Breaking News

Michael Brewer, 60, of Ely, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2020 at his home with his friend by his side. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

POSITION OPENING
Ely Public Schools
Danceline Advisor –
Fall and Winter Seasons

Ely Public Schools is looking for a Danceline Advisor for the fall and winter seasons
starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
Background check required.

Qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s Degree and coaching certification preferred;
• Previous coaching experience preferred;
• Must be available for several practices/games per week from mid-August to early-March, including some weekends and during school break periods.

1.0 The regular meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 696 was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Marsnik.
2.0 On roll call the following directors were present via teleconference: Marsnik, Colarich, Mann, Omerza, Pointer, Sjoberg. Also present: Erik Erie, Superintendent; Tom Coombe, Ely Echo; Keith Vandervort, Timberjay; Megan Anderson, Anne Oelke, Tim Leeson.
3.0 Pledge of Allegiance
4.0 Approval of Agenda:
4.1 Moved by Sjoberg, seconded by Colarich, to approve the agenda as
presented. YES: Colarich, Mann, Marsnik, Omerza, Pointer, Sjoberg.
NO: None. Motion carried. (Vote: 6-0)
5.0 Open Forum: Meeting closed to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic.
6.0 Correspondence/informational items: none at this meeting.
7.0 Consent Agenda:
7.1 Moved by Sjoberg, seconded by Mann, to approve the following Program Consent Agenda:

1.0 The special meeting of the School Board of Independent School District No. 696 was called to order by Chairman Marsnik at 6:49 p.m. in the school board meeting room.
2.0 On roll call the following directors were present via teleconference: Colarich, Mann, Marsnik, Omerza, Pointer, Sjoberg. Also present via teleconference: Erik Erie, Superintendent; Tom Coombe, Ely Echo; Keith Vandervort, Timberjay; Megan Anderson, Anne Oelke, Tim Leeson, Gary Cerkvenik, Jeff Anderson, Janelle Hart.

1.0 The study session of the School Board of Independent School District No. 696 was called to order by Chairman Marsnik at 6:04 p.m. in the school board meeting room.
2.0 On roll call the following directors were present via teleconference: Colarich, Mann, Marsnik, Omerza, Pointer, Sjoberg. Also present via teleconference: Erik Erie, Superintendent; Tom Coombe, Ely Echo; Keith Vandervort, Timberjay; Megan Anderson, Anne Oelke, Tim Leeson, Gary Cerkvenik, Jeff Anderson, Janelle Hart.
3.0 Update was given on the 21st Century Learning Facilities Project
3.1 Submission work being done for Minnesota Department of Education Review and Comment
3.2 Review Project Scope and Budget
3.3 Review Referendum Election Date and Timelines
4.0 Update was given on the Distance Learning and School Closure.
5.0 Reviewed (2nd review) revised MSBA Policy 102 Equal Educational Opportunity.

SPRING CLEAN UP AT THE ELY CEMETERY

Born and raised in Ely, I have always been extremely proud of my hometown. I graduated from Ely High School in 1979. I left in October 1979 for the Twin Cities and have been living in the ever-busy metropolis since.
Nothing is better than driving to Ely, coming around that last bend to see the beautiful water tower standing tall and greeting everyone who enters. Truly, there is nothing like coming back to what will always be home.
I am a third generation, 100% Slovenian and very proud of my heritage. My parents, John and Julia Chimzar Mavetz, married later in life (Mom was pushing 34 and Dad was 37).
At that time, they were written off as an old maid and a confirmed bachelor, respectively. Most of their friends had been married for years and a few were young grandparents.

Ely high school graduates are blessed with some very generous donors who give out tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships every year.
There were $83,000 from local scholarship providers and $44,000 from regional scholarship providers given out on Wednesday night. Ely’s 45 graduates were able to apply for more than one scholarship to help them once they move on to a university or trade school.
For six fortunate students, there was a very significant scholarship that rewards those who will more than likely be mechanics or work in one of the many other trade professions.
Last fall another Jake Forsman Memorial Burnout Competition and Car Show was held in front of the Ely city hall. The event was again a success and through the hard work of a large group of volunteers, monies were raised for scholarships.

In a typical year, Minnesota’s ATV clubs hold over 75 ATV Safety Training Classes for riders age 10 to 15, certifying over 2,500 youth to be legal to ride ATVs.
Unfortunately, this is not a typical year.
All classes are postponed until further notice, as part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) response to COVID-19.
The Governor’s “Stay at Home” order has also forced cancellation of annual meetings and rides by the ATV Association of Minnesota (ATVAM), attended by hundreds of members from around the state.
Like older students missing prom and graduation, many young riders are missing the opportunity to legally ride ATVs this summer with their parents on Minnesota’s vast public trail system.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987, who is age 12 or older, must have a valid ATV Safety Certificate to operate on public lands, trails, and frozen waters, and when crossing road rights-of-way.

by Tom Coombe
McKenna Coughlin of Ely is one of 36 high school juniors across Minnesota to receive a unique award from the Minnesota State High School League.
After excelling in numerous activities, Coughlin was named Section 7A’s female winner of the MSHSL ExCEL award.
Standing for Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – ExCEL is a recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show leadership qualities, and who work voluntarily in their community.
While Coughlin has received her award, she and other winners missed out on a formal recognition event. It was going to take place in mid-March during the state girls basketball tournament in Minneapolis, but was cancelled the day before because of the coronavirus.
“I was really excited for that,” said Couhglin. “There was also a kid who won it from my old school (Orono) so that would have been fun.”