Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By PAMELA JANSSON
Bessemer — The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners has deferred to the county attorney and the county Road Commission a request made by Jerry Nezworski, president and trail manager of the Gogebic Range Trail Authority, to designate Trail 2 as a state ORV route from the Wisconsin border to Wakefield.
The action occurred at the commission’s Sept. 25 meeting.
Nezworski, who noted that the Wakefield City Council already gave its own approval, said it is necessary to have the trail properly acknowledged in order to be included on trail maps prepared by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
In turn, said Nezworski, that then allows GRTA to buy insurance to cover the trail.
Moreover, he said that, while GRTA pays for the insurance upfront, the MDNR later reimburses the club for the cost, “so it’s actually the DNR paying for it.”
In addition, said Nezworski, having the trail properly marked also allows GRTA to tap state ORV funds on top of the state snowmobile funds that it already receives.
Trail 2 now includes a portion of Old U.S. 2, leading from Ramsay to Wakefield.
Commissioner Daniel Siirila said the county does not own roads, adding that the county Road Commission does, however, take responsibility for maintaining designated roads.
Commission chairman James Lorenson cautioned Nezworski to verify that he is getting the right permit from the proper entity, which might be the Road Commission.
“On the surface, I don’t have a problem with it,” said Lorenson regarding GRTA’s request, “but if we’re not the appropriate party to give you permission, then it’s moot.”
He told Nezworski not to view the county’s vote as “a reflection of the county’s disapproval,” but rather to realize that, in terms of granting his request, “we want it done the right way.”
In a Sept. 17 letter to the county, Nezworski underscored the importance of formally acknowledging the trail system.
“The potential economic growth of these trails is crucial to our region,” he wrote. “Connection of the cities from the Wisconsin border through Ironwood, Bessemer and Wakefield connecting to the already designated route to Marenisco will provide a number of opportunities for funding through the state of Michigan.”
He added that the ORV trail not only will attract tourists but also “will be an immediate benefit to our local residents and economy.”
Commissioners also:
— Approved a letter of support in relation to the pending Copperwood Project in Wakefield and Ironwood townships. During the public comment period, Ed Lakner of Ironwood asked commissioners also to consider the environmental impact of the project.
— Approved repair work for the Turn 2 Saloon within the Gogebic County Fairgrounds, per a request by James Gribble, chairman of Friends of the Fair. Lorenson asked Gribble to keep the county apprised of the work and to provide the name of the licensed contractor who will lead the project.
— At the request of county treasurer Lisa Hewitt, approved a loan of $375,000 to the Gogebic County Land Bank Authority. Hewitt said the request was necessary due to expected grant funds that are not likely to arrive before the end of the current fiscal year. Moreover, she said that year-end auditing will not allow the Land Bank Fund to be in deficit.
— Approved a $2,000 donation to the Bessemer Area Kiwanis Key Club. Ashley Oliver-Igl, club advisor, made the request in a Sept. 11 letter, in which she explained that club members could use financial support as they plan for a Community Fun Frolic on Nov. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the A.D. Johnston gymnasium. Oliver-Igl said that proceeds from that event will help to finance the club’s community service work.
The board’s next regular meeting will be on Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. in the Gogebic County Courthouse.
