter said much ATV use in a portion of the ter” approach. He said open an ATV route as increase in ATV traffic, Floyd said an alterna- of the work requires frozen Lake Vermilion State Park that’s why he pushed for early as this month across a noise, and dust, as well as tive route that would take ground, so it’s currently located south of Hwy. 169, $250,000 to help draft a series of gravel roads in the potential public safety con- riders to the south and east scheduled for this coming by converting its designa- statewide ATV master trail township, but it’s not clear cerns. Those concerns have of the populated portion of winter. tion to a state recreation plan. “I think that could what county or township prompted township offi- the township could help While Potter said the area, which allows for help fix future Eagles officials can do to head off cials and representatives of reduce ATV traffic around alternative route could ATV use. Nest-like problems,” he the plan. the Eagles Nest Township the Eagles Nest lakes them- siphon some traffic off the A number of township added. Ecklund said he The route would Lake Owners Association selves. But the Prospectors township road route, he residents indicated they was surprised to learn connect a portion of the to reach out to county and ATV Club will need to said it probably goes too far see the proposed routing during a recent meeting Taconite Trail between state officials looking for complete a stream crossing south to really be a practical of ATV traffic through with township officials Tower and Ely that is cur- help in redirecting the ATV at the Beaver River in order connection between Tower the heart of Eagles Nest and County Commissioner rently off limits to ATVs traffic elsewhere. to allow ATV riders to and Ely. “It would get you as a way to pressure the Paul McDonald that the because it lies within the But St. Louis County reconnect with the Taconite there, but it’s almost twice Legislature and the DNR Prospector Trail had such boundaries of Bear Head policy already allows ATV Trail near Purvis Lake, as long,” Potter said. “We to allow for the use of the a sizable gap. “I helped get State Park. Current state use on county roads located located to the east of the still need a northern route.” Taconite Trail through the the money appropriated park policy and rules gen- outside of municipal state park. Potter said the Potter said there’s state park. but I kind of assume the erally prohibit ATV use, boundaries and most of the club already has funding been some talk about Rep. Rob Ecklund, trail groups are doing their although snowmobiles, roads in question, includ- for a new bridge at the river, allowing use of ATVs DFL-International Falls, job in putting their plans which primarily operate on ing Bear Head State Park but the project has been along the Taconite Trail agreed the proposal looks together,” he said. While frozen ground, are allowed. Road, Walsh Road, and delayed because the club through the state park, sensible on a map, but county roads are open to The route is being Swanson Shores Road, are has decided to coordinate which would eliminate the said such a plan would ATV use, Ecklund ques- promoted by the Prospector county-owned. A segment the work with the need to need to use county roads face strong opposition in tioned whether that means Trail group, which has been of Swanson Shores Rd. reconstruct a nearby snow- in the township. He notes the Legislature. “It would large stretches should be instrumental in building is township-owned, but mobile bridge crossing on that the current route is in be a heavy lift,” he said, incorporated into official the Prospector Loop trail town board chair Rich the same river. Rather than the northern part of the noting that a recent effort trail systems. system connecting Ely, Floyd said it’s not clear build two crossings, the park, well away from most by a GOP lawmaker to Ecklund said it’s worth Tower, and Babbitt. Trail how the township would snowmobile trail will be park facilities and hiking open a lightly-used park in it to take the time to get the administrator Ron Potter restrict ATV traffic on re-routed to make use of trails. “It’s all public land, northwestern Minnesota to trails issue right. “I will said the planned route that segment without also the ATV crossing, which which makes it easier,” ATV use never advanced. continue to work with all is not ideal, but short of limiting the ability of town- will need to include hard said Potter. While ATV He said he’d be willing to the groups to resolve it,” opening up the Taconite ship residents to use their matting across about 1,000 use has long been prohib- attempt such a solution, he said. “The ATV use isn’t Trail through the state park, own ATVs on that portion feet of wetlands in addition ited in state parks, Potter but only if it had the full going away, so we might there really aren’t any good of road. to the bridge. The change noted that the Department support of local residents as well make it work for alternatives. Mostly, said Floyd, will require that the bridge of Natural Resources has in the township. all of us.” But township residents township residents are be built to a much higher allowed ATV use in a Ecklund noted that say they worry the trail, concerned that the trail weight standard, Potter portion of Tettegouche he’s been a strong backer

COURT...Continued from page 1 smaller facility than the before any air permit was expand the NorthMet mine.” of the agency, the appellate been speaking out of both the ruling. “The facts and company intended to build. granted. But the MPCA, While the court ruled court declined to simply sides of its mouth trying to science that prove the project But the high court had with little comment, dis- that the Canadian report reverse the permit, opting keep its plans for a bigger, can meet air quality standards sent the case back to the missed the environmental didn’t create a “hard-and- instead to give the MPCA a dirtier mine hidden from the are not in doubt.” appellate level for further group’s plea and failed to fast” duty for the MPCA chance to get it right. “We people of Minnesota,” he The company noted, proceedings on other out- include its primary expla- to investigate whether have not concluded that the said. “Now, Governor Walz as well, that the metals they standing questions. Among nation, provided in a letter PolyMet was seeking a sham record could not support a and his administration have hope to produce, such as them was whether the to the MCEA rejecting their permit, the judges found that reasoned decision by the an opportunity to look at all copper, nickel, palladium and MPCA erred by refusing request, in the administra- the MPCA was required to agency to issue a permit. the facts and science behind cobalt are in high demand for to consider a Canadian- tive record that courts rely provide substantial evidence We have simply determined this toxic and dangerous infrastructure projects and produced technical report, on when reviewing agency and a clear explanation of that the agency did not make proposal.” the production of electric issued by PolyMet just decisions. its decision-making process such a reasoned decision. Meanwhile, PolyMet vehicles and renewable days after the close of In issuing the permit, when it issues permits— Accordingly, we deem officials remained confident and clean energy technolo- public comments on its air the MPCA concluded that but failed to do so for the remand the appropriate that the concerns expressed gies including solar panels, permit, which indicated the PolyMet would likely PolyMet air permit. disposition.” by the court will eventu- wind turbines and batteries. company would achieve comply with the permit as The court also deter- Plaintiffs claim ally be resolved. “While “These mineral resources substantially greater prof- written. “But the agency did mined that the MPCA had disappointed in the court’s need to be mined to support itability by pursuing a not explain why this was so,” failed to provide evidence another victory decision, we stand firmly in future clean energy and elec- much larger project than wrote Judge Lucinda Jesson to show that PolyMet had “Monday’s decision is our belief that the Minnesota tric mobility technologies the 32,000 ton-per-day for a three-judge panel. been forthcoming in pro- yet more confirmation that Pollution Control Agency consistent with the priorities operation it had proposed “And the agency had before viding information as part PolyMet is a failed propos- appropriately accounted of the Biden Administration for permitting. As it was, it documents that called into of the permitting process. al,” said Kathryn Hoffman, for the potential effects of and as outlined in a June the company was able to question whether PolyMet “Nothing in the technical CEO of the MCEA, in the NorthMet project and 2021 White House report apply for what’s known as could be expected to comply support document or the response. “It comes on will expeditiously provide on vulnerabilities within a “synthetic minor source with the throughput limits of responses to comments the heels of a Minnesota the supporting explanation essential supply chains,” the permit,” although the larger the synthetic minor source addresses whether PolyMet Supreme Court decision that requested by the court,” statement added. projects the company was permit,” wrote the court. complied with its disclosure rejected the permit to mine stated the company in com- then exploring would have “The Canadian report sug- obligations and refrained and the U.S. Environmental ments issued in the wake of required a major source gested that the profitability from knowingly making Protection Agency stepping permit, which requires a of the project would be false or misleading state- in to put the brakes on the considerably more involved limited with the throughput ments,” wrote the court. proposal over downstream process. limitations and that PolyMet “This silence stands in water pollution. It’s time to The Minnesota was evaluating the profit- contrast to the documents move on from PolyMet and We Buy Clean, Used Vehicles Center for Environmental ability of the project with before the agency sug- find better alternatives for Advocacy, one of several higher throughput. And the gesting that PolyMet was northeastern Minnesota.” 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX plaintiffs in the case, had [MCEA’s] expert opined exploring expansions of the Chris Knopf, Executive LT AWD petitioned the MPCA after that it was unlikely that NorthMet mine that would Director of the Friends release of the technical PolyMet would have includ- not comply with the terms of of the Boundary Waters MSRP $32,940 report urging a supplemen- ed the increased-throughput the synthetic minor source Wilderness, accused the Customer Cash tal environmental impact analyses in the Canadian permit.” company of misleading -$2,500 statement be completed report if it did not intend to While highly critical the public. “PolyMet has Sale Price $30,440 * Or choose 0% APR!!! 2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LT CREW CAB 4X4 MSRP $49,915 Customer Cash -$2,000 Sale Price $47,915 ** AND get 2.49% APR!! 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LAW ENFORCEMENT Traffic stop by Ely police leads to felony charges by KEITH VANDERVORT aware that Lawrence lived Ely Editor More charges filed following joyride, garage crash at the reporting party’s res- idence near Harvey Street ELY – Increasing number and possession detained the passengers. Babbitt resident earlier in misdemeanor charge of and Sixth Avenue. crime across America this of a controlled substance Buchite argued with the the day. Police also found failure to report damage to Police located summer has not spared the (fifth degree). He was also officers and started to a glass smoking device and property following a July Lawrence, who admitted Ely area. Officers from the charged with a gross misde- run. He was captured and a pill bottle wrapped in 10 incident. to driving the Yukon. The local police department meanor for obstructing the arrested. electrical tape with tubes Dallas Lawrence, 20, owner of the vehicle told have also been busy investi- legal process, and another A deputy sheriff coming out of it containing allegedly took his house- police he did not give gating reports of crime and misdemeanor for avoiding located a loaded pistol a white residue. mate’s vehicle for a ride and Lawrence permission to charging suspects. arrest by fleeing on foot. with a scratched off serial The felony charges crashed into two garages, drive the vehicle because In a July 4 incident According to the com- number in Buchite’s left carry a maximum penalty according to a criminal he knew Lawrence did not here, felony charges were plaint, police pulled over pocket, according to the of five years in prison and/ complaint from the Ely have a driver’s license. filed against a Babbitt man a truck driven by Buchite complaint. An Ely police or $10,000 fine. The misde- Police Department. The During questioning, who allegedly possessed a near Central Avenue and officer found more than meanor charge of obstruc- police report indicated that according to the complaint, loaded handgun when he Miners Drive in the early $7,500 in cash and several tion carries a penalty of one on July 10 officers were Lawrence stated that he fled law enforcement offi- hours of July 4 because Alprazolam pills in a small year in jail and/or $3,000. dispatched to a report of a “just went for a joyride” and cers following a traffic stop. the rear license plate was baggy in Buchrite’s pos- Fleeing an officer carries male driving a black Yukon confirmed that he backed According to a crimi- not illuminated. Officers session. a penalty of 90 days in jail that hit two garages as it into the garage door of nal complaint released by allegedly smelled marijua- In cooperation with the and/or $1,000 fine. backed out of a parking one structure, then pulled the Ely Police Department, na inside the vehicle and Babbitt Police Department, Joyride charges stall. The reporting party, forward and hit another Trevor Buchite, 27, of garage. The garage owners removed the occupants. it was determined that an An Ely man faces according to the complaint, Babbitt, was charged with will submit damage esti- After locating a handgun amount of cash, $7,500, a felony charge of theft identified the driver as possessing a handgun with in the pickup, officers was reported stolen from a Lawrence. Police were mates to police. an altered or missing serial of a motor vehicle and a

POLICE...Continued from page 1 new” the city is unable to On the recommenda- in the 2020 dispatch report of neighbors not getting forest fires in the Ely area Rural and Small Libraries replace the equipment until tion of the budget com- included three responses along, and 23 reports of this summer. conference in Sparks, next year “when vehicles mittee, the council also to burglaries in progress, “unknown trouble.”  Approved new Nev., Oct. 20-23. The become available.” approved the purchase of five burglary reports and The complete list is grave marker size rules library will be closed for Budget committee a tablet computer for the one robbery. Animal dis- available at the Ely Police for the Ely Cemetery, on those days. member Al Forsman added, police department’s squad turbance calls were at Department. recommendation from Accepted the resig- “It will take a little bit of truck for $2,122. 85. Officers responded the Cemetery Committee, nation of Tom Conaway time to get a replacement. Last year, the police to 97 requests to check Other business eliminated the need for post from the Library Board We can get by with two department had 274 traffic the welfare of someone. In other business, the footings for gravestone and agreed to post for the squads, but what if we stops to lead the list of Garbage calls totaled 16. placement, and rejected opening. council:  have another breakdown or incident responses provid- There were 17 reports of Heard from Aaron the wording of new rules Restarted Tim something else happens. It ed to the council. Medical fireworks. Two reports Kania, district ranger for signage, indicating the Riley’s term on the is nice to be able to work assists totaled 181. Law of a fight were answered, the Kawishiwi Ranger notices were “not positive Planning and Zoning with another community enforcement responded to along with 11 incidents of enough and too wordy.” Commission. District of the Superior   for help. We should have 125 disturbance calls and loud music and 10 reports National Forest, about Approved the Ely Appointed election the agreement in place this dealt with 118 call-backs. of loud parties. Police local response efforts Public Library staff to judges for the Aug. 10 week.” Other notable incidents responded to 29 reports involving the ongoing attend the Association of special election for mayor.

CITY OF TOWER DNR sides with developers in pilings removal dispute with city officials by MARSHALL HELMBERGER threatened two men, the city lacked authority edged that they have no stitute violation of the are aware, any docks you Managing Editor Dave Rose, and Geoff over the pilings, because ability to prevent the exercise of your riparian install must follow MN Griffin, with prosecution they were located beyond removal of the pilings. rights (aka water access DNR regulations,” Ranua if they moved forward T O W E R — T w o the “ordinary high-water “On the advice of rights),” wrote Tower continued. developers can remove a with their plan to remove mark,” which is typically our City Attorney, it is Clerk-Treasurer Victoria Ranua noted that the portion of a retaining wall the pilings, which were under the jurisdiction of clear the City of Tower Ranua in a July 16 email city continues to have an in the East Two River here installed by the city about the Department of Natural does not have jurisdiction to developer Dave Rose, interest in maintaining the to accommodate docking a century ago to maintain Resources. below the Ordinary High who is in the process river channel and said the for customers— without a channelized connection DNR officials sided Water Mark on the East of building an RV park city will work with both between the city’s down - facing criminal prosecu - with the developers and Two River, including over along the river. “The City the DNR and the Army town harbor and Lake tion by the city of Tower. after consultation between its historic river pilings, will not pursue criminal Corps of Engineers to Vermilion. The two devel City officials had - city and state attorneys, and that continued delay prosecution for removal ensure that those concerns opers had maintained that city officials acknowl - in response may con - of the pilings. As you are addressed.

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Life of Riley Vermilion Club The Wilderness Grill at Fortune Bay Bayview The Landing Wolf Bay Moosebirds KIDS’ HANDS JUST $10! Prizes Include lvfb gear! TIMBERJAY Newspapers July 23, 2021 11

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Seventy years and hoping for many more by JODI SUMMIT trains in Tower anymore, children Tower-Soudan Editor Russ and Theresa Berg celebrate a life of wedded bliss wouldn’t be tempted to try it out. They both love everything EAGLES NEST TWP- The down in Rockford, Ill., where they extended their stays when about the lake: the wildlife, the two met in junior high at Tower- he taught physical education, school wasn’t in session. Once scenery, the swimming, and the Soudan High School and were driver’s education, and served Russ retired from teaching in fishing. Earlier that week they had dating by the time they both as a school counselor. 1994, they tried to spend closer watched a bear wander through graduated in 1948. Russell and By the time Russ retired from to half the year at the lake. their front yard. Several families Theresa (Pavlich) Berg were the Air Force, the family includ- This allowed them to once of mallards visit daily, and of married on July 14, 1951, at ed three children, Dan, Michele again be active in the Tower- course, always plenty of deer. St. Martin’s Catholic Church (Mica), and Mitchell, who passed Soudan community. Russ joined Nowadays, their home gets in Tower. They hosted their away a few years ago. Theresa his brother Ray as an active filled with family during the wedding reception at the VFW worked as a secretary while Russ member of the Nelson-Jackson summer months. Hall, now the Timberjay building. was serving in he military. After Legion Post in Tower. Theresa “All our grandchildren and “The reason we are still Russell retired, she also went to was a volunteer in the Slovenian great-grandchildren come,” married is because we’ve been college and got a teaching degree. Women’s Union, as well as volun- Russell said. “And they rarely living this long,” said Russ with a Eventually, both had masters’de- teering at St. Martin’s, including leave the dock.” laugh, as he and his wife celebrat- grees in education. Theresa taught teaching Vacation Bible School. With both Russ and Theresa ed their 70th anniversary at their third grade. Russ said he especially enjoyed in their early 90s, their daughter home on Eagles Nest Lake with “My mom was accepted participating in the Tower Fourth Mica, who was also a teacher, family, friends, and neighbors at Harvard,” Michelle (Mica) of July Parade. Mica said her is helping care for her parents dropping in all afternoon. Cascarano Berg said. “But she father marched with the Legion almost full-time, with help from The two started dating their Russell and Theresa didn’t go because we were living Color Guard in the parade for as other family members. Theresa senior year in high school and (Pavlich) Berg were married in Rockford.” Theresa was also long as she can remember, at least has struggled with health issues attended prom together. Russ was on July 14, 1951, in Tower. a talented singer, studying voice 50 years, only missing a year in and now has trouble walking, but 2018 when he was undergoing the captain of the basketball and They celebrated 70 years while living in Chicago and per- was having a wonderful day visit- forming on stage there. treatment for cancer (and he is football teams. together with family and ing with family and friends. “My But the family’s focus has now cancer-free). Russ was also mother is the most gracious and “I just did okay on grades,” friends at their Eagles Nest always been on the Tower- a member of the Tower-Soudan loving woman,” said Mica, who he admitted. home. Theresa remembered how photo by J. Summit Soudan area, especially the lake Lions Club. has been living with them full- things were different for girls home they built in Eagles Nest Russ fell in love with the time since last year and was lived back when she was in school. One working in Milwaukee. The two Township. water early. He remembers with them during their summers of her sisters, Aggie (Pavlich) would meet up in Chicago, often “We love to come to the walking the mile-and-a half from the past six years. Russ is still very Yapel, was the first female going to the Chicago Theater to lake,” said Theresa, “this is such Tower out to Hoodoo Point as a active and independent. student to wear pants at the see music legends like Glenn a nice place to be.” schoolboy to swim most days in Mica has inherited her school, back in the 1940s when Miller, Louis Armstrong and “We built this cabin when I the summer, walking home for parents’ love of the lake. it wasn’t allowed. The girls’ Lawrence Welk. was in the Air Force,” Russ said. lunch, and returning afterwards “There is no place I would mother, Angela (Zobitz) Pavlich, Russ went on to work in the “My brother Ray and I nailed for more swimming. Sometimes, rather be than at home on the was a seamstress who made all Soudan Mine before joining the every single board in this house, he whispered to me, they would Range,” she said. their clothing. Air Force. He served for 20 years, and Theresa painted and stained jump the freight train that came “I’ve been coming here by Theresa moved to Chicago moving from state to state, and every single one.” out to the old box factory, instead whole life,” she said, “and now right after her high school gradua- even spending time in Okinawa, At first, they only came for of walking. Russ wasn’t sure he that we are all retired, we get to tion to help a sister with her young Japan, before retiring, getting part of the summer. But when wanted to share that tip but noted be here longer.” family, and Russ spent some time a teaching degree, and settling both parents had teaching jobs, since there weren’t any active PICNIC...Continued from page 1 manent position. Tekautz nic-goers waited for their oversaw the short program. people to and from the park. The booyah recipe, impossible to duplicate at had plenty of experience turn to get their pot filled Past presidents Jodi Summit Booyah magic passed down for 100 years, home; he’s tried and failed on the supply end, having with the steaming hot stew. and Jennifer Fredrickson Preparing as much also includes almost 200 several times. worked at Zup’s Grocery, Steve Solkela and his were presented with cer- as 200 gallons of booyah pounds of beef and pork, The cast iron kettles, and ably oversaw the order- one-man accordion band tificates by Old Settlers takes some good old-fash- tomato puree, corn, green used only once a year for ing of the hundreds of proved a very popular President Muriel Scott. ioned elbow grease. The beans, peas, rice and the Old Settlers picnic, pounds of beef, pork, and entertainer, filling the spot Other officers include afternoon before the annual pepper. may hold the key to the vegetables needed to fill the held by Art Lehtonen and first vice-president Matt gathering, a couple of There is a specific special flavor of the meat antique iron cooking pots at his accordion for many Tuchel, second vice-presi- dozen volunteers gathered order and time for adding and vegetable soup. Their the park on picnic weekend. years. As a high-schooler, dentContact: Stephen Tekautz, Teresa and Debevecto peel and chop the hun- each ingredient, said Nick age is uncertain.For But Immediate they Release Several dozen commit- Solkela also put in a per- secretary/treasurerTelephone: 218Kathy-666 dreds-6209 of pounds of onions, Tekautz. The fires are lit certainly date back to the tee members and family formance of the National Hoppa. Board of directors at 6 p.m. and by 8 p.m. the early years of the Old Email: [email protected], potatoes, celery friends always showed Anthem at the 100th anni- members are Mike Korpi, and cabbage that this year water is just about boiling. Settlers tradition. up the afternoon before versary picnic, which he Eric Norberg, Ari Picard, filled up four large cast iron The cooking itself is “The kettles get so the picnic to chop all the had attended with his rela- Kristine Jonas, and Gary booyah pots. Volunteers down to a science, and hot,” said Tekautz. “Maybe potatoes, celery, carrots, tives from the Korpi family Torma. bring their own knives. Tekautz said he doesn’t they burn the broth at the cabbage, and onions that of Soudan. Old Settlers is open This year professional chef even need to taste it along edges. It has to have some- are simmered along with Pauly Housenga, of the to anyone born or living Bryan Morcom stopped the way. thing to do with the kettles.” the meat. Tower-Soudan Historical on the Vermilion Iron by and put all the amateur Something magic does It makes sense that the “It’s still the same Society, asked for any Range, which stretches vegetable cutters to shame happen as the booyah magic of the metal is the key recipe I was given a long information on the 143 from Tower-Soudan to with his speedy chopping of simmers overnight. to a successful Old Settlers ago,” Tekautz said, but he miners who died working Ely. The picnic was orig- carrots and potatoes. Tekautz said the recipe is picnic. noted that the price of meat in the Soudan Mine. The inally sponsored by the had really gone up this year, state park is working on Oliver Mining Company with the order for beef alone an exhibit commemorat- as a summer outing for its costing $1,000. ing the miners; any family employees, and then turned But with 217 picnic-go- members with stories, into a community-wide cel- We want to hear from ers registered at this year’s photos, or memorabilia ebration. At one time, Old 107th annual reunion, they wish to share are asked Settlers could boast over memberships covered the to contact James Pointer at 1,000 people in attendance. YOU cost of the meal, which is the Soudan Underground Cars would line the road all the only activity sponsored Mine State Park at 218- the way up to the Soudan by Old Settlers, every year 300-7000. Community Store, and the on the third Saturday in Master of Ceremonies township would run buses July. Jennifer Fredrickson back and forth to ferry Last year, the picnic was canceled due to the pandemic. Memberships have trended down in past NORTHWOODS PARTNERS years, especially compared Roaring 20s to the 369 paid member- ships at the 100th anniver- If you received a sary picnic in 2014, though Community Health Needs Assessment in the average attendance has been around 250. Celebration mail, your response is important to improving Committee members AUGUST 19  5PM the health care needs of our community. were unsure of how large Please respond to the survey by: attendance would be this MINERS DRY HOUSE year, due to the cancellation of the picnic last year and August 9, 2021 some family members still not able to travel. But their Raffl es & projections were good, and For more information please contact: there was plenty of booyah Silent Auction Teresa Debevec for everyone who attended. 5PM  HAPPY HOUR CEO/Administrator The picnic saw plenty of old and new faces, with 6PM  DINNER 218.666.6209 | [email protected] a picture-perfect day at 7 309PM DANCING Breitung’s McKinley Park. MUSIC PROVIDED BY ED ELY Organizers noted that the crowd was trending a bit Tickets: $35 younger than in past years, Tickets available at NP offi ce or which meant younger gen- from any Board Member. erations are continuing the Dress up encouraged, but not mandatory. family tradition and bring- ing their children along. NORTHWOODS PARTNERS The booyah was ready right on time, at high noon, 218-365-8019 h Aniveay and the lines, as usual, 20 moved quickly as pic- www.timberjay.com / 218-753-2950

12 July 23, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Officials remain vigilant as COVID cases creep upward

by AVID OLBURN D C ed that unvaccinated and Cook/Orr Editor Iron Range communities have majority of July county cases partially vaccinated people follow the oft-repeated REGIONAL- St. Louis showed 11 new COVID have two major contribut- largely ignored the state’s and less because our uptake COVID precautionary County’s top health official cases for the county from ing factors, Mirsch said. long-held and stubbornly is really low.” measures. cautioned Tuesday that last Friday, Saturday, and “It’s clear that both elusive goal for vaccina- The shift away from “It’s the same simple while COVID-19 case Sunday. variants, and not adhering tions, instead touting a less clinics means a greater precautions of wearing a counts in the county are “I think it’s really to COVID prevention mea- lofty measure of achieve- emphasis on making con- mask, social distancing, rising at a slower pace important to note that 70 sures, are driving increas- ment, that of reaching nections with people out avoiding large crowds, than elsewhere in the state, percent of those cases (in es,” she said. “The rise in President Joe Biden’s goal in the community, in places washing hands, and getting people should assume that July) are in our Iron Range variants is highlighting the of at least one vaccination where they might feel more tested regularly,” Mirsch they can still be exposed communities,” Mirsch said. fact that the pandemic isn’t for 70 percent of adults. at ease asking questions. said. to any of the coronavirus “Because our case numbers over yet.” Achieving Biden’s goal So, county health personnel The overall decline of variants anywhere and at have dropped, we’re not State infectious disease has been touted in releases will be at upcoming county the pandemic has led to any time. able to separate them out director Kris Ehresmann announcing the closure of fairs and national “Night shifts in the duties of county Public Health and quite as much on a daily confirmed on Tuesday that most state-operated vacci- Out” observances the first health department person- Human Services Director basis by geography (due to the more highly contagious nation facilities, including week in August, including nel to pick up on other Linnea Mirsch said that at confidentiality concerns). Delta variant is now respon- the one at the DECC in one in Ely. important health-related the moment it’s difficult to But I think that’s really sible for an estimated 75 Duluth. “I think it’s a good time needs, but in anticipation determine a specific trend important to talk about. percent of the cases in the St. Louis County has to connect with people who of the upcoming school in the 43 new COVID cases Thankfully, we haven’t state. The Delta variant is also narrowed and retarget- have questions, questions year and all the questions recorded in the county had a new death reported also associated with more ed its vaccination efforts, about variants, and to have surrounding it, Mirsch said in July, although overall in more than three weeks.” serious illness in COVID- Mirsch said. opportunities to do vaccina- the department will keep the numbers are slightly Among the six North 19 patients. “There are areas where tions,” Mirsch said. school specialist and public higher than in previous Country zip codes moni- vaccination rates are lower And Mirsch was Vaccinations stalled health educator Aubrie weeks. Still, she said, two tored by the Timberjay, two and we’re targeting those emphatic that anyone who The rapid emergence of Hoover fully focused on factors are likely major new cases in Orr reported with more outreach and received a first dose of the Delta variant comes at helping schools. contributors. by the state last week are vaccination drives,” she Pfizer or Moderna vaccines a time when statewide vac- “Especially with all the “From June 29 to July the only new cases since said. “All the research is who skipped the second cination rates have almost planning this fall, I think it 12, we had 19 new cases, three were reported in Ely showing how much work should still come back to flatlined. Progress toward will be very busy,” Mirsch but then immediately fol- on June 17. it takes to get each vac- get that final shot. the goal of vaccinating 70 said. “We hear from our lowing, we had 19 cases Mirsch re-emphasized cination at this point, and “Get fully vaccinated,” percent of Minnesotans age schools the importance of in just three days,” Mirsch data from MDH showing it’s multiple conversations, she said. “It’s not too late. 16 and over with at least one having that partner inter- said. “That trend hasn’t that 99.9 percent of new usually with somebody Studies are showing that shot has been measured in preting data, interpreting continued at that level, so COVID cases are among that someone knows or is people have dramatically tenths of a percent in recent guidance, and just being right now it’s just up and people who have not been a trusted person, a medical better odds of not getting weeks, and currently stands a local resource. Let’s all down.” vaccinated against COVID- provider or family who sick, even from variants, at 67.9 percent. hope that job starts declin- Numbers released by 19. Case increases around shares their story. We are once they’ve gotten that Gov. Tim Walz and ing. I hope we’re in a better the Minnesota Department the state and country, and still doing vaccination second dose.” other state officials have place by the winter.” of Health on Tuesday most likely in the county, for several weeks now clinics, but we’re doing less She also recommend- COOK...Continued from page 1 partner family, Tara, here about was largely symbolic, as founda- They just asked now where their six months ago or so,” Thompson tion and slab work started more bedrooms are.” said. “We knew there was land than a week earlier, Thompson Work was scheduled to around, that we needed to pursue. said, but still more than two dozen resume on Monday with volun- But even as we selected Tara, we volunteers and supporters turned teers putting up wall framing, got a call from a potential donor out for the event, including St. and Thompson said the exterior saying, ‘Hey, I’ve got some prop- Louis County Seventh District shell should be largely complete erty up in Cook, would you guys Commissioner Mike Jugovich, within two weeks. With many be interested?” of Hibbing. volunteers moving on to other The call came from Kirk “My experience (with sites after that, interior work will and Angela Weidner, a couple Habitat) started when I was mayor move at a slower pace. who live in the Twin Cities of Chisholm, when we had a Tara will be required to put area. Cargill, the company Kirk number of homes built,” Jugovich in a minimum of 200 hours of works for, has been involved said. “People don’t understand work on her home and get 100 with Habitat for Humanity builds that these homes aren’t free. more hours of sweat equity from all across the country, and the These homes are built with family and friends, Thompson Weidners volunteered for a sweat equity. And these homes said. Many other volunteers Habitat build in Hibbing last keep kids in school districts. will be working over the next fall, Angela said. The fact that They get to stay around. They few months to make the home a the Weidners have an interest in have a beautiful new home, it reality, utilizing materials mostly the Iron Range is no coincidence. improves neighborhoods, it does procured from Cook Building “I grew up on Sand Lake in so many good things that people Center. Once she moves in, Tara Britt,” Kirk said. “Our family’s don’t necessarily see. There are will begin making payments to always been from the Range and so many good things that come Habitat on a zero-percent 30-year we still have a brother living in from it. This is something that mortgage, with the funds turned Virginia. We spend the summers I’ve really enjoyed over the years over to support additional builds, up here.” and something I will continue to Thompson said. Regional ties and past involve- be a part of.” The Cottens will have several ment explain the Weidners’ It also wasn’t the first time neighbors to the south, and will interest in reaching out to NSLC Tara, a 2007 Cook High School eventually have more to the north, Habitat for Humanity, but it took graduate, and her daughters had too, as the property donated by a twist of fate for a couple with been to the site, and the girls the Weidners is large enough to ties to Britt, Virginia, and the appeared to be excited walking accommodate four more homes. Twin Cities to end up with land around and exploring the recent- For now, Thompson antic- in Cook to donate. ly-completed slab. ipates relatively smooth sailing “We weren’t looking for “We come by every day,” with this build, even in the face property in Cook,” Kirk said, Tara said. “We drive by to of high lumber costs and some “but somebody else who owned see the progress and that has constraints in the supply chain. this property needed some help, been amazing. It’s just such an “We’ve done some preor- so we helped him, and part of that awesome and amazing experience dering of materials to make sure is that we ended up with the land. to watch your house being built we have what we need,” he said. But again, we didn’t mean to have step-by-step. The girls are beyond “We and our community and our land in Cook. We hoped we could excited. Right now, they’re volunteers are ready to step up to Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Nathan find a great fit and Habitat was sharing a bedroom, so they just the plate and meet the challenge.” Thompson helped Brooklyn Cotten with her shovel at the first and foremost on our minds. can’t wait to have their own space Habitat for Humanity is an groundbreaking ceremony. photo by D. Colburn Nathan has been fantastic to work and own bedrooms to decorate. ecumenical Christian ministry with and it’s just a treat that it’s It’s a learning experience for them dedicated to providing decent, ance in partnership with people This will be the fourth build in worked out so well.” to have already been plotting out affordable housing by building and families in need. Habitat for Cook by NSLC Habitat. Sunday’s groundbreaking where everything is going to be. strength, stability and self-reli- Humanity operates in more than 70 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Colorado man dies in canoe accident on Loon Lake REGIONAL- A had capsized in East Loon ly swam to shore with Crane Lake, the St. Louis under investigation by Orr Ambulance Service 73-year-old Colorado man Bay. Both men, neither their gear while Morrow County Rescue Squad con- the sheriff’s office and assisted sheriff’s deputies died Monday as a result wearing life jackets, were remained with the canoe. ducted a search using their the Midwest Medical and the St. Louis County of a storm-related boating thrown into the water when When Guenther returned remote operated vehicle Examiner’s Office. Rescue Squad with the call. accident on Loon Lake, a wave generated by heavy to the canoe, Morrow was with scanning sonar and The Department of according to the St. Louis storms passing through the missing. discovered Morrow’s sub- Natural Resources, U.S. Sheriff’s Office. area overturned the canoe. Responding initially merged body in 61 feet Forest Service, Crane Lake “Simply the Finest”St. Louis County dis- Guenther reported- to Handberg’s Marine on of water. The incident is Fire/First Responders and patchers received a call at 11:41 a.m. from Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely reporting that a canoe car- rying Wayne L. Morrow, RECLINERS COSARUGS NOUVE NORDIC FURNISHINGS 73, of Fort Lupton, Colo. IMPORTS LUNA CHAIRS and Denis M. Guenther, 65, of Grand Junctions, Colo.

Online at timberjay.com GIFTS SCANDINAVIAN COMFORT CUSTOM SIZES & COLORS CHAIRS & RECLINERS 303 Main St, Tower • 218-753-3313 • www.NordicHomeNorth.com • [email protected] • M-Sat 10-4ish TIMBERJAY Newspapers July 23, 2021 1B Blueberry/Art Festival g July 23, 24, 25 g Whiteside Park, Ely Fri & Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM

The look and feel of old barn wood inspire Embarrass craftsman

Left: Don Taylor and his son Steve are shown working on framing projects that feature vintage tin (below).

Right: A bin of old square nails pulled from the vintage barn boards.

photos by K. Vandervort

by KEITH VANDERVORT wood,” Taylor said earlier this to tear an old barn down in a way shelves with coat rack pegs. He remodeling and cabinet business, Ely Editor month in his workshop at his that preserves the wood,” he said. also makes a variety of wine and getting to a bunch of shows home east of Embarrass. “We literally take a barn apart racks, some with deer antlers, every year is just not in the cards,” EMBARRASS – Don Taylor And in Taylor’s hands, old piece by piece.” others with old recycled square he said. grew up spending time on his barn wood becomes decorative One of the first barns he recy- barn nails to hold the wine glasses. He related a recent job he did neighbor’s farm in Menahga, craft pieces and functional fur- cled, located south of Chisago, “We also make old windows, for a couple who live on Birch where he helped with the dairy niture, a hobby he enjoys when had an original section built in some four-pane, others six-pane Lake near Babbitt. cows, went on the milk route he is not tending to his full-time 1874. in size, and frame those with barn “They saw what I do, and she and did other various chores. He remodeling and custom cabinetry “There were lots of dove- wood,” he said. “Those will be wanted a bathroom made to look took something away from those business. tailed sections of full logs, and new this year.” old-fashioned with barn wood. formative years that has stayed His love of repurposing barn we even found many sections of The will be Taylor’s fourth We found an old claw-foot tub. with him as he nears the end of wood will be on full display this rough-sawn white oak. It was a Blueberry/Art Festival display- The vanity is made completely his seventh decade. He developed weekend at the Ely Blueberry/ real gold mine to have one of our ing his unique craft work. He out of barn wood. The window is a respect and admiration for old Art Festival in Whiteside Park. first barns to be made of so many also makes it back to Ely for framed in old wood. We even put barns, and the wood they are The festival runs Friday through types of wood,” he said. the Harvest Moon Festival in in a roller-mounted barn door,” made of. Sunday and features hundreds of Taylor crafts different styles September. Other than a couple of he said. “It turned out beautiful.” “I’ve always liked the look, arts and crafts for sale. and lengths of log benches, key shows in the Chisago area, Taylor the feel, even the smell of barn “We are always looking for holders with tin Harley-Davidson shows his craft exclusively in Ely. See ARTIST...pg. 4B old barns. It takes a great effort signs, lanterns (electrified), and “I am busy all year with my Blueberry/Art Festival July 23-25, 2021 in Whiteside Park

Join us for the 40th annual Blueberry/ Art Festival featuring 220 booths filled with arts, crafts & food.

Friday & Saturday 10 am - 6 pm 2 0 Sunday 10 am - 4 pm 2 drink 1 Operation Blueberry runs July 16-25. Visit dando discovrer heor story twithh us! y 's participating businesses for blueberry O P E N D A I L Y 1 0 A M - 5 P M V I S I T U S O N T H E E A S T E N D O F E L Y products, food, and specials. Live music Blueberry Weekend Speciials! Online BOGO Adult Admission & In-store Discounts too! Map available at Ely.org. MUSEUM MEMBERS & MILITARY ARE FREE w w w . r o o t b e e r l a d y . c o m 2 1 8 . 3 6 5 . 4 4 5 1 i n f o @ r o o t b e e r l a d y . c o m NEW THIS YEAR: Experience Ely Expo featuring area non profits. Everything Blueberry! WELCOME VENDORS! Enjoy Our Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Visitor & Information Center • Organic Coffee • Tea Varieties • Desserts 1600 E. Sheridan St. Ely - PH: 218-365-6123 Wireless & computers to use. Ely.org/Events @BlueberryArtFestival 4th & Sheridan St, Ely • 218-365-BEAN Open Daily: 7 AM - 3 PM 2B July 23, 2021 TIMBERJAY Newspapers Your guide to the 2021 Blueberry/Art Festival Use the map below to locate all your favorite artists and food booths 93 A & B Lawn and Deck 198.199 Easy Times Textiles, Furn. Woodcrafts, wind socks outdoor furniture 200 EBCH Foundation 98.99 All Things Herbal Ely Bloomenson Hand-made soaps & Community Hospital lotions EXPO demonstrating new 177 Amy’s Baskets & robotic machine Crafts 94 Ely Chamber of Hand-woven baskets Commerce Information 179 Angie Link Jewelry 0 Ely Fire Department Designer & maker Food (Pork chops/corn blueberry themed jewelry on the cob) 44 Anita Tykwinski 60 Ely Hoop Club Food Painting, alcohol, ink & (Pop, water,Timberwoves acrylic gear) 29 Arkstone Concrete 0 Ely Kiwanis Club garden items Pavilion (Blueberry pie) 59 Arkstone 2 Wood 53 Ely Northern Stitches printing, wood cabin décor Textiles, machine 50 AZ Creative Art embroidery, tea towels Original paintings inspired 130 Ely Rotary Club by nature & prints EXPO information 14 Bar Bell Bee Ranch 169.17 Empty Nest Creations Honey Home & garden décor 95 Bear Island Art Factory 1.2 Enchante Textiles, LLC Metal with paintings clothing & scarves 0 Becky’s Oriental Foods 165 Eric Helland Creations Food (Oriental) Jewelery, photography, 43 Bedangled Hand-forged wood lathe items jewelry 84.85 Felicity’s Closet 144 Belden Woodworking & Textiles, baby items Metal Wood, wind spinners, 31 Felixery, L.L.C. rain gauges, rockers Silver, gold, copper 0 Best Way Food (Beef, jewelry lamb & chicken) 0 Finn Loki’s Funnel 157 Betts Pottery Cakes & Food wild rice Porcelain pottery sausage 30 Big Aspen Design Co 24 Flock Duluth LLC Wood trays, boxes, Metal art using recycled furniture materials 0 BoB-a-Q Food 123.124 Flying Carpet (Smoke House BBQ) Fiber 115.116 Boundary Waters Journal textiles, rag rugs Textiles, camping gear 193 Fredrick’s Forest 78 Brian Dean Miller Woodcrafts,clocks, Hand-blown glass growth boards, jewelry 78 Hand blown glass work 155 Gifts Made By Hand 13 Bridge Creek Antlers Hmong sand creatures, Antler carvings, eagles purses 87 Bubble Bird 67 GLeeM Designs Health/beauty children’s Gold & silver jewelry bath products 0 Gobbler Concessions 156 Buckley Naturals 171.172 Diamond Willow Dreams Food (New Mississippi Natural soap, lotion, lip 92 Charcuterie Boards by 158 Crafted by Amalia 107 Dafne Caruso Jewelry Mud sandwich) Soren Granite & quartz Hand-made jewelry using Jewelry with gemstones Woodworking, grilling balm, deordorant, insect accessories, fire pokers, 119 Good Wolf Bowls repellent platters & coasters repurosed materials & silversmithing, original Hand-turned bowls, vases 173 CHB Custom Fillet 176 Crocus Hill Creatives paintings, mixed media staffs 151 Burly Babe Jewelry 112 Donna Graham 0 Greek-Bobby Jewelry inspired by Knives, LLC Custom Drawings, ink illustrations 33 David Johnson Wood The Greek Food (Gyros) fillet knives 145 Crow Wing Country boxes, small furniture Author, new book nature & wood block 38 Dragonflies and Cards photo transfers 88.89 Classic Creations Furniture Wood 80.81 Deershirts.com Clothing, Metal wall hangings rustic furniture wildlife themed t-shirts & 3D pop-up cards, quilling 12 Carlson Pillow cards from hand-made Feather pillows 66 Close Qtrs Studio 75 Custom Barnwood sweats Woodcrafts, northwoods Creations Reclaimed paper themed boxes, table barnwood items VENDORS... pg. 3B

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Pending Sold June Sold June Sold May Vermilion - $225,000 Superior - $1,500,000 Burntside - $390,000 Ojibway - $855,000

Let’s Make Sold Happen For You Too! 218-780-6644 www.JanischRealty.com TIMBERJAY Newspapers July 23, 2021 3B Blueberry/Art Festival back, but some changes in place by KEITH VANDERVORT Ely Editor Safety measures mean more space between booths and fewer vendors

ELY - After a year on hiatus food,” said Ely Chamber of tional six feet between each of the “We also have to modify the Department’s pork chops on a because of public health concerns Commerce Event Coordinator vendors which is decreasing our way the food court is laid out. stick. due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ellen Cashman. space,” said Chamber Executive That is always a huge conges- “We have several new food the community’s signature art Public health guidelines Director Eva Sebesta. tion point,” Sebesta said. “We vendors, including Bob-A-Q with and craft event, the Blueberry/ for the COVID-19 pandemic “There may be fewer booths are trying to make sure we have delicious barbequed sandwiches, Art Festival, is back for 2021, led Chamber officials to down- this year, but the quality of artists, a safe event, and we are giving Now That’s Waffles featuring a hosted by the Ely Chamber of size the festival this year. The crafters, and makers is amazing,” vendors and our visitors the space variety of breakfast and dessert Commerce. 2021 Blueberry/Art Festival and Cashman said. to be safe.” waffles, and Zoe’s Gone Bananas The Blueberry/Art Festival Experience Ely Expo will be Food vendors That being said, the food with sumptuous banana breads,” begins on Friday, July 23 and capped at a total of 220 vendors, Festival goers can also expect court will feature many returning Cashman added. runs through Sunday, July 25. down from a high of 300 vendors a reduction in the number of food favorites, such as the Kiwanis The traditional Blueberry “This year’s festival will prior to 2019. vendors as that area of the park is blueberry pies, Schweiby’s concentrate on arts, crafts, and “We are going to put an addi- also spread out. tasty burgers, and the Ely Fire See...FESTIVAL pg. 4B VENDORS... from page 2B

34 Harpstone Jewelry soaps & lotions 57 Pengal’s Basswood nuts/food) Stone fountains 77 Watercolors by Bonnie Wire earrings 101.102 Levandowski Pottery Trading Co Clothing 39.4 Smokey Photo 68 Transform Treasure Paintings 103 Heavenly Designs Functional stoneware designer & maker Wildlife and nature Wood-carved signs 163.164 Wearable Coinage Woodworking pottery 76 Personal Touch Designs photography 154 Treeghost, LLC Jewelry made from coins Woodcrafts, cutting 54 LHR Images Jewelry, cuff bracelets 52 Spinning Wheels Metal signs 132 WICOLA boards, coasters Nature photogrpahy, 113 Prairie Sun Design Publishing Author and 51 TT’s Nothing But EXPO Water Association 16.17 Heim-Made Designer BWCA and nearby areas Hats and purses publisher/children’s books Natures Goodness LLC 22 Wif-Man Weaving women’s hats & clothing 21 Master of None Hand- 86 Pretty Doll Collections 23 Spiritwood Music Organic soaps, body Hand-woven textiles 185 Hey boo Creations forged iron work, knives Doll clothes Performing/selling CDs products made with local 65 Wild Fern Herbal Soaps Sustainably made 152 Millie’s Corner Gifts 37 Products of Northern 162 Stacey Johnson Jewelry ingredients Natural herbal soaps, lip jewelry Driftwood stones, glass Minnesota/Clough Gemstones/fresh water 184 Ultimo Cosmetics balm, sauna steamers etc 159 Hidden Grains & bead original art Wooden Bird Art pearls Handcrafted cosmetics 111 Wilson Install Creations 55.56 Minnesota Emu Ranch 82 PYNG Paint Your Nails 79 Standing Buffalo Knives 117.118 Ultra Bubbles Custom mosaic ceramics Mixed media, kitchen Health/beauty emu Girl Vegan nail polish Hunting knives Toys, bubble wands 15 Wise Guyz Gadgets utinsils w/ turned products 0 Quality Food International 122 Sue Redfield Pottery 141.142 UNEEK Tie-Dye Apparel Handmade gadgets, Tie dye clothing handles 143 Monkey Bandit Shop Food (Seafood) Wood-fired pottery grill tools 71.72 Super Cub Flyers 160 Varvara Bags & purses 58 Homespun Traditions Yard games 45 Quilts for Zoey 108.109 Woolderness Quilts, baby items, kid Handcrafted jewelry 4 Vug Jewels Brass & Hand-dyed wool kits Ornaments, hand painted 48 Morning Glory Creations 147.148 Superior Photographs silver jewelry snowmen Pressed flower art purses 0 Zoe’s Gone Bananas 120 Rachelle Orr MN landscapes, nature 9 Waawaate Pottery 131 International Wolf Center pictures Food (Banana Bread) Acyrlic paintings images 49 Walking Wood Information 105 Naena Jewelry 178 Zubrod Quilts 121 Raucous Jewelry 174 Suz and Roo Jewelry, Walking sticks 0 PIEROGi Food Stones, leather, beads Hand-made jewelry silver & leather 73.74 Iron Range Apparel 106 Natural Expression 153 Raven Knives 110 Suz’s Country Candles Clothing designer & Rock Art Lake Superior Hunting knives Candles, “smelly jelly”, Ely-Winton Historical Society maker rock shadow boxes 161 Reduce, Reinvent, Relove BBQ sauce 190 Iron Range Custom 8 Nature Daydreams Gourds & jewelry 175 The Fish Market is OPEN during Lures Painted lures Watercolor paintings 41 Richard Yacelga Pottery fish, stoneware 28 Jeff Hoff’s Wildlife Art 180.181 Nature’s Therapy Clothing designer/maker 186 The Kernel’s Best Blueberry/Art Festival! Original paintings Candles & potpourri 63.64 RJ Collection Kettle Korn Food 47 Jeff Renner Wildlife Art 166 Night Flight Images Repurposed pieces 146 The Personal Touch Original oil paintings Wildlife photography 69.70 Root River Photography Hand-sculpted pottery FREE ADMISSION 42 Jenifer LeClair 11 Norsemen Products Wildlife and night sky 0 The Rolling Yo Author, Books Fur hats, mittens 194.195 Rustic Metalz Food (Frozen yogurt) to our museum... 104 Jim the Carver 5.006 Northwoodsfish 196 Metal painting, custom 7 The Weagelworks Woodcrafts, hand- Chainsaw carved and designed blueberry décor Hand-blown glass with which displays the history of the Ely area. carved items hand-painted 182.183 Rustic River Mosaics metal Many historical books and local 46 Joni’s Barkery Pet 0 Now That’s Waffles, LLC Log furniture 96.97 Three Rivers Farm artworks for sale. products, dog & cat gear Food (Waffles) 27 Ryan’s Rustic Railings Maple syrup 3 Kaufenberg Arts 139.140 Oak Outlet Hickory & Furniture Wood 25.26 Tischer Photographic Air Conditioning • Plenty of Parking! Gallery Photography, Oil paintings sapling & oak furniture furniture Located on the campus of 35.36 Keepsakes Antler 0 Oasis Del Norte 0 SB Concessions Lake Superior & more baskets, basket sculptures Food (Authentic Mexican) Food (Cheese, corn dogs, 2 Tom Soucek Vermilion Community College, & wreaths 0 Orange Treet soda, water) Northwoods watercolors 1900 E Camp Street, Ely, MN 83 Kettle Mania Food Food (Blended fruit drinks, 0 Schweiby’s Concessions 149.15 Tonka Bay Fountains (Italian ice) corn dogs, lemonade) Food (American) 10 Ledge Wood Creations 187 Orange Treet ETC 167.168 Silverfish ‘N’ Things f f Woodcrafts, turned bowls Food (Lemonade) Jewelry, bracelets, rings, 18.19 Ledin’s Jewelry 114 P & L Construction windchimes Jewelry designer/maker Hand-made wood items 197 Simply Homemade 191.192 Legends of Africa 32 Pebble Valley Glass Food (Packaged jams African shea butter Studio Glass art & jellies) 61.62 Simply Nuts (Packaged Breakfast in the Garden 16 N 1st Ave E Ely, MN Saturday, August 7 from 10 am - 12 noon Hours: 8-4 by Whiteside Park Pavilion · Art for Kids & Adults!! 25% OFF Mon-Sat All Garden Art GRANOLA Sale • Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun SMOOTHIES July 22, 23, 24 & 25 COOKIES D NEW D Don’t Forget to BAKED GOODS CHECK OUT OUR 218-235-6161 www.crapola.us PET SUPPLIES An annual event to celebrate the creation of Ely’s HOURS: Mon-Sat: 9-5, 145 W. Camp St, Ely Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust. Closed Sunday 365-6555 Enriching Life in Ely! - For 32 Years! f f 4B July 23, 2021 TIMBERJAY Newspapers

ARTIST...Continued from page 1B Working with reclaimed barn wood has many challenges. “Always check for nails,” he warned. “I use a hand-held metal detec- tor so I don’t ruin all my saw blades.” Taylor rarely stains his wood. “Varnishing will bring out the natural colors,” he said. “It gets dark because of its age. It has its own natural beauty. Weathering and thickness will play into what pieces of wood I use for a particular project, such as framing. It is hard to get the consistent look. Barn wood can sometimes be very fragile to work with.” People will come up to him at his booth and say they could smell the barn wood before they saw it. “The old timers know that smell of aged barn wood,” he said. Taylor and his wife moved to the Embarrass area about seven years ago. “My good friend Scott Edgett (North American Bear Center director and dog sledder) found us the perfect place to buy up here, and we weren’t really looking to relocate,” he said. “To be clear, we had to kick out our youngest son (he joined the National Guard) and then we moved up here when we were free of all our kids.” The couple has seven boys and two girls, and so far, eight grandchildren. “We just love it up here,” he said. Another son, Tim, also loves the North Country and is setting up his own cabinet shop in Tower.

FESTIVAL...from page 3B Pancake Breakfast, most forward to seeing what new coordination with Ely- recently hosted by the items he has created from Bloomenson Community Incredible Ely group, is reclaimed barn wood and Hospital, will offer a mini gone this year, as are the Ely other unique woods. “health fair.” Jaycees beer and beverage Experience Ely “On Friday, their tent, the kids play area, and booth will provide free live musical entertainment. Expo highlights blood typing with repre- New to the festival is area non-profits sentatives from Memorial The Fish Market. “Artist Local non-profits have Blood Center,” Cashman Dennis McMahan makes relied on the major tourist said. “On Saturday, they colorful and fanciful event to raise money for are offering 100 Johnson pottery fish and a variety operations, but fewer will and Johnson COVID-19 of other pottery items,” be participating this year. vaccinations to be given Cashman said. “Tonka Bay The new Experience Ely on a first-come, first-served Fountains creates organic Expo format for the local basis. Saturday will also stone fountains generating organizations, originally feature a demonstration the soothing sound of water planned to launch last year, of the da Vinci surgical that are perfect in garden will debut this year in a sep- robot.” settings. These are just two arate area of the Whiteside Their booth will be of the new artists participat- Park festival grounds. located by the Whiteside ing in the festival.” While space was avail- Park band shell. Of course, returning able for 20, only ten local Ely Kiwanis Club will again be selling blueberry pies. artists are showing new groups applied, and just Operation file photo work, including Root River four organizations fol- Blueberry features Photography, Watercolors lowed through to partici- the festival weekend,” or other activities. The Mealey’s Gift & Sauna by Bonnie, and 2019 first- pate in the event, according retail businesses Cashman said. Operation Blueberry map is Shop, Mealey’s Tiki Deck, place winner William to officials. Those orga- Last year, the Chamber Participating Ely busi- available online at Ely.org, Piragis Northwoods Co., Close, according to nizations include the created Operation nesses will be vying for or pick up a paper copy at Piragis Outlet Store, Ely’s Cashman. International Wolf Center, Blueberry to support the prizes for the best banners the Chamber office at 1600 Historic State Theater, “Our featured local Ely Rotary Club, WICOLA business community during or window displays. E Sheridan St. International Wolf Center, artist this year is Don (White Iron Chain of Lakes the coronavirus pandemic. Some businesses are Participating business- The Cabin, Art & Soul Taylor with Barnwood Association), and the “Operation Blueberry offering blueberry prod- es include: Dorothy Molter Gallery. Creations. Don has partic- Ely Health and Hospital was so successful that the ucts, special discounts, Museum, Ely Folk School, ipated in the Blueberry/Art Foundation. Chamber is again holding music, featured artists, Sisu Designs Yarn Shop, Festival for several years The Ely Health and this event which started now,” she said. “We look Hospital Foundation, in July 16 and runs through

For Northwoods Splendor! Stay with Us All Your & Feed Seed $ Needs Rooms start at 110 Includes continental breakfast! Book Online: vermilionparkinn.com Close to lakes, trails, state parks, casino 218.753.2333 • 30 Center St., Soudan MN

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available Scenic Rivers is now scheduling appointments for individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at our medical locations following state eligibility guidelines. Supply is limited and call volumes are high, so we appreciate your patience. If you believe you meet the MN state vaccine eligiblity requirements, please call the number below to schedule an appointment. Cook Medical Tower Medical Vaccine Scheduling Vaccine Scheduling 20 5th St SE 415 N 2nd St, Suite 2 SEE YOUR HELPFUL HARDWARE FOLKS (218) 361-3297 (218) 753-2405 PRICES GOOD THRU JULY 31, 2021 Merhar’s Ace Hardware 24 Hour Emergency Care 48 E. Chapman St., Ely • 218-365-3129 1-877-541-2817 Available Through www.ScenicRiversHealth.org Cook Hospital THE TIMBERJAY July 23, 2021 5B TOWER Gundersen Trust Board to look at switching investments to a community foundation, dissolving current trust accounts by JODI SUMMIT Since the Tower City Coun- Tower-Soudan Editor Scant investment returns in recent years prompt re-evaluation cil initially set up the trust, Han- son said the court will want the TOWER- Confronted with Gundersen, for the express pur- on the trust monies. and the costs and fees associated trust board to obtain the coun- the finding that they are earning pose of benefiting the city and Keeping the trust in its cur- with such management. cil’s consent if they wish to less than $100 annually on near- its residents. rent form could create risks for The board would need to change the permanent endow- ly $1 million in assets, the Gun- Hanson’s research into the the city, Hanson noted, because petition the court to allow the ment status. dersen Trust Board here will issue was presented at the July of its history as a 501c3 that change, setting income distri- “By transferring the trust hold a special meeting on Thurs- 14 meeting. His opinions most- never was converted to tax-ex- bution parameters reflecting the assets to an organization like a day, July 29 to consider the fu- ly reinforced the research done empt status as initially planned, foundation the city has selected community foundation,” Han- ture of its investments. Attorney by Wilson, which showed how and therefore was technically a to manage the money. son wrote, “the city will more Bradley Hanson, who has been previous errors by the city’s taxable non-profit entity. The foundations they have readily achieve better results retained to find the best option auditor, attorneys, trust board, Kringstad noted that the looked at so far, Wilson not- without the associated costs and for the trust’s future, will attend and other city officials led to city did not have any actual tax ed, have been earning four to risks.” this meeting in Tower to review the trust losing its tax-exempt liability at this point in time be- five-percent income a year, and Trust board members, at options and answer questions status. Subesequently, the trust cause the trust had not made any while they would charge man- their last meeting, said they are raised by board members and was restricted to investing in capital gains in the time frame agement fees, this would still hoping to get this process under- other city officials. what are now, and most likely of the statute of limitations. create significantly more invest- way as quickly as possible. But The trust is earning less in will continue to be, very low-in- A non-profit community ment income annually for the they noted they still would need investment income than its an- terest CDs and money market foundation would manage the city. to get council approval, would nual expenses. This is due to re- accounts. funds in accordance with the There would be three op- need to select a community strictions on the type of invest- The letter from Hanson wishes of the trust board but tions for the city to consider as foundation to work with, and ments allowed, as well as the gave the board options for future would have much wider latitude far as setting up a management then would need to get permis- requirement for an annual audit management of the near million for safe investment options. The agreement with such a founda- sion from the IRS, and the state and incidental attorney fees. dollars in the trust account. trust board would retain over- tion in respect to how the in- attorney general and local courts The trust assets currently sit at Though Hanson laid out sight of how the income from the vestments are handled, Hanson to make the change. approximately $990,000 and are three possible options, he trust would be distributed. Cur- wrote. The first would be to keep Kringstad estimated the estimated to earn $80 in inter- strongly encouraged the board rently the trust is set up to dis- the trust as initially set up to be a attorney fees associated with est this year, according to trust to look at terminating the trust tribute 75 percent of its income permanent endowment, with the getting the trust dissolved and board treasurer Steve Wilson. in its present form and transfer- above its principal amount, ad- principal (plus annual additions moved to a community founda- The trust board has been ring the funds to a separate pri- justed to annual inflation, to the to account for inflation) to be tion to be between $12,000 and working for the past several vately-managed 501c3 commu- city’s general fund, and the re- kept intact. The second would $15,000. years to find a way to increase nity foundation, which would maining 25 percent is set aside be to have the court remove “It is worth it to get this trust the investment income from the then take over managing the for recreation in the Gundersen that restriction and set what is settled once and for all,” Krings- trust. Currently, Wilson, along investments “in a more efficient Forest area, as well as commu- deemed a “prudent person stan- tad said. “It’s a tangetown right with Tower Mayor Orlyn Kring- and effective manner.” Such a nity education needs. dard”, which would allow a dis- now….Our attorney will let us stad, has been working to unrav- change would require approval Wilson said the board has tribution of four or five percent a make a good decision based on el the history of the trust, which by the court, state attorney gen- been in contact with three com- year, which could include some good data.” was formed in 1992 with the eral, and the IRS. If this change munity foundations in Minne- of the principal. The third option proceeds from the sale of for- is approved, the city would no sota and will solicit proposals would be to have the communi- est and lakeshore lands given to longer be required to do an an- from them on how they would ty foundation adopt a spending the city by Martin and Elizabeth nual audit or filings with the IRS manage the Gundersen dollars policy for the fund.

Obituaries and Death Notices

be held at 11 a.m. on Fri- of 1956 and earned her Sally enjoyed ceramics, Erma V. Mattila Wayne R. Metsa day, July 23 at Immanuel Bachelor’s Degree from painting, the Minneso- Erma V. Schmidt Wayne Roger Metsa, Lutheran Church in Tow- the University of Minne- ta Vikings, and anything Mattila, 86, of Babbitt, 79, of Cook, died on er. Pastor Erika Foss will sota-Duluth. Sally married outdoors. Her greatest joy died on Monday, July 5, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. officiate. A gathering time Ralph F. Christopherson came from spending time 2021. A private memo- A graveside memorial for family and friends will on Dec. 22, 1962, at Geth- with her family. rial service will be held. service will be held at 11 begin one hour prior to the semane Evangelical Lu- Sally is survived by Arrangements are with a.m. on Friday, July 23 service at the church. Me- theran Church in Virginia. her husband of 58 years, Range Funeral Home in at the Alango Cemetery. morials are preferred and She was a longtime resi- Ralph Christopherson; Virginia. Arrangements are with may be directed to Im- dent of Virginia, moving children, Amy (Todd Vla- She is survived by Range Funeral Home in manuel Lutheran Church, to Lake Vermilion-Tower saty) Christopherson of her husband, John Don- Virginia. PO Box 466, Tower, MN in 1988. Coon Rapids and Chad ald Mattila; children, Tom 55790. Family services Sally was employed Christopherson of Maple (Jess) Mattila and Jody Donald O. Niska are provided by Bau- as a teacher for the Vir- Grove; grandchildren, Mattila; grandchildren, Donald O. Niska, 85, man-Vermilion, a Bauman ginia School District, was Nick Christopherson, Willow and Jay; sister, Sally I. Family Funeral Home in an entrepreneur, was the Jack Vlasaty and Cassidy of Ely, a proud veteran of Norma (Orville) Koland; the U.S. Marine Corps, Christopherson Tower. office manager for Ferrell- Christopherson; brother, and numerous friends and Sally was born on gas, and returned to teach- Gary Rankila of Minneap- passed away at his resi- Sally Ilene Chris- acquaintances. Sept. 27, 1939, in Vir- ing as a substitute teacher olis; nieces, nephews, ex- dence on Thursday, July topherson, 81, of Lake ginia, the daughter of in the St. Louis County tended family and friends. 15, 2021. Family arrange- Vermilion-Tower, died on Roy and Ruth (Salminen) School District. She was She was preceded in ments have been entrusted Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Rankila. She was a grad- a member of Immanuel death by her parents; and to Kerntz Funeral Home Edgewood Vista Senior uate of Virginia Roosevelt Lutheran Church in Tow- her in-laws, Ralph and of Ely. Living Center in Virginia. High School in the class er and PEO Chapter DX. Bernice Christopherson. A memorial service will Public hearing set for proposed RV Park TOWER– The Tower 20, but the date had to be an environmental impact information about the Planning and Zoning changed to meet legal no- statement before it can project is available on the Commission will hold tice requirements. move forward. city of Tower’s website at a public hearing to take Developer Justin Anyone with con- cityoftower.com. comment on a proposed Renner is seeking a con- cerns or questions about RV park located on Pike ditional use permit for the project is invited to MAILBOAT EXCURSIONS Bay, just west of the a proposed 49-unit RV attend the hearing. More See 80 miles of Lake Vermilion Standing Bear Marina, on park on a 56-acre parcel. 9 AM-12 Noon • Call for Reservations Tuesday, Aug. 3 at 5:30 As part of that process, a p.m. at the city’s civic public hearing is required. A Good Read.... Mon-Sat 8:30-5:30 • Sun 9-4 center. An earlier hearing Per state law and city or- 6143 Pike Bay Drive • 218-753-4190 www.aronsonboatworks.com on the issue was sched- dinance, the project will “If you want to read a book that instills the feel of a uled for Tuesday, July still require completion of warm handshake, read She Won’t Mow the Daisies PROVEN by local author, Leo Wilenius. This collection of Ethnic Creations short stories covers a life in the northland, its people, MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 7/18/2021 world events and secrets on how to get along in a Handmade gifts from the past to the presentNorth manner that is both mirthful and wise. I thoroughly Classes • Custom Orders enjoyed lessons on our environment and critters in Weaving • Felting • Quilting the northland and the author’s playful approach had Needle Arts me laughing out loud….more than once!” Open Monday & Tuesday from 10-4 -Judith Ulseth, Northwoods Friends of the Arts 7148 Cty Rd 715, Embarrass, MN 55732 218-741-1536 or 218-750-0475 (cell) She Won’t Mow the Daisies is available at the www.finnishethniccreations.com Piragis Book Store in Ely, Ubetcha Antiques and debwiitanen.etsy.com Nordic Home North in Tower. It can be found also at the Country Store, Furniture Plus, Comet Theater, MooseBirds Ely-Winton and Northwoods Protect yourself. Hire licensed. Friends of the Arts in Cook, Irma’s Finland Make sure your next home project is done right Historical Society the first time. Protect your investment by ensuring House and the your contractor is licensed. Last Summer History Night Newsette in History Nights are held in Vermilion Community Virginia, the College Classroom 104. Programs are on Wednesdays Verify a license at www.hirelicensedmn.com Cherry Greenhouse Or call 651-284-5069. at 7 p.m. and FREE, donations gratefully accepted. in Chisholm, July 28: Northern Bedrock - Jill Baum, from Northern Ryan’s Rustic Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps, will discuss the HIRE LICENSED CONTRACTORS Corps and the projects they have worked on in the area. Railings and Norm’s Be MOREEOne Stop in Orr, and the Side Lake Store MINNESOTA in Side Lake.

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CERTIFICATE OF has authorized me to sign this ASSUMED NAME document on his/her behalf, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter or in both capacities. I further NOTICE 333. The filing of an assumed certify that I have completed name does not provide a user all required fields, and that CITY OF TOWER with exclusive rights to that the information in this docu- name. The filing is required for ment is true and correct and in PUBLIC HEARING consumer protection in order compliance with the applicable to enable customers to be able chapter of Minnesota Statutes. to identify the true owner of a I understand that by signing Notice is hereby given that the City of Tower business. this document I am subject will be hosting a public hearing per Ordinance Assumed Name: J & R Water to the penalties of perjury as 82 Article XVI. Section 16.01 on a Conditional Utility Service set forth in Section 609.48 as Use Permit request at 10 Marina Drive (PID PRINCIPAL PLACE OF if I had signed this document 080-0020-00100, 080-0020-00110) located BUSINESS: 12650 Ableman under oath. in the Tower Harbor Renaissance North. Road, Gheen, MN 55771 NAMEHOLDER(S): Dated: May 7, 2021 Requested Conditional Use is for a Seasonal, J & R Wastewater Inc., 12650 SIGNED BY: Johnnie C. Recreational Vehicle Park with 49 sites, 20 Ableman Road, Gheen, MN Huismann, President boat slips, and on 58 acres property. 55771 MAILING ADDRESS: 12650 Ableman Road, Gheen, MN Public Hearing I, the undersigned, certify that 55771 Tuesday August 3 at 5:30 pm I am signing this document as Tower Civic Center the person whose signature Published in the Timberjay, 402 Pine Street, Tower, MN 55790 is required, or as agent of July 16 & 23, 2021 the person(s) whose signa- ture would be required who For copies of the submitted Conditional Use Permit or other questions, contact Zoning Administrator Cliff Koski at zoning@cityoftow- er.com. Written comments on this Conditional EMPLOYMENT Use Permit will be accepted through August 3 and may be mailed to: City of Tower Attn: Zoning Administrator 602 Main Street Information Receptionist PO Box 576 Tower, MN 55790 The Ely Chamber of Commerce has an opening for Or emailed to [email protected] a full-time, year-round Information Receptionist. We are seeking a customer service-oriented Published in the Timberjay, July 23, 2021 individual to assist residents and visitors with business and area information. The position requires knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, internet and email programs, and use of office equipment. A full job description and application EMPLOYMENT are available at Ely.org/chamber/workforce- development. Please submit job applications to [email protected] or stop by the Chamber office at FULL-TIME BARTENDER 1600 E. Sheridan Street, Ely. The City of Orr is accepting applications for a full-time bartender for the Orr Municipal Liquor Store. This is a salaried position that includes vacation package, health insurance, life insur- ance, retirement and sick leave. Looking for individuals who can interact with customers 7/30 in a professional, friendly manner. Must pass background check. The City of Orr is a drug-free work place and Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications may be picked up at the Orr City Hall, 4429 Highway 53, Orr. Call POSITION OPENING City Hall at 218-757-3288 with any questions. tfn Ely Public Schools EMPLOYMENT Playground Aide POSITION OPENING Ely Public Schools is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year for a Playground Ely Public Schools Aide to supervise students and ensure their safety on the playground/indoors as assigned. Grades 6-12 Math Teacher A background check is required. Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Qualifications include: Ely Public Schools is accepting applications Care Center Business Office  High school graduate for a Grades 6-12 Math Teacher beginning PT Nursing Assistant  Casual Secretary / Receptionist Ability to work cooperatively with staff the 2021-2022 school year; competitive sal- Casual Restorative Nursing Assistant  Ability to work effectively with students ary and fringes as per the master agreement. Imaging  Willingness to work outside in adverse Background check is required. RadiologyHospital Dietary weather conditions Care Center BusinessFull Time & Office1 Casual Radiologic Tech FTPT RadiologicUnit Clerk/Nursing Technologist Assistant PT Dietary Aide/Cook  Ability to supervise large number of students Qualifications include: PT Nursing Assistant Casual Secretary Radiologic / Receptionist Tech (weekends only)  Current Minnesota teaching license CentralCasual ~Current Restorative Services NA certification Nursing Assistantand/or EMT Activities Application available at: www.ely.k12.mn.us  PT Central Services Assistant Imaging Previous teaching experience preferred Central Supply/Nursing Casual Activities Assistant  Excellent verbal and written communication Hospital/ERHospital FullEnvironmental Time & 1 Casual Services Radiologic Tech A complete application must include the fol- skills PTFT CentralUnit Clerk/Nursing Supply Assistant/Staffing Assistant FTEnvironmental & PT Housekeeper Services PT Registered Nurse (Wage starting at CasualPT Housekeeper Radiologic Tech (weekends only) lowing: Coordinator-Scheduler ~Current NA certification and/or EMT Casual Environmental Tech I  District Application Application and full job description available $34.06/hr - Sign-On Bonus) Casual Laundry Aide  2 letters of recommendation Casual Laundry Aide at: www.ely.k12.mn.us CareCentralActivities Center Supply/Nursing EnvironmentalCasual Housekeeping Services & Laundry PTFT NursingCentralActivities Supply Assistant Assistant Assistant/Staffing (Wage starting Return materials to: Ely Public Schools, Attn: Start date: August 31, 2021 FT & PT Housekeeper Superintendent, 600 E. Harvey St., Ely, MN at Coordinator-Scheduler$16.36/hr - $1,500 Sign-On Bonus) PTDietary RN or LPN ($4,000 Sign-On Bonus) Casual Environmental Tech I 55731 or email [email protected] Deadline to apply: July 26, 2021; open until ActivitiesPT Dietary Aide/Cook Casual Laundry Aide filled. Adult Day Services PTCasual Activities Dietary Assistant Aide/Cook Starting Rate of Pay: $14.00/hour PT ADS Assistant Published in the Timberjay, July 16 & 23, 2021 Maintenance Hours: up to 5.5 hours/day; student contact Dietary days PTFT DietaryMaintenance/Plant Aide/Cook Operations Casual Dietary Aide/Cook Start date: August 31, 2021 TASHA POLIZZI • ICELANDIC DESIGNS • RHONDA STARK • GRIZZLY Maintenance Deadline to apply: August 4, 2021; open until and many FTo tMaintenance/Planther brand sOperations filled.

Published in the Timberjay, July 23 & 30, 2021 33 E. SHERIDAN ST, ELY, MN • OPEN DAILY AT 9 AM 218.365.3322 • www.mukluks.com FOR Steger Mukluks is Hiring! RENT Factory Work: FT Year-round OFFICE SPACE Sales Work: FT, PT & Seasonal FOR RENT Competitive Wages & Benefits Up to 1,150 square feet of prime office Apply at 100 Miners Dr. in Ely space on the main or call 218-365-6553 tfn level of the Frand- Get sen Bank & Trust building in Tower. Results! Formerly law offic- es. Private entrance off Spruce Street. CONTACT: GREG BUCKLEY Advertise 218.753.6100 in the JIM ERTZ 651.253.5568 Timberjay! 7/30

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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 Centrally Located On Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Call your ad in to AUTOMOTIVE BUILDING 218-753-2950. Display (boxed) classifieds Lake Vermilion Langevin Auto SERVICES are billed by the “inch”- please call for prices and information on discounts. Covered Wet & Dry Boat Storage & Truck Repair Lease or Purchase Options Full Service Call Today – 218-753-2950 or 218-365-3114 Marina • Mechanic on Duty Auto Repair & Garage EAST DHU RIVER SAWMILL INC Convenience Store Hours: 8 AM-5 PM M-F “Put A Piece Of 24-Hour Fuel • Live Bait 2 Miles South of Tower Northern 218-749-0751 4551 Bradley Road, Tower • 753-5457 Minnesota MARINE In Your Home” www.shamrocklanding.com HAIR CARE Superior Quality DREAMWEAVER SALON & • Plank Paneling MERCURY MOCCASIN POINT DAY SPA- Open Monday- • Trim OUTBOARDS Friday 8:30 – 6:30. 218-666- MARINE 5594. tfn • One-Of-A-Kind Moldings Frank’s Marine • Industrial Lumber Sales & Service Mercury, Crestliner, Lund 4655 Moccasin Point Rd www.franksmarinesales.com Lake Vermilion HOSPICE 218-744-1788 [email protected] • Boat launch, rental, Hwy 53, Orr • Call 218-757-3150 VIRGIE HEGG HOSPICE 8825 Hwy 101, Iron, MN 55751 218-753-3319 store & repair PARTNERS can provide help Storage, Boat Rentals, • Cabins for a great, for patients and their fami- Service/Repairs/Sales lies in ways such as: comfort fun vacation care, massages, last wishes Mechanic on Duty and more. For more informa- See us at: www.grubens.com tion, contact Program Director moccasinpointmarine.com Becca Bundy at 218-780-5423 Call us at: 218.753.5000 or [email protected]. Sales • Service 4296 Arrowhead Point Rd, This ad is paid for by Virgie Hegg Hospice Partners. Rentals Tower MN 55790 General Store 218-993-2214 SUPPORT www.handbergs.com GROUPS Ely AA OPEN GROUP MEETINGS- in person meet- ings, Wednesdays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 915 E Camp St., Ely LAKE VERMILION, TOWER Located two miles southwest MS SUPPORT GROUP- meets of Tower on Hwy. 169 the second Friday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Babbitt Municipal Summer Hours: Building, senior room. Open to Mon-Fri: 8:30-5:30, all. For information contact Mary Sat: 9-5, Sun 9-3 at 218-827-8327. PROVEN Storage • Complete Service • Sales ORR AA meets Tuesdays at WANTED 8 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic SELIGA CANOES WANTED: Church, Orr. We’ll buy old Seligas in Good CLOTHING SALE Shape. Turn your classic canoe ELY CO-DEPENDENTS into cash. Call Steve at 365- Our Savior’s Lutheran Church MEETING- Fridays at noon-St. 6745. tfn WELCA CLOTHING SALE, Anthony’s Church Classroom Friday, July 23 from 8-4, and 3-Use west side entrance. For Saturday, July 24 from 8-12, more information go to coda.org YARN SALE $1 PER BROWN PAPER BAG! on the web. 1111 8th St. S, Virginia. 7/23v YARN SALE- 61 Jasper St., OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS- Soudan. Friday, July 23 from Meetings every Wednesday 10-4, and Saturday, July 24 from GARAGE SALE at 4:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s 10-4. Quality yarns, knitting sup- Lutheran Church, Virginia. plies, beautiful baskets, fabrics. GARAGE SALE- Friday, July 23 7/23 BABBITT AL-ANON- meets & Saturday, July 24, 12 noon - Thursdays at 7 p.m. in 6 p.m. 7 Gordon St., Soudan. the upstairs of Woodland FOR SALE Household, large roaster, high Presbyterian Church. chair, baby gate, men’s hunting clothes, much more. 7/23n/c HOOP HOUSES FOR SALE- AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP- 20’x24’, and 30’x72’, both can Are you troubled by someone’s be set up for hydroponic pro- drinking? Al-Anon Family Group duction. Hydroponic equipment is a community-based mutual also for sale. Call Paul Hedrick, support program for the friends PO Box 241, Ely, MN 55731, and families of alcoholics. It is 218-365-5456. 7/30v confidential and open to any- one affected by someone else’s 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.

SELL It HERE 8B July 23, 2021 THE TIMBERJAY

CLIMATE Water levels plunge as drought intensifies Drought ranges from moderate to severe across northern St. Louis County by KAREN BARTUNEK summers in the region in nearly an inch a week. Hotter A ghost forest on the Pike Contributing Writer more than a decade, and those than normal weather has only River Flowage emerges conditions have been intensi- increased the evaporation of from the depths as a result of low water levels REGIONAL— Watch fied by the flash drought that water from lakes and streams, for rocks. That’s the best began impacting the area over while transpiration from photo by M. Helmberger advice area marina operators the past month. struggling plants has left soils the lake level Minnesota can give right now as water Since late June, most exceedingly dry. monitoring program coor- levels have plunged in recent local weather stations have “Every lake has a unique dinator and surface water weeks to levels not seen reported less than half an inch water budget, and that takes in several years. It’s been of rain, during a period when a lot of individual study and one of the hottest and driest normal rainfall amounts to analysis,” said Sandy Fecht, See WATER...pg. 9B

Wildflower Watch This week’s featured flower PURPLE-FRINGED ORCHIDS

Purple-fringed Orchids, Platanthera psycodes are among our showiest mid-sum- mer wildflowers. Look for their spikes of magenta, lace-like flowers amidst sedges or near bogs, ditches, or other wet areas right now. IMPACT OF WILDFIRE The species name, psy- codes, should have been spelled psychodes, with an “h,” which means butterfly-like. That’s an excellent description of these flowers, which do appear like Much of BWCAW closed tiny, lace-winged lepidopterans. Multiple Quetico fires potentially threaten area from Basswood to Crane; progress made on Delta Lake fire It does appear that the ongoing drought has impacted by MARSHALL HELMBERGER the abundance of this flower Managing Editor this year, since they prefer to keep their feet wet. There were REGIONAL— The U.S. a few in bloom this week along Forest Service has closed a sig- the grassy access path to the nificant portion of the Boundary Ancient Cedars trail in Tower, Waters Canoe Area Wilderness so that might be a good place to due to the threat posed by a scout for this fine orchid. half dozen wildfires burning in Quetico Provincial Park, just north of the border. The closed area includes Nature Notes all of the northwestern-most This week’s feature portion of the wilderness area, stretching from just west of BUNCHBERRY Basswood Lake, near Ely, west to Crane Lake. According to Forest Service officials, those fires have become more active in recent days and have the potential to spread to the U.S. side of the border, where they could pose a danger to canoeists in the area as well as potential rescuers. The closure includes all lakes, entry points, portages, and campsites District. “We’d have to go back to it can take considerable time to Top: A squad of firefighters located within the closed area. the early 1970s to find something locate wilderness travelers in the makes its way along a path The closures went into cleared through the Delta similar,” he added. event they might need to evac- effect in two stages, with an Lake fire, east of Ely. So far, firefighters have been uate from an active fire. Several initial closure that began last aided by generally light winds, Forest Service employees nearly Saturday that focused on routes to Above: A map of the closure but there is no guarantee that died a decade ago while warning zone in the BWCAW. It can look like Christmas Crooked Lake. The second much those conditions will continue, canoeists to evacuate ahead of in July when you come upon a larger closure took effect last images courtesy USFS the 2011 Pagami Creek fire, patch of bunchberry, Cornus Sunday and included a roughly which torched about 92,000 acres canadensis, this time of year. thirty-mile stretch of the border ing to Quetico park officials. We’ve been southeast of Ely. This is a showy wildflower country north and west of Ely. The Crooked Lake fire, which Kania said forest officials in the spring, and its white, That closure will remain in place began earlier this month on the using the term opted to give wilderness travelers four-petaled bloom turns into a at least until July 25, and comes Canadian side of the border lake, plenty of notice of the closure tightly-packed ball of bright red on top of the Delta Lake closures ‘historic’ to describe had scorched 4,447 acres, while a so they could evacuate without third fire, near McIntyre Lake had berries by mid-to-late summer. enacted earlier this month. In “ These berries are edible feeling rushed. Wilderness addition, the Forest Service has the conditions. burned 2,261 acres. Combined, rangers began alerting canoeists and are actually an excellent enacted burning restrictions the seven fires currently burning Aaron Kania of the closures late last week and source of vitamin C and across the Superior National Kawishiwi District Ranger in the park have scorched more expanded their efforts with the various flavinoids, although Forest, including the BWCAW, than 16,000 acres. Those fires latest closure order. they taste rather bland, which as drought conditions intensify in are among nearly 120 currently which is why Forest Service At least seven fires are cur- is one reason most folks don’t the region. Temperatures across burning in northwestern Ontario, officials have opted for caution rently burning within the Quetico take advantage of these berries the area have been running well which have contributed to days with the closures in the north- Provincial Park, including a when they’re out foraging. above normal this summer, of smoky conditions across western part of the wilderness. new one reported in the wake The bunchberry is actual- while rainfall has been far below northern Minnesota. “Travel times to these areas in the of a thunderstorm that passed ly a member of the dogwood average in recent months, leaving Given the remote location BWCAW are measured in days, through the area on Monday. family, which is comprised forests tinder dry. “We’ve been of the Quetico fires, along with not hours, and this would not Three of those fires are located almost exclusively of shrubs using the word ‘historic’ to a number of higher priority allow for rapid evacuation of the just north of the border. The and small trees. The bunchber- describe the conditions,” said fires in the province, Canadian area,” stated the Forest Service largest, centered near Ted Lake, ry, however, is content to creep Aaron Kania, district ranger officials are conducting aerial in a statement issued this week. had scorched 4,892 acres as along the forest floor, preferring on the Superior’s Kawishiwi Forest Service officials note that of Tuesday morning, accord- See CLOSURE...pg. 5B acid soils found under pine. THE TIMBERJAY July 23, 2021 9B

CLOSURES...Continued from page 8B from NOAA weather reconnaissance of the fires, Ely has been packed LAKE COUNTRY FORECAST but are not actively seeking with summer visitors in Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday to control them. Quetico recent weeks and Piragis, Superintendent Trevor who runs a retail store in Gibb said Monday’s line addition to his outfitting of thunderstorms brought business, said sales have variable amounts of rain been the best ever this year. to the park, but nowhere But Piragis is more 86 61 84 57 83 56 85 60 89 61 near enough to significantly concerned with the long- impact fire danger in the term outlook. “This may be 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. area. an indication that climate 07/12 89 53 0.00 07/12 88 56 0.00 07/12 87 56 0.00 07/12 84 61 0.00 07/12 87 53 0.00 07/13 85 52 0.00 07/13 84 53 0.00 07/13 84 59 0.00 07/13 82 59 0.00 07/13 85 54 0.00 Like their American change is finally catching 07/14 85 49 0.00 07/14 84 47 0.00 07/14 82 59 0.00 07/14 77 54 0.00 07/14 84 48 0.00 counterparts, Quetico offi- up with us,” he said, noting 07/15 78 44 0.00 07/15 77 44 0.00 07/15 75 48 0.00 07/15 79 48 0.00 07/15 76 44 0.00 07/16 83 47 0.00 07/16 82 47 0.00 07/16 79 50 0.00 07/16 88 57 0.00 07/16 82 47 0.00 cials have instituted their that the summer has been 07/17 87 50 0.00 07/17 85 46 0.00 07/17 86 55 0.00 07/17 88 61 0.00 07/17 88 50 0.00 own closure across a wide exceptionally hot and dry 07/18 91 54 0.00 07/18 90 51 0.00 07/18 88 60 0.00 07/18 90 61 0.00 07/18 90 52 0.00 swath of the southwest- all across the western Total 7.11 YTD Total 8.10 YTD Total 8.65 YTD Total 10.80 YTD Total 10.44 ern portion of the 1.2 half of North America. million-acre park, from While Piragis said he Fishing reports roughly Agnes Lake in the remembers one previous east to Lac La Croix in the Boundary Waters closure Ely area the evening hours. active bass. west. years ago, he said that was Smallmouth bass fishing Pike anglers continue to report Walleye fishing remained steady Outfitters impacted in September, which is fre- remains excellent on many area catching lots of pike, but the majority this last week. Anglers continue to lakes, as the shallow water, early of them have been on the smaller While the closures in quently a period of higher find walleyes fairly shallow in 10 morning, topwater bite continues to side. Anglers continue to find the Boundary Waters were fire danger in northeastern feet of water or less, in most area be excellent for many anglers. Here, active pike in classic summertime instituted for safety, they’ve Minnesota. “We’ve never lakes. Here anglers are either finding whopper ploppers, pop-r’s and torpe- locations like weedlines and river left Ely area outfitters had fire conditions like this walleyes on shallow boulder flats does have been hard to beat. As the mouths. Spoons, spinnerbaits and scrambling to accommo- in mid-summer,” he said, with night crawlers or on shallow sun gets up, the topwater bite cools large minnow baits have been very date clients whose permits and he’s concerned the weedlines with leeches. There are off, so anglers switching to wacky consistent producers for anglers. for trips into the affected fire situation could still get a handful of lakes where anglers worms or senkos and continue to Courtesy of Arrowhead areas have been canceled. significantly worse. have been catching big walleyes catch good numbers of bass. Large Outdoors, Ely Ely outfitter Jason Zabokrtsky agrees and out in sunken islands in 20-25 feet boulder flats on points and around Zabokrtsky said his staff said that’s one reason he’s of water, with jigging raps, during islands have been areas to check for had been able to manage not second-guessing the the more limited closures Forest Service’s decision to from the Delta fire and the close such a broad stretch Crooked Lake fire that had of the Boundary Waters. WATER...Continued from page 4B been announced late last “These are really signifi- hydrologist at the Department of means they’re around the fifth point to a wetter Minnesota in the week. “With the dramatic cant fires, and conditions Natural Resources, “but obviously percentile or below for water flow. future. But DNR climatologist Luigi closure of such a large area, are such that they have to precipitation is a very large factor.” And for most area lakes and rivers, Romolo notes that the climate may however, we just don’t have take really significant pre- The region is currently in the the lowest water levels typically simply become more variable, with good options for redirecting cautions,” he said. midst of drought, which ranges aren’t seen until August or early really wet years interspersed with people,” he said. Considering options from severe in much of northwest- September, at the end of the summer really dry years in the future. As Finding alternatives While the Quetico fires ern St. Louis County, to moderate season. In other words, it could get to whether the current dry season, has been made even harder have, so far, remained north elsewhere. That’s according to the worse before it gets better. lasting from the previous summer to by the fact that virtually of the border, the growth in latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, Locals on Lake Vermilion and this summer, is pointing to climate every Boundary Waters the fires in recent days has published July 15. its surrounding towns have taken change, it is still uncertain, said permit has already been created large fire fronts that The falling water levels have notice. Romolo. “For me, to pin one specific reserved for many peak could easily explode during inconvenienced boaters, translating “We have a beach where we had drought on climate change would be periods this summer. While the next windy, dry day, into an increase in prop repairs at none before,” said Judy Sonnenberg, difficult,” he said. that’s not unusual for those as the Pagami Creek fire places like Aronson Boat Works on pointing to the area near her boat By themselves, fluctuations seeking the very limited demonstrated in 2011. That Lake Vermilion, as even the expe- dock. in water levels are natural and can number of motorized prospect prompted Forest rienced have struck rocks in unex- Though drought is natural actually benefit the aquatic ecosys- permits, Zabokrtsky said Service officials to reach pected places. “We’re even seeing to Minnesota’s weather patterns, tem, notes Lee Frelich, director of this year is the first time out early on to Canadian mud trails when people leave,” extreme weather fluctuations are the Center for Forest Ecology at the that he’s seen days when no authorities in an effort said Gretchen Niemiste, who owns raising questions as to whether this University of Minnesota. “That’s canoe permits are available. to coordinate monitoring and operates the boat works with is indicative of something bigger. “I because there are some plant species “It’s a shocking thing to and contingency planning, her husband John. The water is so do believe in global warming and that do really well with high water look at the reservation site assuming the fires continue low that some buoys placed by St. I think that we’re in a crisis,” said levels and others that do well with and see all zeros,” he said. to grow. Louis County have toppled or drifted John Aronson, who has lived in the low water levels so if you have this The shortage of “We have a crew up partially off the reefs or rock piles Lake Vermilion area his entire life. fluctuation, it kind of maintains all permits points to the sharp there assessing the area, they’re meant to warn against. “I think the whole planet is in a crisis the species.” increase in interest in vis- if and when it does cross It isn’t just lake levels that have right now, and things are changing,” “I’m actually happy to see that iting the BWCAW since the border,” said Joanna been affected. Area rivers across Aronson said. He notes that the water we’re getting some fluctuation in the COVID-19 pandemic. Gilkerson, chief informa- the region are at some of the lowest level on Vermilion is down about 24 water levels even though I know Zabokrtsky said his busi- tion officer for the Superior. levels in more than a decade. The inches since the spring. “At the rate it’s not convenient for everyone. I ness was booming, at least For now, at least, U.S. fire- Vermilion, Littlefork, Basswood, it’s evaporating, we’re really gonna just hope it’s not a sign that climate until the closure hit. Now, fighters will be confining and Rainy rivers are all running be in trouble,” he predicted. change is speeding up faster than given the lack of permits their activities to the U.S. well below their annual Q90, which Climate change models actually we thought it would.” Frelich said. and the uncertainty created side, said Gilkerson. by the fires, he’s seeing a significant number of trip cancellations. “We were on track to have our busiest season ever, but based on the cancellations I’m seeing, I don’t know that that’s going to be the case,” he said. The final results will depend on how long the closures last, but Zabokrtsky isn’t optimistic given the weather so far this summer. “My thoughts are that we may be dealing with this until the snow flies,” he said. Ely outfitter Steve Piragis agrees that the closure could remain in effect for some time, and that it’s likely to affect the bottom line. The good news, however, is that Piragis’s company was already having an excep- tional year so they’ll likely weather this new bump in the road. RANGE JEWELRY & GIFTS Diamond Earring H H SALE H H 1 Carat Total Weight ($2,925 reg) $2,100 SALE other sizes available OPEN: Tues-Sat 9-5 218-827-2515 Babbitt Shopping Center

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