by Doug Luthanen
Dear Santa,
dwl: Hello, my AI friend. Would you help me write a letter to Santa Claus?
AI: Absolutely! Here’s a cheerful and heartfelt letter to Santa you can use or personalize.
“I hope you’re doing well up at the North Pole and that the elves and reindeer are all happy and healthy. I’ve been trying my best to be kind and helpful this year, and I’m really excited for Christmas! I’ve been helping out at home, being kind to others, and working hard at school.”
dwl: OK, good start. I knew you could help. (I do try to do my share at home and treat others with kindness, but I must confess, Tolerant Readers, that I didn’t work that hard at school. I hope AI can’t access my academic records.) What’s next in my letter to Santa?
AI: “This Christmas, I would like _ “ [insert your wish list here]
dwl: OK, here is my 2025 wish list.
1. Lower property taxes in Saint Louis County. Santa, the county has raised the valuations and mill rate on properties here. It’s like I have to re-buy my shack every couple of years.
2. If you can’t lower the taxes, could you persuade the voters to elect representatives who are more timid about spending taxpayers’ money?
AI: I can’t directly change tax rates myself, but I can definitely help you understand how tax policy works in St. Louis County, Minnesota and what steps you could take to advocate for lower taxes.
Who Sets Taxes in St. Louis County?
Local taxes—like property taxes—are set by:
• County Board of Commissioners • City Councils (if you live in a city within the county) • School Boards
• Special taxing districts (e.g., watershed, transit) They determine budgets and levy taxes accordingly.
dwl: It doesn’t seem like that to me. It seems they raise taxes as much as they can then decide how to spend just a little more than what they collect.
AI: If you’re interested in lowering taxes, here are some steps you can take: Attend public budget hearings: These are held annually and allow residents to voice concerns.
Contact your county commissioner: Share your views and ask about budget priorities.
Organize or join local advocacy groups: Collective voices often have more impact.
Vote in local elections: Tax policy is shaped by elected officials— your vote matters.
dwl: That sounds like, well, sound advice. I was hoping for a Santa solution. But if there’s no Santa solution for this, could you at least get the county to normalize the hours of operation of the transfer stations? You’d think we taxpayers ought to be able to toss our trash during normal business hours and days.
AI: Northwoods Transfer Station Hours (Ely-Babbitt)
Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed Closed on all U.S. federal holidays Location: 9384 Hwy 21 N, Ely, MN 55731
dwl: (Sigh. Doesn’t sound like we’re going to get much help from AI. Let’s take a different tack.) AI, my friend, what are the hours at Antlers Lounge at Grand Ely Lodge?
AI: Antlers Lounge at the Grand Ely Lodge is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with the kitchen closing at 9:00 PM.
dwl: Would you ask Santa to meet me there next election day?
Doug Luthanen grew up in Ely and graduated from Memorial High School in 1967. He wrote a weekly viewpoint column for the Northwest Arkansas Times for four years and is an occasional contributor to The Ely Echo.
