Steve Biondich- City of Biwabik Mayor

09/09/2026

Hello, everyone! With the recent bear issues in town, Jessica Holmes of the DNR office Tower had reached out to me today with some information. PLEASE don’t have bird feeders out and don’t keep trash in a can outside. Here’s her message to me.

Good afternoon,

Please utilize the following resources to education the citizens of Biwabik on the chronic bear issues:

As bears are transition to hibernation in the coming weeks, their desire for food increases. They transition from nibbling on plants to eating more substantial meals. Food and food odors can attract bears, so it’s important to remember that they can pick up a scent from more than a mile away.

Home and cabin owners can prevent bears from searching for food in their yard or buildings now by using the BearWise checklist (PDF) and following these BearWise basics:

Step 1 – removal of all food sources (bird feeders, trash, BBQ, dog food, etc)
Step 2 – implement hazing techniques (scare the bear with loud noises)
Step 3 – inform your neighbors

Other tips:
Remove bird feeders when bears
Secure food, garbage and recycling
Never feed or approach a bear
Never leave pet food outdoors
Clean and store grills and smokers
Alert neighbors to bear activity

MNDNR BearWise information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/homes.html


Trash - Store your trash can in a secure area, such as a sturdy shed or garage, and put it out on the morning of garbage pickup, not the night before. Alternately, contact your trash hauler service about bear-proof garbage can options.

Bird feeder – Remove all bird feeders until winter as this bear has homed in on these as a primary food source. Clean up any residual seed on the ground.

Once a bear finds food on your property, it will likely return for more. Repeated access to food can teach bears to associate homes with a food source and erode the bear’s natural instinct to avoid people. Removing the attractant is good for you and the bear.

Living with bears information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/index.html

More bear information
People should be cautious around bears and give them space. If human-bear conflicts persist after food sources have been removed, contact your local Tower Minnesota DNR area wildlife office for advice at 218-300-7860.

Thank you,
Jess

Jessica Holmes
Area Wildlife Manager | Division of Fish and Wildlife
Standby Natural Resources Pilot | Division of Enforcement
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
650 HWY 169
Tower, MN 55790

09/02/2026

I was super excited today to sign a Mayoral Proclimation, or Honklimation- if you will, announcing our partnership with the Biwabik Area Civic Association official and Giants Ridge for our ever-growing fall event, Honktoberfest! It was the best way possible to kick off the month of September!! And, of course, it’s always good to make sure my lederhosen didn’t shrink in the closet over that last year 😂😂😂!

In a time where we log onto social media and see too much negativity, it’s sure great to be able to share some good news and have some fun while doing it! Hope to see everyone at Honktoberfest the last weekend in September!

09/01/2026

Good afternoon, Everyone.

I thought I had posted this, but it did not for some reason (I admittedly struggle with social media technology sometimes!)

The City has established an Economic Development Authority (EDA). Currently, the City council serves as the EDA and we are looking for citizen members. See the website posting! It does say tomorrow, but with lack of posting it here- September 9th is acceptable.

https://www.cityofbiwabik.com/index.asp?SEC=96E8AA4C-9E42-441C-A04F-A19B3AA4A520&DE=93587610-237D-4A16-8680-C815E11030F9

07/29/2026

UPDATE: Issue resolved, resume normal water usage in the Giants Ridge and Voyageurs Retreat areas.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 12:30 PM

There is no longer an issue with water conservation. Contact City Hall if you have any questions or concerns

07/27/2026

ATTENTION GIANTS RIDGE AND VOYAGEURS RETREAT:

Water Conservation Requested Through July 29,
Monday, July 27, 2026 at 3:06 PM

Water Conservation Notice
Due to unforeseen circumstances, customers in the Voyageurs Retreat and Giants Ridge areas are asked to conserve water and avoid unnecessary or excessive water use through the end of the day on Wednesday, July 29.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to address the situation. Thank you for helping ensure adequate water service for everyone in the affected areas.

As usual, this post is purely informational and not intended for any question and answer. I was asked to share by our staff. If you have relevant questions or concerns please contact City Hall.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

I hope everyone has the chance to spend time with family and friends, enjoy everything our community has to offer, and celebrate America’s 250th birthday!!

One of the things I appreciate most about Biwabik is that this community has never been built by one person or one organization. It takes all of us. Whether it’s volunteering at community events, serving on committees and organizations, helping a neighbor, coaching kids, or spending a morning planting and caring for the beautiful flowers that make our Main Street so welcoming, there are countless people who quietly make Biwabik a better place every single day.

That’s what makes this the best town in Minnesota! People here care, we show up, and we all pitch in. And because of that, our community continues to grow and thrive.

We’ve weathered our share of challenges over the years (and this week- even a little weather itself), but we always move forward together.

Once everyone has enjoyed the holiday weekend and it’s time to get back to work- here’s a little announcement/reminder:

Beginning Monday, July 6, the Public Works crew will start our monthly curbside brush pickup. Brush pickup will take place on the first Monday of each month throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This way, we can still keep our town looking sharp and we don’t have to operate a brush pile that continually turned into a safety and health hazard.

A few quick reminders on the brush:�*Brush must be 6 feet or shorter.�*Please stack it parallel to the street along the curb so our Public Works crew can pick it up safely and efficiently.

Thank you to our Public Works crew for all they do, thank you to our incredible and dedicated City Hall Staff, and thank you to every volunteer, organization, business, and resident who gives their time and talents to make Biwabik such a wonderful place to call home!!

Have a safe and memorable Fourth of July weekend, enjoy the Calithumpian Parade, and Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

06/12/2026

Only a few days, and a few spots, left! While the Gazebo banner opportunities are already sold out, there are still some light pole banners left!

Great opportunity to celebrate our countries 250th, while supporting the Biwabik Area Civic Association’s effort to get the hardware in place for future decor! 

By Biwabik Area Civic Assoc Inc

06/09/2026

Tonight at City Hall!

ARDC Planning is joining Discover The Range in Biwabik tonight for a public Trail Town Community Meeting!

We’re hoping to gather a strong group of residents, stakeholders, and trail enthusiasts to help shape the future of our region’s growing trail network.

Biwabik Trail Town Community Meeting
• Tonight, June 9 (5:00–7:00 PM)
• Biwabik City Hall Chambers (321 Main St, Biwabik, MN 55708)

This free event, presented by Discover the Range and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, is a chance for the community to:
• Learn about the benefits of our expanding trail-based economy

• Explore strategies to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities

• Discuss priorities for future investment and collaboration

Please share this post with folks who may be interested in attending! Thank you for helping us bring more voices to the table tonight—every participant truly makes a difference. You can register for the event here: https://bit.ly/4fFKG9r

Mesabi Trail East Range Communities

05/31/2026

Last fall, the City approved the set up of a designated fund for donations. I was very happy to accept this very generous first check to build that fund and help the community develop more recreational amenities and opportunities for youth in the region!

These funds are a direct result of charitable gambling conducted at various sites on the East Range. Caring for the Kids Community operates at Luke’s Tavern in town and the money raised, and then some, is coming back to the community. These dollars were not only raised at Luke’s as CFTKC also conducts charitable gambling at Copper Nickel - Aurora, Rudy's Bar & Grill, and The BAR in Aurora and that directly benefits their mission to support our communities and expand amenities for youth outdoor recreation- and we cannot thank them enough!

And THANK YOU to not only the team at CFTKC for this donation, but also to Luke’s Tavern, Rudy’s, the Copper Nickel, the BAR- and most importantly all of the players at these establishments!!!

05/25/2026

My apologies for interrupting Memorial Day for an announcement I thought was posted over a week ago. Apparently I struggled with technology and it didn’t post.

City-Wide wide clean up is this week. Please reach out to City Hall with any questions! Myself, nor any staff from the City monitor social media and posts are meant to be informative only. Thank you!