IronwoodInfo News Magazine

Low Water at Bond Falls

For Release: 05/07/2009
UPPCO Explains Low Water at Bond Reservoir
Reminds ORV Drivers to Stay off Shoreline

Houghton MI – Mandated winter operating levels in connection with the Bond Falls spillway capacity are causing low water in the reservoir again this year.

Because the spillway can't pass the Probable Maximum Flood under normal reservoir elevations, UPPCO is required to operate the project under an Interim Winter Reservoir Operating Plan, which calls for lower-than-normal water levels, until remedial construction can be completed. UPPCO is working with the regulatory agency on an acceptable design for the remediation.

"The Interim Winter Reservoir Operating Plan kept the reservoir low during the winter for safety reasons, and there hasn’t been enough precipitation to refill it," said Jim Melchiori, Supervisor Regional Generation-West. "In average water years, spring precipitation and run-off from snow melt return the reservoir to normal levels by this time. However, drier-than-normal conditions have dominated the past four years, and the reservoir is currently approximately 10 feet below normal.

"We walk a fine line between maintaining reservoir levels for public recreation, releasing the appropriate amount to support aquatic life downstream, and having water for hydroelectric operations," said Melchiori. "When conditions permit, we make every effort to increase the headwater elevation at Bond Falls; but without adequate inflow, we can’t even maintain normal reservoir levels."

Shoreline off limits to ORV drivers

The low water levels have also exposed the reservoir bottom and created a wider shore area. Because of the potential for environmental damage, this exposed shore area is off limits to Off Road Vehicles (ORVs). UPPCO cautions ORV drivers to use only authorized trails, no matter how appealing the newly exposed terrain may be.

“It’s against UPPCO’s policy to allow ORVs on any but authorized trails,” said Melchiori, “and we’ll cooperate with law enforcement officials to make sure the policy is followed - there’s just too much potential for environmental damage.”


May 3rd - May 9th ARSON AWARENESS WEEK
*News Release* Contact: Mario L. Morrow 517.373.9280 Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor www.michigan.gov/deleg Stanley "Skip" Pruss, Director Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov Fire Services, OFIR Put Focus on Problem of Arson for Profit LANSING – In partnership with the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the Bureau of Fire Services and the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) today announced the theme for 2009 Arson Awareness Week is Arson for Profit. State and federal agencies around the country will use the week of May 3rd to the 9th to focus public attention on the alarming statistics about Arson for Profit and the importance of reducing this terrible crime. Arson for Profit, or economic arson, occurs when businesses or individuals set fires to reduce financial loss, recoup initial investments, or dispose of depreciated assets, usually for a payout from insurance companies. "Economic arson is a heinous crime where crooks looking for an insurance bailout put Michigan firefighters and innocent citizens in severe danger," incoming State Fire Marshal Ron Farr said. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, last year there were 1,300 arson fires and 3,600 suspicious fires in Michigan, resulting in 35 civilian deaths, 102 injuries and losses of over $120 million. "Torching a home, car or business results in higher insurance premiums for all consumers," OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross said. "The impact on rates can be substantial." The Federal Bureau of Investigation's 2007 Uniform Crime Reporting statistics showed the average dollar loss for all types of arson was $17,289. For structures, arson damages were $32,364 on average and $7,890 for motor vehicles. Arsons of industrial and manufacturing structures resulted in the highest average dollar losses—an average of $114,699 per arson. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2005, an estimated 323,900 intentional fires reported to U.S. fire departments resulted in 490 civilian fire deaths, 3 firefighter on duty deaths (at the scene of, during response or return to, or from an intentional fire), 1,500 civilian fire injuries, 7,600 firefighter on duty injuries (at the scene of an intentional fire but not including response/return injuries) and $1.102 billion in direct property damage. For more information on Arson Awareness Week, visit: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/arson/arson_awareness.shtm Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, P.O. Box 30004, Ottawa Bldg 4th Floor., Lansing, MI 48909 DELEG is an equal opportunity employer/program.

GOGEBIC RANGE
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
CLASS OF 2009

PRESS RELEASE:

GOGEBIC RANGE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2009

Enrollment for the Gogebic Range Leadership Academy Class of 2009 is now open. The Leadership Academy is an excellent opportunity for residents of Iron County, Wisconsin and Gogebic County, Michigan who would like to be more active and effective leaders in the community.

This year, the academy will focus on leadership skills and will consist of six sessions beginning in September and ending in November of 2009. The registration deadline is Friday, July 17. At least 15 participants must enroll in order for the academy to be held. The tuition for the Academy is only $150.

The Leadership Academy may be the catalyst for you to gain the confidence, skills and knowledge to become more active and effective in the community.

The Gogebic Range Leadership Academy is a collaborative effort of the University of Wisconsin Extension, Michigan State University Extension, Iron County Development Zone Council and the Gogebic County Economic Development Commission.

To enroll in the academy or if you have any questions, please contact Will Andresen at (715) 561-2695, Kelly Klein at (715) 561-2922 or Lucia Patritto at (906) 663-4045.

Providing equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and American with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.

Scouts Sell Popcorn as Fundraiser

Ironwood - May 5, 2009

Boy Scouts braved the chilly spring weather Saturday to help raise money for scouting Jimmy and Danny are members of Bessemer Boy Scout Troop 337. Also participating with the boys was Bruce Jendrusina, Scout Master. Gentleman pictured above did not purchase any pop corn but instead, gave the scouts a donation. Troop members also raise a good deal of food and money for their communities.

Bowling For the Cure

Ontonagon - May 5, 2009

Forty-eight bowlers took part in Saturday's "Bowl for the Cure" at Konteka's Black Bear Lanes. The event raised money to finding a cure for cancer.The top female bowler was Carol Harry, who bowled a 251. Top male bowler was Gary Dubey

above - Julie Anderson, one of the many volunteers bowled a 209. Her team member
Linda Graham bowled a 210.

Lot's of Munchies from the Konteka restaurant along with door prizes, a 50/50 and "silent auction" all contributed to a great day "Bowling for the Cure".

UPPCO Closer to Making Au Train Decision
Company eliminates two of four options
HOUGHTON MI - May 5, 209 Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) continues to focus its efforts on resolving operating issues related to its Au Train hydroelectric facility. Of the four options previously announced by UPPCO, two have been eliminated: * Because the cost of modifying the dam to meet current safety standards will exceed the revenue the dam will produce during its license, the company will no longer pursue that option and instead is working toward a solution that does not require UPPCO customers to pay for the modifications. * Efforts to identify an entity that would buy the dam and property if UPPCO surrendered its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license have been unsuccessful, probably because that entity would still have to meet Michigan's dam safety rules as well as continue to perform maintenance on the dam over time. The two options that remain under consideration are somewhat interconnected: selling the dam and project lands to an entity that would continue to operate it as a FERC project or, if that option fails, surrendering the license and removing the dam. UPPCO currently is exploring a sale option with parties interested in purchasing and operating the Au Train dam, subject to due diligence, successful negotiation of terms, and FERC approval. UPPCO expects to know if this option will be pursued through FERC by mid summer. There would be no timetable for FERC approval. A sale would include the dam, powerhouse, and land within the project boundary. UPPCO would continue to hold and market a significant amount of land outside the project boundary. If the company is unable to sell the dam as a generator, it will begin the process of working with FERC for approval to surrender the license, which could include planning to remove the dam structures. Because of local concern about the potential for flooding dangers without the dam, UPPCO commissioned an independent study and will review the results with FERC prior to making the details public. In general, however, it can be said that the study determined that a significant rainfall or spring snow melt event is not likely to significantly raise the river level. "We hope to be able to sell the dam and will negotiate with that end in mind," said Keith Moyle, UPPCO Vice President. "That could provide the best outcome for all. If we aren't able to sell it, however, we'll move down the path of surrendering the license and removing the dam." UPPCO held public meetings in September 2008 and January 2009 to discuss the costly upgrades needed to meet Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) requirements, ask for public input, and share progress being made toward a resolution. Notes from the public meetings are on UPPCO's Web site: www.uppco.com - Alternate Options for Au Train Dam. Once the company completes its current analyses and reaches a conclusion, it will hold another meeting at Au Train.

Ontonagon Shooting Leaves One Dead

Photo and story by Linda Graham

Ontonagon - May 4, 2009

State Police and Sheriff's Deputies were summoned to the Cane Court Apartments in Ontonagon. The police responded to what is described as a shooting incident that has left one person dead at the scene.

The victim was Dan Keranen was found shot to death in an apartment tenanted by a Mr. Huhta. Hurta owner of the gun in question was taken into police custody along with the victims wife, Kim Keranen.

Neighbors indicated that there had been a party at the apartment earlier in the day.

Skate Park Still On Track

Ironwood - May 4, 2009

Rumors have been circulating around town that the city has put a hold on the proposed skateboard park scheduled to be built this year. The rummors have been stating that the park will be built at another location. We contacted City Manager, Scott Erickson who dispelled all the rumors. Scott told us that the city is just waiting on the funds from the DNR. The authorization was on the Governor's desk.

According to State Representative Mike Lahti, the MDNR has granted $46,300 for the for construction and development of Hiawatha Rotary Skate Park inIronwood.

Another Gogebic project to receive state funding will be Sunday Lake Trail and Eddy Park will receive $147,700 for improvements.

Creating a Lifetime Love of Reading

Ironwood - May 4th 2009

The Friends of the Carnegie Library held a fundraiser this past Saturday. The event was held in the Memorial Building. The goal of the used book sale was to raise money for the Children's Room Remodeling Project. The mission of the group is to develop a love of reading that lasts a lifetime! The goal is to refurbish the children's room to make it a warm, inviting place.

The Friends of the Library hope to

By 10:00 am a great many of the books, tapes and CD's had already been sold. Volunteers working at the book sale thought that the turnout was quite successful.

Lowell Street Band Performing May 8th and May 9th
Ironwood - May 3, 2009
The IronwoodInfo reporters were recently invited to hear the Lowell Street Band practice. The band practices in the basement of the Lowell Street home belonging to Ken Stasiak, the band's great drummer. The group was rehearsing for their up coming concert. The group will be performing at the Ironwood Theatre May 8th and May 9th. Both the Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30pm You certainly will want to be on time to hear this popular band recreate the sights and sounds of Rock's legends.

above Ken Stasiak Band's Drummer

above - Lowell Streets brass section left to right: trombonist Rob Ahnen , trumpet player Dan Patrone and Steve Boyd also playing trumpet. Tight harmonies, strong leads, and meticulous detail promise to make this show "one to remember"

above - vocalist and keyboard player Kevin Maki

above - vocalist Ron Niemi

above - vocalist and bass guitarist Matt Dausen

UPPCO Maintains Call-in Number for Information on Ontonagon River Flows

Houghton MI – May 3, 2009

Upper Peninsula Power Company reminds the public that there is an automated call-in number to provide water-flow information associated with its Bond Falls Project on the Ontonagon River system. Callers can use a toll-free number – 877-799-7544 – or call (906) 485-2441.

You will need a touch-tone phone to access the automated system and will be asked to press keys from ONE to FOUR, depending upon which stretch of the river you are interested in.

For flows below Cisco Dam on the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon, you will be asked to press ONE; for flows below the dam at Lake Gogebic on the West Branch, press TWO; for flows below the main Bond Falls Dam on the Middle Branch, press THREE; and for flows in the Bond Falls diversion canal into Roselawn/Bluff Creek on the South Branch, press FOUR. Users who know which button they wish to push can do so at any time during the message.

This message system complies with the recreational license conditions for FERC Project Number 1864, Bond Falls. Nevertheless, UPPCO cautions that the flows given should be used only as a guide. Although the system is updated when conditions change, weather or other circumstances may affect the flows between updates. In addition, the company can't determine whether the stated flow is safe or unsafe for travel on the river. That judgment is the responsibility of the user.

More From Chalkman

Mayor Again Spurns City Workers

Ironwood - May 5, 2009

The Ironwood City Council held a Special Meeting Monday, evening for the purpose of the special meeting will be to consider ratification of AFSCME, Local 1538 and Ironwood Professionals Police Association Union Agreements.

It turned out be the shortest City Council meeting in history. The meeting which took place in the Ironwood City Council Chamber. was called to order by the Mayor. Immediately following the roll call the council members into closed session to discuss contract negotiations with the city's employees. The council missing only Robert Burchell came immediately out of closed session and voted not to take action on the labor contract. How predictable.

There were two things very apparent. There never was any intention to come to an agreement, and secondly the council members knew before walking into the council chambers that no action would be taken. The motion, the second and the vote done just for the benefit of the audience. One could only conclude that all the decisions were made hours before the start of the meeting.

The council members were in such a hurry to get it it over with that Bruce and the gang didn't even take time to say the Pledge of Allegiance, yet alone the prayer.

So once again the council continued to bargain in bad faith with the city's employees. Once again the council members and the city attorney collected another pay check and the hard working city employees went home empty handed. How predictable.

"Help I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!"
This line was spoken in a television commercial for a medical alarm and protection company called LifeCall, starting in 1989, up to 1990, when they went out of business.
After falling Mrs Fletcher speaks the phrase "I've fallen and I can't get up" after which the dispatcher informs her that he is sending help. The combination made "I've fallen... and I can't get up!" a recognized, universal punch-line that applied to many comedic situations.
Not so funny however is the reality that emergencies do happen! Maybe it could be a fall or perhaps a heart attack. It could be a fire. It also could be an individual being physically abused by a domestic partner or perhaps an automobile accident. Actually there are all too many scenarios that could possibly describe how vulnerable we all are to calamity, regardless of our age. Fortunately, today we have enhanced 911 emergency service available to us on our telephones. 911 is available to all of us on our telephones whether they are land lines or cell phones. Unfortunately, our current 911 enhanced service is in serious jeopardy. At the current rate our 911 service will be unable to continue past 2010.
We've all come to realize that the economy is poor in general and the forces that threaten all aspects of our lifestyles now also threatens the existence of Gogebic's 911 service.
The problem Gogebic faces is the rising costs of the Negaunee Dispatch. These costs are not driven by the Negaunee operation, but, through the politicos in Lansing. The state is in dire straits and they are seeking higher revenues to cover their overall expenditures, not just 911.
One alternative is to go to basic service and hope for the best. The difference between the two services is that an emergency call made through Enhanced 911 tells the dispatcher where you are located, Basic Service does not. If you call 911 and then are unable to speak or tell the dispatcher your location - lots of luck. On the other hand if you use the current Enhanced Service the dispatcher will know your location and will be able to send help without you providing the address. This situation could occur under many circumstances such as when a caller is the victim of an heart attack or when phone lines fail during a fire. A violent spouse could disconnect the phone when the victim is seeking help.

The Gogebic 911 Committee has not been sitting on its hands in this matter. They have and are continuing to explore ways to reduce the costs of the service. The committee approved a resolution to start negotiations with Iron County (MI) for dispatch service. The move from Negaunee is expected to reduce E911 costs. The Committee is also seeking to bring those dispatch services back to Gogebic in an affordable way. While bringing the service home will create additional jobs it will be costly. The equipment costs will have a significant upfront cost.
While there are choices the problem remains that no matter what we choose to do, the current 30 cent monthly surcharge will not cut it. The county can "without voter approval" raise the monthly surcharge to 42 cents. However, neither 30 cents or 42 cents will allow us to continue the E911 service. So as the saying goes "the ball is in our court". This Tuesday we get to choose between a $1.65 monthly telephone surcharge each month or lose the E911 service. The choice is really that simple.
So, in an era where parents pay $30 - $50 a month for a cell phone for their kids, the question is how much is saving your life worth? Forty-two cents a month, a dollar a month or a dollar and sixty-five cents a month?

Mill Shutdown Extended

ONTONAGON - April 30, 2009

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation has extended the temporary shutdown at its mill.

"The market-related down time at the Ontonagon mill has been extended through the end of May," said Mike Mullin, Smurfit director of media relations and public affairs.

The layoffs began in November and impact approximately 140 employees. Some mill employees have remained on the job to tend to the facility.

Initially, the November layoff was expected to last about a month, but the company said market conditions have forced them to keep extending those layoffs.

Ontonagon County's unemployment rate was 16.9 percent in March, nearly double its March 2008 mark of 9.2 percent, according to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. The 7.7 percent increase over the past year was the second biggest jump in the Upper Peninsula.

The U.P.'s not seasonally adjusted March 2009 jobless rate of 13.6 percent is slightly higher than the state's 13.4 percent. The national rate is 9 percent.

Carol Decker Addresses
Hurley Area Lioness Club

Hurley - April 30, 2009

The Hurley Area Lioness Club President, Pat Kangas (right) welcomed guest speaker Carol Decker from the Road To Recovery program of the American Cancer Society. Carol's program is new to the area and is offered 24 hours a day. She coordinates volunteers to help drive cancer patients to therapy sessions and appointments. The Road To Recovery program covers local and long distance driving as far as Woodruff and to Ashland and more distant locations. All fund raising proceeds stay in this area. Carol can be reached at 1-715-561-2344

4-1 Makes It 2-4

Bessemer - April 28, 2009

Last evening the Bessemer City Council reversed itself and voted to return US 2 back to a four lane thoroughfare. Last year the council voted to turn the highway into a two lane corridor on a one year experimental basis. The year is up next month and evidently the experiment failed. This year's public hearing showed no more public support than evident last year. There was a public hearing last week and only six residents showed up to support the two lane roadway. There were 29 people speaking against it. Regardless of the numbers the MDOT experiment has gained little to no support in the last year. The Council voted 4-1 to go back to four lanes. Only councilman Carpenedo voted to keep the two lane road.

Now Here's a Skateboard Park!
.
Together with up to five assistants, Mueller painted all day long from sunrise to sunset. The picture appeared on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, as part of the town's Festival of World Cultures

He spent five days, working 12 hours a day, to create the 250 square meter image of the crevasse, which, viewed from the correct angle, appears to be 3D. He then persuaded passers-by to complete the illusion by pretending the gaping hole was real. 'I wanted to play with positives and negatives to encourage people to think twice about everything they see,' he said. 'It was a very scary scene, but when people saw it they had great fun playing on it and pretending to fall into the earth. 'I like to think that later, when they returned home, they might reflect more on what a frightening scenario it was and say, "Wow, that was actually pretty scary".'
Now Here's Some Blueprints for D.I.D.A.

Mueller, who has previously painted a giant waterfall in Canada, said he was inspired by the British 'Pavement Picasso' Julian Beever, whose dramatic but more gentle 3D street images have featured in the Daily Mail.

The Skateboard Park (illusion) took just one day to complete. Unlike Ironwood's Park still 15 years in the making. Cityscapes shown above - another quick project that didn't require 5 years to complete.

Hey maybe this one (picured above) could go just outside the proposed micro-brewery for downtown Ironwood. Do you suppose this guy could paint a skyway from downtown Hurley to the Red Light District proposed by Ironwood Mayor, Bruce Noren?
	pictured on left - Now that's a "Silent Sport" that doesn't require the eviction of ATV and Snowmobiles from Ironwood's trails.

National Month of the Young Child

Ontonagon April 25, 2009

Ontonagon CAA Head Start came together for children during the Month of the Young Child (April 2009). As part of the national Month of the Young Child (MYOC) celebrated across the country, young children and all those who make a difference in children's lives were honored. "All young children need and deserve high-quality learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and Gogebic-Ontonagon Head Start has a great opportunity to do our part to help to help young children," said Jacalyn Delich, Head Start Director. "Month of the Young Child is time to recognize the importance of early learning for all young children, and to bring us together to help give all young children a great start." Special April 2009

MOYC Focus Weeks topics included: April 1-11 --Physical Development; April 12-18 --Social-Emotional Development; April 19-25 --Cognitive Development; and April 26-30 --Language and Literacy.

Head Start is a national program which provides comprehensive developmental services for America's low-income, pre-school children (ages three to five) and social services for their families.
Specific services for children focus on education, socio-emotional development, physical and mental health, and nutrition. Head Start's Early On (aka Early Head Start) is a program for children, birth to age three, who have a disability or developmental delay, or a health condition that might lead to a developmental delay.

Pictured above isHead Start Teacher, Amy Baker, reading a story for the children.

Head Start classes in Ontonagon run from 9:30AM to 1:00PM Monday through Thursday during the regular school year and include activities such as exercise, snack time, reading, etc. Amy Baker is the Teacher for the Ontonagon Head Start and has two aides, Denise Davidson and Kathy Kauss. According to Amy, Ontonagon Head Start currently has 20 children enrolled (maximum is 20 children) and there is also a class in Ewen.

For more information on registration, income guidelines, enrollment dates, etc.; you are invited to stop in at the Ontonagon Area Elementary school classroom or call (906) 884-4540. One can also contact Deborah Dowd at the main office in Bessemer: Gogebic-Ontonagon CAA Head Start, 304 East Iron Street, Suite 1, Bessemer, MI 49911 Phone: 906-663-4302 Fax: 906-663-4395

Ontonagon Head Start children enjoy a snack with aides (left to right) Denise Davidson, Kathy Kauss, and Amy Baker, Head Start Teacher.

DIDA Chases Blight at Woodtech

Ironwood - April 24, 2009

The Downtown Ironwood Development Authority held its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday morning. All members were in attendance. Visitors included City Council member, Tom Laabs and Lily Palmer of Coleman Engineering. Representing the media were James Albert (Superior Chronicle) Arvo Toolanen and Lou Bonagura (IronwoodInfo).

The authority members spent much of the meeting time discussing the issue of downtown blight. Several of the members led by Eva-Smith Furgason and Jackie Powers expressed concern with what they describe as blight at the Woodtech Builders site on Frederick Street.

Joe Karius advised the board that he believed the matter of blight was a matter for the city to deal with and not DIDA. The authority expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress being made by the city in the matter. (ed. note: Woodtech builders have done a great deal of renovations and improvements to their property. There are many more seriously blighted properties in downtown)

DIDA member Louise Demasi asked the Community Development Director to bring the matter to the City Council for action on their complaint.

Also discussed by the DIDA members was the matter of inadequate lighting in the downtown business district. It seems as though the lighting varies by street. Some streets are illuminated earlier in the evening others later. The members learned that the lights are not on a timing mechanism but go on and off by photocell switches. It was suggested that the photocells be checked out. Bruce Noren told the members that the electric bill for the street lighting is quite expensive.

Dan Petersen advised the authority that the MSHDA grant for the downtown area was approved. The grant in the amount of $140,000 is restricted to rental units. There is a 25% match required of the building owners. The loan value is depreciated 20% per year for five years.