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Finnish Independence Day

Finnish Independence Day Program is Dec. 6th

HANCOCK, MI – December 1, 2009

Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m., the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center will host its 92^nd annual Finnish Independence Day program.

The program celebrates the anniversary of the date Finland gained its independence in 1917.

This year’s program features a variety of local performers, and the City of Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee will announce the 2010 Hankooki Heikki honoree. The Hankooki Heikki recognition is bestowed annually upon a person whose commitment to preserving and promoting Finnish culture in the area goes above and beyond "normal" efforts.

In addition, two giant himmelis created by Milwaukee-based artist Ernest Hensersky will be on display.

Following the program, the Kivajat Dancers, a local children’s traditional dance troupe, will provide a Finnish coffee table.

Now a member of the European Union, Finland was part of the Swedish realm for 600 years until 1809 when it became attached to the Russian empire. In 1906 Finland acquired its own national parliament, and on December 6, 1917, a Russian revolution prompted Finland to declare herself independent. The Russian government recognized Finland’s independence December 31, 1917.

Traditionally, Finnish Independence Day is a solemn remembrance of those that made freedom possible for Finland. In recent decades, however, celebrations often include fireworks, parades, and celebratory cakes decorated with the blue and white Finnish flag.

Michigan Tech
Research Funding Climbs

Last Modified 10:41 AM on Tue Dec 1, 2009

jbdonova@mtu.edu

906-487-4521,

By Jennifer Donovan

December 1, 2009—

Research funding at Michigan Technological University increased by more than 28 percent during the past fiscal year. Support for sponsored programs during fiscal year 2009 totaled $53.1 million, compared to $41.8 million during the previous fiscal year.

Sponsored programs include various kinds of external funding for research, instruction, community outreach and other University programming.

"The increase in external funding for Michigan Tech in these troubled economic times is nothing short of amazing," said David Reed, vice president for research. And it is on track to keep going up. Through Sept. 30, 2009—the end of the first quarter of FY2010—sponsored awards were almost 60 percent above the first quarter of FY09.

Michigan Tech has also received nearly $6.6 million so far in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), often called federal stimulus funds.

The amount of research funding Michigan Tech receives is one of the metrics used to measure the University’s progress toward its strategic goals. Tech’s sponsored program award goal for 2012 is $76.6 million.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), which tracks university research expenditures, recently reported fiscal year 2008 figures. In the NSF’s most recent report, Michigan Tech’s science and engineering research expenditures for FY08 were $58.8, a 6.3 percent increase over 2007. The amount of research expenditures ranked the University 163^rd nationally, the same rank Tech achieved in FY07.

"Expenditures always lag behind awards," Reed explained. The University gets the award all at once but spends it over the length of the research project, which can extend as long as five years."

Michigan Tech was one of three Michigan universities whose science and engineering research expenditures rose during FY08, however. The other two were the University of Michigan, which rose 8.4 percent and ranked fourth nationally, and Wayne State University, which increased 6 percent but dropped from 73^rd to 75^th in national ranking. Michigan State University’s research expenditures dipped 1.1 percent, lowering it from 44^th to 50^th nationally.

Michigan Technological University (mtu.edu) is a leading public research university developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world. Michigan Tech offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering; forest resources; computing; technology; business; economics; natural, physical and environmental sciences; arts; humanities; and social sciences.

UPPCO Gets
Michigan PSC Approval

MPSC Approves Settlement Agreement Reconciling Upper Peninsula Power Company's 2008 Power Supply Costs

December 1, 2009

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved a settlement agreement reconciling Upper Peninsula Power Company's 2008 power supply costs.

The settlement found the utility had a net under-recovery of $831,730, which it will roll into its 2009 power supply cost recovery (PSCR) reconciliation.

The utility, the MPSC staff, Michigan Technological University, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, and Calumet Electronics Corporation participated in the settlement proceedings.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-15401-R

College job market hits bottom, some bright spots remain

Story by Phil Gardner

Phil Gardner is director of MSU's Collegiate Employment Research Institute

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The job market for college graduates has bottomed out – falling some 40 percent in the past year – as the market undergoes a colossal shift that demands graduates be flexible and entrepreneurial in the rapidly evolving global economy, according to Michigan State University’s latest Recruiting Trends survey.

Job growth in electronic commerce illustrates this shift. Employers are hiring critical-thinking graduates with the skills to capture more Internet business and help the companies continually redefine their operations, said Phil Gardner, director of MSU’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, which conducts the annual study.

"Employers want to be much more flexible; they want to be agile," Gardner said. "They’re bringing in employees who can slide in multiple directions depending on what transpires over the next year. And that opens the door for students from a variety of academic backgrounds."

According to the survey of more than 2,500 companies and institutions, hiring levels are at their lowest in several decades. In last year’s study, Gardner predicted hiring would be down 8 percent to 10 percent in 2009 – and it actually ended up falling 35 percent to 40 percent, he said.

Coming off those dismal levels, overall hiring is expected to be down about 2 percent in 2010, said Gardner, who will present the results at the 16th annual Trends in Recruiting Conference on Nov. 20 in Chicago.

Mid-sized companies (500 to 4,000 employees) expect to decrease hiring by 11 percent, while large companies (more than 4,000 employees) plan to decrease hiring by 3 percent.

The saving grace is companies with fewer than 500 employees, Gardner said. Contrary to media reports that most small employers are hurting, they actually remain the backbone of the college labor market, with hiring expected to increase 15 percent in the coming year, the study found.

While there is a group of small companies shutting down in the recession-plagued economy, Gardner said, there’s another, less-publicized group planning to hire if the economy rebounds.

"These companies are guardedly optimistic about hiring over the next year," he said.

In addition to students focused on e-commerce and entrepreneurship, other hot sectors that should see hiring increases include agriculture production and food processing, environmental sciences, information systems, manufacturing, nonprofits, statistics, nursing, social work, multimedia and Web design.

The employment picture in K-12 education depends largely on whether states get federal stimulus money; without it, many teachers will likely be laid off. Nonacademic jobs in higher education also will be tough to find.

Other sectors that expect to see a decrease in hiring include accounting, banking, engineering, transportation, utilities, real estate and computer science and computer programming.

Geographically, the Eastern Seaboard continues to see job losses, with hiring down about 8 percent in middle Atlantic and Southeast states. Hiring is up from Texas west to California and northward along the West Coast. The college job market is down in the Upper Plains and Great Lakes region.

Ultimately, while many employers tell Gardner they hope to see the economy rebound, he said people need to understand things will not return to "normal" – that is, a labor market in which college graduates have their pick of high-paying jobs. The recession, combined with increasing global competition, means graduates will continue competing for fewer jobs with lower salaries and benefits.

Kelley Bishop, MSU’s career services director, said it’s imperative that students get aggressive about their futures early in their college careers by networking with prospective employers, landing internships and developing critical thinking skills. He said this cuts across all majors – from engineering to liberal arts – because employers are worrying less about a student’s major and more about whether they can solve problems and think outside the box.

"The premium is being placed on flexibility and adaptability," Bishop said, "because this change in the labor market looks like it’s permanent. And those who can quickly adapt are the ones who are going to survive through this and prosper through this."

Michigan exodus deepens economic troubles

Soji Adelaja
Soji Adelaja, director of the MSU Land Policy Institute.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The thousands leaving Michigan in search of better opportunities are more than casualties of the state’s depressed economy, Michigan State University researchers say. Emigration deepens the state’s malaise as well.

"When people leave town, so does their economic activity," said Soji Adelaja, lead author of a new study charting the impacts of Michigan’s population loss and director of the Land Policy Institute at MSU. "This is especially true in a service economy, which depends upon people providing and needing services. The impact of these departures cuts deeper into the economy."

Michigan has lost more people each year as jobs evaporated, with 9,388 fewer in 2005; 34,088 in 2006; and 46,368 in 2007. Rhode Island, the only other state to lose population in that period, lost only 2,000 during those three years.

Sixty-three out of 83 Michigan counties lost population between 2000 and 2008, especially urban counties. The outflow represents a loss of 15,855 jobs and $1.9 billion in economic output, Adelaja and colleagues estimated. In addition, the state lost $585 million in labor income, $346 million in property income and $2.49 billion in home equity value.

Much of the population decline was triggered by manufacturing job losses, especially from the auto industry in southeastern Michigan. Wayne County lost more than 100,000 residents out of approximately 2 million, or one in 20 people between 2000 and 2008. Not all left the state – some simply moved to other counties. But Wayne County’s exodus of residents (111,232) for this period was second only to Orleans Parish in Louisiana (172,821) following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. From 2006 to 2008, Wayne County charted the highest population loss per year in the nation.

"Such population loss can mean an economic vortex for a city like Detroit," said Adelaja, who is the John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in Land Policy at MSU. "Fewer people mean fewer tax revenues to provide city services. Fewer city services mean lower quality of life for people. So people are faced with tough decisions: Stick it out, or leave."

Attracting desirable groups into such metropolitan areas should be a key strategy, according to Adelaja. Those groups include young "knowledge workers," educated immigrants and entrepreneurs who can leverage Michigan’s assets – an emerging renewable energy industry, a skilled work force, research universities and affordable urban properties.

"We need to consider those critical assets we do have here, and we need to develop these with an emphasis on creating quality places where people want to move to and live," Adelaja said.

Foreign populations also should be targeted, the report advises, noting "immigrants also tend to be more prolific in creating jobs than their average non-immigrant counterparts. Special consideration may need to be given to attracting high-net-worth foreign investors by leveraging the EB-5 visa provision to recruit wealthy immigrants." Immigrant investors can use EB-5 visas to obtain permanent residency cards.

Other revitalization strategies include deliberately shrinking urban areas and promoting tourism. The report, is part of an ongoing series of "new economy" reports published by LPI. A summary of the report can be found here.

"A Christmas Story"

Dec. 10 at 2 pm and 6 pm

HANCOCK, MI – December 1, 2009

The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center will show the Finnish film "Joulutarina" (A Christmas Story) on Thursday, December 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The Christmas Story reveals the untold childhood of Santa Claus. Set against a breathtaking landscape, this magical film tells the story of Santa’s life as he overcomes personal tragedy and hardship in his youth to develop a heart filled with love for children around the world.

A Christmas Story is a holiday film for the entire family and a story of selfless giving and lifelong friendship. Dubbed in English, the film is about 90 minutes long. It was the first big screen Finnish Christmas film and became a huge box office hit.

There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy St., Hancock. For information, call 906-487-7549.

October Unemployment Rates Decline in Most of Michigan's Regional Labor Markets

December 1, 2009 – Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates decreased in 14 of Michigan's 17 major labor market areas in October, according to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. Total employment and labor force levels increased seasonally in nearly all major regions over the month.

"The October seasonal job trends in regional labor markets were fairly typical for this time of year," said Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. "Jobs in local and state education rose again as students returned for the fall semester, and the end of the tourism season caused offsetting regional job losses in recreational services."

From September to October, jobless rate changes were mostly modest, with 14 of the 17 areas reporting declines ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 of a percentage point. The largest reductions of 0.6 of a percentage point were recorded in four regions including the Detroit-Warren-Livonia, Flint, Kalamazoo-Portage and Monroe Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Only two regions in the state recorded jobless rate gains in October. The unemployment rate in the Northeast Lower Michigan Region advanced by 0.5 percentage points, while Northwest Lower Michigan had a slight up tick of 0.1 percentage points over the month. The unemployment rate in the Upper Peninsula remained unchanged.

Substantial Increases in Jobless Rates Over The Year
From October 2008 to October 2009, jobless rates rose considerably in all 17 regions with a significant median increase of 4.6 percentage points. All regions posted jobless rate jumps of nearly three full percentage points. The over-the-year rate hikes ranged from 2.8 percentage points in the Ann Arbor MSA to 7.3 percentage points in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSA.

Total Employment Grows Over Month, Down Over Year
Over the month, total employment increased in 14 of the state's major regions, with an average gain of 1.1 percent. Total employment declined in the three northern regions of the state, recording an overall loss of 4,800 due to the end of the summer tourism season.

Since October 2008, total employment fell in all 17 regions with an average drop of 6.5 percent. The smallest percentage declines over the year were registered in the Upper Peninsula and the Northwest Lower Michigan Region, while the largest percentage reductions were in the Flint MSA (-10.2 percent) and Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSA (-8.4 percent).

Labor Force Levels Up Over Month, Down Over Year
In October, labor force levels increased in 13 regions while declining in four. Between October 2008 and October 2009, labor force levels registered declines in all 17 major labor market areas,

Payroll Employment Increases in October
The monthly survey of employers indicated that seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs in Michigan rose by 47,000 or 1.2 percent in October to reach 3,913,000. Job gains over the month were recorded in professional and business services (+24,000), government (+22,000), educational and health services (+16,000) and construction (+3,000). Job cuts in leisure and hospitality services (-17,000) slightly offset the gains recorded over the month.

The job growth in professional and business services in October was concentrated in the temporary help sector, reflecting in part the addition of education related positions.

In the public sector, employment gains were recorded in local government education (+13,000) and state government education (+9,000) as students continued to return to state colleges and universities and local public schools. The seasonal advance in local government jobs was evident throughout the state, however the most pronounced increases in state government education jobs occurred in the Lansing-East Lansing and Ann Arbor MSAs.

From October 2008 to October 2009, seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs fell statewide by 264,000 or 6.3 percent. All of the 14 major metropolitan areas in the state have recorded payroll job losses since October 2008. Metropolitan area declines ranged from 2.6 to 8.1 percent in this period. The largest over-the-year numerical reductions were posted in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia (-136,000), Grand Rapids-Wyoming (-15,000) and Flint (-11,000) MSAs.

Majority of County Jobless Rates Decline Over Month, Up Over Year
Fifty-three of Michigan's 83 counties recorded unemployment rate reductions over the month, while 28 counties reported increases. The largest county jobless rate gains were recorded in the northern areas due to seasonal tourism related declines. Two counties recorded no jobless rate change from September to October.

From October 2008 to October 2009, unemployment rates rose in all 83 counties, with a median increase of 4.7 percentage points.

Note: Data in this release is not seasonally adjusted. As a result, employment and unemployment trends may differ from previously released Michigan seasonally adjusted data.

A breakdown of seasonally unadjusted October workforce estimates for Michigan and its 17 major labor market areas follows, along with a listing of county jobless rates for October.

Note to Editors: Please ensure that the source for state unemployment rates reads "Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth."

The Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs.

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
ANN ARBOR MSA				month	year
(Washtenaw County)
Civilian Labor Force	185,200	175,900	179,900	2.3%	-2.9%
Total Employment	174,100	159,500	164,000	2.8%	-5.8%
Unemployment	11,100	16,400	15,800	-3.7%	42.3%
Rate (percent)	6.0	9.3	8.8

Contact: Mark Reffitt, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 492-5550

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
BATTLE CREEK MSA				month	year
(Calhoun County)
Civilian Labor Force	68,400	66,500	66,900	0.6%	-2.2%
Total Employment	63,100	58,200	58,900	1.2%	-6.7%
Unemployment	5,400	8,200	8,100	-1.2%	50.0%
Rate (percent)	7.9	12.4	12.0

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
BAY CITY MSA				month	year
( Bay County)
Civilian Labor Force	54,400	53,600	53,800	0.4%	-1.1%
Total Employment	50,300	46,900	47,300	0.9%	-6.0%
Unemployment	4,100	6,600	6,500	-1.5%	58.5%
Rate (percent)	7.5	12.3	12.1

Contact: Rhea Acuna, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (989) 776-1508

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
DETROIT-WARREN-LIVONIA MSA				month	year
(Data in thousands)
( Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer,
Livingston, St. Clair counties)
Civilian Labor Force	2,107	2,090	2,098	0.4%	-0.4%
Total Employment	1,909	1,729	1,748	1.1%	-8.4%
Unemployment	198	361	350	-3.0%	76.8%
Rate (percent)	9.4	17.3	16.7

Contact: Jim Rhein, DELEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
FLINT MSA				month	year
(Genesee County)
Civilian Labor Force	200,600	189,400	190,600	0.6%	-5.0%
Total Employment	179,900	159,500	161,500	1.3%	-10.2%
Unemployment	20,700	29,900	29,100	-2.7%	40.6%
Rate (percent)	10.3	15.8	15.2

Contact: Rhea Acuna, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (989) 776-1508

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
GRAND RAPIDS - WYOMING MSA				month	year
(Barry, Ionia, Kent , Newaygo counties)
Civilian Labor Force	399,500	387,800	391,400	0.9%	-2.0%
Total Employment	369,600	341,800	346,700	1.4%	-6.2%
Unemployment	29,900	46,100	44,700	-3.0%	49.5%
Rate (percent)	7.5	11.9	11.4

Contact: Jason Palmer, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (616) 336-4883

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
HOLLAND - GRAND HAVEN MSA				month	year
(Ottawa County)
Civilian Labor Force	133,000	128,400	128,900	0.4%	-3.1%
Total Employment	123,300	112,000	112,700	0.6%	-8.6%
Unemployment	9,700	16,500	16,200	-1.8%	67.0%
Rate (percent)	7.3	12.8	12.6

Contact: Jason Palmer, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (616) 336-4883

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
JACKSON MSA				month	year
(Jackson County)
Civilian Labor Force	76,000	74,000	74,800	1.1%	-1.6%
Total Employment	69,200	62,900	63,900	1.6%	-7.7%
Unemployment	6,900	11,000	10,800	-1.8%	56.5%
Rate (percent)	9.0	14.9	14.5

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
KALAMAZOO - PORTAGE MSA				month	year
( Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties)
Civilian Labor Force	173,500	166,800	169,800	1.8%	-2.1%
Total Employment	161,400	147,300	150,900	2.4%	-6.5%
Unemployment	12,000	19,500	18,900	-3.1%	57.5%
Rate (percent)	6.9	11.7	11.1

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
LANSING - EAST LANSING MSA				month	year
(Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties)
Civilian Labor Force	250,700	240,600	244,600	1.7%	-2.4%
Total Employment	233,500	214,300	218,700	2.1%	-6.3%
Unemployment	17,200	26,400	26,000	-1.5%	51.2%
Rate (percent)	6.9	11.0	10.6

Contact: Mark Reffitt, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 492-5550

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
MONROE MSA				month	year
(Monroe County)
Civilian Labor Force	75,600	74,300	74,700	0.5%	-1.2%
Total Employment	68,900	63,700	64,600	1.4%	-6.2%
Unemployment	6,700	10,600	10,100	-4.7%	50.7%
Rate (percent)	8.8	14.2	13.6

Contact: Jim Rhein, DELEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
MUSKEGON - NORTON SHORES MSA				month	year
(Muskegon County)
Civilian Labor Force	88,600	87,700	87,600	-0.1%	-1.1%
Total Employment	80,100	73,600	73,900	0.4%	-7.7%
Unemployment	8,500	14,000	13,700	-2.1%	61.2%
Rate (percent)	9.6	16.0	15.7

Contact: Jason Palmer, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (616) 336-4883

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
NILES - BENTON HARBOR MSA				month	year
(Berrien County)
Civilian Labor Force	79,700	77,100	77,500	0.5%	-2.8%
Total Employment	73,200	66,700	67,200	0.7%	-8.2%
Unemployment	6,500	10,400	10,200	-1.9%	56.9%
Rate (percent)	8.2	13.5	13.2

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
SAGINAW-Saginaw Township North MSA				month	year
(Saginaw County)
Civilian Labor Force	94,300	90,400	91,000	0.7%	-3.5%
Total Employment	86,300	78,700	79,600	1.1%	-7.8%
Unemployment	8,000	11,700	11,500	-1.7%	43.8%
Rate (percent)	8.5	12.9	12.6

Contact: Rhea Acuna, DELEG Regional Economic Analyst (989) 776-1508

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
UPPER PENINSULA LMA				month	year
(15 counties)
Civilian Labor Force	156,500	155,800	154,700	-0.7%	-1.2%
Total Employment	144,700	137,800	137,000	-0.6%	-5.3%
Unemployment	11,800	17,900	17,700	-1.1%	50.0%
Rate (percent)	7.6	11.5	11.5

Contact: Jim Rhein, DELEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
NORTHEAST LOWER MICHIGAN				month	year
(Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford,
Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda,
Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon counties)
Civilian Labor Force	93,700	94,300	92,800	-1.6%	-1.0%
Total Employment	84,300	80,800	79,200	-2.0%	-6.0%
Unemployment	9,400	13,400	13,600	1.5%	44.7%
Rate (percent)	10.0	14.2	14.7

Contact: Jim Rhein, DELEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
NORTHWEST LOWER MICHIGAN				month	year
(Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Benzie,
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau,
Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford counties)
Civilian Labor Force	154,200	155,100	152,700	-1.5%	-1.0%
Total Employment	140,400	134,900	132,500	-1.8%	-5.6%
Unemployment	13,800	20,300	20,200	-0.5%	46.4%
Rate (percent)	8.9	13.1	13.2

Contact: Jim Rhein, DELEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Oct-08	Sep-09	Oct-09	% change	% change
MICHIGAN (Data in thousands)				month	year
Civilian Labor Force	4,917	4,824	4,846	0.5%	-1.4%
Total Employment	4,490	4,111	4,152	1.0%	-7.5%
Unemployment	427	712	694	-2.5%	62.5%
Rate (percent)	8.7	14.8	14.3

Contact: Jim Rhein, DELEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

MICHIGAN COUNTIES RANKED BY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OCTOBER 2009

1	Mackinac County	7.5	43	St. Joseph County	13.4
2	Isabella County	8.3	44	Alpena County	13.6
3	Washtenaw County	8.8	45	Monroe County	13.6
4	Clinton County	9.0	46	Huron County	13.7
5	Leelanau County	9.2	47	Keweenaw County	13.9
6	Marquette County	9.6	48	Charlevoix County	14.4
7	Houghton County	9.8	49	Kalkaska County	14.5
8	Eaton County	9.9	50	Crawford County	14.5
9	Barry County	9.9	51	Jackson County	14.5
10	Cheboygan County	10.0	52	Roscommon County	14.7
11	Midland County	10.0	53	Missaukee County	14.7
12	Kalamazoo County	10.6	54	Luce County	14.8
13	Cass County	11.2	55	Shiawassee County	14.8
14	Chippewa County	11.3	56	Antrim County	14.9
15	Kent County	11.3	57	Oakland County	15.0
16	Ingham County	11.3	58	Genesee County	15.2
17	Dickinson County	11.6	59	Otsego County	15.2
18	Delta County	11.8	60	Osceola County	15.3
19	Menominee County	11.9	61	Lenawee County	15.4
20	Calhoun County	12.0	62	Muskegon County	15.7
21	Iron County	12.0	63	Oceana County	15.9
22	Bay County	12.1	64	Gladwin County	16.0
23	Grand Traverse County	12.1	65	Tuscola County	16.0
24	Manistee County	12.4	66	Presque Isle County	16.2
25	Saginaw County	12.6	67	Arenac County	16.2
26	Ottawa County	12.6	68	Ontonagon County	16.4
27	Emmet County	12.6	69	Clare County	16.6
28	Mecosta County	12.6	70	Iosco County	16.6
29	Alger County	12.7	71	Hillsdale County	16.7
30	Ogemaw County	12.8	72	Sanilac County	16.9
31	Benzie County	12.8	73	Montcalm County	17.0
32	Mason County	12.8	74	Alcona County	17.2
33	Allegan County	12.9	75	Macomb County	17.4
34	Van Buren County	12.9	76	Lake County	17.7
35	Schoolcraft County	13.0	77	Lapeer County	17.7
36	Ionia County	13.0	78	Wayne County	17.7
37	Berrien County	13.2	79	Wexford County	18.2
38	Gogebic County	13.2	80	St. Clair County	18.3
39	Livingston County	13.2	81	Oscoda County	19.6
40	Gratiot County	13.4	82	Montmorency County	19.7
41	Newaygo County	13.4	83	Baraga County	24.0
42	Branch County	13.4

MDOT
keeps most rest areas open through winter
December 1, 2009 -- To maintain the convenience and safety they provide, most Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) rest areas will remain open during the coming winter. Only five rest areas will be closed for the 17-week winter period that begins Dec. 7, 2009 and ends April 6, 2010. The closures are due to reduced use during winter months and safety concerns regarding steep hills or curves that are difficult to keep clear of ice and snow. "Our rest areas are an important feature of our state highway system, and motorists and tourists have come to depend on their convenience," said MDOT Director Kirk T. Steudle. "We're committed to keeping them open whenever possible to ensure that convenience." MDOT will reopen the following rest areas in April: - St. Ignace Rest Area on southbound I-75 in Mackinac County - Ludington Rest Area on northbound US-31 in Mason County - Topinabee Rest Area on northbound I-75 in Cheboygan County - Hebron Rest Area on southbound I-75 in Cheboygan County - Hart Rest Area on southbound US-31 in Oceana County Designated rest areas will have "Closed until Spring" signs posted, including the mileage to the next open rest area. For up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan. MDOT says: Remember - in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow! Copyright © 2009 State of Michigan

Skyler Ross, Jessica Spear at Reflection Gallery

HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery will host a dual exhibit from December 1, 2009 to January 11, 2010, featuring the paintings of Jessica Spear and photographs by Skyler Ross.

An opening reception and artist talks will take place Thursday, December 3, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., at the Reflection Gallery. The reception is open to the public; refreshments will be served.

Skyler Ross, a Graphic Design major in the Finlandia University International School of Art & Design, uses Photoshop 7.0 to digitally alter photographs. In his photographs, he hopes to “capture the natural elements of everyday life... take the ordinary and give them vitamins.”

Jessica Spear, a junior-level Finlandia Studio Arts student, uses color, texture, and collage to create large scale paintings overflowing with color and texture. Spear is involved in the local art community and works at the Copper Country Community Arts Center as a gallery helper.

“My work is mostly about my love of color, line, and collage and how these work (or don’t work) together,” Spear explains. “Spontaneity plays a huge role in my art. Paint splashes and brush strokes are often the result of letting the paint do what it wants to do.”

Spear’s fantastic use of color sprung from an experience in eighth grade. She explains, “the first time I saw ‘Green Marilyn’ [by Andy Warhol], I was hooked on that green or shades of green.” She says she also enjoys using variations of purple, since purple is “the color of perfect spirituality and creativity.”

Spear notes, “I am continuously inspired as I learn about different artists, their techniques and philosophies. I think art is a window for people to look into that provides vital information for understanding each other, our culture, and ourselves.”

Skyler Ross enjoys manipulating what already exists, even if it is just taking a blue and making it a brighter, more saturated blue. He notes that he enjoys using bright saturated colors or very dark muted colors.

Through his work, Ross “wants the art to make you ask yourself questions. Whether it is asking yourself about your own life or just questioning life itself. It’s about emotion behind or what is in the photo.”

“This show is about how there is always more to a subject than what you see,” he says, adding, “that there is a feeling or a presence within each experience.”

The Reflection Gallery is located on the second level of Finlandia’s Jutila Center campus, Hancock. For additional information, contact Yueh-mei Cheng, associate professor of studio arts, at 906-487-7375 or yueh-mei.cheng@finlandia.edu.

19th Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series

Hancock - November 30, 2009

Bruce A. Niemi

Heavy Metal / Graceful Forms -- Raskas Metalli / Sulavia Muotoja

Exhibit Dates: December 3, 2009 to January 3, 2010

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Artist Talk begins at 7:15 p.m.

HANCOCK, MI - The 19th Annual Contemporary Finnish American Artist Series,
hosted by the Finlandia University Gallery from December 3, 2009, to January
3, 2010, features the work of Wisconsin sculptor Bruce A. Niemi in an
exhibit titled, "Heavy Metal/Graceful Forms (Raskas Metalli / Sulavia
Muotoja). The Finlandia University Gallery is located in the Finnish
American Heritage Center, Hancock.

An opening reception for the artist will take place at the gallery Thursday,
December 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., with an artist talk beginning at 7:15
p.m. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be
served.

At age 12, Bruce Niemi was introduced to welding by his father, a
self-taught abstract sculptor and ornamental iron artist. Niemi was
fascinated and his passion for sculpting began.

Niemi's art, ranging from small pedestal pieces to larger wall and free
standing sculptures, is characterized by an uplifting positive nature. "My
faith in God, the power and beauty of nature, and the energy and balance of
dance are the driving forces behind my art," notes Niemi. "It would be safe
to say if you studied my art you would know my heart."

Niemi's stainless steel and bronze sculptures create the illusion of
movement and transform the abstract into visual statements waiting for the
interpretation of the viewer.

"My purpose is to stimulate and exercise the mind of you, the viewer, as
well as create a sculpture that compliments the environment that it shares,"
says Niemi. "Aesthetics, balance, energy, harmony, meticulous craftsmanship,
structural strength, durable materials, and public safety are all built into
the piece."

All these components are present in Niemi's recent commission, a memorial
for five students killed in 2008 on the campus of Niemi's alma mater,
Northern Illinois University. Niemi says it was a rewarding and humbling
experience to be selected to create the memorial. Foremost in his thoughts
while designing the sculpture was finding a way to help the parents of the
five students heal.

His sculpture, titled Remembered, consists of five intertwining components
that form the shape of a flame.

"I see hope. I see something pointing skyward. I see ascension. I see five
elements in that sculpture," says Michael P. Malone, vice president for
university advancement at NIU. "Once you look at the interconnecting
triangles, or flames, it really starts to add meaning to that site in a way
that only art can."

For 21 years Niemi has worked as a full time sculptor. He has created 28
large-scale public sculptures located across the United States, and has
exhibited in numerous solo, group and juried exhibitions. His work is
included in 20 corporate collections.

Niemi received a bachelor of fine art in sculpture at Northern Illinois
University in 1981.

He will be on the Finlandia University campus December 1 to 3, 2009, working
with art and design students.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center,
435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
or by appointment.

The Finlandia University Gallery will be closed December 23, 2009, to
January 3, 2010.

Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

IronwoodInfo Begins Third Year!
On September 10, 2007 IronwoodInfo.com became a new source of news and events for residents of the Western Upper Peninsula. Originally we planned to be alternative news source to the daily glob. As time passed it became obvious that there is life outside Ironwood’s Memorial Building and our coverage quickly expanded to Ontonagon County and then on to Baraga and Houghton Counties. Read More...

Make the Holidays Warm, Bright - and Affordable

For Release: 11/30/2009

Houghton MI - January often brings larger bills of all kinds because of the extra celebrating that goes hand-in-hand with holidays near the end of the year. UPPCO suggests that a little planning could help keep your January electric bill from being an unpleasant surprise.

A major reason energy bills are often higher in January is the extra lighting, cooking, and entertaining you do over the holidays. These activities increase the enjoyment of the season, but they can also increase your electric bill - whereas planning ahead could help you manage your usage and keep costs within a range that works with your budget.

UPPCO has some suggestions to help manage your energy costs while you're celebrating. First, you can find energy-saving tips and savings calculators at www.uppco.com that may help you manage your electric bill. There are also other Web sites for information on managing energy bills, including the Focus on Energy Web site (www.focusonenergy.com) and the U.S. Department of Energy site (www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer tips).

As you plan your holiday lighting, it's easy to compare operating costs using the Holiday Lighting Calculator on UPPCO's Web site under Home Energy Advice. Just click on the items relating to your planned display, and the calculator will figure the cost for you. For example, a single string of 100 mini-lights, on for 6 hours a day during the entire month of December, will cost $1.19 to operate. The same string of LED lights for the same amount of time will cost 12 cents, and a single string of 25 of the older standard larger C-7 bulbs will cost about $2.97. The new LED lights may cost a little more to buy, but the savings could be worth it, especially for more elaborate lighting displays.

UPPCO also suggests using a timer so that holiday lights aren't left on all night. A timer can be set so your lights automatically operate for the three to five hours you're normally awake to enjoy them.

Holiday Gift Idea

UPPCO is again offering Energy Gift Certificates in any dollar amount. They can be used to pay all or a portion of the recipient's electric bill and are a one-size-fits-all solution for nearly everyone on your holiday list, as long as they're an UPPCO customer. You can find simple instructions for ordering at www.uppco.com or call UPPCO at 800-562-7680.

Good-bye Boxcars

by Linda Graham

Ontonagon - Saturday, November 28, 2009

The ELS Railroad did the "cleanup" run to Ontonagon on Friday and Saturday Nov. 27 and 28. Saturday morning around 9:30 the train left Ontonagon for the last time. Last Saturday a train was heard and seen at Smurfit-Stone Container and today was the last one. Pictures were taken from the new car bridge. You will notice the different Railroad Company names on the cars. There appeared to be snow on the last car. The train engineer gave two last whistles before chugging out.

Budget Tops Agenda at GCC

Ironwood Township - November 25, 2009

The college budget topped the agenda of the Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees at last night's regular monthly meeting.

According to Erik Guenard, Dean of Business Services, revenues and expenditures are up about 3 percent, reflecting the increased revenue and costs of enrollment growth. "The budget submitted tonight shows a greater fund balance and contingency than in recent years," said Erik Guenard, Dean of Business. "These balances are due to the exceptional planning of the college community to absorb some of the budgetary decisions that are anticipated to come from the State of Michigan in the next several years."

The budget as presented to the Board maintains a contingency
of approximately $615,700.

"Although community colleges as a whole were spared from budget cuts by the State of Michigan this year, we fully anticipate that will not happen again in the future and are planning accordingly," said Guenard.

Mr. Guenard advised the board members that student housing currently had a 90% occupancy rate. The occupancy rate would increase to 100% in January.

Robert Jacquart, Board Chairman asked how broken leases were handled. He was advised that students were normally held to their lease obligation. However, in certain situations the students were released from their leases. The leases on student housing are prepaid. In a prior meeting it was disclosed that the college is ahead of schedule on passing the break even point on the Dorms.

The Board approved the $9,761,807 budget.

In other action, December candidates for graduation were approved and will be invited to attend the Commencement Ceremony in May.

The Board approved the resignation of Ms. Carrie Miljevich, pictured above. Ms. Miljevich is the College's Director of InstitutionalDevelopment. Miljevich has served in that capacity at GCC since 2008. The Board has authorized the Administration to work with the Foundation Board of Directors to begin the replacement process.

The Board approved all rates at Mt. Zion to remain the same for the upcoming season. Full day rates are $16; half day rates are $14; and tubing rates remain at $12. Season pass rates for individuals remain at $150, with family rates holding at $350.

Bids were solicited for the college's marketing and promotional materials, along with production. The Board awarded the bid to By George Marketing of Mellen, WI for $14,735.

In an effort to streamline the payment process for GCC students and donors, the Board approved the purchase of an online payment software platform from Jenzabar, which is compatible with the college's computer system.

A proposal to initiate a feasibility study with Northern Initiatives, from Marquette, was approved to assess growth opportunities in the Houghton/Hancock area.

A three-year lease was approved with Charter Communications for cable television service throughout the residence hall on campus. Housing rates will be increased $50 per resident per semester to offset the cost.

Bessemer School District

Receives High Scores

Bessemer - November 25, 2009

The Bessemer School Board met Monday for its regularly scheduled November Meeting.

The Board members received the Annual Education Reports for Washington School and A.D. Johnson High School.

Head Teacher Gene Goss presented the good news for Washington School that received an "A" on its "AYP". The school has met its Adequate Yearly Progress requirement for the eighth straight year.

The students MEAP scores exceeded the state averages in almost every subject at every grade level.

District Administrator Mark Johnson highlighted the Annual Education Report for the high school. The A.D.J. students also did well on their MEAP tests, exceeding the state averages in all but one catagory. The District's students have been showing improvement in each of the last three years.

The school's ACT scores showed results similar to the MEAP scores. In 2009 the students out scored their state peers in every subject!

The Board Members were very pleased with the reports.

Mr. Johnson also advised the board that school'sQuiz Bowl Team had defeated Brimley in last week's HSB contest. The game willed be aired on WMNUTV on January 2nd. This was Bessemer's second victory in this year's tournament. The Wiz Kids previously defeated Big Bay de Noc in a round one matchup. The team will go on to meet the winner of the Watersmeet - Iron Mountain game.

The Bessemer team is coached by Dave Rowe.

Dave's J.V. Team (pictured above) recently won the local Quiz Bowl Tournament held at Gogebic Community College on October 29th.

More Good News For Township!

Ironwood Township - November 24, 2009

The Ironwood Township Board of Trustees held its regularly scheduled meeting Monday afternoon.

After dispensing with the routine items the board heard from Vince Babcock. Babcock is the representative for Employee Benefits, Inc., the townships Insurance Broker. Vince discussed the coverage changes made by the current board of trustees last fall. As a reuslt of those changes the township taxpayers will be paying 16,000 to 19,000 dollars less for the renewal insurance premiums.

Babcock told the board that other contingent changes will not have to be implemented for the foreseeable future.

In other matters, the board voted to accept the bid of Dave Hardy, for property assessment services. Mr. Hardy’s bid of $25,350 was $1,830 less than the other bid received. Hardy has done work for the Township in the past and his work was found to be satisfactory.

The board was to hear from Tom Schneller with an update on the water project. However, Tom was busy making hay while the sunshined, as the old saying goes. Only in Tom’s case he’e really busy making water before the snow falls!

Tom did send a fax to the Board of Trustees on the latest road update:

Lake Road between Jackson Road and Sunset Road will remain closed.

Only residents living in the construction area and business patrons are allowed travel in this area.

For people needing to get to the Gogebic-lron County Airport, it is recommended that the you take Section 12 Road north to Sunset Road. Then Sunset Road west to Lake Road and take Lake Road North to Airport Rd. or,

Take Vanderhagen Road north to Sunset Road then take Sunset Road west to Lake Road and

Lake Road north to Airport Rd.

For additional information please contact Tom Schneller at Snow Country Contracting at (932) 1411

The board went into closed session to discuss the possible purchase of the defunct Lake Road Trailer Park property. After returning from closed session the board voted not to pursue the property until the next tax sale.

Water Boil Advisory Lifted!

Ironwood Township - November 26, 2009

We received the results from the 9 water samples I brought to the White Pine lab yesterday. All 9 water samples passed the tests, so:

Press Release:
As of 10:00 this morning, the Boil Water Advisory is no longer in effect for the Charter Township of Ironwood water customers.
Thank you,
Kim Mattson
Supervisor
Charter Township of Ironwood

Boil Water Advisory

As a result of the work being done by the City of Ironwood in installing control valves, the water customers of Ironwood Township are under a Boil Water Advisory until further notice. Please boil your water for 3-5 minutes and run until the water is clear. Any concerns regarding this water problem, please call the City of Ironwood offices at 932-5050 or the Charter Township of Ironwood offices at 932-5800.

Kim Mattson

Supervisor

Charter Township of Ironwood

Political Payoff

Embarrasses City Council

Ironwood - November 24, 2009

Former City commissioner Suzanne Toth addressed the City Council last night, leaving the councilmen with egg on their face regarding Gemma Lamb's appointment of Jim Albert’s website as the "Official City Website". Last night in an effort to cover-up their kitty litter the Council amended their appointment to "Official On-line Newspaper". Ironwood already has its own website www.cityofironwood.org. It’s doubtful if Gemma Lamb would know as much.

www.cityofironwood.org was created on December 11, 2003, and doesn’t expire until December 11, 2013. The domain was sponsored by Network Solutions LLC.

Nonetheless, the council again illegally appointed Albert when they made his blog the Official On-line Newspaper.

Mrs. Toth pointed out that Mr. Albert owner/publisher/ editor of the Chronicle is two years in arrears on his property taxes. According to Toth, Albert owes the city 10,427.36 to be exact. Suzanne pointed out to the council that the City Charter prohibits the City Council from appointing or doing business with anyone in arrears with the City.

Mrs. Toth advised the Council that Albert had been denied official status in the past. She informed IronwoodInfo, that Albert was repeatedly rejected for a seat on the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority, because of the delinquent taxes.

She asked the Commissioners when the Charter had been changed. While the Mayor Bob Burchell chose to ignore the remarks at the time he later huddled with three other councilmen after the meeting was adjourned. Four or more members of the council discussing city business constitutes a quorum and is clearly in violation of the "Open Meetings Act".

The appointment of The Chronicle came swiftly by Gemma Lamb who obviously "awarding" Albert for his support in the election. The issue is likely to continue for some time to come. We’re looking forward to all the letters to the editor by Ms. Anne Onymous.

Black Bear Bowling

White Pine - November 27, 2009

Men's Bowling returned to Konteka Black Bear Lanes in White Pine. After a week off chasing Bambi around the woods, the guys figured it was easier to to aim at ten pins than it is was aiming at no deer.

Pestka Construction has a firm hold on first place. Following far behind in second place is the White Pine Electric Power Team. The Dry Dock Teams 1 and 2 had held the first and second spots for several weeks now find themselves in 7th and 8th places.

The Women's Wednesday Night Bowling League tightened up a bit this past Wednesday when S&S Services lost three of four games. Second place team, Peninsula Graphics picked up one game by splitting it's match wining two out of four.

The Porkies team again moved up one spot to move into 4th place.

Black Bear Bowling

The women's Wednesday night bowling league closed the evening with no changes in the standings.

The men's Monday league took a hiatus this week. The guys are out chasing Bambi in the woods!