June 30, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The last Friday in June has something for everyone, including racing boats, spectacular vistas, unbridled power, and so much more. Best of all, it’s your once-per-year chance to sneak a peek behind the scenes at the Soo Locks. Read the full schedule of events here.

June 29, 2017

During this Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Michigan State Police is reminding motorists to make safety a priority when driving. Again this year, troopers will join their counterparts from across the country in the international traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts) to reduce or eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries.

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“As part of Operation C.A.R.E. and the summer-long statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk driving crackdown, troopers will take a zero-tolerance approach to motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, are unbelted or exhibiting other dangerous driving behaviors,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP.

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The official Fourth of July weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.  Last year, 13 fatal traffic crashes resulted in 13 deaths over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP and the Indiana State Police, and is one of the nation’s longest-running traffic safety initiatives. It focuses on deterring the three main causes of highway fatalities: aggressive driving, impaired driving and failure to use occupant restraints.

June 29, 2017

A draft report that analyzes possible alternatives to Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.’s Line 5 below the Straits of Mackinac is available to the public beginning today. The preliminary report can be found at the Michigan Petroleum Pipelines website.

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A 30-day public comment period on the report developed by independent contractor Dynamic Risk Assessment Systems, Inc. opens July 6. Comments can be submitted online at the Michigan Petroleum Pipelines website, by email through the website, or by standard mail sent to Michigan Agency for Energy, Attn: Line 5 Pipeline Study, P.O. Box 30221, 7109 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917. After the initial 30-day comment period, the public will have another 15 days to reply to posted comments. Read More

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In addition to the comment period, one public information session and three public feedback sessions also have been scheduled in the Lansing area, Traverse City and St. Ignace. Read More

June 28, 2017

On June 24 the 2017 Hemmings Motor News Great Race departed Jacksonville, Florida.  It will be Canada Day, Saturday, July 1, as the Great Race pulls into downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The Sault was the first overnight host on the 2012 Great Race and in 2017 they will be the host on the last overnight stop on the event.  

The Great Race is an antique, vintage, and collector car competitive controlled-speed endurance road rally on public highways. It is not a test of top speed, but a test of a driver/navigator team’s ability to follow precise course instructions and the car’s (and team’s) ability to endure on a cross-country trip. The course instructions require the competing teams to drive at or below the posted speed limits at all times.

Each day the driver and navigator team receives a set of course instructions that indicate every turn, speed change, stop, and start that the team must make throughout the day (usually 220 to 250 such instructions per day). Along the course route there will be from 4 to 7 checkpoints recording the exact time that the team passes that point. The objective is to arrive at each checkpoint at the correct time, not the fastest. The score for each team is the result of the team’s ability to follow the designated course instructions precisely. Every second off the perfect time (early or late) at each checkpoint is a penalty point. This format is much more mentally demanding than a flat-out cross-country race. Also, GPS or computers are not permitted and odometers are taped over. This is a test of human mental agility and endurance as well as classic car endurance, rather than programming capability. The course avoids timed segments on interstate highways, opting instead for scenic local, county, and state highways whenever possible through some of the prettiest country in the United States.

Any car up through model year 1972 is eligible to enter, so if you are an automotive enthusiast, downtown Sault Ste. Marie will be the place for you on Saturday as the racers roll into town. Cars are expected to begin arriving around 5 p.m. They will depart for the finish line, Traverse City, the morning of July 2. 

June 27, 2017

The Fourth of July is one of America’s great landmark holidays, celebrating our nation's independence. It is also a great time to enjoy nearby forests and grasslands. However, it is vitally important that all users are aware that possessing, igniting, discharging or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited on National Forest System lands.

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"Setting off fireworks in a national forest is not only illegal, it is also a hazardous activity that can lead to injury and wildfires," said Cid Morgan, Hiawatha National Forest Supervisor. "We want folks to come out and enjoy their public lands, but please leave the fireworks at home." Morgan encourages forest visitors to check with local communities for fireworks displays.

The use or possession of fireworks on federal lands is subject to confiscation and fines of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire may be held civilly and criminally liable for the cost of suppressing the fire.

June 26, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE – The Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees, meeting in special session today, set tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 academic year and approved a recommendation to negotiate a contract for an interim president. Read More

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June 23, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 30, to celebrate the completion of the Poe Lock Embedded Gate Anchorage Replacement project at the Soo Locks.

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This was one of most significant projects that took place during the 2017 winter work. The project involved removal of existing original embedded anchorages on the Poe Lock and installing new embedded anchorages. Read More

June 23, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic during the 31st Annual Bridge Walk and Bicycle Parade Saturday, June 24.

The bridge will close to vehicle traffic at 9:30 a.m. and will reopen at approximately 10:30 a.m. With scaffolding in place for the ongoing Canadian arch painting project, a portion of the bridge is currently restricted to one traffic lane. More information on the annual bridge walk can be found at http://ssmcoc.com/events/2017/06/24/1425 or http://www.facebook.com/SSMbridgewalk.

June 23, 2017

The Michigan Dept. of Transportation is investing $3.4 million to reconstruct about 1 mile of I-75 BL from North Airport Road to North Mackinac Lane in St. Ignace. The work includes asphalt repaving, drainage improvements and curve realignment. In conjunction with the project, the city of St. Ignace is replacing water mains.

One lane will be open in each direction during non-working hours. One alternating lane will be open under flag control during working hours. Some minor work will start on June 26, requiring daytime flag control and a shoulder closure. Major work on the project is expected to start on July 5 and be completed in mid-November.

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MDOT is hosting a meeting on Monday, June 26 at the Little Bear East Arena to discuss the plans.  The meeting will follow an open house format. Construction plans will be available for review, and there will be opportunities for residents and business owners to ask questions or speak one-on-one with MDOT officials.

June 22, 2017

DNV GL failed to follow conflict of interest rule; second contractor’s alternatives report continues

The State of Michigan terminated a contract with Det Norske Veritas, Inc. (DNV GL), the firm preparing a risk analysis report on the Line 5 pipeline below the Straits of Mackinac, effective June 21. The contract was terminated prior to the draft report being delivered to the state’s project team.

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Within the past month, the state’s project team became aware that an employee who had worked on the risk analysis at DNV GL subsequently worked on another project for Enbridge Energy Co., Inc., which owns the Line 5 pipeline, while the risk analysis was being completed. This is a violation of conflict of interest prohibitions contained in the contract. Read More

June 21, 2017

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Indian Community will kick off their "Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow" beginning on Friday, June 23, with Grand Entry taking place at 7 p.m. Festivities will run through the weekend with competitive dancing and drumming. Vendors will be on site with crafts and food. This is an alcohol-free environment and the public is not only welcome, but encouraged to attend. Dancers from across the country will be taking part in the competition. Events take place at the Bay Mills Ball Diamond, next to Kings Club Casino.

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Read more about the pow wow here.

June 21, 2017

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SAULT STE. MARIE – Brandon Lokken’s summer schedule took an about-face following the departure of Lake Superior State head women’s basketball coach Kristen Rogers.

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The long-time LSSU men’s assistant coach will immediately step in as the Lakers’ interim head women’s basketball coach. After three seasons at LSSU, Rogers recently announced her resignation in order to pursue other coaching opportunities.

Lokken’s passion for the game of basketball is topped only by his passion for Lake Superior State. From the time he was an undergraduate he has served the basketball program and campus where needed.

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“At no point did I expect to be taking on this job,” said Lokken. “But after thinking about it and the great opportunity that it is to be a head coach and build a program, and how much Lake State means to me, from being a student and getting my start here to continuing with the women’s program is something I’m really excited about.”

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Lokken ’11 was a student manager and student assistant coach for the LSSU men’s basketball program while earning an undergraduate degree in secondary education. During the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons, he was a member of the Goshen (Ind.) College men's basketball coaching staff. Lokken served as the junior varsity head coach and interim varsity head coach for half a season. He returned to LSSU in 2014-15 as a second assistant and JV head coach, and was promoted to top assistant in 2015-16.

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"Coach Lokken has been an invaluable member of our program for 10-plus years,” LSSU men’s basketball head coach Steve Hettinga said. “He worked his way up from being a student manager to being my top assistant. He truly loves the game of basketball, and, more importantly, he loves Lake State. Our women's program could not have found anyone who has invested more into Lake State than Brandon. He brings a high level of integrity and character to their program. I am very confident that he is the right person for the job. Although losing him is bittersweet, I still get to work alongside him, and I personally couldn't be happier for him. The future is bright for Lake State women's basketball.”

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Lokken has played a vital role during LSSU’s impressive era with Hettinga, who recently finished his 10th season at LSSU. The Flushing, Mich., native was a student manager when the Lakers won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division title in 2008-09, and was part of two of Hettinga’s three NCAA Tournament appearances.

June 21, 2017

LANSING — Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is reminding residents that all offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4.  

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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.

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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.

June 21, 2017

Perhaps one of the most recognizable birds in Michigan is the large, regal-looking Canada goose. Once a rare sight in Michigan, Canada's geese now are very plentiful in the state – so plentiful that some people tend to think of them as pests.

The subspecies of goose that is most plentiful in Michigan is the giant Canada goose. Because they are so abundant, many would never suspect that the giant Canada goose subspecies nearly was extinct in the 1950s because of unregulated overhunting and wetland habitat loss.  Read More

June 20, 2017

BRIMLEY — The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) will offer a Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor workshop in Brimley, Michigan on Tuesday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The workshop will meet at the Bay Mills Resort and Casinos, 11386 W. Lakeshore Drive.

This workshop is a great opportunity for commercial fishermen and other mariners to gain hands-on training with marine safety equipment and learn best practices for surviving emergencies at sea. Instructor Ronald Kinnunen will cover cold-water survival skills; EPIRBs, signal flares, and MAYDAY calls; man-overboard recovery; firefighting; immersion suits and PFDs; helicopter rescue; life rafts and abandon ship procedures; and emergency drills.

AMSEA’s Drill Conductor workshops meet the U.S. Coast Guard training requirements for Drill Conductors on documented commercial fishing vessels operating beyond the federal boundary line. This workshop is offered to commercial fishermen at no cost, thanks to support from the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. The cost is $175 for all others. Interested mariners may register online at www.amsea.org or call 907-747-3287.

June 19, 2017

Sanderson Field, or otherwise known as the Soo Airport, has been awarded a grant from MDOT AERO for a runway improvement, which includes crack repairs and porous friction overlay. According to Airport Manager Larry Putnam, the runway has not been rehabilitated since 1997. The new porous friction overlay will reduce hydroplaning and improve drainage, and has been proven effective in other northern Michigan airports. The total construction and engineering costs are expected to be $519,000.00. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August, and should take 7 to 10 days to complete. During this construction, the runway will be closed to air traffic for safety purposes.

“This announcement is great news for our local economy,” said Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Jeff Holt. A recent study by Michigan Air Tour indicated that the economic impact of our airport, both direct and indirect is over $1.6 million dollars. In 2016, over 1,000 aircraft have utilized the airport, including government entities, medical professionals, air tours, training, and business professionals. The airport has also played an important part in recent business developments, which has led to significant job creation.

Future planned improvements include taxiway reconstruction, hangar expansion, and terminal improvements.

June 19, 2017

Credit card skimmers are still being found in Michigan more than two years after the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found the state’s first skimmer in the Grand Rapids area in 2015. 

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“In the last few weeks – primarily on a Friday – we’ve found five new credit card skimmers. Consumers should be extra cautious as we gear up for the summer tourism season,” said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD Director. “Looking for, and removing, skimmers at the 4,691 gas stations located across Michigan is now part of the standard inspection process. We are committed to doing our part to protect consumers from fraud.” Read More

June 18, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Girls on the Run of the Eastern Upper Peninsula announces that due to limited personnel it had to put the Summer Solstice 5K Fun Run on hiatus for this year.

“It was a difficult decision for our Board to make,” GOTR EUP Board Chair Cindy Merkel said. “Not only was it a missed opportunity for bringing the community together, from small children to spry elders, but also our Council’s largest annual fund raiser.” Read More

June 16, 2017

LUCE COUNTY — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has closed the boat ramp for replacement at Culhane Lake in northeastern Luce County.

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“The closure will remain in effect until later this month when the project is completed, providing improved access to Culhane Lake,” said Craig Krepps, park manager at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. “The project is scheduled to be completed by June 23.”

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The boat ramp is located within the Culhane Lake State Forest Campground, situated about 30 miles northeast of Newberry.

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The campground will remain open during construction of the new boat ramp. Carry-in access to the lake is available at numerous locations within the campground.

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Boaters requiring a boat ramp will be redirected to one of the nearby launches located on Pike, Bodi or Little lakes.

Contact Craig Krepps, Tahquamenon Falls State Park manager, with questions at 906-492-3415.

June 16, 2017

This summer, start your celebrations of the 4th of July off right with a big band that has a big bang! July 3rd at 7 p.m., join the Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Arts Center at LSSU and enjoy its unique jazz sound. The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 and has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world. Tickets: Adults: $21; Seniors (62 and Older) $18; Children (17 and Younger) $5 ; LSSU students $5

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Beer, wine, lemonade, water and snacks available for purchase at event.

June 15, 2017

LANSING — Those who serve jury duty will receive increased compensation and reimbursement for expenses incurred under legislation signed today by Gov. Rick Snyder.

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“Michiganders who serve as jurors play an important role in ensuring fairness in our state’s judicial system, and these bills help make sure they are reasonably compensated for their service,” Snyder said.

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House Bill 4209 and 4210, sponsored by state Rep. Peter Lucido, requires that after April 1, 2018, the current reimbursement rate for jury duty increases to $15.00 for half a day and $30.00 for a full day. Second and subsequent days will increase to a minimum of $22.50 and $45.00, respectively. HB 4210 authorizes the State Court Administrator to allocate money from the Juror Compensation Reimbursement Fund for jury management software designed to ease the process and time commitment of jury service. The measures are now Public Acts 51-52 of 2017.

June 15, 2017

Washington, D.C. — The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe won a significant victory today in its fight to protect the Tribe’s drinking water and ancestral lands from the Dakota Access pipeline.

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A federal judge ruled that the federal permits authorizing the pipeline to cross the Missouri River just upstream of the Standing Rock reservation, which were hastily issued by the Trump administration just days after the inauguration, violated the law in certain critical respects.  

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In a 91-page decision, Judge James Boasberg wrote, “the Court agrees that [the Corps] did not adequately consider the impacts of an oil spill on fishing rights, hunting rights, or environmental justice, or the degree to which the pipeline’s effects are likely to be highly controversial.” The Court did not determine whether pipeline operations should be shut off and has requested additional briefing on the subject and a status conference next week.  Read More

June 14, 2017

LANSING — Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists estimate the number of moose in the western Upper Peninsula core population area at 378 animals, up from 285 in 2015.

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“Our survey findings this year are encouraging because a possible population decline detected in 2015 was transitory,” said Dean Beyer, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife research biologist who organizes the sampling and generates the estimate for the biannual survey effort.

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The results were reported to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at a meeting last week in Houghton. A moose hunt in Michigan is not currently being considered. Read More

June 12, 2017

KINROSS — The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing $854,000 to resurface about 8 miles of M-80 from I-75 to M-129 in Chippewa County, apply pavement markings, and upgrade concrete sidewalk ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act  standards. This project includes a two-year pavement performance warranty.
    

Traffic restrictions include the use of one alternating lane that will be open under flag control during the resurfacing work. A 10-foot width restriction will be in effect in the construction zone.
    

This project will result in a smoother driving surface and increased safety, and will extend the lifespan of the roadway. ADA-compliant ramps, which include detectable warnings for pedestrians, make sidewalks safer for all users, according to MDOT.

 

June 11, 2017

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — Approximately 6,600 services are out across the Cloverland Electric service area. Severe weather has also affected  800 and local telephone service. Outages can be reported using the free SmartHub app downloaded to your PC or mobile device. If there is an electrical emergency such as a sparking wire on the ground, please call 911, but use this only for an emergency. 

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Services are out in the following townships: Bay Mills, Bruce, Chippewa, City of Manistique, City of Sault Ste. Marie, Clark, Dafter, DeTour, Drummond, Garden, Garfield, ,Hendricks, Hiawatha, Hulbert, Hudson, Kinross, Lakefield, Manistique, Marquette, Moran, Newton, Pentland, Pickford, Portage, Raber, Rudyard, Soo, St. Ignace, Sugar Island, Superior, Thompson, Trout Lake, Whitefish.

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Crews are working as quickly as possible to get these services restored. 

June 09, 2017

Pieces on display at LSSU gallery

SAULT STE. MARIE —  A showing of more than 130 5x7 canvases donated by Michigan and Ontario artists - with some pieces from as far away as California and Tennessee - will be displayed in Lake Superior State University's Shouldice Library gallery through the end of June. The works were entered in the fourth annual 5x7 Art Show, a juried competition cosponsored by LSSU Arts Center Gallery and Chippewa County Sunrise Rotary Club this past April.

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Artists were invited to create and donate works on a 5x7 canvas. Media could include painting, drawing, tile, sculpture, fabric, and photographs, plus any other media artists could create. This year's theme was, Through a Window.

Taking first-place honors and receiving $300 was William Morrison, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., for Ethereal - Temporal; second place with a prize of $200 went to Sandra Sikkila, Reed City, Mich., for her work in oil, Through a Porthole; third place with a prize of $100 was given to April South-Olson, Escanaba, Mich., for her Encaustic, View from the Passenger’s Side.

Sandra Sikkila also took honorable mention for the oil, MuMu Night’s Visitor, as did Phil Dansdill, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., for his photograph, High Rise. Lisa Sommers, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., rounded out honorable mentions with Hungry Hummingbird in Stained Glass.

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Pieces, each available for purchase for $50, are available for viewing through June 30 in the Shouldice gallery 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thurs.-Fri., and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Tues.-Wed. The library is closed on weekends.

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Sales benefit LSSU Arts Center gallery exhibition programming and Rotary's earmarked designation in support of the Diane Peppler Resource Center of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

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Next year's 5x7 show theme is, Slice of Life. Contact gallery director Sharon Dorrity at acgallery@lssu.edu for 2018 registration and sponsorship details.

June 09, 2017

By TALITHA TUKURA PAM, Capital News Service

LANSING — The state’s $1 million incentive for anyone who comes up with a new and innovative solution to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes is part of a trend in using cash incentives to crowdsource and solve natural resource problems.

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For instance, Michigan State University recently sponsored a challenge to redesign water foundations. The winning team won $15,000.

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“The students are innovative and energetic and we were very excited to support student team learning and effort through problem solving,” said Professor Joan Rose, an MSU expert in water quality and public health safety. Read More

June 08, 2017

DAFTER —  Cloverland Electric Cooperative announced the results of the director elections at its Annual Meeting of the Members on the evening of June 8 at the Dafter Township Hall.

Cloverland is a democratically-controlled, not-for-profit electric co-op that is governed by nine directors elected by and from the members of their respective districts to serve a three-year term in office. One seat is up for election in each district each year. Voting took place by mail-in ballot which concluded on May 31.

William C. LaLonde of St. Ignace is the newly elected director for District A receiving 1,047 votes. Gerald Nettleton of DeTour Village received 984 votes and Dane R. Kuusinen of DeTour Village received 791 votes. District A is also represented by Richard Newland of DeTour Village and Jason St. Onge of Mackinac Island.
John Sawruk of Sault Ste. Marie was re-elected for District B receiving 1,708 votes with Linda K. Hoath of Sault Ste. Marie receiving 1,702 votes. District B is also represented by Charles F. Litzner of Sault Ste. Marie and Carmine Bonacci Jr. of Sault Ste. Marie.

In District C, Virgil Monroe of Manistique, was re-elected with 1,773 votes; Allan Ott of Manistique received 943 votes. District C is also represented by Ronald D. Provo of Manistique and Peter Legault of Engadine.

President and CEO Dan Dasho stated, “I would like to thank all the director candidates for their interest in serving the cooperative by pursuing a seat on the board of directors. I would also like to thank the members who took the time to vote and participate in this democratic process. This year we doubled the voting participation with more than 28 percent of the ballots returned. I want to extend a hearty thank you to Gerald Nettleton who tirelessly represented the members in District A for 26 years.”

June 07, 2017

By Evan Carter, Mackinac Center for Public Policy

LANSING — Nearly $8.8 million of a proposed $33.1 million increase in the Michigan State Police budget next year would go toward hiring 48 new full-time employees to assist in medical marijuana licensure oversight, according to a House Fiscal Agency summary.

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The new spending is related to the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act that became law in 2016, which imposes a number of new licensure mandates on growers, sellers and transporters, and delegates their enforcement to the state police. Money for enforcement will come from annual fees assessed to medical marijuana license-holders, according to state police spokeswoman Lori Dougovitol. Read More

June 07, 2017

KINROSS — State Representative Lee Chatfield invites residents of the 107th House District to join him during local office hours for the month of June.

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“Hosting local office hours is just one way I seek feedback from the people I was elected to serve,” said Rep. Chatfield. “My staff and I have held office hours every month since my first day in office because listening and understanding the concerns of residents in the district helps me represent them better.” 

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His local office hours will take place on Friday, June 8 at Wilderness Coffee, 2775 W M-80, Kinross, from 10 a.m. to  11 a.m.

June 07, 2017

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Seney Natural History Association, invites you to participate in the 28th Annual Children’s Fishing Day.

On the day of the event young anglers are required to register at the Visitor Center before fishing. Fish entries will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Fishing stations will be set up along the Refuge’s Fishing Loop. A limited amount of fishing poles and bait are available for participants to use at these stations. Fishing is allowed from the shore along designated fishing pools and show pools. Lead sinkers are not allowed.

Activities and games for the whole family begin at 12 p.m. in the Visitor Center and include arts and crafts, games, and activities. Certificates will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners for largest perch and pike in four age categories. Prizes, provided by local businesses, will be awarded by random drawing. A complimentary fish dinner for all participants and their families will be held at 3 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony.

June 06, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — In the continuing effort to bring the best services and care to their patients, War Memorial Hospital announced that they will soon be offering emergency airlift services with Valley Med Flight, a project that has been in the making for a couple of years.

The twin-engine Airbus EC135 helicopter will be based at Sanderson Field and will be crewed by a pilot, a registered nurse and a flight paramedic.  Along with the highly trained crew, and necessary emergency equipment, the helicopter will also have enough room for one family member to travel with the patient.  The company, Valley Med Flight, now has 12 bases of operation and is the Upper Midwest’s largest air medical service provider. 

“A patient will always have the choice to select ground transportation, which hospital to be transported to, and have the choice to pay out of pocket when their condition won’t warrant insurance coverage,” said WMH CEO David Jahn.  “Overall we looked at this as something that would benefit our community, and with no cost to War Memorial Hospital, it was a no brainer.”  Private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid typically pay for air medical transportation.  Valley Med Flight indicates that they work with patients to ensure a smooth billing process and one that does not place a hefty burden on patients. 

The emergency airlift service will be used to transport patients from WMH to other care facilities throughout the state, when situations warrant the move.  Shannon Pollock, vice president of business development at Valley Med Flight added, “We also have the capability of responding to accident scenes when dispatched by local EMS, law enforcement or fire departments.”

June 05, 2017

Residents and nonresidents can ride DNR-designated routes and trails during two Free ORV Weekends, taking place June 10-11 and Aug. 19-20. Off-road enthusiasts do not need to purchase an ORV license or trail permit on these two days, saving riders up to $36.25.

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This opportunity is a great way for ORV enthusiasts to explore Michigan's 3,660 miles of trails and and think about purchasing an ORV license or trail permit for the season. Funds generated are reinvested back into the ORV system.

June 02, 2017

IRON MOUNTAIN - On Thursday, May 31, VA Secretary David Shulkin gave a State of the VA briefing at the White House highlighting areas for improvement in serving the nation's Veterans.  Among the issues touched upon included quality of care, aging buildings, access to care, and appointments with community providers.

Regarding quality of care, Shulkin identified 14 VA Medical Centers with a 1 star rating. It is a different story, however, for the VA Medical Center based in Iron Mountain, and its seven community-based VA outpatient clinics in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.  The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and its community-based clinics, who collectively serve 20,000 Veterans annually, is a 5 star VA healthcare system that is nationally ranked seventh among the 128 VA Medical Centers in providing quality care.  In addition, it's Community Living Center for long term care and short term rehab is in the 1st quintile for quality and ranked fifteenth overall in the VA. Read More

June 02, 2017

The EUP’s scenic vistas cover the walls of Olive Craig Gallery during June, in an exhibition by Sault Ste. Marie photographer Norris Seward, aptly titled “Along the Shores of the Eastern Upper Peninsula."  Viewers will find the breathtaking photographs framed in Seward’s beautifully finished wood frames, matted unframed, on a wide assortment of ceramic tiles, on canvas and on metal.

Susan Johnson’s inimitable, detailed, upbeat and bubbly doodle art hangs in the Mini Gallery. Her exhibit is titled “The Joy of the Doodle”.

Meet both artists at their reception in Alberta House on Friday, June 9, between 5 and 7 p.m. The exhibits will be in place through June 30.

Alberta House is located at 217 Ferris Street, just a quarter block south of the Soo Locks Visitors Center. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free of charge. The Alberta House phone number is 635-1312; e-mail: saac@saultarts.org. For more June exhibit information and photographs, log on www.saultarts.org and download the June Alberta House News.

June 01, 2017

SAULT STE. MARIE — Bayliss Public Library has been chosen as one of the 50 Michigan libraries to host an author from the 2017 Michigan Notable book list. M.L. Liebler and several of his musician colleagues will be at the library in concert on Friday, June 23, at 7 p.m. to promote the book, Heaven was Detroit: From Jazz to Hip-Hop and Beyond, that he edited, and his poetry book, I Want to Be Once: Poems. M.L. Liebler is an award-winning poet, literary arts activist, musician and professor, who is a favorite at Bayliss.

In addition to the evening performance, M.L. will lead a 3 p.m. Blues Poetry Workshop where you may be able to perform your own creations put to music.

The two books will be available for purchase and signing at Bayliss Library’s event. It is being held on a Friday night when the library is usually closed, so please enter by the front door. The Friends of Bayliss will provide refreshments.
Every year, the Michigan Notable Books program choose 20 outstanding fiction and nonfiction books written about Michigan or by a Michigan author and published the previous year. For the complete list of the 2017 chosen titles, see www.michigan.gov/notabablebooks.

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The author presentations are made possible by the following sponsors: the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan humanities Council, the Library of Michigan Foundation, Meijer, and the Michigan Center for the Book.

June 01, 2017

WE WANT OUR UPWARD BOUND - Alums, faculty, and staffers with Lake Superior State University's Upward Bound program are enlisting your help to clear a last-minute logjam. LSSU's UB program - a federally funded college prep program for low income and first generation high school students - has launched thousands of Eastern Upper Peninsula students towards a university education since 1967. This summer's session, scheduled to start in mid-June, has yet to secure funding from the US Department of Education. Community members are being asked toontact United States Sen. Debbie Stabenow (202-224-4822), Sen. Gary Peters (202-225-6221), and Rep. Jack Bergman (202-224-3121) and tell them they support Upward Bound for EUP students. An informational rally is planned for 6:30 p.m., Thursday,  June 1, in front of Brady Hall on LSSU's campus. Follow 'Upward Bound Alumni - LSSU' on Facebook for updates.

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 four 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.