Pursuit of 2nd bridge continues, another council condemns HB 4722, and an attempt to explain the MPSC
Front Page, Week of Dec. 18, 2021
Commissioners pursue 2nd bridge, accept first payment from CCMH, approve union agreement and wage increases
Houghton County Commissioners, Dec. 14, 2021
There are some interesting things going on at the county level, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to delve into any of them because the lack of important documents in the board packet takes precedence. I’ve filed a FOIA request to obtain the documents, and I’m consulting with the Michigan Press Association and Copper Beacon’s lawyers about how to proceed if the documents are not produced.
There’s also no Inside Scoop this week, but I’ll simply refer you to this one I wrote back in June on the same topic. This lack of basic transparency at the county level is not new.
Nonetheless, you can get the basics of these stories from the regular meeting coverage.
Songs ring out, Santa Claus visits South Range
A brief photo collection
You can take a look at the photos individually and read the captions through the link below.
Wind Turbulence (Episode 2)
How does the MPSC regulate electricity rates?
The next in the series is here. This time, I try to illuminate the process by which many of our electric rates are set.
Industrial tax abatement district approved, waterfront grant money accepted
Hancock City Council, Dec. 15, 2021
Hancock’s public hearing this week saw two interested business developers ask about the newly-approved Industrial Development District now established over the business and technology park being built in Hancock.
Another council openly opposes state-level STR rentals
Ontonagon Village Council, Dec. 13, 2021
Reported by Bruce Johanson
One more local municipality has come out vocally opposing HB 4722, a bill that would override local Short Term Rental zoning ordinances.
Other News (aggregated, not sponsored)
//Click on the headlines to read the full story.
Michigan COVID hospitalizations dip; situation still dire
David Eggert, Associated Press
“Michigan’s record-high number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients dipped Wednesday, the first drop in 49 days as health leaders continued to urge vaccinations while describing a dire situation inside hospitals.”
Ten thousand acres in Baraga County change hands
Lisa Bowers, ABC10
“The Nature Conservancy said it purchased the tract of land known as the Slate River Timberlands near Mount Arvon from a private owner this fall.”
A Howell woman tweeted criticism of COVID misinformation. Police launched a probe
Anna Gustafson, Michigan Advance
“After a Howell woman posted a series of tweets calling out health care workers for spreading misinformation about COVID-19 at public meetings this month, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into her…”
Wild winds cut power, rip school roof; dozens of cows dead
Associated Press
“Fierce winds scoured Michigan on Thursday, knocking out power for more than 150,000 customers, ripping a roof off a school and contributing to the electrocution of dozens of cows at a dairy farm.”