| City
Notes
Edited
by Kristy Basolo
Mailbox
Dear editor
I am writing in response to the article in the August issue of the Marquette Monthly titled “A glorious trip ’round Marquette” written by Don Curto. I am the president of Marquette Beautification & Restoration Committee, Inc. (MBRC,) and our committee since 2001 has been giving awards to Marquette area individuals, businesses and homeowners.
Awards are given for volunteerism, historic preservation, commercial/business, back door improvements to businesses, window displays, new signage, a homeowner who has added a “spark” to their neighborhood, etc. The MBRC has given more than 150 awards.
Visit www.mqtbeautification.org to see the list of honorees. An individual also can contact our committee to nominate someone for an award.
MBRC each year honors those individuals and/or businesses who have made a positive impact on Marquette. This year, there were twenty-one awards given in the eight categories.
The MBRC awarded the Green Spirit Award to Michigan Energy Option for their involvement in helping individuals and businesses save energy and the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Marquette for building a new facility that is energy efficient.
The Phil Niemisto Volunteer Award was given to member Lynette Schneider for her work in establishing the Welcome to Marquette garden, implementation of fundraising efforts and for coordinating speakers for the Garden Conference. The USOEC Athletes also were given the Volunteer Award for their involvement in kicking off the annual spring clean-up for the last seventeen years.
The Barbara H. Kelly Historic Preservation Award was given to Dr. Kathryn Bishop Eckert for her involvement as chief historic preservation officer for the State of Michigan and her help in creating the Arch and Ridge street National Historic District. John Jilbert was a recipient for preservation and restoration of the old Marquette State Park Pavilion, located in Bishop Woods. Peter and Audrey Kaufman received this award for their involvement and their ongoing generosity to the community.
Laura Gordon was presented this award for the restoration of her sandstone building located at 120 East Main Street. Dr. and Mrs. Neil Winkler were given this award for restoring their home on East Arch Street after a devastating fire. Most of the wood was cleaned and saved and it was a true labor of love to preserve this house built in 1888.
Commercial/Business Improvement Award was given to Dan Torres for both locations of Border Grill—the new building located at 1145 West Washington and the renovation to the building at 800 North Third Street. The Family Wellness Center located at 1100 South Front Street has been remodeled inside. The outside is surrounded by gardens and a water feature is located by the entrance. The owners, Drs. Guy Lasich and Greg Berglund have made this building a welcoming sight to those passing through the area.
Matt and Jill Meehleder purchased Randy’s Store at 425 South Third Street and have transformed this location to the Huron Earth Deli. The interior has been completely renovated and has a very welcoming, home-like feel. Joe Burdick became the owner of Mathews Floor Fashion in April 2009. He has renovated the exterior of the building located at 1025 West Washington. There is a new sign and there are landscaped gardens surrounding the building. plaNGK a small, design-oriented firm located at 521 W. Washington has updated and renovated this property. This company also has been involved in improving Marquette’s Downtown district. The award also was given to the Wild Rover Public House and Bistro located at 146 West Washington for the extensive renovation that was done both inside and outside.
The Back Door Award was given to the Rubaiyat located at 113 West Baraga for its great entrance to the restaurant from the parking lot located on the corner of Front and Rock. There is also a unique and inviting entrance on Baraga Avenue.
The Window Display Award was given to White Gown Black Dress for the unique and eye-catching displays that usually are changed weekly. These displays are done by NMU art student, Audreey Spaulding.
The Spark Plug Award was given to Mike and Kirsti Brunet because of the improvement to their home at 225 East Michigan, and Barry Polzin, Architects because of their involvement in so many improvements to Marquette, especially along Lakeshore Boulevard.
The Spark Plug Award also was given to the Veridea Group LLC. This full-service commercial real estate company owns and has developed properties in Marquette. This company has influenced the growth of business and has improved the look of this area.
The MBRC had a new award this year, the Youth Award. Sue Meyer was the recipient of this award for her enthusiasm and interest in establishing a children’s garden in her yard. She has five children involved in planning, planting and caring for their area in the garden each year. She is passing her love of gardening onto these children.
Emily Lewis, president
Marquette Beautification & Restoration Committee
Dear editor
Thanks for a great publication. I have been a reader of it as often as possible since its inception. Keep up the good work.
I really enjoyed Don Curto’s column in the August 2010 issue and agree with him on almost everything, except the ore dock in Lower Harbor. While visiting Mattson Park to have a closer look at the Europa, which had stopped in Marquette on her way to Duluth, I mentioned to my mother that the ore dock does a perfect job of hiding the Shiras power plant nearly completely.
While I realize that the dock blocks the view of the park when you are on the south side of it, I still don’t look at it as some kind of an eyesore. It could almost be considered the de facto symbol of Marquette since almost nothing would carry the near instant recognition that the ore dock does.
Few people, if anyone, would remember a time when the dock was not there and since there is a relatively small number of these docks anywhere on the planet, removing it would be a sin.
I agree with Mr. Curto that using it for condominiums, or any other limiting purpose, is indeed harebrained, but to not look at it as having potential for some practical use could be considered just as foolish.
Anyway, this is not intended as a slam on Mr. Curto, I respect him, and his opinion. I just wanted to offer up my two-cents worth of alternate view and opinion.
Waye Braver
Writer’s Note: Thank you for your sensible comments and your even-handedness. MM also received telephone messages in support of your position. I still think our harbor would be better off without it. I did want you to know that I regret my use of the word “harebrained,” which you also used. I have received several very angry messages from the Rabbit Institute for Equality. The theme of them all was that rabbits are just as smart as anyone else and have equal rights. Please do not use the “h” word anymore. —Don C.
Editor’s Note: Another suggested garden stop we received from readers is 245 Blemhuber.
Dear editor
Our Oktoberfest 2010 Membership drive starts September 29. It’s important that we raise $67,000 during October to maintain the unique blend of local and national programming that you hear on Public Radio 90.
Yes, it’s a challenge raising enough money to keep Public Radio 90 operating and maintain the program quality that our listeners expect with $500,000 less each year than we had prior to 2003. We knew it wouldn’t be easy but you told us it would be worth the effort to keep your local public radio station on the air.
We did not reach our fundraising goal last year. As a result, we can no longer afford to air Car Talk, which while very popular with our listeners, was also the most expensive program in our schedule. Fortunately we did raise enough money that it was the only program change we had to make at that time. That’s also why it’s so important that listeners pitch in what they can so we will not be forced to make further cuts.
Just like everyone else, Public Radio 90 has to spend according to what it can afford. Our Public Radio 90 staff is evaluating scrupulously our current program schedule to determine which programs will be eliminated if we don’t reach our Oktoberfest goal. It’s a hard choice that we don’t want to have to make.
Public Radio 90 is a resource you share with other listeners. When you contribute, you share the cost of keeping the station on the air. The money you give not only helps pay for program acquisition and production, it also helps pay for electricity, broadcast and studio equipment and other costs to air the programs.
Longtime supporters Sam and Elinor Benedict of Rapid River realize the need to have as many listeners as possible supporting Public Radio 90 and want to help. Once again, they’re offering a member challenge. For every dollar pledged between now and September 29, the Benedicts will match it with twenty-five cents, up to $5,000. That means your contribution of $35 is worth $43.75, a gift of $60 is worth $75 and your pledge of $100 will mean $125 toward the Public Radio 90 programs you enjoy and value.
Any financial contribution you can give at this time, even if it’s a small one, will make a big difference to you and your community. Please pledge today at www.wnmufm.org or call us at
(800)227-WNMU and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.
Thanks in advance for helping to sustain your local public radio station, WNMU-FM, Public Radio 90.
Evelyn Massaro, Station Manager
Wildcat Market scheduled to open on September 1
The Wildcat Market, a new monthly entrepreneurial fair where NMU students, faculty/staff and student organizations can sell goods and services they create, will be held for the first time from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 1 on the academic mall between Jamrich Hall and the Learning Resources Center (rain site: lower level of the LRC).
The registration fee is $20. Dining Services has agreed to assist students who want to make food products by selling them ingredients to ensure safety and allowing them to use the kitchens for preparation. This applies to the Wildcat Market only, not traditional bake sales.
Music with the Truckey Boys set for First Thursday
The Truckey Boys will present an evening of music during the First Thursday Concert Series at 7:00 p.m. on September 2.
Brothers Dan and Drew Truckey may live 250 miles apart, but that doesn’t stop them from playing music together. For the past two decades, they have performed in duos, bands and as solo artists, but are now combining forces.
They will reunite to perform their unique blend of originals, traditional and contemporary classics. A $2 to $5 donation is sought at the door.
Negaunee Senior Center sets rummage sale fundraiser
The annual Negaunee Senior Citizens Center rummage sale fundraiser will take place from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. on September 8.
Items for sale include televisions, old records, antique dishes, clothing, kids toys, books and more. For details, call 475-6266.
South Marquette walking tour offers second round
The first south Marquette walking tour was so well received, the Marquette County History Museum will be doing it again at 1:00 p.m. on September 11. Find out about one of Marquette’s oldest neighborhoods when local historian Jim Koski leads a walking tour through south Marquette, sharing the history of the area and telling the stories of the immigrant families who made south Marquette home.
The walk gets underway at Mares-Z-Doats on the corner of Division and Craig streets and will be going up and down several fairly steep hills. For details, call 226-3571. There is a $5 suggested donation to support future museum programming.
Humane society plans 2010 “Strut Your Mutt” fundraiser
On Saturday September 11, rain or shine, dogs and their guardians will hit the ground walking in an effort to raise money for Marquette County’s homeless pets at the annual Strut Your Mutt benefit.
The walk and activities begin at 9:00 a.m. at Marquette’s Lower Harbor Park, with the option to do a 1.5-mile or a two-mile walk on the bike path. Top youth and adult pledge raiser prizes include a Kodak digital HD camera package worth more than $300.
Doggy contests (including best costume, look-alike, stupid pet tricks and more), raffles, fun activities, kids’ area with face painting, pet themed vendors, and more.
For details on Strut Your Mutt, visit www.upaws.org or call the shelter at 475-6661.
Annual Trenary fall festival seeking volunteer help
St. Rita Parish in Trenary will hold its annual Fall Festival on the parish grounds on September 12. A harvest dinner featuring turkey with all the trimmings and homemade pie will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the parish hall.
Dinner tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. Takeout dinners will be available. Special games for young and old alike will be featured on the grounds, including Bingo. There will be a Silver Dollar Game, craft and baked goods booth, sweet tooth booth, a refreshment stand and music by “Maudie.” Raffle drawing will be held at 4:00 p.m.
A work bee is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on September 11 to prepare the grounds and hall. Volunteers from the parish are needed for this, as well as for preparing the food.
Marquette Choral Society rehearsals begin soon
Marquette Choral Society rehearsals will start at 7:00 p.m. September 13 in the Choral Room #250 of the Thomas Fine Arts building on the campus of Northern Michigan University.
The repertoire includes “Midnight Mass for Christmas” by Charpentier, and several new carols by John Rutter. Dr Floyd Slotterback directs the Choral Society.
Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on December 4 and 3:00 p.m. on December 5.
All who enjoy singing are welcome. No audition is necessary. There is a nominal fee for music and membership.
For details, call 227-2563.
Ancient America conference attracts archaeology buffs
The sixth annual International Conference on Ancient America is being held in Marquette from September 17 through 19 at the Holiday Inn, sponsored by the Ancient Artifact Preservation Society.
There is evidence thousands of years old of visitation to the Americas from many parts of the world and many researchers come to the conference who actively seek this new data.
Authors, filmmakers, scientists, researchers and History Channel “stars” come from across the country as well as a special speaker from Bosnia who has been uncovering the world’s largest pyramids situated in his Bosnian homeland.
Educators and media are invited to attend the conference on Saturday free of charge.
Sam Osmanagich, who is heading the uncovering of the largest pyramids in the world in Bosnia, is speaking on Saturday afternoon with some exciting new discoveries. Scott Wolter, seen several times on History Channel productions, is speaking at 1:00 p.m. Friday. Other important speakers (authors, filmmakers, researchers, scientists) will be sharing cutting-edge discoveries not presented at any other event. Conference-goers will be the first to hear some of this material.
For details, visit www.aaapf.org
NMU department to host French trivia contest
The French Program at the Department of Modern Languages invites members of the Marquette community to participate in a fun way to learn about the Francophone world and win prizes, too.
Questions should relate to the history or culture of France or the Francophone world and should include its answer. A question will be chosen randomly from all those submitted and the author of the question will receive a prize. The question will then be posted to be answered. From all the correct answers a winner will be chosen at random.
Post questions and answers at www.nmu.edu/FrenchContest
For details, contact Dr. Nell Kupper at nkupper@nmu.edu or 227-2648.
Harvest festival planned by Iron Industry Museum
The Autumn Harvest Festival will take place from noon to 4:00 p.m. on September 19 at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee.
The event will feature family fun, music, pony rides, storytelling, pumpkin painting, paper mask making, blacksmith and craft demonstrations, children’s games and light refreshments.
Included in the Fall Fest will be a special performance by costumed intepreter Kyle Bagnall from Midland, Michigan. Bagnall’s program, “Lake Superior Journey with Bela Hubbard,” takes the audience back to 1840 when a party of scientists surveyed the rugged and remote shoreline of Lake Superior. Bagnall will portray Bela Hubbard, Assistant to the State Geologist Douglass Houghton. Using words from Hubbard’s own journals, this exciting journey will come to life among the cliffs and outcroppings, trees and wildlife, traders and Native peoples he encountered along the route. The report on their trip to the region set off the mineral rush to Copper Country that changed the face of the Upper Peninsula forever.
For details, call 475-7857.
Symphony orchestra season tickets now on sale
Join the Marquette Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Jacob Chi in aural stimulations of live orchestral performances at Kaufman Auditorium.
Concert dates for the fourteenth season are October 9, December 18, February 12 and May 7. Season tickets are on sale now at the NMU E-Z Ticket office located inside the Superior Dome. Season ticket price is $88, a savings of $20 for all four concerts. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium.
• The opening night gala on October 9 features the MSO performing Symphony No. 6 by Tchaikovsky and Cello Concerto by Elgar. This concert features young international cello sensation, Meongwon Cho, who is the winner of numerous awards including the International Cello Competition of Vienna Symphony Orchestra “Anton Bruckner Foerderungspreis,” International Cello Competition “Prima la musica.” Since 2000, Cho has appeared as soloist with orchestras in Korea and abroad including the Jeju Symphony Orchestra, Korean Symphony Orchestra, Mozart Collegium Wien and North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Kaufman Auditorium will be filled with festive cheer on December 18 for A Pops Holiday. The program will include Nutcracker Suite, Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival, a glimpse of the New Year with a Strauss waltz and much more.
• Romance returns to the stage on February 12, 2011 with L’Amour Symphonique. The romantic sounds of Carmen Suite No. 1 and Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 will fill the auditorium under the baton of guest conductor Robert Ritsema. Also featured on this concert will be the winner of the second MSO Young Artist Concerto Competition.
• Awakenings on May 7 will feature the sounds of Symphony No. 5 by Shostakovich and Piano Concerto No. 2 by Franz Liszt. The guest soloist for this concert is one of Marquette’s premiere pianists, Nancy Royce Railey. Railey received a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from the American Conservatory in Chicago, and a Master of Music in Piano Performance, cum laude, from Indiana University. She has been on the faculty of Kent State University, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and the College of St. Scholastica, where she was artist-in-residence. She has performed frequently in the United States and in Germany as both a soloist and a chamber music artist. At present, she teaches in her home studio in Marquette.
The MSO is offering interactions with the featured artists and conductor through the Saturday evening pre-concert dinner. The pre-concert dinners, held at the Landmark Inn, precede each of the four concerts. Advanced reservations are required.
For details, contact the Marquette Symphony at 228-4233 or www.marquettesymphony.org
Peanut Day to benefit Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis
The Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis Club is conducting a “Peanut Day” fundraiser at area businesses in Ishpeming and Negaunee on 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. September 24 and 9:00 a.m. to noon on September 25. Donations for raising community project funds are welcome.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame offers annual event
The annual U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Weekend will take place September 24 and 25.
Three adaptive skiers head up the largest class of inductees to enter the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame since 1984. Jack Benedick, Chris Waddell and Sarah Will are the first adaptive skiers to enter the Hall of Fame since the late Diana Golden was honored in 1997.
Joining them are three well-known names from the ski world, Stu Campbell, Doug Coombs and Paul Robbins. Rounding out the class of eight for 2009 are Sepp Kober, the “Father of Southern Skiing” and Ansten Samuelstuen, a holder of three national and four North American titles in ski jumping.
The weekend will kick off with the Class of 2009 banquet at the Country Village Banquet Hall in Ishpeming on September 24 and the colorful Kiwanis Breakfast and welcome on September 25 at C.L. Phelps School. The highlight of pubic events is the placement ceremony at the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
For details, call 485-6323 or e-mail administrator@skihall.com
Ontonagon to host history gathering on September 25
The Northland Historical Consortium will convene its Fall 2010 meeting at 9:00 a.m. on September 25 at Ontonagon County Historical Society Museum in Ontonagon. Cost is $15.
The event will include speakers on heritage topics as well as tours of the museum’s buildings, grounds and interpretive exhibits. A registration fee will include all presentations, tours, refreshments and a luncheon.
The Michigan Tech Archives serves as coordinating organization for the Northland Historical Consortium, an informal association of local historical societies, archives, and historians in Northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Central and Western Upper Peninsula.
For details, call 487-2505 or e-mail enordber@mtu.edu
Fall job fair set at NMU
Northern Michigan University’s forty-third annual Fall Job Fair and Career Expo will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on October 6. There is no charge for employers to attend.
The Fall Job Fair and Career Expo provides an excellent opportunity to discuss career-related matters with hundreds of full- and part-time NMU students at all degree levels as well as alumni, faculty and staff.
Registration may be completed online at www.nmu.edu/jobfairs
Local cross-country ski club offers annual shore run
The Superiorland Cross Country Ski Club invites the public to participate in its sixteenth annual Lake Superior Shore Run on September 25. The Shore Run features a challenging half-marathon, a 5K run/walk and 1K kids’ race.
The half-marathon follows a scenic wooded course that culminates with a very picturesque stretch along the Superior coast, from Wetmore Landing to Little Presque Isle.
The course will take you from the beach to the top of Bareback Ridge, high above Superior, and down again across rugged terrain. In contrast, the 5K run/walk and 1K kids’ race courses are flat, fast courses that wind through the woods within the Little Presque Isle Recreation Area.
All proceeds from the Shore Run races benefit the Superiorland Ski Club Youth Programs, and in keeping with that goal the Kids’ Race is free. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female winners in each race and the top three male and female age group winners.
New this year is a Facebook page and Twitter account to keep you updated on race details. To register, visit local sport shops for registration forms or visit www.superiorlandskiclub.com for easy online registration.
Registration fees for half marathon and 5K races increase after September 6.
CFL bulb recycling offered at the Safety Store in Marquette
The Safety Store on Washington Street (in the Masonic Square Mall) in Marquette recycles compact flourescent light bulbs. If you use these bulbs, you know they contain mercury and can’t be thrown out in the regular trash. The alternative has been to wait for the household hazardous waste day. Bring them to the safety store anytime which will take care of them free of charge.
Marathon takes runners across international border
A fast and flat course with one spectacular exception promises marathoners a remarkable run on September 25 in Sault Ste. Marie.
The inaugural “Sault Area Chamber Chase” routes runners across the International Bridge—the structure that connects Michigan and Ontario and looms large over the famous Soo Locks. The Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, the sponsoring body for the race, is sparing no expense to make sure a first-time race feels and works like a long-established event. The route has been certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association, thanks to organizers committed to a first-class marathon.
Registration is available through active.com and the race itself is chip-timed, insuring absolute accuracy when runners cross the finish line. According to Sanderson, the Chamber has worked with professionals at every step to assure a successful race.
Distance runners will have multiple options, with a 5K, 10K and half-marathon also planned for the day. All races traverse the bridge except the 5K. The remainder of each course follows along the St. Mary’s River, through the downtown area, and out into a more rural setting, with spirit stations and aid stations positioned frequently along the route.
Visit www.SaultSteMarie.org or call 632-3301 for details.
Munising and Grand Marais flooded with free light bulbs
The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PRNL) are taking a unique approach to encourage energy conservation and address climate change in Alger County. In August, SWP staff and volunteers went door-to-door delivering more than 10,000 free compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) to every home and business in Munising and Grand Marais.
CFLs can reduce energy use by up to seventy-five percent. Six free CFLs were delivered to each home or business.
This is the first phase in a two-year project, titled Alger Energy Savers: A Community Approach to Climate Change, that will provide significant technical and financial assistance for energy conservation to these two gateway communities located on either end of the national park. The project will demonstrate how a community-wide approach to energy conservation can document significant savings and measurable environmental benefits. The project also is designed to increase public awareness about the impacts of climate change at PRNL and to serve as a model for other communities and national parks.
Residents or business owners who did not receive their bulbs can call 387-2607 and make arrangements to pick up their bulbs at park headquarters. Participants are asked to fill out a short form that helps track energy savings.
For details, visit www.superior watersheds.org or call 228-6095.
Activist Gibbs to speak on NMU campus October 15
In the spring of 1978, a twenty-seven-year-old housewife named Lois Gibbs discovered that her child was attending an elementary school built on top of a 20,000 ton, toxic-chemical dump in Niagara Falls (New York).
Desperate to do something about it, she organized her neighbors into the Love Canal Homeowners Association, struggling for more than two years for relocation for the families of Love Canal.
Opposing the group’s efforts were the chemical manufacturer, Occidental Petroleum, as well as local, state and federal government officials. They all insisted that the leaking toxic chemicals, including dioxin, the most toxic chemical known to man, were not the cause of the health problems experienced by Love Canal residents, which included high rates of birth defects, miscarriages, cancers and other maladies.
Finally, in October 1980, President Jimmy Carter delivered an Emergency Declaration that moved 900 families from this hazardous area and signified victory for the grassroots community.
Once families were relocated from Love Canal, Lois’s life was changed forever. During the crisis, she received numerous calls from people across the country who were experiencing similar problems. This revealed to her that the problem of toxic waste went far beyond her own backyard.
In 1981, Gibbs created the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ), an organization that has assisted more than 10,000 grassroots groups with organizing, technical and general information nationwide.
Gibbs will speak at 7:00 p.m. on October 15 in 102 Jamrich at Northern Michigan University. For details, e-mail lois.gibbs.in.mqt@gmail.com
NECi receives $90,000 to develop green test method
With $90,000 from federal research and business grants, development is under way at an Upper Peninsula of Michigan biotech company of a greener, enzyme-based method for detection of phosphate.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the research division of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has awarded The Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi) a grant through its Small Business Innovation Research (USDA-SBIR) program.
The new products will replace hazardous reagents required by current phosphate test methods, making phosphate testing safer for users and the environment.
The first products will feature easy-to-use kits designed for on-site testing. NECi has begun development of Phosphate Test Kits for Agriculture. The new kits will also be enzyme-based, ensuring that they are both accurate and safe.
For details, call Ellen at 296-1115, e-mail ellenr@nitrate.com or visit www.nitrate.com
UP with Local meeting set
UP with Local is hosting its debut party from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. on October 1 in the Children’s Museum. UP with Local is a cooperative alliance of businesses, organizations and individuals that support a strong local, living economy in Marquette and Alger counties. Come to learn more about its mission, upcoming calendar and what we all can do to grow our local economy and strengthen our communities.
Sawyer Airport tauts new Web site for items of interest
The Ilyushin IL-78 has generated so much interest that Sawyer International Airport recently constructed an alternate website devoted to showcasing not only the Russian tanker, but little known facts surrounding the airport’s origin, history and its successes.
There is literally something for everyone—from quarterly newsletters written by local author Larry Chabot to compelling content derived from the Marquette County Aviation Wall of Honor.
We invite you to explore the general aviation and flying club features where we’ll introduce local pilots and flight training opportunities.
The Web site was designed with the help of LaDolce Video and Design. For details, visit www.comehometosawyer.com
Partnership CEO, local student receive recognition
Amy Clickner, chief executive officer of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, was honored by Winning Futures through its RARE Everyday Hero Program for her dedication to improving the lives of people in her community.
Clickner, the only Upper Peninsulan awarded to date, accepted the award with five other Michigan residents. These everyday citizens serve, protect and have worked hard to make a difference for their friends, families, neighbors and even complete strangers.
Six Michigan high school seniors were awarded $2,500 scholarships for writing the winning essays about the Hero Awardees. Negaunee High School student and recent graduate of the Lake Superior Leadership Academy, Kristina Mattson, wrote Clickner’s nomination. Mattson was also the first U.P. senior to receive the scholarship.
Catholic Diocese Launches Historic Capital Campaign
Bishop Alexander K. Sample announced that the Catholic Diocese of Marquette is embarking on the first diocesan capital campaign in its 153-year history.
With the theme “Our Faith in the Future,” this campaign seeks to raise $10 million over the next four years to help provide the programs, ministries and services necessary to meet the needs of the 55,000 parishioners throughout the diocese, which covers the entire Upper Peninsula.
Although this is a diocesan campaign, the money raised will largely benefit the ninety-four Catholic parishes and missions and the nine Catholic schools in the U.P. Each parish and mission has set its own goal and will conduct its own individual campaign sometime between August and December 2010.
The plan calls for a series of receptions and a process of ongoing education giving every Catholic household the opportunity to learn about the challenges facing the Catholic Church in the Upper Peninsula.
There are actually two tracks to the capital campaign, one for parishes that subsidize a Catholic school and another for parishes that do not.
Bishop Sample made the decision to conduct a capital campaign following a feasibility study and consultation with several advisory bodies, including the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Priests’ Council and the Capital Campaign Advisory Council, which was composed of priests and laypeople from throughout the U.P.
For details, visit www.dioceseofmarquette.org
News and notes from DNRE
• The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) has released a joint newsletter with Cliffs Natural Resources, detailing several efforts to monitor and reduce selenium discharge into waters near the Empire and Tilden open-pit iron mines in the Upper Peninsula, DNRE officials announced today. The newsletter can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/dnre water. For more information, call Steve Casey at 346-8535.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued an incidental take permit and approved a long-term plan by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to conserve the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in Michigan.
• Construction of a new boating access site on Deer Lake in Marquette County began in August. The Deer Lake Boating Access Site will be located on the north side of the lake, along CR-573. The site will include a thirty-six-foot-wide concrete boat ramp, a five-foot-wide by thirty-foot-long courtesy pier, canoe and kayak area, a vault toilet and a parking area with nine spots for vehicles with trailers and parking spots for single vehicles.
• Crossbow regulation changes expanding opportunities for hunters ages ten and older statewide have been approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and are effective immediately. Hunters using crossbows still will be required to obtain a free crossbow stamp. The stamp allows DNRE staff to monitor and survey crossbow hunters to determine the effect the crossbow regulations have on hunter recruitment, retention and harvest. For details, visit www.michigan.gov/hunting
• Big Bay Sportsman’s Club president Earl Bevins was honored with a DNRE Partner in Conservation Award. Bevins was honored for his dedication to teaching hunter education classes for the past fifty-four years. It is estimated he has spent more than 2,000 hours volunteering to organize and teach classes, both in Macomb County from 1956 to 1995, and in Marquette County from 1995 to present.
• The DNRE announced that free wireless Internet is available at Van Riper State Park campground. To access the connection, park visitors will be given a log-on ID and password at the park’s entrance station.
• The DNRE is asking the public to report any observations of trumpeter swans for a continent-wide census that the DNRE is participating in to determine the population and distribution of the birds. The trumpeter swan’s recovery represents another success in endangered species recovery. Historically, trumpeter swans nested in wetlands across much of the continental United States, including Michigan.
• Visitors to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will have the chance to learn the skill of shooting a bow and arrow during Archery in the Park at 7:00 p.m. on September 2. To learn more about this event, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrevisitorcenters and click on “Wilderness Visitor Center” to see a schedule of events.
• Muskallonge Lake State Park will host the third annual “Rock On” with Lake Superior Agates Rock Show from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on September 18—part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s “GO – Get Outdoors” calendar of events. For details, call 658-3338 or visit www.michigan.gov/muskallonge
• The DNRE reminds hunters that the early Canada goose hunting season opens statewide September 1. Early goose season, designed to target resident giant Canada geese, runs through September 10 in the Upper Peninsula and in Huron, Tuscola and Saginaw counties, and through September 15 elsewhere in Michigan.
CCI news and notes
• Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. announced it has closed on its previously announced acquisition of INR Energy, LLC’s coal operations located in southern West Virginia. The operations include two underground metallurgical coal mines, one surface mine and several development mines. In addition, the facilities include a state-of-the-art coal preparation and processing plant and a new 110-car unit-train batch-weight load-out facility with access to the CSX railroad. This acquisition is expected incrementally to add approximately 68 million tons of metallurgical coal reserves and 51 million tons of thermal coal reserves to Cliffs’ current reserve base. In addition, the transaction will increase Cliffs’ global coal production capacity to more than nine million tons in 2011 and eleven million tons in 2012.
• Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. reported second-quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2010. Consolidated revenues were up 203% for the second quarter to a record of $1.18 billion, from $390.3 million in the same quarter last year. The increase was driven by higher sales volume and pricing in each of Cliffs’ business segments, reflecting an improvement in demand for steelmaking raw materials from the comparable quarter in 2009.
Local Authors Corner
• Elinor Benedict, prize-winning poet from the Upper Peninsula, has published a new book, Late News from the Wilderness, as her second poetry collection. Benedict has lived in Rapid River for more than thirty years and was the founding editor of Passages North, the literary magazine at NMU. Benedict is available for free poetry programs in Marquette and other U.P. locations at educational venues such as schools, churches, libraries, book clubs and bookstores this August through October and again in May, when she is at home in Michigan. For details, call 474-9273.
Political news briefs
• Senators Carl Levin (D-Michigan) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio) praised the inclusion of two critical provisions to combat Asian carp in a Senate appropriations bill. The Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development included $18,550,000 for the Asian carp electric dispersal barrier in the Chicago sanitary and ship canal. The funding is $5.9 million greater than the administration’s request.
• Levin said the following today regarding the oil spill near Marshall (Michigan): “I am deeply concerned about the effects of the oil spill near Marshall, including the environmental impact and the disruption to residents and businesses. It is also deeply worrisome that the oil from the spill has made its way into the Kalamazoo River. My office has been in close contact with relevant federal agencies to make sure that those carrying out the cleanup have all the resources they need to complete the clean-up job as quickly as possible. For now, the focus is on limiting the damage and cleaning up the oil. It also is vitally important that the company responsible for the spill bear the costs of cleanup and that it compensate anyone who has suffered damages related to the spill. I will continue to do all I can to ensure that both the cleanup and the compensation of victims are quick and effective.”
• Levin and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) announced the inclusion of $400,000 for Michigan in the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill also includes language sought by Levin that maintains a prohibition against government contracts with inverted corporations, which hide their assets and income offshore to avoid paying taxes.
• Stabenow announced an important new loan guarantee program for manufacturers in Michigan. The U.S. Department of Energy launched the Commercial Technology Manufacturing Systems and Components solicitation, a loan guarantee solicitation for clean energy manufacturing projects supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This program will allow manufacturers to access $750 million in loan guarantees to help them develop renewable energy technologies and create clean energy jobs.
• Stabenow and Levin announced the inclusion of $5.5 million for Michigan in the FY 2011 appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice and Science and related agencies. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill yesterday, which will fund nine projects in Michigan. The bill still needs to be approved by the full Senate and a House-Senate conference committee before being given final approval by Congress and sent to President Obama for his signature.
• Stabenow introduced the Americans Want to Work Act. This legislation will cut taxes for businesses that hire new workers who have been looking for work the longest and provide emergency assistance for struggling families looking for work by creating an additional tier of benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits.
• Senate appropriators have allocated more than $28 million for the Great Lakes in the fiscal year 2011 funding bill for the Department of State, foreign operations and related programs, Levin and Stabenow announced.
• Stabenow introduced legislation to help spur demand for new plug-in electric vehicles being manufactured here in the United States. The Charging America Forward Act will extend and expand tax credits to individuals and businesses that purchase electric plug-in vehicles and will also make important investments to increase the number of electric refueling stations that charge these vehicles. Stabenow’s bill is cosponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington).
• Stabenow made the following statement regarding the oil spill in the Kalamazoo River: “The Kalamazoo River oil spill is a tragedy for Calhoun County and communities across Southwest Michigan. I have spoken with EPA officials, and I made it clear that cleaning this spill up is our top priority. I will continue to be engaged in this process to make sure that the company fulfills its responsibilities and that the federal government provides whatever support is necessary for the affected communities.”
• Michigan communities soon will have access to enhanced broadband Internet, thanks to three major federal recovery grants that will create jobs across the state, Levin and Stabenow, announced. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grants are made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
News briefs
• UPS and its employees and retirees reached the exceptional milestone of $1 billion in total contributions to United Way since the company began its annual workplace campaigns in 1982; to show appreciation, United Way is leveraging traditional and social media across the country to thank UPS employees.
• The Marquette law firm of Kendricks, Bordeau, Adamini, Chilman & Greenlee, P.C. announced that Kenneth J. Seavoy, a shareholder in the firm, has been selected by his peers to be included in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the specialty of trusts and estates.
• Karen Teichman and Kathy Foulks both won medals recently at Michigan Senior Olympics in Oakland University; Teichman earned six gold medals in swimming, breaking the 100 backstroke record for her age group, and Foulks won a silver and two bronze in swimming and a silver medal in racquetball.
• NMU’s administrative/professional union, UAW Local 2178, has ratified a new three-year contract by an 89-22 vote; the union is composed of about 180 members. Its previous contract expired October 1, 2009.
• The Westwood Mall Merchants Association in Marquette held a “Beach Party,” where employees from the mall stores were asked to contribute $5 to the Marquette General “Accelerating the Future” Capital Campaign. In return, they were permitted to dress up in their favorite beach attire and were treated to lunch; the event raised $560.
Star Date: September 2010
Moon & Planets—Saturn, Mars and especially Venus have been prominent in the western sky for the last several months, but things are about to change. These three planets will slowly be disappearing from view as they set earlier each night. In fact, binoculars may be needed to spot Saturn and Mars before they set shortly after sunset. Venus, despite also being very close to the horizon, remains visible to the naked eye. Venus, Mars and the bright star Spica are in close alignment on the first of September. The opposite situation is taking place in the morning sky as Mercury quickly climbs higher and becomes visible in the bright twilight before sunrise. Mercury can be spotted in binoculars starting the second week of September, and by mid-month is bright enough to be glimpsed with the unaided eye. By month’s end, the fastest moving planet will be rising an hour and a half before sunrise. Jupiter is the one planet that stays up all night. It is at opposition this month so will be rising at sunset and setting at sunrise. The full moon will accompany Jupiter on the night of the 22nd. The autumnal equinox also is on the 22nd, which makes this full moon the Harvest Moon.
Constellations—The early evening sky has on display three brilliant white objects. Setting in the west is Venus, low in the east is Jupiter and straight overhead is the white star Vega. Vega is the brightest member of the Summer Triangle and the fifth brightest star in the sky. Located in the constellation of Lyra the Lyre, it is adjacent to four dimmer but distinct stars which form a compact parallelogram.
—Craig Linde
Courtesy of the Marquette Astronomical Society. The fall meeting will at 7:00 p.m. on September 24 in Shiras Planetarium. For details, visit http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/ club-view.cfm?Club_ID=672 or download a free star chart at www.skymaps.com
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