This past week saw a mix of sports, infrastructure concerns, and community events across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Regional & Multi-City Highlights:
U.P. All-Star Football Game (Marquette, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Ishpeming, Kingsford): The Upper Peninsula All-Star football game took place at Northern Michigan University's Superior Dome in Marquette on Saturday, June 21st. Team Black decisively defeated Team Red 56-7. Players from Escanaba (Cristan Spear, Javon Stevenson, Olin Johnson), Iron Mountain (Ian Marttila, Oskar Kangas), Ishpeming (Caden Luoma), and Kingsford (Nic Novara) were highlighted for their contributions. The event was also noted for its positive impact on the participating athletes, including a visit to Bay Cliff Health Camp.
Low Risk for Natural Disasters (Menominee, Escanaba): A report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicates that the Upper Peninsula as a whole is a very low-risk area for natural disasters. While cold waves are the number one risk, strong winds and riverine flooding are also considered higher risks than tornadoes in areas like Delta County (Escanaba, Gladstone) and Menominee County.
Forecast Favors Warmer Summer (Ironwood, Iron Mountain, Menominee): The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center slightly favors a warmer summer for the Upper Peninsula, with a neutral view on rainfall. May saw about 2 inches of rain in Marquette and Ironwood.
City-Specific News:
Marquette:
Beyond the U.P. All-Star Football Game, Marquette Alger RESA saw new hires and resignations.
The inaugural Superior Fan Fest is set for August in Marquette.
Sault Ste. Marie:
The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLMCAA) is holding its annual Bratwurst Fundraiser on Tuesday, July 8th.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of a major waterfront revitalization project on June 13th.
The Sault Area Arts Council announced a "Chippewa County in Photographs" event.
The Soo Locks are set to host Engineers Day 2025.
Escanaba:
In addition to the U.P. All-Star Game, a home in Escanaba sustained fire damage on Monday night.
DNR resolved two U.P. wolf poaching incidents, one in Menominee County.
The Delta County Sheriff's Department changed its pursuit policy after a dash cam video of a stolen vehicle chase from Boney Falls to Gladstone went viral.
Three individuals graduated from the Delta County Drug Court.
Escanaba Public Safety will offer policing insights at a Citizens' Academy in September and October.
A protective vest was donated to Delta County Sheriff K-9, Jet.
Classmates of Easton Winling, an eight-year-old injured in a sprint car crash at Escanaba Motor Speedway, held a lemonade stand fundraiser for his family.
Menominee:
Beyond the regional natural disaster risk assessment and wolf poaching incident, Menominee's Travis Hulsizer placed third in a 141 Auto Sportsman division race won by Iron Mountain's Justin Larson.
Houghton:
Houghton experienced significant road damage due to recent severe thunderstorms, with nearly three inches of rain causing mortar joint failures in storm manholes and damage to streets like Agate Street, East Fifth Street, Jasper Avenue, and Military Street. Repairs are underway.
The Houghton City Council discussed the storm damage and made budget adjustments, including an increase in snow management.
Keweenaw Indivisible is partnering with Undue Medical Debt to raise funds to erase medical debt in the U.P.
Iron Mountain:
Iron Mountain was featured in the U.P. All-Star Football Game.
Justin Larson of Iron Mountain won his first feature event of the season in the 141 Auto Sportsman division.
Kingsford and North Dickinson are set to open a Legion baseball tournament in Felch this weekend.
Ishpeming:
Ishpeming was a key location in the U.P. All-Star Football Game.
Road repair on U.S. 41 near Wawonowin Golf Club in West Ishpeming caused significant traffic delays this week, with contractors working on potholes and cracks.
UP Health System-Bell in Ishpeming is the first hospital in the Upper Peninsula to offer the "smart knee" implant (Persona IQ®) for knee replacement surgery.
Kingsford:
Kingsford participated in the U.P. All-Star Football Game.
Kingsford will open a Legion baseball tournament in Felch this weekend against North Dickinson.
Gladstone:
The City of Gladstone will be accepting an approximately $8 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to replace critical, century-old water infrastructure. This project will likely lead to a rate increase for customers.
The city also accepted a bid for electric pole replacements and supported rerouting U.S. Bicycle Route 10 and the Iron Belle Trail.
Wastewater collection system sanitary sewer improvements are also planned for this fall and next year.
The summer concert series at Van Cleve Park and the Gladstone Farmers Market are underway.
Ironwood:
Ironwood was mentioned in the regional forecast favoring a warmer summer.
Deeper Focus
Across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the past week has seen a flurry of activity, from major economic announcements and community celebrations to significant public safety incidents. Here's a rundown of the top news stories from Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, Escanaba, Menominee, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ishpeming, Kingsford, Gladstone, and Ironwood.
Marquette
In a significant economic development for the city, the Marquette City Commission has initiated the process of establishing a brownfield redevelopment authority. This move aims to facilitate the cleanup and revitalization of contaminated, blighted, or functionally obsolete properties within the city, paving the way for future development projects.
Community spirit was also on display as the city announced the lineup for its annual summer concert series held at the Presque Isle Park Bandshell. The popular event will feature a diverse range of local and regional musicians throughout the summer months.
Sault Ste. Marie
The Soo Locks are once again a focal point of discussion as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided an update on the ongoing construction of the new lock. The project, crucial for Great Lakes shipping, remains on schedule, with officials highlighting the progress made and the economic importance of the locks.
In other news, the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission approved a new contract with its Downtown Development Authority, aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and economic vitality of the city's downtown core through various improvement projects and events.
Escanaba
A landmark articulation agreement was signed this week between Bay College and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. This first-of-its-kind pact in the Upper Peninsula will allow apprentices in various trades to earn college credits for their on-the-job training and classroom instruction, creating a new pathway to higher education for skilled workers.
Additionally, the Escanaba City Council has approved a special event permit for the annual "Rock the Dock" music festival, a popular summer event that draws crowds to the Escanaba marina.
Menominee
The Menominee County Sheriff's Office released its weekly activity log, which included several arrests for offenses ranging from outstanding warrants to operating while intoxicated. While no single major incident was reported, the log provides a snapshot of law enforcement activities in the area. The City of Menominee is also preparing for its annual Fourth of July festival, with organizers finalizing the schedule of events.
Houghton
Houghton is gearing up for its annual "Bridgefest" celebration, a multi-day event that commemorates the opening of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. This year's festivities will include a parade, live music, a classic car show, and fireworks.
In local government news, the Houghton City Council reviewed and approved several infrastructure projects, including street resurfacing and sewer system upgrades, as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the city's public works.
Iron Mountain & Kingsford
The Dickinson County communities of Iron Mountain and Kingsford are preparing for a busy summer tourist season. The Iron Mountain City Council recently approved a number of park improvement projects to enhance the visitor experience.
In a story with an impact on both cities, the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District announced the hiring of several new teachers for the upcoming school year, filling key vacancies across various schools in the two communities.
Ishpeming
The City of Ishpeming is moving forward with plans for a new housing development on the west end of the city. The project, which is currently in the planning and zoning phase, aims to address the need for more housing options in the community.
The Ishpeming City Council also held a public hearing to discuss the proposed sale of a city-owned property, with the potential for new commercial development in the downtown area.
Gladstone
Hoping to attract new industry, the Gladstone City Commission has approved a request to establish an industrial development district. This designation could offer tax incentives to a manufacturing company looking to expand its operations in the city, potentially creating new jobs in the area.
Gladstone is also preparing for its popular "Tunes on Tuesday" summer concert series in Van Cleve Park, a weekly event that showcases local musical talent.
Ironwood
The Ironwood City Commission has approved the sale of the former "Ironwood Plastics" building to a new manufacturing company. The move is expected to bring new jobs to the city and revitalize a key industrial property.
In other news, the historic Ironwood Theatre announced its summer lineup of classic films and live performances, continuing its tradition of providing cultural entertainment to the western Upper Peninsula.
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