Public programs to explore dangers of vaping
Vaping – or e-cigarette use - has been in the news lately. And not in a good way.
The most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) release shows that as of Nov. 5 there were over 2050 lung injury cases from vaping that have been reported throughout the country. Over 50 of those were from Minnesota, including three deaths. What happens in vaping is a complex story that is just unfolding.
Luka Kinard, a 16 year old from High Point, North Carolina began vaping at age 14 and eventually was even selling his clothes to fund a $150 per week addiction, according to an NBC news story. He was lucky because his parents intervened. He spent almost 40 days in a drug rehab program to get free from the effects, and now travels the country to share his story with other teens.
Hodgins-Berardo Arena gets an upgrade
The Hodgins-Berardo Arena in Coleraine has upgraded its heaters and sound system, as well as made ADA accessibility improvements to an interior walkway/viewing deck and ice viewing windows. Considered a historic venue by the Vintage Minnesota Hockey organization, the indoor arena was built in 1962 and seats about 2,000 spectators. It is utilized for community youth recreation including figure skating, hockey and roller derby. It is also a hub for youth football, baseball and fast pitch softball which are played at the nearby Greenway Sports Complex in Bovey. The arena has a meeting room that may be rented for private functions as well as a community fitness center that are both open year round.
The arena and sports complex are owned and managed by Greenway Joint Recreation Association (GJRA) which is comprised of 11 government entities within the Greenway Independent School District. Cities include Bovey, Calumet, Coleraine, Grand Rapids, LaPrairie and Taconite. Townships are Greenway, Lawrence Lake, Marble, Nashwauk and Trout Lake.
Bovey hires new police officer
At last week’s Bovey City Council Meeting, Police Chief Bill Hollom introduced Officer Jeremy Johnson as a job candidate for the Bovey PD. After a short deliberation, council members voted to hire Officer Johnson. Chief Hollom also announced that calendar parking is now in effect for the duration of winter.
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Odden reported inquiries about the city plowing sidewalks. Odden asked council members if it would be feasible to plow sidewalks in town.
US Steel to eliminate non-union jobs
US Steel officials say due to a new operating structure and challenging market conditions, they have eliminated a number of non-union represented positions in the United States, which includes the facilities at Minntac in Mountain Iron and Keetac in Keewatin.
A spokesperson with the company says the new operating structure was announced on Oct. 8, and leaders looked to find ways to efficiently execute the change.
The spokesperson says as part of the process, the positions were eliminated, but couldn’t confirm the number of positions eliminated.
The Minneapolis-Star Tribune, however, reported that the job losses at the two plants could be as high as 40 positions.
Heliene breathes new life into Range solar plant
The story of solar photovoltaic module production in Mountain Iron, Minn. has entered a new chapter this year with Ontario-based Heliene revitalizing a plant started there in 2011.
The Mountain Iron facility was built and operated originally by Silicon Energy with high hopes of energizing the region’s economy at the beginning of a new era of renewable energy. Those hopes faltered as Silicon struggled to make a go of it, and by 2015 Heliene began contract manufacturing there.
Itasca County Veterans honored
Pet of the week
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Public Meetings
> LaPrairie City Council - Feb. 4 & 19
> Grand Rapids CC - Feb. 11 & 25
> Coleraine City Council - Feb. 11 & 25
> Bovey City Council - Feb. 27
> Taconite City Council - Feb. 11
> Marble City Council - Feb. 11
> Calumet City Council - Feb. 19
> Nashwauk City Council - Feb. 12 & 26
> Keewatin City Council - Feb 13 & 27
> Itasca County Board - Feb. 12 & 26
> ISD 318 - Feb. 4 & 18
> ISD 316 - Feb. 27
> ISD 319 - Feb. 20
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Pretty little Sissy is a dainty kitty with unusual coloring. She’s selective with her affections, but if she chooses you, she will wave her paw to get your attention! Sissy has a gentle nature that has made her a favorite of our staff. She’s seeking a home where the cuddles are generously given, where she can curl up with you and feel loved…and love you in return!
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.