If an April Fools’ joke falls in the Boundary Waters …

“Keep Ely in Minnesota!”

That’s the battle cry that materialized on the Ely Chamber of Commerce Web site sometime within the last 24 hours. The cry originated from a citizens’ group that opposes the previously unknown sale and relocation of Ely, Minn., to somewhere in Canada.

An article accompanying the group’s petition reports, “The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has entered into negotiations with the Minnesota DNR and the Governor’s office to arrive at a satisfactory price.”

A quick check of the Ely Echo reveals nothing on the sale. Its top story of the day? “Dog droppings, junk cars and fences part of Ely civil enforcement issues.”