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 through August 2. Tom is the athletic director at Ely’s Memorial High School, the head baseball coach for Minnesota North Vermilion Iron Hawks, as well ...
Jun 26, 2025•42 min•Ep. 64
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 outdoors, Ely is a vibrant community with a rich history and a dynamic arts and cultural scene. There is truly always something fun to and someone fascinati...
Jun 19, 2025•29 min•Ep. 62
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 today Jen Schak, the Global Marketing Manager for Explore MN. Show Notes Email Lacey with your ideas and feedback: whatsup@ely.org Visit Ely Adventure...
Jun 12, 2025•55 min•Ep. 62
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 outdoors, Ely is a vibrant community with a rich history and a dynamic arts and cultural scene. There is truly always something fun to and someone fascinati...
Jun 05, 2025•29 min•Ep. 61
In 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 would spend the rest of her life connected to the outdoors. She spent five years guiding at Camp Menogyn and worked ten years for the Voyageur Outward...
May 15, 2025•56 min•Ep. 60
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 and someone fascinating to meet in Ely! With an abundance of opportunities for social engagement and adventure, how is one to know where to start? Let ...
May 07, 2025•35 min•Ep. 59
In 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 whatsup@ely.org What’s Up Ely Facebook Group Ely-Winton Historical Society Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Ely Echo Introducing Kelsey Cooke Forest North Podcast...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 58
In 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 French fine dining. Chris Glazer is the founder and owner of Boundary Waters Catering. He credits his Ma with his passion for food. Tad Drechsler is ...
Apr 23, 2025•50 min•Ep. 57
The 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 is an April & May 2025 event round up, featuring special guest Megan Wind. Megan Wind is a multidisciplinary creative with a background in dance,...
Apr 16, 2025•29 min•Ep. 56
In 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 parties?! Michelle will be hosting a Studio 54 themed dance party on behalf of Functional Fitness in the Lookout Lounge of the Boathouse Brewpub on Saturday...
Apr 09, 2025•48 min•Ep. 55
The 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 is an April 2025 Ely-area event round up featuring host Lacey, producer Brett, and special guests Emily and Teague. EMAIL ME – whatsup@ely.org Show N...
Apr 01, 2025•19 min•Ep. 54
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 life for a pair of skis and a fishing pole. In his pseudo-retirement, Dale has made a name for himself as our local winemonger. Not only does he offer...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 53
The 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 is a late March and early April 2025 Ely-area event round up featuring host Lacey Squier and producer Brett Ross. Show Notes Links Ely Community Reso...
Mar 20, 2025•21 min•Ep. 52
Join 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 whatsup@ely.org Seasonal Ely Adventure Guides (Forthcoming: Ely-Area Arts & Cultural Adventure Guide) Arrowhead Transit Arrowhead Transit Travel Training Hello, Range! Iron Ra...
Mar 13, 2025•56 min•Ep. 51
The 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 producer Brett Ross. Show Notes Links Ely-Area New Resident Social Ely Film Festival What’s Up Ely Podcast Convo about Film Production in Ely (1:20:38) Wine ...
Mar 06, 2025•32 min•Ep. 50
In 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 disabilities. They work to remove physical and community preparedness obstacles to inclusive wilderness experiences. They are on a mission to make the g...
Feb 26, 2025•58 min•Ep. 49
Lacey 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 vibrant community with a dynamic schedule of events that are open to tourists. There is truly always something fun to do in town! We encourage listeners t...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 48
This 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, respectively. The 3rd annual Ely Film Festival is scheduled for March 12-16, 2025. And, of course, this episode includes an event round up. There’s ...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 47
On 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 radio broadcasting in college). You may recall meeting Tim Barton on episode one of the What’s Up Ely Podcast. He was also a guest on episode 25. Lace...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 46
On 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 the Pioneer Mine. Bill and Lacey will reminisce about Bill’s family history in Ely, as well as Christmas traditions past and present. And, of course,...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 45
On 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 conversation is inspired by the spirit of Scott’s writing – it elicits thought and laughter, and educates listeners about year-round life in our northern climate...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 44
Abby 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 Abby came to be an Elyite, Abby’s journey to becoming an artist and opening an art gallery and studios, and Abby’s journey to performing comedy o...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 43
While 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 conversation about what went well, what he learned, and what went poorly! And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota, ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 42
Join 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 tell us all about the Redhead Mountain Bike Park adjacent to the MN Discovery Center. Lastly, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 41
Join 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 introduction to Sarah would be complete without mention of her enthusiasm for all things creativity, art, and Halloween ! Sarah also happens to be a gr...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 40
Join 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 the publication of the book, as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishing of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness via the Wilderness Act of...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 39
Join 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 topics include the allure of the Wilderness, love of trees, fine dining in Ely, and more. And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming e...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 38
Join 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 international cooperation. And, of course, this episode includes a round up of upcoming events in Ely, Minnesota. There’s always something to do in Ely! Show Note...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 37
Listen 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, a local chapter of a national nonprofit that seeks to bridge partisan division. They currently serve as our chapter’s co-chairs. And, of course, ...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 36
Listen 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 philosophy. And, of course, this episode includes a round up of events happening in Ely, Minnesota in June and July, 2024. There’s always something going on in...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 35
