Ron Castellano Arena Dedication October 25, 2014, Babbitt, Minnesota

Event photos from the Ron Castellano Arena Dedication are available on the following facebook page:

You know you are from Babbitt, MN when....

https://www.facebook.com/groups/274246175923995/

Many thanks go out to the volunteers and sponsors who made this possible. 

Congratulations Ron! 

Photos from the Ron Castellano Arena Dedication

Ron Castellano Arena Dedication Ceremony and Recognition Event

Jim Tuomala, candidate Mayor, City of Babbitt

'Miracle on Ice' Star Creates a Buzz in Babbitt

Many cities have a hometown hero, but few are gold-medal winning Olympian like hockey star Buzz Schneider from Babbitt. The town honored the “Miracle on Ice” player by parading him down Central Boulevard on Sunday.

It has been over 30 years since Buzz Schneider helped defeat the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice” and go on to win a gold medal, but residents in Babbitt still take pride in the victory as he paraded down the streets he grew up on.

Full article here: http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S3482339.shtml?cat=10335

Buzz Schneider - Honorary Grand Marshall Peter Mitchell Days Parade

Thanks Buzzy!

Economic development in Babbitt, Mn.

Here is another way to diversify and improve the local economy. Have we started this process in Babbitt?

_____________ 

Trails like Mesabi and Prospectors Loop expand Ely’s economic reach

The Prospectors Loop faces challenges as well. Connecting Ely to the North Shore, Tower and Babbitt, as well as Embarrass and the two state parks (Bear Head and Lake Vermilion) would create a world class ATV experience.
Wisconsin is well ahead of Minnesota in offering ATV riders a friendly climate, just as states out west have. We can catch up in a hurry with the Prospectors Loop but it will take some time to get the permits in place and find the right funding sources.

http://www.elyecho.com/articles/2014/06/15/trails-mesabi-and-prospectors-loop-expand-ely%E2%80%99s-economic-reach

Pacesetter Basketball Camp - July 8th -10th

Peter Mitchell Days 2014 Schedule Of Events.

Here it is -- An official Schedule of Events! It can also be found in the Babbitt Weekly and on the City of Babbitt website.

 https://www.facebook.com/118091014868539/photos/a.622281394449496.1073741827.118091014868539/828628287148138/?type=1&theater

 Peter Mitchell Days 2014 Schedule of Events - Button required for all events

SATURDAY, JUNE 14
11 AM - 4 PM WALLEYE WHAMMA FISHING CONTEST - Birch Lake.
4:30 PM FIREMENS BEER GARDEN/LIONS CLUB FOOD - Arena.
5 PM ROLLER DERBY EXHIBITION BOUT - Arena.
7:00 PM AWARDS CEREMONY at Babbitt Arena.


SUNDAY, JUNE 15
11 a.m. BABBITT BUSINESS SOFTBALL at Little League Field.


TUESDAY, JUNE 17
5:00 PM BABBITT BUSINESS SOFTBALL at Little League Field.
7:00 PM CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT - Singles - at Tank’s Bar.


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
6:00 PM HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT - Singles. Junction Bar & Grill.
7:00 PM SMEAR TOURNAMENT - Tank’s Bar. $10 entry per team.


THURSDAY, JUNE 19
9:00 AM - 5 PM ZUP’S PRODUCE SALE Super Specials Inside!
NOON MEDALLION HUNT - Clue posted daily next to Post Office.
Turn in to Connie Koivisto. Medallion worth $50.
6:00 PM TEXAS HOLD EM TOURNAMENT - Hideaway
6:00 PM HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT - Doubles. Junction Bar & Grill


FRIDAY, JUNE 20
FIREMEN’S BEER GARDEN
ALL DAY LIONS BBQ WAGON at Carnival Grounds
5 PM - 11 PM MAGEL CARNIVAL MIDWAY wristband hours: 6PM-10PM
9:00 AM - 5 PM ZUP’S PRODUCE SALE Super Specials Inside!
11:00 AM - 1 PM SALAD & DESSERTS LUNCHEON. Woodland Presbyterian Church
NOON “ARE YOU MR. OR MRS. PETER MITCHELL?”
You MUST be wearing a Peter Mitchell Button and MUST shake
their hand while asking. Worth $25 each to the finder.
1:00 PM YOUTH DISC GOLF TOURNEY - 15 and under, $5 entry fee,
2 person scramble, Bring your teammate or show up for random
pairings. Fountain Hills Park
3:00 PM ADULT DISC GOLF TOURNEY - 16 and over, $10 entry fee,
2 person scramble, Bring your teammate or show up for random
pairings. , Fountain Hills Park
6:00 PM MISS & LITTLE MISS BABBITT - at Municipal Center. $2
7 PM - 10 PM KARAOKE BY “ELY ED” - Near Beer Garden


SATURDAY, JUNE 21
8 AM - 11 AM PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Senior Center in Municipal Center.
Sponsored by Knights of Columbus
ALL DAY LIONS BBQ WAGON at Carnival Grounds
9:00 AM 9 HOLE GOLF SCRAMBLE - 3/4 person team. 100% payback.
Register at Golf Course in advance or at 8 AM day of event.
Shotgun start at 9 AM. Must be 18.
10:00 AM - 4 PM VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE SHOW - Fountain Hills Park
9:00 AM 5K RUN - Central Blvd. by Big Rock. Check in at 8 AM.
9:00 AM - 4 PM ANTIQUES ‘R’ US VINTAGE & ANTIQUE SNOWMOBILE SHOW - Fountain Hills Park.
11:00 AM KIDDIE & ADULT RACES at Park across from Shopping Center.
11:00 AM - 5 PM VFW BINGO TENT at Carnival Grounds
11 AM - 1 AM FIREMEN’S BEER GARDEN
11 AM - 4 PM PIE SOCIAL at Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd
NOON - CLOSE BABBITT FIGURE SKATING CLUB TACO WAGON
NOON - 11 PM MAGEL CARNIVAL MIDWAY Wristband Hours: 1PM-5PM
1:00 PM ZUP’S 30TH ANNUAL BOCCE BALL at Carnival Grounds
3:00 PM HOLEY BOARD TOURNEY at Beer Garden. Sponsored by Firemen. $10/team.
5:00 PM - 7 PM SPAGHETTI DINNER at St. Pius X Catholic Church
8 PM - MIDNITE CONCERT - Concert Stage - Carnival Grounds.
Live music by CHRISTOPHER DAVID HANSON BAND and
VITAMIN BROWN. Free Concert.
9 PM - MIDNITE MAGEL CARNIVAL MIDWAY Moonlight Madness
Wristband Hours: 8 PM-Midnight
10:00 PM FIREWORKS - Bring a lawn chair & enjoy fireworks, BBQ Wagon,
Music and Beer Garden. May be postponed if heavy rain. Rain date
is Sunday, June 22. Co-Sponsored by BABBITT LION’S CLUB.


SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Noon - 5 PM MAGEL CARNIVAL MIDWAY Wristband hours: Noon-5PM
NOON - 9 PM FIREMEN’S BEER GARDEN
ALL DAY LIONS BBQ WAGON at Carnival Grounds
9 AM - Noon FUN FLY DEMO at Fun Fly Field
11 AM - 5 PM VFW BINGO TENT at Carnival Grounds
NOON - CLOSE BABBITT FIGURE SKATING CLUB TACO WAGON
NOON SIDEWALK CHALK DRAWING - By the Big Rock.
NOON ROVER RADAR RUN - Park across from Shopping Center
Check-in at Noon. Owners must have button. NO puppies.
1:30 PM PARADE LINE UP at the East end of North Drive
3:00 PM PARADE - Parade from Baptist Church to Bryant Center.
4:00 PM SAWDUST PILES near Carnival Grounds. Ages 0-12 in groups.
4:30 PM FREE WATERMELON FEED Carnival Grounds.
4:45 PM WATERMELON SEED SPITTING CONTEST
5:00 PM + BUTTON & RAFFLE PRIZE DRAWINGS at Beer Garden

Valeigh's Restaurant in Babbitt

If you get a chance check out Valeigh's Restaurant in Babbitt. It is located next to Tank's Bar. I recommend the dining, and the service is very good. These folks are friendly and it is a great value when eating out. Give it a try!

Article writeup in the Mesabi Daily News.

http://www.virginiamn.com/news/business/valeigh-s-restaurant-in-babbitt/article_3a22ed90-f1e4-11e3-b9c9-001a4bcf887a.html?mode=image&photo=0

Letter To The Editor: Joe Baltich discussing the BWCA,economy, tourism and mining.

Somebody from the Twin Cities wanted me to sign a petition banning sulfide mining. I couldn't help myself. These tourists need to know the other side of the story:

Geez, Dan. The whole town of Ely is economically collapsing. Last year (2012) 156 people were in the obituary and the New Year's Baby was born on Feb. 10. Resort bookings for May and June were substantially off and I'm pretty sure they will be down for July and August. The anecdotal estimate is that Ely business is OFF by about 25 - 30%. Boundary Waters Canoe Area use is in fairly steep decline. I should know, I've been an outfitter and resorter for my entire life in Ely. The parking lots at the entry points were rarely full, most seeing 25% occupancy for the majority of summer.

   As America ages, nobody wants to come and sleep on a rock only to be restricted to paddling a canoe. They want to jump in a boat/snomobile and go fishing without having the government breathing down their necks requiring permits, allowing dog sleds but not motors, no cans or bottles but 2 liter plastic bottles are OK. However, burning plastic is illegal. It is illegal to leave the BWCA to go shopping in Ely because it voids one's permit. These are only a smattering of the rules that the vast majority of twin cities tourists can't even get right so they laughably remain in constant violation of the laws they support so strongly. When they come from out of state, it's even harder to get them to comply.

    So, Ely is slipping. Everything is for sale and nobody's buying. A liquor store that was successful since the early 70's has been up for sale for 5 years now. Nobody is even looking at the building. Another liquor store has the same story. A restaurant has been sitting empty for years on end, rotting, because no one will buy it. Back when the mines where humming along in the 60's and 70's it, too, was a successful business.

    The first decline for Ely began in 1964 when the government closed 17 resorts under eminent domain. The mines were still running at full speed then so it was harder to notice. When the so-called "wilderness goldmine" came to be (final, most restrictive phase of the Boundary Waters law PL 95-495 in 1978), we began to witness the second decline as several resorts sold out again in a government buyout and closed their doors for good in the early 80's. With the introduction of the internet and electronic "toys" in the 90's, we began to see business drop off again. Then the economy began to really falter in the mid to late 2000's and we've lost an entire generation of young kids being brought to the woods to enjoy the outdoors. Their young parents were products of the internet and shopping malls. They didn't have the interest or the money to go and be uncomfortable in the Boundary Waters by Ely. Plus, with very aggressive advertising for the Disneylands and pampered cruises of the world to the well-connected online, we've lost some more ground. Some families simply can't afford anything and grow up like I did in Ely - rarely taking a vacation, ever.

   Now, those of us remaining in Ely today are experiencing a graduating class of 45 kids when in 1979 it was 159. Those kids aren't sticking around. The median user age in the BWCA is 55. In another 5 years, where do you think that's going to be? How long will it be (realistically) before our out-of-shape 60-year-olds decide that going to Florida and sitting on the beach is more enjoyable than schlepping a wet #4 pack and a canoe over a portage? I've heard it many times by many of our idealistic tourists that they "plan" to be paddling the BWCA until they die. Right... We all know precisely how accurate that prediction almost always winds up to be in reality. People get old, they get injured, and they stop coming.

   So, other than making a private and very temporary playground for older twin cities enthusiasts, what is your plan to see Ely survive? With Ely's average population aged 65 and older are you willing to pay substantially more in your personal taxes to keep Ely going? Will you contribute to keep the hospital operating, the roads to the entry points paved and maintained, and the schools open? How much extra are you willing to contribute to pay for law enforcement in the BWCA region? Meth use is on the rise in Ely and I'm sure, the entire region. How many more tax dollars are you willing to contribute to our area to fund dealing with this problem? Are you willing to quit your good-paying, twin cities area job as a master electrician and move to Ely to experience feast and famine personally? And how long will it be before you join the mass exodus out of town after you decide that making a living in Ely on tourism is a very difficult proposition requiring long hours and not a lot of pay, but with guaranteed uncertainty?

   So, ponder these things as you sign petitions to protect your 5 day, essentially-free, BWCA vacation, driving on roads that we pay for, while being protected by emergency services that we pay for, and stopping in stores that we pay for. Your $100 spent in Ely stores isn't going to float them through the winter, but your support of twin cities opposition to everything happening in Ely is certainly going to hurt all of us here in the long run. Maybe we should all sign a petition to have your company shut down. I hear working 3 part time jobs, like many do in Ely, is loads of fun but it significantly cuts into one's vacation time.

    Despite what the "environmental" detractors are spewing, we can have clean water and an underground mine located 3,000 to 4,000 feet underground. I bet you didn't know that it is not going to be an open pit but instead an underground mine.

    We are in the year 2013, not the Dark Ages. The locals up here actually like being here far more than you. We've committed a lifetime here while eeking out a living when we could have just as easily moved to some metro area for better pay. Your signing a petition against our support of the project says to me that you somehow know more and have greater concern for our backyard that you visit once a year. That's shortsighted on your part and rather insulting to all the people here who mined the very same rock for 88 years prior to the inception of the BWCA in 1964. Ironically, the BWCA was chosen (after 88 years of virtually unchecked-by-government mining) to be named a federally-designated wilderness due to it's pristine waters. Now, how was that even possible? The same rock?

  Hopefully, this letter will enlighten you somewhat. I'm not expecting much given the twin cities crowd and their blatant disregard of current BWCA laws while rabidly supporting something they know nothing about. It's always about their good time and ignore the rest of the world. Nonetheless, I thought I'd give it a try with you.


Joe Baltich

Northwind Lodge - Ely

Copper Education - Minnesota And Flambeau Comparisons, Ore Sulfide Bodies

Copper Education - Minnesota And Flambeau Comparisons, Ore Sulfide Bodies

What is Copper?

Native copper is an element and a mineral. It is found in the oxidized zones of copper deposits; in hydrothermal veins; in the cavities of basalt that has been in contact with hydrothermal solutions; and as pore fillings and replacements in conglomerates that have been in contact with hydrothermal solutions. It is rarely found in large quantities, thus it is seldom the primary target of a mining operation. Most copper produced is extracted from sulfide deposits.

http://geology.com/minerals/copper.shtml

An Overview of Cu-Ni Deposits inMinnesota: A Geological Perspective
Jim Miller
Department of Geological Sciences
Precambrian Research Center
University of Minnesota Duluth

http://www.lvpmn.org/_site_components/documents/user/DC%20Min_LVPmtg_5-13-13.pdf

Observed Results From The Flambeau Copper Mine - It has been done before safely.

Results show consistent sulfate levels below Wild Rice Standard In Minnesota

Sulfur Levels Much Lower In Minnesota Ores.

Source:
Copper and Nickel Mining in Minnesota
University Of Minnesota - Duluth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQELZoL2yUo

Flambeau Reclaimed: A Success Story

http://www.flambeaumine.com/

http://blogs.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/blogs/wof/wofnashblog/2012/09/21/reclaimed-flambeau-mine-nature-trails/

Pacesetter Basketball Camp In Babbitt, Minnesota: July 22 -24, 2013

Spectrum Health Open House

IRRRB Photos from the Spectrum Health Open House in Babbitt, Minnesota.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.398869010189482.92498.104959586247094&type=1

Political Fundraiser For Congressman Chip Cravaack, 8th District, Minnesota

Where: Semer's Beach, Ely, Minnesota When:  6:00pm until 8:00pm

Monday, Sept. 17th, 2012 Semer's Beach Ely, MN Brats & Beans Congressman Cravaack has OUR back Come show that we have HIS back! Directions: Coming to Ely on Hwy 169, at the first stop light turn left on Central Ave and go to stop sign on Camp St. N Central Ave becomes N Pioneer Rd. Continue driving past Wilderness Outfitters, turn left on W Shagawa Rd. Drive .3 miles, turn right on N Lakeview Ave. Drive .1 mile and turn left on W Lakeview Pl.Semer's Beach pavillion straight ahead. Hwy 21 from Babbitt, it becomes Central Ave. At the stop light at Sheridan St, keep going straight to the stop sign on Camp Street. Attend this fundraiser and thank Congressman Cravaack for getting HR 5544 passed in the House. This will swap out the School Trust Fund lands in the Boundary Waters for Forest Service lands outside of the Boundary Waters.

We Support Mining! Signs Are Available For Minnesota

If you would like to show your support for responsible mining in Minnesota and the communities, schools, people and the jobs that mining supports you can act now!

Signs are available from the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota. You can contact them here to request a sign.

http://www.taconite.org/contactus.php

Related link: Become a supporter on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/wesupportmining


Why is this important to Minnesota? 


In Minnesota, the iron mining industry contributes to the local communities, region and state through jobs, production taxes, education programs and scholarships.
Minnesota’s Iron Mining Industry Statistics*

Direct employment	4,215 individuals
Average wage and benefit package	$100,000/year
Total hours worked:	8.9 million hours
The region's mines provide the highest paying technical jobs in the region.
Industry vendor employment	13,000 individuals
Iron mining is the main economic engine of the region - making other businesses and jobs possible
Financial impact	$3.1 billion/year
Minnesota's mining industry is ranked number one in gross product output - adding more than $3.1 billion annually to the regional economy. Domestic iron ore production is important to the security of our country.

Taxes
Production tax	$73.1 million payable 2012
Royalty payments	$34.3 million payable 2012
$49 million was paid in 2012 to state education programs by Minnesota's mining industry
K – 12 education	$36.6 million/year**
University of Minnesota trust funds	$12.4 million/year**
*Source: Iron Mining Association of Minnesota, 2012 **Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2012
Looking forward
$94.1 million in production taxes estimated for 2013 - a $20 million increase. Production taxes are paid in lieu of property taxes. The increase is due to a three year average dropping 2009, which was marked by low production due to recession.
Estimated taxes from 2012 production, payable 2013:	$94,100,000
Distribution to Range schools:	$15,843,000
LGU's, counties, IRRRB and others:	$78,257,000

Iron Range Minnesota Mining, Mary Tome: Just About Everyone Supports Mining

We all support mining whether we realize it or not.

If you drive a car, use a computer or cell phone, have plumbing in your house, watch TV, wear jewelry, cook with metal pans, own a lawn chair, have glass in your windows, have a furnace, air conditioner or wood stove, paddle a canoe, use electricity or use a refrigerator, you support mining.

Article Below:
Twin Metals | Mary Tome: Just About Everyone Supports Mining

Minnesota Mining – Rukavina delivers reality check to environmental extremists

Tom Rukavina’s correction of Mike Hillman and Bob Tammen which reflects the current citizen backlash against environmental extremism in a recent letter to the Editor of the Timberjay. Mining of this type of rock strata has been going on for decades in the region’s back yard including Babbitt, Ely, Eveleth, Soudan, Virginia, Hibbing, Keewatin etc… where many people from all over the area work and live, not sure what the difference would be now but they don’t want you to know that or the other information about new mining techniques readily available on the Internet now…

Full Article link below:

http://www.timberjay.com/stories/Taconite-dollars-keep-the-tourist-economy-afloat,9995?content_source=&category_id=51&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id=

Spectrum Health Companies sets forum July 16 in Babbitt, Minnesota

Spectrum sets forum July 16 in Babbitt - Mesabi Daily News: News: assisted living, spectrum health, virginia mesabi daily news,: BABBITT — Spectrum Health Companies will hold a community forum in advance of opening its 38-bed assisted living facility in Babbitt. The meet…

Cliffs Natural Resources donated $25,000 toward flood relief.

Cliffs Natural Resources like always is being a great community partner.

Article from the Mesabi Daily News.

Region slowly recovering from flooding - Mesabi Daily News: News: weather, disaster_accident, duluth minnesota, cliffs natural resources inc., st. louis county: Hard-hit Northeastern Minnesota continues making progress recovering from the megaflooding from 10 inches of rain June 19-20 in the Duluth are…

We Support Minnesota Mining!

Show your support for Minnesota Mining! Signs are popping up all over Northern Minnesota!

We support environmentally responsible mining in Minnesota and the communities, schools, people and jobs that mining supports.

Website Link>>  We Support Minnesota Mining!