Fairgrounds livestock building in need of major repairs

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer - The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners voted last week to fund repairs to the livestock building at the county fairground in Ironwood.

The repairs are not to exceed $9,135 and will be concentrated at the main entrance, which has suffered damage in the way of falling brick and siding.

Although other fairground structures are targeted for demolition, county officials recently said the livestock building was the immediate priority, as it houses each year the cattle, hogs and other livestock that are featured at the fair.

During a session of the board's Economic Development and Capital Improvements Committee, which immediately preceded the June 14 board meeting, Commissioner Thomas Laabs reminded that insurance experts had declared the livestock building "dangerous," thus necessitating repair as soon as possible.

He strongly recommended "an engineered scope of work" in relation to any repairs addressed. Hence, the vote included the contingency that U.P. Engineers and Architects in Houghton will consult on the repair.

Committee Chairman James Byrns later said that the Houghton company already has been contacted. He added that Angelo Lupino, Inc. in Iron Belt, Wisconsin, also has checked out the building and has a plan.

Commissioners regard the pending work as only a temporary measure.

Laabs, who reported that the cost of repairing, removing or replacing the building could reach millions, added that any excessive repairs at this time would be "like putting money in an old car."

Board Chairman James Lorenson, who said the cost can be drawn from the county's American Rescue Plan Act funds, suggested just getting through this year and then deciding later how to address the issue in the long term.

If for any reason the needed repairs planned for this year cannot be tackled in time for the fair, Byrns told members of the county Fair Board on Monday evening that "we won't be able to use that entrance."

However, the livestock barn still would remain in use, with entrance and exit possible through other wings.

In addition, said Byrns, the hanging brick in the front still would have to be removed, and a barrier wall would have to be installed in that area to protect the public.

In related news, County Administrator Juliane Giackino said she spoke with Bolle Contracting of Clare, Michigan, a couple weeks ago. County officials hired that company earlier this year to demolish the fairground poultry building, grandstands and a trailer used for administrative purposes.

"They're in the process of making sure their permits are in order," said Giackino. "The power has been turned off, so the ball is in their court. They are aware of the time frame of the fair."

On Monday, Giackino reported to The Globe that - as of her contact with Bolle again after last week's meeting - a demo date still has not been set but that a company representative said the work is scheduled to occur before it addresses county Land Bank buildings that it also was hired to demolish.

"I advised her that if it's too close to the fair it's not going to be acceptable," stated Giackino of the company representative.

County board members also voted to authorize Giackino to seek bids on extending soffits for the fairground's multipurpose building.

"It's the only good building we have down there," said Commissioner Daniel Siirila, adding county officials should strive to preserve it.

Commissioner George Peterson was the only board member who did not vote to fund the livestock barn repairs. He explained that he more so favors addressing maintenance as needed before such emergencies arrive.

Peterson did join others in voting for the work on the multipurpose building.