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January 2006 News

Stabenow to support filibuster of Alito vote scheduled for Monday, Jan. 30 

Posted 01/28/2006  

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow has confirmed her support of the Democrats' effort to filibuster in order to prevent the confirmation of Samuel Alito as U.S. Supreme Court Justice, expected to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. MLive.com (Michigan news) reports, "Stabenow supported the filibuster because she has 'serious concerns' about Alito's record, including decisions involving pensions, reproductive health, and cases where the government used excessive force against citizens, spokeswoman Angela Benander said." As of Friday, Jan. 27, in an article on Republicans' criticism of Stabenow, Mlive noted Sen. Carl Levin, who opposes Alito, had not yet decided how he would vote on a filibuster. While his Washington phone number is not taking messages, constituents may leave messages with his local representatives, including Escanaba, 906-789-0052 (phone), 906-789-0015 (fax); Traverse City, 231-947-9569 (phone), 231-947-9518 (fax); Lansing, 517-377-1508 (phone), 517-377-1506 (fax). The filibuster, led by Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, needs 41 Senate votes. For more information on how to contact Senators, see True Majority or nocrony.com or the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Boxer James "Jimmie" Cuffe, "Pride of Hancock," featured in Michigan History magazine 

Posted 01/28/2006  

HANCOCK -- "Copper Country Boxer," an article by Ryan Witting, formerly of Houghton and Michigan Tech University graduate, appears in the Jan.-Feb. 2006 issue of Michigan History magazine. Witting tells the story of his grandfather James "Jimmie" Cuffe (1915-2003) of Hancock, known as "Pride of the Copper Country" and the "Pride of Hancock," for his boxing feats in CCC camps of the 1930s, Detroit, Negaunee and other cities. In World War II, Cuffe was awarded a Soldier's Medal for saving a fellow soldier's life in North Africa. Author Witting is a Language Arts teacher and yearbook advisor in Bukeye, Arizona. Michigan History magazine can be purchased at Book World in Houghton.

Scott Hotel renovations make Hancock history 

By Paula McCambridge  Posted 01/06/2006  

HANCOCK -- In a move that both makes and restores history, Mike Lahti, real estate developer and Chairman of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, is bringing life back to Hancock's Scott Hotel. Lahti is  renovating this historic five-floor building to create the city’s first downtown senior housing -- 32 low-to-moderate-income apartments -- low-rent residences that bring seniors within walking distance of downtown business and services. The  building’s ground floor is open with three business spaces, two of which were occupied before the holiday shopping season this year -- Miller’s Jewelry store and Gizmos, Gadgets and Toys Galore. more
Photo: Mike Lahti, right, new owner and renovator of Hancock's historic Scott Hotel building, takes a break with a Yalmer Mattila Construction Company crew during the removal of scaffolding from the facade of the building on Dec. 19, 2005. Crew members are, from left, Jim Hoke, Jerry Anderson and John Rajala. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

Lake Linden celebrates French Canadian Christmas with song and dance

Posted 12/26/2005  Updated 01/06/06

LAKE LINDEN -- Local musicians, singers and about 100 visitors enjoyed an afternoon of traditional French-Canadian music and dance on Dec. 3, 2005, at the Historic Congregational Church in Lake Linden. Organized by Dave Bezotte of Houghton, Nancy Fisher of Lake Linden and several musical friends, this "first" community musical event celebrating Keweenaw French-Canadian cultural traditions was a part of the annual Lake Linden French-Canadian Christmas celebration, which has been held for the past five years. Keweenaw Now presents a two-page photo essay on the new musical addition to the event. more
Photo: French-speaking Anabelle Fleur Mack, age 3 1/2, of Hancock, tries playing the spoons during the Dec. 3 French-Canadian Christmas musical event in Lake Linden. Anabelle's mother, Claire Lavandier Mack, was born and raised in Reims, France. (Photo © 2005 Dave Bezotte. Reprinted with permission of Anabelle's father, Jason Mack.)

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