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City gives homeowner 30 days

Publisher — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:20:54 +0000

City gives homeowner 30 days

Publisher Fri, 04/19/2024 - 05:20

by Tom Coombe

Skeptical city officials gave an Ely property owner 30 days to make a series of repairs to a blighted property currently deemed uninhabitable.

After their building official was unable to gain access to the property earlier in the day, the city council voted Tuesday to complete a list of 16 improvements and remedies at 45 East Boundary Street.

According to tax records, the property is owned by Jason Gillson and Mark Herman, and the home was allegedly set on fire in September.

Shortly after, the home was deemed unsafe by city building official Doug Whitney and the owners - to date - have not made improvements sought by the city.

An interior inspection set for earlier this week was first postponed and later canceled by Gillson, who appeared before the council at a public hearing.

“Several times we were to meet with the homeowner at the property,” said Whitney. “We were going to meet at 11, then 1, then 1:15 and then the meeting was cancelled. We have not been inside the property.”

He told city officials he was following the advice of his attorney and that he was awaiting word from his insurance company to determine what improvements he could afford to complete.

But city officials showed some frustration with the delay Tuesday and the council followed staff recommendations and ordered numerous remedies, including:

• Assessment by a fire damage contractor;

• Removal of personal property from the interior of the structure;

• Removal of damaged drywall flooring and other materials;

• Drying of the structure by water extraction crews;

• Proper cleaning of smoke and soot from all interior and exterior surfaces;

• Deodorizing of lingering smoke odors and sanitizing to halt mold growth;

• Duct cleaning;

• Replacing electrical, replacing and repainting drywall, replacing flooring materials, replacing interior counters and fixtures to bring the property back to a pre-loss condition;

• Repair of all broken doors and windows;

• Removal of building materials from the yard and junk and debris from the exterior of the property;

• Remove household items from the exterior of the property;

• Create and maintain indoor storage conditions that comply with state fire code and relative building codes and statutes;

• Use of licensed contractors for repairs and assessments.

The property owners have until May 17 to make the improvements.

Gillson told council members that he wished to cooperate, make the needed repairs and return to the home, but the work remained on hold until an insurance settlement could be completed.

“I have been waiting for quite a while for insurance inspectors,” said Gillson.

An inspector arrived last Friday and provided a verbal report, according to Gillson.

“He doesn’t feel it’s structurally compromised,” said Gillson.

It was unclear why it has taken several months to proceed with the insurance claim, and Whitney told the council that no permits have been obtained for making the remedies sought by the city.

“It needs a lot of extensive work,” said Whitney.

Gillson promised to set up an opportunity for Whitney to inspect “soon.”

“I’m more than happy to cooperate,” said Gillson. “I want my home back.”

Harold Langowski, the city’s clerk-treasurer, voiced some frustration with the lack of progress thus far.

“You’ve shown no real effort to cooperate,” said Langowski. “Multiple attempts have been made to schedule things, and every time it gets canceled. I would expect in the future that you will cooperate with them.”

The fire at the property was followed by a high speed chase with law enforcement officers, which ended when Gillson was apprehended near County Road 914.

He later was charged with several crimes including arson. The criminal proceeding has not yet been resolved.

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Tax bill a windfall for Ely

Publisher — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:17:56 +0000

Tax bill a windfall for Ely

Publisher Fri, 04/19/2024 - 05:17

by Tom Coombe

Permanent tax cuts and millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements on the Iron Range - including several projects in the Ely area - are part of legislation that advanced this week in St. Paul.

Tuesday, the House Property Tax Division passed its ‘Division Report’ on to the full House Tax Committee.

Included in that package is a massive increase in the Taconite Homestead Credit, which has been frozen since 1998, as well as nearly $80 million in funding for projects across the region.

Included on that list is a $5 million windfall to the Ely School District, for improvements to district athletic facilities.

Another $250,000 is set aside in the bill for renovations at Veterans Memorial Field, the historic and heavily used baseball park located on the school campus.

Also identified in the legislation are:

• Veterans on the Lake in Ely - $400,000 for housing facility replacement;

• Pioneer Mine Historical Site in Ely - $50,000 for maintenance and displays;

• Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club - $25,000 for trail maintenance and equipment;

• Prospector Loop ATV - $25,000 for trail maintenance and equipment;

• Babbitt ATV/Snowmobile Club - $25,000 for trail maintenance and equipment;

• City of Tower - $3 million for water infrastructure;

• Lake Vermilion Cultural Center - $100,000 to renovate the historical facility in Tower;

• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa - $50,000 for food shelf expenses;

• Northland Foundation - $500,000 for flood and economic relief programs for border area businesses.

• City of Babbitt - $200,000 for ADA/parks and $1.5 million for ice arena

The legislation is being advanced in the house by State Rep. Dave Lislegard (D-Aurora), while companion legislation is proposed by State Sen. Grant Hauschild (D- Hermantown).

The Senate Tax Committee was set to debate the plan on Thursday.

“Senator Hauschild and I are working with a ‘Range First’ focus to cut taxes and invest in our local communities,” Lislegard said via a news release. “This package continues our commitment to building a better life for seniors and families in our region by improving our schools, taking advantage of economic opportunities, and growing tourism, and more to strengthen the core Iron Range.”

The area lawmakers are proposing the largest increase in the Taconite Homestead Credit since it was frozen in 1998. It would increase the credit from the current average of $289-$315 per homeowner to $515 per homeowner - a roughly 77 percent increase.

The updated credit would be ongoing each year, making the cut permanent.

“By increasing the Taconite Homestead Credit, we can provide relief to Iron Range families immediately and permanently,” said Hauschild. “After a 26-year freeze, it’s the right thing to do for the Iron Range.”

In addition to properties in the Ely district, the Taconite Homestead Credit will apply in the Nashwauk-Keewatin, Cook County, Greenway, Chisholm, Lake Superior, Hibbing, Mt. Iron-Buhl, St. Louis County, Mesabi East, and Rock Ridge districts.

Ron Pittman, Cherry Township Supervisor, was among those who testified Tuesday in support of the plan.

“We need property tax relief, and Rep. Lislegard’s bill deserves your support,” Pittman said. “My neighbors, many senior citizens, and working people appreciate Rep. Lislegard’s effort on our behalf.”

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Sprucing up the school

Publisher — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:31:29 +0000

Sprucing up the school

Publisher Fri, 04/12/2024 - 17:31

by Tom Coombe

The main entrance to Ely’s school campus as well as parts of the interior will be spruced up - following action by board members earlier this week.

The board approved the placement of murals and door coverings outside the main entrance - as well as in the commons area and hallways in both the Washington and Memorial building.

Those entering the main doors will see Ely’s wolf logo on the outside sign on the new addition to the campus, as well as on the main door entering the facility.

That door also will also have the word Timberwolves over the top.

A similar set-up is in store on the south wall of the commons area and inside the main door, and selected hallways inside the building will also feature the logo or TIMBERWOLVES in large capital letters.

The project will be funded by a $20,000 donation from the Ely Education Foundation and evolved from earlier discussions by the group to perhaps install an electronic sign outside the school buildings.

“This is something they wanted to put their money toward,” said superintendent Anne Oelke. “It started many years ago with some sort of electronic sign and it kind of morphed into this.”

The coverings also bring an additional benefit, which Oelke explained after earlier discussions with representatives of the Ely Police Department.

“We did have conversations about those front doors and they feel (the signs and door coverings) offer a little bit more protection for us inside. You can’t see in but we can see out.”

The murals and door coverings figure to add more flavor to the buildings and come on the heels of more than $20 million in improvements to district facilities, including the construction of the new building that houses the commons area, district offices and serves as the primary entrance to the campus.

“It’s something they (EEF) want to spruce up the place a bit and get our blank spaces with our logo,” said Oelke.

The move came with a strong endorsement from board member Tom Omerza.

“One school that I see that has it is MIB (Mt. Iron-Buhl),” said Omerza. “It’s very impressive walking into that school, and what they did is very similar to this.”

Omerza said the logo and branding also serve to promote the district.

“You’ve got families moving here and looking to potentially move to this school and this says ‘Hey, we’re proud of this facility’ and it starts with the front door,” said Omerza.

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Garrett Lamppa of Lamppa Manufacturing named SBA’s Minnesota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

Publisher — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:38:24 +0000

Garrett Lamppa of Lamppa Manufacturing named SBA’s Minnesota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

Publisher Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:38

The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Garett Lamppa of Lamppa Manufacturing as SBA’s Minnesota Family-Owned Small Business of the Year. In recognition of National Small Business Week, SBA’s Minnesota District Office will recognize its 2024 state winners locally in the weeks ahead.

“The Family-Owned small business award honors legacies that last for generations,” shared Brian McDonald, SBA’s Minnesota District Director. “Garrett is continuing to build upon Lamppa Manufacturing’s reputation for quality products, competitive jobs, and strong support of their rural community in Tower, MN.”

Four generations of Lamppas built Lamppa Manufacturing on Minnesota's Iron Range. Garrett Lamppa's great-grandfather, Richard Lamppa worked as a blacksmith in Embarrass, Minnesota in the 1930's, and began making sauna stoves for the Finnish settlers who lived nearby. Garrett's grandfather, Herbert Lamppa, helped Richard build the stoves and eventually took over the business with Garrett's father, Daryl, in the 1970s. Herbert and Daryl, worked together for decades, working to create one of the cleanest and most efficient wood-burning furnaces on the market. During this time, it was Daryl’s passion to burn wood better and all of his endless testing that has led to the product evolution of today. This includes the efficient and clean burning Kuuma BluFlame, a gasification sauna stove designed from their patented furnace technology released at the end of 2023.

In 2008, Garrett took over Herbert’s management responsibilities to help the family business as a side job. Garrett said, “Working with my dad was the best thing that ever happened to our relationship.” Garrett transitioned into CEO and full-time employment in 2021.

Today, Lamppa Manufacturing sells wood-burning furnaces and wood sauna stoves out of their facility in Tower, MN, and the Kumma Sauna Stove is their flagship product. The original team of 3-4 skilled employees making an average of 100 sauna stoves and 40-50 furnaces annually has since expanded to 18 full-time employees. During the peak of the pandemic, Lamppa Manufacturing sold 650 sauna stoves and over 100 furnaces.

In early 2022, Garrett participated in SBA resource partner, Entrepreneur Fund’s Quality Jobs program, which helped him invest in his employees by improving safety, offering competitive wages, and adding benefits packages. In 2023, Entrepreneur Fund collaborated with Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) on two working capital loans for Lamppa Manufacturing’s production, testing, marketing, staff training, and inventory of new products. In October of 2023, Lamppa Manufacturing was recognized as a regional business of excellence by the Entrepreneur Fund.

Lamppa Manufacturing is incredibly involved in the community, providing quality jobs and support to the surrounding rural area. Recently, the business has partnered with Bluejacket Career Academies and Industrial Technology at the Hibbing High School to build a sauna with students. With ninety years and four generations of experience and hard work, Lamppa Manufacturing is striving to make Tower, MN the “Sauna Capital of the World”.

National Small Business Week 2024 is taking place the first week of May and will include a multiday virtual event open to all. The conference will feature numerous educational panels, and recognize national award winners, including naming this year’s National Small Business Person of the Year. For registration and additional information on National Small Business Week, visit https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week

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Hauschild presents legislation for helium production

bookkeeper@elyecho.com — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 17:44:08 +0000

Hauschild presents legislation for helium production

bookkeeper@ely… Fri, 04/05/2024 - 19:44

Following the recent discovery of a major helium deposit in Lake County, new legislation introduced by Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) will establish the policy framework necessary for helium exploration in Minnesota immediately and sets up an advisory council to create long-term oversight framework for this new opportunity. Hauschild’s legislation, S.F. 5048, received its first hearing Thursday in the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee.“The discovery of this deposit is an exciting opportunity for Northern Minnesota to once again become a domestic source for a critical mineral, and this legislation makes sure the state is ready to capitalize,” said Hauschild. “Now it is up to us as policymakers to move with urgency, get this legislation passed, and prepare for the future work we need to do to make Minnesota a global leader in helium extraction.”

Minnesota is one of just a handful of locations globally where helium is known to exist without hydrocarbons. As liquid helium is used as a coolant in nuclear reactors, rockets, superconductors, and medical diagnostic equipment, but many sectors face shortages due to its limited supply. However, Minnesota lacks frameworks around extraction of resources like helium, which means without this legislation, local communities and the state will not receive the benefits of the expected extraction.

“While this is an exciting opportunity, without a framework our local communities, our schools and our residents will not see the benefits,” saidHauschild. “It’s important to get this right and ensure that our communities in Northern Minnesota receive the net benefits of this newly discovered deposit.”

Hauschild’s bill sets up a temporary regulatory framework that takes effect immediately following enactment, while requiring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other relevant agencies undergo rulemaking to further develop regulatory expectations within 24 months. It also establishes a Gas Production Technical Advisory Committee tasked with making recommendations for the creation of a temporary regulatory framework that will be in place until the rulemaking process is completed. The DNR must also prepare a report with policy recommendations and draft language on geologic carbon sequestration to the Legislature by January 15, 2025.

Following Thursday’s hearing, the bill was moved to the State and Local Government and Veterans Committee.

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Pulsar Helium joins Reuters Public Health Campaign with mini-documentary

Publisher — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 13:50:55 +0000

Pulsar Helium joins Reuters Public Health Campaign with mini-documentary

Publisher Fri, 04/05/2024 - 15:50

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRTSgqawDvo

by Parker Loew

Pulsar Helium announced that a recently filmed documentary featuring Pulsar’s team onsite during the drilling of the Jetstream #1 appraisal well at the Topaz helium project has been published as a dedicated segment on reuters.com.

The documentary showcases Pulsar Helium’s Topaz project off Dunka River Road near Babbitt, which measured groundbreaking helium concentrations of up to 13.8% in March.

The content, produced by Acumen Media, has been created as part of the Reuters Plus ‘Global Health Campaign’ initiative.

Helium production is limited to only a handful of sources located around the globe, with USA supply in decline and Europe reliant on foreign supply.

Pulsar, whose assets are in the USA and Greenland, is the first private helium exploration company to work directly with the Reuters news network to highlight the critical importance of ‘safe jurisdiction’ domestically sourced primary helium.

Helium is critically listed in Canada and the EU and is essential for the technology of today and into the future. Almost all electronic devices require helium during manufacture, key lifesaving medical services including MRI scanners and breathing gasses also rely on a steady and reliable source of helium.

Since this documentary was filmed Pulsar has identified helium contents of up to 13.8% at Topaz, making it one of the highest-grade discoveries in history.

Pulsar is now furthering operations at Topaz, with the intention of realizing Topaz’s potential for production.

“Almost all electronic devices require helium during manufacture, key lifesaving medical services including MRI scanners and breathing gases also rely on a steady and reliable source of helium,” said public relations director with Pulsar Helium Marc Farrington.

According to Farrington, clean, carbon-neutral sources of primary helium will soon become more desirable than ever as both manufacturers and end-users increasingly seek out greener, more environmentally sustainable supply sources.

“Pulsar is now fast-tracking operations at Topaz, its brilliantly located flagship primary helium project in Minnesota, USA, as it positions itself as one of the major players in North America in the months and years to come,” said Farrington.

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New restaurant soon to open in Ely, The Frisky Otter

Publisher — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:39:16 +0000

New restaurant soon to open in Ely, The Frisky Otter Publisher Fri, 03/29/2024 - 18:39

by Parker Loew

The new owner of the former Rockwood Bar and Grill, Michael Cascone, plans on opening his restaurant The Frisky Otter in May of this year.

Cascone has been busy all winter remodeling the kitchen and interior of The Frisky Otter and says he wants to integrate his Italian heritage into the food and ambiance.

“I’m Italian, and my family has a few Italian restaurants,” said Cascone. “There will be Italian specialties on the menu as well as steaks and chops and things like that. We’re super stoked about it.”

A few specific items Cascone plans to have on the menu at the Frisky Otter are a marinated strip steak, a Boston baked haddock, and lasagna.

“Wednesday night, we’re probably going to do a pasta night. Friday nights will probably be a fish fry. Saturday night is prime rib night,” he said. “We’re going to try and have a special every night.”

Cascone said he wants to try and accommodate every price range at The Frisky Otter and said local approval was big for him.

“Many of our items will be reasonably priced,” he said. “We are also definitely going try to take care of the locals and listen to their wants and needs.”

The Frisky Otter might feel like a “Wisconsin Supper Club” according to Cascone, once they open.

Cascone decided to purchase the former Rockwood Bar and Grill because he has experience in the restaurant industry and wanted to own a restaurant in Ely.

The former Rockwood Bar and Grill had everything Cascone was looking for in his new restaurant.

“We have owned restaurants in the past, and I rehabbed one from the studs,” he said. “I didn’t want to do a big project like that, so this was perfect.”

“The kitchen is fabulous,” he continued. “We have upgraded a few things in the kitchen, like the new stove and steam table, but the layout is fantastic.”

Along with updates to the kitchen, Cascone has remodeled the dining area as well, including redoing the tile floors with stained wooden flooring. He plans on knocking out a few windows and installing some flatscreen TVs in the coming weeks.

“There were a couple of little minor things, but overall, the building was in great shape,” he said. “A lot of people know the building as the old Hardee’s, and it had a cold feel to it when you came in. That’s why we did the new flooring, just to warm it up.”

Making the dining area less fast-food-like and more family-dining-oriented is also why he is replacing some of the windows and replacing them with a wall or two.

“We are just trying to make it feel a little more comfortable, a little warmer,” he said.

One of the big draws to buying the former Rockwood Bar and Grill was the outdoor space, including the sizable parking lot, according to Cascone.

“Having a parking lot like this is a big plus, as well as the outdoor seating area,” he said. “Everyone’s excited about that. We plan on having bands perform here on weekends and hosting a variety of events.”

The biggest challenge Cascone expected to encounter when he purchased the former Rockwood Bar and Grill was the same problem that caused Rockwood to close originally, which was finding staff.

This issue is not new to the restaurant industry, especially in Ely, but so far, Cascone has been able to source staff for his new restaurant by promoting top pay and good benefits.

“It seems at this point, it’s kind of going well,” he said. “In the past, we’ve always treated our employees very well. At our last restaurant, we were open for 10 years, and 90% of those employees were there from the beginning to the end. We took really good care of them.”

While Cascone is trying to keep all the employment around renovating and staffing The Frisky Otter local, he said he has had applications coming in from all over the Iron Range.

“We’ve had a tremendous response to our job posting,” he said. “I’m getting people calling from as far as Cook.”

The Frisky Otter will be offering higher wages than most restaurants, but it’s the benefits that have historically helped Cascone retain employees.

“We’re offering probably a little higher wage than some other places, but the perks are great,” he said. “Full-time employees, after they’re here a few months, get an iPhone. We’ll pay for their basic service. We’re flexible as far as working with each employee to what their needs are.”

Cascone’s first experience with Ely was when he was 15 years old on a canoe trip to the BWCAW, and he has been coming on trips ever since.

In 2015, he bought a place with his family on Fall Lake, and though they just stayed there throughout the spring, summer, and fall, Cascone decided it was an area he wanted to live permanently and began looking to purchase a restaurant, which he finally did last year.

Cascone will be moving to Ely full-time within the next year and is excited because his family has so many friends who live in town.

“We feel like we’re filling in a niche,” he said. “There’s a lot of great places. There really is. But we think we’re going to have a little bit different of a menu and vibe, which will contribute to Ely’s culture and lifestyle.”

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School announces large projected deficit in 2025, plans budget cuts

Publisher — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:37:29 +0000

School announces large projected deficit in 2025, plans budget cuts

Superintendent Anne Oelke discusses the district’s financial problems including a nearly $500,000 deficit. Photo by Parker Loew.

Publisher Fri, 03/29/2024 - 18:37

by Parker Loew

At the Ely school board study session on Monday, board members discussed options for budget reductions due to a projected $485,909 deficit for 2024-25.

Superintendent Anne Oelke said the school board will realistically need more than one year to close the gap.

“Our total estimated funds to reduce would be $485,909,” said Oelke. “That’s a big number for a small district with a $9 million budget. I want to stress that we are looking at a two-year plan for budget reductions, not cutting all of this in one year.”

Board members discussed many possible reductions they could make over the next two years to balance the budget, while stressing that nothing has yet been determined or finalized.

Options for expenditure reductions included potential reductions in numerous district positions, from faculty members to administration and support staff.

Positions identified for possible reduction included:

• School nurse;

• Cafeteria aide;

• Elementary and Memorial secretaries;

• Memorial principal;

• Special ed and paraprofessionals;

• Paraprofessional hours;

• Music, English, Spanish, math, art, physical education

• Business manager;

• Social Studies retirement/replacement;

• Part-time custodian.

“This is a pretty exhausted list of possible reductions that we’ve been talking about,” said Oelke. “Everybody needs to hear this information as respectfully as possible.”

The finance committee will meet to discuss these reductions in more detail in the coming weeks to decide what they are comfortable with, and what direction they should go in.

The recommendations for these reductions will come to the board by the end of April or early May.

Once the decisions are final in the coming weeks, Oelke will notify staff in the departments identified for reduction so nobody is caught by surprise.

“It’s not easy when it comes to cutting positions or jobs because, behind every job, there’s a person or a family,” said board member Ray Marsnik. “These are very tough decisions.”

“I always like to make sure that our cuts are made as far away from the students as possible,” continued Marsnik.

Along with potential reductions, the school board also looked at options to increase the school’s revenue, which included a four-day school week, grants, the capital project levy and renting out facilities at the school.

One of the big hits the district took this year was a loss of revenue from the expiration of the federal stimulus ESSER funds they previously received, which totaled $270,000.

“That ESSER funding, which was money from the federal government, was a big hit for us,” said Marsnik. “It helped us over the last three years, but that is no longer there.”

The board remains hopeful they can find funding paths that will limit the reductions they have to make, but as of right now are not aware of any money the district is eligible for in 2025 that they haven’t already looked into.

“I’d like to believe there’s money out there, and we’re just not aware of it yet,” said board member Tony Colarich.

One of the major objectives of the school board over the last several years has been to remain a viable independent school district that is financially sound.

“We’re very fortunate, being a small school, that we have been able to do that,” said Marsnik.

If the school district continues to deficit spend, the specter of statutory operating debt looms. That occurs when reserves fall into a negative balance, and triggers state intervention.

“We definitely want to stay away from statutory operating debt. That’s when we get into trouble,” said Marsnik. “If we owe more than three percent, then we go into statutory operating debt. Then we have to come up with a plan. If we do not come up with a plan, then the state will take this district over, and they will look at things like consolidation.

In April, there’s the opportunity for a school board member to attend a meeting in the capitol where there will be a presentation on new grant money the school may be eligible for.

“It seems like a good opportunity to look at the revenue side of the operation,” said school board member Tom Omerza. “Perhaps for not only one-time hits but for a consistent year-over-year.”

The school board also went over enrollment projections for 2025, including an anticipated nine-student decline in average daily membership, which is closely linked to overall student population.

While the district has roughly 530 students in grades K-12, that amounts to a current total of 515 ADM. It’s estimated that will decline to 506 next year, causing a decline in revenue based on the state’s per pupil formula.

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IRRRB approves $850,000 for city of Ely housing project

Publisher — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 14:16:16 +0000

IRRRB approves $850,000 for city of Ely housing project

Publisher Tue, 03/26/2024 - 15:16

At Tuesday's Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board meeting, an estimated $1.3 million in loans, $750,000 in site ready grants, $3.7 million in infrastructure grants, $157,000 in trails grants and $3.6 million in housing grants were reviewed to advance projects in northeastern Minnesota. Agency investment for all projects combined is over $9.5 million. Total project investment is estimated at $106.6 million. The projects are expected to increase the regional tax base, retain and create jobs, expand broadband, provide essential services, grow the housing inventory and expand outdoor recreation.

Business Development Site Ready Grants

Agency Investment: $750,000 | Total Project Investment: $820,000

Eveleth Jack Pine Industrial Park: $450,000 to conduct the site diligence for the development of an industrial park located along both sides of the Progress Parkway extension and directly south of the new Rock Ridge Laurentian Elementary School to Highway 37. The park will accommodate a variety of industrial uses including warehouse/general and distribution, manufacturing, flex/general purpose, service center and showroom.
City of Hibbing Industrial Site: $300,000 to conduct the final site development of a 9.13-acre industrial parcel on the north side of East 13^th Street with close access to U.S. Highway 169. The project includes the schematic design of a 35,000-square-foot building located within the site that will accommodate the future growth plans of Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions.

Business Development Loans

Agency Investment: $1,346,500 | Total Project Investment: $3,156,750

Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions (AMGS): $437,500 to purchase a new automated powder coating system and robotic welding equipment that will provide significant automation, eliminate some repetitive tasks and increase output. AMGS designs and produces safety steel wire mesh guarding for the automation industry.
Ellefson Off Highway, Inc.: $209,000 to purchase a forklift that will allow for greater efficiency and increased production to remain competitive in the industry. Ellefson Off Highway deals in construction and mining application parts, components and full pieces of equipment including Caterpillar and Komatsu, which are sold to a worldwide customer base.
Hibbing Fabricators, Inc.: $425,000 to purchase an LVD Strippit and Punch LASER combination machine that eliminates downstream operations and improves part quality. Hibbing Fabricators manufactures precision sheet metal fabricated parts for various industries including healthcare, aerospace and electronics.
Pro Blast Technology, Inc.: $175,000 to perform necessary roof repairs of the production facility and to purchase a forklift. The building repairs will prolong the facility’s life, and the forklift is necessary to perform daily tasks of moving products in and out of the facility. Pro Blast Technology is an abrasive blasting and painting service. It houses the largest paint booth in northern Minnesota and provides services to residential, commercial and industrial customers, from restoration of used items to preparation and painting of new items.
Radotich, Inc.: $100,000 to purchase an all terrain crane that will reach new heights that are unattainable with their other lifts. The crane will expand job bidding capacity to be more competitive. Radotich is a construction company that specializes in the erection of structural steel buildings, mechanical contracting and mobile crane service. They provide turn key mechanical design and installation for projects ranging from schools, medical centers, office buildings, restaurants, churches, manufacturing plants and others.

Broadband Infrastructure Grant: $261,184

Agency Investment $261,184 | Total Project Investment $522,369

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa: $261,184 to construct a fiber-to-the-home buildout to bring high speed broadband to 442 homes in the Bois Forte Reservation. The project previously received a grant in 2019 and is nearing completion. Due to ledge rock encountered and higher material costs, the new grant amendment will support 50% of the increased construction costs.

Development Infrastructure Grants: $1,450,000

Agency Investment $1,450,000 | Total Project Investment $31,563,336

City of Hibbing: $250,000 to fund the city with a grant to be administered by the Hibbing Economic Development Authority (HEDA). HEDA will administer the grant funds through their revolving loan fund and provide loan funding as part of a hotel large-scale redevelopment project located in downtown.
City of Mountain Iron: $400,000 to construct new road and utility extensions and electric upgrades to serve new and existing business development located on Enterprise Drive and near Rock Ridge and Unity.
Cook County/Grand Marias Joint EDA: $400,000 to construct infrastructure and site work for the development of a 10,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial space in Grand Marais that will replace three businesses lost to a fire in 2020. The “Mayhew Commercial Project” will feature an event center, lodging units, a restaurant, retail spaces, lounge and rooftop open space.
Cook County/Grand Marias Joint EDA: $400,000 to construct infrastructure and site work for the development of a 9,300-square-foot mixed-use commercial space that will replace Papa Charlie’s restaurant and event venue at Lutsen Mountains which was lost to a fire last year. The new building will include a restaurant, event center, bar/lounge and four lodging units for resort guests.

Community Infrastructure Grants: $1,970,345

Agency Investment $1,970,345 | Total Project Investment $16,439,284

City of Aurora: $500,000 to construct the infrastructure and surface water treatment plant for phase II of the new East Range water system which will eventually serve the communities of Aurora, Town of White, Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes.
City of Chisholm: $1,000,000 to upgrade the Chet Tomassoni Arena and Curling Club, including the ice plant, refrigeration system, dehumidification system, ceiling and dasher boards.
Itasca County: $100,000 to construct a new dump station and well house for the Bass Lake Park and Campground that surrounds Bass, Sucker and Erskine lakes. The improvements will resolve the public health and safety concerns and keep the park open to campers.
City of Tower: $370,345 to support new water and sewer utilities, storm water, road reconstruction and airport technology upgrades to public locations and sites throughout the community including roadways, the historic Tower Depot and Train Museum campus, Lakeview Cemetery and Tower Municipal Airport.

Regional Trails Grants: $157,000

Agency Investment $157,000 | Total Project Investment $517,300

City of Mountain Iron: $82,000 to construct an outdoor learning classroom in a forested area at Mountain Iron-Buhl Public Schools that includes 2.5 miles of trails, a boardwalk, bridge, pavilion and interpretive signage. The outdoor area will be used to teach students and others about nature, conservation, science and the history and culture of the region.
Northeast Regional ATV Trail Joint Powers Board City of Hoyt Lakes: $25,000 to conduct master planning, route planning, environmental permitting, right-of-way acquisition and construction cost analysis for future construction to connect the city of Two Harbors to existing ATV and snowmobile trails.
PathBlazers Snowmobile Club: $50,000 to purchase a used snowmobile trail groomer that will be used to maintain and groom 68 miles of trails in the Hibbing, Chisholm and Side Lake areas.

Housing Grants

Agency Investment: $3,575,250 | Total Project Investment: $53,611,848

City of Bovey: $280,000 to construct infrastructure needed to repurpose the former Connor-Jasper Middle School into a new 20-unit market rate apartment building.
City of Chisholm: $500,000 to construct infrastructure for up to 25 lots for new single-family market rate housing. The development is part of Phase 1 Wenton Addition.
City of Ely: $850,000 to support the infrastructure and construction related to a new three-story, 37-unit market rate workforce apartment building.
City of Grand Rapids: $600,000 to construct a four-story, 132-unit market rate workforce apartment building.
Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority – Bjorkberg: $225,000 to construct infrastructure for a new housing development of 20 two-story workforce town homes in Grand Marais.
Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority – Temperance Trails: $100,000 to construct infrastructure for a new housing development of up to 22 homes in Tofte. Ten are proposed to be single family homes, and 12 will be side-by-side town homes.
Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority – The Heights: $630,000 to construct a new three-story, 36-unit workforce apartment building.
North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity: $130,000 to construct five new homes and rehabilitate one home. The new home locations include one in Hibbing, two in Buhl and two in Virginia. The rehabilitated home is located in Tower and will meet Habitat for Humanity’s energy-efficiency standards with updated plumbing, wiring and insulation.
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency: $250,000 to pilot a tax forfeit housing rehabilitation program targeting five homes in Chisholm, Eveleth and Aurora. The program is a partnership to rehabilitate tax forfeit properties that may otherwise be slated for demolition.
Aurora Housing and Redevelopment Authority: $10,250 to support the Neighborhood Revitalization Program focused on home exterior improvements to 20 houses.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation is funded through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry. The projects reviewed at today’s board meeting support the agency’s fiscal year 2024 spending plan which helps to fund projects in business, community and workforce development that retain and create jobs, address customer priorities, leverage investment and improve the quality of life for all residents.

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PFAS found in well water off West Shagawa Road

Publisher — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:29:10 +0000

PFAS found in well water off West Shagawa Road

Publisher Fri, 03/22/2024 - 15:29

by Parker Loew

At least nine homeowners on West Shagawa Road were advised that cancer-causing chemicals known as PFAS were found in their water supply.

The residents have been advised by the MDH (Minnesota Department of Health) to avoid drinking or cooking with their contaminated well water for their safety.

MPCA has also provided these residents with bottled water until arrangements for an alternative source of drinking water are made.

The contamination was only detected in a few wells off West Shagawa Road, but this may be due to a lack of testing for the contaminants.

“We have sampled 11 wells so far, and of those wells, nine tested for elevated levels of PFAS,” said Sondra Campbell, project manager for the MPCA.

PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals often used in industrial applications and consumer products since the early 1940s.

They break down slowly and can build up in people, animals and the environment over time.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, health risks from elevated intake of PFAS include but are not limited to decreased fertility, increased high blood pressure in pregnant women, developmental effects including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, behavioral changes, increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers and reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections.

Contaminated well water is not a new issue for people living off West Shagawa Road.

In the late 90s, a dry cleaner who lived on West Shagawa Road dumped his industrial dry-cleaning chemicals into the soil.

Historical information obtained by the MPCA from former property owners at 1936 West Shagawa Rd indicated that the owners had found a dump area containing plastic barrels labeled “perchloroethylene” after they had purchased the property in 1997.

Many of the barrels reportedly contained a dark tarry residue and had a strong odor.

The barrels were removed by the property owners and the area was filled before MPCA investigations.

The barrels were reportedly left there by the previous property owners, who operated a dry cleaner in downtown Ely.

The incident in the late 90s was originally reported because one of the residents’ birds lost their feathers after drinking the well water.

“We had a parrot. Its feathers turned gray and started falling out,” said Barb Berglund, a resident of West Shagawa Road.

Berglund said how one of her neighbors, the dry cleaner, buried all their dry-cleaning fluid in their garden across the road, which was the underlying cause of the water contamination in the late 90s.

For this reason, many living off West Shagawa Road including Berglund, have been avoiding their well water since the incident and drinking only bottled water.

“We have been drinking bottled water since. Some of our neighbors drink right from the tap though,” said Darwin Olson, a resident of West Shagawa Road.

Most of the residents of West Shagawa Road are of an older demographic and said how it was a pain to only be able to drink and cook with bottled water for decades.

“I’m an old woman calling around five-gallon jugs of water. It isn’t fun,” said Berglund.

Unfortunately for the residents living on West Shagawa Road, they will likely be dealing with contaminated groundwater for years to come, as PFAS cannot be remediated out of the soil, according to Campbell from the MPCA.

“The possibility of remediating these deep bedrock wells PFAS and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) is pretty infeasible,” said Campbell. “What we’re going to be doing is treating all the wells that are impacted.”

In the future, the MPCA might look at possible remediation technologies to get the area to an acceptable level of PFAS and VOCs, but with these wells being 200 feet deep, the technology doesn’t yet exist to do so feasibly.

“I was told they ran out of money,” said owner of Shagawa Inn Resort, Jim Bettcher. “They were doing it last year (testing the wells), and they ran out of money. I don’t know how the government runs out of money, but they ran out of money. They must have more money now.”

Bettcher had to drill an expensive new well four years ago because his old well tested for contaminants.

“We put a 75-foot casing around the new well, so there’s no chance of groundwater getting into that one,” said Bettcher.

The MPCA plans on testing all the residential wells off West Shagawa Road shortly, and Campbell is working with the state contractor, Bay West, to request access to the remaining wells.

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