News

by Tom Coombe
It’s been a busy and fruitful year at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, and all signs indicate that things aren’t about to slow down.
The hospital posted operating income of over $568,000 in the fiscal year that ended in September, and new administrator Michael Coyle said Monday that additional services, new branding and marketing and perhaps an overhaul to the hospital campus are on the way.
Coyle, who succeeded longtime chief executive officer John Fossum earlier this year, was brimming with enthusiasm Monday, as hospital shareholders gathered for the annual meeting of Ely-Bloomenson’s umbrella organization- the Ely Health and Hospital Foudation.
A new logo was unveiled and Coyle outlined an array of plans for 2019 that address everything from hospital facilities to enhancements to an already growing surgical department.

by Nancy McReady
There was lengthy discussion about the upcoming St. Louis County Planning meeting scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the public works building in Virginia. The meeting will focus on whether or not to give the Will Steger Wilderness Center non-profit status.
Although not in Fall Lake Township, Supervisor Mary Tome said her concern was the increased traffic that would be on the Cloquet Line leading up to Steger’s. Some comments made were that Steger should contribute to the upgrading of the road before given non-profit status.
Fall Lake Township maintains the Cloquet Line to Browns Lake Road. Beyond Browns Lake Road, the road is a Forest Service road that is not maintained.
The DNR did do some road improvements a few years ago as there are DNR landings on Cedar Lake and Low Lake.

Retiring U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s Eighth District Rick Nolan and staffer Jeff Anderson. Photo by Nick Wognum

by Tom Coombe -

by Anne Swenson -

Whether it’s human interest stories, event photos or hard news, the Ely Echo covers it all every week of the year! Order a new subscription now and receive a copy of “East of Ely” to treasure! Yearly subscription in Ely is $40, other Minnesota is $52 and Out of state is $68. Call 218-365-3141, extension 20 to order.

ICE RESCUE TRAINING - Morse-Fall Lake Fire Department and First Responders held ice rescue training on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Silver Rapids Lodge. Pictured are Mike Harri, Jessica Scherbing, Amy Consoer, instructor Jeff Cielocha, Preston Leustek, Jim Blauch, Joe Hiller, Mike Meskill, Mark Plants and Julie Baxter. Also participating were Dustin Moravitz, Barb Garrison and Johnnie Hyde.

The Morse-Fall Lake Fire Department and First Responders held ice rescue training on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Silver Rapids Lodge. The yellow suits are cold water suits called Mustang Suits. The yellow boat is a water/ice rescue craft that is designed to support two rescuers plus the patient. It is also known as the banana boat. Pictured participating in the training were Joe Hiller and Julie Baxter in the banana boat, Mark Plantz and Dusty Moravitz on the ropes, and instructor Jeff Cielocha, Jessica Scherbing and Hiller in the water.

A FULL COMPLEMENT of Christmas music filled the air at Washington Auditorium during the Ely Community Christmas Choir Concert Sunday in Ely. Photos by Pam Roberts

Review by Charles D Novak

Pictured are Sheila Angus, Kris Winkelman, Jane Hall, Kim Puzel, Allison Heiman of ECR, Kristy Johnson and Linda Minier.

Teaming up with Linda Minier, owner of Arctic Athletics, for the holidays are the Ely School’s “Lunch Ladies and Rich.”
In lieu of exchanging the typical Secret Santa gifts, the workers decided to do something more giving.
With Minier, who donated her time to craft 40 pairs of mittens and 10 outfits to be given to ECR (Ely Community Resource), the group will help children in need of warm hands.
Taking part are Kim Puzel, Sheila Angus, Kristy Johnson, Jane Hall, Kris Winkelman and Linda Minier. Absent from the photo is Rick Kovall.
The group encourages other friends, companies, groups and teams to do the same. ’Tis the season for giving.

photo on the trail by Snotty Moose Photography

by Tom Coombe -