Breaking News

Editor:
I write in response to Tom Tidwell, former U.S. Forest Service chief’s commentary, “Industrial mining must be kept away from the Boundary Waters.”

Michael Anthony Berven Winterringer, 47, died peacefully at home on Sunday December 2, 2018.
Michael was a kind, friendly and generous man who enjoyed fishing, ringing bell for the Salvation Army and most of all his lord and savior.

by Anne Swenson -

I know this is not the same world that it was in the past. And I know that the future will be unrecognizable, yet I hope some of the spirit of the past, the kindness and concern for others will survive into the future.
There is a spirit here in Ely of empathy, caring, open friendliness which is being lost, denigrated in too many areas of the United States.
And I’m glad to learn that there are yet those Elyites - Erin Heep and Deb Hultman among others, who by way of their jobs and their compassion are helping in California’s dramatic fires. I know there must be others elsewhere who are reaching out, offering their help and compassion too.
One never knows when adverse events may change lives. Where best laid plans may be waylaid by unforeseen circumstances.
That has happened to me more than once, where the future hung in a tenuous balance of chance, and unexpected kindness emerged.

CONGRATULATIONS for Ely’s Erika Mattson who celebrated with family members after scoring her 1,000th career point. Photo by Eric Sherman.

by Tom Coombe -

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