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ON STAGE and chilling out with the ice fishing theme for the February reading competition at Washington Elementary were Ammie Peterson, Mataya Barrett and Holly Sherman. Photo by Nick Wognum.

STUDIO NORTH Mini Competition Teamt: Back Row: Aila Harding, Evie Cooley, Ella Perish, Jesse Oelke, Sabrah Hart, Rhys Truty, Izzy Chick, Bria Marshall, Chezne Nickolson; Middle Row: Grace Flynn, Cylvia DeBeltz, Madison Jonas; Front Row: Charlee Nielsen, Audrey Engen, Tracy Thibodeaux

by Tom Coombe
Finn Liesching came to Ely in part to hone up on his English skills and try out American sports.
The exchange student from Germany has done that, and much more, in his seven months in the community.
Liesching shared some of his experiences and anecdotes this week at the Tuesday Group luncheon.
“It’s been a blast here in Ely,” said Liesching, who is here as part of the Rotary Exchange Student initiative. “It’s been such a good time. All the people are so welcoming.”
The youngest of four children, Liesching opted to go abroad for his junior year of high school and will have two more years of high school to complete once he returns to his home, near the French border.
While he grew up playing soccer, the signature sport of his nation, Liesching also became a fan of the NFL and dabbled in American football in his home country.

Entry 1
My name is Susan Cook. I grew up in Ely, Minnesota, and I am halfway through my sophomore year of college at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.

This semester I am studying abroad in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and I will be periodically sharing stories of my time here.
I received very mixed reactions from my friends and family when I told them I selected this location for my semester abroad. Some people thought it was really cool that I was doing something so outside of the study abroad norm, but many were quite skeptical of my decision.
However, these occasional negative reactions did not dampen my excitement in the slightest. My desire to travel has always been strong and I knew I wanted something completely different from the small town Minnesota life I’m so accustomed to.

by Tom Coombe -

by Anne Swenson
In 2018, It might have been a bit late when Shagawa Lake was officially declared open, but it made it in time for that Saturday’s fishing opener. The date officially was Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 1:16 p.m. as declared by Grand Ely Lodge employees.
The Ely Echo Shagawa Lake Ice Out Contest is official when a boat could leave Grand Ely Lodge’s dock and cross to the north side of the lake, chunks of ice notwithstanding.
Off by one hour, 27 minutes on April 14, but nonetheless the winner for the second year in a row was Jack Hautala of Winton, taking the 2018 first place prize of $100 in a GEL Gift Certificate with 10 a.m.
Second place went to Julie Faltinson, Eden Prairie, MN which gained her a $50 Ely Echo Gift Certificate. James Hedin, Duluth took third place and the $25 GEL Gift Certificate.

Where's the One stop shop for job-seekers?
Who is Scheming and dreaming?
When is the Ice Out Contest beginning?
What Ely team was knocked out of playoffs?
What Ely team is heading for Florida debut?
How can you save $$ on an Echo subscription? Trade in your Saver!
See the special offer in this week’s Ely Echo - sent to all area homes!

NEIGHBORS Gordon Franks and his wife Audrey are heroes for Cindy Nicholson (center). Photo by Cam Weisert

Cindy Nicholson nominated Washington Street neighbor Gordy Franks and they received this week’s prizes. Cindy wrote, “Even since I moved next door to Gordy, he has come over with his four wheeler/snow blower to move my snow. Even when I try to beat him to it I fail. He also uses his riding mower in the summer to mow my lawn. He’s seen me with my push mower and tells me he can do it faster as long as he is mowing his too. It’s been almost 20 years and I appreciate him as much now as I did at year one. He and Audrey are the best neighbors ever!”

RAINING in the restaurant at Grand Ely Lodge following a water line break. Submitted photo.

by Tom Coombe -

WINNER of the eight dog race at the WolfTrack Classic was Brian Bergen. Photo by Ruthanne Fenske

by Tom Coombe -