October 27, 2017

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has put in place a new policy that encourages people to firm up their reservations further in advance of their planned camping dates. The new sliding modification and cancellation structure takes effect Nov. 1. The policy aims to make it easier for more people to have a chance at securing campsites at many of the state’s most-visited parks. Read More

October 25, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE —  On Friday, Oct. 27  from 5 to 7 p.m., the Downtown Development Authority will be hosting their Downtown Sault Ste. Marie Halloween Spectacular. The evening will begin with “safe trick or treating” through the downtown’s participating businesses with more than 40 businesses distributing candy. Participating businesses can be identified by an orange “Trick or Treat” window decal.

Free hayrides (courtesy of Chuck Palmer and Tom Gage) will transport trick-or-treaters along portions of Ashmun Street and Portage Avenue.

The Ramada Ojibway Hotel will once again host a Kiddie Carnival courtesy of Lake Superior State University sorority; Alpha Theta Omega. The carnival will operate between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.and is by donation with funds to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Two haunted houses will bring tricks and treats to Downtown Sault Ste. Marie during the Halloween Spectacular. The Soo Theater will present their “Wicked Woods” Haunted House from 5 to 7 p.m.  inside the Historic Sault Theatre. Entry is $3 per person. The Haunted Depot is also running a Haunted House from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., courtesy of the Rotary Club and students from Malcolm High School.

The annual Zombie walk for Autism is set to return in 2018. Planning is underway for a bigger event for Sault Ste. Marie’s 350th anniversary.

The Downtown Development would like to thank the following sponsors of the Halloween Spectacular: Gage Family Farms, Charles J. Palmer, BJD Solutions, The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, The Soo Theatre Project and all downtown business owners participating in Friday’s events.

For additional information, contact the Downtown Development Authority at 906-635-6973.

October 24, 2017

ST. IGNACE – The Mackinac Bridge Authority is making plans for the Annual Bridge Walk in 2018, and is considering a range of options for starting times, dates, and directions for the event.

​

In 2017, on the recommendation of Michigan State Police  and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the MBA made the decision to close the bridge to public vehicle traffic during the annual walk. This change, and the preparations made for it, succeeded in two primary ways: the walk participants were safe, and the miles-long traffic backups that were feared did not materialize. However, the limitations of bus transportation for participants and the limited window of time to begin the walk resulted in many people being unable to walk the bridge this year.  MBA officials noted they were "very sorry this occurred," and committed to making changes to prevent it from happening again. Read More

October 23, 2017
SAULT STE. MARIE — Cloverland Electric Cooperative is still reviewing the 69-page order issued on Oct. 19 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) affirming in part and reversing in part an initial decision issued by a FERC Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) on July 25, 2016. According to the order, FERC agreed with the ALJ that a portion of the charges requested by Wisconsin Electric Power Company to continue to operate the Presque Isle Power Plant during a 14.5 month period in 2014-15 were unjust and unreasonable.

“Cloverland Electric is pleased with this order issued by FERC,” said Dan Dasho, Cloverland’s president and CEO. “We have been fighting this long and hard for our members who should not be paying the millions of dollars demanded by Wisconsin Electric to keep Presque Isle in commercial operation.”

A 45 day period is underway for the review of how the costs that were found to be just and reasonable should be allocated among load-serving entities in Michigan and Wisconsin. The magnitude of the charges imposed on consumers in Michigan was significantly reduced based on yesterday’s order but will not be known for certain until a pending DC Circuit Court case filed on behalf of Cloverland and other Michigan entities challenging FERC’s legal authority to assess charges retroactively is decided.

The parties have thirty days to request a rehearing of the Oct. 19 FERC order.

Cloverland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It serves over 42,000 homes and businesses in Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Luce, and Schoolcraft counties.

October 20, 2017

By JACK NISSEN/Capital News Service

​

LANSING —  Alpena Community College was one of five Michigan community colleges  in 2015 to make the Aspen Institute’s prestigious list of top 150 community colleges in the country.

​

It was a point of pride for the college’s president, Don MacMaster.

​

But to be considered among the top 10 schools on that list, the school needed to report where its graduates work and how much they earn. The problem: Alpena Community College doesn’t have access to that data so it couldn’t apply for top-10 status. Read More

October 20, 2017

LANSING — Here's a brief summary of bills that impact Michigan citizens:

​

Senate Bill 609, Repeal 'driver responsibility fees' and give partial amnesty: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate

To repeal the driver responsibility fees (“bad driver tax”) that are assessed for various traffic violations, effective Sept. 30, 2018. Individuals who lost their driver's license for nonpayment of these fees could get it back (on payment of a $125 fee). Fees that have been owed for more than six years would be forgiven, but not more recent ones. These very expensive fees were originally adopted in 2003 to increase state revenues. Read More

​

October 20, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — After a nationwide search and screening process the Board of Directors of the Chippewa County EDC is pleased to welcome a local man, Chris Olson, as their president/executive director.

“Chris brings with him extensive experience in program management and business development and a network of business connections that will be beneficial to the EDC's efforts to assist and expand local businesses and bring new businesses and jobs to our area. He has the personality and background that will enable him to work well with other economic development agencies at a time when our region wide logistics study is reaching completion, " said Board Chairman Don McLean. "We look forward to a bright and exciting future for area economic development under his leadership.” Read More

​

October 19, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The City of Sault Ste. Marie, International Bridge Administration, and Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency are working collaboratively to improve and enhance the services of the International Bridge Bus.

​

A survey seeking feedback on this public service has been made available. Riders of the bridge bus and interested parties are highly encouraged to complete this survey.

​

The survey is available on the websites for the City, IBA, and the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency. It will also be provided through social media and can be made available in written form upon request.

​

The bridge bus currently operates from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays except on holidays.

​

The bus currently stops on the hour at the Court Street bus shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, at the LSSU Norris Center bus shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan at 5 minutes after the hour, at the Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario at 20 minutes after the hour, and at the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario City bus terminal on the half hour.

​

Passenger fares are currently $2 for members of the general public, $1 for seniors 60 or older and for persons with disabilities, and free for children under 6 accompanied by an adult.

​

Specific questions about the service may be directed to the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency at (906) 632-6882. The survey can be accessed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BridgeBus.

​

October 18, 2017

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Indian Community will be a flurry of activity in 2018, with two projects scheduled to make transportation better for both drivers and pedestrians who frequent Lakeshore Drive.

The first project will involve the resurfacing of Lakeshore Drive from Brimley to the west end of Bay Mills Indian Community’s reservation boundaries. The work will be done as part of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Chippewa County Road Commission. BMIC will pay for their portion of the project, $400,000, with Bureau of Indian Affairs road construction funds. Safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists will be a priority in the resurfacing project by creating the widest paved shoulders possible with other delineations and signing.

The second project involves the section of Lakeshore Drive known as the “55 stretch,” which will have a separate pedestrian pathway, for a total of 1.7 miles. A Road Safety Audit was conducted in 2012, resulting in the recommendation of a separate pathway along the “Stretch” to reduce or eliminate injuries and fatalities. The audit qualified the tribe to apply for safety funds from the Federal Highway Administration in the amount of $401,000 for construction of the pathway. While this is considered a separate project, the pathway will be done simultaneously with the road resurfacing project for efficiency.

These projects may have added benefits to area residents and visitors to the community as the proposed Spirit Stone pedestrian/bicycle route is planning to utilize these enhanced shoulder paving’s and the “55 Stretch” pathway. The Spirit Stone Trail is intended to go from the Brimley State Park to Pt. Iroquois Lighthouse.

October 16, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Carolyn Person, president of the Chippewa County Historical Society, will present a program on the “History of Dunbar, Chippewa County: Farm to Recreation Area” on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the CCHS.

The Dunbar site on the St. Mary's River in Bruce Township has had a full history in the area. Its transformation from forest land to recreation area involves over 125 years of changes, progress, and diversity. The program will describe the ups and downs of the area and the varied enterprises that were undertaken on the land.

The public is welcome to attend this free event and bring any photos or stories to share. Refreshments will be provided.

The program will be held at the Chippewa County Historical Society located at 115 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. You may park on Ashmun Street or in the parking lot off of Portage Avenue and enter by the handicap accessible door at the rear of the building. For more information, check www.cchsmi.com or contact 906-635-7082 or cchs@sault.com.

October 13, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE— On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Sault Area Arts Council will hold the annual auction at the Cisler Center Ballroom, located on the campus of Lake Superior State University.

The Wine and Cheese Social will take place from 5 to 6 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m.
The auction will begin promptly at 7 p.m.Frank Blisset is the auctioneer this year.

Dinner tickets include wine and cheese social, early access to the Buy-It-Now tables, table seating for the auction, and the music of February Sky. The theme this year is crows. This is a very informal event, wear anything you like.

Dinner tickets are $25. Reserve by calling Pat Claxton at 906-635-0424 or Jean Jones at 437-5463 or emailing saac@saultarts.org.

​

Not up for dinner? The Auction is free of charge, beginning at 7 p.m.

​

More info in the October newsletter here ,starting on page 12.

October 12, 2017

LANSING – Heightened penalties are now in place for illegally importing deer, elk and moose carcasses to Michigan from another state or province under legislation signed today by Gov. Rick Snyder. This is the final bill sponsored by the late state Rep. John Kivela, who passed away earlier this year.

“Protecting Michigan’s communities, natural resources and wildlife is critically important, and this bill heightens penalties for importing animal carcasses from other states to help prevent harmful diseases from infecting Michigan’s deer, elk and moose populations," said Snyder.  

​

House Bill 4424 provides specific penalties for illegally importing a full carcass or specified parts of a carcass of deer, elk or moose from another state or province. Increased penalties include up to 90 days in prison or fines ranging from $500.00 minimum or $2,000.00 maximum, or both. It is now Public Act 124 of 2017.

October 12, 2017

By KALEY FECH/Capital News Service

LANSING – The state Liquor Control Commission is pushing to allow liquor stores to locate closer to each other, saying an existing rule prevents competition and denies opportunities for small business owners.

​

The commission recently voted to repeal the current restriction, in effect since 1979, which prohibits stores from being located within a half mile of each other, said David Harns, public information officer for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules must agree to the change for the repeal to go into effect. Read More

October 11, 2017

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills tribal members headed to the polls today, narrowing down the field of candidates for the General Election that will be held on Nov. 1. Above are the election results.  Read the submitted candidate profiles here.

​

October 11, 2017

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to discuss cormorant status, hear a forestry presentation and talk about engaging Lake Superior State University students when the panel meets Thursday, Oct. 19 in Sault Ste. Marie.

​

Also anticipated are an Information and Outreach Subcommittee report, a recap of a recent symposium in Lansing on chronic wasting disease and an update on rules for transporting firewood in Michigan.

​

“The council meeting Sault Ste. Marie offers another chance to provide public input and learn what’s new on DNR topics important to the eastern Upper Peninsula,” said Stacy Haughey, DNR Upper Peninsula coordinator. "There’s always a great deal of information exchanged during the meetings between the council members and DNR staffers. We are all available to answer any questions as well, and hope to have a good public turn out when we visit Chippewa County."

​

The Eastern U.P. Citizens’ Advisory Council and its western U.P. counterpart meet alternating months throughout the year.

​

This session will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EDT Thursday, Oct. 19 in the Huron and Erie rooms of the Cisler Student and Conference Center at Lake Superior State University, located at 650 W. Easterday Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie.

The public can participate in the session by offering comments to the discussion during two specified periods at the meeting (for instructions on comment procedures, see www.michigan.gov/upcac).

​

The DNR’s eastern and western Upper Peninsula citizens’ advisory councils are designed to provide local input to advise the DNR on regional programs and policies, identify areas in which the department can be more effective and responsive and offer insight and guidance from members’ own experiences and constituencies.

​

The council members represent a wide variety of natural resource and recreation interests. Agenda items are set by the council members and council recommendations are forwarded to the DNR for consideration.

​

Anyone interested in being considered as a future council member should fill out the application form found on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/upcac. For more information, contact the DNR Upper Peninsula regional coordinator’s office at 906-226-1331.

October 10, 2017

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Fisheries Division has released its draft five-year strategic plan that will guide its future management activities. This draft plan expands on the division's 2013-2017 effort, “Charting the Course: Fisheries Division’s Framework for Managing Aquatic Resources.” It can be found at michigan.gov/fishing.

The draft 2018-2022 Fisheries Division Strategic Plan builds upon the vision and relevant activities for managing Michigan’s fisheries that were outlined in the previous plan. These efforts are related to aquatic species, their habitats and anglers. It is designed to assist the division in meeting its long-standing responsibilities to protect, manage and enhance Michigan’s aquatic resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

​

The plan was developed through a process that engaged DNR fisheries staff and constituent group leadership. Those who review the draft plan are encouraged to share their input on strategies proposed for managing Michigan’s aquatic resources. Feedback can be sent via email to DNR-FISH-SP2017@michigan.gov through Oct. 24.

October 9, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Lord of the Gourd returns to Bayliss Public Library’s Children’s Room on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m., to demonstrate his carving abilities. Kari O’Gorman (World’s Mrs. Great Lakes Tourism) will offer a special “Pumpkin StoryTime” in the Children’s Room for the first hour of the event, from 4 to 5 p.m. Starting at 4:30 p.m., you may “Make Your Own Zombie Barbie;” all supplies will be provided.

Northern Michigan artist/musician Patrick Harrison, a.k.a. the Lord of the Gourd, is a self-described agri-artist. He has been traveling the state of Michigan for over 15 years doing carving demonstrations and performing music. He has made 32 television appearances and has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and on the radio.

Harrison got his start at his family’s motel, where he would help his mother decorate the lobby every Halloween. One night while trying to carve a pumpkin his knife slipped and he cut a huge gouge out of the pumpkin. As he tried to fix the gouge, he saw a face in the pumpkin, started sculpting, and a new career was born. He travels the state carving fruit and melons in the spring and summer, but his favorite time of year is the fall when he switches over to pumpkins and squash. In a two-month period, he carves over 400 pumpkins.

The Lord of the Gourd’s program is very casual. He allows the audience to approach his table at their own leisure in order to see up close what he does and have their questions answered on a one-on-one basis. Harrison is happy to share everything he has learned over the years in the hopes of teaching his audience that there’s more than one way to carve a jack o’lantern. All it takes are some sharp tools and a little imagination. For the past four years, the Lord of the Gourd has dazzled attendees at Bayliss Library with his pumpkin and squash carvings.

Bayliss Public Library, an affiliate of Superior District Library, is located at 541 Library Drive in Sault Ste. Marie. For more information, check www.baylisslibrary.org.

October 6, 2017

LANSING —  Michigan has made steady progress in reducing homelessness and is succeeding at prioritizing those most in need by providing quality Housing First care, according to a report released on Oct. 4 by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority in conjunction with the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness.

​

“While many parts of the country are seeing increases in the number of people experiencing homelessness, we’ve reduced the homeless population in Michigan by nine percent in recent years,” said Earl Poleski, executive director at MSHDA. “This annual report tells a story about our collective work, and the story is that we are making progress where it matters most.” Read More

October 6, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University invites the community to help celebrate three distinguished alumni and outstanding friends of the institution during its annual Alumni Awards Banquet, part of Great Lake State Weekend, Oct. 13-14.

The banquet begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, in the Walker Cisler Center. Tickets are available by calling 906-635-2831, or run a Web search on "GLSW 2017" to read more about weekend events and buy tickets online. Reservations must be made by Oct. 10.

“Two of our award recipients are from the local community and one has made a name for himself in supporting professional athletes. Each of them is an excellent example of an LSSU success story,” said Susan Fitzpatrick, director of LSSU Alumni Relations. “We invite everyone to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and celebrating their connection with LSSU.” Read More

October 5, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Mark Senkus returns to Bayliss Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. as a Superior Poetry Café featured poet. The event is free and open to the public.

Mark lives in Sault, Michigan, and works as a psychotherapist. He writes in the evenings, the mornings, and at work while he is on breaks. His poems have appeared in a number of small press magazines and literary journals over the past twenty years. Several of his chapbooks are available at Island Books and Crafts in the Sault. He is working on a chapbook of new poems tentatively titled Thunder to Break Our Mirrors, due out in 2018. He will read a variety of new poems from that manuscript at the event.   

After his reading, the public is welcome to perform at the Open Mic. The Friends of Bayliss Library will provide refreshments.

Bayliss Public Library, an affiliate of Superior District Library, is located at 541 Library Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. For more information, call 906-632-9331 or check www.baylisslibrary.org.

October 4, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The E.U.P. Community Dispute Resolution Center is excited to announce ‘Murder at the Juice Joint,’ a murder mystery dinner theater production for a great cause. Read More

October 4, 2017

CEDARVILLE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources this week will survey the channels and embayments of the Les Cheneaux Islands, along the Lake Huron shoreline on the Upper Peninsula's southeastern tip. Survey nets will be fished at sampling stations throughout the island chain to collect specimens representative of the overall fish community. The DNR has performed this survey every year since 1969; it is one of the longest continuous surveys in the Great Lakes.

​

“We’ll count each fish by species and weigh and measure them,” said Dave Fielder, DNR fisheries research biologist out of Alpena. “We’ll also collect spines from some species to allow us to age the fish.”

​

The data collected will be used to describe the health of the different fish populations and to compare to past years to determine trends.

​

The DNR is particularly interested in determining the status of the local yellow perch population through this survey. This population has been intensively managed, particularly in response to the corresponding management of cormorants. Cormorants have been managed to benefit the yellow perch fishery since 2004 in a joint effort between the DNR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. Cormorant management was suspended by federal court action in 2016, and fish population monitoring will be important to documenting any changes to the fish community.

​

The fish community netting survey will take about one week to complete and will be conducted by staff from the DNR’s Alpena Fisheries Research Station using the R/V Tanner. Results will be made available to the public in a presentation in Cedarville in April 2018.

October 4, 2017

LANSING — State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, will hold coffee hours with constituents throughout the 37th Senate District during the month of October.

The senator will be available to answer questions and provide information and assistance, as well as take suggestions on issues affecting communities and businesses in the district. No appointment is necessary.

For more information or to contact Schmidt, please visit SenatorWayneSchmidt.com or call 517-373-2413.

Schmidt’s October coffee hours are as follows in the local area:

Saturday, Oct. 7

Noon  to  1 p.m.

Les Cheneaux Distillery

172 S. Meridian St.

Cedarville

2 to 3 p.m.

Cup of the Day

406 Ashmun St.

Sault Ste. Marie

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant

13921 State Highway M-28

Newberry

Monday, Oct. 16

11 a.m.  to  noon

Audie’s Restaurant

314 N. Nicolet St.

Mackinaw City

October 3, 2017

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — The Forest Service is notifying local residents of possible prescribed burning activities in the near future. Current weather forecasts suggest suitable burning weather may occur over the next several weeks. Prescribed burning is very weather dependent and most likely will occur sometime in October. If conditions are not right, the burns will be postponed until more favorable conditions arise.

​

On the Hiawatha National Forest's west zone, personnel are preparing to conduct the 8-Mile prescribed burn approximately 15 south of Shingleton, MI, two miles south of State Highway M-94 on Forest Road 2212. This 150-acre project is south/southwest of Indian River Campground and the Jack Pine Lodge. The purposes of the project include maintenance of fire breaks and of biological diversity; large open or semi-open savanna habitats, once more common in the Upper Peninsula due to natural disturbances such as wildfire, have become scarce in recent times.

​

On the Hiawatha National Forest's east zone, personnel are preparing to conduct the West Brimley prescribed fire in T46N R3W Sections 8 and 9 located southwest of Brimley. Purposes of this 180-acre project include wildlife habitat maintenance and fuels reduction near local communities.

​

Maps showing the general locations of these projects are available online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD538597. 

​

During active burning, smoke may be visible from roads and other points near Schoolcraft and Chippewa Counties. Though unlikely, smoke may settle in some areas in the evening hours. If you have health problems that may be aggravated by smoke production, please contact the local District Ranger and ask to be notified prior to burning activities:

• 8-Mile Project: Joanne Sanfilippo, District Ranger, at (906) 474-6442 extension 123.

• Brimley West Project: Robert West, District Ranger, at (906) 643-7900 extension 113.

​

Prescribed burning improves the overall health and vigor of vegetation and wildlife habitat on the Forest. Prescribed fire can also help increase the safety of wildland firefighters and the public by providing fire breaks and reducing fire intensity near communities. This safety aspect is critical when dealing with fires that occur in areas with wildland-urban interfaces that inherently have higher risks and resource values at stake. These openings would help to mitigate those risks and minimize the loss to resource values (i.e. timber products, recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, private property, and utilities). For more information about prescribed fire and forest management, contact your local US Forest Service office.