Page 4 - Ryan Spitza News Today

Evan Bonsall, city commissioner, city of Marquette MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission this week approved a three-year labor agreement with the Marquette Firefighters Association Local #643. The commission voted 7-0 to approve the contract, which will require a one-time cost increase of $80,000 due to a conversion from salaried personnel to an hourly rate of pay. The city sought five key items during contract negotiations with the Firefighters Association: to comply with Michigan’s ...

rspitza@miningjournal.net MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission on Monday night completed an important step in its process to hire a new city manager in light of current Marquette City Manager Mike Angeli’s upcoming retirement. The commission voted 7-0 to approve a professional services contract with Walsh Municipal Services LLC of downstate Okemos to seek out and then narrow down candidates for the position, which will be vacated by Angeli on June 1. Angeli is set to retire after 45 y...

rspitza@miningjournal.net MARQUETTE — The Marquette County Health Department on Friday afternoon said it will begin calling individuals from the COVID-19 vaccine clinic pre-registration list to schedule appointments beginning next week. MCHD staff will be calling those on the pre-registration list beginning on Tuesday to schedule appointments for Friday. The department says there will be approximately 800 appointment slots available, and registrants will be contacted based on their placement...

rspitza@miningjournal.net From left, U.P. 200 trail boss Mike Sjolund, Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association Board members Angela Sjolund and Ross Anthony, and trail crew member Trevor Slinkard are shown with the UP200 starting gate that UPSDA officials set up at the Marquette Commons Thursday. The group did so to honor and recognize what would’ve been the 32nd running of the UP200, Midnight Run and Jack Pine 30 races this weekend, as they were canceled due to COVID-19. The 32nd running of th...

rspitza@miningjournal.net The Presque Isle Power Plant is pictured on Wednesday afternoon. Demolition of the baghouse has been paused due to concerns about dust coming from the structure, officials said. (Journal photo by Ryan Spitza) MARQUETTE — The demolition of the Presque Isle Power Plant’s baghouse has been paused, according to officials. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy halted a portion of the demolition process due to concerns about dust coming from th...

rspitza@miningjournal.net LANSING — The Protect Michigan Commission, comprised of bipartisan leaders from across the state, including Marquette City Commissioner Evan Bonsall and Upper Peninsula Health Plan’s Melissa A. Holmquist, held its first meeting on Friday. The commission, which serves as an advisory group to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, was established to focus on equitable distribution of a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine to help save lives and strengthen the economy. “The work of th...

rspitza@miningjournal.net Brad Austin, director of the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority, stands beside the recycled stream of sorted plastic material at the landfill’s recycling facility. The Marquette City Commission on Monday night voted to approve a temporary increase in solid waste collection fees. The decision comes in part as a result of the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority increasing its tipping fee by $4 per ton to help cover lost revenue as a resul...

Lacie Borchert MARQUETTE — Friends and relatives of Lacie Borchert, the 25-year-old Ishpeming woman found deceased in a lake next to Excelsior Street in Ishpeming on Friday, Nov. 27, are still searching for answers. While the Ishpeming Police Department has completed its investigation and ruled out foul play, those close to Borchert remain skeptical about the situation. A series of demonstrations were organized and held Monday and Tuesday, with friends and relatives appearing at various loca...

rspitza@miningjournal.net Volunteers pose with clothes at Harlow Park as part of the “Bundle UP MQT” initiative on Saturday afternoon. The event was spearheaded by Spread Goodness Day founder Anna Dravland. (Photo courtesy of Anna Dravland) MARQUETTE — Individuals who took a stroll through Harlow Park in downtown Marquette on Saturday afternoon were greeted by an array of warm winter clothing. Spread out across the park’s many paths, benches and playground structures, the clothes were ...

rspitza@miningjournal.net Spread Goodness Day founder Anna Dravland, left, and Bennett Media Group’s Christopher Lemkuil pose outside the Bennett Media Group offices at 313 W. Washington Street in Marquette. Dravland is spearheading “Bundle UP MQT,” which will provide the community with a chance to pick up free winter clothing at Harlow Park on Saturday, Jan. 23. Bennett Media Group is accepting donations for the event at its offices. (Photo courtesy of Anna Dravland) MARQUETTE — Take a...