Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By MEGAN HUGHES
Ironwood — At its Monday monthly meeting, the Gogebic-Iron County Airport Board discussed a potential hangar for airline usage, hearing input from James VanSchaick, regional manager of Denver Air Connections.
Airport officials have been waiting to take action on moving forward on a hangar or garage project until they heard input from the airline itself. The board also has been attempting to get a representative of the airline at a meeting for several months in order to clarify possible interest.
At this time, the airline does not see a hangar as a necessity, given its current flight schedule, said VanSchaick. He added that he could not provide a specific answer without input from other airline officials, but noted that the airline is continuing to see growth in its flight offerings.
“We want to stay here,” he reassured after listing some of the recent changes at an airline level. He also said that having a garage available for de-icing equipment would be beneficial.
No official go-ahead was given on either project, and VanSchaick assured the board that he would get them a concrete answer at a later time.
Board member James Lorensen complimented the airline on its service.
“We only hear good things,” he said. “We understand that you need to grow. We hope you continue to do so in a manner that protects what you are known for.”
“It is locations like this that have a solid culture,” said VanSchaick. “The community is strong. We have a great staff, good diversity in the staff. ... People coming from all walks of life to work with us, and we like the idea that we are providing a service we can be proud of.”
In other news, the board approved moving forward with investigating employee wages based on steps provided in last year’s agreement table, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2023.
The board also heard that Todd Richter will retire officially. Richter had been staying on staff to help with plowing in the early winter season, but given the lack of snow thus far, has decided to put his notice in.
The board expressed interest in having him attend the December meeting, or arrive prior, to celebrate his retirement.
Board members also:
— Approved monthly reports as presented.
— Approved claims and accounts as presented.
— Heard an update regarding the usage of the airport for driving lessons during summer months. According to airport manager Jeremy Busch, related insurance likely would require participants to sign waivers. The board raised some concerns as waivers may not be secure enough. The board has requested that its own insurance agency be contacted to learn exactly what is needed on its end to protect itself.
— Heard an update regarding flight times during holiday weeks.
— Heard the manager’s report.