UpNorthica

Honestly, it all started out as just being a “beautiful night” for a boat ride – and booze. And fireworks. And AK-47s.

But despite whatever good intentions [cough] Barney James Lakner began with on the evening of last August 7th, the ensuing marathon of terroristic threats to campers on Basswood Lake left a dark, long-lived stain on that date. The so-called “fifth’ suspect pled guilty on Tuesday to an ammo boxful of felony and misdemeanor charges. Twenty-two charges, actually. Lakner will likely face a mandatory three-year sentence.

One final suspect, age 17, still faces trial.

Here’s to the day when the headlines, the residents of Ely, and all people who love the calm of the wilderness, can put this behind us.