Roberts hired as Ontonagon's new mine inspector

By JAN TUCKER

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Ontonagon — Ontonagon has a new mine inspector. Doug Roberts, Bruce Crossing, was named to fill the vacancy created by the death of Bob Niemela. Niemela was elected in November, but died in May. The appointment was made by the county executive committee of clerk Stacey Preiss, prosecutor Michael Findley and probate judge Janis Burgess. Roberts worked for many years at the White Pine Copper Mine.

Commissioner Gray Webber reported on a meeting held to investigate the possibility of a county-wide building inspector. Notes of the meeting were sent to participants and townships but he said he has not had any feedback. He said one of the aims is to make the job “revenue neutral.” “At least six townships are in dire circumstances and need that service,” Webber said. He added the rough draft is out and he needs input. He would like to have a second meeting as soon as possible he told commissioners.

The board approved the proposal of Joseph Domitrovich to monument two corners in Carp lake Township for $8,500 and two corners in McMillian Township for $2,200. Domitrovich explained the White Pine corners are more costly than usual because they fall entirely within the Porcupine Mountain State Park and access is by foot and very limited.

In other action the board:

—Approved an authorization to contract for State and Federal funds for a new bus at a cost of $78,125 with costs split between Federal and State sources.

—Approved a contract for rehabilitation of the airport runway by crack sealing and paint marking.- Designated its tobacco funds of $7,384.40 to SoberLinks and Trainings for 2018.

—And approved the bill from Pestka Construction for courthouse blacktop patch repair for $2,800 but will ask the firm to explain the extra $300 for additional black top and removal of some blacktop.