Looking back at the last year, snow removal in Hancock, water well investigation in Ontonagon
Front Page, week of Jan. 8, 2022
It seems a little silly so soon after New Year’s Day, but I’m celebrating another anniversary this weekend. It’s been a year since I struck out as an independent journalist and began the work to launch Copper Beacon.
There’s still a lot of work to do, but here are some of my favorite stories from our first year to look back on.
Feb. 14, 2021 - Recognizing Black History Month - Logan McMillan wrote a stirring letter, addressed to white people, expressing her frustration with the “gatekeeping” practices at MTU and in the community.
Feb. 21, 2021 - History’s relics still reside beneath the surface of the Keweenaw Waterway - I learned so much about underwater history writing this story, I sometimes forget that I wrote it in the middle of winter and didn’t even go out on a boat.
April 17, 2021 - To Make a Long Story Short - I had the privilege of recording a two-hour interview with Joseph Enrietti, an Ahmeek resident who was a B-24 tail gunner in WWII. The full interview has been submitted to the Library of Congress, a “boiled down” version is available here with some photos.
There’s a one-click listen at the bottom of the article that is highly recommended for more passive viewing and listening.
May 21, 2021 - Local campgrounds and parks face new stresses, some opportunities - As the spring was winding up, I talked with volunteers and park employees about what increased visitors to the area meant for their work.
July 4, 2021 - South Range Independence Day Parade - A gallery of photos from South Range’s celebration.
Oct. 22, 2021 - Awaiting Eternity - A story about volunteer efforts to maintain and restore century-old graveyards in the Calumet area.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the coming year holds for Copper Beacon. I’m anticipating achieving non-profit status, new writers, expanded coverage and that’s just in the first six months! I hope you’re buckled in for 2022!
Group forms for vigil despite cold Jan. 6 weather
Local organizations promote the importance of voters' rights, fair elections
Serious snow, serious tools
Hancock's heavy machinery gets some commercial help clearing snow this year
Since Hancock’s city council didn’t meet this week, I undertook a little feature news coverage instead. Hancock DPW Director John Erickson walked me through the DPW garage, and I talked with a representative from Ariens Co about the Mammoth 850 tractors they’ve been using on city sidewalks.
Rehumanizing with Natalie Salminen Rude
Art's Corner by Miriam Pickens
This month, Miriam takes a looks at the latest exhibit at the Finlandia University Gallery, and offers information on how to enter this year’s Art from the Kalevala - Animal Life exhibit at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock.
What's up with that well?
A look at the safety and origin of the Lake Mine Flowing Well by Bruce Johanson
Getting drinking water from flowing wells is much more common in this area than where I (Joshua Vissers) grew up. With this story, Bruce takes a look at a well in Ontonagon County that was recently inspected by WUPHD. While the tests of the water came back in pretty good condition, the construction of the well still lead government authorities to list it as nonpotable.
I’m deeply considering a broader look at these flowing wells and a closer look at their use for drinking water in the area. Let me know what you think.
Other News (aggregated, not sponsored)
//Click on the headlines to read the full story.
Michigan gets initial small shipment of COVID-19 pills
David Eggert, Associated Press
It’s important to note that the entire shipment contains fewer than 10,000 courses of treatment for the entire state. These are not readily available medications.
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week
The Associated Press
Betty White wasn’t even in the ground yet before misinformation artists started using her image and name to spread lies.
Ford jacks up production of electric F-150, cites big demand
The Associated Press
“Ford says it will nearly double the annual production of its electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck based on a high number of advance reservations.”