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Carol Jean Maddern,96, a lifelong resident of the Tower-Soudan, Babbitt, Eagles Nest and Ely areas; passed on peacefully with
family at her side on September 24th at Carefree Living Ely. She was born March 22, 1924 in Soudan to Andrew and Elsie (Sovde) Larson. She
attended the Tower-Soudan schools. On May 21, 1942 she married Richard (Dick) Maddern of Ely. Carol was a beautiful woman, a wonderful

by Nick Wognum
U.S. President Donald Trump took time from a campaign rally speech in Bemidji on Sept. 11 to recognize Winton Mayor Kathy Brandau.
Also recognized were Babbitt Mayor Andrea Zupanich, Auorora Mayor Chris Vreeland and Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe.
Trump cited the mayors who endorsed Trump “in the Iron Range area” and asked Cuffe why he did so.
“Because you’re the best candidate we could ever hope for” Trump said Cuffe replied. “That’s cool man, thank you,” said Trump.
“Andrea Zupancich, where’s Andrea?” Trump said, struggling a bit with the pronunciation. “Thank you very much, that’s really nice.”
Trump also thanked Vreeland and then turned to the mayor of Winton.
“Kathy Brandau. Kathy Brandau, thank you Kathy. I hope you’re having a good time tonight, we’re not going to let you down, you know that,” said Trump.
Brandau said the whole event was something she won’t forget.

by Nick Wognum
Four candidates for three Ely School Board positions found plenty of common ground Tuesday night.
A candidates’ forum, held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, featured no fireworks and a few technical glitches, with sketchy rural internet service often disrupting responses delivered by candidate Darren Visser.
One of three first-time candidates, Visser joined fellow political newcomers Rachel Brophy and Hollee Coombe and incumbent Tom Omerza at the event sponsored by Ely’s Rotary Club and the local branch of the American Association of University Women.
The candidates took turns answering questions in the 90-minute event, and all four voices consistent support for district teaching staff and providing further opportunities for students.

The future is finally here for Ely’s tourism economy as ATV trails were filled with riders for a state convention this past weekend.
The Prospector Alliance has been working to build trails to connect Ely, Babbitt, Tower and Embarrass for seven years. A lot of hard work is about to pay off for area businesses.
ATV Minnesota held its annual Ride and Rally in the four communities and attracted nearly 200 riders on Friday for a VIP ride from Embarrass to Tower. Politicians including U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, Minnesota state Senator Tom Bakk and Minnesota state Rep. Kurt Daudt, Rob Ecklund and Dave Lislegard were on hand and joined by local officials as well.
On Saturday, over 340 riders left on 12 different rides from seven locations, traveling between the four communities as well as south toward the North Shore. You can do that with over 250 miles of trails.

The roads, most of them two lane, were bumpy and at times treacherous. It was wartime and army base buses and trucks carried soldiers to their future assignments.
Minnesota wasn’t much better. No carriers of military, but gravel was part of the two-lane road. It was all new to an Illinois child.
Activity in the mine pits around Virginia had no relationship to the rock pits left so far beyond near home.
The man spoke of Lake Vermilion as the place their pastor lived on an island in the summertime. They had chosen his Illinois church in which to be married.
During the gold rush in the area, his sister had stayed with local families while teaching school in the Tower area.
As they progressed toward there journey, they saw glimpses of lakes and resort signs.
Finally the car reached Ely and the road was filled with laden logging trucks on their way to mills. They were so big that it looked like they would be unable to stop suddenly if need be.

by Nick Wognum
High school football and volleyball are back in Ely and across the state of Minnesota.
Action Monday by the Minnesota State High School League’s board of directors reversed an August decision to move those sports to the spring and placed them back in what will be an abbreviated fall season.
Practices have started and games begin in just under two weeks in both sports, although volleyball games will be held without spectators because of state restrictions related to the coronavirus.
But up to 250 fans will be allowed at outdoor events, and the lights will go on at Ely School Stadium either Oct. 14 or Oct. 15 for the home football opener with Cook County.
The developments made for a hectic week at Ely High School, with practice plans and game schedules coming rapidly into place for seasons that had been put on hold.

Sarah Jonas was one of the successful bird hunters out on opening weekend in the Ely area. She bagged a nice grouse.

POSITION OPENING
Ely Public Schools
Temporary Paraprofessional

Ely Public Schools is looking for a Paraprofessional for the 2020-2021 school year; background check required.

Qualifications include:
• AA Degree or two years of college required
• Preferred experience working with school age children
• Evidence of ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively in a collaborative setting.

Application available at: www.ely.k12.mn.us

A complete application must include the following:
• District Application
• Resume’
• College Transcripts
• 2 letters of recommendation

Return materials to: Ely Public Schools, Attn: Superintendent, 600 E. Harvey St., Ely, MN 55731 or email mwognum@ely.k12.mn.us

Starting Rate of Pay: $16.57/hour

Hours: 6.5 hours/day

Frances A. (Jasovec) Zgonc, 85, formerly from Ely, MN passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 19, 2020.
Frances was born December 29, 1934, in Armour, SD to Frank and Anna Jasovec who later resided in the Section 30 township.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 56 years Robert Zgonc also from Ely, brother Albin Jasovec, sister Anna Mae Kasie and grandson Craig Warden.
She is survived by her children Frank (Kathleen), Niki (David Warden), Valerie, Mark, Michael; grandchildren Jamie Warden, Kari Torres, Michael Zgonc, Joe Zgonc; great grandchildren Keegan Warden and Tyler Torres; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will be announced at a future date in Las Vegas, NV.

ROSE ANN LESLIE (HORVAT), 92, of Eagan (formerly Hermantown) died Thursday, September 17, 2020, at home surrounded by family. She had recently celebrated her birthday by dancing to live accordion, polka music on her front porch. One week later she suffered a fall.
Rose was born August 16, 1928 to John and Mary (Mihelich) Horvat in Ely, MN. On November 15, 1959, she was united in marriage with Robert “Bob” Leslie at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely; where Rose was baptized, received her first Holy Communion and confirmation. They made their home in Hermantown, MN, where they raised three children; Patti, Paul and Glenn.