Growing green: marijuana presents water, air and energy challenges

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Read the June issue of Bay Mills News

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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.

 

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 withlampricides to control sea lamprey populations.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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VA launches new program for health services

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

June 1, 2019

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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

 

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Glenn Miller Orchestra to perform

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Read the May issue of Bay Mills News

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Bill to forgive snow days signed

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4206 to forgive four additional snow days that occurred while the state was under a state of emergency due to extreme cold temperatures during the 2018-2019 school year.   

 

“Our state continues to experience more erratic and extreme weather patterns every year, which affects our schools, economy and way of life,” Whitmer said. “This legislation will provide certainty to families and school districts who need to prepare for the end of the school year, but we need to get serious about tackling this problem in the future and ensuring that students receive a quality education.” 

 

Under current law, public schools may cancel up to six school days per year due to emergencies, such as snowfall or frigid temperatures, and may ask the Michigan Department of Education to forgive an additional three days. Many school districts across the state faced double-digit snow days after record-low temperatures and wind chills led Governor Whitmer to declare a state of emergency to address threats to public health and safety.  

  

House Bill 4206, sponsored by Representative Ben Frederick (HD-85), will take immediate effect.  

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Help "Stamp Out Hunger" this Saturday

MAY 8, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — The 27th annual National Letter Carriers Food Drive “Stamp Out Hunger” will be held in this area on Saturday, May 11.

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Over the past few months, more and more people from communities across the nation are turning to food pantries and food banks for assistance.  The need for food donations is great. Almost 50 million Americans—1 in 6—are unsure where their next meal is coming from. Among them are millions of children, senior citizens and military veterans.

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On this day, community members are asked to donate nonperishable food items and place them in or beside their mailbox.  Their letter carrier will then pick up the donated food.  The food will be distributed to area food pantries, churches, the local Food Bank, and shelters.

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Please do not include items that have expired or those in glass containers.

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Last year, 8,107 pounds of food was donated to 14 local food pantries. 

The food drive is done at this time of the year to help meet the needs of food pantries during the summer months.  This is the largest one-day effort to combat hunger in the United States.  Started in 1991 with only 10 cities participating, the drive is now held in over 10,000 communities.

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Co-sponsors for this event include the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, the U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail, United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Valpak direct marketing, Feeding America, and the AFL-CIO.

For more information and to sign up to receive food if you are a pantry, contact United Way of the EUP at 632-3700.

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Meeting notice

May 8, 2019

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Community College will be applying under the USDA Community Facilities Grant program for 2019 funds.  Funds will be used for facility maintenance and equipment purchases and/or replacement.  If you have any comments on the proposed use of the grant, a meeting will be held on May 22 at 2 pm in the President’s Office – Administrative Building. 

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VA to host Veteran Town Halls in Eastern UP

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is inviting Veterans, their families, Veteran Service Organizations, and community health care partners to the following Veteran Town Halls May 20 to 22, to learn about and discuss the VA Mission Act and how it impacts VA Community Care.  

• Drummond Island on May 20 at 5 p.m. (Drummond Island Resort and Conference Center, 33494 S. Maxton Rd)

• Mackinaw City on May 21 at 11 a.m. (Joint town hall with Saginaw VA at American Legion Post 159 – 106 S. Huron Ave)

• Brimley on May 21 at 2 p.m. (Superior Town Hall, 7049 S. M-221)

• Sault Ste. Marie on May 21 at 5 p.m. (American Legion Post 3, 3 Legion Dr.) 

• Paradise on May 22 at 10 a.m. (Whitefish Township Community Center, 7052 M-123)

For those that are unable to come in person, the Sault Ste. Marie town hall will also be streamed live on the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center’s Facebook page, and the video post will be available for later viewing. 

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Mobile Mammography Unit coming to Bay Mills Health Center in May

BAY MILLS  The Bay Mills Health Center will be hosting a Mobile Mammography event on Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10.

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This opportunity is available to all tribal members, casino employees, and other residents of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Mammograms take 20 minutes. By making an appointment with the clinic it will ensure that this screening is done at no cost to the patient.

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Women over the age of 40, and due or overdue for an annual mammogram, are welcome to contact the Bay Mills Health Center to make an appointment for May 9 or May 10.

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For more information, please contact Betty Jahnke, BSN, RN, Supervisory Case Manager, Bay Mills Indian Community at 906- 248-8364 or at bjahnke@baymills.org.

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Read the April issue of Bay Mills News here!

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Bay Mills Indian Community releases 2018 Economic Impact Report

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Isle Royale wolf rescue faces longterm genetic challenge, researchers say

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Tribe legalizes marijuana on the reservation

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Food assistance program threatened by budget proposal

April 6, 2019

By ZARIA PHILLIPS/Capital News Service

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LANSING — Federal officials are proposing a budget cut to food assistance that would add restrictions to 1.2 million Michigan families receiving benefits, according to Michigan advocates for low-income residents. Read More

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Harsh weather could lead to earlier school year

April 5, 2019

By KALEY FECH/Capital News Service

 

LANSING — This winter’s extreme weather could be the tipping point proponents of starting school before Labor Day need.

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Schools across the state cancelled classes, sometimes several days in a row, due to bad weather and extreme cold. Many of those schools did not have enough snow days built into the year and had to figure out how to make up that missed time. Read More

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LSSU offers new culinary certificate program

April 2, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University is teaming up with the Les Cheneaux Culinary School to deliver a culinary arts certificate beginning in September. The certificate will offer students a focused, one-year training and internship experience to learn the art of cooking under the auspices of master chefs. It also combines instruction in chef, kitchen, and restaurant management, along with specialized studies in canning and fermentation. All are welcome to attend an open house at Les Cheneaux Culinary School in Hessel, Michigan on Friday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more about the program and enjoy a delicious meal. Register online at LSSU.edu/culinary. Read More

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DNR reminds snowmobilers of season's state-designated trails closure

March 28, 2019

There has been some fantastic snowmobiling this winter in Michigan, with heavy snowfall in many places, providing superb riding conditions.

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However, some of the fun is winding down as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will close its state-designated trails to snowmobiling April 1.

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“This is the date our trails close, as grooming contracts and private land agreements expire,” said Ron Yesney, DNR U.P. trails coordinator. “Snowmobilers can still ride on state land, but state-designated trails will be closed beginning April 1.”

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Riders may know that the snowmobile trail system is dependent upon easements the DNR has secured from private landowners to connect trails between public lands.

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"These easement uses expire on April 1," said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. "In addition, as late-winter temperatures begin to rise, riding conditions can become very unpredictable, leading to unsafe situations or poor to very little snow. We appreciate the cooperation of all snowmobilers."

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For those continuing to ride, remember to Ride Right to bring everyone back home safe. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RideRight.

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The winter 2019-2020 season will open Dec. 1.

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Atty. General Dana Nessel issues first opinion; says Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority Law is unconstitutional

March 28, 2019

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued her first formal legal opinion today, finding Public Act 359 of 2018 unconstitutional because its provisions go beyond the scope of what was disclosed in its title.   Governor Gretchen Whitmer had sought the Attorney General’s opinion on the constitutionality of Act 359 in a request submitted on January 1.

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In her opinion, the Attorney General concludes that certain provisions of Act 359 – including those transferring all authorities related to a utility tunnel from the Mackinac Bridge Authority to the Straits Corridor Authority and requiring the Corridor Authority to enter into an agreement for the construction of a tunnel if a proposed agreement was presented by a specific date and met listed criteria – are unconstitutional because they violate Article 4, Section 24 of the Michigan Constitution, referred to as the Title-Object Clause.

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Specifically, the clause provides that “no law shall embrace more than one object, which shall be expressed in its title.  No bill shall be altered or amended on its passage through either house so as to change its original purpose as determined by its total content and not alone by its title.”

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Fairy tale expert Carolyn Turgeon to visit LSSU

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"Taking Care of the Earth" Film Festival announced

 

Read the March issue of Bay Mills News here!

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Two Michigan universities pilot cannabis curriculums; other universities and farm educators yet to show interest

March 22, 2019

 

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Time running out to claim 2014 state income tax refunds

 
March 19, 2019

Taxpayers who want to claim a state income tax refund from the 2014 tax year are running out of time, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

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State law requires taxpayers to file a state income tax return and claim their refund within four years. This means individuals who have yet to file their 2014 state income tax return and claim their refund must do so before Monday, April 15, 2019.

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“This is a taxpayer’s last chance to claim their 2014 state income tax refund,” said Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, who oversees Treasury’s Tax Administration programs. “Treasury wants to unite taxpayers with the dollars they are entitled to receive. Please don’t miss the opportunity to claim your 2014 tax year refund.”

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Taxpayers must complete the required 2014 tax year forms to claim their 2014 state income tax refund. Using an incorrect form will cause processing delays.

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Taxpayers who are missing W-2 and 1099 forms should contact current or previous employers.

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Tahquamenon Falls to host workshop

March 11, 2019

Ever hear of Skijoring? Skijoring, which translates to "ski driving" in Norwegian, is a combination of cross-country skiing and dog sledding. Your dog wears a harness, you wear a waist belt and connect to your dog with a long bungee leash, and off you go. This fun winter sport is a great activity for dogs of any size and is sure to tire out even the most high-energy canine companion. And now you can try it out at Tahquamenon Falls.

 

The workshop, which will be held on Saturday, March 30, will cover the history of skijoring, equipment and techniques.

 

Cost is $45 per person. This includes a bungee leash, waist belt and refreshments. Dog harnesses will be available to purchase, or participants may bring their own. 

 

The entire workshop takes place outdoors, so please dress appropriately. Participants should bring cross-country skis (no metal edges), one dog and proof of up-to-date vaccinations.

The registration deadline is March 26. In the event of cancellation, participants will be notified 48 hours prior to the workshop.Tickets can be purchased online at the Michigan E-Store here. This event is Limited to seven participants per session. For more information, contact Theresa Neal at 906-492-3415

 

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Lúnasa set to take the stage at LSSU

March 8, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Arts Center at Lake Superior State University presents Irish acoustic band, Lúnasa. Playing traditional instruments with a contemporary sound, Lúnasa, takes the stage March 12 at 7 p.m.

 

"Lúnasa is one of the biggest Irish music sensations - it’s not to be missed!" said Arts Center Director, Spencer Christensen.

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Comprised of Seán Smyth (fiddle and low whistles), Kevin Crawford (flute, low whistles and tin whistles), Cillian Vallely (uilleann pipes and low whistles), Trevor Hutchinson (double bass) and the group’s newest member Ed Boyd (guitar), Lúnasa delivers music with a passion that informs every note and continues to define and redefine the genre. Their innovative arrangements and unique approach to the music create a singular sound that has propelled Irish acoustic music from familiar ground into surprising and exciting new territory.

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Lúnasa has toured around the world for over 20 years and received multiple awards. One of their albums, 

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The New York Times even went so far as to say, “This is the hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet.”

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The production was made possible with the generous support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Fund for LSSU, and the Duncan MacLaren Family Fund for the Performing Arts.

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Lúnasa will be on the Arts Center Stage at 7 p.m. March 12. Free parking is available in Lot K, in front of the Arts Center, and Lot E, behind the Cisler Center. The Arts Center is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free for LSSU students, $27 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $10 for children 17 and under. For directions, tickets, and more information please visit www.lssu.edu/arts-center or call 906-635-2787.

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Legislative Roll call announced 

 

• Senate Bill 87, Don't eliminate Menominee county judgeship: Passed 105 to 0 in the House

To retain a district court judge in the 95th-A District Court in Menominee county. Under current law, this position will end with the retirement of the current judge, leaving the probate judge for Menominee County to serve as district judge this district.

According to committee testimony, there has been a 60 percent increase in criminal case filings in the county since the law eliminating this judgeship was passed in 2012, many related to drugs, and the bill could result in creating a drug treatment specialty court serving Menominee and adjacent counties. Fiscal agency analysis indicates the bill would cost the state $159,342.

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• House Bill 4244, Authorize land acquisition and recreation projects: Passed 105 to 0 in the House

To appropriate $26.0 million from the state's Natural Resources Trust Fund for state and local land acquisitions and recreation development projects. When local matching funds are included this will result in $18.0 million in new recreation development and $24.0 in land acquisitions.

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SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit www.MichiganVotes.org.

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Deadlines for ice shanty removal are approaching

March 6, 2019

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that mandatory ice shanty removal dates are approaching. Read More

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Community mourns loss of two longtime educators

March 4, 2019

BRIMLEY — Bay Mills Community College faculty and students are recognizing the loss of John White, former business department chair at BMCC. White had been working as an adjunct up until a few weeks ago, but had been battling illness. He passed away on March 1. 

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Visitation for John will be held 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2019 at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home.  Church services will be held 4:30 p.m. Thursday March 7, 2019 at First United Presbyterian Church with Pastor Mark Gabbard officiating.  Celebration of Life will be held 6 p.m. Thursday at the Crow’s Nest at Lake Superior State University. All are welcome to attend.

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Students and staff at Brimley Area Schools are mourning the loss of teacher Mary Beth Andrews, 54, who was also battling illness. She passed away on Feb. 26.

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A memorial for Mary Beth will be held in the spring, as it was her favorite time of year.

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Last call for Cloverland Director nominations

Feb. 28, 2019
Cloverland is owned and democratically controlled by those it serves. As a member-owner, you have a voice in the co-op through members you elect to serve on the board of directors. The service area is divided into three districts, each represented by three directors elected from the members of each district.

 

Directors each serve a three-year term. DEADLINE: Friday, March 1 for returning nominating petitions.

 

For a petition and information packet, please call 906-632-5151.

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LSSU Arts Center kicks off spring season

Feb. 28, 2019

 

SAULT STE. MARIE – The Arts Center at Lake Superior State University winds down the 2018-19 concert season with live music ranging from classical piano, through a homage to country music greats Hank Williams and Patsy Cline.

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Classical pianist Jenny Lin opened the 2019 portion of the concert season on Feb. 21.

Read More

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DNR warns snowmobilers of UP trail hazards

 

Feb. 27, 2019

UPPER PENINSULA — Blizzard conditions that ripped through parts of the Upper Peninsula Sunday have created numerous hazards for snowmobilers across parts of five counties.

Read More

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Michigan police support bill to restrict cellphones on roads

Feb. 22, 2019

LANSING — Democratic Rep. Mari Manoogian’s bill to ban cellphone use while driving is eagerly favored by Michigan police officials.

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“Every motorist is aware of distracted driving, especially with cellphones,” said Ron Wiles, chair of the traffic committee for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. “But people have a difficult time disengaging with their devices. Read More

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New! Read the Feb. issue of Bay Mills News

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"Voices from Potter's Field" program announced

Feb. 17, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa County Historical Society and Bayliss Public Library are working together to co-sponsor an evening dedicated to the long-forgotten Sault Ste. Marie residents in area Potter's Field.

Inspired by the research of Caroline Grabowski in unearthing the people's names and their true stories, local poet Renee Dreiling will read from her new work, "Voices from Potter's Field." Historian Deidre Stevens will share some of the colorful history of the Sault from the 1900s.

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The program will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. at Bayliss Public Library. 

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Iron Mountain VA Center recognized

Feb. 15, 2019

IRON MOUNTAIN – The VA’s Veterans Health Administration recognized Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center for providing its patients with outstanding healthcare experiences.   The Iron Mountain-based VA Medical Center received the 2018 Best Experience Award for Level 3 (small, low complexity) facilities at the Veterans Patient Experience Symposium held Feb. 5 to  7, in Washington, DC. 

 

“This award would not be possible without the commitment of our staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community healthcare partners,” said Jim Rice, Medical Center Director, who attended the symposium and was on hand to receive the award. 

 

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center was one of 12 VA Medical Centers selected as finalists for the award for being recognized as top performers in Patient Experience and Employee Experience.  The award was given to one facility in each of the three complexity levels and one facility overall.   The other winners were Sioux Falls, SD VAMC (Level 2), Cleveland, OH VAMC (Level 1), and Ashville, NC VAMC (overall).

 

The finalists for the Best Experience Award were judged on leadership, culture, listening to the voice of the Veteran, patient communications, employee engagement, environment, and measurement and improvement.

 

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center was ranked second in the nation for patient satisfaction at the end of 2018 and has consistently ranked as one of eight VA hospitals in the top 10 percent of all VA hospitals in terms of patient satisfaction since 2012.  It was also ranked first for both employee satisfaction and best place to work in the Veterans Health Administration based on the VA’s 2018 All Employee Survey.

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Get ready for Winter Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 16-17

Feb. 14, 2019

Everyone in Michigan is invited to fish for free Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17, for the 2019 Winter Free Fishing Weekend. A license is not required to fish those two days, but all other fishing regulations still apply. Throughout this weekend, too, state parks will waive the Recreation Passport entry fee normally required for vehicle entry.

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EUP Citizens' Advisory Council to meet Feb. 20 in Luce County

Feb. 13, 2019

At its meeting later this month in Newberry, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to discuss a youth bear hunt proposal and resolution responses on a bear/wolf specialist position and a change to the statewide catch limit for yellow perch.

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Also anticipated are updates on chronic wasting disease and the U.P. Wildlife Habitat Workgroup, along with committee reports. New and current council members will be introduced.

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The Wednesday, Feb. 20 meeting will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. EST 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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Northern Lower Peninsula wolf survey starts on Feb. 19

Feb. 13, 2019

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ citizen-based northern Lower Peninsula wolf survey, to detect the presence of gray wolves in the region, will take place Feb. 19 through March 15.

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“The probability of DNR personnel observing an actual wolf or its tracks in the northern Lower Peninsula is very low,” said DNR wildlife biologist Jennifer Kleitch. “It’s helpful to have as many eyes as possible looking, so public reports are important for this survey.” Read More

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Great Lakes researchers struggle with shutdown threats

Feb. 8, 2019

LANSING – With the longest government shutdown in history behind them and the threat of another looming Feb.15, Great Lakes researchers are scrambling to catch up on their work and worried that yet another wrench will be thrown into it. Read More

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Home Heating Credit processing begins

Feb. 6, 2019

LANSING – Applications for the Home Heating Credit, which helps low-income Michiganders with their winter energy bills, are now being processed for the 2018 tax year, notes the Michigan Agency for Energy.

Last year, 315,000 state residents applied for the credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury, and the average credit was $191.

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Instruction booklets and forms have been mailed out by the Treasury Department. Individuals may apply for the credit even if they do not file a Michigan tax return. Forms and instructional materials are available on the internet at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax or by calling 517-636-4486.

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Forms also will be available at many libraries, Northern Michigan post offices, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices across the state. Heating assistance information is available at Michigan.gov/HeatingAssistance.

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Some 82 percent of the credit applications were filed electronically in 2018. E-filing speeds processing and reduces HHC processing errors. To find an authorized e-file provider and information on free services, visit Treasury’s website at MIFastFile.org.

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For eligibility guidelines and how to apply, click here.

Other ways you can get a handle on winter heating bills:

Michigan Energy Assistance Program, call 2-1-1- or go to mi211.org.

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Black Lake Sturgeon season lasted 78 minutes this year

 

Feb. 4, 2019

CHEBOYGAN — This year’s sturgeon season on Black Lake (Cheboygan County) ended at 9:18 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 – after only 78 minutes of fishing.

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The fishing season, which included spearing or hook-and-line fishing, was scheduled to run Feb. 2-6, or until the harvest quota had been reached. This year's allocation of sturgeon for Black Lake anglers was seven fish, although Department of Natural Resources officials set a harvest quota of six fish.

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There were 403 registered anglers on the ice Saturday, slightly down from 422 the year before. Anglers of all ages again participated, including a good number of supervised youth.

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According to the DNR, the first four sturgeon harvested were males ranging from 52 to 60 inches, and 25 to 47 pounds in weight. The final two fish were females ranging from 61 to 72 inches long, and 54 to 80 pounds in weight.

Three of the six fish taken had been captured before by Michigan State University and the DNR during spring spawning runs in the Black River. A harvested 56-inch male originally was captured in the 2009 spring spawning run. A 60-inch male had been captured and tagged during the 2004, 2010 and 2017 spawning runs. The largest fish, a 72-inch female, had been captured and tagged during the 2003, 2007 and 2012 spawning runs in the Black River.

 

Traffic alert: International Bridge to close briefly for torch run

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January 29, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE  — The International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie will be closed briefly Thursday for the annual international Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in support of the 2019 Special Olympics Winter Games in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

 

The bridge will close at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, and is expected to reopen at 5:30 p.m. The LETR is the largest annual grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. For more information on this event, you can visit http://ssm2019games.com/. For information on the International Bridge, please visit www.saultbridge.com or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/saultbridge.

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Read the January issue of Bay Mills News here

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Kinross residents advised to let water run

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More women are fishing in Michigan but not enough to offset the drop in men

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January 25, 2019

LANSING – Things are a-changin’ at the old fishing hole in Michigan and four other Great Lakes states.

For one, the number of male anglers is on the decline while the proportion and number of women with rods and reels is up, a recent study shows.

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Second, the overall proportion of anglers in the population is dropping, while girls and women are expected to account for a growing share of anglers, according to the study by Michigan Technological University researchers.

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Read More

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LSSU Launches Nation’s First Cannabis-Specific Chemistry Program

January 25, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE. – Lake Superior State University is launching the country’s first degree program focused squarely on the chemistry of cannabis. A bachelor’s degree with a major in cannabis chemistry will be offered beginning in fall 2019, along with an associate’s degree program in cannabis science. Students can opt in for an American Chemical Society (ACS)-endorsed degree.

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LSSU aims to be a premier training center for the next generation of quantitative chemists for the cannabis industry, ready to start work as soon as they graduate. More than 500,000 jobs will be created in the cannabis industry by 2022, outpacing technology and healthcare. Read More

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Be prepared for bitter cold weather

January 20, 2019

LANSING —The National Weather Service is forecasting wind chills to cause temperatures to fall below zero and parts of the Upper Peninsula will experience below zero overnight temperatures through next weekend. Exposure to these temperatures could potentially cause frostbite and hypothermia, as well as create hazardous driving conditions.

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To stay safe during cold weather:

• Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear, such as hats, mittens, gloves, scarf and a warm coat.

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Take breaks frequently.

• Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.

• Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person's body more rapidly and could lead to severe hypothermia.

• Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.

• Weatherproof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.

• Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.

• Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.

• If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing, such as gloves, blankets and hats, and a cell phone charger in your kit.

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Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.

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Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions.

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Applications sought for Artist-in-Residence Program 

January 16, 2019

Applications are now being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for 2019 spring, summer and fall and 2020 winter residencies. The program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.     

 

The program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Michigan’s largest state park, and to express it through their art form. Each year, artists are selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks. They are given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River and, if requested, a three-night backcountry permit so that each may live in and explore the park’s 60,000 acres of natural beauty, ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails.   

 

The program is open to all art forms except those that may be inconsistent with the mission of the park. Selection is based on artistic integrity, ability to reside in a wilderness environment, ability to relate to and interpret the park through the artists’ medium, and willingness to donate an original, finished piece of art inspired by their stay. Artists also will be asked to share their experiences with the public through a demonstration or talk during their residencies.   

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 Application materials for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program can be found at the Friends of the Porkies webpage at porkies.org/artist-in-residence.    

 

Applications for the 2019-2020 season must be received by Feb. 15, 2019.  Selected artists will be notified by phone in mid-April, and by April 22, selections will be posted on the webpage and on the Friends of the Porkies Facebook page.

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Sheriff releases report on traffic accident

January 11, 2019

SAULT STE. MARIE — In the evening of Jan. 10, the Chippewa Co Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a traffic crash on I-75 north of Gaines Hwy.

The investigation revealed that a small car had left the roadway and struck a reflector pole and was stuck in the snow.  

The investigation revealed that all of the occupants (one driver and three passengers) in this vehicle had been consuming alcohol. 

Prior to law enforcement's arrival to the scene, two of the passengers from the small car in the ditch started walking southbound in the traffic lane of I-75 wearing dark colored clothing.    

A full-size pickup traveling southbound, then struck two of the individuals walking in the roadway, resulting in the death of one individual.  The second pedestrian was taken to WMH for non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the small car was ultimately arrested for OWI, Open Intox in a Motor Vehicle, Unregistered vehicle, Possession of Schedule 5 narcotic, resisting arrest and assault on a corrections officer once at the Correctional Facility.

The third passenger of the small car was ultimately arrested for Open Intoxicants in a Motor Vehicle.

The driver of the truck who struck the individuals had not been drinking.

No names are being released at this time as the investigation continues.

I-75 Southbound was temporarily closed while the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office accident investigator processed the scene.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, US Border Patrol, Kinross Police Department, Kinross EMS and Chippewa County Central Dispatch.

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Wintry mix to continue into Tuesday evening

January 7, 2019

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — Monday was a messy day in the E.U.P., and Tuesday the precipitation will continue. 

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Tuesday's forecast calls for a chance of rain and snow showers before 3 p.m., then rain showers likely between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

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Tuesday night snow showers likely, possibly mixed with freezing rain before 7 p.m., then snow showers. Low around 22. Northwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

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