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March 27, 2012
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Traffic Changes for US-2 Road Work in Iron River to Start May 21
May 18, 2012
Iron River, Michigan -
HIGHWAY: US-2/M-189
CLOSEST CITY: Iron River
STARTING DATE: Monday, May 21, 2012
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: Friday, Oct. 19, 2012
PROJECT: Reconstruction of over a half-mile of US-2 ( Adams Street ) from 9th Avenue to River Avenue , and one block of M-189 ( Fourth Avenue ) from Genesee Street to US-2, in the city of Iron River.
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS: During the first stage of road construction, US-2 ( Adams Street ) will be reconstructed at 9th Avenue . Traffic on US-2 will be maintained with one lane of traffic using a temporary traffic signal. 9th Avenue will be closed directly north and south of US-2. Work also will take place on Cayuga Street between Adams and 2nd Street in preparation for the US-2 detour, which is expected to go into effect in early June.
Motorists and residents are reminded that all the businesses along Adams Street will remain open throughout construction and business access will be maintained at all times.
Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge 50th Anniversary Celebration Announced
May 17, 2012
Sault Ste. Marie, MI - At today’s Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority Board of Directors meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., bridge administration management presented an overview of community events and initiatives planned to celebrate the historic 50th anniversary milestone with the Sault communities, the United States and Canada. Some of the more significant events include:
50th Anniversary Bridge Lighting
Red and white industrial rope light strands will grace the Canadian arch portion of the bridge, while red, white, and blue strands will grace the U.S. double-arch portion of the bridge. These strands will be lit in a community celebration at dusk on Thursday, June 28.
The primary celebration site will be at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion in Sault, Ontario, with a secondary celebration site at the Sault Locks viewing area in Sault, Mich. The public announcements, dignitary comments, and festivities leading up to and including the sequenced lighting of the rope light strands by the eight Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority board members will be broadcast live from the pavilion on radio station WSOO at about 9:45 p.m. There will be a bi-national fireworks display clearly visible from both Saults following the lighting ceremony.
50th Anniversary Bridge Walk
This year’s 26th annual bridge walk sponsored by both Sault chambers of commerce planned for Saturday, June 30, will be a special celebration. This event will be expanded to include a bike parade across the bridge, revolving historic digital photo displays, a 50th anniversary video presentation, and bus tours across the bridge guided by bridge staff.
“Crossing Conversations” Web site
Citizens are encouraged to help record the rich history of the bridge by contributing to a new “Crossing Conversations” portal that debuts on an enhanced and expanded Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge Web site. Starting today, citizens will be able to post, for public viewing, any experiences, stories, photos, news clippings, or memorabilia from the ferries and the bridge. The “Crossing Conversations” can be viewed at www.saultbridge.com.
Traveling Historic Displays
Two displays with revolving digital historic photos and a 50th anniversary video will circulate through both cities beginning May 21. Groups and agencies interested in hosting a display at their public location for a week are encouraged to contact the display coordinator, Karl Hansen, at 906-635-5255, ext. 135, or via e-mail at hansenk@michigan.gov.
Commemorative Electronic Toll “Prox” Card Release
The bridge’s historic anniversary will be commemorated with the limited sale of a distinctive 50th anniversary design Prox card, the bridge electronic toll card popular with frequent crossers. The Prox card will feature an iridescent under layer that will enhance the brilliance of the 50th anniversary graphics on the card. Card sales will begin on May 21 at the bridge office located next to the toll booths, with the standard card purchase price of $5.25.
Bridge Staff Presentations and Group Field Trips
Bridge employees are available and eager to visit schools and other group meetings to present a pictorial overview of the history of public transportation between the twin Saults that started more than 125 years ago with ferry service, and culminated in 50 years of service by the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. Also, bridge management extends an invitation to schools and community groups to consider a group field trip to the bridge, which could include a guided tour and view of behind-the-scenes bridge operations, as well as a visit to the U.S. and Canadian Customs facilities. Those interested are encouraged to contact Phil Becker at 906-635-5255, ext. 112, or via e-mail at beckerp@michigan.gov.
Children’s Coloring Book and Bridge Modeling Contest
As originally announced in March, children are encouraged to explore their creativity and artistic abilities to create and submit line drawings, as well as build models, depicting the bridge and surrounding physical features. The top submissions will be incorporated into a 50th anniversary children’s coloring book that will be available on the bridge Web site. The top bridge models will be permanently mounted for public viewing at the bridge offices. Contest prizes, rules, and registration forms are on the bridge Web site at www.saultbridge.com. The deadline for submissions is June 1.
Commemorative Postcards
A set of five collector’s edition postcards with historic photos and celebration graphics have been created to commemorate the 50-year history and individual cards will be handed out to the public at the various celebration events.
50th Anniversary Banners and Plantings
Large anniversary banners have been placed on the steel structure above the bridge lanes near each end of the bridge. Pole banners will be placed on both the U.S. and Canadian plazas. Flower beds and other shrubbery will be planted in early June as part of 50th anniversary grounds and building beautification efforts.
October 31 Anniversary Date Celebration
It was around 3 p.m. on October 31, 1962, when the first paying customers rolled across the bridge. Since then, nearly 93 million vehicles and over $50 billion (U.S.) in trade have crossed. This anniversary date will be celebrated with free commemorative gifts given to bridge customers and a 50-year commemorative plaque unveiled at the toll plaza.
More information on the anniversary is available at the bridge Web site: www.saultbridge.com. As specific details are finalized for specific events and initiatives, more information will be posted online and announced through the media.
Downtown Marquette Farmers Market Opening
May 17, 2012
Marquette, MI - The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market’s Grand Opening is on Saturday, May 19. This year’s Grand Opening will feature music by Jeff Nelson from 9am-1pm. Join us to enjoy locally raised vegetables, meat, and eggs, baked goods and bread, plant starts for your garden, body care products, wool, prepared foods, and more. In celebration of the local food that is available, the Marquette Food Co-op is sponsoring two food demonstrations that will use produce available at market that day. Join us at 11am and 1pm for a cooking demonstration by Justin Fairbanks, the new deli manager at the Co-op. The Co-op and the Downtown Development Authority are also sponsoring a children’s activity together, and will supply the soil and seeds for children to try their hand at seed starting.
The market has a lot to celebrate this year. We received not one, but two grant awards which increase our community’s access to fresh, healthy food. Many people have already heard of the USDA Farmers Market Promotion grant for $46,000, which will purchase tents for vendors, better facilities for the market information booth, and provide funds for various types of market promotion.
The second grant award was from the Fair Food Network, “a national nonprofit that works at the intersection of food systems, sustainability and social equity to guarantee access to healthy, fresh and sustainably grown food, especially in underserved communities.” Our market’s grant award is through the Double Up Food Bucks project. Under Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are given the means to purchase more Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers markets while supporting local food growers and the local food economy. How? Each time a SNAP recipient runs their card at market, we give them double the amount of money they ran the card for, up to $20 per market day. In other words, if a Bridge card is swiped for $20, our grant funding enables us to give out $40. This extra money can only be used for fresh, Michigan grown produce sold at the market, but this frees up the original Bridge card allocation to be used on other groceries found at the market, such as meat and bread.
“Everyone deserves access to nutritious food,” says market administrator Sarah Monte, “and Double Up Food Bucks helps make that access a reality for everyone in our community, regardless of income. Produce at the farmers market is already comparable to grocery store prices across Marquette, but this program makes shopping at the market even more appealing and directly supports our farming and artisan food community.”
As usual, the market will be every Saturday, rain or shine from 9am-2pm until the end of October. Bridge card, Market FRESH, Project FRESH, credit, and debit cards are all accepted. The Double Up Food Bucks Program begins June 2nd, though questions are welcome before then at the market manager booth. We are taking bookings for music at the market, so if you would like to perform, or if you have any other questions about the market, you may call Sarah at 225-0671 ext. 23. The Marquette Farmers Market is sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Marquette.
White Water Folk Music Group to Perform at Michigan Iron Industry Museum May 20
May 17, 2012
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee will host a public open house on Sunday, May 20, featuring two performances by White Water, one of northern Michigan’s most popular folk music groups. The open house will run from noon to 4 p.m., with performances at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The museum’s open house kicks off a summer-long series of programs and events celebrating the museum’s 25th anniversary. The event is free and light refreshments will be served. Donations are encouraged to support the museum’s education programming.
“We are excited to bring these high-energy performances to the museum as we kick off our 25th year,” said museum educator Barry James. “White Water shows are very popular here in the Upper Peninsula, and although we’ve added new seating to the museum, I encourage visitors to arrive early since the house should be packed.”
White Water, with founding members Dean and Bette Premo, has been performing traditional folk museum for Michigan audiences since 1985. The group will be joined by Houghton-based fiddlers Emma and Carrie Dlutkowski, accompanied by their mother Susan Dlutkowski, at the Iron Industry Museum shows, along with at least one dozen additional instruments, including hammer dulcimers, fiddles, mandolins, guitars, piano and more.
White Water will perform both old and new original tunes, along with the music of Konsta Jylhä (1910-1984), a folk virtuoso known for making traditional pelimanni-style folk music a hallmark of Finnish culture. The Dlutkowski sisters will also entertain the crowd with some French-Canadian style fiddling and foot percussion.
For more information about the open house event or the Iron Industry Museum, contact Barry James at 906-475-7857.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is one of 11 nationally accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources. Located on US-41E, 9-miles west of Marquette, it overlooks the site of the Carp River Forge, a pioneer industrial site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 906-475-7857 or visit: www.michigan.gov/ironindustrymuseum.
Map Connects Travelers to Pure Michigan, MDOT Social Media Sites
May 16, 2012
Fast Facts:
- - New transportation map features QR codes to connect you to MDOT and Pure Michigan Web and social media sites for real-time travel and tourism information.
- - New map has 17 city maps.
- - For the first time ever, state forest locations are indicated on the map.
MAY 16, 2012 – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today released the 2012 state transportation map. The latest edition of the map features a variety of QR codes linking travelers to social media sites that will assist them in planning their Michigan adventure, in addition to the standard map features Michigan motorists and visitors alike depend on. A video showing the new map and its features is available on the MDOT YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.
Links to the Pure Michigan Facebook, Twitter and Flickr sites allow visitors to join in real-time conversations, post photos of their travels, and ask other travelers’ advice about must-do activities. Another QR code takes motorists to MDOT’s popular Mi Drive traffic information Web site, featuring road construction and traffic information that will help them avoid delays and make the most of their time in Michigan. Connections to the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) also are available.
“The 2012 state map highlights all the wonders of Pure Michigan in four seasons and makes it easier for all to see how a reinvented Michigan has even more to offer,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “We continue to capitalize on technology to make the map even more accessible with quick response codes that allow your smartphone to take you directly to helpful Web sites.”
“Through social media and these QR codes, travelers are immediately connected to travel experts throughout the state and have the ability to interact with some of Michigan’s 77 million visitors,” said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. “Travelers can now share their own experiences, as well as find out what’s going on in every corner of the state.”
Another new feature is a QR code that takes kids to a special site where they can play “Pure Michigan MiPick.” This interactive site gives kids a choice between two Michigan products, landmarks or adventures and asks them to vote thumbs up or down, depending on which one they’d rather do. A few examples include:
- “I’d rather race a sled dog team in the U.P. 200 Sled Dog race than a car at a NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway.”
- “I’d rather clean up after horses on Mackinac Island than after dogs at the Detroit Kennel Club Show.”
- “I’d rather drive from Copper Harbor to New Buffalo listening to only Aretha Franklin than Eminem.”
MDOT also worked with MDNR to mark state forest locations on the new map, using brown tree symbols. Exit numbers for US-10, which runs from Ludington to Bay City, also were added this year.
Don’t have a smartphone? Don’t worry, the printed map also lists the Web site addresses the QR codes connect to in order to help you plan a trip.
“MDOT and Pure Michigan are partnering to connect travelers with all the information they need to explore our great state,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.
Printed maps are available free of charge at Michigan Welcome Centers and MDOT offices; a Web-based version has been posted online with 37 PDFs of city maps. The map is printed in Michigan by Johnston Lithograph, Inc. of Romulus. About 1 million maps will be produced this year, at a cost of 12 cents per copy. To view the online version of the state transportation map, request a free copy, get more details, or report a suspected error, go to: www.michigan.gov/statemap. For Michigan travel news and updates, and to plan your next trip, visit www.michigan.org.
How I Became A Pirate at NMU
May 16, 2012
How I Became A Pirate - At NMU's Forest Roberts Theater
MAY 18-19 at 7:30 p.m.
(Friday and Saturday)
May 19th at 1 p.m. (Saturday)
FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE
$5 NMU STUDENTS/STUDENTS, $10 GENERAL PUBLIC
(906) 227-1032 or
http://www.nmu.edu/tickets/
What: How I Became A Pirate
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman
Based on the book “How I Became A Pirate” Written by Melinda Long Illustrations by David Shannon Directed by Ansley Valentine
Rated: G
“How I Became a Pirate” is a family friendly musical that follows the adventures of Jeremy Jacob. Jeremy is digging on the beach when he is recruited by a band of friendly pirates to help them dig a hiding spot for their treasure. The pirates teach Jeremy about pirate language and behavior, and Jeremy teaches the pirates about being a kid. Most importantly, though, Jeremy and the pirates teach each other about finding themselves and their home.
When: May 18-19 at 7:30 and May 19 at 1 p.m.
Where: Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette MI, 49855 Forest Roberts Theatre
Tickets: In Person- NMU EZ Tickets Outlets
By Phone- (906) 227-1032 or (906) 227-2850
Online: www.nmu.edu/tickets
Tickets are $5 NMU STUDENTS/STUDENTS, $10 GENERAL PUBLIC
Public Information: Forest Roberts Theatre Box Office, (906) 227-2553 frtbox@gmail.com www.nmu.edu/theatre Forest Roberts Theatre on Facebook and Twitter @FRTbox
Big Bay Relay, Safety on County Road 550 Main Concern
May 15, 2012
Big Bay, Michigan – The Big Bay Relay sponsored by Johnson Sports and Jimmy Johns is set to take off this Saturday, May 19th, 2012.
The races biggest concern is safety. We are asking all automobile drivers who travel on 550 to be advised that runners and crew cars will be occupying the right side of the Co Rd 550 from 8:00 am -2:00pm. Race in progress signs will be posted in Marquette and Big Bay.
This year’s race has over 40 teams enduring the miles towards Big Bay. Within the mix are 5 junior race teams. All runners will be wearing a reflective strap and running on the left hand side of the road.
“An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan” – May 18 at 7:30 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church
May 15, 2012
The Marquette County Chamber Chorale will present “An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan” on May 18 at 7:30 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 W. Fair Ave, Marquette.
The concert will feature choruses, solos from many Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and highlights from “The Mikado” The Chamber Chorale is under the direction of Wayne Hanmer and accompanied by Dawn Betts. There will be a freewill donation at the door. For more information call 249-9867.
Your Mind Matters: Infant Mental Health – Peter White Public Library May 17, 2012
May 14, 2012
Your Mind Matters: Infant Mental Health
Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:00 am
Peter White Public Library
217 N. Front St., Marquette
Call 226-4318 for more information.
In celebration of May as Mental Health month, the public is invited to learn about the importance of infant mental health on Thursday, May 17 at 10:00 am in the Peter White Public Library Shiras Room on the upper level of the library.
The concept of infant mental health is often misunderstood but has it’s basis in the understanding that our earliest relationships provide a foundation for our development into adulthood and shape what we expect from the world. This workshop will provide an overview regarding why social-emotional health is so important in early childhood and the role early relationships play in supporting social-emotional health.
Melissa Copenhaver has approximately 15 years of experience working with pregnant mothers, infants and children and since 2007 has been endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialists. She currently teaches Community Mental Health and Pediatric Nursing courses at Lake Superior State University and also coordinates and provides services through a home-based Maternal Infant Health Program.
Infants are welcome with their caregivers. There is no admission charge. This program is part of Your Mind Matters, an ongoing community dialog on mental health issues sponsored by a coalition of local community health organizations, advocacy groups, individuals and Peter White Public Library. For more information visit www.pwpl.info or call the library at 226-4318.
DNR Partners With NWTF to Accomplish Tree Planting on Baraga Plains
May 14, 2012
The Keweenaw Bay Cutters chapter of NWTF recently partnered with the DNR to plant 100 crab apple trees near the Baraga Plains State Wildlife Management Area. Pictured from left, back row: Craig Frank, DNR wildlife biologist Bill Scullon, Otto Bennick, Nick Lindemann, DNR wildlife technician Brad Johnson, Dean Osterman and Dick Barthel. Front row: Sierra Frank and Lindsey Frank.
The Keweenaw Bay Cutters chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently teamed up with the Department of Natural Resources to plant 100 crab apple trees and improve upland game bird habitat on state land in Baraga County, the DNR announced today.
The KBC chapter of NWTF provided both funding and volunteer manpower, along with their privately-owned equipment, to accomplish this Upland Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project, with guidance from DNR wildlife biologists in choosing the three planting sites near the Baraga Plains State Wildlife Management Area. DNR staff also provided hands-on help and additional necessary equipment during the planting event on Saturday, April 14.
The habitat project will benefit many wildlife species including ruffed grouse, deer, bear, and Baraga County’s growing turkey population. DNR wildlife staff will build upon the improvements begun by the KBC volunteers by planting several new wildlife openings in the near future with a mix of small grains and clovers to complement the fruit-bearing crab apple seedlings.
“As hunting license revenues continue to decline, so does our budget for habitat improvement projects, making partnerships like this increasingly valuable in managing our natural resources,” said DNR wildlife biologist Bill Scullon. “This is a great example of the key role our partners play in working towards the common goal of successful wildlife management in Michigan.”
A sign identifying the planting sites and recognizing the partnership project will be provided and placed in the vicinity by the KBC volunteers.
“I would like to thank all who helped plant the trees, as well as the businesses and members that support our group financially throughout the year,” said KBC chapter president Nick Lindemann.
Keweenaw Bay Cutters chapter of NWTF volunteers recently gathered to improve wildlife habitat by planting 100 crab apple trees on the Baraga Plains. Pictured from left: Craig Frank, Lindsey Frank, Otto Bennick, Nick Lindemann, Sierra Frank and Dick Barthel.
Conservation groups with habitat improvement partnership proposals are encouraged to approach their local DNR wildlife biologist for assistance in project development.
For more information about the Baraga County tree planting project, contact Bill Scullon at 906-563-9077. To learn more about the DNR’s work to improve habitat statewide, go online to www.michigan.gov/wildlife.
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