Ontonagon's history, January's legislation, The Inside Scoop, and Board introductions
Front Page, Week of Jan. 29, 2022
The Exploitation of Ontonagon, Part 1
A survey of history by Bruce Johanson
This short series explores the different stages of exploitation the Ontonagon area has experienced in the last several centuries including the fur trade, mineral mining, and timber harvesting.
Local representative votes against ban on use of "mobile electronics" while driving
Tales From Lansing
January was a slow month compared to December, but as always, there are items of interest mixed into the wall of text that is legislature.michigan.gov.
Circle Power makes an end-run around local media
The Inside Scoop (for paid subscribers only)
I’m not sure how widely the mailer went out, but if you live in the Adams or Stanton Township area as I do, you likely got a copy of Circle Power’s “Quick Facts” about the proposed Scotia Wind Project.
Houghton County officials break FOIA to deny financial transparency
No documents, or justification, given in response to lawful request
A closer look at just one of the documents that Houghton County officials are refusing to release in response to Freedom of Information Act Requests.
Our Board of Directors
Who guides Copper Beacon?
Now that we’re officially incorporated, you may have been wondering, who is the board comprised of?
I’m happy to be able to share our brief biographies with you this week. While I handle the day-to-day operations of Copper Beacon, this fine group of other individuals will soon handle big decisions like finalizing the annual budget, approving contracts and partnerships with other organizations, and hiring decisions.
If you know any of them, be sure to thank them for their service to the community through Copper Beacon.
Houghton City Council
I didn’t get there
Unfortunately, due to a COVID-19 scare in my household, I was self-quarantining on Wednesday evening instead of attending and recording Houghton’s city council meeting.
Fortunately, there are several other sources for coverage of the meeting available, including from student reporters at The Lode. Nobody else is offering a full video recording, though, so I’ll be back to it ASAP. Tests came back negative for COVID-19, and I’m back on the beat now.
Other News (aggregated, not sponsored)
//Click on the headlines to read the full story.
Suspect and victim named in Houghton County homicide
TV6 News Team
“Isaiah Strieter, 18, from the Houghton/Hancock area, was arraigned Wednesday in the 97th District Court on open murder charges in the death of Ashlee Harvey, 38, also from the Houghton/Hancock area.”
Chalk it up: Michigan parking dispute could cover thousands
Ed White, Associated Press
“Lawyers who argued that a Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires have successfully turned the case into a class action potentially affecting thousands of parking tickets.”
School district makes masks mandatory after community vote
The Associated Press
“Parents, guardians and staff in the Pennfield district voted for masks, starting Monday and lasting through Feb. 18. There were 1,041 votes, and about 58% were in favor.”
State fears confusion over COVID ruling at ‘perilous moment’
Ed White, Associated Press
“A court decision in favor of a northern Michigan restaurant could have dangerous consequences for confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, the state health department said in asking a judge to suspend the ruling or at least publicly clarify the impact.”
Professor suspended over video sues Michigan university
Ed White, Associated Press
This little downstate drama received another episode this week as well.