On council meetings, life's partings, short term rentals, and incremental progress
Front Page, week of Dec. 4, 2021
Progress in some places, shortcomings in others
COVID-19 continues to interrupt community activities, coverage
In short—I wasn’t able to cover Hancock or Houghton city council meetings on Wednesday because I was waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test. The results came back negative on Thursday morning.
I still pulled together some odds and ends out of the board information packets from the meetings I missed, but you’ll have to turn to the other local outlets for any real coverage. The Gazette and Keweenaw Report usually have reporters in attendance at these meetings.
Check out the full article for a deeper explanation and bullet points.
Property rights -- and wrongs
A podcast on short term rental legislation
House Bill 4722 is “all the rage” right now in local government circles. Having recently passed the House, it threatens to override most local ordinances regarding short-term rentals (broadly defined as a rental lasting under 28 days).
Honoring Mary Wright, a Copper Country Legacy
Art's Corner with Miriam Pickens
Well-known local artist Mary Wright passed away in the middle of November. Art columnist Miriam Pickens wrote this review and celebration of Mary’s life and accomplishments.
6th street work delayed, Santa coming to South Range, bonuses coming to employees
South Range Village Council, Dec. 2, 2021
I was able to make it to South Range’s meeting this week after my COVID-19 test results came back negative. The council continues to meet in the community hall above their normal meeting place.
Where are you local to?
A 2-part Inside Scoop (and a photo of my cat)
This editorial is open to paid subscribers only.
House Bill 4722 would overturn regulations on short-term rentals. These regulations were carefully and uniquely crafted by many places in the U.P. to manage a balance between tourism income for local government units and businesses and the tranquility, affordability, and value of local residential properties.
Other News (aggregated, not sponsored)
//Click on the headlines to read the full story.
Bond set at combined $1M after Michigan parents enter pleas
Kathleen Foody and Corey Williams, Associated Press
Our ongoing, unwanted drama this week continues to unfold after the preventable shooting at Oxford High School.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s snow event
Jennifer Perez, Upper Michigan Source
Looks like we’re in for our first major snow event this weekend. I hope everyone is slightly more prepared than I am! I should be fine.
Journalism isn’t who you are. It’s what you do.
Wudan Yan, Poynter
I would argue it’s what I do because of who I am, but that isn’t always the case. However, remembering that journalism is a career, not a calling, is an important distinction for both my mental health and longevity in the field.
Toy drives happening in Keweenaw/Houghton County
Jesse Wiederhold, Upper Michigan Source
I’m not the only reporter covering charities this season, and I don’t think any one of us can cover all the good work being done in the community. Here’s a piece from TV6.