News - The Timberjay

First read for city’s cannabinoid ordinance

ELY- The Ely City Council approved the first reading of an edible cannabinoid ordinance at its March 21 meeting. The proposed ordinance contained a surprise: it included a provision for the … more

Catie Clark | 3/22/23

Costumed kids on a visit to the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.

WIZARDS, NINJAS & MORE

Timberjay photographers were out and about on Tuesday capturing images of area Halloween festivities. more

Timberjay staff | 11/2/23

The cross-hatched portion of this map of Lake Vermilion encompasses areas potentially served by a major new Bois Forte broadband project recently approved for funding.

Bois Forte broadband project will have major impact

REGIONAL- The $19.8 million high-speed broadband grant recently awarded to the Bois Forte Band will have impact far beyond the borders of the reservation, allowing the Band to extend the benefits of … more

David Colburn | 10/19/22

Most charges in VNP case dismissed

REGIONAL- It was a relatively successful day in court Dec. 28 for Justin Ebel, of Ash River, as four of five citations issued by Voyageurs National Park law enforcement rangers in a June 2022 … more

David Colburn | 1/11/23

Ian Lah, in his portrayal of Seymour Krelborn, reacts as he discovers that the carnivorous plant, Audrey II, is devouring a human victim.

Beware the man-eating plant

ELY— After two months of production and rehearsal, the curtain goes up Thursday on the Northern Lakes Arts Association’s stage production of Little Shop of Horrors. The musical, staged at … more

Catie Clark | 3/22/23

Jan Munzberg, who grew up in Grand Rapids, talked about her life and career in Australia.

Learning about life “down under”

TOWER- Jan and David Munzberg came all the way from Aldinga Beach, South Australia, to speak to an event held at the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center earlier this month. But the retired educators have … more

Jodi Summit | 8/23/23

Pickleball committee begins planning effort

GREENWOOD TWP- After getting the green light for expanding pickleball opportunities in the township on Oct. 10, planning for the new courts is already underway. At their first meeting on Oct. 24, the … more

Jodi Summit | 11/2/23

Timberjay hires new Ely editor

ELY—The Timberjay has hired a new full-time Ely editor to replace Keith Vandervort, who died suddenly last August. Catherine “Catie” Helm-Clark is a research geologist who turned to … more

10/19/22

Students working under the guidance of VCS teacher Karin Schmidt this week. The school environment will be changed for the better following planned renovations set to take place over the summer.

Major charter school renovation plan approved

TOWER— The Tower Economic Development Authority (TEDA) has approved the first phase of a renovation plan designed to significantly reduce energy usage and improve the learning environment at … more

Jodi Summit | 3/22/23

County road conditions system wins national award

REGIONAL- When a winter storm hits overnight, with the vast size of St. Louis County, it’s not unusual to see high levels of snow in one area, possibly freezing drizzle in another area, and … more

8/23/23

Walz eliminates college requirement for many state jobs

REGIONAL- In a move to increase the pool of potential applicants for state-funded job opportunities, Gov. Tim Walz on Monday issued an executive order that eliminates college degree requirements for … more

David Colburn | 11/2/23

The parking lot at the Marjo Motel in Tower has been largely empty in recent weeks as the lack of snow has kept snowmobilers away.

Little snow is wreaking havoc with winter economy

REGIONAL— While most North Country residents are likely relieved by the warmer weather that settled in this week after ten days of arctic chill, the change isn’t so welcome to area … more

Marshall Helmberger | 1/24/24

School board, teachers ink new contract

VIRGINIA - ISD 2142 teachers will work the final days of the school year with a new contract after school board members, without comment, voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve an agreement … more

David Colburn | 5/25/22

Ely man jailed for social media death threats

ELY— A 47-year-old Ely man is facing criminal charges after posting multiple death threats against law enforcement officers on social media in response to an imminent eviction notice delivered … more

David Colburn | 10/19/22

Brandenburg honored with Lifetime Achievement award

ELY— Minnesota native and long-time Ely area resident Jim Brandenburg has received no shortage of top awards in his more than half a century as a photographer. But the Lifetime Achievement … more

Marshall Helmberger | 3/22/23

Tradition links area’s past to the present

TOWER- While the Herb Lamppa Civic Center was not as full as in recent years, many took time out of their holiday weekend to honor and remember those who both gave their lives while in service to our … more

Jodi Summit | 6/1/23

Shelter will serve families on Iron Range experiencing homelessness

VIRGINIA— Ground was broken earlier this month on a new fourplex here designed to help address the ongoing problem of homelessness in St. Louis County. Nearly 100 families in northern St. Louis … more

8/23/23

City makes the case for more ambulance support

TOWER- The city clerk-treasurer here told members of the Tower Ambulance Commission, Monday, that they can no longer count on the city to backfill the the Tower Ambulance Service’s financial … more

Jodi Summit | 1/24/24

The rising waters of Crane Lake threaten a cabin last week. Continued rise is now expected to last into early June.

Historic flooding

REGIONAL- Lakefront property owners at Crane Lake and Kabetogama continue battling the still-rising flood waters of the Rainy River Basin, flooding that immediately threatens to eclipse the highest … more

David Colburn | 5/25/22

Haley Glatch appears pleased with her pumpkin’s scary grin.

Jack-O-Lanterns galore

TOWER- Valerie Turnbull is a nurse by day, but somehow this mother of three has been finding time to organize community events for area families. Her latest success was a free community pumpkin … more

Jodi Summit | 10/19/22

Ely council addresses several development projects

Editor’s Note: Other actions by the Ely City Council, including the first reading of a cannabinoid ordinance and a proclamation of the Year of “Frozen” are covered in other stories … more

Catie Clark | 3/22/23

Obituaries: August 25, 2023

Ronald A. Pecha Jr. Ronald Anthony Pecha Jr., 58, of Soudan, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth after a painful battle with cancer. A Funeral Mass will be at … more

8/23/23

EEDA to help with child care center construction

ELY- The Ely Economic Development Authority (EEDA) voted Oct. 31 to provide boiler and snowplow services to encourage the construction of a planned child care center inside the Ely Area Community … more

Catie Clark | 11/2/23

MPR freelancer Erica Dischino (left) talking with Emily Roose (center) and Mike Banovetz (right) at the Jan. 18 Braver Angels meeting in Ely.

Talking to the other side

ELY- There was a nearly full house last Thursday, Jan. 18, as the newly-formed Ely chapter of Braver Angels held its first workshop at the Ely Senior Center. Braver Angels is a national organization … more

Catie Clark | 1/24/24

Former Ely Chamber of Commerce leader Linda Fryer's impact on the community will be recognized with a street to be named after her.

Street to be renamed in honor of Linda Fryer

ELY – At the request of the Ely Tourism Bureau, the city council here will honor a longtime Chamber of Commerce executive director by renaming a portion of Seventh Avenue, adjacent to Whiteside … more

Keith Vandervort | 5/25/22