David Colburn

ELY- More than 350 people packed the Minnesota North-Vermilion auditorium Sunday evening for a community wildfire update, where incident officials stressed that while smoky skies had eased …

ELY- An Ely man convicted earlier this year of threatening his neighbor with a handgun is facing a new felony charge after allegedly threatening to burn down the same neighbor’s house. James Francis Brobin, 68, was charged July 20 with felony threats of violence and misdemeanor obstruction of the legal process stemming from an alleged July 17 confrontation between the two West Harvey Street neighbors.

BABBITT- City councilors will take a closer look next week at police department spending, staffing, and wages after hearing Tuesday that department expenses had already climbed well into the $600,000 range during the first half of the year.

REGIONAL- Minnesota has about $1.5 million still available to help homeowners and businesses outside Xcel Energy territory add battery storage to their onsite solar systems. The Minnesota Department …

REGIONAL- Minnesotans receiving Medical Assistance, the state’s Medicaid program, have until Aug. 31 to use a new online tool designed to help them prepare for federal work-reporting requirements that take effect next year. Minnesota health officials estimate the new requirements could cause about 140,000 Minnesotans to lose their health coverage. The online tool is an initial effort to help recipients avoid that outcome by preparing for the changes before they take effect.

REGIONAL- The first of two Minnesota Department of Natural Resources online auctions of confiscated hunting, fishing, and trapping equipment opens for bidding Friday, Aug. 28, and runs through Monday, Aug. 31. The auction is expected to include approximately 130 to 140 firearms, 40 to 50 bows, and an assortment of hunting and fishing equipment and accessories confiscated following serious game and fish violations.

BABBITT- With its existing city license set to expire in six years, the Babbitt Golf Association is seeking a new 99-year agreement to provide the long-term stability needed to pursue grants and financing for a replacement for its aging clubhouse. Merle Vandervest presented the request to the Babbitt City Council on Tuesday, telling councilors that repairs to the existing clubhouse are no longer sustainable.

REGIONAL- Greater access to traditional healing practices could be coming for Native Americans enrolled in Medical Assistance, Minnesota’s Medicaid program.

REGIONAL- Management of the July Lightning Incident will return to the Superior National Forest on Monday, Sept. 7, marking the end of the specialized incident command structure that has overseen …

REGIONAL- Federal prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison sentence for former Minnesota Sen. Justin Eichorn following his guilty plea to attempted possession of child pornography. The request is nearly three times the top of the federal sentencing guideline range.