May 31, 2017

Preliminary reports indicate eight people lost their lives in eight separate traffic crashes during the 2017 Memorial Day holiday weekend. In comparison, six people were killed in five traffic crashes during the 2016 Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Of the eight deadly crashes:

• Restraints were not used in four.

• Alcohol use was a known factor in one of the deadly crashes.

• Two involved motorcycles; a helmet was not worn in one and it is unknown if a helmet was used in the other.

• One victim was a bicyclist.

“These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the Michigan State Police as of 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 30,” said Spl/F/Lt. Jim Flegel, MSP Traffic Safety Specialist. “We continue to urge motorists to use proper restraints and to never drive while impaired on alcohol or drugs or while distracted.”

The 2017 Memorial Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 29, 2017.

May 30, 2017

LANSING — Michigan Agency for Energy expects price per gallon of gasoline will be slightly higher than in 2016, supply will be ample

Those who drive diesel fuel vehicles will see a bigger bump in prices at the pumps compared to a year ago.

Based on federal Energy Information Administration forecasts, the average price per gallon of unleaded gasoline nationwide is expected to be $2.39 during the summer driving season, which runs through September, according to the MAE report. That’s an increase of 16 cents per gallon over summer 2016. That would add about $160 to how much the average household spends annually on gasoline. Read More

May 29, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — War Memorial Hospital and the Soo Eagles Hockey program haven been long time community partners, and are partnering together again to give up to $4,000 in healthcare scholarships, benefiting both graduating high school seniors and current War Memorial Hospital Employees.  Up to for one-time $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to qualifying applicants wishing to further their education in the healthcare profession.

To be eligible, 2017 graduating seniors must be a graduate of a Chippewa County High School and submit the following; a high school transcript, a short essay on, “Why I desire to enter in the healthcare profession” (no more than 500 words), a copy of an acceptance letter into a healthcare program for the fall of 2017, and two letters of recommendation attesting to character and leadership ability.

Current WMH employees must submit a short essay on, “Why I desire to further my education in the healthcare profession” (no more than 500 words), a copy of an acceptance letter into a healthcare program for the fall of 2017, and two letters of recommendation attesting to your character and leadership ability.

All applications must be submitted no later than June 5. for review by the selection committee.  Preference shall be given to pursing education in the studies of Laboratory, Pharmacy, Coding Certification and Nursing. Any questions can be sent to contactus@wmhos.org.  Please submit all required information via email to mbunker@wmhos.org or mail to:

War Memorial Hospital

Attn: Marla Bunker

500 Osborn Blvd.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783   

For more information on War Memorial Hospital services and physicians, visit the War Memorial Hospital website at www.warmemorialhospital.org .  You can also follow WMH on Facebook and Twitter.

May 29, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Mark your calendar for the annual flea market to be held on Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Kaine's Rink in Sault Ste. Marie will be chock-full of treasures and treats at this annual event that raises money for the Auxiliary, which they will use to purchase hospital equipment. All monies stay local. Come for lunch, buy a raffle ticket, peruse the tables and enjoy fellowship with your friends and neighbors.

May 26, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning & Development Commission has completed awarding the 2017 round of Community Development Mini-Grants.

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Fourteen awards were made throughout Mackinac, Chippewa, and Luce counties, for a total of $40,000 granted, and over $80,000 leveraged in cash and in-kind match.

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The projects selected, which according to grant guidelines are intended to adhere to Place-Making principals, attest to the recreational and outdoor nature of the communities of the region, according to the commission. The following projects will be funded:

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• The Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace will be developing an outdoor sculpture garden on their grounds.

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• Ballfields managed by Luce County and Bay Mills Indian Community will see improvements.

• The City of Mackinac Island Recreation Department will build an ADA accessible path to Great Turtle Park, and Three Lakes Academy will continue to improve their Community Orchard and Outdoor Classroom.

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• More park improvements will happen this summer in Trout Lake, DeTour, and Raber Townships.  Garfield and Kinross Townships will be purchasing playground equipment with their awards.

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• The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority will partner to create a new mini-park in Downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

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• Water access around the region will improve as well, particularly for paddlers in Clark Township and the City of St. Ignace.

May 26, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE —  For 60 years, United Way of the EUP has been investing in programs and initiatives that change community conditions for the better. The Board of Directors from United Way of the EUP have announced funding awards for the 2017-2018 community investment cycle.

“This year the Citizen’s Review Panel showed a high-level of engagement in decision making. The volunteers were responsive and forward thinking in determining funding amounts,” said Suzanne Prell, executive director for United Way. Read More

May 25, 2017

According to the Crisp Point Light Historical Society, the Luce County Road Commission has indicated the road to Crisp Point will be open at 3 p.m. on Friday, in time for the holiday weekend.

The new culvert arrived on Wednesday, as planned, and was installed on Thursday. On Friday there is some more fill work to do and including adding gravel back on the road bed, but that should allow the road to open up to traffic.

Sometime after the holiday weekend the road commission will have to do some final work in the area, but this work will not cause a complete closure of the road. However, there may be some short delays while equipment is in the area.

"Saturday will be our official opening for the year. The tower and grounds will be open, " said Rick Brockway, CPLHS president. "The visitors center may have limited access on Saturday as we put everything away and get it set up for the summer,but the restrooms should be open for use."

May 25, 2017

LANSING — The Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt that would allow residents aged 18-20 to obtain a new provisional Concealed Pistol License in the state.

The provisional license would carry with it the same requirements needed to obtain it as the existing CPL law for those 21 and older, including necessary background checks and gun-free zone restrictions.

“This is a responsible bill that will require 18- to 20-year-olds to abide by the current training and background requirements for obtaining a Concealed Pistol License,” said Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “It will make sure younger people are ready to conceal carry, as they are currently allowed by law to possess and open carry a fire arm.”

The provisional status of the proposed law would ensure that Michigan’s CPL reciprocity with most other states would be maintained.

Senate Bill 366 is modeled after a similar West Virginia law. That state is one of eight other states Michigan would join with a provisional CPL law.

SB 366 now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

May 25, 2017

BRIMLEY —  Eastern UP residents will have a chance to learn about the tactics used to draw boundaries of congressional and legislative districts, and what can be done, at a town hall forum taking place in Brimley.

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The forum will be held 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 27 at Jack’s Grub and Pub, 9915 W. 6 Mile Rd, Brimley, MI 49715.

The meeting, the most recent in a series of some three dozen such events that have been held around the state this spring, is sponsored by the non-partisan Voters Not Politicians Ballot Committee, in conjunction with the grassroots organization “Count MI Vote.” Read More

May 24, 2017

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds residents that all offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 29.  Secretary of State SUPER!Centers normally offer Saturday hours but will be closed on Saturday, May 27.

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Customers can hop online at ExpressSOS.com, which allows customers to renew their tabs and driver’s licenses, get a duplicate registration, duplicate title, change their address and register to be an organ donor. And with its Print ’N Go feature, customers can renew their driver’s licenses and tabs for their vehicles, motorcycles or boats, print their receipt and drive legally until they get their card or sticker in the mail. On their eighth year, customers do need to visit a branch to get a new driver’s license so they can pass a vision test and get an updated photo.

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The Secretary of State’s Office mails notices to motorists 45 days before their driver’s license or license plates expire to give them ample time to renew. Licenses and plates that expire on a day when state offices are closed, such as a holiday or weekend, can be renewed the following day without penalty.

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License plate tabs can also be renewed at Self-Service Stations, many of which are available around the clock. Visit the Branch Office Locator at www.michigan.gov/SOS to find a Self-Service Station near you.

With the exception of holidays, offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smaller offices may close for the lunch hour. On Wednesdays most offices are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with those in city centers open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PLUS offices and SUPER!Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. SUPER!Centers also provide Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to noon.

May 22, 2017

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has scheduled an open house for next week to gather public comment on an off-road vehicle route connector proposal in Mackinac County.

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The proposed ORV route would connect Moran and Detour, and neighboring communities.

The open house is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EDT, Tuesday May 30 at the Clark Township Hall, located at 207 North Blind Line Road in Cedarville.

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“This connector will provide access to a number of communities and services needed for destination riding of ORVs,” said Paul Gaberdiel, DNR recreation trails specialist for the eastern Upper Peninsula. “This route proposal has been initiated by the Les Cheneaux Snowmobile Club grant sponsor and is supported by local townships. The connector would use a variety of national forest, county and state highways, and state forest roads, totaling over 100 miles.”

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A variety of partners supporting the proposal include the U.S. Forest Service’s Hiawatha National Forest, affected county road commissions, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the DNR.

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View a map of the route and connections from Cedarville to Detour and from Moran to Cedarville.

For more information, contact Gaberdiel at (906) 293-5131.

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To learn more about ORV trail riding in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.

May 19, 2017

Michigan’s first case of rabies for 2017 was recently confirmed in a big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) from Ingham County. This is the time of year when rabies is typically first reported, and it serves as a good reminder for Michiganders to adopt practices that protect their families and animals from rabies. Read More

May 19, 2017

The Luce County Road Commission has received DEQ approval for the plan to replace the culvert on CR-412 at Three Mile Creek, with one minor change. The 6’ diameter replacement culvert is being fabricated in Kentucky. LCRC is still waiting for a confirmed deliver date. They are still hoping to receive the culvert by May 24, which would allow opening the road by Friday May 26, in time for the Memorial Day Weekend holiday and the opening of the Crisp Point Lighthouse. Earlier this spring the road washed out, making access to the lighthouse impossible without repair.

 

May 18, 2017

BRIMLEY—Friends of Pendills Creek Hatchery will be hosting their 9th Annual Children’s Fishing Event on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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This event is open to children ages 15 & under. (No pre-registration required, just come fish!)
You can use your own fishing poles given last year or borrow some at the event. Free bait and a free hot dog lunch will be provided. Prizes will be awarded.  There will be no adult fishing allowed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., also no early fishing for anyone.  This is a fun-filled children’s fishing event that helps get children out-of-doors and into nature to learn about the environment and the enjoyment of fishing.  

Upon arrival check in to get your free ticket for a prize. Pendills is located off Lakeshore Drive 19 miles west of Brimley. Fishing will take place behind the hatchery.

For more information, find the group on Facebook and at www.friendsofpendills.wixsite.com/fpch

 

May 18, 2017

As this year’s open-water fishing season gets under way, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that Fisheries Division personnel are at lakes, rivers and Great Lakes ports collecting fishing data from anglers. Read More

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May 18, 2017

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May 16, 2017

Traffic changes announced for 2017 Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk

ST. IGNACE — Citing safety and security recommendations by the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Mackinac Bridge Authority will close the bridge to most vehicle traffic during the 2017 Annual Bridge Walk on Labor Day.

Unlike in prior years, only buses used to transport walkers to the starting point for the walk and emergency services vehicles will be allowed on the bridge during the event. All other vehicle traffic will be stopped from 6:30 a.m. to noon while event participants are on the bridge.

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"This was not a decision the Mackinac Bridge Authority makes lightly. We understand this change will be an inconvenience to our customers traveling Labor Day morning," said MBA Chairman William Gnodtke. Read More

May 15, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University is tapping David Roland Finley as acting president as it gears up to replace its most recent president, Thomas Pleger, who passed away May 7 after a brief illness.

The University's governing board of trustees made the announcement during a special meeting held May 12. Finley has been serving for the past year as LSSU's interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, as well as dean of the schools of engineering and business.

Finley will manage general operations at LSSU as the board starts a process towards Pleger's replacement.

Lake State hired Finley in 2012 to take the helm what was then the College of Business, Engineering, and Economic Development. Prior to that, his was vice president of academic affairs at Trine University in Angola, Ind.

He holds a bachelor's degree in atmospheric and oceanic science, and a master's degree in atmospheric science, both from University of Michigan, as well as a master's degree and doctoral degree in chemical engineering, both from Wayne State University.

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Finley started his career in Ann Arbor as an environmental consultant but soon found his heart was in academia. Shortly after earning his Ph.D., he took a position as chair of the McKetta Dept. of Chemical Engineering at Trine University in Angola, Ind. and continued through the ranks there.in Angola, Ind. and continued through the ranks there.

May 14, 2017

The Museum Ship Valley Camp, Tower of History, Soo Locks Boat Tours (departing from Dock #1) and River of History Museum in Sault Ste. Marie will be offering U.P. residents a chance to come check out these attractions for free.

Free admission into the attractions will take place the weekend of June 3rd & 4th.

This offer is for U.P. residents ONLY with valid picture ID.  Go to www.saulthistoricsites.com or www.soolocks.com for more details on departure times and operating hours during these days. Please call Sault Historic Sites with any questions 906-632-3658

May 12, 2017

RUDYARD – The  15th annual Rudyard Area Community Foundation  4-Person Golf Scramble is being held at the Oaks at Kincheloe Golf Course on Friday, June 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. All funds raised go to scholarships for Rudyard High School graduates.

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The 2017 version will include several returning options that keep the event fun; teams may purchase mulligan’s at $2 per mulligan up to four (4) per team. “Putting String” can be purchased by teams at just $.50 per foot. The traditional putting contest will again have great prizes at just a $1 per attempt. Other fun activities are planned along with door prizes.

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This year’s entry fee will remain the same for participants. Those who register and pay by June 14 will pay $25 per participant. Anyone registering after that date will pay an entry fee of $30 per participant. Top finisher awards are given for the categories of male teams, female teams and coed teams. Hole advertisement sponsorships are still available for local businesses.

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If you have any questions, would like to register or make a donation for the event, you can contact Margaret LaPonsie at 906-478-5591 or email Gary Davis at garydavis@centurytel.net.

May 12, 2017

Grab a fishing rod and enjoy some of the finest fishing Michigan has to offer during the 2017 Summer Free Fishing Weekend, June 10-11. That Saturday and Sunday, everyone – residents and non-residents alike – can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

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Additionally, during #MiFreeFishingWeekend the DNR will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee for vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas. Several of these locations will host official 2017 Summer Free Fishing Weekend events perfect for the whole family. Read More

May 11, 2017

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has closed temporarily a nearly half-mile-long boardwalk for construction at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls day use area in Chippewa County.

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Closure of the boardwalk trail, between markers 13 and 14, is scheduled to remain in effect until June 15, while workers realign and level a .4-mile section of the walkway.

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“Park visitors can still experience beautiful views of the Lower Tahquamenon Falls during construction,” said Craig Krepps, park manager. “Visitors can see the falls from the paved walkway, or up close, by renting a rowboat to access the Lower Falls Island.” Read More

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May 11, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE —  The Upper Peninsula Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony will be held in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan this year.  The ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 18 at the James Norris Event Center at Lake Superior State University, 650 W. Easterday Ave., Sault Ste. Marie.  Prior to the ceremony starting, there will be a procession of patrol vehicles through downtown Sault Ste. Marie to the Norris Center.  The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.  in the Taffy Abel Arena and will last for approximately one hour.

This year’s event is hosted by law enforcement agencies in Chippewa County and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.  The purpose is to honor fallen state, local, county, conservation and correction officers who have died in the line of duty.  The roll call will include officers who have died in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, those from Wisconsin counties bordering Michigan and those from Canadian agencies bordering the Upper Peninsula.  The ceremony also pays honor to the survivors of these officers and serves as a tribute to all peace officers that serve and protect their communities every day.

The history of Project Blue Ribbon began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the week of May 15, “National Police Week” and designated May 15, “National Police Officers Memorial Day”.  The law enforcement agencies of Chippewa County and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and its members have selected May 18, 2017 as a day to hold solemn tribute to peace officers and their families.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

May 10, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE. – Lake Superior State University will hold a remembrance for its late president, Dr. Thomas Pleger, at 4-5 p.m., May 11, in the LSSU Arts Center main auditorium.Pleger passed away May 7 after a brief hospitalization in Petoskey, Mich. The campus gathering will celebrate Pleger's accomplishments, compassion, and his unflagging support for LSSU and higher education. There also will be an opportunity to share memories with others who were touched by him. The Pleger family will hold a private service at a later time. LSSU plans to hold another celebration of Dr. Pleger's life when most of its students return to campus in August. Run a Web search on "LSSU live stream" to watch the live broadcast and access a subsequent recording on-line.

May 09, 2017

Final preparations are underway for the 25th annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive on Saturday, May 13.

And America’s letter carriers will be ready for it, NALC President Fredric Rolando said. “Preparation and coordination for Food Drive Day can be challenging,” he said. “Despite the challenges, we look forward to it each year because of the important role we’re playing in thefight against hunger in this country.”

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As letter carriers are keenly aware, too many of our customers live in challenging situations, uncertain of where their next meal will come. Read More

May 08, 2017

LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder has announced the appointment of Eric Blubaugh to the 91st District Court.

“Eric Blubuagh has a wide variety of legal experience and community involvement in Chippewa County,” Snyder said. “I’m confident he will continue to be an asset to both the court and the community.”

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Blubaugh, of Sault Sainte Marie, currently serves as Magistrate for the 91st District Court and Juvenile Referee/Officer for the Chippewa County Family Court, handling child welfare, juvenile law and probate matters. Prior to his position with the Chippewa County courts, he held positions as Chief Prosecutor for the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. From 2001 to 2008, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Chippewa County. Blubaugh has been an adjunct professor at Lake Superior State University since 2001.

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Blubaugh is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Chippewa County Bar Association. He is an advisory board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Bay Mills and Families Against Narcotics (Chippewa County). He is also a team member of Trauma Leadership Team for Chippewa County. Blubaugh earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1989, his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School Law in 1994, and a Master of Law Degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1995.

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Blubaugh fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Elizabeth Church.  He must seek election in 2018 for the balance of Judge Church’s term.

May 07, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State University President Thomas Pleger passed away suddenly on May 7 after undergoing brain surgery in Petoskey, Michigan. He was 48. Read More

May 04, 2017

By LAURA BOHANNON

Capital News Service

LANSING — People with concealed pistols could avoid felony charges for expired licenses under a bill introduced by Rep. Shane Hernandez, R-Port Huron.

Under current law, anyone with an expired concealed pistol license who still carries his or her concealed weapon could be charged with a felony, even if it’s only been a few days since the license expired, Hernandez said.

Hernandez said he was inspired to introduce the bill after hearing about a staffer’s friend who faced such a charge because of a recently expired license during a routine traffic stop. Read More

May 03, 2017

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — Results of the May 2 election are in. The ballot measure to provide career and technical education to students in the Eastern Upper Peninsula School District has narrowly passed, 2756-2713.

The funds can only be spent to establish and operate classes and activities that are designed to prepare students for useful employment in recognized occupations.  All funded programs will be open to all EUP students.

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The measure calls for 1 mil for ten years that will produce $2.3 million per year to establish and operate CTE programs for all EUP juniors and seniors. The cost for property owners will be $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value. 

May 03, 2017

State Rep. Lee Chatfield of Levering  spoke in support of House Concurrent Resolution 2, which he introduced and the full Michigan House adopted with strong bipartisan support on April 25. The resolution calls on the president and Congress to fully fund construction of a second lock at the Upper Peninsula facility to protect national security and Michigan’s economy. The construction was approved by Congress 31 years ago, but funding has yet to be provided. The resolution now goes to the Senate for consideration.

May 03, 2017

By LAURA BOHANNON
Capital News Service

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LANSING — Some lawmakers are working to remove the licensing requirement for concealed pistol carriers.

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Rep. Triston Cole, R-Mancelona, has introduced bills to eliminate concealed pistol license, or CPL, laws.

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Cole said he doesn’t want to make it easier to obtain a gun or loosen those regulations, but he wants to ensure that “law-abiding citizens” don’t need to jump through hoops to carry a concealed pistol for self-defense.

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“The idea is to promote constitutional freedom,” Cole said.

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Cole also argues that current law can create “inadvertent criminals.” Read More

May 01, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Artist’s Choice, the Annual Juried Exhibition of the Olive Craig Gallery, opens Tuesday, May 2, in Alberta House Arts Center, filling both galleries with a wide assortment of both two and three dimensional work by artists from Hancock to Sturgis, Michigan and from the Algoma Region of Ontario.  

The public is invited to attend the reception and awards ceremony on Friday, May 5, between 5 and 7 p.m.  First Place wins $300; Second Place $200 and Third Place $100. There are also Purchase Awards from War Memorial Hospital, Central Savings Bank and Pam and Kevin Cooper. The exhibition’s judge is LSSU Art Professor Lloyd Eddy. 

Along with the usual oils, acrylics, collages, watercolors, pastels and photographs, viewers will find found object and metal constructions, precisely crafted wood boxes, decorative ceramics, comical wood carvings, wall hangings, rug hooking, needle felting and more.  The exhibition will be in place through May 31.

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Alberta House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is free of charge.  The big, blue Victorian building is located at 217 Ferris Street, just a quarter of a block south of the Soo Locks—and there is no better time to check it out!

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The monthly “Alberta House News” is available online at www.saultarts.org as a free download, and many photographs of items in the exhibit are in it. 

For more information e-mail:  saac@saultarts.org or call Alberta House at 906-635-1312 during open hours.

April 27, 2017

LANSING – The next meeting of the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory Board (PSAB) has been scheduled for June in Petoskey.

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The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 12, in the auditorium of the Petoskey Middle School, 801 Northmen Drive, Petoskey, MI.

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There will be a public comment period from 9 a.m. to noon, the meeting will then break for lunch, and continue from 1 to 3 p.m. with the remainder of the agenda.

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The board, created by Executive Order 2015-12, is charged with ensuring the safety upkeep of the state’s network of pipelines. Co-chaired by Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy, and Heidi Grether, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, it is also charged with advising state agencies on matters related to pipeline routing, construction, operation, and maintenance, as well as ensuring public transparency.

Keep up on PSAB activities by signing up for its listserv.