Vermillion Gold to continue exploring in Virginia Horn
Vermillion Gold Inc., a Minneapolis-based minerals exploration company, is looking for gold within the Iron Range’s Virginia Horn.
The Virginia Horn is part of the Biwabik Iron Formation near Virginia and Gilbert that’s shaped like a horn.
“The Virginia Horn has always been interesting,” said Kate Lehmann, Vermillion Gold president and chief financial officer. “We’ve done some drilling there off and on and there’s also been some legacy drilling that’s been done there. There’s some promising signs of gold.”
Vermillion Gold has been exploring for gold in the same area since 2007.
In a plan filed Oct. 16 with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Vermillion Gold plans to continue its exploration for metallic minerals on state leased land and private land in Sections 14, 15, 16 and 22 in an area between Virginia and Gilbert on both sides of Highway 135.
Spread of county COVID cases slows
Itasca County residents continue to turn around rates of COVID-19 that had been on the rise since August. As of Oct. 23, the 14-day rate of positive cases per 10,000 residents stands at 39, down from its peak of 54 in mid-October. According to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), a 14-day case rate of 10 or lower would suggest a community has control of virus spread.
As of Oct. 26, the county has seen 758 total cases, with
174 identified in the past two weeks, 75 in the past seven days and 22 in the past 24 hours (due largely to recent gatherings).
Nine Itasca residents currently are hospitalized, with one in an Intensive Care Unit. Itasca County has seen no additional COVID-related deaths recently, although the state’s daily death rate is ticking up.
Bigfork Ambulance seeks volunteers
Small Business Administration (SBA) officials last week said more financial assistance programs will soon begin for companies struggling to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re hoping Phase 4 will start very soon,” Great Lakes SBA Regional Administrator Robert Scott said in Duluth. Phase 4 is the latest package being considered by Congress. Although Democrats and Republicans still have differences about the proposal, they are united in support of the SBA’s portion. “Many of these things have not been seen before and we hope there are more coming,” Scott said.
They would potentially follow previous assistance packages including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
Bovey City Council discusses business park
The Bovey City Council met on Oct. 21, 2020 to further the development of the Red River Business Park and discuss sidewalk plowing. City Engineer Joe Pelawa gave an update on the business park project where Braun has finished boring for soil samples and Pelawa is now soliciting contractors to clear trees and brush on the hill area east of KMDA. Pelawa said, at this stage of the project, the council needs to devise a means of financing the infrastructure. The city council took action to grant an easement to the City of Bovey adjacent to the lift station property to provide a legal utility and street right-of-way. The right-of-way will create a point of entry to the Red Rock Business Park.
Senior living community groundbreaking held
Pet of the week
Carmel is a handsome, affectionate fella who loves people. The downside? He was out on his own for some time before joining us, so he can be easily overstimulated, causing him to lash out. Our veterinarian feels Carmel is young and very trainable—so we seek the perfect family that will patiently work with him and love him forever. We do not feel Carmel would do well in a home with other pets or young children. Could Carmel fill YOUR heart and home with sweetness?
Precious Paws Humane Society, located at 101 First Avenue SW in Chisholm (across from Jubilee Foods), is a no-kill shelter staffed entirely by volunteers. We serve the communities of Chisholm, Nashwauk and Keewatin. We may reached via telephone at 218-254-3300, or email: preciouspaws2011@hotmail.com. Please call ahead for hours of operation. Check out current adoptees on the Facebook page.
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