On January 10, 2025, Reed Erickson, 69, of Side Lake, pleaded guilty to gross misdemeanor Misconduct of a Public Employee for acts that occurred during his time as executive director of the Cook Housing and Redevelopment Authority (“Cook HRA”). When Mr. Erickson resigned, he paid himself $18,982.90 in “unused vacation time” to which he admitted he was not entitled. 

On January 9th, 2025, at approximately 12:43 P.M. The Morse Township Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a fuel oil leak on private property, in the 400 Blk of Sheridan St. W on the edge of the city limits of Ely. 

St. Louis County commissioners have chosen Commissioner Annie Harala to serve as County Board Chair for 2025, and Commissioner Mike Jugovich as Vice Chair.