An interesting week this week. I’m keeping it brief because the weather is finally nice and I’m eager to get out into it, as I’m sure you are, too.
Many of you likely saw this:
I’m not going to get into the reasons behind the firing, but here’s a link to the posted apology. Daver is a former coworker and whatever his shortcomings as an editor, he’s a pretty nice guy and I hope he lands on his feet somewhere.
Of more interest to me is the possible futures for the Gazette. On one hand, management at Ogden Newspapers may finally realize the need to invest in training and talent at the paper, which could mean improvement at the newspaper.
On the other (probably more likely) hand, they may take the opportunity to outsource even more of the paper, making it even less of a local production.
I’ve yet to see a posting for a new local editor. Let me know if you see one pop up somewhere. I’m not interested in applying myself, but I have some colleagues I might share it with.
Another bit of state-level news was shared with me, too. More public bodies are now required by the Open Meetings Act to create and maintain audio recordings of their meetings. Bipartisan legislation was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this past week.
This legislation doesn’t apply to local governments (yet), but most local public bodies are already recording their meetings for the sake of creating minutes, or as part of their live streaming. If these recordings are created, they are also subject to the Freedom of Information Act. I think the best practice would be to simply share the recordings as a routine.
Here’s hoping Michigan’s government continues to take steps toward greater transparency.
In-person shows return to the Rosza Gallery
Art's Corner by Miriam Pickens
As the school year comes to a close for the local universities, our thoughts go to new adventures and plans for the upcoming school year. This month, I interviewed Terri Jo Frew, a well-known local artist who has recently been named director of the Rosza Gallery at Michigan Tech.
Co-op hosts info session, tour of future facility
I know a lot of people are interested in what’s happening at the Keweenaw Co-op lately, and if that interest is motivating enough to get you to leave the house, here’s some good news for you!
The Co-op will be hosting an Investment Campaign Information Session on Tuesday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m.. It starts at the Orpheum and then will move to the former Keweenaw Buick/GMC building for a tour of the future facility.
Other News (aggregated, not sponsored)
//Click on the headlines to read the full story.
Woman dies after falling into Upper Peninsula waterfall
The Associated Press
The woman, believed to be 68 or 69 years old, fell into Black River Falls.
Waddell to join Houghton Council, other election results
Keweenaw Report
There were a couple of local elections this week, check out this short article for the results.
FACT FOCUS: Gaping holes in the claim of 2K ballot ‘mules’
Ali Swenson, Associated Press
There’s a new “documentary” debuting that draws a constellation of fraud in the sky of circumstantial evidence. But just like stellar constellations, they only form a picture if you apply a rather large amount of imagination. Check out the AP’s analysis here.
Michigan waives repayment of $431M more unemployment checks
Anna Liz Nichols, Associated Press
This is great news for people who had no way of knowing they were improperly applying for unemployment during 2020.