LANSING, Mich.—A person failing
to report to law enforcement
that a child in their care has
gone missing would face a felony
of up to two years imprisonment
under legislation approved by
the Senate Judiciary Committee
today.
Senate Bill 580,
sponsored by Sen. Tom Casperson,
was introduced because of the
recent Caylee Anthony case in
Florida, which brought to light
a shortcoming in Michigan law.
“When a child goes missing
it is often a matter of life and
death, so making sure a
disappearance is reported
immediately is important and
potentially life-saving,” said
Casperson, R-Escanaba. “This is
not an overreaction to a
national story. It’s an
important bill borne out of
tremendous constituent
outpouring to fix Michigan law
and better protect our
children.”
Casperson
said that, while the Legislature
has tackled many difficult
issues this year, none has
produced as much attention as ‘Caylee’s
Law’. His office received three
times as many constituent phone
calls and emails on the matter
than any other issue.
Senate Bill 626, a companion
measure also approved,
establishes sentencing
guidelines for the felony crime
of failure to report a missing
child under SB 580.
Both
bills return to the full Senate
for passage.
photo - Sen. Tom Casperson
testifies in support of Senate
Bill 580Tuesday
Huuki sets sights on U.P. job
creation
Lawmaker’s fall agenda focuses on
generating more local work
If
state Rep. Matt Huuki’s fall legislative
efforts are anywhere near as successful
as the freshman lawmaker’s first sixth
months in Lansing he’s hopeful some
‘help wanted’ signs could begin
sprouting up across the Upper Peninsula. Huuki had seven of his bills signed into
law as of this month - three that
addressed administration efficiency
between intermediate and local school
districts; a bill to restructure
Houghton’s Downtown Development
Authority bond payments so the city
could afford repayment; the creation of
a state motorcycle license plate that
honors military service men and women; a
land use law that strengthens the
stability and future of mining
operations in Michigan; and a measure
exempting timber log slasher rigs from
brake requirements. He is now readying
three important initiatives for the fall
legislative session. “My goal as a
state representative is to make a
difference for the people I am
representing by offering common-sense
solutions to problems,” said Huuki,
R-Atlantic Mine. “So far, I’ve been able
to work with other state lawmakers and
make progress on some important local
issues that also can help other areas of
the state. “The past few months I’ve
focused on meeting with residents,
business owners and local officials to
collect more ideas to help strengthen
our communities. Jobs continue to be the
number one priority for people, so I’m
looking at the best ways we can use our
available resources to get people good
paying employment.” Two of the first
efforts Huuki will undertake as chair of
a House Forestry and Mining Subcommittee
are aimed at encouraging more start-up
mining operations in the state, and
increased timber harvesting through
private participation in Michigan’s
Qualified Forest Sustainability Program.
The state’s existing Qualified
Forest program has not resulted in the
increased timber production expected due
to some of the eligibility
qualifications. Huuki’s legislation is
helping to revise the program so
more private landowners will subscribe
to the program, providing more local
timber to the industry. Another
initiative Huuki is working on is aimed
at alleviating roadblocks to
establishing new mines in Michigan that
can add more jobs to communities. “We
need to spur interest in exploring the
commodities of the Upper Peninsula
because in both the timber and mining
industries the current regulations make
it difficult and expensive to get the
raw materials they need to be
successful,” Huuki said. “The mining
bills will help companies become
established, provide jobs in our
communities that will provide the tax
base that is so desperately needed to
fund our school and local services. The
idea is to make Michigan more
attractive, affordable and friendly for
potential business ventures that can
bring jobs.” Huuki also has a
legislative package in the planning
stages that will help expand and connect
ATV trails to strengthen the local
tourism industry. Throughout the
state, but especially in the Upper
Peninsula, some state public trails are
segmented by private property and legal
issues despite the owners’ willingness
to allow public use. “The main issue
seems to be liability, so we can address
that problem with a new law that limits
the risk for any land owner who decides
to let their property be part of the
official trail,” Huuki said. “Other
parts of the package increase trail
access in Michigan by allowing ATVs on
all county road shoulders. Right now,
that is being done on a county-by-county
basis so there’s a patchwork of do’s and
don’ts across the state that makes it
confusing for people.” Huuki’s
legislation to revise the Qualified
Forest program is already introduced in
House Bill 4970, a companion piece to HB
4969. Measures for the other two issues
are expected to be introduced in the
next month. Bills that Huuki
sponsored that became law earlier this
year include: ·
Public Acts 104-106 of 2011 (HBs
4232-34) allow intermediate school
district superintendents to serving
simultaneously as superintendent of
constituent district; ·
PA 24 of 2011 (HB 4248) authorized the
refinancing of Houghton’s DDA bond
obligations to lower repayment amounts
over an extended time period so the city
budget could afford the payments; ·
PA 74 of 2011 (HB 4359) created a
specialty armed forces license plate for
motorcycles; and ·
PA 113 of 2011 (HB 4746) revised
standards for the land management and
zoning for gravel mining. ·
PA 151 of 2011 (HB 4316) exempts logging
slasher trailer rig units from the state
highway brake requirement law.
Thanks to everyone who supported the
Ironwood City and Township volunteer
fire departments at the final car wash
fundraiser of the year.
Please watch for further fund raisers
as we raise money to host the
annual.118th U.P. Vol. Firefighters'
Assoc. Tournament in 2012.
Ken Jacobson, Chief Ironwood
Volunteer Fire Dept.
Boots 'n' Spurs Annual Fun Horse
Show
SAXON - September 26, 2011
The Boots-n-Spurs 4-H Club held its
Annual Fall Boots-n-Spurs 4-H Club Horse
Show Saturday at the Iron County Fair
Grounds.
There were a total of
sixty competitive events on the program
that included up to four age groups,
plus novice.
Saturday evening Heartland
Communications Group from Ashland
Wisconsin presented the First Annual
Battle of the Bands Competition at the
Pat O’Donnell Civic Center. The event
was titled “King of the Hill”. And after
five hours of Rock B-Side Glitch, an
alternative rock group from Bruce
Crossing, Michigan was declared King of
the Hill.
more...
Explorations: The Flexible Linear Element Opens at
Finlandia Gallery
HANCOCK - September 26, 2011
An reception was held Thursday at the
Finlandia University Gallery. The
reception was held for the opening of
the new Exhibit "Explorations: The
Flexible Linear Element," an exhibit of
work by artists Tracy Krumm and Carol
Lambert.
Tracy Krumm, assistant
professor in the fiber department at the
Kansas City Art Institute, where she
also teaches classes for the community
arts and service-learning program and
continues her studio practice.
more...
Finlandia
Welcomes Finnish Fulbright
Scholar-in-Residence
HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia
University Suomi College of Arts &
Sciences is pleased to welcome Päivi
Hakkarainen as a Fulbright
Scholar-in-Residence for the 2011-12
academic year.
At Finlandia,
Hakkarainen will teach a Special Topics
in Finnish Studies course, co-teach
Digital Technologies and Applications
for Teachers (EDU 203), pursue her
research interests, and work to
establish in the Copper Country a Suomi
Koulu, a Finnish School which offers
young people an opportunity to become
acquainted with Finnish culture and
learn the Finnish language.
more...
Vandelism Continues In Wake of
Police Budget Cuts
IRONWOOD – September 23, 2011
At Monday evening’s Ironwood School
Board meeting it was pointed out that
Obscene Graffiti had been painted on one
of the school’s garbage dumpsters.
Other graffiti continues to be
painted around the downtown area as well
as vandalism at Longyear Park.
The Ironwood Public Safety Department
has been reduced officially by two
police officers. Actually it is down
three officers and a will soon be down
four officers.
Although there
are 25% less police officers to patrol
the high risk neighborhoods described
above, our Mayor and his confederates on
the City Commission, Gemma Lamb, and
Rick Semo, continue to misuse the
remaining police force to chase ATV
riders for petty offenses. Semo, Lamb
and Burchall ccut a quarter of a million
dollars from the Ironwood Safety Budget.
Interestingly enough both Lamb and
Burchell are being investigated by State
Police for their violations of Michigan
Ethics Laws that came about through the
alleged misuse of city money and city
resources in connection with the SISU
ski race.
Pictured above are the newly coated
Patterson Tennis Courts. The city’s
share of the cost of the projects came
from Public Safety Department
funds.
Candidates Crass Remarks Stun Master
Gardeners
IRONWOOD – September 21, 2011
The Chairman of the Downtown Ironwood
Development Authority, Eva Smith-Furgason
is a candidate for the Ironwood City
Commission. Last week Smith-Furgason met with
two Master Gardeners, Lynn Adams and
Kaye Johnson regarding improvements
being made to the Downtown Pocket Park.
Disagreeing with the Master Gardeners
opinions, Furgason told Adams and Johnson
“Opinions are like assholes, some of
them stink, and some don’t”.
Needless to say the Master Gardeners
were taken aback by Smith-Furgason’s crass
remarks. Smith-Furgason repeated the remark at
least 10 times and was asked by Adams to
stop using that saying. She told Adams
that her friends Steve Frank and Jim
Albert don’t care for that analogy
either.
One Master Gardener
stated that she would have to consider
whether or not she will continue caring
for the Pocket Park.
Both Adams
and Johnson are the wives of former City
Commissioners.
Then last Thursday,
City Developer Merritt Bussiere called
Johnson and said everyone was meeting at
the Pocket Park at 7 p.m.....Only
Johnson, Adams and and Gayle
Johnston from DIDA came there.
Bussiere failed to show up.
Gayle told Kaye that her and Eva
already made the color choice .
Tech Reseachers Honored for
Great Lakes Research The
International Association for
Great Lakes Research has honored
five Michigan Tech faculty
members and students.
The Chandler-Misener Award
for the outstanding article
published in the Journal of
Great Lakes Research (JGLR) in
2010 was given to coauthors
Professor W. Charles Kerfoot,
PhD student Foad Yousef
(Biological Sciences), Professor
and Chair Sarah A. Green
(Chemistry), former faculty
member Judith W. Budd (GMES),
and David J. Schwab and Henry A.
Vanderploeg of NOAA.
Their paper, "Approaching Storm:
Disappearing Winter Bloom in
Lake Michigan," documented the
disappearance of a "doughnut" of
phytoplankton in southern Lake
Michigan associated with the
proliferation of quagga mussels.
The award was presented to
Kerfoot at the 54th
International Conference on
Great Lakes Research in Duluth,
Minn. The Chandler-Misener Award
acknowledges the most notable
paper based on originality,
contribution and presentation.
Cory McDonald, a PhD
candidate in environmental
engineering, received the
JGLR/Elsevier Young Student
Award. This award is given to
"emerging young scientists with
a JGLR article ranked in the top
10, as determined by the IAGLR
Chandler-Misener Review
Committee." Recipients receive a
complimentary one-year IAGLR
membership and a $750 cash
prize.
In Da Woods
by Melanie B. Fullman, US Forest
Service
Here’s Looking
at Yew
A gentleman from
Bessemer recently called to ask what I
knew about the increasing scarcity of
“ground hemlock”? He said he frequently
walks along the Black River near
Bessemer and used to see lots of ground
hemlock, even avoiding it wherever
possible because “the 6-8’ ground
branches impeded walking”. He stated it
is definitely NOT a tree, more
shrub-like. I was confused. Ground
hemlock??? So I consulted the Oracle -
Forest Botanist Sue Trull, who quickly
surmised he was referring to Canada yew
(Taxus Canadensis).
MSU Extension food preservation
videos are now available online
ONTONAGON - September 21, 2011
Fall is harvest time and that means
that it’s also canning time.
Michigan State
University
Extension Food Safety Team, part of
the
Health and Nutrition Institute, is
here to help our clientele learn how to
safely preserve homegrown fruits and
vegetables through a series of online
educational videos that are available
free.
In the videos, MSU
Extension educators Eileen Haraminac,
Joyce McGarry, Jeannie Nichols, Lisa
Treiber and Christine Venema demonstrate
the steps to safely can and preserve
food. The goal of food preservation is
to increase the shelf life of food while
keeping it safe. Gardens and farm
markets are overflowing with beautiful
and nutritious produce. The MSU
Extension Food Safety Team wants to help
Michigan residents preserve food safely
to enjoy its bounty throughout the year.
And their adoption of video technology
is a great illustration of what we mean
when we say we need to embrace
technology in order to reach broader
audiences.
Topics covered
include: ·
Intro to Food Preservation ·
Water Bath Canning Basics ·
Pressure Canning Basics ·
Freezing Vegetables ·
Freezing Fruit ·
Making Jams and Jellies
Ontonagon County
Commissioners
Pass 2011-2012 Budget
ONTONAGON - September 21, 2011
The Ontonagon County Commission held a Public
Hearing yesterday for the proposed county
budget. No one appeared to oppose nor to support
the annual budget. The budget was approved
unanimously by the county commissioners during
the regular commission meeting that followed the
public Hearing.
More than $340,000 was pared from the budget
when it was originally prepared stated Eugene
Fiszer, Ontonagon County Clerk.
The $3,244,412 annual budget goes in effect
September 30, 2011.
Finlandia’s Mallory Torola selected
to volleyball All-Tournament Team
Hancock, MI. – September 19, 2011:
Six players were named to the 2011
Finlandia Lions Volleyball Invitational
All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of
the two day event. Players were selected
by the participating coaches based on
their overall play at the Paavo Nurmi
Center over the weekend.
Tournament
champion St. Norbert College and
the Milwaukee School of
Engineering each landed 2 players on the
all-tournament team. St. Norbert libero
Catherine Guido and outside hitter
Breanne Brocker led the Green Knights to
an undefeated 4-0 overall record. The
Engineers (2-2) were represented by
outside hitters Julie Windish and Ali
LoBue.
Mount Mary College
(1-1) and Finlandia each had one player
selected to the squad. Mount Mary
outside hitter Stephanie Hardwick joined
Lions right side hitter Mallory
Torola as the final two members of
the team. Northland College (0-2) was
the only team without a selection.
Torola had a strong all-around
showing for Finlandia. She finished the
weekend with 18 kills, 17 assists, 20
digs, 3 serving aces, and a block
assist. The Lions finished the
tournament with a 1-3 record.
Finlandia Falls to UW-Superior in
Women's Soccer
HANCOCK - SEPTEMBER 21, 2011
UW-Superior defeated Finlandia 2-0 in a
socccer game played in Hancock
The Ironwood Area Schools Scholarship Fund Tops $ 1
Million
IRONWOOD - September 20, 2011
Last evening the Ironwood Area Scholarship Foundation
received two checks totaling 241,372.46. The checks were
a donation to the district’s scholarship fund through
the bequest of the Late JoAnn Walton Flock, a member of
the 1947 Luther L Wright graduating class.
In
May IronwoodInfo reported that the scholarship fund was
the recipient of an annuity and an IRA created by Flock.
At that time the exact amount of the First National Bank
IRA account was not known. The IRA ultimately
contributed $145,248.79 to the scholarship fund. In
addition to IRA the 81 year old Flock created an
Insurance Annuity. The amount of the annuity was not
previously known. After much effort to clear up red tape
with the Hartford Insurance Company, the annuity was
paid to the scholarship fund in the amount of
$96,123.67. The bequest stipulates that the funds
will be used exclusively for the benefit of Luther L
Wright High School students.
Flock returned to
Ironwood for her 50th high school reunion. She arranged
for the gift after seeing how well Luther L Wright High
School has been care for.
Her gift will bring the
value of the LLW Scholarship Fund at or above One
Million Dollars. The gift was very generous to future
Luther L. Wright graduates stated Tim Kolesar, District
Superintendent.
Flock was born in Milwaukee to
William H. Walton and Mabel F. Walton. She was married
to Warren L. Flock in California on July 20, 1957.
Flock received her Bachelor of Science degree from
the University of Alaska in 1963. In 1968 she received
her master’s in Biology from the University of Colorado.
In 1976 Flock received a PhD in Biology from the
University of Colorado.In a letter to IASD
Superintendent Tim Kolesar, First National Bank Trust
Officer Karla Hanson described the late JoAnn Walton
Flock as a kind and generous person. JoAnn Walton Flock,
a Luther L. Wright graduate passed away March 14, 2011
at the age of 81.
Indeed, Flock was very
generous to future Luther L. Wright graduates.
pictured above L-R Superintendent Tim Kolesar; Bruce
Kerkove, incoming Fund Treasurer; Sue Murphy, out
going Fund Treasurer; and Steve Thomas, IASD Board
President
Bessemer Council Discusses GRWA Impasse
BESSEMER – September 20, 2011
Bessemer City
Councilwoman Linda Nelson told the city council that she
should be added to the committee that is negotiating the
water war with the GRWA.
Nelson stated that the
Mayor John Frello is a member of the GRWA Board and that
they, the GRWA needed to know more than Frello’s point
of view. Nelson said that they need to know our point of
view not clarifying who she meant by “our”.
The existing committee includes Frello, Councilman
Olson and Nelson’s husband, Neil Nelson and City Manager
Tom Chatel.
The mayor responded by saying that it would not
be a good idea to change committee membership midstream.
That it require starting all over from step one.
Councilman Doug Olson agreed with Frello restating
the reasons he believed the committee should remain
unchanged. The Council supporting the mayor’s
position then voted to keep the current committee
membership. Nelson was the only council member voting
no.
At the September 8 2011 GRWA board meeting the board
approved reopening discussions with the City of Bessemer
relating to the water transmission line that would
provide Wakefield water to Ironwood Township.
Politicians have less
influence through news media
EAST LANSING, Mich. — News coverage of
Washington politicians and their rhetoric appears to
have less influence on the American public compared to
other news coverage, according to a study by a Michigan
State University political scientist.
Instead, citizens are more apt to be swayed by news
stories about grassroots protests and local events, said
Corwin Smidt, assistant professor of political science.
His study appears in the research journal Public Opinion
Quarterly.
“What this says is that maybe politicians can’t use the
bully pulpit to influence public opinion through the
news media as much as many people thought they could,”
Smidt said.
Smidt studied media coverage of two national issues –
gun control in 2000 and health care reform and 2009 –
and in both cases found that stories focusing on
Washington debate had little to no effect on public
opinion polls. There could be myriad reasons for this,
he said, including oversaturation of Washington news via
24-hour news channels and the Internet.
But news coverage of protests seemed to strike a chord.
For example, coverage of the Million Mom March in 2000,
designed to rally support for stricter gun-ownership
laws, was highly influential in shaping the public
agenda, according to the study.
News stories chronicling high-profile gun crimes also
were influential in opinion polls, although less so than
protests, the study found.
As a political scientist, Smidt said he didn’t look at
why the news media covered certain stories, but rather
how the public reacted. While some believe the news
media sets the public agenda, he said that may not
necessarily be the case.
“The news media are still the gatekeepers – in that if
they don’t cover something we probably won’t hear about
it – but everything they cover does not have the same
effect,” Smidt said. “It actually may be the storyline
within the news that provokes opinion.”
Amber Letourneau Weber Joins
Finlandia Nursing Faculty
HANCOCK, MI – Amber
Letourneau Weber, B.S.N., R.N.,
has begun her second academic
year at Finlandia University as
an assistant professor of
nursing. Weber taught nursing
courses as a visiting faculty
member last year.
This
December, Weber will complete a
master’s of science in nursing
education through Walden
University. She has a bachelor
of science in nursing from
Northern Michigan University,
Marquette.
UPDATE: Where there's smoke, there's
fire -- 300 miles away
The smell
of smoke we are all experiencing as call
centers are being flooded with calls
from citizens that are unaware of the
16,000 acre fire in Northern Minnesota.
Submitted
by:
Scott Voit ,
Deputy Sheriff – Evidence Technician,
Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office
Posted: Sep 13, 2011 9:39 AM EDT
National Weather Service
WAUSAU (WAOW)--If you stepped outside
Tuesday morning you probably noticed the
scent of smoke wafting through the air.
However if you're like us, you probably
didn't realize the smoke was from a fire
burning around 300 miles away in
northern Minnesota.
According to the Associated Press, the
Pagami Creek forest fire is burning
across more than 16,000 acres outside
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near Ely,
MN. Lightning ignited the fire on August
18. According to the AP, the wildfire
tripled in size over the weekend
prompting evacuations in the area.
The National Weather Service reports
that strong winds have blown the smoke
over parts of Wisconsin, even reaching
Green Bay. NWS also reports some parts
of Wisconsin's Northwoods could
experience ash falling from the sky.
From Ken Jacobson, Chief Ironwood
Volunteer Fire Department
3:14pm Sep 11
Thank you to everyone who participated in,
or simply attended our ceremony to honor the
victims of the 9/11/01 attack upon our
country. Agencies represented were the
Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department,
Montreal Volunteer Fire Department, Hurley
Volunteer Fire Department, Gogebic County
Sheriff Department, American Red Cross,
Beacon Ambulance, Ironwood Public Safety
Department and Ironwood Volunteer Fire
Department. Thanks again to all, and please
stay safe.
In Da Woods
by Melanie B. Fullman, US
Forest Service
Making a Difference
I’ve
mentioned their names and activities in the
past, but in the last several weeks, I’ve
seen so many of them in the act of
volunteering that I wanted to make sure they
get the recognition they deserve. The
following is just a small sample of various
volunteers on the Bessemer District, and the
difference they make:
Don't
miss your opportunity
for Advertising on the ATV
Map. Deadline for the Iron
County ATV Map is Wednesday,
September 14, 2011. Please
contact the chamber office
to save your space today!
Limited space is available
and closing up fast.
We do have the New
Snowmobile maps at the
chamber office for pick-up
for all those who
advertised. If you have any
questions please let me
know!
Finnish-American/Ojibwa Medical Doctor to
Present
His Emmy-nominated Film September 19 and 20
HANCOCK, MI –
Finnish-American/Ojibwe medical doctor Arne
Vainio will present and discuss his
Emmy-nominated documentary film, “Walking into
the Unknown,” Monday, September 19, at 7:00
p.m., and Tuesday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m. at
the Finlandia University Finnish American
Heritage Center, Hancock.
The event is
free and open to the public. It is sponsored by
Finlandia University's Finnish American Heritage
Center and Portage Health.
Dr. Vainio is a
member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and a
physician at the Min-No-Aya-Win Human Services
Clinic on the Fond du Lac Ojibwe Reservation,
near Cloquet, Minn.
The film depicts
Dr. Vainio’s exploration of health and heritage
as he undergoes the very health screenings that
he had long been recommending for his middle-age
male patients, but neglected to undergo
himself.
Co-produced by
Ivy Vainio, Visumm Media, and presented by
Native American Public Telecommunications, Inc.
(NAPT), “Walking into the Unknown” will have
viewers “building a personal connection with Dr.
Arne Vainio—feeling the health risk burdens and
analyzing thought-provoking questions that are
faced in the most critical turning point of
one’s life,” according to a press release
prepared by NAPT.
For more
information, contact Hilary Virtanen at
906-487-7514.
News Item
The
deadline is approaching to register for the
series Dining with Diabetes, which
will begin September 19 at the Iron County
Courthouse in Hurley. Residents of Iron,
Gogebic, and adjoining counties are welcome
to attend this free 4-class series. Space
is limited. Please call the Iron County
Health Department at
715-561-2191 or Gogebic County MSU
Extension at
906-663-4045 by this Thursday, September
15, to register.
Associate Professor Ralph Hodek (CEE) is
among six individuals appointed to the State
Fire Safety Board Sept. 13 by Gov. Rick
Snyder.
The board develops fire safety rules
covering the construction, operation and
maintenance of schools, healthcare
facilities, prisons, state-owned and -leased
facilities and other public buildings.
"The appointees will provide the board with
their experience, talents and skill. I look
forward to their support in continuing to
ensure Michigan's public buildings and
workers are properly equipped for fire
safety," Snyder said.
Hodek is a past chair of the Michigan Board
of Professional Engineers and a previous
member of the Michigan Board of Land
Surveyors. He earned a bachelor's degree in
civil engineering from the Michigan College
of Mining and Technology, a master's degree
from Michigan Tech and a PhD in geotechnical
engineering from Purdue University. He will
represent professional engineers on the
board and replaces Earl Howard.
Hodek will serve a four-year term expiring
July 15, 2015. Snyder's appointments are
subject to the advice and consent of the
Senate.
Tech among Four Michigan
Schools Named Top National Universities
by Marcia Goodrich, senior writer
Michigan Tech joins three other Michigan
schools ranked among the top universities in the
nation in US News & World Report's 2012 edition
of "Best Colleges."
In addition to Michigan Tech, Michigan State
University, the University of Michigan and
Western Michigan University were all included in
US News' list of the nation's top national
universities. Now ranked 115, Michigan Tech
continues its climb on the list, a spot it
shares with Washington State University, Howard
University in Washington, DC, and the University
of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
With well over 7,000 students, enrollment is at
its second-highest point since 1983.
Data reported to the State Budget Office on
Wednesday, Sept. 7, show total enrollment at
7,031, a 1 percent increase over fall 2010's
official figure of 6,976.
Female enrollment is up for the sixth straight
year to an all-time high of 1,837, or 26.1
percent of the student body.
Instructor Libby Meyer (VPA) will perform
"Big Violins for Little People" from 11 a.m. to
noon, Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Portage Lake
District Library.
Children are invited to the musical
introduction of stringed instruments with Amanda
Plummer, director of Keweenaw Family Music. Find
out what makes these big instruments so much fun
for little people. Following the program, the
youths will be able to try out the instruments.
The event is free and open to the public. For
more information, contact the library at
482-4570 or visit Library.
ASSE HONORS MI’S KATHLEEN
DOBSON AS ONE OF 100 WOMEN
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SAFETY
DES
PLAINES, IL (September
15, 2011) – The American Society of Safety
Engineers’ (ASSE) Women in Safety Engineering (WISE)
Common Interest Group has honored Kathleen Dobson, CHST,
LEED AP, of Smiths Creek, MI for making a difference in
the safety, health and environmental (SH&E) field as
part of the WISE ‘100 Women, Making a Difference in
Safety’ project. Women from around the world and
throughout history have been honored for their
dedication to protecting people, property and the
environment and for going above and beyond to make a
difference.
To help commercialize innovations that develop
at Michigan Tech, the University recently
created Superior Innovations. This for-profit
company will help move entrepreneurs and their
early-stage discoveries from labs and classrooms
into the marketplace.
MTEC SmartZone has joined with Tech and Superior
Innovations to help entrepreneurs establish
intellectual property protection and prepare
go-to-market strategies for their ideas.
ACLU Challenges State
Anti-Begging Law as Harsh, Unconstitutional
September 13, 2011
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The
American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan filed a
lawsuit today asking a federal judge to strike down
a state law that criminalizes peaceful panhandling
in all public places. The lawsuit was filed against
the state attorney general and the City of Grand
Rapids, which has made 399 begging-related arrests
since 2008.
“Anti-begging laws that punish
that most vulnerable segment of our society are not
only harsh, they are unconstitutional,” said Miriam
Aukerman, ACLU of Michigan staff attorney. "Removing
the reminders of poverty from our sight is not the
answer to Michigan’s economic woes. We need laws and
practices that provide compassionate solutions for
our growing homeless population.”
Club Indigo Offers
French Night
by Joe Kirkish, professor emeritus
Friday, Sept. 23,
marks the next Club Indigo, which features
an all-French evening, starting at 6 p.m.
with a buffet from De La Terre, and ending
with the film, "Jean De Florette," at 7:15
p.m. at the Calumet Theatre.
The movie tells the
story of Jean, his wife and little daughter,
who leave Paris to attempt a new life in a
rustic farmhouse, which they inherited from
Jean's mother. But they are unprepared for
the hostile reception they receive from the
people of the area. Led by a proud, cocky
farmer and his simple-minded nephew, they do
everything possible to discourage the new
dwellers, but Jean is doggedly optimistic.
Richly textured, it is
set in southern France's lush and beautiful
Provence region. Winner of seven Academy
Awards, this emotional, powerful adaptation
of Marcel Pagnol's brilliant novel is a
must-see.
Cost for both buffet
and film: $18. Film alone: $5. Children are
at a reduced rate. For the buffet, call at
least a day in advance to the theatre to
arrange for seating: 337-2610.
The movie is sponsored
by Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, in Laurium.
3
Wisconsin tribes to split nearly $4.4
million
in federal law enforcement
grants
Three Wisconsin tribes, including the
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa Indians, will receive nearly
$4.4 million in federal law enforcement
grants, officials said Wednesday.
Wisconsin U.S. Attorney John W.
Vaudreuil said the grants totaling
$4,379,755 will go to three tribes in
the Western District of Wisconsin to
enhance law enforcement practices and
sustain crime prevention and
intervention efforts in eight purpose
areas: public safety and community
policing; methamphetamine enforcement;
justice systems and alcohol and
substance abuse; corrections and
correctional alternatives; violence
against women; elder abuse; juvenile
justice; and tribal youth programs.
The tribes and the amount received are:
1. Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin –
$1,846,730;
2. Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa Indians - $1,932,851; and
3. St Croix Chippewa Indians of
Wisconsin - $600,177.
Nationally, 150 American Indian and
Alaskan Native nations are getting
$118.4 million to assist in law
enforcement efforts.
The awards are made under the
department’s Coordinated Tribal
Assistance Solicitation (CTAS), a single
application for tribal-specific grant
programs.
Lac du Flambeau tribal officials
couldn’t immediately be reached for
comment.
Joseph Fath, Chief Deputy of the Vilas
County Sheriff's Office said "I have not
had the chance to meet with Chief
Brandenburg on what his programs are
under this grant. I know he was talking
about 4 - 6 new staff members."
Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli
announced the funding during the
department’s 19th annual Four Corners
Indian Country Conference in Ignacio,
Colo., to an audience of nearly 300
attendees of tribal and federal law
enforcement, prosecutors, judges and
advocates in the fields of safety and
justice.
The grants are administered by the
Office of Community Oriented Policing,
Office of Justice Programs and the
Office on Violence Against Women. The
complete list of the fiscal year 2011
CTAS grantees, a CTAS fact sheet and
other information about the consolidated
solicitation is also available at
www.justice.gov/tribal
.
Hurley Wisconsin's /
August Vacation Getaway
Winner Selected
Thanks for entering in
the August Vacation
Getaway.The winner has
been selected and
is Jason J. from Iowa
Fall, IA. As a
consulation prize, you
will find a few coupons
below that you may use
on your next trip to
Hurley.
Join Us for some
upcoming
Events. October 6-10 is
the 9th Annual ATV
Pumkin Run. Red Light
Rally is Back December
8-11, 2011.
Don't forget we will be
drawing a Vacation
Getaway each Month so
please Register again
for the September
Drawing by
Clicking Here
2012
New Venture Competition Michigan Tech and Central
Michigan University have
partnered to create the New
Venture Competition--one of
the country's top business
plan competitions. The top
three competitors will take
home $5,000, $10,000 or
$30,000 to be used toward
launching and growing their
businesses.
Michigan Tech's
Entrepreneurs and Inventors
Club is leading the kickoff
at 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 19,
in Fisher 139--free pizza
and information will be
provided. Stay tuned for
details and important dates
on the School of Business
and Economics website.
Faculty are encouraged to
announce this opportunity at
their classes.
For
more information, contact
Program Director Jonathan
Leinonen (MTEC SmartZone) at
487-7004.
Shawn Hendrickson announces 2012
Finlandia softball recruiting class and 1st annual
Blue/White intrasquad game
Hancock, MI. – September 14, 2011: Finlandia
University women’s softball coach Shawn Hendrickson has
announced that 14 student-athletes have committed to the
2012 women’s softball program.
The talented 14 player class joins 9 returning letter
winners looking to improve upon their school record
25-11 season a year ago. The incoming class includes 5
players from California, 4 from Michigan (including 1
from the U.P.), and 1 each from Texas, North Carolina,
Alaska, Wisconsin, and New York . Twelve of the players
are true freshman with two transfer student-athletes
from Fullerton College (CA.) entering the season with
junior eligibility.
more...
Coach Farrell
Basketball Scholarship Awarded at Gogebic
Community College
Tyler Gottschalk of
Ironwood, Michigan, is the recipient of the
Coach Farrell Basketball Scholarship. A
freshman, Gottschalk is a basketball player
on the GCC Samsons team enrolled in general
education classes . According to GCC
Basketball Coach and Athletic Director
Dennis Mackey, “Tyler is a worthy recipient
of this scholarship award. He was an
outstanding high school athlete who is a
solid student and a quality person. Tyler is
one of my top recruits for 2011-12 and I’m
excited to have him as part of our GCC
basketball program!”
The Coach Gene Farrell Memorial Scholarship
was established by family members and
friends to honor the memory of Gene Farrell.
Farrell was the basketball coach at GCC from
1968 – 1982. Farrell also coached tennis,
golf, cross country and track at GCC. He
served as athletic director and physical
education instructor and was even in charge
of student housing. In 1998, Farrell was
presented with a Region 13 special
achievement coaching award.
“Our family if pleased to
continue to offer this scholarship to honor
my father’s memory and a tribute to his
coaching career at GCC,” said Craig Farrell,
Coach Farrell’s son.
“Receiving this
scholarship means a lot to me,” said
Gottschalk. “I’m really looking forward to
the basketball season!”
Coach Mackey also expressed his gratitude to
the Farrell family for their continued
support of the basketball program at GCC.
“Scholarships such as this truly benefit the
student athletes by assisting them with
their tuition costs as they dedicate so much
of their time to practice and games,” said
Mackey.
For information about
establishing a scholarship at Gogebic
Community College, contact the GCC
Foundation Office at (906) 932-4431, ext.
202 or visit our website at
www.gogebic.edu.
Pictured above - (from left to right) Craig
Farrell, representing the Farrell family,
congratulates Tyler Gottschalk as the
recipient of the Coach Farrell Basketball
Scholarship with Dennis Mackey, GCC Athletic
Director and Men’s Basketball Coach.
by Wes Frahm, director, athletic
communications and marketing
Hockey coach Mel Pearson today announced the
hiring of former NHL goaltender Steve
Shields to the position of volunteer coach
with the Huskies' program.
Shields, who played 10 seasons in the NHL
from 1996-2006, will join the team
immediately.
"I am pleased to announce that we've added
Steve as our volunteer coach for the
upcoming season," said Pearson. "I had the
privilege of coaching Steve at Michigan, and
I watched him develop from a college player
to an NHL player.
"Not only will our goalies benefit from his
expertise, but our defensemen will also
learn from him. His time in the NHL will
serve our team well."
Shields played at Michigan from 1990-94,
compiling a 111-25 record and an NCAA record
for career victories. The Wolverines won two
Central Collegiate Hockey Association titles
and made two NCAA Frozen Four appearances
during his four years. Shields was named
All-CCHA First Team and All-America Second
Team as both a junior and senior.
Shields, who earned a bachelor's degree in
education from Michigan in 1994, went on to
a 12-year professional career that included
stops at six different NHL teams (Buffalo,
San Jose, Anaheim, Boston, Florida and
Atlanta). The North Bay, Ontario, native was
a Buffalo Sabres draft choice in 1991 but
played most of his games with the San Jose
Sharks. His overall NHL career included a
2.67 GAA and .911 save percentage in 246
games played. Shields won the Calder Cup as
a member of the American Hockey League's
Rochester Americans in 1996.
During his time as a player, Shields was
taught by four of the hockey world's most
respected goaltending coaches: Mitch Korn
(Buffalo), Warren Strelow (San Jose), Wayne
Thomas (San Jose) and Francois Allaire
(Anaheim).
Following the end of his playing career,
Shields founded iCoach.com, an online
coaching solution and video synchronization
software. He has been involved in the
development of young goaltenders through
that initiative since 2008.
"I am very grateful for the opportunity
Coach Pearson has given me," Shields said.
"I want to use my unique experience in
hockey and goaltending to help Coach return
the Tech hockey program to where he and the
community expect it to be. I am honored to
be a part of Michigan Tech hockey."
Shields joins assistant coaches Billy
Muckalt and Damon Whitten in working under
Pearson. Muckult (1994-98) followed Shields
(1990-94) at Michigan, and the two played
against each other in the NHL.
by Wes Frahm, director, athletic
communications and marketing
Former Tech football player Joe Berger
(2001-04) was signed by the NFL's
Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Sept. 12.
The six-year NFL veteran was cut by the
Miami Dolphins prior to the season.
Berger started 14 games at center for
the Dolphins a year ago and 20 over his
last two seasons in Miami.
The Newaygo native was drafted by the
Carolina Panthers in 2005. He was signed
by the Dolphins off of Carolina's
practice squad prior to the 2005 season
and spent a season and a half with Miami
before being claimed off waivers by the
Dallas Cowboys in 2006. Following the
2008 season, Berger was resigned by
Miami to a multi-year contract as an
unrestricted free agent.
Berger had a standout career at Michigan
Tech. He earned All-America First Team
and Academic All-American First Team
honors as a senior in 2004, helping the
Huskies to their only NCAA playoff
berth. Berger was twice named GLIAC
Offensive Lineman of the Year. He
graduated from Michigan Tech in 2005
with a degree in mechanical engineering.
The 29-year-old Berger is currently
listed as the backup at center on the
Vikings depth chart. The Vikings next
game will come at home vs. the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 18.
Gustavus Adolphus Captures Golf
Opener at UWEC
The final round of the
Doug Georgianni Memorial was played at UW-Eau Claire Sunday.
Finishing first was Gustavus Adolphus, MN with a score of 653; 73
over. St. Olaf Mn, Finished second with a team score of 655 for the
two rounds; 75 over.
The host team UW-EC finished third with a combined score of 658;
78 over.
The staff of
IronwoodInfo is
going on vacation
beginning today
September 4th. We
will return in two
weeks.
Festivale
Italiliano
HURLEY - September
4, 2011
Rain Saturday
postponed the
Goldenaire’s performance
by an hour. For those
who waited for their
favorite Drum and Bugle
Corps were appropriately
rewarded. The D&B under
the direction of Dan
Pitrone gave their best
performance of the
season. Saturday’s
performance at Festival
Italiano in Hurley was
their penultimate
appearance for this
year.
above - Goldenaire
Drum Line kneel in
reverence to all the men
and women who have
served their nation in
the armed services
Festival Italiano 50/50
The
winning number for this
years Festival Italiano
50/50 is # 5690. The
winner will be able to
claim the prize of
$2,318.50 on Tuesday
after the chamber
reopens. Congrats to the
winner!!!!
Former Fort Morgan
city manager
pronounced dead
after apparent
suicide
By Jordan
Steffen
The Denver Post
Former Fort
Morgan City Manger
Patrick Merrill led
police on a
low-speed chase
through Adams County
Friday morning,
before he apparently
shot and killed
himself, police say.
The incident
happened two days
after Merrill
appeared in court in
connection with a
child pornography
summons.
At 5:23 a.m., a
Morgan County
Sheriff's deputy
contacted Brighton
police, and
requested a wellness
check on 48-year-old
Merrill, according
to a news release
from the Brighton
Police Department.
The deputy was
planning to speak
with Merrill, who
was staying at a
Comfort Inn in
Brighton, later that
day.
When officers
arrived at the
hotel, Merrill was
gone. A woman who
had been at the
hotel with Merrill,
told officers he had
left, and gave
police his cell
phone number.
Police called
Merrill and were
able to locate his
truck.
Merrill refused to
stop when police
attempted to pull
him over. Police
remained on the
phone with Merrill
as they continued to
follow him for about
25 minutes at speeds
of 40 mph or less.
Merrill then drove
behind a local
business near U.S.
Highway 85 and 124th
Avenue.
After several
minutes, officers
approached the truck
but got no response
from Merrill. When
officers arrived at
the truck, they
found Merrill
unresponsive with an
apparent
self-inflicted
gunshot would,
police said.
He was pronounced
dead at the scene.
Later that day, the
Adams County
Coroner's office
released Merrill's
name. Official
manner and cause of
death will be
released pending an
autopsy.
In October 2010,
Merrill was issued a
summons for sexual
exploitation of a
child and possession
of child
pornography,
according to court
records.
Merrill appeared in
court on Wednesday.
In mid-January,
Merrill received a
severance settlement
of $77,721 from the
city of Fort Morgan
when he was put on
leave for
undisclosed reasons,
The Fort Morgan
Times reported.
Jordan Steffen:
303-954-1794 or
jsteffen@denverpost.com
The Fort Morgan
Times contributed to
this report
In
Da Woods
by Melanie B.
Fullman, US Forest
Service
As the Worm
Turns
When some folks see
worms, they (the
people) squirm.
Others grab a
fishing pole. Most
of us were probably
taught that worms
are good for the
soil.
Sure, they’re slimy
and not very flashy.
But they aerate our
gardens, and feed
robins and fish, so
they must be
beneficial, right?
REGULAR
MEETING OF THE
COMMON COUNCIL
FOR THE CITY OF
BESSEMER TO BE
HELD IN THE
COUNCIL
CHAMBERS, CITY
HALL, ON
TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 6,
2011, AT 6:00
P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
COUNCIL
MEMBERS: Frello,
Gaiss, Nelson,
Zaleski, Olsen
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE –
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC
COMMENT
CONSENT
AGENDA
1) Approval of
Minutes –
Special Meeting
of August 23,
2011
2) Approval of
Minutes –
Regular Meeting
of August 15,
2011
3) Minutes –
Gogebic Range
Water Authority
July 14, 2011
CLAIMS
1) General Fund
2) Major Street
Fund
3) Local Street
Fund
4) Water Utility
Fund
5) Sewer Utility
Fund
DOCUMENTS AND
CORRESPONDENCE
1) Gogebic
County Fair
Board
OLD BUSINESS
1) Communication
Budget
2) Street
Financing
Overview
3) Leskoviansky:
Request to
Purchase
4) Dashboard -
Update
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Resolution
No. 2009-26 –
9/11 National
Moment of
Remembrance
REPORTS
1) City Manager
Report
2) DPW Report
EXECUTIVE
SESSION – GRWA –
Pending
Litigation
ADJOURN
Round 1
of the
2011
Doug
Georgianni
Memorial
Invite
is
complete.
The
first
round of
the Doug
Georgianni
Memorial
Invite
at UWEC
finished
Saturday
for
complete
scoring
Click
Here.
Teams
will
finish
with 18
holes
Sunday
at Wild
Ridge
Golf
Course
in Eau
Claire
Huskies
Top
Winona
State
23-6
in
Football
Opener
WINONA,
Minn.
—
September
4,
2011
Michigan
Tech
dominated
all
facets
of a
23-6
victory
at
Winona
State
in
both
teams’
season
opener
tonight
at
Verizon
Wireless
Stadium.
The
Huskies
had
possession
of
the
football
for
40
minutes
and
held
the
Warriors
to
186
total
yards
in
moving
to
1-0
on
the
season.
above Leah
who accompanied her
dad Chris, stands in
front to her new
desk. She is
excited to get back
to school and be
with her friends.
BESSEMER – August
31, 2011
Although school
doesn’t open for
another week,
teachers at
Washington School
were in their
classrooms this week
greeting their
students and their
parents.
August Regular Meeting
of the Gogebic Community
College Board of
Trustees
IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP -
August 31, 2011
Preliminary
enrollment figures were
given by Dean of
Students Jeanne Graham.
“As of today, it appears
that our headcount is
down four percent and
our credit hours are
down by 6.4% percent,”
said Graham. “As we
budgeted for a five
percent decrease in both
headcount and credit,
this is right on target
for our projections for
the year.” As
registration activity
continues for the next
several weeks, a final
enrollment report will
be given in October.
Ironwood residents
were looking to the sky
Wednesday afternoon
catching glimpses of the
ReMax hot air balloon as
it drifted over Ironwood
Township.
Members of the ReMax
Team were on hand as the
balloon landed and
assisted in deflating
it.
Photos by Bob
Severin
Kruiser
Outdoor Movie Night
IRONWOOD -
September 1, 2011
The Klassic Kruisers
held an outdoor
movie event
Wednesday evening.
This year the
Klassic Movie was
Rebel Without a
Cause, starring
James Dean, Natalie
Wood and Sal Mineo.
The cult film was
produced in 1955 the
same year that the
24 year old actor
was killed in an
automobile accident.
The outdoor movie
night included a car
show of Klassic
Kruiser automobiles.
Of course there was
popcorn and pop to
accompany the movie.
The were other food
items available as
well.
Continuing
through
Wednesday,
September 7, the
Klassic Kruisers
Car Club is
conducting their
third annual
“Kruisin’ for
Kans” Food
Drive, this year
to benefit the
Iron County Food
Pantry.
Donations of
non-perishable
food items
(please make
sure they have
unexpired
dates),
personal/health/home
care items,
and/or cash can
be dropped off
at Care-A-Van
Convalescent
Transport at 317
N. Lake Street
in Ironwood;
Super One Foods
in both Hurley
and Ironwood;
Stempihar BP in
Bessemer; Sunday
Lake Supermarket
in Wakefield; or
call Tom Ravelli
at 932-1865 or
Linda Gustafson
at 364-4064 for
pick up prior to
September 6.
2011 Porcupine Mountain Music Festival Day
3
PORCUPINE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK – August 30, 2011
The Porcupine Mountain Music Festival concluded Sunday after another
day of beautiful weather and great music.
The final day began with an early morning performance on the Pease
Hill Stage by Yvonne Blake.
Following Blake there was a performance on the Singing Hills Stage
by Black River John.
The tempo increased quite a bit when Hoots and Hellmouth made their
third appearance at the festival. This group is from Pennsylvania
and is fantastic. The group received a standing ovation by the crowd
attending their performance, and was called back on the stage for an
encore, a rare occurrence at the festival.
PORCUPINE MOUNTAIN
STATE PARK, MICH -
August 30, 2011
Each year there is a children’s performance on the closing day
of the festival. The kids usually wear items that they have made at
the Children’s activity Tent. The Activity tent opens on Saturday.
At the tent a large group of volunteers keep an even larger group of
youngsters busy during the day. The kid’s play games, engage in
craft making and practice for their Sunday Performance.
The activity tent and the children’s performance are planned and
supervised by Katie Maki, Children’s Tent Coordinator.
Saturday the seventh annual Porcupine Mountain Musical Festival entered
its second day. With more beautiful weather the festival
attendees were treated to a great day of music in the
beautiful porcupine mountains.
The Porcupine Mountain Music Festival made Michigan history
in 2005 by becoming the first music festival to be held in a
state park. The Friends of the Porkies organization that
presents the festival is a nonprofit group that represents
the interests of all users of the Porcupine Mountains
Wilderness State Park. The park is a popular tourist
attraction, with a breathtaking 60,000 acres of natural
beauty located in Ontonagon County.
PORCUPINE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK -
MI August 28, 2011
The seventh annual Porcupine
Mountain Music Festival began Friday at Michigan’s Beautiful
Porcupine Mountain State Park. Here at the festival you enjoy the
great sounds of the Midwest’s premier musical event surrounded by
nature and beauty of the Porkies, the Crown Jewel of Michigan’s
State Park System.
The festival began mid-day Friday, when unfortunately many people
were working. Unfortunate in that those who missed the opening
missed Sista Otis, the "Original Good Time Girl," who was the
opening act at this year’s Porcupine Mountain Music Festival missed.
Her upbeat performance was the perfect way to begin what was to be a
perfect day, in every way.
During the nine hours that followed Otis’s great performance, ten
equally great singers, musicians and songwriters, would provide
another not to be forgotten day of musical entertainment.
At any time of the day if you
had to leave the festival, you would go away knowing that you had
just enjoyed the best of the best.
Pat Gallinagh,
pictured above, is
holding a tee shirt
designed for the recent
Danny B Jack ‘N Jill
Softball Tournament held
in Montreal.
The fundraiser event
resulted in a $2117
donation going to the
Range Suicide Prevention
Council. Coach Gallinagh
is the President of the
council.
Below Tee Shirt lists
sponsors of the
charitable event.
On September 10, the
Sweet Charity Riders
Club in conjunction with
the Range Suicide
Prevention .
Council
is sponsoring the 2nd
Annual Range Suicide
Prevention Council Trail
Ride at Indianhead
Mountain Ski Resort in
Wakefield. This a
combined Suicide
Prevention Awareness
event and a fundraiser
with all proceeds going
to the Range Suicide
Prevention Council
earmarked to help
prevent teenage suicide.
2nd Annual Range
Suicide Prevention Council Trail
Ride
The
Sweet Charity Riders Club in
conjunction with the Range Suicide
Prevention
Council is sponsoring the 2nd Annual
Range Suicide Prevention Council
Trail Ride on Saturday, September
10,2011 at Indianhead Mountain Ski
Resort in Wakefield starting at I
p.m. CST. This a combined Suicide
Prevention Awareness event and a
fundraiser with all proceeds going
to the Range Suicide Prevention
Council earmarked to help prevent
teenage suicide.
This is being held in conjunction
with National Suicide Prevention
Week, September 4th- to September
10th and on World Suicide Prevention
Day September 10th. Suicide claimed
over 35,000 lives in this country
last year and over one million lives
worldwide. It is an interactional,
national and even a national
security health problem. Our armed
forces are reporting the highest
rates of suicide among its ranks in
history and we have now lost more
veterans who fought in Vietnam to
suicide than those killed in
Vietnam. The Pentagon is finally
beginning to deal with problem
because they now realize that
suicide can be prevented.
Suicide is the 116 leading cause of
death nation-wide but 3rd for
teenagers and 2nd for college
students. The RSPC has been working
tirelessly for the past decade to
educate parents, teachers,
administrators and gatekeepers on
the risk factors, symptoms of
depression and methods of
intervening but we still have a long
way to go. The RSPC is also working
hard to get depression screening
back into our local schools. Most
people who complete the act of
suicide were suffering from one or
more diagnosable mental illnesses at
the time of their deaths. Doctors
believe most mental illnesses begin
in adolescence and manifest
themselves if early adulthood and
tragically sometime sooner.
We all know preventative medicine is
the easiest, safest and most cost
effective form of medicine there is
and the one form of medicine that
everyone can practice without a
license. Our schools should be
teaching good coping skills, sound
problem solving techniques, methods
of developing social connectiveness
and discouraging bullying, We all
know that the earlier we entwine in
an illness, the better the chances
are for curing it.
Depression screening is one means of
early detection of the on-set of
depression which is the leading
cause of suicide. All funds raised
from this event will be devoted to
these efforts.
All riders must have their own
horse with a coggins. Registration
will be $25 which will include 3 to
4 hour ride beginning at I p.m. CST,
followed by a cowboy cookout
starting around 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m.
an evening program of speakers
followed by a live band. Any horse
enthusiast interested in
participating in this worthy event,
or those who would simply like make
a donation are invited to
participate. The cookout and evening
program is open to the general
public. Checks can be made payable
to the Range Suicide Prevention
Council and sent to the Range
Suicide Prevention Council, Attn.
Pat Gallinagh, 308 E. Tamarack,
Ironwood, MI 49938. For more
information please contact Sherry
Cox, Betty Bowen or Pat Gallinagh at
the numbers listed below.
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