Ely, Minnesota is a small town on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness -- the most visited Wilderness in the United States and a hub for outdoor recreation. But Ely is not merely a gateway to the Boundary Waters; it is a vibrant community with a rich history and a dynamic arts and cultural scene, as evidenced by a plethora of events that are actively welcoming of visitors. Indeed, all roads lead to Ely, Minnesota, a delicious little slice of Americana. This What’s Up Ely Pod ...
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Host Lacey Squier Podcasts
In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with Frank Ivancich and Tom Coombe. They’ll be discussing Ely’s strong tradition of baseball excellence. This conversation is happening in the midst of an exciting season, and in anticipation of Ely hosting the 2025 Division II Senior State Baseball Tournament that will take place July 30 th…
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This episode features a round up of events happening in or around Ely, Minnesota this summer, with an emphasis on events in June. What’s Up Ely celebrates the spirit of Ely, Minnesota – a small town on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounded by the Superior National Forest. In addition to being a gateway to great outdoo…
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In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with Bert Kuizenga, an actor, reality TV show host, travel show host, and artist from The Netherlands. Bert, his wife Astrid, and a Dutch cameraman named Mourtis are in Ely as part of a trip to Minnesota in collaboration with Explore Minnesota Tourism. To that end, we also have with us here …
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This episode features a round up of events happening in or around Ely, Minnesota this summer, with an emphasis on events in June. What’s Up Ely celebrates the spirit of Ely, Minnesota – a small town on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounded by the Superior National Forest. In addition to being a gateway to great outdoo…
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Introducing Youth to the Wilderness with Rachel Hedlund
56:25
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56:25In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with Rachel Hedlund, the Northern Education Coordinator for Friends of the Boundary Waters. Rachel’s work includes collaborating with other organizations to guide Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness excursions for youth. From the first time Rachel put a canoe on her shoulders, she knew she …
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What’s Up Ely celebrates the spirit of Ely, Minnesota – a small town on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounded by the Superior National Forest. In addition to being a gateway to great outdoors, Ely is a vibrant community with a rich history and a dynamic arts and cultural scene. There is truly always something fun to a…
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Ely-Winton History Museum with Kelsey Cooke
1:18:42
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1:18:42In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with Kelsey Cooke, a historian and the executive director of the Ely-Winton Historical Society. Kelsey also serves as a mine interpreter for the Soudan Underground Mine. Show Notes Email Lacey [email protected] What’s Up Ely Facebook Group Ely-Winton Historical Society Lake Vermilion-Soudan Un…
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Boundary Waters Catering with Chris Glaser and Tad Drechsler
50:10
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50:10In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with our Ely, Minnesota friends and neighbors Chris Glazer and Tad Drechsler, the team behind Boundary Waters Catering, a new venture in town. Together Chris and Tad have over 45 years of experience in the food service industry, including cooking, bartending, large scale catering events, and…
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April & May 2025 Event Round Up Featuring Megan Wind
29:21
29:21
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29:21The What’s Up Ely Podcast is growing and evolving! We are expanding to produce four episodes per month, with two dedicated solely to rounding up a selection of Ely-area events, and two episodes dedicated to Ely-area-inspired inquiry and conversation. The What’s Up Ely Podcast is brought to you by Visit Ely, the Ely Area Tourism Bureau. This episode…
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Functional Fitness & the Studio 54 Party with Michelle Moore
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47:45In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with our Ely, Minnesota friend and neighbor Michelle Moore. Michelle is the owner of Functional Fitness, a 24-hour gym located in the new Ely-Area Community Hub building. Functional Fitness offers a variety of classes (including spin!), personal trainers, a juice bar, AND…. fun themed partie…
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International Mosquito Museum & April 2025 Event Round Up
19:10
19:10
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19:10The What’s Up Ely Podcast is growing and evolving! We are expanding to produce four episodes per month, with two dedicated solely to rounding up a selection of Ely-area events, and two episodes dedicated to Ely-area-inspired inquiry and conversation. The What’s Up Ely Podcast is brought to you by Visit Ely, the Ely Area Tourism Bureau. This episode…
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In this episode listeners will join Lacey in conversation with our Ely, Minnesota friend and neighbor Dale Beers. If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of wine at Northern Grounds on the corner of Central and Sheridan Street in Ely, Minnesota, you’ve likely interacted with our Dale. He is a former suit wearing city-slicker and chef who traded in the fast …
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Ely Area Event Round Up -- Late March / Early April
21:11
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21:11The What’s Up Ely Podcast is growing and evolving! We are expanding to produce four episodes per month, with two dedicated solely to rounding up a selection of Ely-area events, and two episodes dedicated to Ely-area-inspired inquiry and conversation. The What’s Up Ely Podcast is brought to you by Visit Ely, the Ely Area Tourism Bureau. This episode…
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Arrowhead Regional Transit with Dominick Olivanti & Holly Bachschneider
55:35
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55:35Join Lacey in conversation with Dominick Olivanti and Holly Bachschneider of Arrowhead Transit. Arrowhead Transit is the primary provider of public transportation in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota. Dominick and Holly give us an inside scoop on what’s up in Hibbing and the Quad Cities as well. Show Notes: Email Lacey [email protected] Seasonal Ely …
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Ely Area Event Round Up -- Early March 2025
32:00
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32:00The What’s Up Ely Podcast is growing and evolving! We are expanding to produce four episodes per month, with two dedicated solely to rounding up a selection of Ely-area events, and two episodes dedicated to Ely-area-inspired inquiry and conversation. This episode is an early March 2025 Ely-area event round up featuring host Lacey Squier and produce…
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Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach with Sean & Jill Leary
58:26
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58:26In this episode Lacey will have a conversation with Sean and Jill Leary. Sean and Jill are the founders of Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach, and owners of North of North Resort on Birch Lake. Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach is a nonprofit organization that brings adaptive outdoor recreation within reach for people living with permanent physical di…
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Happy Days Learning Center: Conversations with the Kids
1:16:48
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1:16:48Lacey and Brett take this episode on the road to Happy Days Learning Center in the newly renovated Ely-Area Community Foundation Hub. Listeners will be in conversation with director Kathleen Floberg, as well as a handful of very special guests – some of the children who attend Happy Days Learning Center. Show Notes: Ely, Minnesota is home to a vibr…
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Ely Film Festival with Jacob White & Nina Wray
1:29:23
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1:29:23This episode listeners hear from Aaron Kania, the District Ranger for the Kawishiwi District of the Superior National Forest. Ranger Kania will share the details of a comment period for the proposed Fernberg Project. Next we’ll have a conversation about the upcoming Ely Film Festival with festival director and coordinator, Jacob White and Nina Wray…
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Winter Recreation, Rentals, & Guided Trips with Timmy B
1:29:55
1:29:55
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1:29:55On this episode of the What’s Up Ely Podcast, listeners will join host Lacey Squier in conversation with her friend and neighbor (and returning guest!) Tim Barton. Tim is an Outfitting Manager at Piragis Northwoods Company, and he specializes in winter. He also happens to be an excellent conversationalist and radio nerd (which is to say he studied …
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Christmas in Ely featuring Bill Erzar
1:19:21
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1:19:21On this episode of the What’s Up Ely Podcast, listeners will join host Lacey Squier in conversation with Bill Erzar, a born-and-raised Elyite. Bill is the grandson of a Slovenian immigrant who arrived in Ely in 1909 and worked underground for 45 years. Bill himself worked in local mines for over 30 years, and now serves as a volunteer tour guide at…
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Loving Life in our Tourist Town with Scott Stowell
1:24:45
1:24:45
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1:24:45On this episode of the What’s Up Ely Podcast, listeners will join host Lacey Squier in conversation with Scott Stowell, author of Back Road Grace. Back Road Grace is a collection of essays, memoirs and short fiction about the culture, Wilderness treasures, and the character of the inhabitants in northeastern Minnesota. Scott and Lacey’s conversatio…
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Facilitator, Community Builder, & Comedian Abby Dare
1:26:46
1:26:46
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1:26:46Abby Dare is the owner of The Meadows Gallery & Studios on Sheridan Street. She also serves on the Parks and Recreation Board for the City of Ely. Through all of her endeavors she is committed to fostering meaningful relationships, making the world a better place, and having fun along the way. Join Abby and Lacey in conversation as they discuss how…
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Tales from the Trail with Ozzie Reif
1:31:34
1:31:34
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1:31:34While walking 70 miles through the BWCAW on the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails, Ozzie Reif had the opportunity to test the gear he made from natural materials. Along the way he learned a lot about this gear and spent a significant amount of time thinking about how he and other humans interact with our outdoor spaces. Listen in on the conversatio…
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Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm with Bridgit Maruska
1:05:51
1:05:51
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1:05:51Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her new friend and regional neighbor, Bridgit Maruska. Bridgit is the Parks, Trails, & Recreation Director at the City of Chisholm. Her work involves fostering vibrant recreational environments and public spaces to increase community participation and volunteer mobilization. Specifically, Bridgit is here to…
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Working from Home, Homesteading, and Halloween with Sarah Vogl
1:15:45
1:15:45
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1:15:45Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her friend and neighbor, Sarah Vogl. Sarah is a relatively new Elyite who made the journey from South St. Paul to Ely, from suburban cubicle to self-employment in the woods. She is also actively learning about the art of homesteading (so y’all can expect to hear mention of gardening and chickens!). And no i…
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Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic with Buddy Huffaker and Bonus Content with Special Guest Ian Lah
1:12:01
1:12:01
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1:12:01Join the conversation as Lacey chats with a new friend, Buddy Huffaker, the Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation. They’ll be chatting about Aldo Leopold’s land ethic, made famous via his book A Sand County Almanac. This conversation is taking place in anticipation of a series of events in Ely in celebration of the 75th anniversary of t…
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“Writing the Book You Want to Read” with Lou Wiggin and Kes Ebbs
1:20:07
1:20:07
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1:20:07Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her friends and neighbors, Kes Ebbs and Lou Wiggin. Kes and Lou are affiliated with the SAGE Foundation, an Ely-based nonprofit that aims to uplift First-Gen and BIPOC education by offering mentorship, community, and a range of resources to Minnesota North Vermilion Campus students. Additional discussion to…
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Taking a Chance on Ely: Rotary's Casino Night & More
1:08:26
1:08:26
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1:08:26Join the conversation as Lacey chats with her friends and neighbors, Tom Moore and Susan Polege. Tom and Susan are members of Ely’s Rotary Club which is hosting a Casino Night at the Miners Dry House on Friday, August 16. Discussion topics include the importance of community engagement and volunteerism, supporting youth activities, and internationa…
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Ely’s Braver Angels Alliance with Nick Wognum & Johnnie Hyde
1:11:13
1:11:13
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1:11:13Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Nick Wognum & Johnnie Hyde. Nick Wognum is the owner and editor of the Ely Echo, Ely’s newspaper of record. Johnnie is the owner of Raven Words Press, which publishes the Ely Summer and Winter Times. In 2023 Nick and Johnnie collaborated to establish an Ely Alliance of Braver Angels,…
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Sigurd Olson & Listening Point Foundation with Freja Alioth
1:09:43
1:09:43
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1:09:43Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Freja Alioth. Freja is the executive director of Listening Point Foundation, “where introspection and conservation meet.” The Listening Point Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to preserving the physical land known as Listening Point, and advancing Sigurd Olson’s wilderness philosoph…
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Busy Summer for Arts in Ely with Ian Francis Lah & Molly Hill Fuller
1:32:20
1:32:20
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1:32:20Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Ian Francis Lah and Molly Hill Fuller of the Northern Lakes Arts Association, often affectionately referred to as NLAA. They’ll talk about how the arts are TRANSFORMATIVE, and about the robust summer schedule of arts and cultural programming in Ely – including but not limited to mult…
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Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Rob Wilmunen and Ammie Peterson, members of the Ely Events Committee which is responsible for several of the flagship events celebrating the Fourth of July in Ely. They’ll discuss Ely’s famous Fourth of July parade, as well as one of our favorite new traditions – Rock the Park.. And,…
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Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Nick Laurant and Maddie Wilson, the co-owners and chefs at The Chocolate Moose on Sheridan Street in Ely. They’ll discuss their new summer season menus and other updates at “The Moose.” She’ll also have a quick chat with special guest, David Wigdahl, who stopped in to tell her and Br…
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Tourism & Mothers Day in Ely with Robyn Bertlesen
1:22:38
1:22:38
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1:22:38Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Robyn Bertelsen. Robyn and Lacey talk about tourism – both Ely tourism and their experiences as tourists elsewhere. They also discuss the upcoming Northern Lights ClubHouse Mothers Day Tea Party – and more!! And, of course, this episode features an upcoming event round-up. Show Notes: T…
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Minnesota Versus Irish Goodbyes with Special Guests Teague & Cormac
31:17
31:17
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31:17Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Teague. Teague is a new Elyite who will share with us his first impressions of life in Ely, Minnesota. And, of course, this episode features an upcoming event round-up! There is ALWAYS something going on. We encourage listeners to consult the resources below for additional details. If …
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Methodist Church Pasty Tradition & Ely High School All Class Reunion with Pam Turnbull
1:24:26
1:24:26
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1:24:26Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Pam Turnbull, who born-and-raised Elyites may know as Pam Loe. Pam is the President of the Ely-Winton Historical Society, which is not to be confused with the Ely Heritage Preservation Commission – of which she is also co-chair. Pam is a member of the Ely Educational Foundation, a co-c…
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In honor of Saint Urho's Day on March 16, we are sharing a special edition episode of the What's Up Ely Podcast. This audio is pulled from a recent History Happy Hour program about the holiday. History Happy Hour is a monthly presentation on Ely aea history in the time it takes to drink a pint. These half hour long events are hosted by our friend a…
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Ely’s BrainStorm Bakery & International Wolf Center
1:21:55
1:21:55
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1:21:55Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Andrea Strom, Giselle, and Krista. They’ll talk about the upcoming Northern Lakes Arts Association production of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as some other events that may or may not involve a fiddle, as well as the many things that Ian has up his sleeves for 2024 on behalf of the Nor…
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Fiddlers Fiddling & More with Ian Lah
1:30:54
1:30:54
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1:30:54Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Ian Lah. They’ll talk about the upcoming Northern Lakes Arts Association production of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as some other events that may or may not involve a fiddle, as well as the many things that Ian has up his sleeves for 2024 on behalf of the Northern Lakes Arts Association…
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Minnesota North Vermilion Campus & the Ely Beat with a Local Reporter
1:50:01
1:50:01
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1:50:01Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Jessica Anderson Ojala and Parker Loew. Lacey and Jessica will talk about Ely’s local community college, Minnesota North’s Vermilion Campus. Then Lacey and Parker chat about noteworthy news stories. And, of course, we do an upcoming event round-up! Show Notes: Minnesota North Vermilio…
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Ely’s Historic State Theater, Ely Steam Sauna, & Winter Fun in Ely
1:25:48
1:25:48
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1:25:48Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Todd Crego and Tim Barton. Lacey and Todd will talk about two long-standing and beloved Ely institutions: Ely’s Historic State Theater and Ely Steam Sauna. Tim Barton is back to chat about winter recreation and Ely’s Winter Festival. And, of course, we do an upcoming event round-up! T…
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Frozen the Musical in Ely with Billie & Mike Rouse and Ely Film Festival with Filmmaker Marius Anderson
1:32:21
1:32:21
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1:32:21Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Billie & Mike Rouse, who tell us all about an especially exciting upcoming event: Frozen The Musical, a live production that will take place in the Washington Auditorium of Ely’s Memorial High School the weekend of January 19-21. Lacey will also chat with film director Marius Anderson…
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Cross Country Skiing & Ely Adventure School with Sunshine Gardner
1:13:56
1:13:56
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1:13:56Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Sunshine Gardner. They’ll be talking about cross country skiing in the Ely-area, as well the Ely Youth Ski League. Sunshine is the founder and lead educator at the Ely Adventure School which facilitates preschool, child care, and summer camps where children learn and play almost exclusi…
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Foraging for Food & More with the Ely Folk School's Lucy Soderstrom
1:15:40
1:15:40
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1:15:40Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Lucy Soderstrom. They’ll be talking about the upcoming Anishinaabe Storytelling program hosted by the Ely Folk School, looking ahead to other Ely-area goings on, and reflecting on what they’re grateful for in the context of their Ely lives. And, of course, they’ll be presenting a Decemb…
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Snowmobiling in Ely with Lexy Fenske & Updates from USFS District Ranger Aaron Kania
1:32:36
1:32:36
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1:32:36Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Lexy Fenske. Lexy will tell us about her extensive experience snowmobiling in the area, as well as what it’s like to raise two kids among the trees. Next, we’ll hear from Aaron Kania, the United States Forest Service Kawishiwi District Ranger. Aaron will tell us about how to harvest yo…
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Arctic Misadventures, Game Nights, & Dog Sledding with Peter Schurke
2:01:54
2:01:54
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2:01:54Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Peter Schurke, who is an arctic skipper during the summer months, and a dog sled guide in the winter. Peter will tell us of his Nordic sailing adventures and discuss how those experiences inform his work as the owner of a dog sledding business. Peter will also talk about the regular pu…
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100+ Women Who Care with Abby Sirek & Emily Roose
59:31
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59:31Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Abby Sirek and Emily Roose, both of whom are involved with the planning and execution of Ely’s bi-annual 100+ Women Who Care event. 100+ Ely Women Who Care is a women’s giving circle committed to helping the Ely area thrive by pooling small individual donations to collectively give a…
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Ely’s Masked Singer Event with Molly Olson
1:01:14
1:01:14
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1:01:14Join Lacey in conversation with Molly Olson, whom you may remember from our pilot episode which originally aired on January 11, 2023. Molly will tell us all about an upcoming Northern Lakes Arts Association fundraiser inspired by the popular reality competition show on Fox called The Masked Singer. Ely State Theater Ely Community Health Center Ely …
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Ely Marathon Recap with Hudson Kingston, New Resident Social with Children's Book Author Tove Conway, & an October Event Round Up
1:31:17
1:31:17
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1:31:17Join Lacey in conversation with Tove Conway, a new Elyite who recently published her first children’s book, Northern Sights. They’ll discuss what it’s like to be new to town, as well as the upcoming New Resident Social event scheduled for October 12. They’ll also chat about Tove’s experience as a PhD student studying literature, and much more. We’l…
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Root Beer Lady the Musical with Barbara Cary Hall & September Event Round Up
1:11:20
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1:11:20Join Lacey in conversation with Barbara Cary Hall as they discuss a local production called Root Beer Lady – The Musical, which is based on the book Root Beer Lady by Bob Cary, Barb’s father. The musical offers a window into the life of Dorothy Molter, who we’ve discussed previously on our podcast. Barb is the musical’s producer, playwright, and mu…
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