News

Flames along Hwy. 1. Photo by Jenn Cole-Foster.

by Tom Coombe -

High School trapshooting across the state of Minnesota completed the final week of the regular season on May 25 but that doesn’t mean the guns get oiled and put away anytime soon.
With the State Championship right around the corner the Babbitt Conservation Club has opened its trap range four nights a week giving athletes more opportunities to shoot as often and as much as they want.
Northeast Range is scheduled to shoot on Thursday, June 13 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Alexandria Shooting Park which is the State Tournament qualifier.
The Club also took time to treat the team to its annual Open House/Fun Shoot. It was a time for the team to pass out season awards, enjoy a BBQ and participate in the Annie Oakley Tournament.
Winning the overall High Gun award this year was Joseph Foster with a season average of 21.33. He also won the boys division with runners up being Josh Pohlman and Tracker Koivisto.

Last call for Ely Arts & Heritage Center 2019 Childrens’ Summer Art Camp. There are a few spaces open for children in grades 2-6 for Art Camp Monday June 10 thru Wednesday June 12 at the Ely Miner’s Dry on Miner’s Landing Road at the Pioneer Mine Site. Doors open Monday at 8:45 AM and 9:00 Tuesday and Wednesday and camp ends daily at Noon. An Art Show for friends, family, and the public showcasing camp work is Noon Wednesday. Projects include stone carving, drawing, water colors, garden poles, tile mosaics, placemats and kite making. To confirm space please call 218-235-1912 or write muffinely@gmail.com.

Keiko Williams (left) was on last year’s bike tour.

Kawishiwi Ranger District Completes Prescribed Fires to Meet Multiple Objectives
June 3, 2019, Ely, MN–Kawishiwi Ranger District crews completed ignition on two Prescribed Fire Units over the weekend, the Pitcha Pine and North School Section Units. A total of about 1,200 acres were burned as part of a plan for several prescribed fire projects that may occur this spring. Forest personnel were assisted by the Lake Vermillion Fire Brigade and the Black Hills (SD), Kootenai (MT), Daniel Boone (KY), Chippewa (MN), Lolo (MT), and Nebraska (NB) National Forests, plus Minnesota state personnel.

by Tom Coombe -

Babbitt mayor Andrea Zupancich, Ely mayor Chuck Novak, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities chief operating officer Greg Waibel, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities vice president of camping Tom Kranz, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities general board member Tony Bassett cut the ribbon to open the new new YMCA Camp Northern Lights grand opening celebration on May 25. Previously the facility was known as Northern Lights Lodge and Timber Wolf Lodge Camp Northern Lights is located on Bear Island Lake. Photo by Hailey Worth.

by Tom Coombe -

The Pitcha Pine Prescribed Fire is planned for Saturday, June 1, 2019. This unit is located on Highway 1 southeast of Ely, MN. Residents and visitors may see or smell smoke along Highway 1.

The North School Section Prescribed Fire is planned for Sunday, June 2, 2019 depending on fuels and weather conditions. This unit is located on the west/northwest side of Burntside Lake. Residents and visitors on Burntside Lake may see or smell smoke in the area.The Pitcha Pine Units (556 acres) are located on both sides of Highway 1
between the Chub Lake boat access and County Highway 2 in T60N, R10W, Sections 20 and 21.