Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
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By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] IRONWOOD- The Ironwood Area Schools celebrated their 134th commencement ceremony on Friday. The ceremony began with the processional, accompanied by music performed by the high school band. K-12 principal Melissa Nigh welcomed the audience to the ceremony and congratulated the students for their accomplishments. She spoke about how this year's senior prank was one to remember, as the school was glitter bombed by the seniors. Following the welcome, s...
By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] HURLEY – The 2024 Hurley Memorial Day service drew a crowd to the city's Saint Mary's Cemetery, as residents, friends and families gathered to celebrate those who have laid down their lives in defense of America and its freedoms. The ceremony began with a welcome from Larry Youngs, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), who spoke briefly, recognizing all those who have given their lives during their service, and thanking attendees for being present in their memory....
By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] IRONWOOD — The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees met on Tuesday for their monthly meeting. The board listened to the Xcel Energy Grant student project presentations, and held their first reading of policy updates 601-607 regarding faculty employment. The board heard about several projects that were performed under the grant’s funding, including continued research on arachnids, work with miniaturized computer systems called Raspberry Pi, and studies in microbiology, amongst others. Biology instr...
By DAMIIAN LANG [email protected] BESSEMER — The Bessemer City Council approved on Tuesday a total millage of 18.2719 to be levied on July 1. It includes an operational millage of 17.2765 and a millage of .9954 for the Bessemer Public Library. This represents no change since 2023 and accounts for a 1.0 Headlee Rollback. On the related 2024 Tax Rate Request form, the taxable value of all properties in the city as of May 28 was just over $40 million, or specifically, $40,018,664. Council members also: —Approved the placement of del...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] WAKEFIELD - A Memorial Day service in Wakefield drew a crowd of people to Lakeside Cemetery. The service began with a presentation of colors by a combined Honor Guard from VFW Post 9084 and American Legion Post 11, both in Wakefield. VFW Commander and Emcee Ryan Geesey led the Pledge of Allegiance, and American Legion Chaplain Michael Salli provided the invocation. Commander Mike Franklin, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.), told his audience that many people...
By Damiian Lang [email protected] Wakefield City Council members approved on Tuesday an amount not to exceed $100,000 for curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements. The action is contingent upon Project Engineer Chris Holmes of U.P. Engineers and Architects submitting a formal change order. In a related background report, City Manager Robert Brown Jr. said the project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has undergone ongoing changes since planning began in 2019. Tuesday’s council action was in response to yet another unexpected d...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] HURLEY — The Iron County Board of Supervisors approved on Tuesday Part A of Phase II of the county’s budget reconciliation plan, as presented by board member Kurt Wolff. As lead coordinator of the process, Wolff reminded board members that the county incurred a $2.6 million deficit by dropping carbon credits and stumpage from the 2024 budget. He said that $1,750,000 of the debt has been resolved during the past three months. Wolff added that remaining progress will be possible with further exp...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] BESSEMER — In a special meeting on Tuesday, members of the Hurley City Council reviewed an audit for the year ending 2023. The report was issued by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, known as CLA and based in Minneapolis. Mayor Joanne Bruneau said after the meeting that she is not sure when the council will approve it. The report noted that the city had $2.2 million in revenues, which was $90,000 beyond budget predictions. However, the city also had $2.7 million in expenses, which was over budget by $246,000 d...
By Damiian Lang [email protected] BESSEMER — A beautiful, sunny morning at Hillcrest Cemetery was the setting for a Memorial Day Ceremony in Bessemer. Hosting the ceremony were the Bessemer VFW Post 3673 and American Legion Post 27. VFW Vice Commander William McDonald and American Legion Commander Donna Frello shared the platform with other key participants, including Bessemer Mayor Peter Tacconelli. Master of Ceremonies John Frello, the Gogebic County Veterans Affairs officer, welcomed the approximately 150 veterans and civilians in a...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] BESSEMER — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners approved on May 22 the hiring of a caseworker to help process indigent residents in need of services in this county. County administrator Juliane Giackino said that Joel Massie, the local administrator for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, will hire the new employee. The expected terms for the new hiree will be 20 hours per week at $30 per hour, said Giackino. Giackino told commissioners that the person hired will pose no cost to the c...
By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] HURLEY — The Hurley High School held their graduation on Saturday, as the community gathered to celebrate the students who have reached a milestone in their education. The music at the graduation was provided by the Hurley Hight School band, choir and Silver Express, and included performances in between sections of the ceremony. The ceremony began with a welcome by School Board President Leslie Kolesar, who spoke about the importance of paying it forward. “Many of you know what your steps will be, but the...
By P.J. GLISSON [email protected] WAKEFIELD - Spirits were high at a May 24 commencement ceremony at the Wakefield-Marenisco K-12 School. Eighteen students graduated from high school that night after hearing several speeches as part of the traditional program. "First, take a deep breath, relax, and allow yourself to truly soak in this achievement," said Superintendent Jason Gustafson in his welcome. Gustafson told students that they may question their purpose and preparation and how they c...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] BESSEMER - Twenty-six students graduated from A.D. Johnston High School during a commencement ceremony on May 24. Held in the high school gym, the ceremony included words of wisdom from top students and officials, along with a presentation of a flower from each student to a loved one. "Embrace every second," said Nicholas Heikkila, 7-12 dean of students and administrative athletic director, in his welcome. He also told students to "be useful" and...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] MERCER - Six new graduates of Mercer High School not only received their diplomas Sunday, but also nearly $70,000 in scholarships from their local community. The financial support tied in with a message from guest speaker Sandy Karpen, who teaches 7-12 Business and 9-12 English at the school. "Have you ever heard the saying 'It takes a village to raise a child'?" asked Harden. She said it's her favorite response when people ask what a small school can offer. Harden said that students' families and...
By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] MARENISCO TOWNSHIP - A balmy day provided the basis for a Memorial Day service at the Marenisco Township Cemetery. Acting as emcee, John Zorich began the program by leading the public in "The Pledge of Allegiance." He is the commander of American Legion Post 523. Zorich also thanked attendees, adding, "I believe I speak for all veterans in saying it means so much to us." "More than 1 million men and women have been lost since the American...
By JASON JUNO [email protected] IRONWOOD --- Memorial Day is a big weekend, as Ross Solberg pointed out to a crowd at Ironwood's annual observance Monday. It's a time for graduation celebrations, an extended weekend, and the unofficial changeover from spring to summer, or as he said for Yoopers, "Many times, it signifies the end of winter and the beginning of summer." The reason for Memorial Day is much more significant for Solberg, the guest speaker at Ironwood's service Monday, and...
WINCHESTER, Wis. - Evelyn "Flossie" Pauline Sturgeon, 77, of Winchester, Wisconsin, passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. She was born on May 12, 1947, in Nashville and adopted by Eugene and Chris Minnis. Flossie was united in marriage with Lawrence "Larry" Sturgeon on Nov. 24, 1966. She was a cashier at LaPorte's IGA in Manitowish Waters for many years and she loved talking with everyone. Once Flossie retired and didn't physically see everyone anymore, she loved to spend her time on...
ST. MICHAEL, Minn. - Cheryl Ann (Muntifering) Gransee, of St. Michael, Minnesota, passed away May 20, 2024 at the age of 71. She was born on March 25, 1953, in St. Cloud as the second of 10 children to Frederick and Donna Mae (Cremers) Muntifering. Cheryl grew up working in her family's bakery and farm, and graduated from Buffalo High School, in Buffalo, with the class of 1971. After graduating, she obtained a degree in court reporting and quickly found work in Michigan as a stenographer before...
APPLETON, Wis. - Pete Anderson, 64, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2024 after surviving nearly 10 years following a stroke. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, Oct. 26, 1959, and was adopted months later by Arthur "Art" and Lillian (Helmes) Anderson. Pete was a carpenter and caregiver. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gathering with family and friends, and sharing his many interesting adventures. Anyone who knew him would say if they needed help he would be there. His selfless...
MERCER, Wis. - Bruce S. Wraalstad, 68, of Mercer, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Bruce was born to Selvin and Patricia (Wilson) Wraalstad on Oct. 25, 1955, in Mercer. He was united in marriage on Sept. 17, 1983, with Sally Eggleson. Bruce was a Vietnam veteran serving in the Navy. He worked in aircraft on the ships and was accommodated for his skills in that field. Bruce and Sally met in Fort Atkinson and began their lifelong partnership. He went back t...
IRONWOOD, Mich. - June E. Buerger, 90, of Ironwood, Michigan, went to her Heavenly home on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Gogebic Community Mental Health Home in Ironwood. June was born on Oct. 1, 1933, to George and Ann (Arasim) Buerger in Ironwood. June was always happy and could put a smile on anyone's face. She had an amazing recall for birthdays and anniversaries. June loved living at the care facility and enjoyed the attention and numerous activities provided by the staff. Visitation for Jun...
WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John Richard Kahila, 77, of Wakefield, Michigan, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood. John was born on April 3, 1947, in Bessemer Township, the son of Kauno and Evelyn June (Grenfell) Kahila. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1965. John completed a 32-week manpower development and training course at Michigan Technological University in Houghton and earned a certificate as a head sawyer. John enlisted...
WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Tomas Santos, age 96, of Ironwood, Michigan, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield. Visitation for Tomas will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with Father Brian Gerber officiating at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood with military honors conducted. The...
Email calendar items and community news to [email protected]. For more information, call 906-932-2211. Thursday, May 30 Bessemer St. Vincent de Paul, financial assistance, 9-10 a.m.; food pantry, 10 a.m. to noon. 906-663-4436. Ironwood St. Vincent de Paul, food pantry and financial assistance, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., located behind Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. 906-932-4325. Gogebic County Veterans Service Officer, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wakefield City Hall; 1-2 p.m., Watersmeet Township; 2:45-3:15 p.m., Marenisco Township. 906-667-1110. Al...
By JASON JUNO [email protected] CAMERON, Wis. --- Ona Ruiz played basketball all her life in Spain. She played it when she came to Mercer as an exchange student. She’s going to state in track-and-field. Ruiz started triple jumping about six weeks before the WIAA Division 3 postseason started. She won the regional to advance to sectionals where she then needed a top-four finish to advance to state. A couple of sleepless nights later, Ruiz crushed her personal best, left the school record in shambles and finished in third place to p...
