May 08, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE— The Michigan State Police  Sault Ste. Marie Post collected 15 pounds of prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held on Saturday, April 28.

The MSP partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe, convenient and responsible venue for disposing of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

All 30 MSP posts participated in the one-day effort collecting a total of 966 pounds of prescription drugs.

Anyone who were not able to participate on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day can anonymously surrender their unused and unwanted medications for destruction at any MSP post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

MSP collection sites can be found here. Additional collection sites across the state can be found by going to www.dea.gov.

May 4, 2018

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released of the 2018 regional Eat Safe Fish Guides. These guides can help residents plan their fish meals to ensure they are minimizing exposure to chemicals that can build up in fish, while still getting all of the health benefits eating fish provides.

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“The guide essentially provides a nutrition label for chemicals in locally-caught fish,” said Nick Lyon, director at MDHHS. “The Eat Safe Fish Guides are easy to use and important resources that help families in Michigan consume fish safely.”

MDHHS only tests the portions of fish that people eat – typically the filets. The results from the state laboratory are used to determine what is safe for people to consume over the long-term. There are many health benefits to eating fish, and the Eat Safe Fish Guides help individuals choose the fish that are best for them and their families.

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Unlike the Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s Michigan Fishing Guide, the MDHHS Eat Safe Fish Guides are not laws or regulations and no one is required to use them. Instead, the guides are a free resource for Michigan residents who would like information regarding what fish and how much is healthy to consume from various bodies of water across the state.

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Chemicals in fish are a worldwide problem that is not limited to Michigan and other Great Lakes states, but it is important to note that fish from some areas in Michigan are more contaminated than others. By using the Eat Safe Fish Guides, Michigan fish consumers can be confident that they are making informed choices about eating the fish they catch from their local lake or river.

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The chemicals most commonly found in fish are mercury and PCBs, however; the State of Michigan is working to address contamination at sites around the state related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). For a complete listing of PFAS contamination in fish, visit Michigan.gov/pfasresponse. All updated guidelines provided to-date are included in the 2018 regional Eat Safe Fish Guides. 

May 4, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — Keith M. Harper, noted Native American attorney and former ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council, will be the featured speaker when Lake Superior State University celebrates its 56th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 5.

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The program begins at 11 a.m. and will feature presentation of a posthumous honorary doctorate to LSSU professor of history emeritus James Moody and words from student respondent Jennifer Wickens. The ceremony will also include an announcement of this year’s recipient of the LSSU Distinguished Teaching Award. The public is welcome to attend.

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Nearly 500 students have qualified for degrees over the past year, and although not all of them will participate in Saturday’s program due to new jobs and other commitments, the majority of them will be walking across the stage to receive their diplomas.

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Harper was appointed by President Obama as the U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, a position he held from 2014 to 2017. He is the first Native American appointed as US ambassador to such a post.

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Harper is best known in legal circles for his work in Cobell v. Salazar, a class-action lawsuit – the largest against the United States in history – brought by individual Native Americans against the United States Departments of Interior and Treasury. The suit, filed in 1996, contended that these agencies mismanaged billions of dollars of income and assets held in trust that belonged to American Indians, dating back to the 1800s. Harper served as class counsel on behalf of upwards of 500,000 individual American Indians and successfully settled the case in 2009 for $3.4 billion.

May 4, 2018

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IRON MOUNTAIN — The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain has release their 2017 Annual Report. This report focuses on the 2017 highlights and performance in the five OGJVAMC Pillars:  People, Quality, Service Experience, Partnerships, and Stewardship. There are also links to program websites, their Facebook photo albums, and news clips.  READ MORE

May 3, 2018

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — The continuing battle against sea lampreys soon will come to locations in the local area.  A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada assessment crew will conduct work on Gogomain River in Chippewa County, Michigan during May 15 to 23 to estimate the abundance of lampreys in the river.  The information gathered will be used to determine the need for sea lamprey control. Read More

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April 30, 2018

Sen. Schmidt to host May coffee hours

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Wayne Schmidt will hold coffee hours with constituents throughout the 37th Senate District during the month of May.

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.

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Schmidt’s May coffee hours are as follows:

Saturday, May 26

11 a.m.  to  noon

Lake Superior State University – Kenneth J. Shouldice Library, learning commons

906 Ryan Ave.

Sault Ste. Marie

April 30, 2018

Warm temperatures and strong wind combined with dry grass, leaves and pine needles on the ground have prompted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to ask residents to restrict outdoor burning Tuesday, May 1.

Conditions are dry across the entire Lower Peninsula and in the southern half of the Upper Peninsula from Iron County to Mackinac County.

“We are currently seeing a significant increase in wildfire activity,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the DNR. “We are asking residents to restrict outdoor burning due to dry conditions.” The DNR also has canceled plans for prescribed burns Tuesday. 

Temperatures Tuesday are expected to hit 80 degrees in parts of the Lower Peninsula, with winds gusting up to 30 mph in some parts of the state.

Anyone who plans to burn in the northern Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula must go online to michigan.gov/burnpermit to see if a burn permit is needed in specific counties and/or townships. People in the southern Lower Peninsula should check with their local municipalities for burning regulations.

Campfires are still allowed, but if you build one, make sure to have a water source and shovel available to extinguish it.

You also can check with the National Weather Service for weather-related burn advisories. 

April 27, 2018

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Executive Council has released the first Economic Impact Report for the tribe. The document illustrates the tribe's impact on the job market and local community. BMIC plans to release a report annually. 

You can view the document here.

April 27, 2018

MACKINAW CITY — Mackinac State Historic Parks’ family of living history sites will open for the 2018 season the first week of May.

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Colonial Michilimackinac, the colonial fort and fur-trading village located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Mackinaw City will open first on Wednesday, May 2. Visitors will immediately notice that the orientation video, previously shown in the Visitor’s Center under the Mackinac Bridge, is brand new and has been moved to the King’s Storehouse, located within the fort. The building will have the look of a storehouse and will include exhibit panels exploring the history of the building. Read More

April 26, 2018

LANSING — Here's a brief look at what state legislators have been up to:

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Senate Bill 601, Authorize school safety spending: Passed 35 to 0 in the Senate

To appropriate $18.6 million for various purposes related to school and student safety. This includes $15 million in school safety grants, $3 million for a school "panic button app" emergency notification system, and $650,000 for a student safety hotline. Read More

April 26, 2018

LANSING — Michigan taxpayers who missed the Wednesday, April 18, state income tax filing deadline have options for filing a late return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury).

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“Late filers should file all income tax returns that are due,” said Deputy Treasurer Glenn White, head of Treasury’s Tax Administration Group. “If a taxpayer owes tax and cannot make full payment, Treasury will work with them on payment options. We want to help taxpayers avoid interest charges and late payment penalties.”

Treasury recommends past-due tax filers to consider:

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• Filing a return to claim an outstanding refund. Taxpayers risk losing their state income tax refund if they don’t file a return four years from the date due of the original return. Go to www.mifastfile.org to learn more about e-filing.
   

• Filing a return to avoid interest and penalties. File past due returns and pay now to limit interest charges and late payment penalties. Failure to pay could affect a taxpayer’s credit score and the ability to obtain loans.
   

• Paying as much owed tax as possible. If taxpayers owe but can’t pay in full, they should pay as much as they can when they file their tax return. Payments can be made using Michigan’s e-Payments service. When mailing checks, carefully follow tax form instructions. Treasury will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe.

Taxpayers who receive a final tax bill and are unable to pay the entire amount owed can consider:

• Requesting a penalty waiver. Penalty may be waived on an assessment if a taxpayer can show reasonable cause for their failure to pay on time. Reasonable cause includes serious illness, a fire or natural disaster, or criminal acts against you. Documentation should be submitted to substantiate the reason for a penalty waiver request.
   

• Making monthly payments through an installment agreement. For Installment Agreements lasting for 24 months or less, taxpayers must complete, sign and return the Installment Agreement (Form 990). The agreement requires a proposed payment amount that will be reviewed for approval by Treasury. 
   

• Filing an Offer in Compromise application. An Offer in Compromise is a request by a taxpayer for the Michigan Department of Treasury to compromise an assessed tax liability for less than the full amount. For more information or an application, visit www.michigan.gov/oic.

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The last three options for final tax bills should be filed separately from the state income tax return.

To learn more about Michigan’s income tax, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax or call Treasury’s Income Tax Information Line at 517-636-4486. Taxpayer inquires can also be made online.

April 24, 2018

BRIMLEY - The National Association of Letter Carriers  will conduct its 26th annual national food drive on Saturday, May 12.

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The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the country’s largest single-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need in the community. Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable goods next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on Saturday, May 12. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes and distribute them to local food agencies. People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag—paper or plastic—containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, pasta, peanut butter, rice or cereal, next to their mailbox before the regular mail delivery on that Saturday. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is the nation’s largest single-day food drive and is held annually on the second Saturday in May in 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

With the economic struggles many Americans face, the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is as critical as ever. Not only do millions of Americans go hungry, organizations that help them are in need of replenishments. Pantry shelves filled up through winter-holiday generosity often are bare by late spring. And, with most school meal programs suspended during summer months, millions of children must find alternate sources of nutrition. Letter carriers see these struggles in the communities they serve, and they believe it’s important to do what they can to help.

Last year 12 local pantries: Central United Methodist Church, Sault Middle School, Diane Peppler Resource Center, First Church of Christ, Presbyterian Church, Great Lakes Recovery Center, CLM Community Action Agency, St. Joseph Church, Salvation Army, Free Methodist Church, New Hope Church & Brimley Baptist Church received 5,086 pounds of food. Several national partners are assisting the NALC in the food drive: the U.S. Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA), the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), Valpak, United Way Worldwide, the AFL-CIO, the AARP Foundation and Valassis.

April 20, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State University’s Lukenda School of Business hosted 22 Sault Area and Brimley high school students for the inaugural Superior Case Competition on April 6. Sault Area High School fielded four teams; Brimley, two. The top three teams received cash to benefit their schools’ business programs.

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Contestants dealt with a real-world decrease in the popularity of Levi's jeans. Each team worked with an LSSU student mentor and Lukenda School of Business faculty to formulate a solution that factored in limited resources. Teams then made oral presentations to a panel of judges, composed of business professionals, including LSSU’s Professional Advisory Board chair Craig Froggett, on how Levi's might reclaim the brand and turn company sales around.

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Recommendations focused on Levi's increasing an online presence and better-utilizing social media to attract younger customers.

Taking first-place honors was Sault High’s Team One of Samantha Brand, Alexis Harp, Nicholas Natzke, and Rebekka Ranta. The prize netted SAHS $500 for its business program, plus a $1,000 scholarship to any member of the team who pursues a business degree at Lake State.

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Sault High Team Two - Matt McElhinny, Cassidy Mack, Kayla Wilhelms, and Jarid Demolen – took home a second-place $250 award for the SAHS business program, as did Brimley High School’s third-place finisher, Team Six, of Mason Cameron, Danny Anderson, Cory Brown, and Katelin McDonald for the BHS business program.

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Follow LSSU’s Lukenda School of Business on Facebook for mention of upcoming business case competitions, open to any Eastern Upper Peninsula, Tip of the Mitt, or Algoma Region high school.

April 20, 2018

By CASEY HULL/Capital News Service

LANSING — Adult education is handcuffed by a stagnant budget that critics say keeps the state from alleviating cycles of poverty amid one of the lowest graduation rates in the nation.

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Over 1 million Michigan residents don’t have their high school diploma or equivalent, according to Stepheni Schlinker, a communications specialist for the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. Read More

April 19, 2018

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April 19, 2018

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April 18, 2018

ST. IGNACE — To continue repainting the Mackinac Bridge's north tower, contractors need to hang a pair of custom moveable scaffold platforms above the roadway, requiring a brief closure Saturday morning. Seaway Painting, the contractor for the $6.3 million two-season project, expects to need a 30-minute to one-hour closure to install the new scaffold platforms. The closure is scheduled for 6 a.m. Saturday, April 21,  to minimize the effect on traffic and is weather-dependent.

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The platforms will be lifted into place and hooked up to hoists connected to the top of the tower, allowing workers to move their work area up the tower as they progress. The system includes safety blocks on the hoists, static safety cables, and a net beneath both platforms.

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This project marks the first time in the bridge's 60-year history when one of the iconic ivory towers is being stripped down to bare metal and repainted. In 2017, Seaway worked on stripping and painting within the bridge's interior "cells," as well as the tower legs beneath the roadway.

The project is required to be completed by Dec. 31, 2018. The original paint is lead-based, and Seaway is required to contain 100 percent of the paint as it is removed, test it, and ship it to an appropriate landfill facility. The new paint, which is zinc-based, is expected to last at least 35 years with periodic maintenance. As painting resumes, the outside two lanes of the bridge near the north tower will be closed to stage equipment. Sweeney said closures on the northbound lanes will be lifted on Fridays and on southbound lanes on Sundays during the peak traffic weekends. Lane closures also will be removed as needed for other high traffic volume times, such as holidays.

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April 17, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE - Sault Ste. Marie’s Sunrise Rotary Club and Lake Superior State University’s Arts Center Gallery will feature work donated by regional artists with an April 20 public reception that opens the fifth-annual 5×7 Art Show. The reception is 6 to 8 p.m. in the LSSU Arts Center gallery, and features hors d’oeuvres with wine and musical accompaniment by pianist Elaine Sprague and the cellist groups, Cantus Celli and the Soo Cello Crew.

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The reception will offer the first opportunity to view and purchase original works of art for $50. Each artist’s name will be hidden during the reception, to be revealed during an exhibit that runs during May. Submitted canvases on media such as painting, drawing, tile, sculpture, fabric, 3-D artifacts, and photography are variations on this year’s theme, A Slice of Life. A panel of local judges will determine best in show ($300), second place ($200), and third place ($100).

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Proceeds benefit the LSSU Arts Center gallery exhibition programming and Sunrise Rotary Club’s literacy initiatives in Sault Area Public Schools. The exhibit is on display April 20 to May 31 in the Arts Center gallery, 12 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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The LSSU Arts Center Gallery and Sunrise Rotary Club extend appreciation to sponsors that make the 5×7 Show reception possible. Gold Sponsors are Barnes & Noble Book Store, Central Savings Bank, Kevin Cooper DDS, Edward Jones – David Weber, Superior Health Support Systems, and Plaza Motor Motel. Silver Sponsors include Quarter to 5 and Sault Vision Clinic. A special thank you also goes to Don Bentley of The Art Store, who is the 2018 5×7 Show Canvas Sponsor.

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Following the 5×7 Art Show reception, the Arts Center will announce an exciting and expanded 2018-2019 concert series. Students in LSSU’s theatre and creative writing programs will also offer a short program in the Black Box Theatre of improv comedy, original writing, songs, and dramatic scene work. Admission is free.

April 15, 2018

Old Man Winter is hanging on with a tight grip, keeping spring from making an appearance. As a result of the storm, numerous local schools are closed for Monday, April 16, including:

• Ojibwe Charter School

• Bay Mills Community College

• Brimley Area Schools

• Sault Area Schools

• Lake Superior State University

• Rudyard Area Schools

• Pickford Public Schools

• Soo Tribe Headstart

• Bay Mills Child Development Center

• Tahquamenon Area

• St. Ignace

• DeTour Area Schools

• Whitefish Township

• Cedarville Headstart

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Bay Mills Tribal Government offices are currently on a two-hour delay. If a full closure is announced, it will be done  around 9 a.m. Otherwise staff should report at 10 a.m.

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April 12, 2018

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to discuss cormorant status, firewood movement and meetings on an inventory of U.P. forest roads among its agenda items when the panel meets Thursday, April 19 in Newberry.

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The meeting will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. EDT in the lower level conference room at the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft Health Department, located at 14150 Hamilton Lake Road in Newberry.

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Also anticipated are reports on chronic wasting disease public input process and upcoming meetings, discussion of a proposed resolution in support of eastern U.P. trails, and a proposed joint fall meeting with the Western U.P. Citizens’ Advisory Council.

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

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

April 12, 2018

LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder is calling on Enbridge to accelerate the identification of anchor strike mitigation measures and the evaluation of alternatives to replace pipelines that are required under the Governor’s November agreement with Enbridge. Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, acting as Governor due to Snyder being out of state, also asked the Attorney General to initiate legal actions against the owners of the ship and other parties who may be responsible for recently damaging pipelines in the Straits. Read More

April 10, 2018

MAKING A PATH — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay has been busy trying to clear the ice for ships to traverse the St. Mary's River. Here the freighter James R. Barker is getting assistance along the Rock Cut. The colder than normal temps have made put the shipping season off to a slow but steady start.  — Photo Taken by BMC Nick Gould

April 10, 2018

By MAXWELL EVANS/Capital News Service

LANSING — For bicyclists, a 2016 crash that killed five and left four injured is still a potent reminder of the importance of protecting non-motorized vehicles that take the road.

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“That was an event that has been unprecedented in Michigan history,” said Aneta Kiersnowski, communications director for the League of Michigan Bicyclists. “The attention that the tragedy brought to the issue of bicycling safety really helped bring about positive solutions.”

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The crash in rural Cooper Township, north of Kalamazoo, highlighted some of the issues with rural biking that the Legislature and local governments have since aimed to address.

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Ten Michigan cities have adopted “complete street” ordinances and resolutions in response to a 2010 law that aimed to make all roads accessible for both motorized and non-motorized traffic. These cities include Manistique, Sault Ste. Marie and Lansing. Read More

April 10, 2018

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April 09, 2018

MACKINAW CITY,– The Unified Command, comprised of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, a representative of numerous Michigan tribes, and the responsible party, American Transmission Company, continues to oversee response efforts, Monday.

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Work to extract the remaining product from two cables continued through the weekend. ATC, a transmission-only electric utility, contracted North Shore Environmental to remove product from the cables. North Shore Environmental is vacuuming the mineral oil from a shoreside facility a through a less than one-inch-diameter void in the cables that stretch three-and-a-half miles across the Straits of Mackinac. Read More

April 05, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The inaugural Great Lakes Seaway Partnership Photo Contest opened to entries on March 28. Harness the power of photography and share your stunning photos of vessels across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System. Gather your best photos of vessels and join the competition, which can put a little extra cash in your pocket. 

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The contest ends when the St. Lawrence Seaway closes for the 2018 Great Lakes Navigation Season. Winners’ names will be available online at www.greatlakesseaway.org after Jan. 1, 2019.

Learn the full contest rules here: http://greatlakesseaway.org/the-great-lakes-seaway-partnership-2018-photo-contest/

April 05, 2018

BRIMLEY — The Brimley High School Music Appreciation class is holding their 2nd Annual "Brimley's Got Talent" show. Performances will showcase a number of Brimley students in grades 6-12, with 1st- 3rd place winners being chosen by a panel of judges. The evening show will be on Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Middle School Gym. Cost is $5- all proceeds go toward the growing music program at Brimley Area Schools. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

April 05, 2018

CHEBOYGAN — The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow in Cheboygan County is seeking volunteers to join in its effort, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement and Fisheries Divisions, to help protect lake sturgeon from illegal harvest during the annual spawning run.

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Every spring, mature lake sturgeon, a fish species that is threatened in Michigan and rare throughout the United States, become vulnerable to poaching as they briefly leave Black Lake for spawning sites upstream in the Black River. Read More

April 03, 2018

ST. IGNACE — On April 3, American Transmission Co. shut down two submarine cables in the Straits of Mackinac that electrically connect the Upper Peninsula to lower Michigan as the result of yet-undetermined damage.

The cables tripped offline about 30 seconds apart Sunday evening, April 1. A patrol of the overhead elements of the system between Point Lebarbe in St. Ignace and the McGulpin Riser Station in Mackinac City showed no damage. The submarine cables, which contain a mineral-based fluid for insulation, were monitored overnight and subsequently determined to be leaking. At least 405 gallons of mineral dielectric compound was released into the Straits. READ MORE

April 02, 2018

MARQUETTE — Father Frank M. Lenz, a senior (retired) priest of the Diocese of Marquette, has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. This action was taken as the result of a recently-made credible allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor dating back to the 1970s. Lenz has denied the allegation.

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In accord with diocesan policy, the allegation has been reported to the Marquette County Prosecutor. Read More

March 29, 2018

LANSING — Thinking about quitting tobacco? The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is expanding its telephone coaching and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) program to all Michigan residents through May 31.

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During this time, the Michigan Tobacco Quitline will offer a free, two-week supply of nicotine gum, patches or lozenges for all new enrollees who want to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco users who would like to quit may call the Quitline phone number at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). Enrollment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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The Quitline serves all ages, however, callers seeking NRT must be over 18 and meet basic health requirements. Enrollees will receive a coach who will assist them in setting a quit date, choosing a nicotine replacement product that is right for them and making an individualized quit plan. The coach will provide support with up to four telephone coaching sessions scheduled around the caller's quit date.

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"Callers using NRT along with coaching, such as through a telephone-based service like 800-QUIT-NOW, can increase their chances of becoming smoke-free by five times the rate of someone quitting cold turkey," said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Providing access to free NRT during this promotion might just be the jump start someone needs to quitting smoking tobacco for good.”

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The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is an evidence-based service providing free telephone coaching for the uninsured, pregnant women, residents enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, veterans, cancer patients and American Indians. More than 100,000 calls have been received since the service was launched in October 2003. 

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For more information about the Quitline, call 800-QUIT-NOW or visit Michigan.gov/tobacco.

March 28, 2018

Soo Film Festival marks year five in 2018. The festival is once again headquartered in downtown Sault Ste. Marie,  with films screening Sept. 12 to 16 at the historic Soo Theatre and Bayliss Public Library, a Superior District Library.

The festival has issued an open call for entries beginning April 3. Documentary and all genres of fiction, feature and shorts, will be accepted online exclusively through FilmFreeway. The festival committee has set a no-fee early bird deadline of May 11. The regular deadline is June 22 and requires a $10 entry fee. Late entries must be submitted by July 9 with an entry fee of $15. The selected films will be announced the first week of August. Filmmakers will find complete details on the Submit a Film section of the festival’s website, soofilmfestival.org.

“This is our fifth year and it feels like we're just getting started. We are looking forward to seeing more of the fantastic talent from the Great Lakes and around the world and will enjoy in showing it off in September," said Jason Markstrom, festival president.

Soo Film Festival 2018 is open to filmmakers worldwide but will continue to emphasize and showcase work from the Great Lakes region.

The 2018 Soo Film Festival organizing committee membership consists of Jason Markstrom, Allison Youngs, Mark Dobias, Pat Egan, and Susan James.

Soo Film Festival, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and host film and allied arts festivals in the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Soo Film Festival, Inc. seeks to showcase the work of independent and emerging filmmakers, especially from the Great Lakes of North America. 

March 27, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently issued $500,000 in grants to 25 local health departments to help combat Michigan’s hepatitis A outbreak.

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Local health departments were issued $20,000 each to increase vaccination outreach to high-risk populations. Chippewa County Health Dept. was one of those entities selected for the grant. 

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Those with a history of injection and non-injection drug use, homelessness or transient housing, incarceration and men who have sex with men are thought to be at greater risk of contracting the disease.   

“This has been the largest person-to-person hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan’s history, with more than 780 cases,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Increasing vaccination outreach to high-risk populations across the state is essential to stopping the spread of hepatitis A in Michigan.”

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The funding is part of a $7.1 million appropriation approved by the Legislature in late 2017 to address the hepatitis A outbreak. It can be used for staffing to conduct educational and vaccination outreach efforts. Twenty health departments that are part of the outbreak jurisdiction have already been awarded $2.5 million. This latest round of grants covers the remainder of the state’s local health departments. To be considered part of the outbreak jurisdiction a county must have two or more cases of hepatitis A related to the outbreak strain. The 25 health departments receiving this most recent round of funding are not currently part of the outbreak jurisdiction.

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Hepatitis A is a serious, highly contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A and spread by eating contaminated food or water, during sex or by living with an infected person.

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Hepatitis A symptoms can include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Belly pain

• Feeling tired

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes

• Dark urine

• Pale-colored feces (poop)

• Joint pain

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Getting vaccinated, practicing good hand washing and avoiding sex with infected partners are ways to prevent getting infected. The hepatitis A vaccine is available at local pharmacies, through healthcare providers and at local health departments.

March 23, 2018

DETROIT – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announces the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, will open Sunday, March 25, marking the beginning of the 2018 Great Lakes shipping season.

"Although, we have yet to know which ship will be the first through the locks this year, several ships are scheduled to leave their lay-up ports Friday, so we expect a very busy opening day," said Kevin Sprague, area engineer, Soo Area Office. "People can check the district Facebook page for first boat photos and updates through the weekend."

"The Soo Locks are a critical connection in the Great Lakes navigation system and we are dedicated to their reliability," said Lt. Col. Dennis P. Sugrue, district engineer, Detroit District. "Thanks to our talented team at the Soo Locks. We have completed several critical maintenance projects this winter. We are ready for another great navigation season on the Great Lakes."

The locks were officially closed on Jan. 15 and underwent critical repairs and maintenance during the 10 week long winter shutdown. Critical repairs and maintenance to the Poe Lock during the shutdown included replacement of gate anchors, miter blocks, quoin blocks, and cylinder seals. Final work on Poe Lock operating system controls was completed. The MacArthur Lock dewatering bulkheads were sandblasted, repaired and painted. Work on the MacArthur Lock included replacement of gate anchors, bevel gears and filling valve seals. The MacArthur Lock work will continue through April.

March 22, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — A local bus driver has been charged with lying to police.

On Feb. 19 the Michigan State Police investigated a report that an Ojibwe Charter School bus had bullet holes in it.  The driver of the bus, Thomas Bontrager, 40, of Cedarville, reported that the bus was damaged by gun fire while traveling from Brimley to Cedarville on M-129 near 20 Mile Road north of Pickford in Chippewa County.  As a result of the report, Pickford Schools placed themselves on temporary lockdown. 

An extensive investigation by troopers from the MSP Sault Ste. Marie Post and officers from Bay Mills Law Enforcement has revealed that the damage to the bus did not occur while the bus was traveling near Pickford, and may have occurred while the bus was parked at the Ojibwe Charter School in Brimley.

Further investigation by the MSP resulted in the bus driver, Thomas Bontrager, being charged with False Report of a Felony, and Lying to a Peace Officer.  Bontrager turned himself in to police and was arraigned before the presiding district court judge in Chippewa County on Tuesday, March 20.

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Bontrager has been placed on administrative leave from OCS at this time. 

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March 21, 2018

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SAULT STE. MARIE – United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula has announced their Executive Director, Suzanne Prell, is stepping down from the position. She will be returning to her hometown of Muskegon to care for family matters.

“We’re very sorry to see Suzanne leave. She has done a great job," said United Way of the EUP Board President Greg Rathje. "The entire Board understands why Suzanne wants to focus on her family, and we wish her the very best. The Board is committed to a smooth transition and search for a new director.”

Prell has been the Executive Director since August 2016. Under her management, the organization reached their fundraising goal of $300,000. This was the first year since 2010 that they made goal. During her term, the organization was awarded a multi-year federal grant to recruit retired, senior volunteers age 55 years and older (RSVP). These volunteers are placed in two impact areas of Education. Reading Buddies are volunteers that read to the Head Start 3 to 5-year old children. Youth Mentors are placed working with The Boys and Girls Club at Malcom High School, Brimley, Bay Mills, and Newberry sites.

Board President Rathje said he is confident the current staff will operate the organization efficiently during the changeover. The Board of Directors will immediately begin their search for a new director.

March 21, 2018

LANSING — State Sen. Wayne Schmidt will hold coffee hours with constituents throughout the 37th Senate District during the month of April.

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 April coffee hours are as follows:

• Tuesday, April 3, noon  to 1 p.m. at Les Cheneaux Distillers, 172 S. Meridian St., Cedarville

• Tuesday, April 3, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Studebaker’s Restaurant and Lounge, 3583 I-75 Business Spur, Sault Ste. Marie

• Tuesday, April 3, 5 to 6 p.m. at Timber Charlie’s, 110 Newberry Ave., Newberry

March 20, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — U.S. and Canadian icebreaking vessels will begin the break out of the upper St Marys River and Whitefish Bay on Wednesday, March 21. 

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On Wednesday, Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley, Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, and Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay will pass through the Poe Lock. The three icebreakers will depart the Coast Guard base in the morning, stop to disembark passengers at the South West Pier, and then proceed to the western ice edge. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw will begin laying down tracks along charted shipping routes. The other two vessels will travel west to conduct ice breaking in Thunder Bay, Ontario and Marquette, Mich. All of this work is done in preparation for the March 25 opening of the Soo Locks; the official start of the 2018 commercial navigation season.

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All snowmobile, all terrain vehicle (ATV) operators, ice fishermen, and other recreational users of the ice should recognize the instability of the ice, plan their activities carefully, and use caution near the ice, especially in proximity to charted navigation areas.

March 20, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Olive Craig Gallery in Alberta House Arts Center has always had an Annual Juried Exhibition but, in a bow to the Sault’s 350th Anniversary Celebration, the show will be different this year.  The gallery is looking for work that considers “the past, present or future of the Eastern Upper Peninsula." 

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This show is non-juried and open to all.  All that is required is that the work be original and the artist’s own—not a reproduction or from a pattern or kit.  Prints must be hand pulled.  All work must be ready to hang or display.

Artists may submit up to two works in any medium, for a $10 fee.  Work doesn’t have to be for sale, but if it is, the gallery will take a 30 percent commission.  There will be, as usual, multiple awards.

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Important dates are:  

• May 29 to 31:  Work may be dropped off at Alberta House between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Shipped work must arrive by 4 p.m. on May 31.

• June 1:  Exhibit Opens

• June 9:  Reception and awards ceremony.  7 to 9 p.m.

• June 30:  Exhibit closes at 4 p.m.

• July 3 to 14:  Pick up work at Alberta House.      

Applications may be downloaded from the Sault Area Arts Council  website  www.saultareaartscouncil.org

March 19, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation.  The Young Eagles program has flown over 2 million kids with the help of Experimental Aircraft Association’s  network of volunteer pilots and ground volunteers. 

Young Eagles can join the ranks on Saturday, June 9 at Sanderson Field from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The Young Eagles program, founded in 1992, has supported giving youth ages 8 to 17 their first free ride in an airplane. 

If you would like to learn more about the Young Eagles please visit www.youngeagles.org.  Contact Sanderson Field directly to sign up today at 906-635-0252.   This event will take place at Sanderson Field at 2144 Meridian Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI  49783.  Open to the twin saults and surrounding community.

To stay in touch with what is going on at the airport make sure to follow the Economic Development Corporation’s Facebook page @SSMEDC.  Future events include Movie in a Hangar, which will be Disney Rescue & Fire this year, to be held on Sept. 28.

March 16, 2018

UPPER PENINSULA — Employers and job seekers will soon have an opportunity to meet at three community job fairs during the months of March and April. 

Job seekers will be able to apply for a variety of year-round and seasonal jobs in one convenient location, while employers can save time and money by contacting prospective workers in just a few short hours.  Job seekers of all ages are encouraged to attend and to come dressed appropriately as if they were going to an interview.  These events are free to both employers and job seekers. Read More

March 16, 2018

By CASEY HULL/Capital News Service

LANSING — A proposal to increase the cost of putting waste into landfills would produce an estimated $79 million annually for environmental initiatives.

The proposal was presented by Gov. Rick Snyder in late January and is pending in the House Environmental Committee.

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Part of the proposal would allocate $15 million to support community recycling efforts. That would include $8 million for local recycling grants, $5 million for planning grants and $2 million for market development.

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Michigan has one of the lowest recycling rates in the nation at 14 percent and throws away $368 million in reusable materials annually, according to a Department of Environmental Quality study. A recycling rate is the percentage of total waste that’s recycled rather than thrown away. Read More

March 14, 2018

ST. IGNACE — Cedar Ridge Assisted Living Facility was given an order to shut down immediately on March 12, with state investigators citing multiple violations dating back to 2014. 

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The most recent infractions are severe, from not having enough staff to operate the facility as required to not having enough nutritional food. One resident was even found wandering downtown by the police and taken to the hospital for hypothermia and frostbite treatment. 

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In a 48 page document, the state goes through each violation at length. Some days only two staffers were on hand, working 12-hour shifts to deal with 33 residents. The fire alarm was also not working, and a maintenance man was being utilized to provide resident care when the building was short-staffed. 

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The order left residents struggling to find a place to go, as the building was to be vacated immediately. 

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Officials from Cedar Ridge have 5 business days from the date of the order, March 12, to appeal. 

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The full case against the facility can be read here. 

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March 13, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — Are you a woman interested in a career in law enforcement? The Michigan State Police will be he holding a recruiting seminar at Lake Superior State University on April 7 from 10 a.m to noon in the LSSU Library, Room 278.

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This free seminar will explain the variety of career opportunities for women in law enforcement. Female troopers, supervisors and command officers will provide insight and answer questions on recruit training, the lifestyle of a trooper and positions available.

The minimum requirements for consideration of employment are as follows:

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, of good moral character and have no felony convictions.

• You must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident at the time of appointment to the academy.

• Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED.

• A good driving record and stable credit history is required.

The starting salary at the beginning of recruit school is $45,000 annually with a $7,800 raise upon completion of one year.

To attend the seminar please RSVP Tpr. Marjorie Phillips at 313-790-0346 or email at phillipsm7@michigan.gov.   

March 09, 2018

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are being reminded  to "spring forward" safely when daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11. Motorists should be aware that sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning.

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"Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving."

March 09, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — On the evening of Thursday, March 8, Michigan State Police responded to the site of an automobile accident near 5 1/2 mile Road in Soo Township. Preliminary reports indicate that Joe Bowen, 20, of Brimley, crossed the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by Mark McLeod, 36, of Sault Ste. Marie. 

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Both drivers were transported to War Memorial Hospital, where Bowen succumbed to his injuries. McLeod sought treatment for his injuries and is expected to be okay. 

MSP is continuing to investigate the accident at this time.  

March 07, 2018

PETOSKEY — Due to multiple violations of Michigan’s Occupational Code and the Prepaid Funeral and Cemetery Sales Act and an imminent threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has summarily suspended the mortuary science establishment license of Charles G. Parks Funeral Home in Petoskey,  the individual mortuary science license of owner Charles Guy Parks, Jr., and the prepaid funeral and cemetery sales registration of the funeral home.

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Orders of summary suspension, due to deplorable conditions, were issued by LARA’s Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing bureau. Read More

March 06, 2018

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — Been ice fishing this winter? Don't forget the deadlines to remove your shanty. For all Upper Peninsula counties, ice shanties must be removed by midnight Saturday, March 31. On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, ice shanties must be removed by midnight Thursday, March 15.

Following the mandatory removal dates, ice shanties still may be used but must be removed daily from the ice.

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Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines of $100 to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for an amount of up to three times the cost of removal.

March 06, 2018

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers throughout the state to assist with its annual frog and toad survey, an effort that helps biologists monitor frog and toad abundance and distribution in the state.

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Declining populations of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest amphibians are disappearing due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and collection.    

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“In Michigan, over the past 20 years, we’ve noticed a decline in Fowler’s toads and mink frogs,” said Lori Sargent, the DNR’s frog and toad survey coordinator. “These are two species that have a limited range in Michigan, unlike most of the other species that occur statewide.”

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Michigan’s is the second-longest-running such survey in the country, after Wisconsin’s. 

“We have collected a large, valuable data set to help us evaluate Michigan’s frog and toad populations,” said Sargent. “We’re now able to watch trends and consider how to slow down some of the species’ declines.”

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The surveys are conducted by volunteer observers along a statewide system of permanent survey routes, each consisting of 10 wetland sites. These sites are visited three times during spring, when frogs and toads are actively breeding.

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Observers listen for calling frogs and toads at each site, identify the species present and make an estimate of abundance.

Sargent said new volunteers are needed in all parts of the state, and that the program's continued success is dependent on strong volunteer support.

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Those interested in volunteering should contact Lori Sargent at 517-284-6216 or SargentL@michigan.gov.   

More information on the frog and toad survey and other projects supported by the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund is available at www.michigan.gov/wildlife.

March 02, 2018

By Cullen Maksimowski/LSSULakers.com

SAULT STE. MARIE —Lake Superior State University has announced the signing of hockey coach Damon Whitten to a four-year contract extension commencing at the end of the current academic year.

Whitten, who was named the 10th head coach in program history April, 2014, is highly respected among his collegiate hockey coaching peers and has developed a reputation as an enthusiastic, tireless worker both on and off the ice. Read More

March 02, 2018

MT. PLEASANT — Central Michigan University police confirm two individuals were fatally shot at Campbell Hall on campus this morning. The deceased are not students and police believe the situation started from a domestic situation.

There are no additional injuries; suspect is still at large as of 10:47 a.m. The person of interest is James Eric Davis, Jr. He is a black male, approximately 19 years of age, 5'10" and 135 lbs. Those planning to come to campus today to pick up students for spring break should stay off campus until further notice. Please go to the Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mission St. University staff will be on site to support the families.

CMU police are working closely with local and state police.

March 01, 2018

As seasons begin to change from winter to spring, residents are being reminded of the need to recognize that dangerous ice conditions will prevail across the state. State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer is urging Michiganders to stay off the ice. 

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“Thawing ice conditions on Michigan’s lakes, rivers and ponds are dangerous and will become unpredictable as temperatures rise,” said Sehlmeyer. “Late winter ice many times leads to dangerous situations that could end in tragedy.”

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Sehlmeyer shared that first responders statewide have responded to numerous calls for adults, children and pets that fall through the changing ice conditions during the late winter and early spring. People need to realize that their risk increases when using makeshift bridges to get onto ice or cross a crack in the ice to get further out onto a lake or river.

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“We ask parents and pet owners to keep children and pets off the ice as the melt begins,” Sehlmeyer said. “Always call 9-1-1 to report individual(s) and pets in the water needing to be rescued. Nearly 85 percent of ice rescue emergency 9-1-1 calls are a result of individual(s) or pet owners trying to save a pet who fell through the ice.”

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If you should fall into near-freezing water and begin to gasp for air and hyperventilate, don't thrash. Rather, remember the 1-10-1 principle according to University of Manitoba professor Gordon Giesbrecht. In the first minute get control of your breathing. The next 10 minutes is your window of meaningful movement to escape. You will have up to one hour to escape or be rescued before you become unconscious. 

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Take that first minute in the water to slow your breathing. Look around and determine where the ice is the thickest. Usually, you’ll want to turn to and face the way you came from. In that direction, the ice had been strong enough to hold you (until it wasn't). Stretch your arms atop the ice surface. Flutter-kick your feet until your body is horizontal, like a swimmer kicks. Kick harder, using your hands and arms to pull yourself onto the ice. Roll away from the hole, and then crawl until you can safely stand.

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According to Sehlmeyer, you simply cannot judge or guess, ice thickness and safety, especially in late winter and early spring. Watch out for thin ice conditions that can hide cracks and weak spots such as: slushy ice; any ice with water on it; and snow-covered ice. Ice that has thawed and re-frozen is weaker and will appear milky. As the snow melt increases, ice will become thinner and more dangerous, and may melt faster due to an increase in water flow and stronger currents as lakes and rivers rise.

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“If you do see an emergency on the ice or near bodies of water, always call 9-1-1 first. First responders are trained and equipped for ice and water rescues, including the rescue of pets,” said Sehlmeyer. “We want to remind the public how dangerous thawing bodies of water can be as ice melts.”

February 28, 2018

LANSING — State Sen. Wayne Schmidt will hold coffee hours with constituents throughout the 37th Senate District during the month of March.

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 March 16 coffee hours are as follows:

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• 1  to 2 p.m. at Zellar’s Village Inn, 7552 State Highway M-123 in Newberry

• 4 to 5 p.m. at Clyde’s Diner, 5324 W. M-80 in Kincheloe

February 28, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa Theater Guild of Sault Ste. Marie will present a live theatrical performance of the classic book “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” written by C. S. Lewis, adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, and directed by Kirk Mauldin.  Performance dates and times are March 9 and10 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 at 2 p.m. 

All of your favorite characters from the classic story are featured by the local talents of David Weber as Peter, Faith Nayback as Susan, Rowan Mauldin as Edmund, and Anna Cole as Lucy.  Also performing are Tom Cash as Aslan, Melissa Pianosi portraying the White Witch, Michael Hangerman playing Mr. Tumnus, Gerry Boire and Caitlyn Scornaiencki as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and many other characters you know and love from the classic book and movie.  Rounding out the cast are Ariana Atkinson, Eric Fleming, Charles Malette, Daniel Jenkins, Kai Jenkins, Sophie Swedene, Lesky Smith, Isabella Stratton, Danielle Forsythe and Ella Cole.

Performances are located at The Dream Makers Theater at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie.  Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for students/children.  Tickets are available for sale online and in person at the Kewadin Casino box office. You may also be purchase at the door.  Please check the Chippewa Theater Guild Facebook page for further information.

February 27, 2018

RUDYARD —The Rudyard Pool Committee will be holding a Cardboard Battleship event on Saturday, March 3 at the Rudyard High Schools Larry G. Davis swimming pool.  Teams will begin construction at 10 a.m. in the high school gymnasium with the only construction materials allowed being cardboard and duct tape.  At 12:30 p.m. the battleships will then be transferred to the swimming pool where three members of each team will battle other teams with the last team floating to be declared the winners.   The entry fee is $20 per team with the winning team receiving all the money that is put in their voting bucket by individuals voting on the best battleship construction.   All funds donated to teams, other than the winning team, will go to the Rudyard Pool Committee for upkeep of the Rudyard swimming pool.  

February 23, 2018

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Candidates must attend training in Roscommon or Escanaba

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking instructors for its off-road vehicle safety education program. This volunteer opportunity allows ORV enthusiasts to pass along their love and knowledge of the sport to new riders, while teaching them safe and responsible ORV operating skills for an enjoyable riding experience. Read More

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February 23, 2018

The following statement was submitted on behalf of Bay Mills Health Center:

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BAY MILLS - On behalf of Bay Mills Health Center and Dr. David Runyan, we want to clear up the confusion about one of our mental health care providers - Dr. David Runyan.

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Dr. David Runyan is NOT the teacher who was recently accused of misconduct at Brimley High School. We realize both men share the same name and same spelling, but psychologist Dr. David Runyan at Bay Mills Health Center, is a different individual and has no relation to the former Brimley High School teacher.

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Dr. Runyan has done a lot of work to become the great psychologist he is and is a valued employee of Bay Mills Health Center. We do not want this image of him skewed in any way because of this confusion.

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The situation is very sensitive, but we want to make sure that the information is accurate and correct. All Bay Mills Health Center employees undergo extensive screenings to become and stay employed with us. Each employee goes through federal and state background checks, drug tests, credentialing, and are screened monthly through exclusion lists. We take many measures to make sure we are employing top professionals - like Dr. David Runyan.

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We appreciate your understanding and hope this clears up any confusion. We also ask that you respect Dr. Runyan, and refrain from directing comments to him regarding recent events at Brimley Schools - they are different people. If you have any comments or questions, please direct them to Audrey Breakie, HHS director or Abby Kaunisto, clinic coordinator. We would also appreciate if you hear differently to also have them call or talk to either one.

February 22, 2018

BRIMLEY — On Feb. 19 at approximately 3 p.m. the Michigan State Police responded to investigate a report that an Ojibwe Charter School bus had bullet holes in it.  The driver of the bus, Thomas Bontranger, 40, of Cedarville, reported that the bus was damaged by gun fire while traveling from Brimley to Cedarville on M-129 near 20 Mile Road north of Pickford in Chippewa County at approximately 1 p.m.  The driver of the bus was the only occupant of the vehicle at that time. 

An extensive investigation by troopers from the MSP Sault Ste. Marie Post and officers from Bay Mills Law Enforcement over several days revealed that the damage to the bus did not occur while the bus was traveling near Pickford, and may have occurred while the bus was parked at the Ojibwe Charter School in Brimley over the weekend. It is also believed that there was no one on the bus when the damage occurred. 

Additional follow-up will be done by Bay Mills Law Enforcement to identify the suspect or suspects who damaged the Ojibwe Charter School bus.  Troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie Post were assisted by detective sergeants from the Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace posts and officers from Bay Mills Law Enforcement.   

February 21, 2018

RUDYARD —  The Rudyard Lions Club, in support of the Rudyard High School softball and baseball programs, is hosting a Texas Hold’em fixed limit cash game charity poker event on Saturday, March 10 from 6:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.  The Texas Hold’em poker games will be held at the Huck’s Pub and Grill located on Main Street in Rudyard.  The house will rake 10 percent of each pot, up to $5, and all proceeds from the night will go toward the funding of the softball-baseball teams and Rudyard Lions programs. 

Players may enter or exit the event at any time during the evening. 

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“Texas Hold'em nights bring together individuals who enjoy a friendly poker game and an enjoyable atmosphere,” said Gary Davis, Lions Club chairperson of the Rudyard Lions Texas Hold'em event. “The Rudyard Lions Club have been supporting the community since 1940, and this Texas Hold'em charity poker event is fun night for all involved." 

For more information about the Texas Hold’em night contact Steve Davis at 906-630-3747 or swdavis1@gmail.com.    

February 21, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — United Way is actively recruiting volunteers for the Citizen’s Review Panel. “This is the most interesting volunteer opportunity that we offer,” said Suzanne Prell, executive director. “We want our panel members to have a voice in how the local dollars raised are spent providing essential human services that address problems in our community.”

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This year's Citizen's Review Panels will take place on Tuesday, March 20, at the Big Bear Arena in Sault Ste. Marie. Residents from across Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties will gather to help decide how the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula will award grants from its 2017-2018 fundraising campaign.

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Local non-profit agencies seeking United Way funds will be given the opportunity to present to the Citizen Review Panel and address what services their program provides, how they will use the funds to further their mission and goals, and measurable outcomes.  Members of the review panel will then have the chance to ask questions of the agency representatives. After each presentation, review panel participants will use a scoresheet to compare the agency's request using a variety of benchmarks.

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The United Way's Strategic Planning Committee utilizes scores from Citizen's Review Panels, along with the Finance Committee’s scores to make the final determination of how much funding each requesting agency will receive.  For more information on how you can sign up to participate please contact United Way at 906-632-3700 ext. 2, email mackenzie@unitedwayeup.org, or sign up through our website by visiting www.unitedwayeup.org/volunteer. You must live in the EUP to participate.

February 20, 2018

BRIMLEY — The Brimley Area School Board removed Industrial Arts teacher David Runyan from his duties during the Feb. 19 school board meeting. Runyan was terminated for alleged misconduct that involved claims of inappropriate behavior, which included making sexually harassing statements to both students and fellow teachers. Read More

February 20, 2018

BAY MILLS — The closure of Brimley Area Schools due to weather activates the Inclement Weather Policy for Bay Mills Tribal Government Offices. Chairman Newland has noted tribal government offices will reopen at 10 a.m. 

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School closures for today include:

• Bay Mills Child Development Center - Closed
• Bay Mills Community College - Closed

• Cedarville Headstart - Closed

• DeTour Area Schools - Closed

• Joseph K Lumsden Bahweting - Closed

• Lake Superior Academy - Closed

• Ojibwe Charter School - Closed

• Pickford Public - Closed

• Rudyard Area - Closed
• Rudyard Christian School - Closed
• Sault Ste. Marie Area - Closed

• St. Ignace Area - Closed
• St. Ignace Tribal Headstart - Closed
• Tahquamenon Area - Closed
• Three Lakes Academy Curtis - Closed

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February 16, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized a 20-count complaint charging Jason Harry Bishop with 10 counts of Possession of Child Sexually Abusive Material and 10 counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. The complaint, issued on Nov. 21, 2017, noticed Bishop as a Fourth Offense Habitual Offender. Bishop was arraigned before the 91st District Court Magistrate Elizabeth Chambers on Friday afternoon, Feb. 16. He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, and is scheduled to appear for a Probable Cause hearing on March 1.

Bishop was apprehended on Feb. 15 by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations as he was formally deported from Canada into the U.S., via the Sault Ste. Marie Port of Entry. The arrest predicated upon the State’s child pornography charges; federal charges are pending.

February 16, 2018

By KATE HABREL/Capital News Service

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LANSING – In the “Thunderbird Strike” video game, the conflict is over oil pipelines crossing Great Lakes landscapes.

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Some petroleum industry advocates say that it encourages ecoterrorism. And that’s a serious claim – a federal offense.

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A quick synopsis: Players control a figure of Native American mythology on a flight from Canada’s large deposits of heavy crude oil to the Straits of Mackinac. They gather lightning from the clouds and use it to strike representations of oil and gas machinery or to resurrect animals.

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“I grew up with thunderbird stories being passed on to me,” said Elizabeth LaPensée, a Native American games developer and Michigan State University assistant professor in the Department of Media & Information. Read More

February 16, 2018

By MAXWELL EVANS/Capital News Service

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LANSING — Teacher salaries in Michigan dropped an average of $333 from 2011-12 to 2016-17,  except in the smallest school districts, according to data from the state Department of Education.

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Districts with enrollments below 500 paid teachers an average of $47,337 in 2016-17, an increase of nearly $2,500 over 2011-12.

For example, Hillman Community Schools in Montmorency County, a district with 437 students in 2016-17, saw average teacher pay rise 5 percent over the prior five years even as enrollment dipped by 14 percent.

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But local administrators say that trends in average salary figures are misleading in small districts.

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Since low-enrollment districts employ far fewer teachers, their average salaries are volatile, said DeTour Area Schools superintendent Angela Reed. Read More

February 15, 2018

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February 12, 2018

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — he Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to discuss hunter results from the most recent bear hunting season, West Nile virus in ruffed grouse, crossbows and a council resolution on the number of Upper Peninsula commissioners on the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, when the group meets Thursday in Newberry.

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Also anticipated are a report on chronic wasting disease, an update on wolves and cougars and election of officers.

“We have another information-packed agenda for our meeting this week in Newberry,” said Stacy Haughey, DNR Upper Peninsula regional coordinator. "There are several topics selected by the council members that will be of interest to people of the eastern U.P."

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The Eastern U.P. Citizens’ Advisory Council and its western U.P. counterpart meet alternating months throughout the year. A joint meeting, held once a year, is scheduled for March 22 in Marquette.

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The meeting will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 15 in the lower level conference room at the Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft Health Department, located at 14150 Hamilton Lake Road in Newberry.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

February 9, 2018

SAULT SAINTE MARIE — Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie reminds the public to stay away from active shipping lanes while partaking in recreational ice activities or using ice as a means of transportation.

Ice is unpredictable and dangerous, significantly ranging in thickness in even a small area.

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It is recommended to wear appropriate clothing and be physically capable of self-rescue in case of falling through while venturing out on the ice. It is also best practice to leave an ice plan with someone ashore and to not go out alone. 

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In accordance with 33 CFR 165.901, the captain of the port of Sault Ste Marie closed the waters between St. Ignace and Mackinac Island Jan. 10, 2018 at noon. The chart shows the regulated navigation area (green) that is closed to all mariner traffic. The black line depicts an active path that Coast Guard ice breakers transit to Coast Guard Station St. Ignace. The red line depicts an active shipping lane. The blue line depicts the approximate position of a route historically used as a tree lined snowmobile trail. Transiting the ice near shipping lanes or Coast Guard transit lanes is dangerous.

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The Coast Guard continues to encourage people to remember the acronym I.C.E; Information - including current weather conditions; Clothing - proper for the water temperature; Equipment - radios, life jackets and ice awls.

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February 9, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — Lindsey Andre Hatfield, 20, of Brimley, has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of John Henry Hanover, Jr.

The assault, which resulted in Hanover’s death, occurred on Aug. 19, 2017.

A jury of five convicted Hatfield on Feb. 8, after three hours of deliberation and two days of testimony.

Hatfield will be sentenced on March 29 at 8:30 a.m. The maximum penalty for involuntary manslaughter is 15 years in prison.

February 8, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — A full day of winter recreation is set for February 17th in Downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  This year the Downtown Development Authority combined the annual Outhouses Races and the Lockside Rail Jam to take winter to a whole new level downtown.

First on the docket for the day’s activities will be the annual Outhouse Races, near the Palace Saloon and 1668 Winery & Lockside Brewery, beginning at 2 p.m.  Teams from Lake Superior State University clubs along with local organizations compete by building unique outhouses bolted to skis.

Registered teams will have a chance to win a $300 first place prize, $200 second place prize, $100 third place prize, or $75 design prize. Outhouses must be at least 3'x3'x6' and have one person riding and four pushing/pulling. Sign-in location for teams will be on the corner of Ashmun and Portage in front of 1668 Winery (100 West Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie). The registration form and more information are available at www.downtownsault.org/outhouse.

In continuing with the day’s festivities, Bird’s Eye Outfitters will again present Kayak Pulls during the intermission portion of Outhouse Races around 3PM. Kayak Pull participants will compete for prizes in timed heat races with one person riding in a kayak while one person pulls. Kayaks will be provided onsite for teams of two to race.  Snowshoe racing will be an additional completion hosted by Bird’s Eye Outfitters. Follow the event link for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/182660529167425/.

Capping the day off will be the 2nd Annual Lockside Rail Jam beginning at 7 p.m.. Searchmont Resort and SAFA-The Searchmont Area Freestyle Alliance, have once again partnered with the Downtown Development Authority to bring a unique chance for snowboarders and skiers of all ages to show off their skills to compete for great prizes, including day passes to Seachmont Resort.  The event will be located on the northernmost block of Ashmun Street between Portage Avenue and Water Street near the Soo Locks, 1668 Winery & Lockside Brewery and Island Books and Crafts.  The event will also feature a live DJ and outdoor fire pits.

Participants must register prior to the start of the competition for a nominal fee of $15.  Please follow the included link for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/316022285469153/.

February 7, 2018

SAULT STE MARIE - January saw the changing of the guard at the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission, when a new executive committee was elected to the organization’s board of directors.

At its Jan. 24 meeting, four individuals were elected to lead EUPRPDC’s 18-member board, whose members represent the three-county area. 

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"I cannot thank our executive officers enough for their continued support and dedication, as well as the critical leadership they provide by volunteering their time serving on the Regional Planning Commission," said Jeff Hagan, CEO.

John Waltman, a member of the Luce County Commission, was elected board chair. He also serves on the UPWARD Talent Council Michigan Works! County Officials Board and is active in economic development initiatives in Luce County and throughout the region. The Waltmans have called Newberry home for over 30 years. 

Joe Dobrowolski was elected as the board’s vice chair. He is the president of Superior Fabrication LLC, a steel fabrication and manufacturing company located in Kincheloe at the Chippewa County Industrial Park.

Dick Timmer will continue to serve as board secretary, a post he occupied previously. Timmer is a resident of Whitefish Township and currently serves as the chairman of the Chippewa County Road Commission. The lifelong resident of the Upper Peninsula also runs Bay Mills Maple Products. 

Mackinac County’s Dean Reid is the board’s past chairman and will now serve as its treasurer. He is also the Chair of the Mackinac County Planning Commission and the Mackinac County Economic Alliance. The retired Michigan Department of Natural Resources forester is the current owner of DS Forestry Services Company.

“On behalf of the entire board of directors and the staff, we extend our hearty thanks to those stepping off the executive committee after completing their service,” said Hagan. Colleen Duflo previously served as Vice Chair and Don McLean served as treasurer. Both will continue to serve on the board.

The EUP Regional Planning & Development Commission is a State of Michigan designated Planning and Development Region, and is governed by a Board of 18 representatives from various interest groups from across the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

For more information on the Commission, go to www.eup-planning.org.

February 6, 2018

As the state of Michigan enters the second week of individual income tax season, the Michigan Department of Treasury reminds taxpayers who filed a 2017 state return to check the status of their refund online by going to www.michigan.gov/wheresmyrefund.

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Individuals who e-filed can check their refund status two weeks from the date confirmation was received that the state return was accepted. The status of paper-filed tax returns can be viewed from six to eight weeks after postmarking.

The most up-to-date information about a taxpayer’s refund is on the “Where’s My Refund?” website. Taxpayers interested in learning the status of their refund are encouraged to use the website.  

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“Michigan taxpayers look forward to receiving their refunds during the income tax season,” said Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, head of Treasury’s Tax Administration Group. “Whether a return was e-filed or sent through the mail, taxpayers can go to this website to check the status of their refund.” 

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More than 5 million individual income tax returns are processed annually, with more than 4.1 million returns being e-filed.

Last year, approximately 3.7 million returns provided nearly $2 billion in refunds. More than two-thirds of the refunds issued were directly deposited into a taxpayer’s bank account.

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To ensure taxpayer privacy and security, the following information is required when checking the status of a refund at www.michigan.gov/wheresmyrefund:

• Social Security Number

• Tax Year

• Filing Status

• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or Total Household Resources (THR)

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Individuals can find their AGI on line 10 of the MI-1040. Total Household Resources are found on line 33 on the MI-1040CR or line 34 on the MI-1040CR-7.

February 2, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa County Sheriff's Dept. issued the following news release regarding two accidents on Feb. 1. One accident, involving a snowmobile, took the life of a downstate individual. Read More

February 2, 2018

By COLTON WOOD/Capital News Service

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LANSING — The flu season is in full effect, and this year it’s reaching more of the population than usual.

According to the state Department of Health and Human Services, 45,521 patients have been treated for influenza over the last four weeks.

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“In Michigan, we are seeing a lot more cases, hearing about a lot more cases of the flu through our surveillance systems,” said Lynn Sutfin, a department press officer.

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“It’s not unusual that the season starts to revamp after the holidays — people come back to work, come back to school. They’re getting into these congregate settings where there’s a bunch of people in one area, so that’s how that spreads,” Sutfin said. Read More

February 2, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The E.U.P. Community Dispute Resolution Center is looking for locals to volunteer as mediators. Mediation is a voluntary process where two or more parties involved in a dispute use a neutral mediator to assist with looking for a resolution. Mediators do not give legal advice or make decisions for parties in a dispute. Mediators require good communication skills, the ability to remain neutral, and a commitment to a collaborative approach to resolving conflict/disputes. The process is an alternative to the court system.

Volunteers must complete a 40-hour mediator training course that meets the standards set by the Michigan Supreme Court. For more information, please contact the E.U.P. Community Dispute Resolution Center at 906-253-9840, email the executive director at director@eupmediate.org or visit our website at www.eupmediate.org. The EUPDCRC serves Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties.

January 31, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — At approximately 11:45 a.m. today the Michigan State Police responded to a traffic crash on Mackinac Trail near 11 Mile Road in Chippewa County.  A passenger vehicle was traveling southbound when it collided with a commercial vehicle pulling a snowmobile trailer traveling northbound on Mackinac Trail.  The passenger vehicle and the commercial vehicle came to rest on the shoulder of the northbound lane of Mackinac Trail. Two additional vehicles traveling southbound and northbound respectively were unable to stop and collided with each other in the roadway near the original crash site.    

The driver of the southbound passenger vehicle, Donald Cook, 69, and his passenger, Janet Cook, 69, both of Kincheloe, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the commercial vehicle, Daniel Brady, sustained minor injuries.  The drivers of the other two vehicles, Larry Tasker Jr. and Emily Stork, were not injured in this crash. 

Mackinac Trail was closed for approximately three hours to allow for a complete investigation of the traffic crash.  It was re-opened to vehicular traffic at approximately 2:30 p.m.    

The accident remains under investigation.  Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor at this time.  Troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie Post were assisted on scene by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Border Patrol, MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, and Kinross and Dafter Township EMS.

January 30, 2018

BRIMLEY — Tour the hatchery and learn about lake trout this weekend as Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery hosts their open house from 10 am. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. Read More

January 30, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State University will host Sean Conway, director of advanced engineering at American Axle & Manufacturing, as the next speaker in its “BE Inspired” series. Conway's talk – Engineering Tomorrow's Automobile - is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, in room 204 of the Crawford Hall of Science. The talk is free and open to the public.

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), Inc., headquartered in Detroit, Mich., is a leading manufacturer of automobile driveline and drive train components and systems. Conway has been with AAM since Sept. 2015, starting as director of worldwide business development strategies for electrification systems.

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Conway currently heads up a global engineering team of scientists, engineers and technicians that develop technologies to meet market demands for the company's power train and driveline product lines. Working out of the AAM Advanced Development Technology Center in Detroit, his team invents, develops proof-of-concepts, prototypes, tests, and then creates demonstration vehicles to showcase advanced technologies.

Some of these vehicles will be parked outside Crawford Hall the afternoon leading up to Conway's evening lecture.

Conway brings to AAM more than 25 years of experience in automotive engineering, marketing, business development, manufacturing, and marketing, including an 18-year career at Fiat Chrysler.

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He holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and master of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

The public is welcome to attend the talk, as well as a reception a half-hour before the program. Admission is free.

LSSU’s “BE Inspired” speaker series is sponsored by the LSSU Schools of Business and Engineering & Technology. For more information on the “BE Inspired” speaker series call 906-635-2426.

January 29, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority established a phone line dedicated to providing Ferry delay updates.You can rely on this line for information regarding any expected ferry delays for Sugar Island, Neebish Island, or Drummond Island. The Coast Guard communicates directly with the ferry captains regarding transits of ships through the St. Mary's River.

“We listened to concerns from residents, regarding communication needs to those who may not have internet service or texting availability," said Pete Paramski, executive director, Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority.  "We believe this is a cost effective and user- friendly solution to informing the public regarding interruptions to EUPTA services.”

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The number to call for updates and delays is 906-632-1516. Press option 1 for Sugar Island, 2 for Drummond Island, 3 for Neebish Island and 4 for bussing.

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Information on updates, delays, and cancellation is also available at www.eupta.net, Sugar Island Ferry Facebook Page, and Drummond Island Ferry-EUPTA Facebook page.

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“Our hope is that by providing this service, communication will improve and more people will be prepared when there are cancellations or delays,” said Paramski.

January 26, 2018

ST. IGNACE — Currently the Mackinac Bridge is closed to all traffic due to falling ice from the cables and towers on the bridge.

Motorists are advised to reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour as they approach the bridge and be prepared to stop. Bridge personnel are stationed at both ends of the structure to provide instructions.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is monitoring the conditions at various points along the structure. When conditions improve, the bridge will be reopened to traffic. If you are planning to travel to the Straits area, please tune to AM 530 or 1610.

Mackinac Bridge currently closed due to ice falling from cables. There is no estimated time of reopening at this time.

January 26, 2018

LANSING — A quick look at what the Michigan Legislature has been up to recently:

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• Senate Bill 749, Increase child care income tax credit: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate

To establish that an individual is entitled to claim the same child care tax credit against Michigan income tax as the credit authorized by the 2017 federal tax reform law. This is a means-tested credit that is based on a percentage of child care expenses that are related to the taxpayer having a job (up to $6,000, or $3,000 if there is just one dependent). The credit would not be "refundable" (meaning the taxpayer would not get a check from the state for the amount the credit exceeded their income tax liability). Read More

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All licenses, ID cards accepted for all purposes until Oct. 1, 2020

January 26, 2018

LANSING — Secretary of State Ruth Johnson has announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially confirmed this week that Michigan fully complies with the federal REAL ID Act.

The state’s full compliance status means all Michigan driver’s licenses and ID cards will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2020, to board domestic flights, or enter federal buildings, nuclear plants or military bases.

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On Oct. 1, 2020, Michigan residents will need REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or ID cards or another accepted identification document to board flights or enter federal sites.

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People who do not apply for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card when they renew will receive a standard one with “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” printed on it. Having a noncompliant card does not affect a Michigan resident’s ability to vote, drive, purchase firearms, buy age-restricted items or apply for federal benefits.

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Learn more about the upcoming changes here.

January 25, 2018

SAULT STE. MARIE — Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the activities in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. From ice carvings to the winter farmer's market, there is something for everyone. View the map and activity calendar here.