The Beauty of Minerals gallery and the gift shop are open, and the complete Copper Country gallery will open by about mid-July. These two galleries will provide a glimpse of the new museum, as they represent only about 20 percent of the total exhibit space.

In October additional galleries will be open to the public; the exhibit space will be completely open by May 2012. The museum will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, from today to mid-October. Visit now for a glimpse inside the new facility and again as more exhibits open up.
 

LANSING — Legislation designed to benefit Michigan zoos was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday, said Sens. Joe Hune and Tom Casperson.

Under Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Hune, facilities accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) would be exempt from the handling and care standards of the Large Carnivore Act (Public Act 274 of 2000).

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The Committee to recall Rick Snyder is happy to announce a state-wide petition signing event to take place in each county within the state of Michigan on July 9th 2011.

The signing event will take place at most County Courthouses. Let it be noted though, some County Courthouses have low traffic during weekends and alternate locations will be available. Also some counties will combine their efforts for maximum efficacy. For detailed information on your county's signing event location, please go to www.firericksnyder.org.

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ACLU lauds decision as major victory for equality

DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today applauded an appeals court decision allowing public universities and public employers in Michigan to continue to use affirmative action to ensure a diverse student body and workforce. The 2-1 decision strikes down a 2006 amendment to the state constitution, which prohibited all affirmative action policies including those previously upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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WINONA LAKE -- Grace College & Seminary and The Remnant Trust are pleased to welcome former First Lady Laura Bush to the Orthopaedic Capital Center on the Grace College campus this fall. Mrs. Bush will address the public, alumni and students at Grace College on October 6.

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IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP – June 29, 2011

The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees received a favorable May finance report at Tuesday’s board meeting. For the month the general fund revenues exceeded expenses and closely tracked the financials of May 2010. The Balance Sheet indicated that revenues exceeded expenses by approximately $180,000.

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IRONWOOD – June 29, 2011

Last evening Longyear Park was the scene of the Regional Hospice’s annual Plant a Memory flower garden program.

Flowers planted in the Memory Garden came from donations made in memory or honor of loved ones by their family or friends. The reading of the names is a part of the annual program.

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Hancock, MI. – June 28, 2011: The Finlandia University women’s basketball team will be holding a three-day Girls Basketball Camp from Monday, August 1st through Wednesday, August 3rd at the Paavo Nurmi Center in Hancock. The camp will be directed by new Finlandia University women’s basketball coach Jason Keefer and divided into two age groups. Girls going into grades 3 through 7 will participate from 9:00 am to Noon, and girls going into grades 8 through 12 will go from Noon to 3:00 pm each day. The cost of the camp is $40.00 per player.

Interested players can register by emailing Coach Keefer at jason.keefer@finlandia.edu or calling him directly at (989)-709-0010. Walk-ups are also welcome as players may register the morning of the event at the Paavo Nurmi Center between 8:30 and 9:00 am, or prior to the afternoon session. Early registrants can mail their payments to Finlandia Women’s Basketball (Attn: Coach Keefer) at 601 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI 49930.

Incoming hockey freshman Blake Pietila was taken by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round of the NHL Entry Draft on Saturday. The Brighton native was the 129th overall selection.

Pietila spent the past two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program, playing on the Under-17 squad in 2009-10 and the Under-18 team a year ago. He posted 14 goals and nine assists for 23 total points in 60 games in 2010-11.

"I am happy that his hard work paid off," said head coach Mel Pearson. "The New Jersey Devils are a first-rate organization, and they are getting a solid player in Blake Pietila."

Pietila helped the US Men's National Under-18 team to a gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship in Crimmitschau, Germany, last April.

"I knew going into it that there was a pretty good possibility of being drafted," said Pietila. "I'm excited that it happened, and I'm ready to move on.

"I look forward to coming to Michigan Tech and continuing my development under Coach Pearson. I think we should have a really good team."

The 5-11, 190-pound forward joins Tech beginning this fall. He is the first Tech player to be drafted since Jordan Foote (2004-08), who was taken by the New York Rangers in the sixth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

by Melanie B. Fullman, US Forest Service

Two of my least favorite things: invasive Japanese barberry and ticks. And, now, research that finds more ticks – lots more ticks – where barberry has taken over the woods. ARGH!!!!!

According to a recent study in Connecticut, deer tick abundance in barberry-infested areas is 67% higher than where native plants dominate. The percentage of ticks carrying the Lyme disease bacteria is also much higher: 126 infected ticks per acre versus 10 in barberry-free areas. The good news: after barberry removal, tick populations dropped by up to 80%.

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HANCOCK, MI. - June 28, 2011

Finlandia University softball standout Brittany Garland was recently honored by NCAA Division III as the 2011 individual statistical champion for RUNS BATTED IN PER GAME. Garland, a junior from Long Beach, California was previously named the Association of Division III Independents PLAYER OF THE YEAR at the conclusion of Lions season.

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JUNE 27, 2011 - MONDAY

Flags are at half-staff today in honor of Pfc. Brian Backus, Saginaw Township, who was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. Flags will return to full-staff on Tuesday.
A Harbor Beach soldier with ties to the local area has been killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Army Pfc. Brian J. Backus, 21, died on June 18 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire. Backus was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., the Department of Defense reports.graduated in 2008 magna cum laude from Harbor Beach High School, and was interested in the medical field.

Ron Kraft, Harbor Beach superintendent, remembers Backus as someone who could have done anything he wanted to do.

"He could have went anywhere," Kraft said. "He chose the University of Michigan and the ROTC program, but he could've gone to Harvard, Yale or Stanford -- that is how bright this young man was."
Backus is the son of Anne and Alan Backus of Harbor Beach. The Ramsey Funeral Home of Harbor Beach is handling the funeral arrangements, which have not yet been finalized.

The Department of Defense lists Backus as a Saginaw Township resident.

WAKEFIELD - June 27, 2011 This weekend was Berry Fest time at Wakefield. The 22nd Annual Berry Fest was held at the Wakefield School, where there craft vendors, raffles,  and of course lots of delicious berries.

The Berry Fest is part of the week-long Fourth of July Celebration in Wakefield.

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IRONWOOD – June 27, 2011

 A great arts and crafts show was took place Saturday.

The Annual “Artistic Experience” was held at Wilder Fine Arts, located on U.S. 2, Ironwood, MI.

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Friday evening the the Summer Band Program concluded with a concert at Luther L Wright Elementary. The program culminated a week of practice by area music students.

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ACLU asks court to dismiss felony drug charges against registered patient
DETROIT – In an order announced today, the Michigan Supreme Court agreed to review the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan’s appeal in the case of a registered medical marijuana patient who is facing felony drug charges despite complying with state law. This will be the first time the Michigan Supreme Court weighs in on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

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The Farm Service Agency is assisting in the settlement process after recent litigation was finalized in court over Native American and African American farmers and ranchers who were denied a farm loan serving. The FSA says if you are a female farmer or Hispanic farmer and you believe that the USDA improperly denied farm loan benefits to you for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000 because of your gender or race, you may be eligible to apply for compensation.

The agency says people may be eligible if they sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing from USDA during that period; and the loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and you believe these actions occurred because you are female or Hispanic.

"We want all producers who may be eligible to be aware of this claims process for female and Hispanic farmers and ranchers, as well as the recent settlements with Native American and African American farmers and ranchers, so they can come forward and participate in these processes," said Brad Pfaff, State Director of Wisconsin Farm Service Agency.

People can register their name to receive a claims package in the female and Hispanic farmers claims process by calling the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 888-508-4429.

A Class Administrator will soon begin mailing claims packages to those who have requested one through the call center. The packets will have detailed information about the eligibility and claims process.

The exhibit “White Forests, Blue Sky” is a dual exhibit that features the work of Finnish artist Ritta-Liisa Haavisto and the work of her daughter artist Anna-Riita Haavisto (1930-2009).

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Two Injured in Oma Auto Accident

OMA – June 23, 2011

Wednesday afternoon Firefighters from Oma and Hurley responded to an automobile accident on Highway 51.

An unidentified 85 year old male driver was headed northbound on Hwy 51. The car veered across the highway and flipped over as it went down a small embankment on the southbound side of the road.

An unidentified male passenger was removed from the vehicle and immediately transported by Beacon Ambulance to the hospital.

The driver was trapped in the SUV.  Firefghters trained especially for these circumstances used the Jaws of Life to cut open the roof and extricated the accident victim.

After being attended to by the EMS personnel, the injured driver was also taken to the hospital.

Assisting the firefighters at the scene were Iron County and Hurley law enforcement officers.

HURLEY – June 22, 2011
Wednesday evening members the Klassic Kruisers appeared at the Cary Mine Convenience Store. The cars had assembled in Ironwood near Mike’s Restaurant. The Klassic Kruisers then drove to Hurly reaching their destination at the BP convenience store and filing station.

The cars were parked curbside for the public to see and enjoy. On lookers viewed the vehicles while being entertained by classic rock songs.
Inside the convenience store the club members gathered to eat pizza and drink pop, a klassic meal for every generation.

Next Wednesday, June 29, everyone is invited to join the Kruisers for another evening of klassic kars, music and great food when they put on “Malt Shop Memories” in conjunction with Ben’s Place and Lahti’s in downtown Ironwood. This will be a full-fledged car show, open to all area classic vehicles, with two People’s Choice Trophies awarded, sponsored by Ben’s Place. The show will be on Lahti’s lot on the corner of Aurora and Lowell Streets and Ben’s Place will be open for business offering their fine line of food and drink. The evening begins at 5:30 pm with trophy presentation around 8:00 pm. The public is invited to join the Kruisers, tour the car show and vote for their favorite vehicle on display – and enjoy the great food at Ben’s Place.

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP – June 23, 2011
The weather was questionable mid day on Wednesday, so the Annual GCC Staff Picnic was moved indoors.

Outside, under the sky walk the weather did not hamper the chef who was busy grilling brats and hamburgers.

Wednesday’s Chef Du Jour was GCC President Jim Lorenson. Watching the chef it was quite obvious, that handling large food orders on a grille is just one more of Jim’s many accomplishments.

Inside the staff gathered to enjoy all the food and the camaraderie of their fellow staff members.
Invoking my responsibilities as IronwoodInfo’s Food Editor, a taste test was required. The Bratts were great. The great looking, high-carb, side dishes were left for the non-diabetics to taste test.

More than 50 youths and chaperones from Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Dickinson, and Iron counties stopped in Lansing on Tuesday to tour the state Capitol and visit with state Reps. Ed McBroom of Vulcan, Rep. Matt Huuki of Atlantic Mine, and Sen. Tom Casperson of Escanaba. The group was on its way to Michigan State University’s 4-H Exploration Days, a three-day program that gives young people a chance to experience college life, learn new ideas and skills, and meet people from across Michigan. The trip to East Lansing also included a stop for a day on Mackinac Island.

I.A.S.D. Passes Budget Amendment

IRONWOOD - June 21, 2011
The Ironwood School Board passed a year end budget amendment last night at its regularly scheduled June meeting.

School Superintendent Tim Kolesar presented the data that went into the revised budget explaining that the amendment was the result of budget tightening during the current school year.

HURLEY - June 21, 2011

Dani Mattson and Johnna DeRosso of Hurley, Wi and Boots & Spurs 4-H Members were able to attend the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association Boot Camp in Verndale, MN at the R & J Arena on June 15 & 16.

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submitted by Karen Mattson

IRONWOOD - June 21, 2011

The Festival Ironwood Committee met last night and revised the festival schedule.

The Festival begins July 13, 2011

View final schedule

Members of the 25 piece wind orchestra will stay in private homes while visiting Marenisco according to Bruce J. Mahler, chairman of the committee that is making the arrangements for the group’s visit.

While in Marenisco, the Stassfurt Jugenblasorchester will perform two concerts in conjunction with the Music Festival activities of the Marenisco “Milltown” Heritage Days & QuasquiCentennial (125 yr) celebration. The first concert will be on Saturday July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Marenisco Township Hall and immediately follows a concert performance by the Gogebic Range Band. A second performance will be on Sunday July 24th at 5:00 p.m. at the Marenisco Township Hall immediately following a town picnic and pig roast. In case of inclement weather the concerts will be held in the Marenisco Fire Hall. There is NO CHARGE for these concerts.

The Stassfurt Jugenblasorchester is one of six European musical groups that will visit Michigan during 2011 as part of Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program.

Blue Lake is best known for the Fine Arts Camp it operates each summer about six miles east of Whitehall. Over 5,500 talented young musicians – mostly from Michigan and other mid-western states – are expected to attend Blue Lake this summer.

Blue Lake’s International Exchange Program began in 1969 when a 90-voice choir toured England, Belgium and Germany.

Since then over 10,000 high school musicians wearing the Blue Lake uniforms have visited 650 communities in England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Hungary and Liechtenstein.

In return nearly 10,000 members of 500 European and Japanese bands, orchestras, choirs and dance groups have come to Michigan to perform in communities throughout Michigan and the Midwest.

While touring Europe, Blue Lake groups stay in private homes with host families and the foreign groups do the same while visiting Michigan.

View 2010 Concert

RE: Proposed Iron Mine in Iron County Wisconsin.

We are in need of our Chamber Memberships help again on a very important issue. Please make a phone call to Senator Fitzerald's Office
@ 608/266-5660

When you call Regardless who answers, Please tell them you are calling from Iron County, Wisconsin. Ask to speak with Sen. Fitzgerald.

It will be almost guaranteed the senator will be busy, so simply say something like....

Could I please leave a message for Sen. Fitzgerald? Would you please tell the senator we desperately need the jobs the proposed iron mine would bring to our region and could the senator do everything he can to make sure these jobs are created? Thank you very much for taking my call.

Everyone's help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your help in this matter.
Jessica Bolich
Hurley Chamber of Commerce
715-561-4334

Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Ironwood Theatre, Aurora Street Ironwood, MI
General Cost  - $20
Child / Student Cost - $10

Friday, July 8, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Grace United Methodist Church, Houghton, MI
201 Isle Royal Street, Houghton, MI
General Cost - $20
Child / Student Cost - $10

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Ironwood Theatre 109 E. Aurora Street,
Ironwood, MI

General Cost - $15
Child / Student Cost - $10

submitted by Melanie Fullman

Discovery Channel

updated 6/17/2011 4:20:55 PM ET 2011-06-17T20:20:55

It's tick season again, which means it's also Lyme disease season, and that puts outdoorsy people on edge. The tick-borne illness, after all, brings fevers, aches and other nasty symptoms that, for about 10 percent of victims, last for months or more. Doctors know a lot about Lyme and the bacteria that transmit it. Yet, there is no human vaccine for the disease -- at least not anymore. While there is a highly effective vaccine available for dogs, a series of unfortunate events doomed a first-generation human vaccine, which was pulled from the market in 2002.

As numbers of Lyme cases continue to rise each year, some scientists are pushing to bring back a Lyme vaccine, either in its old form or in a new one. Failing to offer a vaccine, they say, is failing the many millions of people who live in the vicinity of deer ticks. "In my opinion, this is a public health fiasco," said Stanley A. Plotkin, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. "There are well over 20,000 annual cases of Lyme disease and probably more than that. When else do you have a disease with that incidence where you know you can prevent it with a vaccine, but you don't make it?"

Cases of diagnosed Lyme Disease have steadily risen in the United States, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from just over 10,000 confirmed illnesses in 1995 to at least 30,000 in 2009. Better surveillance explains some of that trend, said Paul Mead, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC in Ft. Collins, Colo. But numbers are certainly not going down. In 2009, 95 percent of Lyme's cases occurred in just 12 states, mostly in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Even so, Lyme was the sixth most common infectious disease in the country that year, below chlamydia and gonorrhea, but comparable in number to AIDS, and above hepatitis and tuberculosis.

Despite recommendations to use repellents and to do daily tick checks with a partner, however, case reports continue to climb. "The prevention of Lyme disease is a very frustrating undertaking in the world of communicable diseases," Mead said. "I think we're open to anything that would be helpful in terms of trying to control the disease."

There used to be more options. In 1998, the pharmaceutical company SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline) released a Lyme vaccine that showed promise.

The vaccine was made from a single protein found on the surface of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme. When given to people, the vaccine prompted the production of antibodies that then entered ticks as they sucked vaccinated blood. Instead of killing pathogenic bacteria in the human body, like other vaccines do, these Lyme antibodies actually immunized the insects by killing bacteria in their bodies. The vaccine was shown to prevent Lyme in about 80 percent of exposed adults.

Trials were underway to determine how often people would need to get booster shots. Scientists were also monitoring vaccinated children, who are more prone to tick bites and, along with older people, are most susceptible to Lyme. And results were encouraging, Plotkin said. Then, things started to go downhill for the vaccine. First, some research started to raise questions about the bacterial protein that formed the basis of the vaccine, suggesting that sensitivity to the protein might explain arthritis and other symptoms that show up in cases of chronic Lyme disease.

Subsequent trials disproved the link. But that didn't matter to patient groups, who became convinced that the vaccine was responsible for causing the disease and chronic symptoms. Class-action lawsuits followed along with plenty of bad publicity. When the vaccine was available, public health organizations like the CDC recommended it, added Gary Wormser, chief of infectious diseases at New York Medical College in Valhalla. But they didn't aggressively endorse it, which also contributed to low public demand. In 2002, GlaxoSmithKline decided to stop making the vaccine.

"A number of us wrote a letter to several pharmaceutical companies saying this is needed," said Wormser, who also edited a supplement in February's issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, which highlighted the need for a new Lyme vaccine. Another pharmaceutical company, Baxter, has told him they are still working on developing a new Lyme vaccine, Wormser said. In other avenues of ongoing research, he added, some scientists are looking for ways to orally immunize mice, reducing their contribution to the spread of the disease. Other scientists are investigating vaccines that would make human blood taste bad to ticks.

"It's not like we don't have the science available to us and the technology to develop a second-generation vaccine that should work," Wormser said. "I don't think that's the problem. It's just a question of investing in it and finding a company wanting to do that."

Voakes, 21, of L'Anse, was among four soldiers who died from an improvised explosive device on June 4, in Laghman province, Afghanistan. Voakes' awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, in addition to his promotion to specialist posthumously. Flags will return to full-staff on Tuesday, June 21.
 

LAKE GOGEBIC – June 19, 2011

Firefighters from Gogebic County gathered for another training session Saturday. The Lake Gogebic Fire Hall and Gogebic State Park were the scenes of an all day training exercise that focused on Mutual Aid Water Shuttle procedures.
The volunteer firefighters frequently give up their days off to hone their skills for fighting fires and savings lives.

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What might normally be thought of as a Dog Day in Summer, resembled a wet day in April, suited only for a dog.

While it may have been yucky for man it was a great day for the dogs that participated in the first Annual Hound Dog Hike.

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A fawn was found wandering along Norrie Park Road this week.

The fawn was not camera shy or people shy. Unfortunately, the newbie liked chasing after cars along the road.

Two female deer were seen nearby.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Sheng Yang He, plant biologist at Michigan State University, has been named one of the nation’s most-innovative plant scientists as part of a $75 million new plant science research initiative.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation honored He, from the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, and 14 other researchers from around the country. The honor will see He’s salary, benefits and research expenses covered for the next five years or longer.
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Contractor Presented the Following Schedule of Work Activities for upcoming work on the City of Ironwood – Phase I and II Utility Project.

• Thursday and Friday - June 16th & 17th:
o One crew continuing to install water and sewer east end of Kennedy.
o A crew is installing water and sewer mains in First National Street between Brogan and Geneva.

• Week of June 19th through June 24th:
o Ongoing work will continue switching users over to temporary water services. There could be sporadic, short term (30 – 45 minute) loss of water service for some homeowners. Contractor will notify homeowners prior to loss of water service on a door to door basis. All residence east of Burt St. in Jessieville will be on temporary water.
o Crew continuing to install sewer and water at east end of Kennedy.
o A crew installing sewer and water main up First National, from Geneva to Bonnie.
o Graveling of Phase I Aurora and Pabst Locations will begin.
o Crews will continue installing water and sewer mains on Geneva east of 1st National.
o Blasting on Kennedy St. between Burt to First National, and First National to Blue-Jacket.

• Week of June 20th through June 24th generally:
o Blast western bend in Geneva
o Crew to install sewer and water mains on West Geneva.
o Crew may be starting sewer only on Smith, Clemens to Brogan.
o Services start on First National.

Also, Wagner Construction personnel will be walking on private property in the Jessieville Area to determine where water service lines exit from homes, so they can set up the temporary water supply lines.

Any questions should be directed to Mike Foley at Coleman Engineering Company, (906) 932-5048.

The Senators, the top development team of the NHL's Ottawa Senators, earned Binghamton's first championship in 29 years of hosting an American Hockey League franchise.

In the process, Binghamton defeated Manchester, Portland, Charlotte and Houston.

Kinrade played in 78 regular season games with the Senators this past season, compiling six goals and 19 assists.

"It was an amazing run," said Kinrade. "We knew we had something special with this group. Quite a few of the guys had been called up to Ottawa during the year, so the first series was tough because guys hadn't been playing together. Once we got by Manchester, we had no doubts."

Kinrade played in 150 games in his career at Michigan Tech, where he tallied 14 goals and 47 assists for 61 total points.

MACKINAC ISLAND–Michigan’s businesses will have new ways to buy and sell, raise capital and connect with each other through Pure Michigan Business Connect.
 
The new $3 billion public-private initiative, announced by Governor Snyder with top business leaders Thursday at the Mackinac Policy Conference, strengthens the administration’s economic gardening philosophy through an alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), State of Michigan agencies and major Michigan companies and organizations.

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Flags are at half-staff today in honor of Detroit Police Officer Charles Armour, who died after being struck by a vehicle in the line of duty. Flags will return to full-staff on Saturday.

HURLEY – June 17, 2011
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the Hurley council took action approving what seemed like zillions of licenses. All giving support to the city’s claim “where 51 ends, and the fun begins”, and it does!

The council approved the recommendation on granting a picnic license to St. Mary of the Seven Dolors Church for July 31 at 211 5th Avenue South .
Dozens (33) of bar tender licenses were approved for renewal.

IRONWOOD – June 17, 2011
The Ironwood Economic Development Commission met Wednesday to validate changes to the sale of the City spec building to Burton Industries.

The terms sale had already been approved by the IEDC and the City Commission. However, last Friday elements of the Michigan government expressed their desire to undo all that had been previously agreed upon.
 
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BESSEMER - June 17,2011

The Gogebic county 911 Committee met this week for their quarterly meeting.
 
Jim Loeper, 911 coordinator, was in court, as was half the county, so he was not present for the meeting.

The meeting was quick and primarily focused on how well the system has been operating.

There were no problems reported by any members of the committee, other than the accessibility to the new communications tower in Marenisco. The repeater tower, sold to the county by MDOT, is located on a site accessible only by ATV.

Bruce Mahler, Marenisco Police Chief, told the committee that the area would need clearing if repairs to the tower were ever required.

Chief Dick Caudill told the committee that the Iron County Dispatch is working well. Changes to the Operating procedure have proved to be very effective.

The Committee is scheduled to meet again in September.

ESCANABA – June 17, 2011

A Clarity Hearing had been set for Monday June 13 at 11:00 a.m. in the Probate Courtroom of the Delta County Courthouse. At that time the Clarity Committee would review and consider the wording on a petition to recall State Senator Tom Casperson.
The Monday hearing was postponed until 11:00am Thursday, June 16.
 
“At that hearing the wording was unanimously denied for both petitions” stated Nancy Kolich, Delta County Clerk.

The petitions are likely to be rewritten and be presented once again to the Delta County Clerk.
The Clarity Committee does not pass judgement on the merits of the recall, that is done by the voters of the district. The committee must decide whether or not the wording on the petition are clear and understandable.

The Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department elected the following officers at the annual meeting Tuesday June 14, 2011.

President: Barb Allen
Vice President: Jordan Reller
Secretary/Treasurer; Bob Tervonen
Trustee (3 year Term) Jamie Peite

Chief: Ken Jacobson
Assistant Chief: Larry Coron
Captain: Jamie Peite
Captain: Bob Tervonen
Captain: Barb Allen

EMS Officer: Barb Allen

Capt. Allen was appointed department safety officer.
Capt. Peite was appointed department training officer.

by John Gagnon, promotional writer

Melvin Calvin, a Michigan Tech alumnus who was awarded a Nobel Prize, now has his name and face on a postage stamp--a stamp of approval for a distinguished man.

Calvin was the first scientist to unravel the secrets of photosynthesis—knowledge that became known as "the Calvin cycle." That work won him and a colleague the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1961.
 

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IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - June 16, 2011

The 2011 Samson and Lady Samson Basketball Clinic that began Monday will conclude today. More than 110 boys and girls, grades three through twelve participated in the annual youth basketball clinic that is held at the GCC Lindquist Center.

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BESSEMER - June 16, 2011

The Bessemer City Council met Monday primarily to conclude contract negotiations with the City employees.

Prior to going into closed session the council members discussed blight issues that were the focus of the previous council meeting.

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IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP – June 16, 2011

At Monday’s airport board meeting, members learned that the passenger counts for May exceeded the 2011 May passenger counts soar past pre Great Lakes levels. During May 409 passengers boarded outbound flights, as compared to just 87 passengers in 2010. Incoming passengers numbered 445 while just 78 passengers deplaned in May 2010.

The Airport Board members also discussed the need to decorate the new terminal building. While the new terminal is first class, it stands naked as far as décor is concerned. Marti Armata has been considering options to add some decorating to the new building.
Board member Donna Scorse said that she has contacted Jan Wyssling owner of the Z Place; Ironwood’s great new art gallery. There’s a good chance that visitors deplaning in Ironwood will be greeted by an exciting décor.

The Z Place Gallery and Framing is located at:

824 E. Cloverland Dr.
Ironwood, MI 49938
906-364-7454
bluebirdart@charter.net

Pictured above,Students in Amy Anderson's Art Class: Ava Rogers, Miranda Tucker, Amy Anderson, Katie Mitchem, Bryce Rogers and Cole Rogers. absent: Autumn Wallenius

Submitted by Amy Anderson

IRONWOOD, MI

Amy Anderson, curator of the Z-Place Art Gallery has been painting with home-school students at the gallery. “It's been a really fun experience.” Said Anderson “We started with simple graphs to make small pictures larger and then painted them with acrylics.”
Amy has been showing the students the basics of mixing colors, using different brushes and thinning paints to get different effects. “We will be doing a group mural on canvas to finish the class with everyone taking on a different aspect of the painting to compliment what they have learned and what they like to paint the most” she said.

The Ironwood Area School District has published the 4th quarter Honor Roll

View Complete Honor Roll

In Da Woods

by Melanie B. Fullman, US Forest Service

The Forest thru the Trees

In keeping with the season, this week’s article is sorta like a picnic of tree-related tidbits:
An App for That?
Not sure about that tree in your yard or along the trail? Is it the species that you think? Could it be a non-native invasive, such as buckthorn? Or is it a rare find?
Modern technology and the ubiquitous cell phone now means you can identify trees with ease. A new, FREE, Smart Phone app, called Leafsnap, can identify your tree with a simple click of your phone’s camera. Take a picture of the leaf and a shape recognition algorithm takes over, providing you with the likely species identification.

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IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - June 16, 2011

Civic Center Manager, Brian Roehm and members of the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center appeared at the Ironwood Township Board of Trustees meeting yesterday.

Roehm and the board members want to sink a well at the civic center. Roehm told the Township Trustees that the winter water bill is approximately $8000.

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IRONWOOD - June 14, 2011

Last night the City of Ironwood approved a labor contract with Ironwood Employees’ Local #1538, Affiliated with Michigan Council #25. AFSCME, AFL-CIO.

The City Commission went into Special Session to discuss the agreement and then returned to open session and approved the one year contract.

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HURLEY - June 15, 2011

At last night’s Finance Committee meeting MSA Project Manager, Jeff Seaman reported on the 2011 Utility Improvements.

The project includes five city blocks of sewer, water main, storm sewer and roadway reconstruction.

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - June 15 2011

The Gogebic-Iron County Airport has learned that Verizon Communications is hoping to install a communications tower on top of Maple Hill in the township.

The Airport Manager Duane Duray has been contacted by SBA Communications Corporation

HOUGHTON - June 15, 2011

Construction of the new Seaman Mineral Museum next to the Advanced Technology Development Complex (ATDC) on Sharon Avenue at Garnet Street is complete.

The new museum, featuring patina copper accents, is intended to be a transitional home for the mineral museum, which moved from the fifth floor of the EERC last year to free up expanded research space.

Weekend Tours of Cliff Mine Start Saturday Industrial archaeology faculty and students invite the public to view their work at the first commercially successful copper mine in the Upper Peninsula.

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EAST LANSING, June 13, 2011 – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today urged Hispanic or women farmers and ranchers who may have experienced discrimination from USDA to contact the department.
"The Obama Administration is committed to resolving all claims of past discrimination at USDA,” said Turner. “Our goal is to ensure that any Hispanic or women farmer or rancher who alleges discrimination is aware of this option to come forward, to have his or her claims heard and to participate in a process to receive compensation.”

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SILVER CITY – June 13, 2011

Pictured, OCAP volunteers at Paul's Superior View Restaurant Friday night (6/10/2011). The OCAP workers were getting ready for Saturday night's annual fundraiser dinner. OCAP is the animal rescue service for Ontonagon County.

Pictured left - Greg Nelson
 

ONTONAGON - June 13, 2011

The OK Team of students from the Ontonagon Area High School under the direction of Janis Burgess took on the project of planting flowers for the village.

Twenty-four planters were completed and those planters will be seen on main street of Ontonagon next week.

After completing the planters, the group moved up to the flower garden and James K. Paul park to do
weeding. Linda Graham, Carol Harry, and LaVerne Lanker spearheaded the purchase of the flowers.
Work still will be done on the flower garden and mulch will be the final step.

THANK YOU to all the volunteers!

Indigenous farmers and gardeners from the region and beyond gathered at the 9th Annual Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference in March to share knowledge, stories, and of course, their seeds.
More than 100 native people, organic farmers, students, and community members participated in the conference hosted by the White Earth Land Recovery Project held on the White Earth Reservation in Northern Minnesota.

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ONTONAGON - June 12, 2011

The Gogebic Ontonagon Community Action Agency hosted the third annual Senior Expo at the Ontonagon Area School last Friday.

The included many healthcare providers as well as other groups that focus on the needs of senior citizens.

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Ironwood Firefighters Fundraiser For Tournament

IRONWOOD - June 12, 2011

Thanks to all of the wonderful people who donated to our car wash today, even many folks who were out walking and stopped to just donate. Many thanks to Holiday for the space, hoses and water, O'Reilly Auto for the washing supplies and use of their hoses, and Auto Value for use of the hose. Thanks to ironwoodinfo.com, Daily Globe, WXPR, WIMI, WJMS for promoting the car wash and last but not least those members of both departments, and friends and family who helped with the car wash. Without you nothing gets done!

Chief Ken Jacobson,
Ironwood Volunteer Fire Dept

The Ironwood city and township volunteer fire departments held a car wash fundraiser Saturday, June 11 at the Holiday Station in Ironwood.

Proceeds of the fundraiser will be used to help defray the expense of hosting the 118th Annual U.P. Firefighters' Assoc. tournament in Ironwood next July.

ONTONAGON - June 12, 2011

Young student volunteers from Ontonagon Middle School participated at Friday’s Senior Expo at the Ontonagon Area School.

The community minded volunteers assisted with the work in required in hosting the event.

Several of the pre-teens and teens are part of a group referred to as TANGO, Teen Assets Never Grow Old.

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IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - June 11, 2011
The Gogebic County Relay for life began yesterday on the Gogebic Community College Campus. The Relay For Life is a fundraising event that benefits cancer research.

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GILE, WI - June 11, 2011 The Rollin Iron Bike Fest began Friday with a street dance in Gile. The weather cold and was a factor in limiting the outdoor activity. But the party was in full swing indoors at the local taverns. The pubs were full and the event was a success.

Outdoors, the street dance was the center of activity with great music played by “Stiffler’s Mom”.

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PAULDING - June 9, 2011

For the past two weeks the greatest mystery in Paulding wasn’t the Paulding Lights, but the automobile that was found sitting on the bottom of Bond Lake.

The mystery came to a quiet semi-conclusion yesterday when an old rusted 1970s Chevrolet was recovered from the shallow waters of the Lake.

The vehicle was discovered March 23rd and the local interest and mystery has grown ever since.

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BESSEMER – June 10, 2011

Wednesday the County Board of Commissioners voted to apply the maximum permissible tax rate to Gogebic County properties.
Appearing before the commissioners was Tom Novascone Director of the county Equalization Office who presented the latest countywide property assessments and millage alternatives.
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BESSEMER - June 10, 2011

The Bessemer City Council received a report from the City Manager Tom Chatel at Monday's meeting, that focused on three blighted Bessemer houses.

The first hose that was discussed is located at 1802 South Barber Street and is owned by Rob Federighi, who resides in Chicago.

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HANCOCK – June 10, 2011

Pete Baril, the emergency preparedness coordinator at Western U.P. Health Department, has been selected as one of 20 inaugural members of the National Environmental Health Promotion Network (NEHPN). The network is a new nationwide program of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) in partnership with Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a division of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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LANSING - June 10, 2011

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the State of Michigan are now offering financial support to farmers and non-profits for passive solar systems, also known as hoop house, high tunnels, passive solar greenhouses or unheated greenhouses.

Applications are now available.

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HOUGHTON - June 9, 2011

One of Michigan Tech's most generous benefactors and his wife, Franklin and Lorraine St. John, have recently established a $1 million charitable trust to support the Generations of Discovery Campaign. The primary goal of the campaign is to build the University’s endowment, particularly scholarships and faculty chairs.

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IRONWOOD - JUNE 8, 2011

Monday night the Ironwood Parks and Wreck committee had another brainstorming session. Once again the topic was finding people who would be willing to be part of the infamous committee.

Obviously brainstorming is hardly the proper terminology for the Wrecks gang.
 
The discussion came to a quick conclusion 1 minute 20 seconds when Steve Frank suggested it was the city’s problem not the committee’s problem.

Frank speaks from firsthand experience; as a member of the Downtown Development Authority, that group had difficulty finding willing volunteers.

Three members of the Parks and Wrecks committee have recently quit the talking head society a/k/a Parks and Wrecks.
 

HOUGHTON - June 8, 2011

Track and field athlete Melanie Hoffman earned Capital One Academic All-District second-team honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America.

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The House today approved House Bill 4316, sponsored by Rep. Matt Huuki, to specify that nothing in the state’s current law would require a slasher table saw trailer used in logging operations to be equipped with brakes. The act addresses brake requirements based on vehicle weight.

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WASHINGTON, June 7, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help rural businesses create jobs through cooperative development centers.

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