News, Views, and Happenings

Read our latest articles and give us your comments. Visit our new BLOG!

News: Keweenaw Now moves to new BLOG Sept. 1

Posted 08/31/2007  

HANCOCK -- Readers, this Web site, www.keweenawnow.com will move to our NEW BLOG, http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com, beginning Saturday, Sept. 1. All the articles, photos and links published on this site since October 2001 will still be accessible in our Archive, thanks to Smartisans.com. When you go to Keweenaw Now you'll be able to access this valuable record of News, Views and Happenings up to Aug. 31, 2007. Then click on the BLOG link to read the new articles, see photos and, if you wish, take advantage of our new blog feature -- comment on the articles or on any issues of interest to our readers. Thanks to all of you for visiting Keweenaw Now and -- to keep yourself informed -- please visit our new site!

News: Photo contest deadline extended to Sept. 7

Posted 08/31/2007  

HANCOCK -- Readers, Keweenaw Now is extending the photo contest through Sept. 7, 2007. Just in case you capture that great view of Lake Superior during the Labor Day weekend, it will still be eligible! The photo should express a personal, environmental, economic or spiritual connection people have to Lake Superior. (Photos of local beaches ecologically connected to Lake Superior -- such as Hancock, Houghton or Chassell on the Portage Canal -- are acceptable as entries.) Categories are wildlife, landscape and stewardship/education (e.g., cleaning up a beach or leaving it cleaner than you find it, learning about the lake, etc.). Visit the Keweenaw Now Blog for details and rules.
Photo: Keweenaw sunset with freighter. Photo taken near the Keweenaw Tip from the Isle Royale Queen IV during Reading the Landscape cruise June 30. (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson) 

News: Houghton County Fair Visit: part 1

Posted 08/26/2007  

HANCOCK -- From kids' fun to prize-winning tomatoes to tough, competitive horse-pulling, Keweenaw Now captured some highlights of the Houghton County Fair on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, at the Fairgrounds in Hancock. See our photo essay, "Houghton County Fair Visit: part 1," now published on Keweenaw Now's new blog. See also our first video -- an interview with some Fair celebrities!
Photo: Inside the Houghton County Fair Exhibit Building, Sean Godmere, 3, son of Shane and Michele Godmere of Centennial Heights, tries his steering skills at the Toddler Driving School -- in the company of Houghton County Fair Queen Genny Gierke of Chassell. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu) 

Happenings: Hancock Planning Commission to meet Aug. 27

Posted 08/23/2007

HANCOCK -- The potential sale of waterfront lots in the City of Hancock's Government Lot 5 near Swedetown Creek will again be a subject of discussion for the Hancock Planning Commission at their next monthly meeting. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 399 Quincy Street. Read the Agenda on our Blog.

News: Calumet Heritage Celebration: Photos

Posted 08/21/2007  

CALUMET -- Keweenaw Now's photographer, Gustavo Bourdieu, wandered around Main Street Calumet's Heritage Celebration in Agassiz Park last Saturday, Aug. 18, and took photos for readers of our new blog. Check out these photos of some highlights of the day and feel free to add your comments on the Keweenaw Now Blog.
Photo: Krista Cone, center, Miss Coppertown 2007, reigned over the Calumet Heritage Celebration last weekend. Pictured with her are other candidates Kelsey Johnson, right, and Kelsey Eddleman. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

News: Folklore research project seeks info on local Finnish-American musicians 

By Hilary Virtanen Posted 08/20/2007  

HANCOCK -- Do you have traditional Finnish musicians in your family tree? Do you have any recollections of a musical neighbor from decades past? If you do, Hilary Virtanen, a Copper Country native and graduate student of Scandinavian Studies and Folklore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, would like to meet you during her visit to the Upper Peninsula this month. Virtanen hopes to interview descendants and acquaintances of thirteen Finnish-American musicians recorded in 1938 by folklorist Alan Lomax, famed for his work with blues legends Huddy “Leadbelly” Ledbetter and Muddy Waters. Her research is part of an album compilation project conducted by Professor James P. Leary, also of the University of Wisconsin. Read more on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.

Happenings: Calumet Heritage Celebration to be Aug. 17, 18, 19

Posted 08/16/2007

CALUMET -- Main Street Calumet's Heritage Celebration will offer three days of events for the whole family Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17, 18 and 19. Heritage Days recognize the courageous emigrants who settled in the Calumet area and worked to become Americans. Come and celebrate Calumet's cultural diversity with music, dance, food and traditional arts. View the winners of the Windows Competition and visit the ongoing Key Ingredients Exhibit in the Keweenaw Heritage Center. Music will be provided alternately by Maple Sugar Folk and Fiddlehead between noon and 4 p.m. Saturday to celebrate this year's "French and Irish" theme. The Calumet Elks Beer Garden also begins at noon Saturday in Agassiz Park. Read more and see photos on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.
Photo: Croatian folk dance and music is represented by this colorful exhibit of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #270 at 200 Fifth Street. Their window display tied with Rowe Furniture for Third Place as People's Choice in the window competition. The dolls' colorful costumes offer a preview of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, who will perform ethnic folk dance and song at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Calumet Theatre -- all part of the Heritage Celebration! See our blog for larger version and more photos. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Happenings: DEQ/DNR revise public hearing schedule for Kennecott Eagle Project

Posted 08/14/2007

MARQUETTE, LANSING -- The Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources have issued an Updated Notice of their Consolidated Public Hearing on the Kennecott Eagle Project, a proposed nickel and copper mine in Marquette County. The notice is a response to public requests for an additional hearing in the City of Marquette. See the revised schedule on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.

News: Swedetown Creek comments requested 

Posted 08/12/2007  

HANCOCK -- A group of concerned citizens is requesting that residents write to Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson to express their views on the City of Hancock's potential sale of Government Lot #5 parcels immediately east of Swedetown Creek along Highway 203 for three residential lots. The area in question represents the south side of the river mouth and protects forests, wetlands and sandbars. Read the article on Keweenaw Now's new blog.
Photo: Swedetown Creek, near the proposed land sale, is a recreational area for residents. (Photo © 2007 Joe Kaplan. Reprinted with permission.)

Happenings: August Happenings now posted on Keweenaw Now's new BLOG

Posted 08/07/2007

HANCOCK -- Visit Keweenaw Now's new blog, www.keweenawnow.blogspot.com to learn about August Happenings. We recently posted community announcements on the First Annual Portage Paddle Fest, the Community Arts Center Summer Arts Camp, Keweenaw Krayons' "Homemade Fun Day" and the Keweenaw Guerilla Gardeners. See these announcements, watch for more Keweenaw Happenings and add your own comments on our blog or send us your own community announcement for the blog at andersm@pasty.com.

News: Planning Commission hears public comment on proposed waterfront sale 

Posted 08/06/2007  

HANCOCK --The City of Hancock's potential sale of Government Lot #5 parcels immediately east of Swedetown Creek along Highway 203 was the subject of several public comments presented to the City of Hancock Planning Commission on July 23, 2007. This city-owned property is opposite a public access recreational spot, also city property, used as a boat launch at the place where the creek empties into the Portage. Residents have expressed opposition to the city's proposal to sell the lots because of their proximity to a recreational area. The Planning Commission approved requesting a registered land survey of the entire Government Lot 5 to assist the commission to study the use of the property as requested by the City Council and to request that it be due prior to the Commission's August 27th meeting. Read the article on Keweenaw Now's new blog.
Photo: Hancock resident John Slivon, left, addresses the Hancock Planning Commission and City Manager Glenn Anderson, right, on the proposed sale of public land near Swedetown Creek. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © Michele Anderson)

News: DEQ grants preliminary approval to Kennecott sulfide mine application, schedules public hearings 

Posted 08/01/2007  

LANSING, MARQUETTE --Despite an internal investigation focused on the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ's) mismanagement of the application review process for a proposed sulfide mine under the Yellow Dog Plains and Salmon Trout River, near Marquette, the DEQ announced on July 30, 2007, that it "has resumed its review of the Eagle Project Mine permit application and reinstated its earlier proposed decision to approve a series of permits to the Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company." The DEQ calls this decision "only a proposal," noting that public hearings have been scheduled near Marquette at the West Branch Community Center (on old KI Sawyer Air Force Base) in Forsyth Township September 11-13, as well as at the Lansing Center on September 19. The public comment period will remain open through October 17, and written comments can be sent to DEQ/DNR Kennecott Comments, Office of Geological Survey, P.O. Box 30256, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7756, or by e-mail at DEQ-Kennecott-comments@michigan.gov. National Wildlife Federation attorney Michelle Halley said acid mine drainage and the mine's roof caving in are among public concerns that still have not been addressed. "The application is deficient and the operation would undeniably cause pollution," Halley said. Read more in the July 31, 2007, Mining Journal article, "Mine backers, foes get set for hearings." Visit Save the Wild UP for more information on this update.

News: Photo contest deadline extended to Aug. 31

Posted 07/31/2007  

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now is extending the deadline and broadening categories for our Lake Superior Photo Contest through Aug. 31, 2007. Send us your favorite photo of Lake Superior or a related body of water, beach, etc., in the Lake Superior basin. Categories include landscape (the beauty of the lake), wildlife (if you can catch them) or responsible action / education (e.g., doing something to leave the beach cleaner than you found it, learning /teaching about lake ecology, etc.) We will accept photos of or near the lake taken any time this summer -- between May 1 and Aug. 31, 2007. Winners will be posted on our new blog, www.keweenawnow.blogspot.com.See blog for contest rules. P.S.: If you have a short community announcement, post it as a comment on the blog!
Photo: Limnologist Judith Budd tests the lake level at a point near Copper Harbor for participants in the Reading the Landscape Shorelands program on June 30, 2007, aboard the Isle Royale Queen IV. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

News: Thanks, Absolute Michigan!

Posted 07/28/2007  

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now wishes to thank Andy McFarlane of absolutemichigan.com for featuring Keweenaw Now and our new Keweenaw Now blog, as well as our photo contest, on Absolute Michigan. Be sure to check this out and see also his article on the Mackinac Bridge 50th Anniversary celebration, with an excellent photo of the big bridge by michiganartisan. Absolute Michigan says it "is designed to be a rich resource that promotes the state of Michigan as a place to visit, for business that doesn't mess up the natural beauty Michigan is blessed with, and most importantly as a place to live your life with the people you love."

Happenings: Finlandia Gallery to exhibit "In/of Nature," by Cherie Sampson, July 26-Sept. 5

Posted 07/26/2007

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Gallery, Hancock, continues a summer exhibition schedule of Finnish-American artists with "In/of Nature" by Cherie Sampson July 26 through Sept. 5, 2007. An opening reception for the artist will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2007, in the gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center. At the reception, the artist will present a brief talk about her work. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Sampson has received numerous grants to work in Finland. In both Finland and the United States, she has created environmental, performance and video art pieces, as well as sculpture and photography. more
Photo: Artist Cherie Sampson often works outdoors -- in wild, public and rural locations. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

News: Hancock Council hears public opposition to proposed land sale

By Michele Anderson  Posted and updated 07/23/2007  

HANCOCK -- Hancock City Council members recently listened to several local residents express opposition to a proposed land sale of City-owned waterfront property on Swedetown Creek and Portage Lake. At a public hearing on July 18, citizens' comments were unanimous in asking the Council to reconsider plans to sell Government Lot #5, immediately east of Swedetown Creek along Highway 203. The parcels proposed for sale are near a recreational spot used as a boat launch at the place where the creek empties into the Portage. One parcel has frontage on the creek, and two have frontage on the Portage. Former Councilwoman Mary Tuisku was among those who spoke in favor of sending the proposal back to the Hancock Planning Commissioners, who have added it to their agenda for the Planning Commission meeting at 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, July 23, in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers. more 
Photo: During the July 18 public hearing, preceding the Hancock City Council meeting, Allyson Jabusch, standing at the podium, requests that the Council table the vote on Government Lot #5 near Swedetown Creek and instruct the Planning Commission to hold another public hearing.  (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

News: Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to celebrate Grand Opening of Community / Conference Center July 21

By Lauren Wiza  Posted 07/20/2007  

COPPER HARBOR -- Tucked away in the green forests just outside Copper Harbor, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge has been receiving a facelift during the past year. The Lodge will celebrate the Grand Opening of its new Community / Conference Center this Saturday, July 21, in conjunction with the Thimbleberry Jam Fest. Keweenaw County owns the 167-acre facility, which includes a golf course, a lodge with dining area, cabins, a motel -- and now a new 7,000-square-foot Community / Conference facility and newly renovated water and sewer infrastructure for winterizing. In the past, this  "Jewel of the Keweenaw," has been open only during the summer season. The new infrastructure will allow it to be open year-round. more
Photo: This photo shows one of the entrances to the new Community / Conference Center and its large dining area, which can accommodate up to 280 guests. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

News: Finnish city officials attend Hancock City Council meeting

Posted 07/19/2007  

HANCOCK -- Two official Finnish visitors from Hancock's sister city, Porvoo, Finland, attended the public hearing and meeting of the Hancock City Council on July 18, 2007. The visitors, Marcus Henricson, Porvoo city manager, and Mikaela Nylander, Porvoo mayor (fifth and sixth from left in photo) presented the Hancock City Council with a symbolic gift, an attractive glass vase designed by Alvar Aalto, a famous Finnish designer and architect. (Click on photo for larger version: Hancock Mayor Barry Givens, fourth from left, is holding the gift.) "With this small, symbolic gift," Henricson said, "we want to express our appreciation for the hospitality that we've experienced during our visit here." Both Henricson and Nylander expressed interest in seeing Hancock's city government in action, with public participation during the hearing and the meeting. Learn more about the sister cities on the Hancock and Porvoo Web sites. Watch for an article on the hearing, coming soon.  
Photo: Finnish visitors from Hancock's sister city, Porvoo, Finland, pose for a photo with Hancock City Council members during the July 18 Council meeting in Hancock City Hall Council Chambers. Pictured are, from left, James Hainault, councilman at large; Ted Belej, councilman at large; William Laitila, mayor pro-tem; Barry Givens, mayor; Marcus Henricson, Porvoo city manager; Mikaela Nylander, Porvoo mayor; Lisa McKenzie, councilwoman at large; Sarah Baratono, Ward II councilwoman; and Karen Haischer (seated), clerk. Not pictured is Glenn Anderson, Hancock city manager, who also welcomed the visitors.  (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

News: Keweenaw Now launches new BLOG with photo contest

Posted 07/17/2007  

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now is launching a new, interactive BLOG for readers with a photo contest. On July 13 we invited you to celebrate Lake Superior Day (officially July 15) sometime during the week of July 14-22, record it with your camera and email us your best photo in one of three categories: landscape (the beauty of the lake), wildlife (if you can catch them) or responsible action (e.g., doing something to leave the beach cleaner than you found it). We will also accept photos of or near the lake taken any time this summer -- between May 1 and July 31, 2007. The Lake Superior Binational Forum promotes the basin-wide Lake Superior Day to highlight the personal, environmental, economic and spiritual connections people have to this unique world treasure. Tell us about your connection with a photo! Even if you don't have a photo, check our our new BLOG and send us your comments on any of our articles -- or Keweenaw issues important to you. The blog is user-friendly and has no connection to our former Discussion boards.
Photo: Keweenaw Now photographer Gustavo Bourdieu photographed this sunset with freighter near the Keweenaw Tip during the Reading the Landscape boat tour from Copper Harbor on the Isle Royale Queen IV June 30, 2007. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

News: Stupak votes for bills on redeployment from Iraq, student aid 

Posted 07/15/2007


WASHINGTON, D. C. -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), recently announced his votes on two bills passed this week in the U.S. House of Representatives: the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act and the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. On July 12 the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would begin to redeploy U.S. troops from Iraq within 120 days and to complete redeployment by April 1st of 2008. Congressman Stupak voted for the legislation. He also voted for the legislation that would invest $18 billion in college financial aid, the single largest investment in college financial aid since the 1944 GI Bill, saying the bill would help millions of Americans afford college and higher education. more

News: Kiersten Birondo reigns as Strawberry Festival Queen

Posted 07/10/2007  Updated 07/16/07


CHASSELL -- Copper Country Strawberry Festival Queen Kiersten Birondo, a recent graduate of Houghton High School, made the rounds of the festival held in Chassell July 6-7 and greeted her subjects with poise and graciousness. Kiersten said she found it exciting "just to be up there" on stage with the other queen candidates. "I used to be one of the little girls watching the queen competition in awe, and I'm so thrilled that I got to be one of the girls this time," she said. "Actually, being selected was surreal. It was surprising, and it felt a little bizarre." Kiersten, who is already on her way to a career as an opera singer, is no stranger to public appearances. Besides being chosen as Miss Houghton County last year, she has performed in the Pine Mountain Music Festival with singing roles in both The Magic Flute (2006) and An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan this year. She will also have a role in The Sound of Music at the Calumet Theatre this fall. Kiersten plans to attend Michigan Tech to study materials engineering and vocal performance -- and to continue her study of French. Read more about Kiersten's activities.
Photo: Copper Country Strawberry Festival Queen Kiersten Birondo at the Chassell Pavilion on Saturday, July 7, 2007. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

News: Barbara Kendall receives Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw award

Posted 07/10/2007


HANCOCK -- Barbara Kendall of Hancock received the 2007 Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw award during the Fourth of July celebration at Churning Rapids. The award is given annually to a Copper Country person who has given of his or her heart and hands in the service of peace, justice or the environment. In addition to her professional life of service in nursing, Kendall was instrumental in founding the Community Coalition in 1996. Coalition volunteers sponsor "Art from the Heart" and provide grief education and support. Kendall has been involved with Keweenaw Home Nursing Hospice as their Education Coordinator, has worked with the Employee Wellness Program, is on a committee for operations of Omega House and is a "Parish Nurse" for the Methodist Church in Hancock. While working with the Health Department, Kendall was one of first HIV/AIDS educators back when it first emerged as a serious health issue. In spite of her demanding schedule, Kendall is known as "an incredible community servant." 
Photo: Terry Kinzel presents the 2007 Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw award to Barbara Kendall of Hancock during Fourth of July celebration at Churning Rapids. Click for larger photo, which also pictures Shalini Suryanarayana, director of Special Academic Programs in the Department of Educational Opportunity at Michigan Tech University and chair of MTU's Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC), who received the 2006 Heart and Hands of the Keweenaw award, and Norman Kendall, Barbara's spouse, who played music during the event with the group Rhythm 203.

News: Save the Wild UP Video Challenge winners announced

Posted 07/04/2007


MARQUETTE -- Winners of the Save The Wild UP Video Challenge have been announced and can be viewed on You Tube. The Grand Prize Winner with 1907 votes is Josh Leo for his Video titled "Sulfide Mining Will Damage Michigan." Prizes for the Grand Prize Winner include $2500 and a holiday package in the Huron Mountains of the Upper Peninsula. The First Runner-Up with 1406 votes is Peter Schriemer for his video titled "Michigan's Water and Wildlife." Scott Lynch wins Second Runner-Up for his video titled "Kennecott Eagle Mine." See Save The Wild UP for details on the sulfide mining issue.
Photo: A fall 2006 view of the Salmon Trout River, which flows through an area proposed for Kennecott Minerals' Eagle Project sulfide mine. The river contains a rare population of Coaster Brook Trout. Click on photo for larger version.  (Photo © 2007 and courtesy lexup at Save the Wild UP. Reprinted with permission.)

News: Businesses feel the heat: Lake Superior warms up, part 3

By Katie Alvord  Posted 06/30/2007


HOUGHTON -- On June 21, the Senate passed an energy bill that would increase average vehicle fuel efficiency, a measure meant at least in part to combat global warming. Meanwhile, in the Copper Country, some businesses -- particularly those based on winter tourism -- might already have been feeling global warming's effects. In this final segment of a three-part series on climate change in the Lake Superior Basin, Katie Alvord looks at ways local businesses have already been affected by warming temperatures, how some have responded with potential solutions and what some scientists say about the future of winter in our area. more
Photo: Making snow at Mont Ripley Ski Hill near Hancock. In warmer winters, ski areas rely more on artificial snow. The tall, slanted pipe in left foreground is newer, more energy-efficient snowmaking equipment. (Photo © 2007 and courtesy Mont Ripley.)

News: Photos of 2007 Keweenaw Chain Drive bike races posted

Posted 06/26/2007


HANCOCK -- Photos of the 2007 Portage Health Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival bike races are now available on Brockit.com. These quality photos, taken by Brockit's professional photographers Adam Johnson and Tess Steube, include a variety of individual and group photos of the race. They are available for viewing or purchase. Results of the races, held June 16, 2007, on the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails in Hancock, are posted on the Chain Drive Web site. Races included 32- and 16-mile races, the Junior Chain Drive and (for Father's Day) father and offspring teams. The Chain Drive race will help support a purchase of 280 acres for the Swedetown Recreation Area in Calumet. Visit Keweenaw Trails for more information on local trails and upcoming running and biking races.
Photo: Terry Kinzel of Hancock rides in the 16-mile race during the 2007 Keweenaw Chain Drive. Kinzel and his wife, Sue Ellen Kingsley, who maintain their Churning Rapids trails for community biking and cross-country skiing, both participated in the race. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Brockit.com. Reprinted with permission.)

News: Cardboard boat races offer challenges, "pirate" fun at Bridgefest 2007

By Michele Anderson  Posted 06/22/2007


HOUGHTON -- The "Pirates of the Keweenaw" cardboard boat races offered "pirates" of various ages the challenge of keeping afloat in competitive races on the Portage Lake Ship Canal near Houghton Beach on Sunday, June 17. The "pirate" theme inspired some creative sailing garb and added an element of friendly rowdiness to the traditional rivalry between crews representing the cities of Hancock and Houghton. Keweenaw Now offers readers this three-page photo essay of the shenanigans and community fun. more
Photo: Crew members of "Technicolor Magic," a boat that tried to carry 14 "pirates," hit the water laughing as their cardboard "catamaran" splits in two during its one and only race. The shipwreck won it a prize for Best Sinking. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

News: Lake Superior Basin feeling heat: Part 2

By Katie Alvord  Posted 06/03/2007


HOUGHTON -- The next G-8 summit starts on June 6 in Germany; and, with climate change high on the agenda, George W. Bush has responded to European pressures by announcing his own counter-proposals for stemming greenhouse gas emissions. As world political leaders debate what to do about climate change, several scientists from around Lake Superior say local plants and animals are already showing the effects of rising average temperatures. Their findings range from northward shifts in bird and small mammal ranges to unexpected plankton blooms to a diminishing moose population on Isle Royale, and some are expressing concern about what a warming climate might mean for our future. more
Photo: Isle Royale moose shows areas of skin rubbed bare due to tick infestation. Moose lose fur when they rub against trees in an attempt to remove ticks. Warmer temperatures favor ticks and make moose more vulnerable to winter tick infestations.  (Photo © 2007 John Vucetich. Reprinted with permission.)

Viewpoint: Pilgrimage to Eagle Rock

By Sue Ellen Kingsley  Posted 05/27/2007

HANCOCK -- Eagle Rock, in the northwestern reaches of Marquette County, is the planned portal for Kennecott Minerals Corporation's proposed Eagle Project sulfide mine. The proposal calls for blasting through Eagle Rock and tunneling west under the Salmon Trout River into acid-generating sulfide ore, to extract nickel and copper. Inspired by an article, "Eagle Rock as U.P. Pilgrimage Site," by Jon Saari, Board president of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC), Keweenaw Now guest writer Sue Ellen Kingsley decided this was something she wanted to do. Kingsley describes and illustrates with photos her recent pilgrimage to Eagle Rock, where she and friend Kate Alvord joined their offerings to symbolic objects left by other pilgrims, including members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community who regard Eagle Rock as a sacred site. more 

News: Lake Superior warming fast: Researchers surprised by strong trends

By Katie Alvord  Posted 05/03/2007


HOUGHTON -- A growing number of regional officials and researchers have been examining how climate change may already affect air, water and ice within the Lake Superior basin. This regional work is taking place as the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) completes its Fourth Assessment Report on the state of the world’s climate. The IPCC is releasing its 2007 assessment in segments, and the next will be released Friday, May 4. In the first in a series of articles on climate change, Keweenaw Now guest writer Katie Alvord reports recent climate changes affecting Lake Superior, as researched by scientists at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Michigan Tech University and as observed by meteorologists and by officials at Isle Royale National Park and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. more
Photo: Ice melting along the Lake Superior shoreline in late March 2007. (Photo © 2007 Katie Alvord. Reprinted with permission.) 

News: Walk for Peace commemorates Iraq War anniversary

Posted 03/20/2007 


HANCOCK --  Nearly 45 persons, and a few pet dogs, walked from Hancock to Houghton and back on Sunday, Mar. 18, 2007, in a Walk for Peace commemorating the fourth anniversary of the War in Iraq. Although the local event was  not sponsored by any particular group, the Walk was in solidarity with peace events around the country, which included a march of thousands on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on March 17.  more
Photo: Sign "No More War" is one of many carried by participants in the Walk for Peace from Hancock to Houghton and back on Sunday, March 18, 2007.  (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

Letter to Editor: Stop the Eagle Mine Project forever

By Ted Johnson  Posted 03/16/2007

CALUMET -- Ted Johnson of Calumet asks local residents to step forward and stop Kennecott Minerals'  proposed Eagle Project for sulfide mining on the Yellow Dog Plains before it is too late. "The Upper Peninsula is the last bastion in Michigan capable of saving the pristine landscapes, the unspoiled lakes and rivers, tribal ceded lands, major bird and wildfowl flyways, trophy deer and fish, a safe and friendly living environment, and unique and remaining resources," Johnson writes. more

News: MTU Master's International Peace Corps Volunteer returns after service in Togo
By Michele Anderson and Amber Kenny Posted 01/10/2007

HOUGHTON -- From raising bush rats to planting trees to teaching teenagers about organic farming and health, Amber Lily Kenny of Houghton completed several important projects during her two years in Togo, West Africa. She shares with Keweenaw Now readers some inspiring and humorous tales of her adventures and cross-cultural experiences as a Michigan Tech Master's International Peace Corps Volunteer. Amber is back at MTU finishing her Master's research in forestry and hopes to return to West Africa to work in another aspect of international development. Read her stories and see two pages of photos.
Photo: Three-year-old Antoinette has fun cooking with Peace Corps Volunteer Amber Kenny during one of Antoinette's frequent visits to Amber's village home in Togo. (Photo © 2006 Amber Kenny)

Viewpoint: Pasty Cam 

Updated Daily

CALUMET -- Pasty Central hosts Pasty Cam, which provides a daily photo of life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and an interactive way for visitors to share their memories, contact old friends, and make new friends. more

News: DEQ proceeds with Kennecott sulfide mine application, still opposed by community groups
By Emily Svenson and Michele Anderson   Posted 11/22/2006 

MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) resumed processing Kennecott Minerals' application for a sulfide mine under the Yellow Dog Plains and Salmon Trout River on Oct. 26, 2006. A debate over the proposed Eagle Project mine, to be located about 30 miles northwest of Marquette, has been ongoing since the spring of 2003, when Kennecott’s proposition became public. Both local and national groups oppose the mine, citing especially the danger of Acid Mine Drainage to trout streams and ultimately Lake Superior. more
Photo: A view of the Salmon-Trout River, which flows through an area proposed for Kennecott Minerals' Eagle Project sulfide mine. The River contains a rare population of Coaster Brook Trout. (File photo © 2005 Northwoods Wilderness Recovery. Reprinted with permission.)

News: Keweenaw Land Trust marks decade of  land, water conservation

By Bryan Tyler  Posted 05/26/2006  

HANCOCK --  Ten years have passed since the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) began as a group of hopeful volunteers working with minimal recognition to protect the area’s quality of life through conservation, while trying to convince the public of their cause. Guest writer Bryan Tyler interviewed Evan McDonald, KLT executive director, for a report on KLT's recent conservation accomplishments, including the Paavola Wetlands Preserve, the Manitou Island Light Station Preserve and the return this July of the tall ship Denis Sullivan, a participant in the Land to Sea Expedition, a program promoting water and land conservation. more
Photo: A spring evening at the Keweenaw Land Trust's Paavola Wetlands Preserve has the pond alive with the sounds of birds and frogs. KLT recently expanded the preserve, which has a trail system available for educational hikes through the marshland. (Photo © 2006 Evan McDonald. Reprinted with permission.)

Viewpoint: Organizing MTU-EWB's Bolivia project

By Brandon Braithwaite Posted and updated 04/27/2006 

HOUGHTON -- Last November Brandon Braithwaite, a graduate student in Michigan Tech's Peace Corps Masters International program, participated in a project to build a sewage treatment system and bathroom facilities for a school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, with the Michigan Tech Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB), an organization dedicated to construction and environmental projects in the developing world. Braithwaite shares his thoughts on how he became involved in the organization and fundraising (He served as EWB event organizer) of the project and on the positive interaction of the MTU group with the local Bolivian community, where smiles and a sense of humor helped overcome language barriers. more

News: MTU's Engineers Without Borders helps Bolivian school

Posted 03/30/2006  

HOUGHTON -- Just a little more than a year old, Michigan Tech's chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB-MTU) completed its first international project in November 2005, when seven students and two MTU Professors, David Watkins and Kurt Paterson, both faculty in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, spent about a week building a sewage treatment system and bathroom facilities for the Buen Samaritano (Good Samaritan) School in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Much of the assessment and design components of the project were completed by Michigan Tech International Senior Design (ISD) students who subsequently founded EWB-MTU. Some of the students in the group are also MTU Peace Corps Masters International students. The three groups work together on projects; and EWB now has 75 members volunteering their time, raising funds for future projects and doing outreach in the local community as they become better engineers and citizens of the world. EWB members share their experiences and two pages of  photos. more
Photo: EWB member Laura Oman poses with her new friend, Erman, during a break in the November 2005 EWB construction project in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. (Photo © 2005 Kurt Paterson. Reprinted with permission.)

Viewpoint: Letter: Washington, D.C., anti-war demonstration and mass civil disobedience in front of the White House

By Scott Rutherford  Posted 10/30/2005  Updated with photos 11/09/05

HANCOCK -- Guest columnist Scott Rutherford offers an account and photos of his participation in the Sept. 24, 2005, anti-war demonstration in Washington, D.C., and in the civil disobedience action in front of the White House that followed on Sept. 26. "After traveling to Camp Casey to meet Cindy Sheehan in August, it seemed only fitting to join her in Washington, D.C.," Rutherford writes. His letter is a follow-up to his Sept. 4, 2005, letter to Keweenaw Now on the Camp Casey visit. In Washington, Rutherford, with fellow members of  Veterans for Peace, joined a group of 370 demonstrators arrested for civil disobedience in front of the White House. (Photo: From left, in background, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cindy Sheehan and Rev. Al Sharpton hold banner with other anti-war demonstrators in Washington, D.C. Sept. 24, 2005. Photo © 2005 Scott Rutherford. Reprinted with permission.) more

News: MTU Lode article: Mt. Bohemia condos pose new threat to archaeological site

Posted 04/21/2005 

HOUGHTON -- In her April 20, 2005, article, "Plowing over history?" Michelle Manarolla, Michigan Tech Lode staff writer, calls attention to local residents' concerns that the projected Mt. Bohemia condo development could destroy artifacts from archaeological site 20KE20, surveyed by Patrick and Susan Martin, Michigan Tech University professors and archaeologists, in 1988.  Read the Lode article.
See also Paul Campbell's April 13, 2005, letter to the MTU Lode, expressing his concerns and two 2001 Keweenaw Now articles published at the time of the septic system construction: "DEQ to accept public comments on proposed Mt. Bohemia septic system" and "Black Bear constructs Mt. Bohemia septic system without DEQ permit." 

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More recent articles:

Happenings: Traveling exhibits to celebrate Copper Country food, culture July 14 - Aug. 26

Posted 07/12/2007  

Happenings: Carl Olson Run/Walk to be held Aug. 25 at Chassell trails

Posted 08/15/2007

News: Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale DVD explains research

By Julie Nordstrom  Posted 07/08/2007

Happenings: Copper Harbor's Art in the Park to feature art, music, food Aug. 18-19

Posted 08/16/2007

News: Renewable energy events draw local crowds

By Kate Alvord  Posted 04/07/2007

Happenings: Eagle Harbor to host 47th Annual Art Fair Aug. 11-12

Posted 08/08/2007

News: DEQ withdraws proposed approval of sulfide mine application

By Michele Anderson  Posted 03/06/2007  Updated 03/07/2007

News: Second renewable energy forum attracts large crowd

By Katie Alvord  Posted 05/21/2007

Happenings: Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to celebrate Grand Opening with Thimbleberry Jam Fest July 21

Posted 07/16/2007  Updated 07/17/2007

News: Two MTU students bike to Seattle for cancer survivorship

By Jeff Dambrun  Posted 05/16/2007

Happenings: Sibelius Academy musicians to perform July 18, 19, 20 at Calumet Theatre

Posted 07/17/2007

Viewpoint: Gore's Inconvenient Truth "stunning"

By Joe Kirkish  Posted 08/29/2006  

News: Somalia: Another Front in the War on Terror?
By Ron Martin, Jr.  Posted 02/05/2007  

Letter to Editor:  M-16s in the forest? I thought it was a joke.

By Bonnie Peterson  Posted 03/05/2007

Viewpoint: Walking Against Violence

By Alexandra Matiella Novak  Posted 10/15/2006 

News: Residents oppose Mt. Bohemia rezoning requests at hearing
By Michele Anderson  Posted 01/29/2007  Updated 01/30/07

News: Gratiot River North awaits funding for public access
By Wimberly Routhier  Posted 11/05/2006 

News: Obituary: Rev. Allen Goodrich
Posted 02/21/2007  

News: Manitou Island Bird Survey goes international

Posted 04/30/2007

News: UPPCO reservoir development plan: Public comment deadline is May 21, 2007

Posted 05/18/2007

News: "Power is in Our Hands Walk" calls for reducing carbon emissions

Posted 04/19/2007

Happenings: Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District Tree Sale deadline extended to Apr. 2; letters of support needed 

Posted 03/29/2007 

News: Stupak says Bush should sign Iraq Accountability bill

Posted and updated 04/26/2007

Happenings: National Parks to sponsor Children's Ethnic Recipe Contest for traveling exhibit 

Posted 01/27/2007 

News: Lahti stands with Granholm for stronger Michigan 
Posted 02/09/2007  

News: Artist Mary Biekkola Wright, Rick Kauppila named 2007 Heikinpäivä Hankooki Heikkis
Posted 01/18/2007

Happenings: Keweenaw County Planning Commission to hear zoning change requests and public input Jan. 16

Posted 01/15/2007 

News: Mt. Bohemia zoning issues to top Dec. 14 Planning Commission meeting
By Michele Anderson   Posted 12/13/2006  Updated 12/14/2006

Viewpoint: Mike Lahti: Candidate for Michigan House of Representatives, 110th District 

By Mike Lahti  Posted 10/21/2006  

News: Students learn practical side of research at Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair
By Julia Kalloz and Ezekiel Fugate  Posted 07/27/2006 

News: U. S. Sen. Carl Levin addresses local Democrats
By Michele Anderson  Posted 07/10/2006  Updated 07/26/06

Happenings: Lake Linden to present French Canadian music, dance Dec. 9

Posted 12/07/2006 

News: Governor Jennifer Granholm visits Keweenaw County

Posted 08/19/2005  Updated 08/25/2005

Viewpoint: Sulfide mining unacceptable

By Diane Miller  Posted 12/18/2005 

Viewpoint: DEQ Public Hearing on sulfide mining: Apr. 18, 2006

By Ted Soldan Posted 04/25/2006 

Viewpoint: Obituary: Janet Morrow Avery, 1926-2006

News: Obituary: Musician Ed Lauluma: 1921 - 2005

News: Stupak comments on sulfide mining rules

News: Lake Linden celebrates French Canadian Christmas with song and dance

News: Ceremony marks Bete Grise preservation By Michelle Manarolla

News: Keweenaw loss: Jim Rooks of Copper Harbor, 1935 - 2005.

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All Upcoming and Recent Happenings

Table of Contents -- Articles are archived from October 2001 to present.