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Bay Mills Primary Election candidates announced

Sept. 25, 2019

Soo Film Festival announces audience awards

Sept. 24, 2019

Budget proposal takes first step towards universal pre-K in Michigan

Sept. 22, 2019

LANSING — The Legislature’s proposed school aid budget could signal a shift toward funding universal preschool for all 4-year-old Michigan children.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made that a campaign promise. She proposed $85 million toward expanding that program in her budget. Read More

Michigan law makers push for moose hunt in national park

Sept 21, 2019

LANSING – Should Isle Royale National Park be opened to limited moose hunting?

Four lawmakers want the House to adopt a resolution urging the National Park Service “to establish a moose tag lottery hunt” to help control the island’s growing moose population. Read More

Soo Theatre Faculty & Friends Recital on Friday

Sept. 17, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — Attend and support the Soo Theatre faculty & friends as they perform some of their favorite pieces, as soloists, duos, trios, and more on Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. The scheduled performers are: Karen Beacom, Meg Boucher, Lisa Justin, Lola Kennedy, Betty Struble, Maggie Twining, and more! This is a wonderful way for our community and student body to support the theatre and their instructors.

This recital is family friendly and will include many popular hits, folk songs, light classical, and feature some interesting classical pieces intertwined with pop songs. Please bring the whole family, chat with Soo Theatre instructors, all while supporting a great cause. Admission is by donation for this event.

Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition announces 2020 Photo Contest

Sept. 16, 2019

The Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition’s annual photo contest is now open. UPEC invites photographers to share their best shots representing the beautiful UP, including photos from any season of the year. There are four categories:

1. Nature panoramas, wildlife, and landscapes

2. Humans engaged with the natural world

3. Close-ups of hidden or overlooked beauty

4. Wonderful fluid water

Photographers can be from anywhere, but the photos must be from the Upper Peninsula, with one submission per category per person.

Winners will be announced in each category in the winter 2019–2020 UPEC newsletter, and winning photos will be published there and in later newsletters. They also may be part of an on-line photo gallery and on display at the next Celebrate the UP!, scheduled for March 2020 in Houghton.

For complete contest rules and instructions on how to submit, write to UPEC at upec@upenvironment.org.

The contest deadline is Nov. 1.

Manufacturing Summit planned

Sept. 15, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation is currently preparing for its annual “Manufacturing Excellence Summit” which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 at Smithers Winter Testing Center in Raco, Michigan.

Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed with presentations given by speakers from within the field. These speakers include Sean Connolly, General Manager of Smithers Winter Test Area, Delaney McKinley, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Membership for the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Tammy Rutledge, Career Technical Education (CTE) Administrator for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD), and Kevin St. Onge, the EUPISD science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) director. This event is designed to bring manufacturers from all across the region together to celebrate the industry, learn about opportunities, share resources, and network.

Community to honor 9/11 at university ceremony

Sept. 9, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State University invites the community to come together and remember those who lost their lives on 9/11. The commemoration takes place on Wednesday, September 11th at 10 a.m. at Pleger Commons (located between the Administration and Brady Hall buildings).

“We stand united and reflect on the tragic events that took place eighteen years ago,” LSSU President, Dr. Rodney Hanley, stated. “On Patriot Day, we shall honor the memory of those who lost their lives, as well as the heroism displayed by first responders and citizens alike. We will never forget.”

The commemoration begins with a Coast Guard Honor Guard march. LSSU asks that all rise for the singing of the national anthem by Patricia Guild. The Coast Guard Honor Guard will then present the National Ensign and Coast Guard flag. After which, representatives from LSSU’s Student Government, Senior Management, and Staff will speak. The ceremony will conclude with a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

The entire event will last approximately thirty minutes. Parking is available in Visitors Lots D and K. LSSU asks you to RSVP on Facebook if you wish to join this event, and arrive prior to 10 a.m.

Flu shots available to veterans

Sept. 9, 2019

IRON MOUNTAIN – Flu vaccinations are now available for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Veterans may request the flu shot at their regularly scheduled VA appointments.

Veterans may also get vaccinated during free walk-in flu shot clinics at Sault Ste. Marie VA Clinic on Wednesdays Sept. 18, 25, and Oct. 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day. No appointment is necessary. The clinic is located at 509 Osborn Blvd, Suite 306.

“Some people are worried that getting the flu shot will give them the flu, but that is a myth since flu shots either contain inactivated flu viruses or no viruses at all,” said Ann Mattson, RN, Infection Control Nurse at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

Another misconception is that the flu shot prevents the stomach flu.

“The flu is a respiratory disease, not a stomach or intestinal ailment, therefore the flu shot is not going to prevent what many call the ‘stomach flu,’” added Mattson.

LSSU business students earn top ranking

Sept. 5, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — Students in Lake Superior State University’s Lukenda School of Business demonstrated the strength of the business programs by scoring in the top 10 percent in the nation on the 2019 Business Major Field Test.

"I’m proud of how well our business students performed in this competition," said Dr. Rodney Hanley, LSSU president. "Their knowledge, dedication, passion, and success is a testament to the quality of education offered at LSSU.”

Graduating seniors competed with thousands of students from nearly 500 business schools across the US. The tests are used to gauge students' knowledge of business.

LSSU scored at the 95th percentile or above in Accounting, Quantitative Business Analysis, Marketing, and Legal & Social Environment.

“Our business students go above and beyond what is expected inside and outside the classroom. They lead trainings for area businesses, help community members during tax season, and apply their knowledge in management, marketing and leadership projects,” said Dr. Kimberly Muller, Dean of the College of Innovation and Solutions. “Faculty in the Lukenda School of Business all have industry experience and are fully committed to using their industry knowledge to equip students for success.”

Community Development Mini-Grants open for application

Aug. 29, 2019

CHIPPEWA COUNTY -Implementation of Elevating the Eastern Upper Peninsula, the regional economic development strategy, continues in ways both large and small. The plan identifies placemaking efforts as vital to our continued economic growth, thus the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning & Development Commission (EUPRPDC) is supporting another round of the Community Development Mini-Grants.

This program is now open and accepting applications for projects which will enhance the sense of place in rural downtowns and communities.

Funding for this effort comes from Michigan’s Regional Prosperity Initiative. EUPRPDC has successfully applied for Regional Prosperity Initiative grants since 2014. These grants have been used to fund other EUPRPDC projects, including planning technical assistance, water trail development, broadband initiatives, and support for an Upper Peninsula Pure Michigan campaign.

The Community Development Mini-Grant program successfully aided communities throughout the region to achieve a more well-defined sense of place through park development, signage, and heritage preservation. Grants can range from $500 and $4,000. EUPRPDC hopes that this project will inspire applicants to invest in their community development; however, there is no minimum match amount for this grant.

County and municipal governments (city, village, and townships), downtown development authorities, economic development organizations, tribal governments, and non-profit community development organizations may apply. The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Applications should be creative. Projects such as pedestrian plazas and walkways, parklets or mini-parks, wayfinding signage, playground improvements, and murals and public art are all examples of common placemaking projects—though any project which implements placemaking principals is eligible for support.

This will be a competitive grant process, with each application scored against a pre-determined rubric by a panel comprised of EUPRPDC staff as well as representatives from Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac Counties. For application materials and examples of past funded projects, please visit: http://www.eup-planning.org/cdmgp

Bay Mills Community College offers new training program

Aug. 28, 2019

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Community College, through the Great Lakes Composites Institute, is offering individuals an opportunity to further their education outside of the traditional classroom.

BMCC will begin offering Pre-Apprenticeship Center of Excellence training, also known as PACE, this fall. The first module in the program is set to begin on Sept. 3, with registration open until Aug. 31. Courses will cover everything from ethics and safety to hands-on materials training.

PACE is a combination of a dozen two to three week modules that focus on skills needed in the manufacturing industry. According to GLCI Technical Director, Dr. Chris Griffen, students who participate and complete the certificate program will be able to walk into positions above entry-level in the manufacturing industry. Individuals who currently work in manufacturing are also encouraged to take the program.

Courses will be taught by Griffen, BMCC staff, and several industry leaders. While students will not earn traditional credits, once the modules are complete, they will receive a certificate of completion from BMCC.

The program is being offered free of charge. The only requirement for admission to PACE is a high school diploma or equivalent.

To learn more, or sign-up for the program, contact Elaine Lehre at 906-248-8422 or email elehre@bmcc.edu.

Spaghetti dinner benefit announced

Aug. 23, 2019

BRIMLEY — Benefit Spaghetti Dinner & Raffle on Monday Sept. 9, 2019 at the Brimley VFW on M-28 & Bound Rd. from 4 to 8 p.m. Pauline Rice, president of the Bay Mills-Brimley Historical Research Society, will be cooking an all-you-can-eat meat or meatless spaghetti dinner that includes salad, garlic bread, iced tea or lemonade, cake and coffee w/ cash bar available for beer and wine.

Proceeds will benefit the Brimley Wheels of History Train Museum restoration/maintenance projects. Tickets for the dinner or raffle can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Museum or by calling. Dinner tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for age 5-12, free for under 5. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each for a chance to win a 10' Kayak w/ paddle & life vest, or a framed Pat Norton lithograph watercolor of Pt Iroquois Lighthouse that is signed & numbered. Call Pauline Rice or George Goetz for advance tickets to be delivered 906-437-4349.

Read the August issue of Bay Mills News!

Sea lamprey control planned

Aug. 10, 2019

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel will apply lampricides to the Tahquamenon River, Ankodosh and Galloway creeks to kill sea lamprey larvae burrowed in the stream bottom. Applications will be conducted on or about Aug. 20 in accordance with State of Michigan permits. Applications will be complete in about seven days. Application dates are tentative and may be changed based upon local weather or stream conditions near the time of treatment.

Sea lamprey larvae live in certain Great Lakes tributaries and transform to parasitic adults that migrate to the Great Lakes and kill fish. Failure to kill the larvae in streams would result in significant damage to the Great Lakes fishery. Infested tributaries must be treated every three to five years with lampricides to control sea lamprey populations.

Lampricides are selectively toxic to sea lampreys, but a few fish, insect, and broadleaf plants are sensitive. Persons confining bait fish or other organisms in stream water are advised to use an alternate water so handling.

Agricultural irrigation must be suspended for 24 hours, during and following treatment.

Extensive preparations are required for a safe and effective stream treatment. Prior to treatment, personnel collect data on stream water chemistry and discharge. In addition, they may conduct on-site toxicitytests with lampricides and stream flow studies with dyes that cause stream water to appear red or green.

Lampricides are carefully metered into the stream for approximately 12 hours, and continually analyzed at predetermined sites to assure that proper concentrations are maintained as the lampricides are carried downstream. Applicators are trained and are certified by state regulatory agencies for aquatic applications of pesticides.

EUP Music Fest will benefit the United Way

Aug. 9, 2019

KINROSS – The Chippewa County Fair will host its 18th annual concert in support of United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula on Sunday, Sept. 1. This year’s EUP Music Fest will take place in the grandstand located on the fairgrounds, with a 7 p.m. start time. While the event itself is free to attend, Fair staff encourage donations be made to United Way to support the work they do across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. As United Way staff remind us, every dollar counts.

For those unfamiliar with the Fair’s annual event, the music fest is a family-oriented evening of Christian music and quality entertainment. Sponsored by Fernelius Hyundai & Edgerly’s Sewing Machines & Vacuums. This year both the First Church of Christ Praise Team, from Sault Ste. Marie and 4 One Men’s Quartet, from Reed City will entertain concert-goers throughout the evening.

It’s also a great way to catch up with United Way staff and learn about the different programs the organization supports in our community. David Brey, Deana Knauf, Barbara Reed and Raulaniesa Aranda will be on hand to talk about the different aspects of United Way, its volunteer programs and the support offered to various community projects and programming through annual grants.

For more information about United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, visit www.unitedwayeup.org, call 906-632-3700 or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @UnitedWayEUP.

Great Lakes region ruffed grouse hunters encouraged to submit birds for testing of West Nile Virus

Aug. 8, 2019

The ruffed grouse West Nile virus surveillance project will enter year two this fall. The collaborative study began in 2018, between Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study group.

The study is being conducted to learn more about West Nile virus (WNV) exposure and infection in ruffed grouse in the Great Lakes region. Recently, WNV has become a topic of interest due to a rise in ruffed grouse testing positive for the disease. A study in Pennsylvania recently reported that WNV may have contributed to population declines in areas of lower-quality habitat or where habitat was scarce. In 2017, WNV was identified in 12 ruffed grouse in Michigan. The virus was confirmed in one ruffed grouse in the early 2000s in Minnesota and detected in Wisconsin ruffed grouse in 2018. Read More

47th Annual Sault Summer Arts Festival is Tuesday, Aug. 6

Check out the exhibitors and photos of selected works!

Aug.1, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE— The festival, a juried exhibition and sale of fine arts and crafts that are exhibited by the artists themselves, is sponsored as a public service by the Sault Area Arts Council, based in Alberta House Arts Center. This year's festival will be held Tuesday, August 6, in the block of West Portage between Osborn and Ashmun, just east of the Soo Locks. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and admission is free of charge to the general public. Festival exhibitors will be competing for multiple awards.

The judge this year is the nationally known water media artist and workshop presenter Helga Flower.

For more information email: saac@saultarts.org

Task Force to meet in St. Ignace

July 31, 2019

The U.P. Energy Task Force, established by Executive Order 2019-14, will meet Aug. 5 at the Quality Inn, Bridge Conference Room, N561 Boulevard Drive, St. Ignace, Michigan, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. The meeting will be open to the public. The Task Force will schedule multiple listening sessions across the Upper Peninsula this fall specifically for the purpose of receiving public input.

To stay up to date on other EGLE News, follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment

CCHD Notice: Swimmer's itch advisory issued

July 31, 2019

BRIMLEY — The Chippewa County Health Department has issued an advisory, as of July 31, to recreational swimmers to be aware of possible infections with SWIMMER’S ITCH, which has been detected in people swimming in the surface waters of Lake Superior in areas near Waiska Bay and Bay Mills Point in Bay Mills Township, MI.

For more information, visit www.chippewahd.com.

AG Nessel pens op-ed on Line 5

Read the July issue of Bay Mills News

Growing green: marijuana presents water, air and energy challenges

Sheriff's Dept. seeks assistance

July 8, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance tracking a fugitive. Jeremy Ross Marjamaa had been arrested by the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office for:

- Meth related charges
- Forgery
- Uttering & Publishing

During his court proceedings the court allowed Marjamaa to be released on tether.

On Sunday, July 7 Marjamaa cut his tether and fled the area. It was reported that an older couple picked him up. It is unknown at this time if the couple knowingly assisted in his escape.

Marjamaa is from the West end of the Upper Peninsula and may be headed that way.

If you have any information please call 911, or report it anonymously on the Chippewa County Sheriff's APP.

Bay Mills Indian Community supports state lawsuit
June 27, 2019

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Indian Community was pleased to learn that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against Enbridge to decommission the Line 5 Pipeline.

The Line 5 Pipeline transports millions of gallons of oil along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac.

“Last year, we narrowly avoided catastrophe when a passing ship accidentally dropped its anchor on the pipeline. That event made clear what we have known all along: Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline poses an unacceptable risk to our tribal treaty rights, and to the millions of people who depend on the waters of the Great Lakes,” said BMIC Tribal Chairman Bryan Newland.

BMIC, along with other northern Michigan tribes, secured the right to fish throughout the upper Great Lakes, including the Mackinac Straits, under a treaty with the United States.   For the past four decades, the tribe has worked together with the State of Michigan to manage the Great Lakes fishery under a court-approved agreement. The Great Lakes themselves are central to tribal culture, the economy, and the tribe’s way of life.

Enbridge, known for the worst oil spill in Michigan’s history, and was nearly responsible for another disaster in last year’s anchor-strike incident. It has resisted efforts to provide information about the condition of its aging pipeline, and has tried to avoid accountability.

“Simply put, Enbridge has proven that it cannot be trusted to protect our shared resources,” said Newland. “BMIC is grateful that the Attorney General shares our view, and has filed this lawsuit to decommission the Line 5 Pipeline. We will continue to work to protect our waters, our treaty rights, and our way of life. And, we are happy to stand with Michigan’s Attorney General today as part of that work.”

Read the June issue of Bay Mills News

Area to be treated for sea lamprey

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Fisheries and Oceans Canada personnel will apply lampricides to Taylor Creek, a tributary to the Munuscong River (Chippewa and Mackinaw counties) to kill sea lamprey larvae burrowed in the stream bottom. Applications will be conducted on or about June 17, 2019 in accordance with State of Michigan permits. Applications will be complete in about eight days. Application dates are tentative and may be changed based upon local weather or stream conditions near the time of treatment.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency have reviewed human health and environmental safety data for lampricides, and in 2003 concluded that the lampricides (Lampricid and Bayluscide) pose no unreasonable risk to the general population and the environment when applied at concentrations necessary to control larval sea lampreys. However, as with any pesticide, the public is advised to use discretion and minimize unnecessary exposure. Lampricides are selectively toxic to sea lampreys, but a few fish, insect, andbroadleaf plants are sensitive. Persons confining bait fish or other organisms in stream water are advised to use an alternate water source because lampricides may cause mortality among aquatic organisms stressed by crowding and handling. Agricultural irrigation must be suspended for 24 hours, during and following treatment.

Extensive preparations are required for a safe and effective stream treatment. Prior to treatment, personnel collect data on stream water chemistry and discharge. In addition, they may conduct on-site toxicity tests with lampricides and stream flow studies with dyes that cause stream water to appearred or green.

The program is contracted through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Commission initiated chemical control of sea lampreys in 1958. Since that time the highly successful program has contributed significantly to themaintenance of the $7 billion Great Lakes sport and commercial fisheries.

The Commission is committed to delivering a sea lamprey control program that practices good environmental stewardship. To support the continued safe use of lampricides the Commission recently conducted a series of studies at a total cost of $6 million to assess the effects of the lampricides on human health and the environment. In addition to these studies the Commission has implemented a research program to develop alternative control techniques. The Commission also is developing a strategy to increase the number of barriers on lamprey-producing streams, and is conducting researchinto barrier design, traps, attractants, and biological controls.

For additional information in the U.S. call 1-800-472-9212 and in Canada call 1-800-553-9091. TTY users may reach the Marquette or Ludington Biological Stations through the Michigan State Relay Service at 1-800-649-3777.

VA launches new program for health services

Iron Mountain VA prepares to launch new VA health care options under MISSION Act

June 1, 2019

IRON MOUNTAIN — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will launch its new and improved community care program June 6, 2019, implementing portions of the VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (the MISSION Act), which both ends the Veterans Choice Program and establishes a new Veterans Community Care Program.

The MISSION Act will strengthen the nationwide VA Health Care System by empowering Veterans to have more options in their health care decisions. Read More