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  • 6th annual Family Fun Night draws large crowd

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 30, 2014

    IRONWOOD - More than 100 families attended Family Fun Night at the Ironwood Memorial Building Tuesday. This is the sixth annual event, and families were able to attend at no cost. According to Sue Guenard, director of the Great Start Collaborative through the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District, the event gets more popular each year. "Especially this year, with the weather not so nice, it gave families and opportunity to get out of the house," Guenard said. At Family Fun Night,... Full story

  • Everyone under one roof

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 29, 2014

    IRONWOOD - The Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education voted to move students from Sleight Elementary into Luther L. Wright School during a meeting Monday evening. The move would take place over the summer in time for the start of the 2014-2015 school year. Kindergarten through second grade students will be moved from Sleight to the first floor of LLW. Third through sixth grade students will move from the first floor to the second floor, and seventh through 12th grade students will occupy the t... Full story

  • Ironwood students taste-test possible menu additions

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 25, 2014

    IRONWOOD - Students at Luther L. Wright School in Ironwood dined on free samples of healthy food options during lunch Thursday. The event was part of "Every Kid Healthy Week" at the school, and allowed the kids to taste-test different foods that could possibly be placed on the menu in the future. According to Mary Hampston, food service director, it was "amazing" how many kids were willing to try new things. The healthier options are part of the national movement to fight obesity in youth. The... Full story

  • Consolidation informational meetings planned for April 29, May 8

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 17, 2014

    BERGLAND — The Gogebic Ontonagon Intermediate School District is hosting two informational meetings dealing with possible consolidation of the Bessemer and Wakefield-Marenisco School districts. The first meeting is April 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. The second meeting is May 8 at the Marenisco Township Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. According to Bruce Mayle, superintendent of the GOISD, the meetings are “not debates” about possible consolidation, but a chance for r... Full story

  • Oaths taken by Iron County Board

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 16, 2014

    HURLEY - The Iron County Board of Supervisors held its annual re-organizational meeting Tuesday in Hurley. The board welcomed three newly elected supervisors, Brad Matson, of Sherman; Karl Krall, of Saxon; and Victor Ouimette, of Mercer. During the meeting, Joe Pinardi, of Hurley, was re-appointed as county board chairman, and James Kichak, of Mercer, was re-appointed as vice-chairman. Elections for two committees were held. Larry Youngs, of Hurley; Mitch Koski, of Montreal; Tom Thompson, of... Full story

  • Iron County Extension office aims for active summer

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 12, 2014

    HURLEY - During the summer, the calendar quickly fills up with vacations, activities and social gatherings because of warmer weather. Some people plan a camping vacation, host a party or travel during the summer months. The Iron County University of Wisconsin-Extension office is no different, preparing for a camping trip and a big birthday party. This summer the office will celebrate the 100th birthday of 4-H, as well as prepare for the annual Iron County Summer Youth Camp in July. Since the... Full story

  • More than 70 attend Special Olympics bowling day

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 11, 2014

    IRONWOOD - More than 70 people participated in the annual bowling day through Special Olympics Thursday in Ironwood. According to Barb Siira, director of the Special Olympics in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties, the group has participated in bowling day for "many, many years. "I started in 1972 and we've been doing it since then," Siira said. "This is the most fun event for everyone. They really look forward to it." The group also participates in other sports, including basketball, track and... Full story

  • Local role models honored at GCC

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 10, 2014

    IRONWOOD - Four local high school seniors and one organization were honored during the 2014 Children's Trust Fund banquet at Gogebic Community College Wednesday evening. CTF was established in 1982 to help communities "break the cycle" of child abuse and neglect. During the annual banquet, the group honored four students for their community involvement and an organization for its assistance in helping children throughout Gogebic County. This year's guest speaker was Betsy Slabaugh, who spoke on... Full story

  • Lehto wins fourth annual Idea Bounce at Gogebic Community College

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 9, 2014

    IRONWOOD - Five students shared their business ideas during the fourth annual Idea Bounce at Gogebic Community College, Tuesday. The students presented on a wide variety of ideas and were judged on their presentations of the ideas by local business owners, business professors and other professionals. Beth Steiger, a business instructor at GCC, told the presenters that the event was a "great way" to share an idea and have practice presenting. Ross Lehto, was named the winner after presenting his... Full story

  • Hurley third graders publish book about pioneers

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 8, 2014

    HURLEY - Hurley third graders held a book party Monday to celebrate the publishing of the class's book on pioneers in the old West. Students in Kristen Kolesar's class wrote fictional stories about pioneers traveling west and the challenges they faced along the way. Each student also offered a picture to go with the story. All of the stories were published in a hardcover book called "The American Experience: Pioneers Going West." According to Kolesar, students learned about pioneers in social... Full story

  • 'America and Me' essay contest names local winners

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 4, 2014

    BESSEMER - Three Bessemer eighth grade students were named local winners of the 45th annual America and Me Essay Contest. English teacher Diana Mickelson surprised her students by announcing the winners Thursday morning. Caitlin Lynch received first place, with Jonathan Bale and Jacob Suzik receiving second and third. All three received award certificates, and Lynch's name will be engraved on a plaque for permanent display Luther L. Wright School in Ironwood. The contest is open to all eighth... Full story

  • Cancer research important in UP

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 4, 2014

    BESSEMER - Local residents kicked off the 2014 Relay for Life Thursday night. For more than 20 years, people have participated in Relay for Life in Gogebic County, walking to help raise money for cancer research, honor those who lost their battles with cancer and support those facing the disease. This year's theme is "Fishing for a Cure." According to event organizer Carole Lillar, having so many people participate in the event each year is "great. "I have a lot of cancer in my family and over t... Full story

  • $25,000 grant to assist in Sunset Park renovations

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 3, 2014

    IRONWOOD - Ironwood Township is in the running for a $25,000 grant to assist with the Sunset Road Park renovation project. The township is one of 12 finalists in the Bridgestone Rethink Green contest, after submitting phase 1 of the park renovation project. The winner is solely based on Internet voting. Voting is from April 1-30, and according to the Bridgestone website, the winner will be announced in late May. Township treasurer Jyl Olson-DeRosso said township employees are spreading the... Full story

  • Iron County Board gets 3 new members

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 2, 2014

    Three incumbents were unseated from the 15-seat Iron County Board of Supervisors in Tuesday's general election. Ten of the 15 seats were contested. All were seeking two-year terms. The three new members will be Karl Krall, of Saxon; Victor Ouimette, of Mercer and Brad Matson, of Sherman. The results include: District 1 - Paul Mullard, incumbent, ran unopposed with 98 votes. District 2 - Joe Pinardi (i) defeated Michael McGrath 84-20. District 3 - Jack Prospero (i) defeated Terry Seibel 41-28.... Full story

  • Dianda tours arts locations, offers praise

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 1, 2014

    IRONWOOD - State Rep. Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, toured three downtown arts locations Monday, including the Historic Ironwood Theatre, Downtown Art Place and the Art Studios on Aurora Street. While at the theater, Dianda listened to Bruce Greenhill, executive director of HIT, who discussed the renovations done to the building. "So many communities across Michigan would die to have this theater," Dianda said. At DAP, Dianda said the displays were "beautiful," and he was impressed by the... Full story

  • Ironwood students create Civil War themed projects

    Cortney Ofstad|Apr 1, 2014

    IRONWOOD - With today's rapidly changing technology, textbooks, pencils and paper are becoming things of the past in the classroom. Teachers and students are finding creative ways to discuss different subjects, including the uses of PowerPoint, iPads and other software or devices. In Ted Sim's eighth grade history class, students are assigned three projects on the Civil War. The first involves events of the war, the second covers battles and the third involves main ideas or themes of the war.... Full story

  • 17 vendors raise money for Memorial Building Restoration Committee

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 31, 2014

    HURLEY - People explored a variety of items during a craft fair Saturday at the Iron County Memorial Building in Hurley. According to event organizer Kathy Koski, all of the proceeds from the fair benefitted the Iron County Memorial Building Restoration Committee. Seventeen vendors participated in the fair, including homemade bakery, wooden toys, rugs made by the Iron County Historical Society and a raffle for a quilt from the Northern Lights Quilters Guild. "We have 17 vendors, but we have... Full story

  • Icy dive raises awareness for care of terminally ill

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 31, 2014

    WAKEFIELD - More than 50 people braved frigid water temperatures for the eighth annual Polar Plunge benefitting Regional Hospice. Jumpers took to the shores of Sunday Lake in Wakefield to dive in honor of friends and family members who suffer or have suffered from terminal illnesses. According to Mary Oberto, volunteer coordinator for Regional Hospice, the event last year raised nearly $15,000, and the totals from this year's fundraiser would be released sometime later this week. "All of the... Full story

  • Local trails enjoy 'excellent' cross country ski season

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 29, 2014

    Cold temperatures and snow in other parts of the country adversely impacted the local cross country ski business this winter. Despite the setbacks, many trail organizers said the season went well, with "excellent conditions" all around. ABR Ski Trails in Erwin Township close Sunday at 5 p.m. According to co-owner and operator Eric Anderson, the plan is the same each winter. "We plan every year to normally go through the last weekend in March," Anderson said. "We had a good season, lots of... Full story

  • Winter tourism starts to wind down

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 28, 2014

    With many residents thinking spring, local winter attractions are wrapping up in preparation for warmer weather. Frigid weather dominated the ski season, leading to a drop in numbers at local ski hills and on snowmobile trails, despite excellent conditions. Snowmobiling In Iron County, snowmobile trails are set to close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. According to Dorrene O'Donnell, executive director of the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, it was a "steady year" for snowmobiling, despite sub-zero... Full story

  • Radovich delivers update on bond referendum

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 26, 2014

    BESSEMER - The Bessemer City Council heard an update on the proposed bond referendum. Tuesday, from Dave Radovich, superintendent of the Bessemer Area School District. Radovich spoke about the proposed 20-year, $4.9 million referendum on the ballot May 6, and how it will help with technology, infrastructure and security upgrades, as well as make both A.D. High School Johnston School and Washington Elementary School more energy efficient. "We have to go green," Radovich said. "We are very... Full story

  • Consolidation issue heats up Bessemer school board meeting

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 25, 2014

    BESSEMER - The Bessemer Area School District Board of Education held a contentious meeting Monday, debating the proposed bond issue with one board member. Bill McDonald, an outspoken opponent of the proposed bond referendum, was asked numerous questions by other board members about the consolidation committee he is a part of. The committee proposes to ask for the consolidation of Bessemer and Wakefield-Marenisco School districts on the ballot in August. Bessemer superintendent Dave Radovich... Full story

  • Most important meal

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 22, 2014

    IRONWOOD - As the old saying goes, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." For students at Sleight Elementary School in Ironwood, breakfast is a given. Each day, students are able to eat breakfasts thanks to grant funding. Each student is provided with a breakfast pack, containing low-sugar cereal, juice and Graham crackers or other snack items. Employee Julie Siirila organizes about 211 packs for students each day, allowing them to get breakfasts. The meals are provided free of... Full story

  • Third graders slide through 4th annual Lapset Loppet race

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 21, 2014

    By CORTNEY OFSTAD [email protected] ERWIN TOWNSHIP - More than 90 kids navigated ABR Ski Trails Thursday during the fourth annual River Valley Bank Lapset Loppet Race. Third grade students from the Hurley and Ironwood schools participated in the 2-kilometer race. According to race coordinator Paulette Niemi, kids aged 5-11 were also invited to participate in the afternoon. The event was planned during Sisu Ski Fest, but weather conditions caused it to be rescheduled. "This is a really... Full story

  • Wakefield's Tabb visits Ukraine, experiences revolution firsthand

    Cortney Ofstad|Mar 19, 2014

    WAKEFIELD - For Wakefield resident Jeannie Tabb, Ukraine is home away from home. It's a place where she teaches, learns and sees history in the making. Recently, Tabb returned from Kiev after a 15-day trip. She traveled with an English club with the Campus Crusade ministry at Kiev Polytechnic Institute. "It's a short-term opportunity for college students to speak conversational English with native speakers," Tabb said. "We use the Bible with segments for lessons." Tabb, originally from Houston,... Full story

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