Traffic, noise, dust and public safety concerns cited Posted
Marshall Helmberger
EAGLES NEST TWP Residents here are upset over a plan to open an ATV route as early as this month across a series of gravel roads in the township, but it’s not clear what county or township officials can do to head off the plan.
The route would connect a portion of the Taconite Trail between Tower and Ely that is currently off limits to ATVs because it lies within the boundaries of Bear Head State Park. Current state park policy and rules generally prohibit ATV use, although snowmobiles, which primarily operate on frozen ground, are allowed.
Keith Vandervort
ELY – The city of Ely received approval late last week for three community and development infrastructure grants from the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR).
Two development infrastructure grants include an expansion project at the Boathouse Brewpub and Restaurant and renovation of the former Shopko building by Zup’s Market, and the third grant is a match for funds dedicated to the first phase of the Prospector Loop ATV Trail. In all more than $650,000 will be coming to Ely this year from IRRR.
The Ely Boathouse Brewpub and Restaurant, one of the few eating establishments in the city to not only survive but thrive during the coronavirus pandemic restraints, is completing a $550,000 expansion project that will more than double their seating capacity on the second floor. The expansion requires the installation of a sprinkler system in the landmark building that was built in 1905.
Keith Vandervort
ELY – Travelers entering Ely on Highway 169 this fall could be able to stop into a brand new visitor center in the shadow of a freshly-painted water tower emblazoned with the city’s new logo.
Council members Tuesday authorized soliciting construction bids for the centerpiece of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment project for the city’s west end, and gave the go ahead for the water tower repainting project despite exorbitant cost estimates.
As much as $3 million, in two separate state bonding allocations, aisallocated for what has been dubbed the “west end trailhead project.” The first phase, at $1.3 million, was completed last year and included infrastructure and road construction at the city’s west entrance.
Marshall Helmberger
LAKE VERMILION STATE PARK Visitors here will have more comfortable overnight accommodations, particularly for winter, beginning Dec. 31. That’s when new camper cabins open for use.
A total of eight new cabins will soon be open year-round, according to Park Manager Jim Essig, although only four cabins will be open the first week so park managers can make sure their water treatment system and other infrastructure is working properly. The other four cabins will be tested the week after, with all eight cabins expected to be open by mid-January.
Visitors wanting to take advantage of the new accommodations can begin making reservations on Dec. 28 for stays beginning on Dec. 31. Reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757.