IronwoodInfo News Magazine

Low Income Housing Project
Referred To Voters

Ironwood - July 13, 2009

In consideration of the widespread disapproval of the Hovey Low Income Housing Project, the city commission decided to send the issue to the voters next November. Tomm Laabs made the motion tonight to give the voters the final say in the matter.

Currently, between 90 and 95% of the city taxpayers are against the Hovey Projects.

The vote was 3 to 2 in support of Laabs motion. Noren as would be expected made a last ditch effort to salvage his favorite boondoggle, by telling the commission that they have to make the "tough decisions" as well as the easy one. None-the-less the measure will go to the voters November 4th.

That was the easy part. The difficult part was coming to a consensus on how to handle Hovey's option on the sinking property. More than an hour was spent in an almost laughable discussion on how to extend the option until the November 4th election. Hovey, a down state developer has been sitting on their option for two years. During this time the developer has not paid the city for the land nor has it turned over the first shovel of soil on the Ayer Street Low Income Housing Project. The commission voted to put the property back on the market.

The last two years have afforded ample time to look more closely at the project. As time went by the project began to show more warts and less glitz.

There were efforts by MSHDA senior staff to by-pass due diligence and rush the project by the taxpayers of Ironwood. There missing appraisals, property sold without the bidding process. The MDEQ actually waived a wetlands survey on the project. After hundreds of letters to Lansing by IronwoodInfo, the MDEQ relented and did inspect the property, which was found to have a wetland's violation.

The site plan had to be revised and re-submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission which had earlier closed its eyes, ears and noses when approving the Low Income Housing Project.

The project was later delayed when a land stabilization survey had to made. It too, had been conveniently over looked by both city government and MSHDA.

Also missing was a survey of housing needs, even though the law requires one. Par for the course, the city commission originally approved the Hovey project without the survey. It makes one wonder how a city commissioner could approve another housing project, not knowing if a the need for even exists. Specially when the MSHDA project required that the city give up all tax revenue on the property for ever. It was IronwoodInfo that brought it to the commission's attention that the wording could and would allow the project to be tax free forever. After further investigation, the council has since seen what we all saw two years ago.

Owners of similar apartment projects pay extraordinarily high taxes. Hovey would only pay a fee, which would be adjusted downward for vacancies and/or rising utility rates. Hmmmm!

While Hovey has built similar projects around the state, they have only built luxury units in their neighborhood. The only question remaining is who sent these down state speculators to Ironwood in the first place ?

From Our Readers

July 11, 2009

A Bagpipe players stands in front of "Family Catholic Church" in Ontonagon.

The funeral services for Thomas D. Landree, 63, died July 4, 2009, at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.

Read More

Strawberries Never Tasted This Good

Chassell MI July 12, 2008

As it was last year Saturday was a beautiful sunny day. A perfect day for a Parade and an equally fine day for a Strawberry Festival. They all came together Saturday when the sun shown down in Chassell and the Strawberry Festival and parade took place. Thousands of residents and visitors lined the street to watch what may very well be the largest and longest parade in the Western U.P. The parade had it all, bands, floats, military, firemen and fire trucks, kids, animals, clowns, jugglers, acrobats, beauty contestants , antique and classic cars. There were lots of bands. Chassel, Lake Linden and Dollar Bay High Schools were all well represented. It should be noted that Dollar Bay H.S. had just 29 young musicians marching Saturday and yet, they sounded as if they were a band triple that size. Paula Makay, the music director should be applauded for the great job she and the kids did Saturday. They should serve as an inspiration for other smaller bands.

The fun didn't end with the parade, food, entertainment and a craft fair all took place on the waterfront at Centennial Park, where there vendors, games food and some very delicious strawberry shortcake served up by the Lions Club.

Photo above - 2008 Strawberry Festival Queen Helen Richards

UPPCO Fights Spread of
Invasive Species near Au Train

For Release: 07/14/2009

Houghton, MI - Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) has again completed Garlic Mustard control activities on land surrounding the AuTrain Hydroelectric Project. On June 25, a group representing UPPCO teamed with members of the Nature Conservancy to pull fifteen 32-gallon garbage bags full of the invasive plant.

Garlic Mustard (Alliria Petiolata), a non-native invasive species, was discovered on land surrounding the Au Train Hydroelectric Project in the summer of 2005. Since that time, UPPCO, along with the Nature Conservancy, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan University, and various local volunteers, has completed several garlic mustard pull activities.

The main focus of the Garlic Mustard control activities has been to remove the seeding plants near road and utility corridors. The corridors act as vectors for spreading the invasive plants to other lands surrounding the Au Train Hydroelectric Project and also enable the plants to be spread by vehicles to other parts of the state. The Nature Conservancy will continue control efforts along the road throughout the year.

The garlic mustard plant was introduced by settlers in the late 1860s. It was first discovered in Long Island, New York, and has spread as far south as Virginia and as far west as Kansas. Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant, which means it is known to out-compete native vegetation for light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Because Garlic Mustard shades out native vegetation, wildlife species that depend on the native plants for food and nutrients are forced to move out of the infested area to locate a new food source.

"A truly dedicated group is involved in this annual event," said Connie Granroth-Eardley, Supervisor of Regional Generation-East for UPPCO. "Their efforts are very much appreciated, and UPPCO's Eastern Hydros group looks forward to helping with future Garlic Mustard pulls."

For More Information, Contact:

* James Nuthals
Environmental Consultant
920-433-1460

* Media Hotline
800-977-2250

* UPPCO Customer Service
800-562-7680

Why Say No to Hovey!

Ironwood - July 10, 2009

632 East McCleod a house with a checkered past. Original the home of a Mine Captain named Cambell. Then through a series of owners until the house was foreclosed on in 2001.That is when I purchased the home and began to rehabilitate it. The house was a sorry looking mess and it was no wonder the neighbors were glad to see new owners take over the mess that had been abandoned.

The house was fixed up inside and out and was old in 2003. Regrettably and unknown to myself, the house was going to be another government subsidized home. Government money was being funneled through community action in a program that was intended to attract people to out community. Unfortunately, the program was being used to move Bessemer people to Ironwood and Ironwood residents to Bessemer.

By now you can guess where this story is going.

It's hard to understand why anyone would want another Subsidized Low Income Housing Project in a community desperately trying to attract new businesses and residents

Ironwood Student on
MTU
Deans List

July 9, 2009

Michigan Tech Student Kyle Torni, has earned a place on the Spring 2009 Dean's List.

Kyle Torni, Ironwood resident an undergraduate student is currently working on a research internship at the University of Cincinnati.

Kyle has told his parents that he really enjoys the work that he is doing at the U of Cinncinnati.

Kyle began looking for a research internship after changing career interests from orthopedics to pediatric oncology (child cancer).

The Spring 2009 MTU Dean's List

Finlandia Jutila Center
Renovations Begin

HANCOCK - July 6, 2009

Phase II Jutila Center Renovations Begin

Finlandia University President Philip Johnson is pleased to announce that Phase II renovations to Finlandia’s Jutila Center for Global Design and Business began June 1.

“Finlandia recognizes the importance of contributing to the economic development of the western Upper Peninsula,” Johnson says. “It is rewarding to contribute to a stronger business community, creating more job opportunities for our graduates and all Copper Country citizens.”

The second round of improvements to the former Portage View Hospital continues a multi-phase project funded by an Economic Development Authority grant awarded in 2005. Including the current $1.58 million project, a total of $4.7 million has been invested to date in renovations to the Jutila Center, including a $700,000 investment from the Smart Zone. A recent 40% Finlandia matching gift paved the way for Phase II work.

Small Class Sizes and Enrichment Classes are the Recipe for Success in the Bessemer Area School District

July 8, 2009

A personalized education has long been a staple in the Bessemer Area School District and that reputation will remain as we look into 2009-2010. Even as we see nationwide budget crunches, state deficits and declining enrollment in many Michigan school districts, Bessemer will continue to provide a high quality education to its students based on small group settings, attention to the needs of the individual student and differentiated instruction to better fit the student’s educational needs and goals.

During the course of the 2008-2009 school year we were fortunate enough to be able to experiment with running an all-day, everyday kindergarten program. At year’s end, I believe that this program was a huge success for the District. Test scores show students coming from this year’s kindergarten class will enter first grade at a very high academic level. Due to the tireless efforts of Mrs. Lekies, Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Barbacovi our kindergarten students are well on their way to a successful academic career as they have been provided the finest of educational foundations in which to build upon in their upcoming school years.

Due to the fact that we have seen such a dramatic effect of moving to the all-day, everyday kindergarten program, we have opted to run two sections of our all-day, everyday kindergarten program for the 2009-2010 school year. We will provide two full-time teachers to our kindergarten program to once again build the academic foundations of our students to better prepare them for the rigors of years to come. With these supports in place our students will be given every tool needed to succeed in tomorrow’s world.

The Bessemer Area School District are not only making a commitment to smaller class sizes at the kindergarten level for the fall of 2009, but also at every early elementary level up through grade 3. In the fall, we are anticipating that we will be hosting two first grades with approximately 15 students per section, two second grades with approximately 13 students per grade level, and two third grades with approximately 18 students per grade level. These smaller class sizes are being put into place to better enable teachers and staff to reach every student and meet their educational needs.

In addition to smaller class sizes, our elementary students also enjoy a full compliment of enrichment classes throughout their day. Each elementary student will have the opportunity to participate is art, music, physical education, computers, and band in their years at Washington School. In the 2008-2009 school year each student had the opportunity to spend approximately seven 35-minute class periods a week in one of our enrichment classes. Along with those enrichment classes students in grades 5 and 6 have the opportunity to participate in elementary band program which meets every day. In addition, our students are fortunate enough to have access to the Washington School swimming pool during the winter months to participate in various water activities and swimming lessons. Mrs. Janet Hellman, along with Mr. Tim France and Mrs. Mary Ahnen, do a terrific job in teaching various water skills to our students. It is a real asset to our district that we have the opportunity to house our own pool.

We are looking forward to another successful year in the Bessemer Area School District and look forward to helping each of our students reach their individual goals.

Mark Johnson
Superintendent
Bessemer Area Schools

Lautala and Ferrell Make Presentations in China
	Pasi Lautala. A research assistant professor at MTTI who earned his Ph.D. at Michigan Tech,
SHANGHAI - July 7, 2009 Pasi Lautala, director of the Rail Transportation Program, and graduate student Shane Ferrell (CEE) recently presented the paper "Cold Climate Freight Railroads" at the International Heavy Haul Conference in Shanghai, China. Ferrell was one of six students worldwide sponsored by the IHHA to participate in the conference. Lautala and Ferrell also made invited presentations about Michigan Tech and its Rail Transportation Program at Shijiazhuang Railway Institute and the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (CAREERI), in Lanzhou, China.

ARC Demo at Hiawatha Skateboard Park

Norrie Location – July 7, 2009

The American Ramp Company (ARC) were in town again yesterday to demonstrate the equipment that they hope to actually sell to the city some day. This is the second time that ARC has demonstrated the equipment and the second time the skateboarders went away wondering if they'll ever see a skateboard park in Ironwood.

This trip around the kids actually got to skate on "their concrete slab" . The slab for the project was poured just days prior to the 2007 city election. Since then the slab has sat idle. Delay after delay has kept this long overdue project from completion.

The city has alleged that the MDNR grant for the project was approved back in December of 2008. The we were told that the authorization was signed and approved by the Governor.

Now we're told that the project is once again on hold. This time because the MDNR wants the project to be put out for bids - all over again. What does this suggest to you.

I interviewed several kids while they were skating at Longyear Park. I can tell you that they have very little hope in seeing this project completed. I attempted to explain to them what was going on and offer them assurances that they would in deed have a skateboard park in the not too distant future.

Yesterday, I had to make another new version of continuing saga.

The kids were pleased with the equipment yesterday. Which is a serious improvement in their opinions just three weeks ago. Maybe progress is being made.

Hoop N Holler Holds
8th Annual Cardboard Boat Race

Merriweather - July 7, 2009

The eighth annual cardboard boat races were held Sunday at the Hoop N Hollar in Merriweather. The weather was great, sunny skies and temps approaching 80 degrees. As usual the food was also terrific. The Hoop serves up Hamburgers, Sandwiches, soup and more. The tavern also features mixed drinks and beer on tap.

The large crowd that attended the boat races was in the boating mood. Many of whom came to the Hoop via their boat and rafted by the dock.

Winner of Race No. One was Kevin Callahan

above Jesse B. from Storm 99.7, was broadcasting live from the Hoop Sunday. On the right of the picture is Carolyn Maves who produced the Sunday races. Carolyn and her husband George are the proprietors of the Hoop N Hollar. Great job Carolyn!

W-M Chooses Spets and Shamion

Wakefield - July 6, 2009

The Wakefield Marenisco School Board met in special session this evening. The purpose of the meeting was to select a part time superintendent and a full time school principal. It took just two unanimous votes to complete the process which will hopefully bring Matthew Spets and Cathy Shamion to school district.

Originally the board wanted to combine the two positions., but reversed itself and went with two separate jobs.

Spets an Ironwood native is working in Maple Wisconsin. In addition to his teaching there he has served as a ,member of the "Technology in Education" committee and as an assistant baseball coach.

Cathy Shamion will bring a great deal of experience to Wakefield. She formally taught French, government and economics at White Pine for 14 years and was named superintendent in 2001. Cathy herself, graduated from the White Pine High School in 1974 and from Marquette University in 1978.

After the closing of the high school at White Pine, Shamion continued as superintendent of the K-6 unit. When the White Pine School District closed Cathy was hired as Superintendent of the Ewen-Trout Creek School District in 2000, succeeding Russ Bailey. She became only the third person to hold that position. While at E-T-C Shamion also taught French and coached volleyball at E-TC .

Cathy has served a chairperson of the Porcupine Mountain Conference and has been a member of the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame.

Both nominations made tonight will go to the negotiations committee for contract negotiations.