Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RALPH ANSAMI
Ironwood — As a precautionary measure, the city of Ironwood’s Mt. Zion water tank has been shut down for inspection.
City manager Scott Erickson told the city commission on Monday the move is necessary because three locks were found to be removed from the tank.
Erickson said the tank will be checked for tampering and it will need to emptied over a few days. He said it’s hoped there will be no evidence of tampering with the water supply.
City officials are taking the utmost precaution.
Erickson said the removal of the locks constitutes a federal offense and anyone found responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The missing locks were discovered Monday morning during routine inspection by the city.
City utilities director Bob Tervonen said city workers will manage water pressure through the a series of hydrants while operating the water distribution system with its high-lift pumps at the city’s wellfields in the township.
Tervonen cautioned that customers may experience discolored water during the emergency inspection period.
People with concerns or information may contact the city utility department at 906-932-5050 with any questions, or the public safety department.
In other business Monday, the commission held a moment of silence for Joseph Cayer Sr., who died last week. After serving the city as a police officer and the Ironwood Public Safety Department Director, he went on to serve on many civic organizations and city committees, most recently as a city planning commission member.
Mayor Annette Burchell praised Cayer for his “dedicated services to our city.”
His son, Joe Cayer Jr., a current city commissioner, was absent on Monday.
