Bay Mills News
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Serving the Eastern Upper Peninsula
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ALBERTA HOUSE OPENS FOR 2017 WITH THE FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs are featured in both Alberta House Arts Center galleries during February. Sweeping photographs by Brian Hunt of Sault, Ontario are in the Olive Craig Gallery. In the Mini Gallery photographs by Mary Barry are displayed with the paintings they inspired in Judith Hamilton. Both artists live in Rudyard. The public is cordially invited to meet all three artists at their reception on Friday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Alberta House is located at 217 Ferris Street, just south of the Soo Locks Visitors Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Admission is free of charge. Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information e-mail: saac@saultarts.com or download the February “Alberta House News” on the Sault Area Arts Council website: www.saultarts.org.
TAX AIDE FOR SENIORS
AARP will provide free tax preparation on Fridays in February and March to Seniors and others, by appointment. Call 906-632-8368 for more information and to make an appointment.
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TRIBAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS DUE FEB. 5
The U.S. Department of Agriculture 1994 Tribal Scholars Program is an employment program that offers a combination of work experience and academic study leading to career positions within USDA. The program is designed to integrate classroom study with paid work experience. The program is conducted in accordance with a planned schedule and a working agreement between USDA agencies, student, and the 1994 Tribal Colleges and Universities. The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program is designed to strengthen the long-term partnership between USDA and the 1994 Land-Grant Institutions; to increase the number of students studying and graduating in food, agriculture, natural resources, and other related fields of study; and to develop the pool of scientists and professionals to annually fill 50,000 jobs in the food, agricultural, and natural resources system.
View application information by clicking here.
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STUDENT INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY:
The Office of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Programs is looking for a graduate level college student to participate in the Summer 2017 Class of Health Equity Fellows for the HHS Office of Minority Health’s Youth Health Equity Model of Practice (OMH YHEMOP). This is an excellent opportunity for the perfect student who is interested in working with American Indian, Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian Elders. Although the work-site will be Washington, DC, telework options will be discussed with the right candidate. Work details will include gathering and analyzing data, developing materials, and compiling information for grantees.
Additional information about the Summer 2017 Class of Health Equity Fellows for the HHS Office of Minority Health’s Youth Health Equity Model of Practice (OMH YHEMOP) can be found at the following link:
https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/YHEMOP/index.html
The student application deadline is Feb. 15. For additional information please contact Cynthia LaCounte at 202-795-7380 or Cynthia.lacounte@acl.hhs.gov.
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Download the January Digital Issue here
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AMID PERSISTENT LINE 5 PIPELINE WORRIES, STATE PROMISES IMPARTIALITY
Feb. 3, 2017
By ISAAC CONSTANS
Capital News Service
LANSING–Awaiting the findings of state-commissioned studies that will determine its future, the infamous Enbridge Line 5 still rests on the seafloor of the Straits of Mackinac, pumping crude oil and natural gas from Superior, Wisconsin, to Sarnia, Ontario.
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The studies are now set to come out in June, due to slight delays, and will be followed by community input and a final decision about whether to keep the pipeline running, improve its safety, or shut it down.
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Environmental advocacy groups fret that the reports may weigh in the favor of Enbridge Inc., the Calgary energy delivery service, which is paying for the research. The state is eager to alleviate such concerns, assuring that the methodology of the investigation ensures objectivity.
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The pipeline, which was commissioned in 1953, has been denounced by environmental groups across the state and nation for what is perceived as antiquated construction and inadequate maintenance.
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HOME HEATING CREDITS NOW BEING PROCESSED
Feb. 2, 2017
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Treasury is now processing Michigan Home Heating Credits for the 2016 tax year. The credit assists low-income customers with winter energy bills.
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The average credit in 2016 was $132.
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Instruction booklets and forms have been mailed out by the Department of Treasury. More than 82 percent of the HHCs were e-filed in 2016. For those people who file a tax return, the Michigan Department of Treasury encourages them to e-file their returns because it speeds processing and reduces errors for the HHC. To find an authorized e-file provider and information on free e-file services, visit Treasury's website: MIFastFile.org.
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Individuals may apply for the HHC even if they do not file a tax return.
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Forms and instructional materials area available on the Internet at michigan.gov/incometax or by calling 517-636-4486.
In addition, forms will be available at many libraries and post offices in Northern Michigan and Department of Health and Human Services branch offices across the state. Heating assistance information is available at michigan.gov/heatingassistance.
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LSSU PLANS POWER OUTAGE TO ADDRESS ISSUES
Feb. 1, 2017
SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University is planning a scheduled power outage for this week, Thursday and Friday (Feb. 2 and 3).
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As a result of the outage classes are canceled for those two days and only essential staff should report to work.
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The planned outage is being scheduled so that LSSU staff and contract work crews can be assigned to physically inspect University power lines and the underground vaults that house these lines. For this work to be done safely, the power needs to be off. This work was recommended by the power contractor and the power company. In recent weeks LSSU has been dealing with electrical upgrades and outages.
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Generators will be brought to campus to provide backup and support power to key buildings. Details are being worked out; however, the plan is to have power off during the day, so that crews can work during daylight hours. The schedule for each day is being determined.
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The plan is to have power back on overnight. Thursday is scheduled for diagnosing and locating specific areas that require repair and upgrade, and Friday is scheduled for making the repairs.
Campus Life is coordinating with students living on-campus about activities and meal times.
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Until power issues are fully resolved, students are being asked to turn off and/or actually unplug computers, printers, copiers, etc. each evening.
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LSSU will post additional updates about the issue on their Facebook page.
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Because this week is a pay week for staff, payroll will be processed early, with direct deposits as normally scheduled. For those who pick up a paper check, pickup can be done before close of business Wednesday. All paychecks are dated Friday, and are not cashable until Friday. Any checks not picked up Wednesday, will be mailed Thursday.
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CHIPPEWA THEATER GUILD HOLDING AUDITIONS
Feb. 1, 2017
The Chippewa Theater Guild will be hosting auditions for an upcoming production of “The Never Ending Story.” Auditions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All ages are needed for this production. Audition material will be provided and participants should dress “ready to move.” Auditions will be held at the old church building at 700 Eureka Stree in Sault Ste. Marie. The production will be directed by Kirk Mauldin, choreographed by Ashley Corbiere, and produced by Colleen Lavey. The performance will take place at the DreamMakers Theater on April 28 and 29.
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CHANGES MADE TO I-500 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
January 31, 2017
In light of the warmer weather the Sault experienced last week, attempts to manage track conditions has resulted in a change to the schedule of race week events. Monday's Skate Night was canceled, and the Mini-5 Kids Snowmobile Race is now on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Rig parking and unloading begins at 8 a.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 1 with registration and tech immediately following. Due to an increase in the amount of time needed for track prep, the Brad Redman Memorial for the Great Lakes Antique Snowmobile Series (G.L.A.S.S.) has been canceled for this year. Qualifying will continue Thursday and the flag is set to drop on the race Saturday morning at 10 a.m. For the full schedule of events and updated track information visit www.i-500.com.
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LAKE STATE CONTINUES TO ADDRESS POWER ISSUES
January 29, 2017
SAULT STE. MARIE — After having to shut down last week and cancel classes for the day due to an electrical upgrade to the school’s main power line, Lake Superior State University was plagued with electrical issues throughout the day on Sunday.
At approximately 1 p.m. the campus lost power in a number of areas resulting in a disruption to meal service, Internet access, lights, and heat. Throughout the day officials routed students to different buildings where heat and power were on. With temps dropping, there was concern of students remaining in buildings without heat or power. Many students spent time in the new hall, Considine, as it was equipped with a back up generator and was able to provide lights, heat, and Wi-Fi.
With no power available to cook with, and a campus to feed, staff reached out to Sault High for use of the cafeteria. With the school’s cooperation, 100 pizzas were cooked and served to students. LSSU also provided students with deli sandwiches and salad.
Power was fully restored to campus at 9 p.m. and the following statement was made on Facebook: “The failure today was not directly related to the power outage last week and involved a separate line. Over the next few weeks University maintenance crews will continue to diagnose the cause and work to resolve power issues.”
UNIVERSITIES OFFER HELP TO UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS
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January 28, 2017
By CHAO YAN
Capital News Service
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LANSING — Several public university officials in Michigan said they will continue to work to keep tuition rates lower and campuses friendly for undocumented students, even as the federal government launches policies that are viewed as unfriendly to many immigrants.
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President Donald Trump ordered the construction of a Mexican border wall on Jan. 25 and is expected to curtail immigration, which has caused stress among undocumented students.
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In 2012, President Barack Obama launched the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program, which granted undocumented immigrants work permits and temporary residency, a status that must be renewed every two years.
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G.L.A.S.S. RACE CANCELED DUE TO WARM TEMPS
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January 27, 2017
SAULT STE. MARIE— Participants in the Great Lakes Antique Snowmobile Series will not be seeing I-500 ice this year due to track and weather conditions. I-500 Race Director Bill Cryderman made the following post on the G.L.A.S.S. Facebook late Thursday night :
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"It's with great displeasure I have to inform you all that the Vintage Race at the Soo has been canceled by event organizers with the warm temps the last few weeks we have trimmed up the race week tremendously. Starting on Monday we will refund your entry monies. I will contact our insurance carrier to see about the isr insurance and what can be done there.. Again we are very sorry but Mother Nature was not on our side.. Thank you all for your support of this great event. And we hope you can see it from all sides."
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Racers of the vintage sleds were scheduled to hit the track on Wednesday, Feb. 1 for a 40-lap race.