Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By RICHARD JENKINS
Bessemer — The search for a new administrator of the Gogebic Conservation District is expected to get underway in the near future, following the death of Jim Finley earlier this month.
“He did a huge job for us, and will be difficult to replace,” said James Wojcik, the chair of the conservation district.
Finley died Feb. 13 of complications from COPD at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, according to his obituary.
Wojcik said the district is finalizing the job description for the administrator position and he hopes the search for Finley's replacement can begin sometime next week.
As Finley was the sole administrator, Wojcik said district personnel are also working to determine the status of various tasks and what needs to be completed to ensure the district continues to operate its regular activities.
“He was in charge of our grants and our accounting and everything,” Wojcik said.
Until the position is filled, Wojcik said the district has been receiving help from around the western and central Upper Peninsula — including Iron and Baraga counties, the Marquette area and staff from the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
He advised people to watch the district's Facebook page for additional information on the process of replacing Finley and how to apply for the position once the job search begins.