News

Frontier Communications has failed to provide adequate, reliable phone and internet service to its Minnesota customers, according to an investigation by the Minnesota Commerce Department.

The investigative report was filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Friday, January 4, 2019.

The report recommends that Frontier be required to refund or credit customers for service outages and unauthorized charges; add staffing to improve customer service; and increase investments in infrastructure and equipment.

The investigation focused on the service quality, customer service and billing practices of Frontier Communications of Minnesota, Inc., and its affiliate, Citizens Telecommunications of Minnesota, LLC.

Together, they provide landline phone service to nearly 100,000 Minnesota households and businesses, as well as internet service, in parts of northeastern Minnesota, southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area.

ELY’S Anna Urbas worked to help get Pete Stauber elected to Congress.

by Tom Coombe -

News doesn't stop happening and neither does the Ely Echo! For news of the million dollar winner in Ely, Goodwill store in Ely closing, the Fun Run runs wild on January 19 for the 19th time. City council members are sworn in and business continues. All the young hockey players get their spotlight and introduction to the community. Plus sports news and columnists and more news!
Subscriptions are always welcomed!

Imagine waking up on New Year’s Day and discovering that you have won $1 million. That is how the new year began for Ely resident Andy Gibbons.
After double checking his Minnesota Millionaire Raffle ticket “eight times” to make sure that he was not mistaken, he did something many brand new millionaires would not; Gibbons went to work.
“After I realized I had won, I actually had work to do so I went to work. I work at a camp and there was some cleaning that needed to be done. I went to work and cleaned some lodges,” he said.
“It didn’t really sink in until about 9 a.m.,” he said. “I wasn’t really sure until I heard it through Facebook that the winner was from Ely.”
Gibbons finally took time off work to claim the $1 million prize on Jan. 3.
Voyageur Short Stop, located at 1815 E. Sheridan St. in Ely, sold Gibbons’ winning ticket. His ticket matched the number 442917.
The business will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

When Ken Hupila is out and about at all times of the day, he has his camera at the ready for his Snotty Moose Photography studio.

RETURNING to the Ely City Council was mayor Chuck Novak, who was sworn in by city operations director Harold Langowski. Photo by Tom Coombe. Photos of the other candidates and the harrowing experience of Angela Campbell in an accident days prior are profiled in this week's Ely Echo.

In an effort to improve its efficiency, Goodwill Industries Vocational Enterprises is announcing the closure of its retail store and donation center in Ely, MN effective January, 19, 2019. The store, which is located at 40 N. 2nd Avenue East, has been at that location for the past five years.
President and CEO, Marcy Vogt stated, “After long and careful deliberation Goodwill’s Board of Directors has concluded that this decision is a necessary step in becoming a more efficient organization.”
Approximately six people will be impacted by the store closure and Goodwill is working diligently to identify how to support everyone’s transition needs.

Covering the news that is important to readers, the Ely Echo has become the largest weekly newspaper serving the area. The only newspaper with offices in Ely - 15 East Chapman Street - and the only LEGAL newspaper fpr the city of Ely, School District and the area. Just $35 for a year delivered to your email in full color! 218-365-3141

CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL on Burntside Lake in front of the Bianco residence became a viral sensation online.CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL on Burntside Lake in front of the Bianco residence became a viral sensation online.

by Nick Wognum -

BROKEN ICE where a snowmobile went into the water on White Iron Lake. Photo courtesy of Kurt Erickson.

by Nick Wognum -