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Isn't It A Little Late for Christmas Spirit? (March 9, 2010)Isn't it about time for the City of Ironwood to take down the brown, dead Christmas wreaths and "Sisu Skifest" signs which adorn the downtown? Ken Jacobson  | ||||||||||
Planting the Seed (March 9, 2010)The push is on. Why is the library always in the Globe lately? Could this be a form of subliminal advertising? Perhaps the library people think that if we see the word "LIBRARY" enough times it would be easier to get the people to vote for the expansion if they once again try to get it on the ballot. SUBLIMINAL ADVERTISING-don't fall for it. Not Fooled | ||||||||||
What Happened to Newly Paved Florence Street? (March 8, 2010)When I drove down Florence Street yesterday I could not believe what I saw. The newly paved street is literally falling apart. What the heck happened? Take a ride. Check it out. Broken-Up Over Blacktop | ||||||||||
Use of City of Ironwood Taxpayer Funds for Private Purposes. (March 8, 2010)It appears that the Ironwood City Commission, City Manager or both may have authorized and provided public funds and city employees and city equipment for the SISU Ski Fest. The February 14, 2010 opinion letter by Concerned Citizen listed two Michigan Municipal League (MML) published handbooks (The City is a member of the League) indicating that any donation of money, manpower or equipment for a private purpose are illegal. If illegal, why would the commission or city manager funnel funds to the SISU Fest? Perhaps this was done because the mayor and the manager are members of the SISU Committee. The Michigan Constitution prohibits cities and other governmental units from lending their credit, even for public purposes, "except as provided by law". This is well established constitutional and statutory sanction. If public funds and services were provided to this private endeavor the commission and manager should dig into their own pockets to return all cash funds and services provided to SISU. Also Concerned | ||||||||||
Concerned Over the Future of the Chronicle (March 6, 2010)I heard a rumor yesterday that the Chronicle was going out of business because the editor, Mr. Albert, died. I am very sorry to hear this. The Chronicle is the only place that truly lets the people know what is going on in Ironwood. They do a better job promoting the area and area events than our Chamber of Commerce. Their news coverage puts other area media to shame. I frequently use their display ads for phone numbers of area businesses and other information. The articles the Chronicle has featured on local businesses have been extremely educational. There are so many more things available in the area that I ever realized. I don't know if it is possible, but I'd love to see the Chronicle continue. Hopefully Mr. Albert's heirs will consider keeping that online news service in tact. No matter what happens, I am very grateful for the efforts the Chronicle has made to keep the public informed. Saddened EDITOR'S COMMENT: I'm alive! For some reason this rumor circulates just about every spring. It must be the way I look. As far as the future Chronicle goes, I will be making an announcement by the end of next week. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Public Jobs Shouldn't Be Open to Retired Public Officials (March 4, 2010)Taking a retirement and then going back and taking a job from the same employer is wrong. I find it especially wrong when it is a public job funded with tax dollars. It's no wonder you can't get a decent job around here. Laid-off | ||||||||||
911 Committee Members Take Their Jobs Seriously (February 27, 2010)While reading the the Globe article about the 911 dispatch moving from Negaunee to Iron County Michigan, I was very disappointed in the opinion presented as fact that the safety of Gogebic County police officers and citizens will be in jeopardy when the switch in dispatch centers occurs. This is only conjecture and this person's opinion, without the facts to back it up. Not only that, but clearly the vast majority of the county representatives on the 911 committee, including three of the five police agencies located in the county, have repeatedly voted to support this move. How dare he imply that they or anyone on the 911 committee would support an action that would put anyone's life in danger? In my opinion that sort of reckless implication is what is really irresponsible and it should be retracted. I've toured both dipatch centers in question. They both are capable of handling Gogebic County's dispatching needs. I question why anyone would want our hard-working, tax-strapped citizens to pay considerably more for a similar service. Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
A Suggestion for the Ironwood School Board (February 25, 2010)Ironwood School Board, it's time to give Rhode Island a call. A Fed-up Parent | ||||||||||
Didn't Mean to Leave Out the Polar Bears (February 24, 2010)I just wanted to say that it was not my intent to leave out the Polar Bears Bantam B team hosting the tournament from the story about the Civic Center being paid off. I apologize for any hard feelings, and apologize for not including the tournament. Time constraints, and other obligations prevented me from covering the tournament. I deeply apologize for not mentioning the tournament in the story, and welcome the opportunity to cover something in the future. Thank you for your response. Keri Singleton | ||||||||||
Chronicle's Coverage of Civic Center Activities Lacking (February 23, 2010)I find it very hard to believe that this past weekend, while you have a reporter at the P.O. Civic Center to cover the loan payoff check presentation - she didn't report on the action taking place on the ice. The Ironwood Polar Bear Bantam B team (local 13 & 14 year olds) was hosting the UP Finals. There were a total of eight teams - the best in the UP - working for the championship and a spot in the State finals in Lower Michigan. I see in your article the photos of the crowd and players - but no mention of the reason why they were there. I think it was very closed-minded to walk past all the people and activity and not ask what was going on. A Proud Polar Bear EDITOR'S COMMENT: In the past the Chronicle has posted everything the Polar Bears have submitted to us. In addition we've covered event we've been asked to cover. Unlike the Globe, we have a very limited budget. I received an email from the Civic Center Board asking us to cover the presentation of the check. Keri Singleton did what she was asked to do. I apologize for the oversight, but people need to learn how to "self-promote" a bit! Knowing that we will post anything and everything you send to us... I'm shocked at how few articles and photos the Polar Bears and Ice Crystals have submitted. We're a small operation and we are not clairvoyant. Speak up and we will continue to do our best! Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Area Needs to Promote Silent Sports (February 23, 2010)The quiet sports people, tree huggers, and granola eaters are getting a bad rap by certain individuals and groups here in Ironwood. 3000 people showed up for the ski/snowshoe trip across the Ashland Bay and 8000 people registered for the Berkie in Hayward. That's a lot of money being pumped into their local economies. Ironwood is on the right track in promoting the quiet sports. The quiet sports, try it , you may find out you like it. To truly enjoy the great outdoors, the beauty of nature, and the peaceful solitude one has to be on foot whether it be on skis, snowshoes, or just walking. Ain't nothing like it for pure relaxation. On Foot and At Peace | ||||||||||
If You Want It You Pay For It (February 19, 2010)What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from someone else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my friend is the end of a nation. These same words, which are not mine, could apply to Ironwood's ever continuing support of special interests and events. In other words "If you want it you pay for it." Part of the Working Half | ||||||||||
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due (February 18, 2010)Business as usual once again in Ironwood. In a article in Wednesday's Globe, Commissioner Lucius credited the financial responsibility of City officials and co-operation of Civic Center employees for the early retirement of debt to the City of Ironwood. There was no mention of the numerous community volunteers who worked so long and hard getting that building up to snuff. The taxpayers who voted for and passed the Civic Center millage were also forgotten. Please give the credit where the credit is due. I'm glad things are looking up at the arena. Now perhaps the arena can become self sufficient with no more need to ask once again for another millage renewal. Good Luck. Supporter of the Civic Center Whether I Want to Be or Not | ||||||||||
All Groups Need to Completely Fund Their Own Projects (February 17, 2010)In response to the big picture and stepping forward articles regarding city involvement into private ventures. Our country is on the verge of financial collapse. We got in this predicament with foolish spending and pork barrel projects. To me pork barrel and special interest spending are one in the same. Look where being generous has gotten this nation. The same can be said for the local levels of government. In the REAL WORLD if I cannot afford something I simply do not buy it. It is time for all groups that want something to fund it completely or just don't do it. I am sick of my HARD earned tax dollars going to the special interests. It has become far too easy here in Ironwood to go to the city and ask for a handout. Cash Strapped | ||||||||||
In Response to 'Fair is Fair' (February 16, 2010)I would just like to clarify that there have been a number of businesses within our community that have stepped forward, you mention gas stations, motels, and restaurants, we had one gas station that donated fuel, I will not name said station, some of the following motels donated rooms, AmericInn, Blue Cloud, Comfort Inn, Davey's Motel, Royal Crown, Super Eight, and now restaurants McDonald's, Hardee's, Subway. Over the last ten years that I have been involved, there have been a number of businesses that have contributed out of the kindness of their heart's, knowing that they probably would not see any return for their donation, but this is the kind of wonderful people we have here in our community. I hope this clarifies any misinformation that you may have. Thank you and have a nice day. Sincerely | ||||||||||
Local Businesses Contributed Heavily to the SISU SkiFest (February 16, 2010)There has been a lot of banter and concern about the city's contribution to the SISU Skifest. I realize it's not very timely.... but perhaps an article about how area businesses support community events might shed some light on this subject. The SISU has a nice list of their sponsors at http://www.sisuskifest.com/sponsorthanks.php. One reader even absurdly questioned the involvement of restaurants, motels and gas stations. He or she is under informed to say the least. I heard recently that Manny's restaurant hosted a fund raiser for an area ski team, and OTHER area restaurants put up fliers and promoted the event in THEIR restaurants. How cool is that!!? Talk about understanding the big picture. Rich Scott | ||||||||||
Those Benefitting from Special Events Should Fund Them (February 14, 2010)There is a lot of disagreement over using taxpayer (city) dollars for special events here in Ironwood. The people that want these events are usually the ones that benefit from them. When is the last time you have seen a gas station, motel, or restaurant come forward with a donation to subsidize these events? Those who profit should be solely funding these events. Fair Is Fair | ||||||||||
Public Funds Are For Meant to Be For Public Purposes (February 14, 2010)The Michigan Municipal League which the City of Ironwood is a member publishes a Handbook for Municipal Officials. In regards to the city staff and elected officials donating to the SISU Ski Fest it states “ Municipalities are frequently requested to make donations to various worthy private organizations. Such organizations include chambers of commerce, hospitals, museums, veterans’ organizations, community funds, Boy Scouts, Red Cross and other educational, promotional or benevolent associations. Frequently, it is difficult for the legislative body of a municipality to refuse such requests. However, it appears clear from Michigan law that such donations are illegal expenditures of public funds. Generally, a municipal body is empowered to spend monies only through a specific delegation of power by the Michigan Constitution or state statute. The home rule acts also provide limited authority to cities and villages for spending. Regardless of the spending authority, however, it is generally agreed that municipalities have the power to expend funds only for a public purpose.” The Ethics Handbook for Michigan Municipalities states “Purpose: Public resources or assets that are not offered to the general public are not to be used by the public official or anyone else for private purposes. To do so subsidizes private activities with public dollars. • [Unless judiciously and solely in accordance with prescribed constitutional, statutory, and regulatory procedures], a public servant shall not [request], [directly or indirectly] use [misuse] [or permit others to use] any city [publicly]-owned [or publicly-supported] real or personal property, [vehicle, equipment, material, labor or service], city funds, city personnel, or any other tangible city assets [under his or her care] [or control] for commercial gain [for personal [financial] gain or benefit] [or personal convenience or private advantage of himself or herself or any other person] [for private economic interest or that of a relative] [or for a member of his or her immediate family or a business entity with which he or she is associated] [or the private benefit of a third party].“ Concerned Citizen | ||||||||||
City Needs to Spend Money Where Money Is Needed (February 14, 2010) If the manager said that NO city personal or city money would be used on the cemetery trail but just the opposite happened that is not a under estimation -- it is a LIE. Furthermore I do not want my tax dollars used for special interests that benefit only a few. I am so tired of hearing of the benefits to the community from these special projects. There are more important things to spend my tax dollars on, such as public safety (police and fire), patching potholes, paving, water and sewer improvements, plowing, and the list goes on and on. Community-Minded | ||||||||||
Second Guessing Officials Stymies Progress (February 12, 2010)I'm writing in response to the opinion of "Dumbfounded". The concern appears to be that the city has possibly spent more money than estimated for a few community projects. I believe that focusing on this issue possibly misses a more important point. We have government for many different reasons. One of those reasons is to have an entity that can facilitate, support, and sometimes unilaterally do projects for our community that could not, or would not, otherwise be done. Our hope is to have elected officials that work and strive to always have the better good of the community in mind when they are deciding which projects should be given support. I believe that the real question that Dumbfounded should be asking is, "Are these projects ones that are for the better good of our community?" If the answer is yes, then a cost overage, and ALL the elected officials that are responsible for it, should be given the benefit of the doubt. Estimating the costs of projects is always difficult. Could it be that these costs were underestimated? Could it be that there were unforeseen events that occurred to lead to higher costs than expected? Can we be open minded enough to allow for these possibilities? Furthermore, certainly our city government is NOT being solely directed by our city manager. And this person clearly is not acting with malice towards our collective interests. And to single this person out is wrong. The projects in question appear to be the Cemetery Trail and the SISU Ski Fest. For me, these are the kind of projects I want my government to help with. They are projects that make our COMMUNITY a better place to live. They are projects that make our community unique. They are projects that give us cause to be proud of our community. They are projects that could not be done solely by private entities. Our city government NEEDS to be, and MUST be, more involved in these types of projects. We need to trust our officials to do what's best for our community. We've elected them to do so. We have all heard the saying "No good deed goes unpunished". Unfortunately there is some truth to that statement. But too much "punishment" and second guessing will only teach our officials to hesitate and proceed with stymieing caution. I don't believe we elected this city commission to act that way. To the contrary I think this commission was elected BECAUSE we'd had enough of that behavior. Let's stop second guessing, and instead move forward and support actions that improve our community. Rich Scott | ||||||||||
Outraged by Ironwood School District's Handling of Jorgenson Case (February 12, 2010)As a citizen of Ironwood, I would like to know how the School District of Ironwood failed this child Dylan Jorgenson. How is it that there was NO contact from his teachers while he was hospitalized for over 2 months? How is it that there was no compassion or concern for this child? This is not a large town, everyone knows everyone. I will be attending the school board meeting in hopes that questions can be answered. I sure do hope that the school continues to provide this boy with the education he deserves. Disgusted and Embarrassed | ||||||||||
City Management Says One Thing then Does the Opposite (February 11, 2010)I read with interest the comments a Mr. Maki made to the commission concerning the SISU race. He said that the manager lied about the extent of using city equipment and personnel in helping with the race. If one was to check back when the work on the cemetery trail was being done I believe the same was told to the commission that there would be no cost to the city yet city equipment and manpower was used there also. This shows a continuing pattern of saying one thing but doing just the opposite. How can the commission stand by and continue to support the manager when things like this happen? I also believe a reprimand is in order. Hopefully this commission will hold the manager accountable and quit taking everything he says as gospel. Dumbfounded | ||||||||||
Anonymous Author Insists on Transparency In Government (February 10, 2010)Today I read the Globe then went online to read the Superior Chronicle's articles on Monday's city commission meeting. Wow! People are getting fed up with some of the decisions and deception coming from the management of Ironwood. It appears that when management screws up no one wants to talk about it. It is time for the commission to step up to the plate and hold these people accountable. We hear the word transparency quite a bit in the news lately. Ironwood could use some. If it was not for the Superior Chronicle reporting on the council meetings and other controversial issues the people of Ironwood would not know what is happening. The Globe seems reluctant in printing anything that reflects badly on the management of Ironwood. Why is that? Anonymous | ||||||||||
Angered that School Takes No Action Until Media Gets Involved (February 9, 2010)My reaction to the article by Keri Singleton about my grandson Dylan makes me angry. Angry that my daughter had to turn to the media to get some attention about her problem in getting his school work and help for Dylan during his long absence from school. While I'm sure that everyone in the Ironwood school system is busy with their day-to-day work, and that helping him would put an extra load on them. However, Dylan didn’t choose to be in this situation, and he needs their help. My daughter may very well seem like a pest to the school administration, but in the eight years since Dylan's spinal cord injury in a car accident she’s found that he needs a strong advocate in order to get the things he needs, and she’s the only one that can do that. In all cases she hasn’t ask for anything unusual, only what is needed so he can function in a world that’s not very handicap friendly. If the school administration thinks they’re overburdened with the request for Dylan’s school work and a tutor they should have told my daughter from the very beginning. Perhaps other arrangements could have been made to help with the school work. Falling behind isn’t a good thing for Dylan. It’s bad enough that he can’t be in school, but it’s particularly bad that the school can’t figure out a way to help a student in need. Sometimes extra effort is needed in unusual situations. Just ask Dylan's mom, she does it every day. Dale Jorgenson | ||||||||||
ORV User Opposed to Snowmobiles & ATVs on City Streets (February 5, 2010)Trails, trails, trails... Snowmobile and ATV traffic routes must not be allowed in residential areas. The Snowmobiles/ATVs will disrupt the lives of everybody that live along these proposed routes. Speed, dust, noise etc. etc... ATV's and snowmobiles have there place (I have both)... I trailer or truck it when I use mine. I have been doing this for 30 plus years. Avid ORV User | ||||||||||
Elk & Hound Is In the City Limits (February 2, 2010)Just so everybody knows, The Elk & Hound restaurant is located within the City of Ironwood limits. I see there has been some grumbling about the SISU people having their party there and giving money to a business outside the City limits. Don't take the word of an anonymous toad though. Give the Elk & Hound a call and ask for yourselves. Anonymous Toad | ||||||||||
Government Spending Is Out of Control (February 1, 2010)Go to www.usdebtclock.org. How long can this nation go on at a reckless spending pace like that? Our government keeps spending money like there is no tomorrow. I don't have the answers but I do see a crisis looming in the near future. Continuing on this course will spell disaster. We are living on borrowed money and time. What kind of future will we leave our children and grandchildren? The current parties both Democratic and Republican have failed us. The only way we can get this country back on track is to throw the whole bunch out of office during the next election. It is time to forget the party system and go independent. I am worried and you should be too. Concerned for the Future | ||||||||||
Websites Need to Disclose Their Identities (January 30, 2010)Regarding the very recent discussion in the letters to the editor section of this web site, I was happy to see the letter signed by Jim Albert with the title of editor after his name. I am a Gogebic County resident. I like to try to keep informed. I occasionally listen to WJMS, I often buy the Daily Globe but I've found that the Superior Chronicle and IronwoodInfo.com are legitimate sources of information. The thing that always bothered me about both of these sites (it still does) is that I never had any idea where or who it came from. I am not computer literate! I have no training in computer use, just like a large percentage of people who probably read your web site. Just the same, over the last couple of years, I've managed to educate myself in computer use considerably. Unlike most websites there is no apparent contact information. There are no names, addresses, or phone #'s. There is no editor or staff listed. Maybe that stuff is there but it surely is not apparent on a home page or contact info button or anywhere else. My point is that these websites are just as guilty as the anonymous letter writers, be it intentionally or not. I've been reading both these sites for over a year now, (off & on) I've clicked on absolutely everything that there is to click on and until today, when I read the letter from Jim Albert, with the title of Editor, I did not know where this stuff came from. Granted, I still don't know the man, but at least I know his name! He was anonymous to me for over a year (as is the source behind the other site I mentioned) I'm just trying to point out what is hopefully an overlooked flaw in your site. I might be wrong, but if people don't know who you are or where you're from, they will not put as much credence in your opinions or articles. This is not meant to be for inclusion on your website. It is only written as constructive criticism. You can certainly put it on your site if you wish but I wish to remain anonymous. One more point: I absolutely cannot be the only one who is of this opinion! When you think about the people of this area, you will think of a lot of independent people, just beginning to understand the value of the Internet, and trying to get good information where ever they can! Frustrated Anonymous Reader EDITOR'S NOTE: In all fairness, I know that IronwoodInfo.com features a "Contact Us" page on their site. We also have contact information available, but it is merely our email address. I guess I've been under the false impression that most people knew that I was in charge of the Superior Chronicle, and that most people know who I am. This letter has opened my eyes, and we will be addressing that issue with some changes to our homepage. In the meantime, if you want to know which of our writers has written our articles, and which of our articles are press releases, you can go to our "Archives" page. The Superior Chronicle is published by The Focus Center, 133-135 West Aurora Street, Ironwood, Michigan 49938. I am the Editor and the publication and I can be reached at (906) 932-1810. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Ski Fest Celebration Would Have Been Better Suited In Downtown Ironwood (January 29, 2010)It is very ironic that the SISU Ski Fest organizers decided to have their volunteer celebration at the Elk and Hound located in Ironwood Township. Don’t get me wrong the Elk and Hound is a wonderful establishment with excellent food but, what a slap in the face to Downtown Ironwood businesses. It would have been a compassionate decision to have their celebration party in one of the downtown eating establishments, to show support for the downtown businesses for their contribution to the race. After all the SISU did negatively impact Ironwood's downtown businesses financially with the closing of the roads downtown. Avid Supporter of Downtown Ironwood | ||||||||||
Wallenius Clarifies MSP Wakefield Post Position on 911 Dispatch (January 28, 2010)I have read your article referencing the Michigan State Police and E9-1-1 dispatching service for Gogebic County and feel that clarification of our position is necessary: The Michigan State Police Wakefield Post does not support leaving Negaunee Regional Dispatch to obtain dispatching services from Iron County Central Dispatch located in Crystal Falls, Michigan. In our opinion, Negaunee Regional Dispatch is the best dispatching option available for the citizens of Gogebic County. However, if Gogebic County eventually does contract with Iron County Dispatch for dispatching services, the Wakefield Post will utilize those services for emergency dispatching. The Wakefield Post will continue to be an intricate part of the law enforcement community in providing public safety and service to the citizens of Gogebic County, regardless of the location of dispatching services. Thank you. F/Lt. Wallenius, MSP Wakefield EDITOR'S NOTE: This email has also been added to the Chronicle's article on the 911 meeting. | ||||||||||
City Commission Made Right Decision on Library Referendum (January 27, 2010)I heard today that the City Commission did not place the library renovation on the ballot for the May election. I believe they made the right decision.. Perhaps if the economy picks up in the distant future the renovation project request could be revisited. Library Supporter | ||||||||||
Immaturity and Fear Rule at the Superior Chronicle (January 26, 2010)In response to Anonymously Wondering: Your analogy is a poor one. You must know why people donate money to causes or events anonymously. They wish to contribute without drawing attention to themselves. The cause is more important to them than the credit for donating. They are being humble. If you look at the political world, campaign contributions are not allowed to be anonymous. Anonymous donations to a political candidate could be big trouble for our democracy, or what we have left of it. In response to Avoiding Ridicule: Many of you anonymous writers are acting as though Ironwood is behind the Iron Curtain. How exactly are you being ridiculed? You can't be put in jail. You can't be fined. Bob Burchell is not gonna have Public Safety exile you to Siberia if you accuse him of using city resources to help out with SISU Skifest. In fact, if you wrote him a letter, signing your name, I imagine he would take the time to respond to your grievance. I think you are being over dramatic and it's insensitive to people and places that truly cannot know the freedom to speak up in any capacity. I have been speaking my mind a long time and sure I have met opposition and even been "ridiculed" but its still MY mind to speak and I am not afraid. If I was planning a revolution or something like that sure I may want to go underground but grievances with a town that governs 6000? Come on! Are you really THAT scared?!?! Are things really THAT crooked? Are bodies turning up in the Montreal River? At worst Ironwood is poorly managed and run because many people involved have a limited scope of knowledge and experience combined with an inability to think outside the box. How is our government ever gonna change if you don't speak up and organize? Anonymous letters simply don't count. Ask the decision makers. In response to Nameless & Credible: How can you be "nameless" & "credible"? It's like an oxymoron. If you want to effect change in this city gather people together, create an agenda and get to work. Use the Friends of the Miners Memorial Park as an example. They have faced challenges and ridicule, but when it came time to vote on a city council many of us voted on that issue, knowing that people who supported that issue also held many of the same values as us. The MMP effected a huge change in Ironwood and it certainly wasn't done anonymously in the shadows. They have not reached their goal but they have changed the political environment in this town. All your anonymous letters are doing is leaving many of us assuming that they are written by either Steve Frank or Jim Albert himself regardless of Jim Albert's claims. Do you now see how this can cause distrust? If anyone would like to use The Federalist Papers as an example of how anonymous political speech CAN effect change, the fact of the matter is that EVERYONE knew who wrote them. While the were technically written anonymously the were hardly published without known authors. Also, notice how the only people who are writing in support of anonymous letters are themselves in fact anonymous. Why would you have to sign those letters anonymously? What's the risk there? Leah Gramith EDITOR'S NOTE: In answer to Ms. Gramith's letter... the most common complaint that we receive at the Chronicle is that we publish “unsigned” and “anonymous” letters to the editor. To be honest with you, posting these letters to the editor – signed or unsigned – requires a big commitment on our part. A lot of time and effort goes into posting these messages, and it would be much easier for us to simply ignore them. I am a person who has never been afraid to say what I think. Quite frankly, I have mixed emotions when it comes to anonymous letters. I dread publishing them, because – without fail – doing so guarantees that I will be barraged with “unsigned” posted comments and email messages claiming that I have authored them – even when the opinions expressed in the unsigned documents are in direct opposition to ideas I have already posted in my signed editorials. The information posted below, pretty much sums up my feelings about posting anonymous letters to the editor:
I am a true believer in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I value the opinions of others whether I agree with them or not. I probably have a better understanding of the need for anonymity than just about anybody in this town. I have been deeply criticized for expressing my opinions. There have been numerous articles printed in the paper attempting to discredit me. I don't blame anyone for submitting a letter and asking that his name not be published. This might not be the Iron Curtain, but public ridicule is a live and well in this town. Unlike our critics, I understand the huge difference between "opinion" and "fact." We go to great measures to separate "fact" from "opinion" in our reports. I know when I'm reading an article on our site, that all attempts have been made to accurately report the news. When opinion is expressed in our articles, it is clearly labeled and set aside. When I'm reading the Letters to the Editor, I am very aware that I am not reading facts... I am reading opinions. I don't believe that giving our readers a voice -- whether they put their name to what they write or not -- in any way affects the credibility of the Chronicle. I have submitted dozens of letters to the editor to the Globe. The vast majority of these letters were NEVER published. The Globe will only publish opinions that they agree with, or letters that put their "enemies" in a bad light. That is our alternative. I know many, many people who have submitted letters that were never published. I've had libelous and damning letters written about myself and my business published in the Globe. With all of our Freedoms, comes responsibility. We have Freedom of Speech, but that does not enable us to yell "Fire!" in a crowded theatre. I cherish the Freedom of the Press, and I realize the responsibility I have to our readers. I have taken on the responsibility to accurately report what is happening in this town. I have also taken on the responsibility to allow people to voice their opinions and express their ideas. This doesn't give them the right to slander or libel others... but it gives them a forum to honestly and truthfully call a spade a spade. By the way... I didn't cite the author of report posted above. Does it really matter what his name is? You either agree with what he is saying or you don't. How many articles do you read in the paper? How many of them are signed? Many times, you don't know who wrote what you read, and you assume what you are reading is credible. We credit Alexander Graham Bell with inventing the telephone. We give him that credit because he was the first to reach the Patent Office. Evidence shows that a man named Elisha Gray was the first to invent the telephone. Does it matter who the real inventor is? Was the telephone a good idea? Is it a useful tool? Would it be any less useful if we didn't know the identity of its inventor? The point I'm making is that critics of anonymous letters focus so much on the fact that the letter is unsigned that they don't pay attention to the message they are trying to convey. The idea should trump anything else. Let's not categorically ignore each and every word written by authors who wish to remain nameless. I can think of many legitimate reasons why people wish to remain anonymous... they aren't necessarily hiding anything more than their identity. This is the last time I will address this issue. Unsigned letters will continue to be featured in our publication. If you don't wish to read them, nobody's twisting your arm. If you feel that allowing people to freely voice their opinions diminished our credibility, then don't put faith and trust in our reporting. It's that simple. As always, we ask that all letters submitted provide a name and email for identification purposes. If you wish remain anonymous, simply state that you wish to be anonymous. | ||||||||||
What Are Anonymous Donors Trying to Hide? (January 26, 2010)In yesterday's Daily Globe I noticed the ad thanking all of the contributors of the SISU Ski Fest. The one contributor that really caught my eye was in the third column ninth from the bottom Anonymous. There has been quite a few people concerned with the Superior Chronicle for posting anonymous letters. Should we be concerned with an anonymous contribution to the SISU Ski Fest? Is this person hiding something? Does giving money anonymously make the SISU less credible? Anonymously Wondering | ||||||||||
People Choose to Be Anonymous for a Reason (January 26, 2010)Why be anonymous? Because people who openly voice opinions in Ironwood are ALWAYS ridiculed. Avoiding Ridicule | ||||||||||
Agenda Announcement Not the Best of Timing (January 25, 2010)"LIBRARY MILLAGE ON AGENDA" makes the Globe headlines this morning. Letting the public know of this important matter just hours before the commission meeting is not right. A notification of this millage issue of such importance should have been given days in advance, not at the last minute. One can only assume that the library people planned the timing of this so there would be little resistance to their millage request at the council meeting. The people spoke loud and clear just last November that a library millage was not acceptable. With all the millages the residents of Ironwood are paying currently, now is not the time to burden us with more debt. Hopefully the commission will remember the vote of the people during the last election and not allow this millage request to be placed on the ballot in May. Millage Village Resident | ||||||||||
Anonymous Letters Serve a Purpose (January 24, 2010)I am writing this because of the recent comments regarding anonymous letters to the editor. I also am a daily reader of the Chronicle. The anonymous letters do serve a purpose. They let us know of things that you will never read about in the Globe. Reading back through many of the anonymous letters I can find credible facts and opinions not gossip or grumbling. I believe that there are certain people that would like to stop the anonymous letters to the editor because it is they who have something to hide and it is they who are afraid of being exposed. We would truly never know what is really happening around our area if it wasn't for the anonymous letters. The anonymous letters do nothing to diminish the credibility of Mr. Albert or the Superior Chronicle. Nameless and Credible | ||||||||||
Unsigned Letters Diminish Publication's Credibility (January 23, 2010)I am a fan of getting information online, and I do enjoy the Superior Chronicle for local news. I like the accurate coverage backed by sound clips for proof of what was said. I have to agree with the letter written by Rich Scott; those that don't sign their name in a letter to the editor are not credible. Someone hiding behind an anonymous letter is not willing to stand up for their thoughts. They must be hiding something, and often it is the truth and it is usually a negative letter. I think it diminishes the credibility of your publication as a whole if you allow people to submit letters to the editor without signing their name, or verifying that person is the one emailing the letter. After all online, one could be nasty and sign someone else's name as well. You should be required to sign your name, and the Chronicle should contact the sender to ensure that they indeed were the creator of the letter. It's a simple request that would heighten the credibility of your online newspaper. Otherwise, it's no different than any other form of gossip... the "Ironwood Enquirer." Please consider raising the bar. Pam Kauppila | ||||||||||
Appreciates Improvement In Plowing Efforts (January 23, 2010)I must give credit where credit is due, and since my last letter commenting on the mess downtown on the day after Christmas the snow removal in the downtown Ironwood area has been exceptional! The streets and sidewalks are mostly clear of snow and one can easily find parking and walk safely without having to climb over a pile of snow. The notable exception being the lot parking lot across from Tacconelli's where the snow was plowed INTO the lot from the sidewalk. I've lived downtown for 14 years and they haven't done that before. It's still there. The city workers work long hard hours at a difficult job, we're lucky to have them. I hope management appreciates their efforts, especially the next time they think to try the apparent union busting tactics that were attempted during the most recent contract talks. Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Can Ironwood Afford to Take On More Debt? (January 23, 2010)Interesting reading in the Globe and on the Chronicle today. It appears that the Ironwood Theater people want the City to take a big financial stake in the theater saying it is good for the community. It was said funding from the State is dwindling. The State has to cut its budget to make ends meet is the reason why funding is reduced and may stop. I'm sure Ironwood's budget is no better. Can Ironwood afford to take on any more debt at this time? I think not! I also read that the Ironwood City Commission will consider a resolution on a ballot proposal for the Library Restoration project. This project was voted down in the last election. Apparently the library people cannot take NO for a answer. Recently one of our commissioners said the library restoration should not be considered at this time. I agree. More and more groups are stepping forward for financial aid from the City. How in the world can the Commission go along with putting more burden on the residents of Ironwood? I am tapped out and cannot afford any increase in taxes or millage. Hopefully our new commission will see the hardship many families are currently going through and put a stop to this madness. Tapped Out In Ironwood | ||||||||||
What Did DIDA Member Do to Deserve Ousting (January 23, 2010)On Thursday January 28th at 8:00 a.m. the circus comes to the Womens Club Room at the Memorial Building. The Chair wants to remove Eva Smith-Furgason for insubordination. I have been following this absurd scenario. What did Eva do that was so wrong? Please explain. If the Chronicle has any background on this would you please write a article outlining the Chair's displeasure with her. Thank you. Fed Up with the Shenanigans in Ironwood. | ||||||||||
Push For Library Renovation Is Getting Old (January 18, 2010)Every time I turn around I read or hear something concerning the Library. The push is on to convince people that the Proposed Million Dollar Library Renovation Project is greatly needed. The Library now is going to host game nights where you can play games such as Chess, Go, or Scrabble. Things must be slow at the library for them to find the time or the space to hold such events. What will it be next? How about, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Walt G. | ||||||||||
Questions City Involvement In SISU (January 18, 2010)I wonder what kind of impact the SISU had on Ironwood as well. But I have to ask how many City man hours were involved? So do the people of Ironwood really make out? Chad Lompre | ||||||||||
Loves Chronicle, Hates Anonymous Letters, & Supports SISU (January 17, 2010)I absolutely LOVE your on-line paper. I love it because you always report the truth... I have a lot of respect for you because of that. I have a question about submitting letters to the editor. The link directs me to MS Live which requires a registration, what's up with that? Also, I strongly disagree with your policy of publishing letters that are submitted anonymously. I understand that everyone has a opinion... but they are not all equal... some opinions carry more weight and credibility. For me, a letter without a name carries no credibility and is just grumbling. Please stop giving these nameless, complainers a forum. I read your editorial concerning the SISU with great interest... as I said, I respect your opinion very much. I agree with you that some businesses were hurt on that day. However, can you consider the macro economic effects of this type of event? They are very hard to measure but I'm sure they are there. Exposing new people to our community will always pay off economically somewhere down the road. Plus the money from the event is spent in the community and flows to other businesses in the area. Is there anyone that would argue that the American Birkebiener doesn't have a positive economic effect on the Cable/Hayward area each year. Granted, this event is miniscule in comparison, but it's amazing first effort. I'm sure you understand economics, so I was surprised to see that view absent from your op-ed. Please feel free to print any of this and, of course, sign my name :) Rich Scott | ||||||||||
SISU Was Great for Ironwood Area (January 12, 2010)I think the SISU Ski Fest was a HUGE Success! I saw hundreds of people HERE from out of town, buying gas, shopping, staying overnight in our motels, eating out, visiting our beautiful Memorial Building and the Ironwood Theatre! They were greeted by HAPPY, Friendly volunteers who were excited to have such a great turnout for this inagural event! Yes, it may have been an inconvenience, but so is road construction. The measurement to success may have to wait for subsequent years, but anything that brings people to our area is a step in the right direction. Let's show all the hard working volunteers that their work was not in vain, but appreciated! Nancy Zak | ||||||||||
City's Involvement in SISU Not What Was Promised (January 12, 2010)I was under the impression the City of Ironwood was only supposed to furnish it's snowblower for the clean up after the SISU Fest. Is it true that not only was the snowblower there but also the city front-end loader, a grader, and two snow haul trucks along with city operators? What happened to the volunteer trucks? Please explain... So I Still Understand | ||||||||||
Why I Don't Buy The Globe (January 11, 2010)I do not buy the Globe but I do read it secondhand. The Globe always fails to tell both side of a story. First of all I do support the SISU Ski Fest. It is nice to have a event like that in our area. It sure beats the heck out of those noisy snowmobiles and pesky ATVs. The Globe today made it sound like everything went off without a hitch. It did not. The route needs to be changed as it caused many problems for local traffic with all the detours. Thank goodness there were no emergencies. The streets that were open were ice-covered making driving difficult as they were not sanded. The local main street business took it in the shorts as they had practically no business and lost money on a normally busy weekend. I noticed that there were no people downtown lining the streets watching the event but there was a crowd by the library. Closing the main street was a mistake. Once again taxpayer monies were use to help pull off another event. That is wrong. These events must be self supporting. If private people or organizations want to donate money that is fine. The city continues to donate employee time,equipment,and money for these events. This is also wrong. City services to the taxpaying public has been getting worse and worse due to budget restraints. On the other side the city always bends over back wards to aid a select few. This is not right. Once again I applaud the SISU fest and its supporters. Good Job. Once again I will criticize the Globe for it's one sided reporting. Jenny | ||||||||||
City Should Have Done a Better Job Publicizing SISU Detours (January 11, 2010)I agree with Jim Albert's editorial about travel difficulties during the SISU ski race. The residents of Norrie and Aurora Locations, to the best of my knowledge, had only one route they could access to get out of their neighborhoods. Alfred Wright Boulevard, Frenchtown Road, Burma Road, Norrie Park Road and Brogan Street were all blocked. Only Oak Street could be used. I feel that the City should have consulted with the residents or at least publicized and marked the detours more effectively to minimize their inconvenience. George Hallisey | ||||||||||
Saxon Harbor Boating Club Did It Right (January 10, 2010)If it ain't broken don't try and fix it. I cannot understand why the Iron County Board decided not to renew the Saxon Harbor Maintenance contract with the Saxon Harbor Boating Club. Why does government always have to complicate everything? I would like to see the board rescind their actions. Things were fine just as they were. Unhappy With Board Decision | ||||||||||
Residents Can't Afford New Library (January 10, 2010)My house is in need of some repairs. I need a new roof, new chimney, and some new windows. Vinyl siding with my soffits and facia wrapped would be a nice addition, and while I'm at it, let's throw in a new 3 stall garage. I am just wondering if you, the taxpayers, would be interested in helping me out with all these expenses? Sarcasm here. You see many houses in Ironwood are in need of many updates, updates that can't be done because people don't have the money and they don't get to use taxpayer money to fix them up. Good reason why blight has been such a big topic. So why is it that the library keeps beating this poor dead horse? Do they just not get it? Many people in Ironwood are living paycheck to paycheck or worse. Not everyone lives in a household with a six-figure income. Do we need a library? Sure, but do we need to put over a million dollars into it? Well we'll just have to wait and see what the voters say. I already know that I'll be voting "NO", and it's not because I can't afford it but because the residents of this town can't afford it. Donald J. Peterson | ||||||||||
SISU for Privileged Minority (January 10, 2010)It sure would be nice if I could get out of Norrie without running into a police barricade on every road! As long as the privileged minority are happy with their Sisu race I guess... Trapped In Norrie | ||||||||||
Poor Planning May Have Hurt Downtown Businesses (January 9, 2010)Total confusion is the best way I can describe trying to get through town today. Poor planning once again in Ironwood. I wonder how the downtown daytime business fared with the street closings? Lab Rat In A Maze | ||||||||||
Some Businesses Make the Snow Situation Worse (January 8, 2010)Many businesses pile their snow on the sidewalk. 1) The parking is gone; 2) the streets are very narrow; 3) the City is then expected to remove it... example... the Daily Globe pushes their lot onto the sidewalk and street but they keep the sidewalk clean in front of their building. Frustrated Resident | ||||||||||
Calling Your Commissioners With Your Complaints Gets Results (January 8, 2010)Scott Erickson stated last year that residents of the City will see less snowplowing of City Streets. Apparently, this winter he's following through on his idea. The last storms which covered our streets over the two Holidays, when many were busy attempting to visit family or attending church services, left many of our citizens very disappointed that our streets weren't plowed. As a former City Commissioner I can only conclude that the City Manager didn't want to pay the overtime. Now I've heard that the plows won't go out unless the snow depth is over a certain amount. I've heard enough to conclude that our City Commission needs to be told that the plowing is inadequate; that the streets need to be plowed and widened; and that regular snow removal is needed. Some downtown streets narrow to one lane when parking spaces along the streets are full. Writing letters to the editor is all well and good, but calling your City Commissioners with your complaints will be much more effective. John Cain | ||||||||||
Special Interest Group Favors Cost Taxpayers (January 8, 2010)Year after year I have watched my utility bills and taxes go up. Year after year I have seen various groups come to the city asking for a break on water or asking for city equipment or employees to help with a project. The city always seem to oblige them. All these favors cost the city taxpayers one way or the other. A comment was made that such endeavors enrich the community. What a crock! It only enriches the few who benefit from these events. Do not get me wrong. I feel these events are o.k. but not at the expense of the taxpayer. In my entire life not one of these events benefited me in any way. Times are tough and I feel my tax monies should be spent on the basic necessary services that lately we have not been getting very much of. How bout giving me a break? Stop this nonsense! | ||||||||||
Respects Confidential Approach (January 7, 2010)Printing a letter to the editor and not the writer's name does not discredit any one. I sign every letter that I may write but ask to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation for some of my comments. I have to respect the Superior Chronicle for its confidential approach in not revealing a person’s name. Our community at large are very honest and hardworking people but there is a group, that try to stifle and discredit anyone who opposes their views on the issues of city government. It’s not right but it is a fact. Concerned Citizen | ||||||||||
City Insider Explains Need for Anonymous Letters (January 7, 2010)After reading about the unsigned letters discrediting the Chronicle I must reply. Looking from the outside in does not always tell the whole story. One has to be on the inside to see what is really going on in this city. Being on the inside I can tell you there is much more going on at city hall than meets the eye. Yes, people do not sign their names for fear of retaliation. Can you blame them? An Insider | ||||||||||
Unsigned Letters Discredit Chronicle (January 6, 2010)Printing letters to the editor that are unsigned discredits the Superior Chronicle. Who are these people who will not stand by their words? You cannot sign a petition anonymously? How can we even know these anonymously concerned people are residents? I'd like to see the Chronicle take the professional route and discourage this nameless faceless complaining. If you have something to say, be an adult and say it. If you are afraid it will affect your business, reputation, friendships, political career etc. then tuck your tail between your legs and play docile, quiet, upright citizen. Enough already. Signed, P.S. I think the city should do everything it can to support all endeavors that enrich our community. We bend over backwards for the tourists who spend most of their money on the strip in Hurley why not throw down for a positive, health-conscious, environmentally-friendly event like SISU Ski Fest. Let's show the world we have something to offer besides being next to a town where you can get a lap dance. | ||||||||||
City Offices Shouldn't Be Volunteer Headquarters (January 6, 2010)I recently read an article in the Daily Globe about the upcoming SISU race. I hope things go well for this race and it boosts the locally economy. My problem with the article is that it stated if anyone is interested in volunteering to call 932-5050. This number is the direct line to the Ironwood City offices. I don't believe, as an Ironwood taxpayer, that city hall should be involved in this. This isn't the first time this has gone on. City of Ironwood employees are paid to take care of city problems and city business, not answer phones to take names of volunteers for a ski race. And we wonder where our hard earned tax dollars are wasted. Sick of Waste | ||||||||||
Curious About Nursing Home Project (January 6, 2010)Does anyone know what happened to the Brownfield Development project at the nursing home by the Ironwood High School? Was just wondering if it is still a go. Curious | ||||||||||
Agrees With "Pay Day to Pay Day" (January 6, 2010)I just got done reading the "Living Pay Day to Pay Day" post about using tax dollars on private events. I must say that I agree with the writer. I just recently read that no city monies, equipment, or manpower would be used on the SISU event. A year or so ago I also read that no city monies, manpower, or equipment would be used on the cemetery walking trails. Contrary to what was said to the Commission the opposite seems to be happening. Rumor has it that city equipment and manpower were used on both. If this is true the management of Ironwood must be held accountable. Taxpayer monies must not be used on private events. I am tired of the double talk, deceit, lies, and just plain stupidity coming from city hall. This kind of behavior must be stopped immediately. Walt G. | ||||||||||
No Time to Clear Streets, But Time for SISU (January 6, 2010)Hurley plowed yesterday. Bessemer plowed yesterday. Ironwood did not plow yesterday but found the time to help with SISU... Unbelievable isn't it? Sick of the Snow Job | ||||||||||
Our Votes Should Count for Something (January 6, 2010)Here we go again. It's back. "City Commission mulls $900,000 library referendum". Yesterday on the national news, libraries and print newspapers were among the top 10 things that will become obsolete in the upcoming years. The INTERNET age is here was the reason given. Why do the library people continue to push for the ballot proposal when it was soundly defeated in the last election? I truly hope the new current Commission will abide by the will of the people and vote not to put this on the ballot again. If the library people want the issue to be placed on the ballot I suggest that they get in gear and go door to door gathering the required signatures to place the referendum on the ballot. We voted these new Commissioners into office with hopes that they will follow the will of the people. We cannot afford the library expansion at this time. Thank you, | ||||||||||
Tax Dollars Shouldn't Be Spent on Private Events (January 6, 2010)The SISU Ski Race is just around the corner and hope that it will be a great event for the area. A lot of businesses have stepped up to the plate to help sponsor the event. My only concern is that I noticed that the City of Ironwood and the Ironwood School district have also monetarily contributed to the race. Spending Tax money on a private event is not responsible spending. We entrust the city staff and school board to manage tax money wisely. The City of Ironwood is a Partner sponsor, how much pot hole patch will $2000.00 buy? Ironwood schools is a Silver sponsor, how many books will $600.00 buy? I guess my only real concern is that I am jealous that I don’t have a money tree growing in my yard and when it doesn’t bear fruit any more, I can’t ask every citizen of our community to buy me a new tree. Living Pay Day to Pay Day | ||||||||||
Can't Have It Both Ways (January 5, 2010)The Ironwood Info online rag-a-zine continues to belittle and criticize Ironwood's Commissioner Gemma Lamb. One has to wonder why ? Hmmmmmmm. On the township side Mattson survived the recall petition but the Ironwood Info rag-a-zine continues to get on the Simmon's group. It was said the Township voters have spoken so basically get over it. Have not the Ironwood voters also spoken? So may I suggest for the Ironwood Info rag-a-zine to get over it too. You can't have it both ways. Digusted Rag-a-zine Reader | ||||||||||
A Glance at the Upcoming Year (January 3, 2010)Here are my predictions for the year 2010. #5 - The D.I.D.A. promises there will be no more in-fighting. # 4- Towering Pines (Hovey) gives up on Ironwood and opts to build low income igloos in Africa. # 3 - The G.R.W.A. takes over the Ironwood water system and agrees to sell Ironwood water at a 15% discount if Ironwood will take that silly face off the Jessieville tank. #2 - Joe Karius leaves the Ironwood Daily Globe to work for the National Inquirer. #1 - Jim Albert becomes the Governor of the newly created state of Upper Yooperville. Clair Voyant | ||||||||||
Citizens Should Be Commissioners' Main Concern (December 30, 2009)I read in the Globe today these comments supposedly made by Commissioner Lamb. "Lamb said she was disappointed with the lack of plowing on city streets Saturday. She said the streets should be plowed well during the height of the ski season. For the next two weeks get those plows out, she said." I am glad she is concerned, but, I would rather have heard her say something more along these lines. "For the rest of the winter, get those plows out as we have citizens of Ironwood that have to get to work, go shopping, and so on and so forth." Snowed-In Citizen | ||||||||||
Paralysis by Analysis (December 30, 2009)So, if I understand the Chronicle report correctly, after numerous complaints about the lousy street conditions on Saturday the 26th, the manager's response was that the crews do a good job. No one is criticizing the crews' performance. They, as usual, do an outstanding job under trying conditions. The complaint should be lodged against management for not being on top of the situation. As for the lack of workers, as usual we see the results of "paralysis by analysis". One can study this stuff until the cows come home, but this isn't an engineering problem that needs to be viewed from different angles. We need leadership in this city. If the manager is incapable of ever making a timely decision, as seems to usually be the case, the commissioners need to. Workshops are lovely but sometimes a person needs to make a decision. Come on guys, let the crew plow the damned streets! How difficult a decision is that? Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Management Should Be Reprimanded for Not Plowing (December 28, 2009)I feel I must comment on the plowing or should I say the non-plowing of streets in Ironwood Saturday morning. The City Commissioners travel the same streets as I do, so I'm sure they had to see the mess. Once again the management of Ironwood has shown it's incompetence. I cannot fault the plow drivers as they can only come out when called by their superiors. Hopefully the Commission will take this matter up at the meeting tonight. The management of Ironwood always seem eager to reprimand a employee. I believe it is now time for the Commission to reprimand the management. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Unplowed Streets Hurt Downtown Businesses (December 27, 2009)I was disappointed this morning, Saturday, 12-26-09 (yes the day AFTER Christmas) while driving through the downtown of Ironwood vs Hurley. The downtown streets in Ironwood were narrow and covered with snow and the parking spaces in front of downtown businesses were accessible only by those with 4 wheel drive. What a difference as soon as I crossed the bridge into Hurley! The streets were plowed as clean as possible and the downtown businesses had street parking accessible by any type of vehicle. My first thought on seeing these two different situations was "which town looks like it's open for business?" "Which town is welcoming in appearance?" If I was a stranger driving through these adjoining towns, I wouldn't waste my time trying to plow through a foot or more of frozen slush to attempt to shop at a downtown Ironwood business when I could drive west a few blocks to a town that clearly invites me to stop and shop. If I was a downtown business owner in Ironwood, paying the exorbitant taxes and fees which they do, I'd be very vocally angry that my city, which I support with my aforementioned taxes and fees, was doing so little to help me out here! Hurley always has seemed to be able to keep the downtown streets clear of snow, and they usually finish BEFORE people are out and about. Good for them! They should be proud of the job they do. What is our city manager doing about this recurring fiasco? Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Deplorable Unplowed Streets Are Shameful (December 27, 2009)I drove through Ironwood this Saturday morning only to find the streets unplowed and in deplorable condition. There was slush, snow, and ruts everywhere. My goodness, what a mess. The downtown streets were not even plowed. I then drove through Hurley where all the streets were plowed and clean. What the heck gives in Ironwood? Whoever is in charge of Ironwood should be ashamed. Enraged by Ruts | ||||||||||
911 Coordinator Clarifies Issues Mentioned In Report (December 22, 2009)At the 911 meeting held 12-16-09 I gave a report from the State 911 committee (SNC) on Next generation 911 (NG911). There may be some confusion from my report. The SNC commissioned a report from Kimball Technology Group on the NG911 to look at the IP911 (Internet Protocol) for the state of Michigan and were we need to go for NG911. We received the report on 12-08-09 and we are going over the information on it. The state or the committee has not acted on the report and there is no plan to start a state wide 911 system. The committee very much wants to keep 911 at a local level issue. There is a lot of issues before our county on 911 and how it is going to be received, I am committed to make sure that our residents receive enhanced 911 and work with the State on this very important issue. If you would like to see the report you may click on the link to view. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/Michigan_Next_Generation_9-1-1_Feasibility_Study_304211_7.pdf I apologize if there was confusion from the article and if you have any question please call me. James Loeper | ||||||||||
Pro Library... Anti Taxpayer Burden at this Time (December 19, 2009)I can't believe that the library wants to go to the voters AGAIN with another millage. This is getting ridiculous. Over a million dollars to renovate, oh yeah and that won't include fixing the foundation. This makes a lot of sense. Not. Construction 101 says that a building is only going to be as good as the foundation it is built on. Oops! I forgot, the Blueprint Plan says it's critical that we keep the library. I'm all for having the library, but at what cost? Hey, Blueprint Planners, it's always easy when you're spending some else's money! Where does the library board think the taxpayers are going to come up with this money? People can't pay their taxes now. Many people in Ironwood are in a position right now of either putting food on the table and keeping there home heated, or paying taxes and starving and freezing to death. People are taxed out in this town already. Oh by the way, in case no one has noticed, Stone Container in Ontonagon is closing. Also White Pine Copper Refinery announced earlier this year that they will be closing next year. Just because these businesses aren't in Ironwood doesn't mean they aren't affecting people here. These closings will have a bigger impact on the people of Ironwood than most will ever know. These places keep many taxpaying citizens in Ironwood working in one way or another. Hopefully the City Commissioners DO NOT put this millage to the voters. Enough is enough already! Thank you for your time. Donald J. Peterson | ||||||||||
Displeased with 911 Committee's Decision (December 18, 2009)I am writing this letter to express my extreme displeasure with the Gogebic County 911 Committee. I recently requested to be a member of the committee to bring a Road Patrol Officers perspective to the committee and the board voted to not allow that position. I had the support of a majority of road patrol officers in the county. The committee voted to move dispatch to Iron County Michigan and leave Negaunee Regional this decision is against the recommendation of a majority of Road Patrol officers in the county, but due to not allowing me to serve on the committee, that opinion was never considered. This was purely a POLITICAL decision and does not take into consideration officer safety or efficiency. The committee paid for a consultant to give his opinion on 911 options. He indicated that he had been tasked with making a recommendation based on cost and control. I brought up the fact that officer safety and efficiency should be considered as well and he indicated that Mr. Loeper had given him cost and control as his comparisons. I informed him that we could plug a phone into the wall and have three supervisors watch one person on the phone and it would be cheap and we would have control but that wouldn't be the best option for Gogebic County, he agreed but stated that he was hired by the committee. This paid consultant also stated that he felt the committee was constructed completely wrong. He advised that it should be comprised of the end users of the system, (i.e. cops, firemen, ems, public) and those people should provide recommendations to county, city, and township boards. Politicians should not be on this committee because they have no clue what goes on in the day to day operations of the 911 system. The committee continues to state that it is "cheaper" to go to Iron County. However, the long term goal is to establish a Gogebic County 911 dispatch center, which estimates indicate will cost over double what Negaunee Regional charges for a "Cadillac" service. Though we would like to see jobs created here in Gogebic County, it is not feasible to have our own dispatch. This is the reason we switched to Negaunee Regional Dispatch in the first place, as many UP counties have. I agree there were some "hiccups" when we switched to Negaunee Regional Dispatch, but those issues have been resolved for the most part. They are about to happen all over again when the switch is made to Iron County, because those people are not familiar with our area. This purely "financial" decision greatly impacts the safety of Gogebic County residents, it is yet to be seen if that will be in a positive or negative way. But due to the fact that the 911 committee refuses to get the opinion of the people affected by the change, we may never know. Thank you for your time, | ||||||||||
Questions Commission's Decisions - Praises Lone Commissioner (December 18, 2009)After reading the article of Monday night's City Commission meeting, I find it alarming to see that the City Commission would even consider endorsing an individual that they do not know or have met to help that individual secure a licenses to practice medicine in the State of Michigan. I have to give Commissioner Lucius credit, as an attorney, to be the only one to question the Mayor's request. Commissioner Lucius seems to be the only one to also question the use of the City’s snowblower and payment of overtime to the operator for removing the snow from the streets after the SISU Ski Race. At least there is one commissioner that is trying to look after the best interest of the City and citizens. Concerned Citizen | ||||||||||
Voters Wishes Need to Be Respected (December 18, 2009)The library board is at again with a new renovation plan. How soon they have forgotten the results of the last election where the proposal failed. Who do these people think they are? No means No! They just don't get it. Maybe it is time to remove all these people from their positions and replace them with new faces who will follow the will of the voters. Asking the City Commission to put it on the ballot is the easy way out. If the library board members want it on the ballot I suggest they go door to door gathering the required signatures to place it on the ballot. Stressed Ironwood Voter | ||||||||||
Thinks Chronicle Is Great (December 15, 2009)I came across your web site. It's just great. I come up to Bessemer when I can and it keeps me in touch with the area. John Marchello | ||||||||||
Addicted to the Chronicle (December 11, 2009)I just wanted to congratulate you on how well this paper is coming along! I started checking into this paper to quickly find out what is going on around town, I have been so busy at GCC I haven't had time to really check on much. I've been addicted to it since about a week ago, and the crossword puzzles have guaranteed "family time" every evening with my son and my mother. This paper is all around great, you guys are doing a wonderful job. Ruth Fus | ||||||||||
Why So Little Coverage of Copper Peak? (December 10, 2009)I read this below article in the Daily Globe. If this information is indeed correct, like wow, talk about events which would put Ironwood on the map, not only on a national level, but also an international level, yet, I read nothing anywhere, by any local online or print publications, other then the Daily Globe, which discussed this issue. Why is that? I can see massive media coverage, ESPN, Sports Network, given Copper Peak is the only Ski Flying Facility in the USA, yet, so little attention is paid attention to this news. I must be missing something, [head scratch]? Can someone help me understand why the area has such a significant facility, which can draw very large national and international attention, yet, when news is released, it is....well....not really news at all. "12/9/2009 1:00:00 AM Copper Peak eyes return to greatness IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP -- Copper Peak officials have begun the physical aspect of bringing International ski flying back to Copper Peak. Because of that work, there will be no snowmobile hill climb this winter. Construction on the hillside is under way." Confused Visitor | ||||||||||
Pleased with Singleton's Coverage (December 9, 2009)We would like to thank Jim Albert and the Superior Chronicle for the coverage of the “Buddy Needs A Buddy” story. We would especially like to congratulate Keri Singleton on the fantastic job she did with this story. Thank you so much for the wonderful and heartwarming story about Buddy, and also the phenomenal pictures! You really captured Buddy’s personality. It was a pleasure to meet you and we appreciate the time you spent getting to know Buddy. It showed us that this was more than “just another story” for you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We would also like to tell you that donations are coming in and we are hopeful that he will be able to have the surgery soon. Keri, you are a valuable asset to the Chronicle and we wish you a long and successful career in journalism. Keep up the good work and we know we will cross paths again soon. With immeasurable gratitude! Edna and Bert Tatham | ||||||||||
Concerned About the Future of Snowmobiling in Ironwood (December 7, 2009)Hello, I am a avid snowmobiler and I love to ride. I know many people that come up here all winter long to ride, but was told that Trail 2 that goes from Bessemer to Hurley is in danger of closing in Ironwood by the Depot. People gotta realize that snowmobilers bring money into the area and support the local businesses and so on. If you don't have a trail the economy will be affected and the area will lose a lot of money to help with the cost of roads etc. Please support your local snowmobile club and help in any way you can. This is the great U.P. of Michigan, well known for the recreation part of the state. Many, many people come here to ride and have a great time. So please help the snowmobilers and contact your city offices and even the State of Michigan and the Governor on this matter. Thanks for your time and let everyone know what's going on in the City of Ironwood. An Avid Snowmobiler EDITOR'S NOTE - At last night's meeting at the Gogebic Community College, this issue was briefly discussed. It turns out that a portion of the trail is on private land, and no permission was ever obtained to allow snowmobiles to travel on it. Scott Erickson told those attending the meeting that permission is being sought and that any closure to the trails should be temporary. | ||||||||||
Depot Park Development Great Idea (December 4, 2009)I believe expanding the Depot Park in Ironwood using grant monies would be a great idea. Most communities surrounding Ironwood have events to promote their areas. Ironwood has the Festival which is held at the Depot Park. Expanding the Depot Park would allow for additional activities to take place in Ironwood. Expanding the Depot Park would make good economic sense for Ironwood. On another note just to clarify things, Jim Albert is not Walt G. My name really is Walt and I do live in Ironwood. Walt G | ||||||||||
Daily Globe Helped Reader Discover Chronicle (November 25, 2009)I love your online newspaper! I look at the Daily Globe online every day to check up on things in the Bessemer/Ironwood area and saw an article they did that mentioned you. I've added you to my favorites and will check in with you every chance I get. I was born in Wakefield, lived in Bessemer until 1969, and return yearly for summer vacation. The area will always be home to me. Thank you for providing me with such a great link to the area. Carol Berry-Wells | ||||||||||
Civic Center Is Good for the Ironwood Area (November 25, 2009)The Pat O'Donnell Civic Center is a City of Ironwood owned recreational facility and is part of the City's recreational plan. The opinion of Walt G. is to get rid of the Civic Center should it not be self-sufficient. All users of this facility pay equally to use it whether the person or youth is a resident of the City or not. Ironwood residents voted for and approved a millage to support the Civic Center. It was a vote of confidence for the continued use of the Center. Area youth through the Hockey and Figure Skating Clubs use this faciltiy every day from October to March of every year. Their activities bring visitors to the Ironwood Area all winter long. These visitors purchase gas, acquire lodging and meals during their visits. Even the Michigan DOT has recognized that the Civic Center is worthy of official state signage providing directions to the Center. I suspect that there are more kids using the Civic Center in two months than there are people using any other City facility in a year. (Excluding Bingo at the Memorial Building). POCC Supporter | ||||||||||
Have No Reason to Post Anonymously (November 17, 2009)Today the Chronicle received a post from 'Slinky' in Bessemer. It was a comment that simply stated... "Walt G. is really Jim Albert." This is exactly why I would prefer that people sign their letters to the editor. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, people are afraid to express themselves in a public forum. I am not one of those people. I have been brutally honest and I have always signed editorials that I have written. I have absolutely no reason to hide behind a false name or to post an anonymous letter. No one has had their reputation dragged through the mud more than I have. I am not a scared rabbit that is afraid to post my opinion and to put my name to it. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Costs of Civic Center Should Be Shared (November 17, 2009)I read the article about the Civic Center board of directors meeting. I have a question. Do all the members of the board reside within the city limits of Ironwood? It is my opinion that only residents of Ironwood should sit on this board as only the residents of Ironwood support the Civic Center via millage. I am also in agreement with Mr. Goerig that the center must become self-sufficient. The taxpayers of Ironwood have been the lone supporters of the Center long enough. It is time to spread the cost of operating the Center or close it. I wonder how many times in the past the City of Ironwood has given and forgiven loans to the Center? Walt G. | ||||||||||
Will the Real D.I.D.A. Members Please Stand Up? (November 13, 2009)Today the Ironwood Daily Globe listed the two new D.I.D.A. members as Rick Tippett and Bill Johnson. Yesterday the Superior Chronicle listed the two new members of the D.I.D.A. as Rick Tippett and William Penrose. Will the real D.I.D.A. members please stand up? The Globe article must be the correct one as Mr. Karius from the Globe was also mentioned as being at the meeting. Shame on the Superior Chronicle for messing things up again. lol. I Read the Globe, To Tell The Truth | ||||||||||
Time to Take City Hall Down Off Their High Horses (November 11, 2009)Commissioner Lucius made a statement according to the above minutes of the Commission meeting concerning the City attorney. He suggested the relationship could be changed without changing the personnel. I take issue with that statement. If that statement holds true we should have kept the old Commissioners and tried to change that relationship also. We will never get change as long as City Hall is allowed to have free reign. The Commission runs the City Hall not the other way around. The voters elected new faces on the Commission to enact change in City practices, policies, and in the way City business is being conducted in general. If that means changing personnel so be it! Then there was the big discussion about the official City INTERNET newspaper. It looked to me as though the management staff wanted to go against the Commission's motion of selecting the Superior Chronicle as the official City online newspaper. It is time to take City Hall down off their high horses. I do not want two more years of the same. I voted for change and I expect it. I believe in the new Commission and I do wish them good luck. I'm sure they will serve us well. Jenny | ||||||||||
Also Insulted By Biased Reporting (November 7, 2009)I, too, find Lou Bonagura's political coverage quite insulting. I will no longer surf the ironwoodinfo.com website because he turns it into the "All Simmons, all the time" channel. It is hard to believe he couldn't find at least one valid point the Township Citizens for Change Organization was trying to accomplish. I have never read an article where Mr. Bonagura wasn't slobbering all over the Ironwood Township Board. Lou Bonagura refers to Simmons as a sexist? I don't know Simmons but what proof does he have? What is going to be Bonagura's next charge? That Simmons hates Asians, Blacks, and is a homophobe? Come on now! The citizens lost the recall by a small margin so it is hard to believe there was not one thinking person who voted to recall Kim Mattson. Lou Bonagura believes Kim Mattson can do no wrong. If you read his articles you would believe Mr. Simmons was the antichrist of the township. As a City of Ironwood resident, I wish I could have cast a vote to remove her. They had a strong case but it doesn't matter in politics. We should support our neighbors in the township when they are right. I wish I would have seen some support for the Township Citizens for Change on this website. Making the voice heard keeps the politicians in line. Isn't this what Mr. Albert has stood up for all these years? Anonymous | ||||||||||
Protecting the Unborn or Class Warfare? (November 7, 2009)Bart Stupak's efforts to derail health care reform are disgusting and reprehensible. His amendment will create a two tier system where wealthier women retain their federally protected right to obtain an abortion. Low income women, however, will have their reproductive choices dictated by the federal government. Stupak's amendment does not "protect the unborn": it is blatant class warfare, an attack on low income women. At best, he will succeed and poor women will have access to affordable healthcare if not reproductive freedom. At worst, he will sabotage health care reform completely and the majority of low income, working Americans will remain uninsured. Bart Stupak is not acting in the interest of the voters of Michigan's First Congressional district. He is promoting his personal ideology. I will personally do everything in my power to see that he is not re-elected, even if it means campaigning for a Republican in 2010, at least then the path will be cleared for an ethical Democrat to represent the U.P. in the future. Megan Fuller | ||||||||||
Insulted By Local Political Coverage (November 7, 2009)For years the only news source we had in the area was the Globe. I was thrilled when I found out about the Superior Chronicle and IronwoodInfo.com. In the beginning, I thought both sites were the same publisher. The Chronicle does a good job of reporting local politics, and IronwoodInfo.com does a good job of covering human interest stories. However, when IronwoodInfo.com tries to report city politics they are so one-sided and so biased it's almost insulting to the reader. Lou Bonagura's articles are 90% opinion and 10% fact (and I may be bit generous in my assessment). His political reports make no sense and, if you ask me, IronwoodInfo.com is even worse than the Globe. Talk about having an agenda! I see the Chronicle no longer links to IronwoodInfo.com. Thank-you! According to Lou Bonagura, all of Ironwood's problems are directly accountable to the Friends of the Library and the people who support non-motorized trials in the Caves! Come on! Get real! Ironwood needs to start working as a close-knit community. We need to work together to move forward. IronwoodInfo's efforts are trying to further divide the City and their "facts" are simply not true. Shame on IronwoodInfo.com! Fed Up With Tainted Media | ||||||||||
Change of Heart or Hypocrisy? (November 6, 2009)I read a opinion from the Ironwood Daily Globe today about the new commission. The Globe stated the new commission should be able to get to work without unwarranted pressure and intimidation. The same Globe did everything to discredit some commission candidates during the 2007 election. Talk about hypocrisy. Consider my subscription canceled. I believe the new commission is a fine bunch and congratulate them. I'm sure they will do a good job for the people of Ironwood. Good luck to the new commission. Jenny | ||||||||||
New Commission Represents Honesty & Integrity (November 5, 2009)Life is funny. Three years ago two rabble-rousers were said to have been disrupting City meetings -- questioning City government. Two years ago these two agitators had the nerve to run for City Commission. Local press did everything they could do to soil their reputations -- insuring that they didn't serve the City as Commissioners. Following the election, the two instigators created the Superior Chronicle -- a new option for local news. Articles were refreshingly accurate. Evidence of claims was always available. Audio recordings were provided so readers could verify what was written. The Superior Chronicle has gained respect and people have grown to rely on the information they provide, yet the City has continually fought their efforts tooth and nail. The incendiaries were escorted from meetings; threatened with arrest and physical harm; denied their rights to speak; rudely ignored and often ridiculed; yet they refused to back down. Tuesday, voters cast their ballots based almost entirely on the candidate information the two radicals provided. For the first time in years, voters elected a commission that represents change, improvement, honesty, and integrity. Even though City Staff used their influence to cancel two scheduled candidate forums, thanks to the Chronicle, the voters were able to make informed, educated decisions. Thank-you Steve Frank and Jim Albert for all you do for the people of Ironwood. God Bless the Superior Chronicle! Sincerely Grateful | ||||||||||
New Commission Needs to Eye City Hall (November 4, 2009)Good Morning, and a very good morning it is! Congratulations to Commissioners elect Burchell, Semo, Lucius, Corcoran, and Lamb. The people have voted for change but to get that change other things must happen. Let's hope that the newly elected Commissioners take a good look at city hall, especially the Manager and city attorney as that is where the decisions and controversies start. I also want to thank the Superior Chronicle for the Commissioner forum as it helped me decide on whom to vote for. Mr. Albert! Keep up the good work by keeping us informed! I certainly appreciate it. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Not Pleased With Election Results (November 4, 2009)Well, thanks to this commission election it looks like Ironwood will be getting a new library after all. Along with a ban on snowmobiles and ATV's. Isn't progress wonderful? Anonymous | ||||||||||
People Deserved Forums But Were Denied (November 2, 2009)I also have been waiting for a answer as to why the two commissioner candidate forums were suddenly canceled. Not one person has come forward with the answer. One has to ask, why? The only reason I can assume is that someone was afraid of the questions that may be asked. Whether it be the incumbent commissioners, city management, the College, the radio station, or anybody else, canceling the forum was wrong! I have just lost my faith in all sitting commissioners. I have lost my respect for city hall also. Furthermore I will never again advertise in the Globe or on the radio as I feel they should have got to the bottom of the cancellations. The people of Ironwood deserved those forums but were denied. I will reread the candidate's profiles posted on the Superior Chronicle. My decisions on whom to vote for will be made accordingly. Margaret | ||||||||||
Unionized Labor at Ski Hills? (October 31, 2009)The Gogebic Range has long been a Democratic stronghold. The Obama Administration(Democrat) has very strong ties with organized (union) labor. The timing is perfect. Maybe unions can now be organized in our area to bring about a fair and just living wage with benefits to our underpaid workers. A good place to start would be at the ski hills. Mickey | ||||||||||
Can't Afford Any More Millages (October 31, 2009)In Thursday's Globe there was a letter of opinion. It was titled (Too many millages take toll on taxpayers). I feel the same way as the writer of that opinion. The residents of Ironwood are paying more than their fair share of millages as it is. It is insane that people keep asking us for more. I have had to cut back on my way of living due to the economy. The college wants a millage but weren't they going to buy the Armory a short while back? Where was that money going to come from? The county recently said they would be short on funds but did they not! buy the old forest Service building not long ago? Where did that money come from? Let's not forget the jail. The people said no but they still found the money to remodel. It is far to easy for these folks to ask for a millage. When I want to remodel my house or buy a expensive item I go to the bank and get a loan. They should do the same. It is time to stop this madness in these tough economic times. I will be voting no on all millages both renewals and new. You want it you pay for it. Sorry! I just can't afford it anymore. If the Chronicle knows how many millages the city of Ironwood residents are currently paying would you please put them up before the election. Thanks. Sick of Living in the Millage Village EDITOR'S NOTE: The average homeowner who lives in their home pays twelve different millages. They are: [1] City Operating Funds (19.20000); [2] City Library (0.9549); [3] City Police & Fire Pension (6.10000); [4] Memorial Building Renovations (2.10000); [5] Civic Center (1.00000); [6] Gogebic County (6.68000); [7] Gogebic County Transit (0.32320); [8] Gogebic Medical Care M.O.E. (0.38630); [9] Gogebic Community College (2.71310); [10] Animal Control (0.19860); [11] Senior Programs (0.60000); and [12] Gogebic Medical Care Building (0.39720). The average homeowner doesn't pay school taxes. But people who have second houses and businessowners pay four additional millages: [13] School Operating Funds (17.98920); [14] State Education (6.00000); [15] Intermediate School District (3.26240); and [16] School Construction Bond (1.67070). And Downtown Business property owners pay a TIF tax for the DIDA: [17] Downtown Development Authority Taxes (1.94140). Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Questions Toth's Answers In Globe (October 31, 2009)I would just like to inform the voters off one of the candidates that is running in the up & coming Ironwood City Commission Election. That person is Suzanne Toth. I read in Monday's Daily Globe, 10/26/2009, where she responded to a few questions. She states that she has a Associate Degree from GCC, but she doesn’t say in what. This makes me WONDER. Then she states that she will graduate in December with a bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and a minor in Public Policy. Why does she say what Degrees she is getting in December, but no from GCC? She goes on to talk about “HOVEY”
In closing, vote for those that we can count on. Just My Opinion. Jim Peterson | ||||||||||
When You Say Nothing At All (October 31, 2009)City Commission took no action on increase in pay as determined by the Local Officers Compensation Commission. What did that mean? The LOCC as the authority to deterime salaries of the city commissioners. This determination (Raise) shall be the new salaries of the commission, " Unless the city commission, by resolution adopted by not less that two-thirds of the members, reject them." The determinations of the LOCC shall be effective thirty (30) days after their filing with the city clerk, unless rejected by the city commission. In case of rejection, the existing salaries shall prevail. See Ironwood City Code Section 2-185. The mayor asked for a motion to approve the raise, but no one made the motion. So the commission raise was approved because the requirement of the city ordinance required a motion to reject the determination of LOCC to stop the increase. RAISE APPROVED. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Pet Peeve - Commissioners Who Take Credit for Other's Work (October 30, 2009)I had to smile when I read some of the incumbent commissioner campaign ads. One listed the Alfred Wright Boulevard construction as their accomplishment while another attached their name to the same. The reason that project got done was because the people that lived in that area came out in force at a commission meeting years ago and demanded something get done. Ironwood has a manager/engineer with subordinate supervisors. It is their job to get this stuff going as that is what we pay them for. It really peeves me when commissioners try to take the credit. I also find it amusing that so many projects just happened to start prior to the election. All I can ask is. Where you been for the last two years? Anonymous EDITOR'S NOTE: While these candidates are taking credit for all of these wonderful things they've had little to do with, which of them are willing to take credit for the $100,000 in Revolving Loan funds that was handed out to a local nursing home without any signatures or supporting documentation? Which of them is willing to accept responsibility for the thousands of dollars wasted on attorney fees during the three-year-long union contract negotiations with City employees? Which of them is willing to admit that they often base their decisions on projects on personalities rather than the overall benefit to the community? Which of these candidates are going to own up to the fact that they made public promises to developers that went against the will of the people? Which of these candidates is willing to admit that the City meddled into the media process of providing Candidate Forums to allow voters an opportunity to make informed decisions? Which of these candidates are honest enough to tell the voters they repeatedly voted in favor of a project that would do nothing to positively impact our community and repeatedly filled the Commission Chambers with citizens who expressed opposition? Which of these Candidates would ever admit that behind the door quorum meetings, in direct violation of the Open Meetings Act were "business as usual" for three of the current City Commission? Noren did the right thing. He quit. Now it's time for the voters to do the right thing -- they need to make sure Noren's disciples, Tom Laabs and Suzanne Toth, don't get re-elected. Ironwood needs to move forward. These two incumbents are stumbling blocks to progress. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Two Years to Fill a Ditch? (October 30, 2009)Did my eyes deceive me? I believe I saw contractors actually blacktopping the ditch across Lowell street just north of McLeod street. It has been two years since that ditch was dug. Wow! That was quick. Only in Ironwood folks. Can we afford two more years of the same? Walt G. | ||||||||||
Did Commission Silence Give Them a Pay Raise? (October 28, 2009)In regards to the Ironwood City Commission not getting a new compensation rate from the local officers compensation commission. If the compensation commission determined that the commission salaries should be raised and they filed their determination with the city clerk the raise shall be effective 30 days after the filing. If the city commission by resolution adopted by two-thirds of the members rejects the determination the new rate becomes effective. This means if the commission takes no action the new rate takes effect. Sometimes It Pays to Keep Quiet | ||||||||||
Opportunity Is Knocking -- Smart Votes Will Open the Door (October 28, 2009)The upcoming election for Ironwood City Commission matters a lot to me – but I don’t get to vote. I live in Bessemer; but Ironwood is where I shop for groceries, books, furniture, and just about everything else. I go to Ironwood to eat out and for entertainment. I do a lot of volunteer work there. As the population and commercial center of Gogebic County, what happens in Ironwood affects us all. There’s a movement afoot on the Gogebic Range. The Next Generation Initiative spawned the formation four active new groups, including Go-In Forward and Strengthening Our Niche. The Blueprints Plan for downtown Ironwood, adopted by the DIDA, provides a valuable tool for city leaders. The Ironwood Theatre, the heart of historic downtown, has a new director and a new direction. The upcoming SISU Ski Fest will bring hundreds of people to town, with thousands of dollars to spend. Ironwood is on the cusp of change, finally, after decades of a declining economy and a declining population. The attitude of “this is the way it’s always been” or “this is the way we’ve always done it” threatens to continue the deterioration of infrastructure and quality of life. Change will come. Only the Ironwood voters can assure that it is positive change. Opportunity is knocking, and the good citizens of Ironwood should answer by voting for commissioners who are ready to embrace new ideas, new possibilities, a new direction. Deb Kallunki-Gotham | ||||||||||
Wants Open and Transparent Commission (October 28, 2009)The mysterious Ironwood city commission candidate forum cancellations have me wondering. Why? Why? Why? I would have attended and I certainly would have had a few questions for the candidates. After reading Mr. Lucius's above letter I will be voting for him as he seems sincere and willing to answer questions. Only two incumbents will get my consideration. Those who chose to beat around the questions presented by the Globe on the Hovey deal will not be considered. Those who also chose not to be a part of the Superior Chronicle will also not be considered. I want a commission that is open and transparent, one I can trust. Jenny | ||||||||||
Candidates and Voters Have Responsibilities (October 26, 2009)As a candidate for the Ironwood City Commission I have been asked on several occasions whether I have any knowledge regarding the cancellation of the various candidate forums. The only reason that I have been offered is that there was a lack of questions provided by the public to make a forum worthwhile. Given the importance of the upcoming election I thought I would offer my thoughts on the matter. The reasoning offered is disappointing considering how easy it is for the moderator or host to simply create questions, or at minimum ask those questions that were in fact offered. The Daily Globe only asked three questions of the candidates and the responses spanned two full pages. I am sure several questions asked in person among twelve individuals could produce an interesting and lengthy conversation. A candidate forum is a good opportunity for voters to learn of a candidate’s position on a variety of topics concerning Ironwood’s future. While I am pleased with Superior Chronicle and the Globe’s efforts, to not have several different forums greatly hinders a voter’s ability to make an informed decision. A decision that will determine who shall lead Ironwood for two years. Regardless of a forum, however, the candidates have a responsibility to advertise themselves to their constituents directly. A candidate must be able to speak to an individual before they are given the privilege and responsibility to speak for the individual. This also allows a voter to understand the substance behind a candidate. I, like other candidates, have tried to meet this responsibility. I have placed ads in the newspaper, am running commercials on the radio, using a Facebook page, distributing campaign literature, and providing my home telephone number and email for any questions or input. At this point, with only one week left until this important election, the responsibility lies where it has since the beginning of the campaign- with the candidates and the voters. I challenge the candidates, myself included, to use the remaining time to get the message of Ironwood’s future direction directly to the voters. And for the voters, my challenge is for you to engage the candidates. Call them, seek them out, and ask friends, family and co-workers their opinions of the candidates and issues. Ironwood’s future can be greatly influenced by giving one the opportunity to lead for two years. The decision is for the residents of Ironwood alone, with or without the help of the media in hosting forums, and it is my hope that this decision will be informed. William Lucius | ||||||||||
Where Has the Globe Been? (October 26, 2009)I just read the Globe's forum for the City Commission candidates. The questions weren't exactly earthshaking. The question I have is this... there were originally 18 candidates for City Commission two years ago. By the time of the election, there were only 15. Every day for over a month the Globe published front page "investigative reports" that seemed to negatively focus on three or four of the candidates -- all of whom were members of the "evil" About_Ironwood webgroup. The Globe claimed the extensive reporting was due to the fact that there were so many candidates. This year there are 12 candidates. This is still a large number, considering there are only five available seats. What happened to their "award winning" investigative reporting? Where are the daily articles condemning the candidates the Globe doesn't favor? Could it be, the Globe is suddenly silent because now, unlike two years ago, there is a venue that is capable of acurately reporting the news? One that can point out the Globe's bias and one that is capable of doing a real investigation? All I can say is thank-you. Thank-you Jim Albert and Steve Frank for doing such a good job reporting the news. Although you guys are constantly taking the heat, you still hang in there and fight for what's right. I don't always agree with your political views, but I appreciate your efforts to keep the public informed. I hear you are hiring new reporters. I hope you carefully screen them and make sure that they practice the same high standards your readers rely on. The last thing you need is a Margaret Levra type who creates a story where none exists. I subscribe to and read the Globe and I read Lou Bonagura's site for entertainment, but when I want to find out the truth I immedately go to the Superior Chronicle. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, | ||||||||||
Questions Proposed Raise for City Commissioners (October 26, 2009)Oh please! They want to give a raise to the commissioners? You have got to be kidding! What next? Perhaps that should be put on the ballot. Let's talk raise after the first year of the new commission to see what they have accomplished. The old commissioners certainly don't deserve one. They could not make up their minds on anything of importance during the last two years. Now the library issue is back just like a bad toothache. None of the Commissioners or city management has come forward to explain the commission candidate forums cancellations. I trust none of them anymore. Can't wait to vote. Walt G. | ||||||||||
No Means No to Library (October 25, 2009)What's with the 1.55 Million dollar loan for the library? I THOUGHT THE VOTERS TURNED DOWN THE FUNDING DURING THE LAST ELECTION! Here we go again. It is time to clean the house in Ironwood. When will this insanity stop. Hopefully with the upcoming election. No is No, damn it... Walt G. | ||||||||||
DIDA Member Speaks Out (October 24, 2009)
I'm extremely disappointed by today's DIDA decision regarding the Community Block Grant Application. For those of you who own or run downtown businesses - this grant is a big deal. It will affect the future of downtown for years to come. For the citizens who will have to part with their hard earned dollars to come up with matching funds - it's a big deal too as they will be expected to provide 10% matching funds to finance the projects in the Grant Proposal. And that's why today's vote is so very puzzling.
Item 6d, which was added to the docket at the start of today's meeting was titled "CDBG Prioritization" The DIDA was handed the outline for the Block Grant Proposal at the meeting. There was zero opportunity to view this form beforehand and absolutely zero opportunity to seriously consider it on a line-by-line basis. (To contrast - there was plenty of opportunity to contemplate an ad for the Ironwood Theatre Playbill which at most would have cost $700, but for which the information was provided in the agenda packet sent to all members) We were informed at the meeting that two projects not eligible for the proposal would need to be removed as well as an additional $204,000 of proposed projects would need to be cut in order to proceed. At the meeting, the suggestion was made that "the easiest thing to do" was to remove the proposed Depot Park expansion (a cost of $244,000) and add some $30,000 back into miscellaneous projects like wastebaskets, signs, banners etc. Less than 5 minutes was spent on discussion of this very important vote. There was absolutely no talk about priorities as outlined in the implementation sequence of the Blueprint Plan.
In the end - the vote passed with my voice being the only opposing vote. During the very brief discussion phase before the vote was taken I proposed a different solution that would have "prioritized" and removed $233,000 from the Block Grant Application without having a major effect on the overall scope of the downtown work. There was never an opportunity to openly debate the validity of my plan. There was no input from City Staff present at the meeting as to what is really the priority and what is not. This important issue was not put off until the full DIDA could look over the proposal line by line and really consider a thoughtful option. While this application is only the first step in the Block Grant Process - if approved the city will get many opportunities to decide what gets completed, this was an important first step.
The vote that passed at today's DIDA meeting included spending $8,000 ($800 matching) to remove striping from the streets, $50,000 ($5,000 matching) to build public restrooms the HyattPalma consultants advised against, $20,000 ($2,000 matching) on a commission for public art for the pocket park (last item in terms of priorities in the Blueprint Implementation Sequence), $95,000 ($9,500 matching) for a parking lot for the Memorial Building. The vote removed the Depot Park Acquisition Project from the proposal completely.
Had the grant proposal been prioritized and vetted against the Blueprint Plan that was submitted by the HyattPalma consultants - the Depot Park Expansion would have been left in, save for a small change (public art commission for $50,000 could have been removed) and the above $173,000 in projects could have been put off until a better time. I'm sure with adequate discussion and side-by-side comparison with the objectives of the Blueprint plan more meaningful changes could have been made. Sadly, there was no such opportunity. I invite anyone interested to check out the Blueprint Plan on the City website and see what the community envisioned for the Depot Park.
I debated writing this letter and putting the information out for the readers, but in the end I feel the tax paying public has a need and a right to know. Five minutes of discussion by a handful of DIDA board members with zero additional input and a complete lack of a meaningful prioritization is not what we owe the tax payers of Ironwood and the businesses which pay the taxes that fund the DIDA. When we are called upon to make a decision as to spending a proposed $650,000 - we should contemplate it for longer than it takes to contemplate spending $650 on Christmas Wreaths.
The Community Block Grant is a wonderful tool allowing a town to remodel for 1/10 the price. To remove a major portion of a Grant without a proper debate, without seeking opinions, without consulting city staff, and simply pushing it through based on it's "the easiest thing to do" is not doing the community any favors. I have been a DIDA member for over 3 years and in that time I have seen how the Board functions. We have had valuable members quit in disgust (or sheer frustration) and we currently have two vacancies which remain unfilled thus skewing the vote and concentrating the power, shutting down any meaningful discussion, debate and progress. It is my hope the City Commission which will be elected in November will stand for progress, quickly fill the vacancies on the DIDA and oversee the work DIDA has committed to by becoming a part of the Blueprint Plan.
At the beginning of her term with the DIDA, Louise Demasi handed everyone a sheet of paper entitled "Why Downtowns are Important". You can find the link to a similar page here http://www.oakgov.com/peds/assets/docs/ms_docs/msoc_pdfs/why_downtown_is_important1.pdfIt is a long list of the many reasons why a vibrant downtown contributes to the health of the entire community.
I am committed to progress for downtown and will remain so. The DIDA has two vacancies. If you read this letter and think that you have the time, the energy and the will to help downtown blossom and flourish - maybe this is for you. I encourage the public to weigh in on this.
This is Your town, Your money and Your future. The discussion on where we're going, how we'll get there, how we'll spend your money and what kind of Downtown we will have should not take place behind closed doors and should be open to everyone.
Thank you,
Eva Smith-Furgason
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Wants Investigation Into Candidate Forum Cancellations (October 24, 2009)I feel I must write once again about the Commission Candidate Forums or should I say the cancellation of them. The public has the right to know what is going on here. I ask if any of the candidates know the reasons for the cancellation please let us know. The Globe probably would not inform us of the reasons even if they knew so I guess we will have to hope that the Superior Chronicle will get to the bottom of this issue. I ask that the Chronicle do a investigative report on this issue. Thank you. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Please, Take Those Close-up Photos Down (October 23, 2009)I want to thank Jim Albert for the lengthy response to the issues which I wrote about concerning Steve Frank's editorial "Pride or Prejudice". Communicating in written form is a delicate matter. There's no vocal inflection to hear nor facial or bodily expressions to pickup, for helping us to interpret meaning. All we have are the words. The accumulation of words do convey a tone, however, and that tone plays a big role in the understanding or misunderstanding of what we are reading. Sadly, most of us feel that we cannot afford to be completely trusting. So, in ways that are usually less than conscious, we are often reading between the lines to better understand what is going on. The best communicators among us keep that in mind, and work hard to either establish trust, or to manipulate subtext. Without one or the other, 100% comprehension is difficult, as our primitive, survival oriented minds become preoccupied, fending off past issues that resurface, as loaded words, phrases and visuals pop up in the communication. With writing, as in other forms of communication, first impressions often matter in perceiving tone, as our societal and evolutionary programming has determined that to survive, it is important to quickly recognize whether someone is a friend or foe. This is an advantageous trait when we are in dangerous situations, but often gets in our way as we try to navigate the more subtle interpersonal relationships within our cultures. In America, this vast melting pot (more like a salad bowl - people largely retain their own identity even as they come together) makes interpreting a person's intentions all the more difficult as we come from so many varied traditions and backgrounds, all with different behavioral indicators to interpret meaning. For the reasons mentioned above it behooves us to exercise restraint and empathy when reading and responding to the current hot-button or otherwise potentially emotional issues so that we may all realize a more clear understanding of one another. Otherwise, and all to often, we tend to read the history we've shared with those in our past into our new communications with others, and that is unfortunate, to say the least. As I reread the letter from Fed Up In The U.P., my own words from the two letters I sent in on this topic, the words of Steve Frank's original editorial, and Jim Albert's recent editorial, it appears that tone has played quite a large role in the understanding and misunderstanding of some of our words. The tone which Steve Frank's article and attached pictures conveyed, bothered me. I mentioned that in my earlier letters. However, I would have never sent in a letter to the editor over just tone. Regardless of his tone or intentions, understood or misunderstood, those close-up pictures, including and especially the one of the young woman, should not have been included in that editorial (which can be found in the archive section) and should be taken down immediately. Jim and Steve, I am asking that you do that. TONE SHIFT. I would ask you to remember that I am not against Jim Albert, Steve Frank, or the Superior Chronicle. My tone matches my level of outrage against an editorial choice. This is my issue, not whether Jim Albert or Steve Frank or The Globe or local politicians are good or bad for Ironwood and the surrounding area. Jim, in his recent editorial wrote : "...his photos were meant to show that tossed out garbage can easily be identified by checking receipts, reading note scraps and even identifying people in discarded photos. The very fact that someone identified the girl in the photo within hours of its posting proves Steve was right." Right about...that a person can be identified by their photo? Jim, I think we all already knew that. But OK, let's say that including that photo does somehow make a point, and that "The very fact that someone identified the girl in the photo within hours of its posting proves Steve was right." Well, take a look at the rest of what the identifier had to say about the young woman. I will not reprint it here, but the short and sweet of it is that he or she anonymously mentioned something uh..."unsavory" about her recent past. Why would that person have said that, unless they had made that leap that you, Jim, seem to be suggesting people won't make. Of course they will make that leap - IT'S RIGHT THERE IN BLACK AND WHITE! People will assume that she is the guilty party, AND THEY HAVE. So, Observant Reader's letter may prove that Steve's 4th grade hypothesis is right, but it also proves that my 4th grade hypothesis is right, too - You have smeared that young woman. The proof is in your own evidence. By saying that Steve's intentions were only to show that the IPSD had evidence that they could have used to find the culprit, after you can see with your own eyes the effect that photo has brought about, implies either that you believe that the ends justify the means, or that you must have already judged her as guilty and/or feel that she has it coming to her! So what if she got in some trouble over an unrelated issue? Must that color everything else about her? She is not an accessory to the crime just because her picture was in someone's trash. The police have not accused her as far as we know. Are you a paper (of sorts) or a prosecutor? The Superior Chronicle could have, and I think should have, not printed those anonymous, unkind words from Observant Reader. You made the decision to take the young woman in the photo's name out but you didn't take her face out! Why one but not the other? Come on, Jim. What if that litterer had snapped a photo of your daughter, sister, or mother and that was found in that same trash? How would you feel about it then? In Jim's editorial he asked rhetorically, "Will she miss out on a job opportunity because of her appearance in the Chronicle?". She certainly could! That most certainly could stop her from getting a job. It could effect her standing in the community as well. So what is it? Does she deserve what she gets or does Steve's ends justify the means? There are many books out there about journalism ethics. I'm looking at some on Amazon.com right now. This looks like a good one - "Ethics in Journalism" by Ron Smith. Looks to be a textbook (I imagine that all college journalism majors have to take a course on ethics). As I scroll down through the summary I see "Coming to terms with objectivity" as one of the "practical ethical issues" discussed. I have a feeling it's at least a whole chapter, if not a section, of this textbook. If you want to not be perceived as a blog, then "Coming to terms with objectivity" is something that the Superior Chronicle should look into. I have a strong suspicion that the journalism community would side with me on this editorial issue. I would assume that there are online forums, et-cetera that discuss ethics in journalism cases that could reference something similar. So, there's my tone again. To some it will appear as if I'm attacking Jim and Steve. I'm not. I'm unhappy with the choice they made to publish some of those photos. It's a question of ethics. I'm saying that a lapse in judgement has been made, especially if they want to be seen as a legitimate news source and not as a blog. We all make lapses. Jim and Steve aren't perfect, neither am I. But this mistake could cause unnecessary harm to a person in our very small community. If they continue to do things like this I'll have to stop reading the Superior Chronicle, just as I don't allow myself to absorb other exploitative material that passes itself off as news, whether it's The National Enquirer or FOXNews. If you don't like the comparison, well I wouldn't like it either. Take the high road and I won't be able to make comparisons like that. There is one other thing I'd like to clear up. I hope it doesn't draw too much attention away from the above injustice. In his editorial Jim Albert said: "However, I take exception to what he calls Steve Frank's "self-congratulatory style and his constant, vague cries of victimization." Mr. Gramith -- like many of our readers -- is making judgements against Mr. Frank and myself without full knowledge of the facts... Mr. Frank has never been vague in his complaints" Sometimes I can only imagine that you think your readers are your groupies, following your every travail and bringing their knowledge of your whole history with them from one article to the next. We don't ALL read every one of your articles, nor do we all read them to follow the story of Jim Albert and/or Steve Frank. Many of us read them for information. You know, like the way one reads a newspaper? I don't doubt that you have both done enormous good in our area, nor that you both have been defamed, maligned and subjected to unfairness. But I don't like to see vague, defensive posturing when I'm trying to read an article about a house that caught fire or littered trash. Why vague? Why self-congratulatory? Why victimization? Well, in the example of the editorial we've been talking about Steve doesn't cite the reasons why he writes "You know, that guy who hates Ironwood, and is so bad for the area." That came RIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE, well..maybe not for the groupies who are following the Jim and Steve show. Steve's "...guy who hates Ironwood" comment directly followed him telling us that he picked up the litter. So yes, as a stand alone article that definitely reads self-congratulatory and as an injustice (victimization). It is vague because we don't know what he is referring to. I thought I was reading an article about litter, but it turns out, I was reading an article about Steve. I have seen this happen too many times. I've had to read stories from the archives and ask questions around town just to have any idea what you're talking about when one of you goes off on a tangent. It's maddening! It's is the reason why, every few months I stop reading the Superior Chronicle for a month or two. You pitching yourself into the article adds to the blog-like feel. Do we have to follow "The Story of Jim and Steve" to comprehensively read the Superior Chronicle? It appears we do. Otherwise....I greatly appreciate the job you both do and am very glad that the Superior Chronicle is here. I mean that. Matthew Gramith | ||||||||||
Save 911 for Emergencies Only (October 22, 2009)"IPSD Director Bob Erspamer pointed out one more thing in his correspondence. This is something that people need to know. 'Also, it was pointed out to me that a resident was upset that Mr. Frank called 911. As you know, unlike most of the country, 911 in Gogebic County is not only for emergencies, but ANY reason someone needs police, fire or EMS. If you call IPSD in the evening or on weekends, chances are you will not receive an answer.' he said. This is one of the biggest problems with our 911 system in Gogebic County. 911 is supposed to be for EMERGENCIES. From the time we were small children that is what has been drilled into out heads. It's not for barking dog complaints, or littering, or other minor matters. That is normally considered an abuse of the system in other areas of the country. Here people are encouraged to call 911 for those matters. Should our 911 system be tied up taking a trash complaint when somebody else is having a heart attack or their house is on fire? Give the IPD officers a cell phone and have 932-1234 forwarded to that for non-emergency calls if bringing local dispatch back is not possible. Leave 911 for what it was meant, emergencies. Don't forget that the entire County needs to use 911, not just the City of Ironwood. Old Dog, Old Trick, New Twist | ||||||||||
Oh Where, Oh Where Have Our Forums Gone? (October 22, 2009)I read that the second Commissioner Candidate Forum sponsored by WJMS radio has been canceled. The first forum was to be held at the college but that also was canceled. What is going on here? Who canceled the forums? What were the reasons for canceling? Something fishy is going on here. This is a slap in the face not only to the candidates who would have attended the forum but also to the citizens who have been denied a opportunity to question the candidates to see how they stand on the many important issues facing Ironwood. This whole mess stinks up to the high heavens. Perhaps some of the incumbents are afraid of the questions. Whoever is responsible for the cancellation should come forward to explain their decision. How can someone have that power? It just isn't right. When I vote it will be only for candidates who have appeared on the Superior Chronicle's forum. The ones who chose not to participate will not be considered as I do not trust them. Mad as Hell in Ironwood. We need change. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Sorry Steve! (October 22, 2009)I apologize for comparing Steve Frank to "the boy who cried wolf." I have only lived in the area for a little over a year, and I was unaware that Ironwood lacked a non-emergency police contact number. In most parts of the country (even small towns), the statement, "I called 911" does, however, come across as pretty dramatic. Megan Fuller EDITOR'S RESPONSE: I remember when 911 was first introduced. Every TV station; radio station and newspaper drilled into our heads that 911 WAS FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY. I think it's very strange having to call 911 for non-emergency issues. Since we no longer have local dispatchers, I wish there was some system in place that would forward non-emergency police calls to an "on call" officer. I can see where having such a system would also cause problems for on duty officers, however. | ||||||||||
Signs of the Times (October 22, 2009)The other day I noticed three signs at the corner of Ayer and Lake streets that seem to say it all. A Laabs campaign sign, a Toth campaign sign and a FOR SALE SIGN! Anonymous | ||||||||||
Editorial Writer Is Not Beyond Reproach (October 21, 2009)I would like to remind "Fed Up In The Western U.P." that my issue with Steve Frank's article "Pride or Prejudice", which I see has been taken down, is with his putting in close-up photos of receipts, a telephone number, and a photograph. I also took issue with his self-congratulatory style and his constant, vague cries of victimization (something which your letter has fed into). I generally disagree with the stands that the three politicians you mentioned take, and I don't think that The Daily Globe is serving the community the way a news organization should. I also would likely vote for either Albert or Frank if they ran for office. But, I don't think that ANYONE is beyond reproach. What Steve Frank did by posting those photos is wrong. It's a mean, hurtful, reactionary thing to do. Frank's doing that is akin to the psychological phenomenon of "transference": blaming a person for an issue caused by someone else. It's like jousting with a windmill. My issue with Frank's lack of caring and respect, as revealed IN THAT INSTANCE, isn't personal. If it was Ghandi, or Abraham Lincoln, or Moses that did it, it would still be wrong. If Steve Frank was my best friend it would still be wrong. How can he point his long bony finger at local politicians while he prints photos of a local woman found in littered trash? It's hypocritical, and it hurts the cause. The same cause that everyone who cares seems to want - the cause to better our area. It's not the SUPERIOR CHRONICLE'S cause, or your cause, or the city council's cause - it's our cause. I want the Superior Chronicle and Jim and Steve to be successful and to be able to make a difference, but they need a new game plan, if you ask me. There is a victim mentality at work here which gets in the way of true progress. President Obama didn't win the election by whining, name calling, or by being angry or disrespectful, and neither will progress find any traction here in Ironwood while using similar tactics. Jim Albert and Steve Frank need to stop shooting themselves in the foot! Please, take the high road, only. If the Superior Chronicle wants respect then be respectful. It's that simple. Matthew Gramith | ||||||||||
We Need More Police Not Less (October 21, 2009)I have noticed that crime is on the rise in Ironwood. Just about everyday I read the paper there are police reports of robbery, breaking and entering, assaults, and other assorted crimes happening around Ironwood. What is going on here? I live alone and do not feel safe in my own home anymore. Every so often I hear someone say that we have too many cops in Ironwood but I must disagree. The way things are going we need more cops and a police station that is open 24-7 with a dispatcher on duty just like it used to be. I want to feel safe again. Joyce | ||||||||||
Put the Blame Where It Belongs (October 21, 2009)I am so sick and tired of the way Jim Albert and Steve Frank are constantly to blame for everything bad in Ironwood. Steve writes an editorial pointing out how little respect people here have for their community and people find a new reason to hate him. It's disgraceful that people throw their crap anywhere they feel like it in this joke of a city, and instead of readers appreciating his efforts, he is once again the bad guy. People need to wake up and start realizing that these two guys deserve our praise and respect. Name two other people in this City that have enough guts to stand up to the crap that goes on in this town! Are you people that stupid? Haven't you figured it out yet? Jim and Steve are outcasts because the people they have been exposing have done everything in their power to make them evil in the eyes of the public. You people should be upset with the three ruling class City Commissioners (let me spell it out for you -- Bruce, Tom and Suzanne) that don't give a crap about what the majority of people in Ironwood think. You should be upset with the City management that would rather go out of their way to lie than tell the simple truth. You should be outraged at our City Attorney that drags everything out so he can soak the City for every dime he can get. You should have contempt for the Daily Globe that reports the news the way the City wants them to report it! By nature, I am the kind of guy that needs to find out for myself what is true and what isn't. These two guys have been right on the money each and every time they have exposed wrongdoing in this town. It's too bad you sheep don't have minds to think on your own. If you want the City and the Globe to lead you down the same old path that has lead to the mess we are in, go ahead. You deserve what you get. I hope the voters realize that it is entirely up to them to change this City. You can't keep electing people who don't do the right things and expect the right things to happen. I'm glad Noren is leaving. He's anti-Ironwood. It's time to rid the City of Laabs and Toth as well. These people have proven they are unworthy of my vote. If Steve Frank were running I'd vote for him. The same goes for Jim Albert. The only thing I read in the two responses to Frank's editorial that is even remotely accurate is that the Chronicle is doing a good job. What good is having the truth if you don't do anything with it? I guarantee you one thing. After the election, I will be at as many City meetings as I can. Jim and Steve shouldn't have to be the only ones standing up for what is right and fair. P.S. Try calling 932-1234, the IPSD. You get a message that tells you to call 911. Fed Up In the Western U.P. | ||||||||||
Also Dismayed by Frank Editorial (October 20, 2009)I am also dismayed by the article "Pride or Prejudice." Yes, littering is a crime. Reporting an instance of littering in the manner that Steve Frank did, however, is not an "emergency," but rather an abuse of the 911 system. Most police departments have non-emergency numbers. The "responsible" course of action would have been to locate and call *that* number, rather than 911 which should be reserved for actual emergencies. The Superior Chronicle is a great publication, and the only source of "real" news concerning local government. Self-congratulatory editorials like "Pride or Prejudice" bring to mind "the boy who cried wolf" and are a discredit to its professionalism. Megan Fuller | ||||||||||
Questions Chronicle's Journalistic Integrity (October 19, 2009)I just finished reading your article "Pride or Prejudice" and am absolutely flabbergasted by the insensitivity of it. In the article Steve Frank points out that he saw a bag with garbage strewn about near the old railroad car across from the statue of Hiawatha. He called 911 to report it and a few hours later was dismayed to find that the garbage was still there. He was upset that the police didn't pick it up and sort through the receipts, telephone numbers, and a photograph to conduct an investigation and find the person who dumped the trash there. He then went off on a self-congratulatory tangent, telling us readers what a good guy he was by picking up the trash himself, then mentioned that it wasn't difficult for him to "set a good example" for some nearby girls. He insinuated that he is also setting a good example for our "local leaders", who are not. Of course, in true Superior Chronicle style, he reminded us that he has been misunderstood or maligned by some unnamed persons or groups. But here is the kicker: The Superior Chronicle actually printed extreme close-up pictures of some of the trash, including receipts, a person's name and telephone number, and a photograph of a young woman! Come on, Steve. Printing names and photos of people found in someone else's littered trash, just because you're unhappy with the local police, is an unfair and unkind thing to do. It comes across as mean-spirited and is definitely not something to be proud of. That is not setting a good example for anyone. Now I know that Jim Albert likes to remind his readers that he is not a professional journalist, but...is he trying to prove it? It appears that Steve Frank has decided that since the police would not investigate, he would just cross his arms, stomp his feet, and hand over all the evidence to the public. That is wrong. It's creepy. It's reactive. It's unethical. It's not anywhere near a standard of professionalism. It's certainly unfair to that girl in the picture, who may not have been the litterer, but who will now be associated with it. You have unjustly smeared her. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she is the culprit, but do you know that? And if she did litter, do you know why? Consider taking those close-up pictures down. I know that the Superior Chronicle has complained about not having access to all the same information that The Ironwood Globe has had access to. I remember reading your complaints over having been denied information because a company said that the Superior Chronicle is "a blog". Well, if you want respect, then you have to be respectful to others, and quit hiding behind "I never claimed to be a professional journalist". You, Jim and Steve, have to decide - Is this journalism or is it a blog? You can't have it both ways. If it quacks like a blog... We need a news source like the Superior Chronicle, one that will expose the problems of our local governments, give us regular updates during emergencies, and remind us all how important having a sense of community is. I want to like the Superior Chronicle SO MUCH, but it's these kinds of things that are just maddening. The Superior Chronicle can be a part of the solution, but sometimes it looks like it's just another part of the problem. I believe you have good intentions, but I think that your feelings of injustice actually somehow cause you to sometimes spread some injustice yourselves. Matthew Gramith | ||||||||||
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Reader ID's Girl In Editorial Photo (October 18, 2009)The trash pictures are gross.. and the girl in the picture is named [NAME WITHHELD]... she was recently in trouble for stealing money in the Wakefield area.... Observant Reader | ||||||||||
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (October 15, 2009)The Ironwood Daily Globe on Tuesday had a article stating that the Ironwood City commissioner candidate forum was to take place Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Gogebic Community College. Wednesday's Globe spoke again that the forum would be held that evening at 6:00 p.m.... But low and behold Thursday's Globe informed me that Wednesday's forum was canceled, something I had already found out on the Superior Chronicle yesterday. Thank you Ironwood Daily Globe for the day old news. Thank you Superior Chronicle for your timely reporting. Does anyone have any info why the forum was really canceled? Walt G. | ||||||||||
Commissioner's Decisions Shouldn't Involve Revenge (October 13, 2009)I feel that I must post the following comments that I feel are pertinent to the up and coming City Commission Election. City Commissioner Toth, in my opinion, is a strong Hovey “Apartment Supporter.” She stated when this all started that she had canvassed numerous people to see how they felt about bring this project to Ironwood and she said that she received positive feed back. I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS. In my opinion, she is only supporting this project to get back at her former employer who is also in the rental business. In my opinion, she doesn’t care about all the landlords that are looking at their vacant apartments, and let's not forget about all the homes that are for sale. She has absolutely no concept on how a City Commissioner is to perform their duties. In my opinion, she will continue to push for this project. When a person represents a community you must not use that position to get revenge. This is totally unethical. I would think twice before voting for tax & spend - remember that along with herself & Commissioner Laabs they wouldn’t even respond to the Chronicle's Forum. What will that tell you? The following are my endorsements: Bob Burchell; Joseph F. Cayer; Kim S. Corcoran: Ken Jacobson; and Ron Taylor. Just my opinion. I'm posting this under an anonymous name, for I feel that there would be some sort of retaliation. Frustrated by Small Town Politics | ||||||||||
City Commission v. U.S. Senate (October 13, 2009)What does the upcoming city commission election have in common with the 2010 U.S. Senate election? Check this out. The majority of the Federal Stimulus Funds are slated to be spent just before the Senate election. Ironwood has started to do a lot of work just prior to the City Commission election. Could this just be a coincidence or is a ploy by incumbents to make it appear that they are actually doing something to get you to vote for them again? I ask. What have they actually done for the last two years? Politics. Enough to make you sick. Jenny | ||||||||||
Ironwood Needs A New Direction (October 12, 2009)The late starting of projects, delayed projects, poorly planned projects, and unfinished projects in Ironwood suggest to me that there is a lack of leadership. Who is to blame? I suggest starting with the city commission working down to the manager and management team of Ironwood. Their indecisive action on such things as Towering Pines, the Library, contract negotiations, caves usage, storage buildings, miners park, walking trails, Lake Road water project, skateboard park, etc. etc.,etc., and etc. show me that they are incapable or afraid to make timely decisions. They disregard the will of the people on most issues. The election is not far off. Ironwood needs a new direction. If you are tired of the same old stuff vote for a change in the upcoming election. Study the candidate's qualifications and their desire to serve the people of Ironwood not the special interests or their pet projects. We can do better. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Good Time for the City to Hire Local (October 08, 2009)I read in the Chronicle that Dan Petersen resigned from the city. He seemed like a nice enough guy from all I've read. I would like to see the city start hiring local, you know, someone who has their roots here and plans on staying around a while. Seems like a lot of recent out of town hires have left Ironwood for better jobs or to get closer to home. Don't tell me there aren't any local people who may be qualified. If I'm not mistaken the College, City, and other groups were working on ways to keep local graduates here in our area. Here is a perfect opportunity to keep someone home while earning a decent wage. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Who Really Pays For FREE Money? (October 06, 2009)People are stepping forward to take credit for their so called involvement in getting economic stimulus funds for Ironwood. Lets not forget that this money didn't drop out of the sky. This money will have to be paid back in one way or another. Will these same people take credit when it's time to pay the piper? I think not. Our children and grandchildren will assume the burden of this debt. Talk about passing the buck to further their careers. The entire system is broken.We need a new direction with new people to steer us there. Jenny | ||||||||||
Thanks for the Straight Forward Answers (October 06, 2009)I wish to thank all the candidates that participated in the Chronicle's forum. You came forward with what I thought were sincere and honest answers to the questions presented by the citizens via the Superior Chronicle. One of the questions you answered was sent in by myself. It would be hard for me to vote (and I won't) for anyone that was afraid to discuss how they stood on the important issues facing Ironwood. Good luck and thanks to you all. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Good Job to Participating Candidates (October 06, 2009)Laabs and Toth refused to participate in your forum? Not exactly a surprise. The current City Commission majority (Noren, Toth, and Laabs) have never shown the Chronicle any respect. They refuse to cooperate with this news service because you tell the truth. I wish I could still ask questions of the candidates, because I would never vote for any candidate that would support having the Daily Globe be the City's "Official" media. By the way, before I forget, I want to say that I completely enjoyed the Candidate Forum, but I don't know if you made it easier or harder for me to make a decision. I thought all of the candidates who participated did an excellent job. I can tell you, right now, which two candidates I won't vote for -- the two cowards that were too afraid to participate. Maybe they realize that their same old B.S. isn't going to win them any votes. Sick of the Same Old City BS | ||||||||||
Some People Don't Belong In the Woods (October 06, 2009)Why do people do this? Why can't people carry out their garbage? Why do they have to drive everywhere? The hill is wrecked making it hard for the walkers. Driving through the stream also disrupts the fish and wrecks the spawn runs. These people do not belong in the woods.         Disgusted By Debris & Destruction | ||||||||||
Fix the Ditch! (October 04, 2009)It has been at least 2 years that the ditch across Lowell Street just north of McLeod has been filled and refilled and refilled and refilled and refilled with gravel and you get the idea. How many more vehicles have to be damaged there before the ditch is finally blacktopped? Hello city hall! You have sent the crew over there numerous times. Add up all the labor, equipment, materials(gravel)and you would have probably spent enough to blacktop the ditch many times over. What are you people thinking? I am tired of zigzagging all over Ironwood. FIX THE DITCH. Jenny | ||||||||||
Questions Late Starting Construction (October 02, 2009)With one of the driest summer construction seasons on the range in a long time I had to ask myself why the City of Ironwood waited so long to start some of it's projects. It would have been better to start them much earlier! Is this poor planning or is there a logical explanation for Ironwood's (as usual) late season start? Sometimes Better Never Than Late | ||||||||||
Good Luck Finding Your Investors! (October 02, 2009)Can someone explain something to me? It seems the DIDA is seeking millionaires to invest their money in the Downtown. Unless Ironwood is carefully hiding a private stash of self-made independently wealthy individuals I would image the millionaires they are seeking will have to come from out-of-town. Considering that, why would the Authority send a letter of appreciation to a man who is so insulting to the area's non-natives? FIB (Fully Insulted By) Dan Adams | ||||||||||
Shame on Our Former Commissioner (October 02, 2009)Thank you for the report on the DIDA Meeting. WOW. I wasn't sure I read that right. FIB? Amazing garbage coming from a former commissioner. Perhaps he was just being hot headed and didn't think things over before he went off half-cocked and wrote a letter like that. Shame on him! It's one thing to attack some one's view and another to attack them - there is a difference. When I moved here 11 years ago (from Illinois) all I could see was a quaint community where everybody knows everybody (and their business) I had no idea there was even a derogatory term like FIB! I'd like to remind anyone who uses that term that the Community is shrinking and if it wasn't for the people who CHOOSE to move here the from Madison, Milwaukee Illinois, Minnesota, and all over - we'd really be in trouble. I for one am grateful for each and every Illinois or other "transplant" because usually those are the folks who invest their money and their time to build something better for everyone. If some (insert derogatory term for someone who has lived here their whole life) wants things to remain crappy, then by all means keep calling the people who come here FIB's. See how many you can alienate - I know at least 40 professionals who chose to live here and I'll be sharing this website and the report on the letter with them. FIB (For Ironwood's Betterment) | ||||||||||
Fair Is Fair When It Comes to Pay Raises (September 30, 2009)Did I get the this right? The Mayor wants to give the next elected commissioners a raise? I'm sure they will try to shove this through a.s.a.p. It took approximately two years for some of these same people to consider raises for the Public Safety Department and the Department of Public Works. I would suggest that no action be taken on these raises for approximately two years giving the public a chance to see if these people deserve a raise. The same can be said for the management staff of Ironwood. What's fair is fair! Jenny | ||||||||||
Know BOTH Sides of a Story (September 30, 2009)I would like to comment on the anonymous letter titled Undeserved Reputations on Sept. 29, 2009. First I would like to state that I don't like to write anonymously either but I must also do it. It is due the childish behavior of some so called adults in this community that make it necessary. I do not know who wrote the letter but that really does not matter. What does matter is the lesson that can be learned here. It goes to show that rumors and falsehoods can do severe damage to not only peoples reputations but also their businesses. People need to learn what they are talking about by listening to BOTH sides of a story before opening their mouths to prevent them from making asses of themselves! I am of legal age and could have gone to bars or anywhere else to hang out but I chose the pool hall because I had more fun with the "young adults" at the pool hall than with the childish behavior of adults at bars. Notice that I used the term young adults rather than kids. This is because Jim demanded that people behaved. What is so wrong with that? Anonymous, I suggest that you remind your so called Christian aunt that God gave us commandments to live by and maybe she should pay more attention to the one about lying. There is also an 11 th commandment, ask her if she knows about that one. If not she needs to research it. Anonymous, I do not know your age but I know from you letter that you are already a better Christian, a better person and more of an adult at your age than your aunt is at hers! God Bless you both. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Is It Comfort or Fear That Drives Mayor's Decisions (September 30, 2009)Mr. Albert! Were you surprised that the Mayor would not appoint you to the D.I.D.A.? Over the years you dared to question/criticize at times decisions made by Ironwood's leaders. What did you expect? You haven't made many friends at City Hall, have you? But guess what? You have done more to help the public understand how our City Government operates. Until you, about_ironwood, and the Superior Chronicle came along the attendance at the council meetings was pathetic. Now there is usually a full house thanks to you. Keep up the good work. We need more people like you to keep our Government accountable. Don't let them get to you. The Mayor's comment that he is not comfortable appointing you to the D.I.D.A. sort of made me laugh. I believe it's more than that. I believe he fears you, your ideas, and your honest reporting. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Undeserved Reputations (September 29, 2009)I love to read the Superior Chronicle, especially the Letters to the Editor. I know a lot of people won't even read anonymous letters. I never thought I'd be writing any kind of letter, but what I have to say needs to be said. I wish be anonymous because I know Jim and Steve and I am a customer of the pool hall. I want to be anonymous so that people know that I am not saying the things I say for any other reason than it is the truth. A couple of weeks ago, my aunt asked me if I still go down to the Knight Club. I told her it was closed, but I want to go there as soon as it opens up again. She went off on me screaming that she heard all kinds of bad things about Jim and Steve and the pool hall. Keep in mind that I am not saying this to win anyone's favor, that's why I don't want to give my name. My aunt rattled off a list of bad things about Jim and Steve. Their gay. Their drug dealers. Their pervs. They won't say the pledge of allegiance or the prayer at city meetings. She said Jim has to make a comment on everything and that he doesn't respect anybody or anything. She said Steve was so violent they had to kick him out of the Memorial Building. She said both of them do nothing but complain and they are bad for the area. She said the pool hall was nothing but a drug hang-out and that Jim and Steve are a bad influence on kids. She warned me to stay away. First of all, I've heard Steve say he doesn't believe in God, but both Jim and Steve act more Christian than most of the people I know who do believe. How many of you would give up your free time to help kids with their math? Steve does. He's helped me. He's down in the pool hall many nights helping many kids. He's not the mad man people paint him to be. I've heard him complain about Ironwood. He doesn't hate Ironwood. He hates that Ironwood could be so much better if things were done right. Many times Steve gives kids rides home. He's always been fair and good to me. Jim is a very scary person. He is so big and so loud that many people are frightened by him. Very few people lip off to him or disrespect him. Trust me, you don't want him yelling at you! I know that feeling. He's kicked me out. He's kicked others out too. But we deserved it. Most of us know not to piss him off, and when he's pissed listen to him and stay out of his way. As soon as he's cooled off, you can talk to him apologize and everything's fine. Every year a rumor passing through the school that Jim is dead. It's already around the school again. I can tell he's not felling well, but he always finds time to help people. Rodney is deaf. Every night Rodney would come down and sign to Jim because he was lonely. Jim always tried to make Rodney fit in. No matter what game people were playing, Rodney took part. Jim taught us signs so that we could talk to Rodney. When no one would give him a job, Jim changed the menus and made price sheets so that Rodney could work the counter. Jim may seem very rough on the outside, but he's a very good person on the inside. Both Steve and Jim care about kids and they care about Ironwood. The pool hall is the best place a kid could spend time. Jim and Steve added a lounge in the place to encourage people to talk to each other. If you use a cell phone in the lounge, Jim yells. Well, pretty much anything you do, Jim yells. The point I'm trying to make is that Jim and Steve a both good people, and it's very unfair that people spread rumors about the pool hall and these guys. They might not know it, but they both have many friends. Thanks Jim and Steve and shame on those who try to ruin your reputations. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Time to Hold Leaders Accountable (September 29, 2009)Ironwood has a aging population, high unemployment, mostly low paying jobs, many people on fixed incomes, and neverending increases in our utility bills. How in the world do Ironwood's leaders expect us to keep paying for things that we can no longer afford? We do not have the luxury of having high paying jobs as those who seek to ever increase our burden. Times are tough around here! Cannot our leaders see past their own wants and tend to the needs of its citizens? Why is it that they cannot take no for a answer? The Library, Towering Pines, and the County Jail are just a few examples. No means no. It is time to hold these people accountable. November is around the corner and the election is near. Let's elect people who will abide by the wishes of the majority. A new direction is needed here in Ironwood. Jenny | ||||||||||
Why Is the Library Expansion on the Agenda? (September 28, 2009)Whose idea was it to put the library resolution on the agenda for the commission meeting? Here we go again... Walt G. | ||||||||||
Taxpayers' Wishes Not Respected (September 28, 2009)The commission is to consider a resolution on funding the Library? What exactly does this mean? The library issue was voted down by the taxpayers of Ironwood,was it not? Is this a end run around the will of the taxpayers once again? Anonymous | ||||||||||
about_ironwood Group Were On the Money (September 24, 2009)I was going over some old posts in the archives on the about_ironwood site. Back in 2006, members were talking about the Gogebic Range Water Authority, Ironwood's water problems, and the possibility of Hurley and Ironwood developing their own water sources. The posts make interesting reading. Talk about foresight! Walt G. | ||||||||||
Appreciates Superior Chronicle Reporting (September 24, 2009)Thank you for the accurate reporting. Tom Schneller | ||||||||||
Thanks for Informative Article (September 23, 2009)Thanks for another informative article, this one on the Gogebic Range Water Authority. It answered many questions I had about our local water/sewer situation. You are doing a public service when you do the research and write in-depth articles like this on issues of local importance. Jackie Powers | ||||||||||
The City Should Learn From the GRWA's Example (September 23, 2009)The article about the G.R.W.A. in the Superior Chronicle was very informative. It is amazing what was and will be accomplished when the communities involved worked together. I believe Ironwood missed the boat and now is left holding the bag for not joining the authority when they had the opportunities. The amount of funding the authority received was awesome. It it a shame that Ironwood opted not to join and be part of the massive regional water system. Now there is controversy on the Lake Road project. It is a no brainer that Ironwood should install, lease, or buy from the G.R.W.A. a new 16" transmission line before Lake road is paved. Looking around in Ironwood many of the newly paved roads were dug up because the water/sewer utilities were not addressed correctly. The G.R.W.A. and their contractor have their ducks in a row. They know their stuff. Perhaps Ironwood could learn a thing or two from them if only they would listen. Only in Ironwood, folks! Walt G. | ||||||||||
Public Option Is the Only Option for Public Health Program (September 10, 2009)Health care reform without a true public option is the insurance industry’s dream. A strong public option, available on day one, is the only way to keep the insurance industry’s greed in check. Our representatives in Congress need to only support health care reform that has a strong public option. Anything without a public option isn’t real reform. They need to pledge now to vote against bills without a strong public option. Some pundits in Washington, DC say that “triggers” are an acceptable compromise. In reality, a so called “trigger” is a way to kill a public option. Triggers would only enact a public option if the insurance industry fails to meet standards that their lobbyists will inevitably design. And even then, Congress would have to specifically pass a public option again. It’s a rigged game that will never let a public option see the light of day. One could argue that by any standard "triggers" have already been met! “Co-ops” are another unacceptable compromise. Co-ops are “fake public options” that will never be able to reign in the greed of the insurance industry. Our representatives in the Congress can’t support co-ops either. We need the people who represent us, both the Senators and Representatives to fight for true change in health care. As was said before, we're not the first generation to fight for health care reform but we should be the last! Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Yet Another Name for People Who Question or Oppose Our Government (September 07, 2009)There has been a lot of talk lately about people who question or oppose the decisions of our leaders. The phrase "Political Terrorist" is now being used to describe these folks. Oh! Oh! Lock your doors because we may have some here on the Gogebic Range. Those in power always try to turn the tables by calling the opposition negative thinkers, naysayers, and now political terrorists. Thank goodness we have Fox News and the Superior Chronicle to give us the complete story. They print the facts and let us decide, contrary to most other news sources that take sides and only print what they want us to believe. Keep up the good work Mr. Albert. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Anonymous Post Misses Point (September 05, 2009)Anonymous... That is funny that you would make cracks at someone and be Anonymous. I usually wouldn’t comment but what the heck. I will address your Boulder Junction comment. Exactly what the hell you talking about? “Amanda Sprague told the Commission that she recently visited Boulder Junction. She said there were trails for motorized sports and trails for non-motorized sports throughout the area. She said trails were clearly marked for either motorized or non-motorized, but she thought it was foolish to believe that multi-use trails could safely co-exist. She suggested that anyone foolish enough to ski on a multi-use snowmobile trial had better have a good life insurance policy.” Heavens she does a little traveling and that is what they do in Boulder Junction. Sounds like she is having the community at her best interest don’t you think? The way you think that would be no. At your comment about the Auto Parts store, I think you fell off your rocker. “Amanda Sprague expressed concern that her son's play-set was four feet from where the new pavement. She also said the use of the property has changed as has the appearance. She noted that several trees were removed, and that the gravel as it sits on the lot diverts run-off water into her backdoor neighbor's lot. She expressed concern that her neighbor's basement would get flooded in the spring after accumulated snow melts. She said the safety of her child, a fence and drainage were her main concerns.” Looks like she is worried about the people in the community as well. “She expressed concern that her neighbor's basement would get flooded in the spring after accumulated snow melts” She would like proper drainage heaven forbid! “She said the safety of her child, a fence and drainage were her main concerns.” Good mother watching out for her child, Don’t you think? I would like to make sure a fence where people are driving on a parking lot. Sure would like to make sure that proper drainage was enforced as well. What about all the leakage from vehicles that come and park in the lots? How about delivery trucks? Ms. Sprague watch your child! Chad Lompre | ||||||||||
Needs to Pay Attention to Her Child (September 04, 2009)I read the city commission meeting report and I have one question. Why dosen't Ms. Sprague simply pay attention to what her child is doing like a good mother would do instead of worring about what that part store or trails in Boulder Junction. Seems like a good parent would care more for her child. By the way, I noticed they advertise on your web site. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Determining Loudness of ATVs Is Easy Matter (August 30, 2009)In answer to Steve Frank's question as to how loud ATVs or snowmobiles are, the answer is quite easily obtained. If the machine does not have it's original exhaust system, and the system has been modified to make it louder, the result should be a fix-it ticket. A decibel meter would not needed to make the assessment. DONE! John De Mario | ||||||||||
Disagreeing with Bad Policies Isn't "Negativity" (August 28, 2009)All to often we hear the words "naysayer" and "negativity" to describe the actions of people who disagree with decisions of elected officials. Questions and objections from knowledgeable people to our leaders should be encouraged and incorporated into the decision making process. Our leaders instead try to discredit and break those who would have the audacity to question them. Right about now you probably know where I'm going with this post. In Ironwood we have such a person and his name is Jim Albert. By the looks of things he has become a thorn in our city leaders butts. He has reported most all of the city meetings on his Superior Chronicle and I must say he does a excellent job. Is he controversial? You bet! He tells it like is. As of late those in charge are completely ignoring Mr. Albert's questions. One has to wonder why? They have tested Mr. Albert at every turn but he hangs in there. I give him credit for persevering. Let me close by saying that no one asked me to write this letter. A concerned citizen of Ironwood. | ||||||||||
Agrees With Steve Frank on ATVs (August 27, 2009)I just read Steve Frank's editorial and it hits the nail on the head. We need to work together to come up with the best possible plan for Ironwood that will make everyone happy. This includes motorized and non-motorized groups but the most important group is the citizens of Ironwood as to what they want. We have to work together to move Ironwood forward and not backwards so we all need to work together to make this work. Sam Davey | ||||||||||
Response to "My Views on ATVs May Surprise You" (August 27, 2009)Allowing ATVs to use the streets to access trails would be OK as long as the streets are not used as a playground. Furthermore it should be mandatory that all ATVs carry liability insurance and comply with all laws both State and local. Enforcement would be no easier on the street than on the trail but never less there must be enforcement. A four wheeler patrol could be used just like the snowmobile patrol. A city fee could be enacted to help defray patrol costs. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Ironwood Is Capable and Deserves of So Much More (August 27, 2009)Dear Jim, Thank you for your thorough response to Commissioner Toth's response to citizens' responses to her abuse of her authority after she authorized what can only be ordained through ordinance, even though she thought what she was authorizing was already legal, in which case there would have been no need to authorize it, now would there? You have clarified each issue by citing the appropriate ordinance, quote, or minutes from meetings. I especially want to thank you for the lack of leadership and allowing our leaders to get away with actions of this sort. We settle for corruption and incompetence. I agree with you that we deserve so much more. We are also capable of so much more. As you observe, the campaign is on; I hope the people are tuning in and will give their input at the polls. Keep up the accurate reporting to help us along the way. research into the ATV/ORV ordinances. The guide you reference gives ample advice about ensuring the safety of young riders, protecting the environment from degradation, and respecting other area users, all of which was ignored by the three commissioners who passed this hasty resolution. It is our turn to ask why was there no opportunity for public input before making a decision of this magnitude.You ask why nothing gets done in Ironwood. The answer is twofold: lack of leadership and allowing our leaders to get away with actions of this sort. We settle for corruption and incompetence. I agree with you that we deserve so much more. We are also capable of so much more. As you observe, the campaign is on; I hope the people are tuning in and will give their input at the polls. Keep up the accurate reporting to help us along the way. Jackie Powers | ||||||||||
'Caves' Are Big Enough for Everybody to Use (August 27, 2009)Regarding Steve Frank's opinions on ATV's: #20 - Snowmobiles have zero place on plowed roads. They can't turn, stop, or get going on pavement. ATV's can at least maneuver somewhat decently. #16 - While having a few trails running through the Caves probably won't attract tourists passing through it could be an attractive draw to those looking to purchase seasonal homes in Ironwood, in the area of the caves. ORV riding is becoming a bigger business then snowmobiling. Seasonal homes go on the tax rolls. #13 - I'd imagine it would be kind of difficult chasing down ORV's in a patrol car. The police are going to need the proper equipment to deal with this. #10 - If we're to open up our streets the police need to be able to stop any ORV to make sure the rider is old enough, has proper equipment, and has gone through some kind of safety course. We don't need 10 year olds running the roads. #3 - This point may be changing. With the opening of Trail 2 across Gogebic County more people are likely to make the entire area a destination, rather then just pass through Ironwood. With that said I don't see any reason why the Caves are not big enough to accommodate both ORV's and a Miner Heritage Park. Why can't paved walking/biking paths be constructed next to some of the existing ORV trails? The city can set a relatively low speed limit through the park for the ORV's, spray dust control on the dirt trails to keep the dirt down, and then get the police the necessary equipment to enforce said speed and ORV ordinances. It could work. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Appreciates Chronicle (August 26, 2009)Jim, You are doing a great job! I enjoy reading your paper online. Keep up the good work. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Selective Censorship (August 26, 2009)A video clip can be seen on the "Ironwoodinfo" on line newspaper. The clip shows a Mr. Steve Frank addressing the Ironwood City Council. Watch the clip and see Mr. Frank get escorted out of the council chambers. He was very polite and articulate in his presentation but he ruffled some feathers and was forced to leave. Ironwood can be proud as they have just coined a new phrase. It will be called "Selective Censorship". I have personally attended council meetings and have noticed that many people were allowed to talk beyond their allotted five minutes in the past. Free speech in Ironwood is O.K. as long as you don't go rocking the boat. Mr. Frank is not the enemy. More people should be standing up and questioning the decisions of city government as he does. As Americans it is our right and obligation to question our leaders. The powers that be always try to turn the table on those that challenge them by calling then naysayers and negative thinkers. They are so insecure that they find it easier to censor that person than debate them. On another note, Ironwood also seems to have selective news reporting. For non-selective news one has to read the Superior Chronicle or IronwoodInfo magazine. Selective Censorship is alive and well in Ironwood. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Give Me a Break! -- Tell It Like It Isn't! (August 25, 2009)I just read a Lou Lou of a story, "Tell it like it is " on the IronwoodInfo web page. It seems like we have rogue elements in Ironwood. Be afraid, be very afraid... Give me a break! Anonymous | ||||||||||
Appreciates ATV/ORV Article (August 24, 2009)Hi Jim... Thanks for your article about ATV and ORV use in other cities, and the regulations in place. The kids using my street, East Cooldige Avenue, break virtually every condition for use listed for other towns allowing ATV use within city limits and on city streets. If the city of Ironwood wishes to create similar rules and regulations, you have provided all the ammo needed to assure safe operation on our streets. I believe our city commisioners should examine every word of these documents and follow the needs of Ironwood's citizens... not those of a few spoiled brats riding dangerous machines. -- You are "The Dude." John DeMario | ||||||||||
Dirty Laundry (August 24, 2009)Here we go again! Dirty laundry and I really mean dirty laundry. Once again my laundry came stained out of the washer due to unexpected dirty water. Wonder what happened this time?Can the city water department be held liable for my stained clothing? How in the world can the City expect anybody to use or drink this awful looking stuff? This is a continual problem here in Ironwood. Someone should be held accountable and liable for damages. We do pay a premium for our water. We deserve better. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Changes In Credit Card Charges Aren't Fair (August 23, 2009)I would like to suggest to everyone who receives a notice from their credit card company to carefully read it. After reading mine today there are changes coming and I don't like it. I'm not a lawyer so some of that legal mumbo jumbo is beyond me. From what I gather my rates will, and or, might go up. I may even be charged a annual fee even if I don't use my card. I have been a good costumer who never has had a late payment. I use my card wisely and sparingly. Why am I being penalized? We were warned this was coming due to government intervention. THANKS A LOT PRESIDENT OBAMA... Anonymous EDITOR'S COMMENT: Are these changes due to the fact that we have a new President or are they the result of the ongoing greed problem this country has with our banking system? The collapse of our banks is a result of "cheap" Chinese financing and "creative" mortgage drafting by greedy bankers. People who never would have qualified for a mortgage were targeted by the banks to make quick and hardy profits. Most people want a home they can call their own. It was irresponsible for the banks to suddenly say "YES" to everybody -- regardless of their financial situations. In my mind, lenders were the villains and borrowers were the victims. We should have bailed out the borrowers by restructuring their loans in a logical, responsible manner. If everybody who got sucked into an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or an Interest Only Mortgage were allowed to stay in their homes and were allowed to make payments they could afford -- the banking situation would have stabilized on its own -- and the "small guys" in this country would finally get a break. By restructuring these loans, a bail-out wouldn't have been necessary. No tax dollars would have to be spent. The banks would survive, and people could stay in their homes. Because of the record foreclosures, property values nation-wide are at an all-time low. Removing these foreclosed properties from the market would also stabilize the real estate market. Without ANY bail-out, whatsoever, our economy would start to recover, and our future generations wouldn't be burdened with outrageous taxes to pay for the bail-outs. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
ATVs Need to Follow ALL Laws to Be Legal (August 22, 2009)Reading this quote "ATV use is legal on public land unless a ordinance prohibits such use" by Commissioner Toth in today's Globe is confusing to this reader. How can one even get to the caves land without breaking existing codes and laws? Wasn't the caves area only supposed to be used as a access to the main ATV trail, not as a playground? ATV use would only be legal if ALL State laws on ATV use are followed. The current ATV laws are not being followed by many ATV enthusiasts. I would suggest reading the ATV handbook for the proper use of ATVs. Anonymous EDITOR'S NOTE: To view or print a black and white copy of the State of Michigan's ORV Guide in .pdf format [CLICK HERE]. | ||||||||||
Our Health Care System Is Broken (August 19, 2009)Forty-six million Americans are now uninsured, and premiums are growing four times faster than our wages. FOUR TIMES! Did you know that half of all personal bankruptcies stem from medical expenses? This system is obviously and severely broken. We as a people can not continue to do nothing. Albert Einstein's famous quote to the effect that to do the same thing over and over while expecting different results is the definition of insanity clearly applies here. But, our generation has a chance to fix this. Much as President Roosevelt and the "Greatest Generation" created the Social Security program to help the aged and the infirm, this is our chance to save our children and generations not yet born from the abyss of doing....nothing. President Obama has challenged Congress to pass real health care reform in 2009 that upholds three basic principles: 1)Reduce costs by improving efficiency and investing in preventative care. 2)Guarantee every American the right to choose their plan and doctor—including a public insurance option. 3)Ensure quality, affordable care for every American. How many of us either know someone, (probably many someones) or are ourselves the victims of run away health care costs, no insurance, loss of insurance, etc.? We all do, only too well! Especially here in rural America. Now is the time! Congress must pass real health care reform in 2009! Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Liked "Happy Birthday Dad" Article (August 17, 2009)Dear Jim, What a nice article about your father. I had the blessing of meeting him through my respiratory job. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with him. Jim Beckman | ||||||||||
IronwoodInfo Article Missing Some Key Points (August 17, 2009)The "Sharing: Not Just For Children!" article I just read on the IronwoodInfo site was void some important points that need to be discussed. The issue of liability, regulations, and enforcement of ATV use must be addressed. The article spoke of teaching your children to share. More importantly one should teach the same children to obey the ATV rules and take into consideration how their reckless use of the ATV affects others. There is a problem here in Ironwood and other communities with many of these ATV hotdoggers who have total disregard for the sport. They will spoil it for all. I also believe the ATV users and quiet sports people can coexist but there has to be a barrier between the two. There is room for all. And yes I too am a ATV user. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Posted Photo Brings Back Fond Memories of Days Gone By (August 15, 2009)Hi Jim... Thanks for posting that image of your dad on the Chronicle site. His face is so familiar and welcome to me. It's such a reminder of what Ironwood used to be. Elegant men like him were abundant during the time I'm thinking of. I remember the Albert's in and about town when I was a young guy working at the St. James Hotel in the early 50's. I celebrate that time, your dad and others like him that built this town. I'm hoping, as I said in previous meetings, that you get your chance to bring intelligence and responibility to the table. John DeMario | ||||||||||
Re: "Citizens voice Caves concerns to City Commission" (August 15, 2009)After reading the above article on the Superior Chronicle one has to wonder if some of the Ironwood City Commissioners have any idea what they are doing. If the violations highlighted in red in the article are fact, I suggest the parties involved get copies of the City Charter and minutes of past meetings, take them home, and carefully read them before making any hasty decisions. If they still can't understand what they are reading perhaps the city attorney could decipher it for them. It is time for Ironwood to adhere to it's charter. There are two ways that I know of that could solve these problems. One way is to contact the Attorney General of Michigan and the other is November's election. Enough is enough. Anonymous | ||||||||||
ATV's On Streets Need to Be Street Legal (August 12, 2009)Well, it looks like we're going back to the "Old West." If we're going to have ATV's running around our streets unrestricted, we might as well remove all speed limits, street signs, stop lights. Let's just have a free-for-all... the guy with the biggest, baddest machines win. What do we need a police department for? We have Gordy Koski, king of the trails to protect us. Let's just send them all home and they can be among the unemployed, then they can also go play on their ATV's... until their money runs out. Speaking of money, look how much we'll save. (Although guns and ammunition aren't cheap either, but let's face it, the hospitals will love the increased business.) All the vehicular carnage will probably end when the recession moves on and gas prices run up to the $5.00 plus mark... which they certainly will. I suggest that we encourage the ATV trail builders do a really good job... maybe even pave the pathways; that way when no one can afford to run an ATV, we can use the trails for roads... God knows our roads are less than usable trails. They're not even suitable for walking. I have no problem with ATV's on our streets as long as the following are complied with:
My thanks to the three near-sighted City Council members for their endorsement of lawlessness. John D. De Mario | ||||||||||
The Report Card (August 12, 2009)The city government/management of Ironwood has become totally ineffective and needs a complete makeover. The only way to get Ironwood moving in the right direction is to replace the entire structure controlling Ironwood's decision making. Look around. Nothing significant has got done this summer. What are we paying (higher) taxes for? When I look around and see what is being done in other nearby communities I get mad as hell. I give Ironwood's leaders an "F." They have failed us. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Unhappy Trails To You (August 08, 2009)While stopped at the intersection of Ayer and Lowell streets this afternoon I observed a 4-wheeler with 2 passengers on it blow through the stop sign on the ATV trail heading westward. Only 1 of the 2 riders was wearing a helmet on the machine that was designed to accommodate 1 rider. They were definitely going over the posted speed of 15 mph. Rocks flew across the road as they spun their tires leaving a cloud of dust. As I turned left to go west on Ayer Street the machine again crossed my path going south on Lawrence failing again to stop at the stop sign. They went thru 2 more stop signs on Aurora and McLeod without stopping, heading off into the Norrie location. The 4-wheeler situation is getting out of control in Ironwood. Something must be done before a serious accident happens. It is my opinion that if 4-wheelers are allowed to operate on city streets or trails within the city limits that they should be insured, registered, and licensed as a auto. Violations of the posted speeds should be vigorously prosecuted. There are people who want these trails, some of whom do not live in Ironwood. I would suggest that the supporters of these trails try living along these trails. I'm sure they would not be happy with the noise, dust, and speeding at all hours of the day and night. People living close to the trails cannot hang laundry outside or keep a house window open because of the dust and noise problems. If one was to call the police with a complaint it would be fruitless as the 4-wheelers would be far gone. 4-wheelers have their place but running recklessly on city streets and trails is not one of them. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Hopes Candidates Publically Discuss Issues (August 07, 2009)Well, it appears to be a very interesting lineup of new, former and returning individuals who will be seeking one of the five seats on the City Commission for our City of Ironwood. I would hope all the candidates submit to questions from all the media sources -- and not just our local newspaper the Globe -- the Superior Chronicle and Ironwood Info websites have shown to be very much in touch with all citizens local and worldwide who keep up with local issues through these media outlets. With such a large number of candidates I hope they all avail themselves to letting the public know their views and positions on the issues facing this City. I wish them all the best and appreciate their willingness to serve. John Cain | ||||||||||
Magic Gravel (August 06, 2009)There seems to be magic gravel in the water ditch on Lowell street between McLeod and Aurora streets. On numerous occasions over the last 2 years the city has graveled that ditch but in a day or two it disappears. I haven't seen any paranormal activity happening on that site nor can I believe that someone is stealing the gravel. There have been no recent tremors or ground movement that I can recall. Could it be meteorite showers or space junk causing the craters? Nah,I doubt it. The only logical conclusion is disappearing magic gravel. Seriously though,folks.Don't you think it's about time for the city to blacktop that ditch along with the other hundreds of ditches and potholes adorning our beautiful streets? Anonymous | ||||||||||
Trails Benefit a Few, Jobs Benefit All (August 04, 2009)Priorities I cannot understand what the push is to get a walking path through the caves area. The pools of water look so good in the pictures posted on the Superior Chronicle. I ask you,would you swim in those waters? I think not. Garbage still litters the woods along the trails. To really enjoy nature one should get out in the wilderness away from town and experience a true nature walk. There are many easily accessible trails throughout our area that will take you through our beautiful forests. If we could only get our community leaders to put forth the effort to bring jobs to the area instead of trails we would be on tract to getting this area back on it's feet. Trails will benefit a few, jobs will benefit all. They say, "think green" and "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Thinking green to me means a wallet full of beautiful new green bills from a decent paying local job. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Globe Is Nothing But City Propaganda (August 04, 2009)The most disgusting thing about the Globe is that they are simply a propaganda arm of Ironwood city government. There is nothing that the city government could do that would not be applauded by the Globe. If the city council passed an ordinance to ban African-Americans or gay people from the sidewalks, the Globe would praise the ordinance. If they passed a law to quadruple pay for city executives, the Globe would be cheering. The Globe and its staff are all owned by the mayor. Michael W. | ||||||||||
Chronicle Doing Fine Job (August 02, 2009)You're doing a fine job with the Chronicle, Jim. As others have said it is informative and entertaining. Unlike the Daily Globe's website which is now completely useless. Who wants to read five sentences at the beginning of an article and then be told if they want to read more they have to BUY a paper? It's annoying and sure doesn't make me want to BUY anything. To those folks from the Globe reading this look to the miningjournal.net or the mininggazette.com or call Jim Albert for pointers on how to run an active local news website that actually encourages the community to participate in discussion and actually tells us something too. jericho2332@yahoo.com | ||||||||||
Found Article to Be Refreshing (August 02, 2009)I recently read your article "If you don't like what you read.... QUIT reading!" I can't thank you enough for publishing that. It holds so much truth to the other news media in the area. I have been a center of attention for a false printout by the Globe, and after it was straightened out, no apologies. When you stated that you had audio recorded the meeting in Ironwood, printed it out, and actually had COMPLAINTS!! Unbelievable! Anyway, it was a refreshing article you had printed, thank you! Joy Kohegyi | ||||||||||
Enjoys Chronicle Coverage (August 01, 2009)Just wanted to compliment you on a great paper. It has so much more regonial coverage than the Globe. I really enjoy it and keep up the good work. John Windle | ||||||||||
Ironwood's Late Start Construction Shows Poor Planning (August 01, 2009)Yup, fall is just around the corner with winter trailing close behind. Soon we will see the signs of fall. Leaves will be dropping, birds will start migrating, the critters will be gathering their winter stash. I'll be putting my mower away and get my snowblower out. Meanwhile the City of Ironwood contemplates another late season start on projects that should have been started earlier in our short construction season while neighboring communities are winding down on their projects. Poor planning as usual! Ya think? Now, where did I put that darn Kromer? Anonymous | ||||||||||
Sometimes People Take Things Too Far: Corporate Logo Is Not A Map (July 31, 2009)Our corporate logo is a personalized graphic, exclusive to our company, and not a map of Michigan. If you really wanted to get picky, I suppose we, here in Plymouth, Michigan should be mad at ourselves for completely omitting the southeastern quadrant of the Lower Peninsula where we’re headquartered. Sometimes people can take things a bit too far and in this case, Mr. Javenpaa did. Best regards, Chris Autterson | ||||||||||
Don't Forget Friends In Neighboring States (July 31, 2009)I find your Chronicles most enlightening and very entertaining. Keep up the fantastic work. Are you related to Ted Albert? I’m just finishing up reading Bruce Cox’s, Ted & Superior. Ted was a man before his time. Northern Wisconsin has its own issues with political machine in Madison/Milwaukee to say the least. At bit history. I was born and raised in Wakefield and Marenisco, graduating from Marenisco in 1976 and in 1978 from GGC, the local economy was in the tank and I needed to work. It was sad day when I left the UP behind and relocated to Wisconsin . Fast forward. I’ve been in the institutional casework business 30+ years. I’ve negotiated multi-million dollar contracts and before closing up the office cleaned out the toilets. As they say, been there done that. Made many men rich from my abilities and U.P. education and work ethic. After reading Michigan Made, it started me thinking about how my business here in Wausau , WI impacts Michigan ’s economy.
Now Made in Michigan ………… It was a great observation and even better outcome with the communications you and Ken made with the Michigan Tape company. If you go to their website, seems like they are missing a lot of the Upper Peninsula in their corporate logo. Funny stuff! I wanted to let you know even though it may be made in Wisconsin , Minnesota , and Illinois , there is a tremendous amount of dollars that feed back into the local economies from other states. I hope this campaign doesn’t overlook your friends in the neighboring states that do everything possible to feed the state that once fed us. Regards, Jeff Jarvenpaa | ||||||||||
We Need New Energy Bill to Jumpstart Economy (July 30, 2009)The time is now to pass strong clean energy jobs legislation that will jumpstart our economy and lay the groundwork for America to be competitive in the 21st century. The combined economic and climate crises require urgent action, and we Americans continue to support President Obama's campaign vision for a clean energy future. To help get our economy going again, we need more windmills, not more smokestacks. According to a University of Massachusetts study, solar and wind create twice as many jobs as coal. That's right, twice as many! We live in a mined out area, many of us older residents remember the days when the mines were booming and we know only too well that when the resources run out, so do the jobs. Clean energy is an unlimited resource. If the sun or the wind ever runs out, that would be the least of our problems. We need to fix the energy bill and save the Clean Air Act. The energy bill that passed the House of Representatives was weakened by industry lobbyists and repeals the part of the Clean Air Act that limits global warming pollution from power plants. This rollback will open the door for as many as 100 new coal plants and give a new lease on life for the oldest and dirtiest coal plants. Please write or call Senators Levin and Stabenow. The Senate needs to close these damaging loopholes in the energy bill! As I said at the beginning the time to act is now! Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
The Hovey Towering Pines Odyssey (July 29, 2009)The Hovey Towering Pines circus just keeps coming back like a bad toothache. After reading the IronwoodInfo.com article on Hovey this morning, I have come to realize that some of Ironwood's officials have complete and utter disregard for the voters that elected them. This whole mess is enough to make a person sick. I have lost all faith in our city government and my vote will reflect it come November. Ironwood's citizens should be outraged at the antics of our leaders concerning Hovey and a long list of other things. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Stickers Insulting to the U.P. (July 28, 2009)Think Michigan? HAH. More like think lower Michigan, as usual. Typically the image of the Upper Peninsula is significantly reduced and seems to almost be crowded in as an afterthought. I will encourage everyone I know to NOT use these insulting stickers which clearly promote ONLY the lower peninsula. As usual the UP and its residents are treated as an annoyance at best. Too bad when one considers it would have been a good opportunity to help unite the state. Instead it's just more of the same old story. Where's the new Ted Albert when we need him? Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
City Needs to Flush the Water & Sewer Bond Idea (July 24, 2009)Ironwood is looking to issue and sell revenue bonds not exceeding $2,300,000 for water and sewer improvements. I believe this means that water/sewer rates will have to go up in the future to pay off these bonds. The average person in Ironwood is having a difficult time trying to make ends meet now. How can our city leaders burden us with more debt? I also find it bewildering that these people are issuing the bonds without a vote of the electors of the city of Ironwood. These same people put the Hovey deal on the ballot. Why did they not put the bond issue on the ballot? Can we really afford another 40 year debt? Frustrated and Mad as Hell in Ironwood | ||||||||||
Please Vote, But Vote Responsibly (July 23, 2009)What in the world is going on in Ironwood? Have we become so violent that we need police officers at a D.I.D.A. meeting? There is talk of cameras being installed in the Memorial Building, Library, Cemetery, and D.P.W. garage. Perhaps if our leaders would start listening to the wishes of the citizens none of this waste of taxpayers money would be necessary. The only way to change things in Ironwood is to rid the commission, committees and management of the members who do not heed the will of the people. Sadly enough some people taking out nomination papers who talk of change are simply saying anything to get themselves elected to continue the same-o, same-o. It is time for change in Ironwood. Come November please vote; but vote responsibly. The current powers that be are great at shifting the focus away from the real problems facing Ironwood to the trivial to cover their inadequacies. A Concerned Citizen For Change | ||||||||||
Hat's Off to the G.R.W.A. (July 23, 2009)Work will soon be starting on the water project in Ironwood Township as part of the Gogebic Range Water Authority's massive regional project. Hats off to the G.R.W.A. and Ironwood Township. This is a excellent example of how things can get done when communities work together. It was refreshing to hear Jean Verbos comment about the G.R.W.A. moving ahead without having to stress it's users. Years ago Ironwood had numerous chances to join the authority but chose not to do so. Walt G. | ||||||||||
What's Not Happening In Ironwood (July 22, 2009)I haven't noticed any infrastructure work going on in Ironwood this summer such as hydrant installation, water/sewer lines, street paving, or much of anything else. What gives? The only thing that got done was raising utility bills and taxes. Projects on hold include the Jessieville project, Hovey, Skateboard park, and who knows what else. Could it be that our city management has become ineffective? We certainly are not getting much in return for our tax dollars this year, are we? According to the Globe today the Ironwood Area School District Board of Education decided not to extend superintendent James Rayner's contract. A unfinished budget and a late start on the roofing project were mentioned as reasons in part by one board member. Look around the area and see all the work going on in neighboring communities. Ironwood is being left in the dust. Perhaps it is time for a good old fashioned house cleaning in Ironwood. Enough is enough. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Property Owner Should Be Ashamed (July 21, 2009)This is in regards to your pictures and comments on the nasty house... From my understanding the owner is not happy about his property being photographed on the Internet. Maybe if he was more concerned about how his property looked and maintaining a well up kept rental property and inspecting and maintaining his property instead of complaining and looking for others to blame for his rental mess. My answer to him would be, pay more attention to your own business and become a better neighbor then you wouldn't have to worry about pictures of your property. P.S. He should be ashamed that his property looked like that. The city should seize it and tear it down. Eric Bolen | ||||||||||
Pleased to Find Superior Chronicle (July 20, 2009)As an Ironwood native, I was pleased to discover your website with interesting news on current issues in Ironwood and its revealing photography. Keep up the great work! Kristin Borman | ||||||||||
Only The City Commission Can Set or Change Policy (July 18, 2009)I must agree with former city commissioner Peterson that many have received perks or services as he stated. This cold-patch material was taken by one employee and to me city administration did right by asking him to resign or be fired. Now, when such items of public interest come forward we will hear of others who are current or former employees of the city who through either current or former administration received services or city owned material - when that permission to do so is and can only be by the city commission. I also have a concern in how many former city employees still have keys to city buildings and ask who is responsible to assure keys are returned. The city commission needs to rewrite and redo city policy in regards to employee disciplinary action so it complies with the action taken against 2 of the employees in this cold patch caper - the current employee policy book {which was upgraded in 1998} and currently used states 3 to 5 days without pay for the first offense. The city manager stated zero tolerance, however, the manager can not set policy or change it. Only the city commission can do that. John Cain | ||||||||||
Former Commissioner Sets Record Straight (July 18, 2009)"Former and current City employees, Commissioners, special interest groups and 'friends' of the City have received numerous 'perks' from the City, including cleared driveways; gravel for garages; being allowed to cut personal firewood on City-owned land; free use of public equipment; and various other supplies and services." As a former Commissioner, I would just like to state that I NEVER,at any time ask or received any perks, this letter does not in any way reflect my feelings about Superior Chronicle or Mr. Albert, I give Mr. Albert all the credit in the world for starting Superior Chronicle. It lets us all see what is really going on in our community. Thanks Jim. Jim Peterson | ||||||||||
Sly As a Fox (July 16, 2009)Do you think any of the incumbent commissioners voted to put the Hovey project on the ballot during November's election for reasons beneficial to them or were they fearful the Hovey project may have passed if the council voted on it? There are only two incumbent commissioners that have stepped up to the plate on this Hovey issue calling it what it is. They will have my consideration for the upcoming election. It is not too early to be thinking of the upcoming election. We will all have the time to study the candidates and the issues before voting. The petitions of nomination are going around already.The same old rhetoric is in the air. Don't try to B.S. me as I've been around too long. See Ya in November. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Perhaps Stimulus Funding For Rehabs? (July 16, 2009)Jim Albert's editorial makes sense. There may even be stimulus funding available to rehabilitate our housing. Walt Lessun | ||||||||||
Voters Need to Be Educated on Hovey (July 15, 2009)I read the Globe this evening and re the Hovey project. It came to me that having the decision given to the people is good and bad. A lot of education needs to get out to the people before November. A lot of people don't really know what is going on. Many do not get the paper or know of this web site. The result is, "Oh, how nice it will be to have a new building in this town." Too many people don't realize the ramifications of selling out the town to the Hovey project. These are times of watching how we spend our money and do it wisely, which in this case does not seem wise. Has anyone a list of the taxpayers in this community so that these people can be contacted with the specific facts of how this corporation will be paying only 5% of the taxes they should be paying and the rest of us will be paying 100% to support this companies profits while 49 units of living space in this community will be raping the livelihood of honest, hardworking citizens of this community? Also, the Globe seems to be slanted in some of their reporting which makes is difficult for readers to know what is the truth. An enclosure needs to be inserted in the Sun and house to house contacts need to be considered before November. I do not know how all this is to be organized, but do know that there needs to be a large campaign of eduction given to the citizens before the election and that it will not happen by our city commission or the Globe. We need to get a committee organized of concerned citizens ASAP. I don't know all the ins and outs of what is going on, but there sure is something rotten in Denmark and it isn' t fish. Can you help? Arlene Szot | ||||||||||
Michigan Law Protects Farmers (July 15, 2009)This is in response to the article in today's Daily Globe about Chickens in Ontanagon.... Doesn't matter what anyone says. In MI we have The Right To Farm Act. It was passed in 1981 and has been upheld in Appeals since. It says that if you are "farming" (there's no limit on how many eggs you need to sell) then zoning can not restrict the activity, can not say it is not allowed in a particular zoning district. That means agriculture is allowed in a residential district. Look at the Papesh court case (Michigan Appeals Court). So sorry city hall, but you don't have a leg to stand on. As of May 1, 2000, the Michigan Right to Farm Act was amended so that local units of government could not create stricter standards than those promulgated by the state government. Joe Karius had an "opinion" about chickens in the paper a couple of weeks ago. Maybe he should look up the Michigan Right To Farm Act. City of Ironwood Urban Farmer | ||||||||||
Standing Room Only (July 12, 2009)During the last city commission meeting at which the Hovey project was discussed the council chamber was filled to overflowing with many people standing in the halls. Hopefully a plan is in place to move the meeting to a larger room if necessary at tomorrow's meeting. Will this Hovey hoax be exposed for what it really is and finally be put to rest? I certainly hope so! Walt G. | ||||||||||
Sick of the "Good Ole Boy" System (July 09, 2009)I have recently resigned from the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA). I would like to state that I have nothing but respect for the others on the Board. My problem exists with the City of Ironwood. As a member of the DIDA I was part of a team that is supposed to promote and support the Downtown area and its businesses. How can I support a city who is trying to put me and others out of business? Property tax, water rates, Hovey. The city was happy when the Board made heavy decisions like flower baskets and Xmas decorations. As time progressed and we started addressing issues, it seemed our Mayor showed up less and the Community Development director also. It took three meetings to get a blight concern taken care of! It seemed the City was "uncomfortable" approaching this individual while others got letters without delay! I am SICK of the "GOOD OLE BOY" system in this town! These people want window dressing not real reform! You can whitewash a tomb, but all that is inside is DECAY! Wayne Ozark | ||||||||||
Support Those Who Look Out for the Community's Best Interest (July 09, 2009)Have you been confronted lately with a Commissioner Re-Election petition seeking for your support? Before you grant that opportunity - talk frankly to the candidate to hear their position and if they are a current sitting commissioner - defer your support to the petition until after you see how they vote for the Hovey project at next Monday's City Commission meeting. You are the Taxpayer - this is where your power lies. John Wyssling | ||||||||||
Better Use of "Skateboard" Slab (July 09, 2009)
Wouldn't something like this be nice erected on the skateboard concrete slab? It could be a multi-use use facility for events such as those that take place under the depot tent. It would also be a beautiful enhancement to the city. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Please Sign Petition - Say "NO" to Hovey (July 08, 2009)My son, Jeff, has set up a petition on the internet so we can reach more people & have their voices heard on the proposed Hovey Apartment Complex; the land option agreement; and the proposed 4% PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) for the project. Please go to the site shown below, sign the petition & forward this to everyone on your contact list that is a citizen of Ironwood or owns property in Ironwood. It is important that this be done prior to the next city commission meeting on Monday, July13th. The petition reads : We the undersigned citizens of Ironwood, Michigan , hereby petition the Ironwood City Commissioners to vote NO on approving a PILOT for the proposed Hovey Apartment Project. We believe that every company , especially those which produce no jobs, should pay their fair share of real estate taxes . Further, we believe this project would have a devastating , negative economic impact on the downtown. The site is : www.ipetitions.com/petition/hoveypetition/ Thank-you for your help! Roy Ahonen | ||||||||||
City Government Needs to Listen to the People (July 07, 2009)I've been reading the Chronicle for some time. My family has vacationed in the U.P. for years. The Chronicle's ads and photos really make Ironwood inviting to visitors, but it seems your local government does everything in its power to destroy any efforts for your community to be a success. I am forever amazed at the way the general public amasses to public hearings and meetings in your City only to be ignored. Why on earth would anybody elect public officials who refuse to listen to their populous? You have so many assets that many other communities would die for, yet it seems your City government not only doesn't appreciate them -- they seem to want to destroy them. The photos of the "Caves" is beautiful. How long is that going to last with 4-wheelers whizzing by? Folks, the newest trend is silent sports. People are traveling big distances; spending money; and even relocating because of these sports. As soon as I retire, I will be looking for a community exactly like Ironwood -- I would chose Ironwood but I couldn't deal with the mindless politics that go on there. When something peeks my interest, I like to listen to the audio of the meetings. I can't believe much of what I hear. The worst example was the last public hearing on your apartment complex. Not a single person supported the project, yet your City Council still pursues it. You need to actively dethrone City leaders who refuse to do what the voters ask them to do. I have to wonder what kind of pay-offs three of your Councilmen are receiving! Even without public input, what Jello-brain would ever think adding apartments without tax benefits to a declining population is a sensible thing? I have a four-year old daughter that could figure that out! And finally, it would be a cold day in hell that I would ever let anyone trample on my rights. People! You all need to start standing up for what is right. You cannot let people violate your rights or you will lose them all. History repeats itself. You need to control government -- government doesn't need to control you. Derrick Semonen | ||||||||||
DIDA Needs to Be a Team Not Just a Group (July 05, 2009)A wild Goose makes a lot of noise when lost or confused but a flock of geese have the sense to fly together when trying to achieve their destination. The DIDA should look to the sky and observe the Geese. They are a team not a group. Did you ever notice how the lead Goose when he tires goes to the rear and lets a new face break the wind? Geese do not have egos. They work together to achieve their destination. The DIDA flock has many good members but getting them to fly together seems to be the challenge. It is amazing how the Geese can migrate thousands of miles going round trip without one particular goose taking the credit for mission accomplished. Walt G. | ||||||||||
The Medicine Shoppe IS NOT Closing (July 02, 2009)Hello, I am the owner of the Medicine Shoppe here in Ironwood. I would like to let everyone know there are a lot of rumors out there that we are closing, and that I fired my fellow pharmacist, Russ Willson. I would like to clarify these rumors. I was presented an offer by one of the pharmacy chains here in town, but Medicine Shoppe corporate would not accept the offer. Therefore, I have a contract with Medicine Shoppe for 9 more years. So, we are NOT closing. As far as Russ goes, when he heard of the chain's offer, he decided not to wait for the outcome of Medicine Shoppe corporates decision, and he took a job with Wal-Mart. I DID NOT fire him, and he left on his own regards in good terms. He will be missed. I appreciate any help you can provide in clearing up these rumors, and when I called the local PRINTED paper, they never returned my call for an ad. I would also like to ask everyone to support LOCALLY owned businesses. We ARE the last independent pharmacy in Ironwood! Thank-you again, Dylynn Vanderschaegen | ||||||||||
City Commissioners Ignore the Will of the People (July 02, 2009)We The People We the people empower our local government (City Council). Our commissioners are our Civil Servants. They are there to serve at all times the will of the citizens of Ironwood. It seems that during their term in office some of them forgot who they were elected to serve. They put their pet projects or those of special interests on the front burner while completely ignoring the will of the people. We can show our dissatisfaction with them at the ballot box come November. Anonymous | ||||||||||
DIDA Needs to Acknowledge Local Business Efforts (July 02, 2009)I feel like I'm beating a dead horse voicing my opinions here, but the DIDA seems to blindly ignore certain businesses. Like Ben's Place which celebrates it's 33rd year of continuous ownership by Ben & Jeanne Walston today. The DIDA seemed to ignore the fact that Ben's is a non-smoking restaurant and has been for over two years. The DIDA ignores the fact that Ben's is open 7 days a week, 364 days a year (closed Christmas), from 5:30 am until 6 pm Mon-Fri and 5:30 am to 4pm on Saturday and 5:30 pm to Noon on Sunday. The DIDA ignores the fact that Ben's has beautified their facade with flowers each and every one of the 33 years. If the DIDA has such tunnel vision that they refuse to recognize downtown businesses that are doing positive things, and all they seem to do is argue amongst themselves, repeatedly bringing up the same subjects ad nauseum, and now they are even accumulating a $5,000,00 "slush fund" instead of using that money to better the downtown, why does it even exist? To hang flower baskets? They harp about Woodtech who is trying to make corrections while the store located in the former Albert Clothing and Shoes has junk on the sidewalk. FOCUS PEOPLE! Get your heads out of the sand and take off the blinders! I have lived in the downtown for 13 years and the only evidence I've seen of the DIDA doing ANYTHING for the downtown has been to hang flower baskets. At one time, Downtown Ironwood was so well known for their beautiful flower boxes that Lady Bird Johnson stopped here just to see them. What a sad state of affairs for the "Flower Box City of the North." The DIDA, much to their everlasting shame ignores the efforts of downtown businesses who do their damnedest to improve their property/product. If it wasn't for the efforts of these business people doing it on their own, there would be no improvement downtown because no one, the DIDA nor anyone else seems to be able to function well enough to do anything. If a business isn't in the right "click" it's ignored. Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Robert's Rules Make For Better Meetings (July 02, 2009)Reading the report of the DIDA meeting in Ironwood reminded me of why organizations implement the usage of Robert’s Rules of Order during meetings. If the DIDA were following these guidelines when holding meetings, the result would have been a much more controlled and productive exchange. Specifically:
Robert’s Rules seem old fashioned, and are often considered to be too “formal” in situations where everyone involved is on a first-name-basis (and may have known each other since childhood), but that is exactly when they are most helpful. Keeping everyone respectful, polite and centered on the task at hand. Glen Pavlovich | ||||||||||
No COLA May Mean Cheaper Water (July 02, 2009)According to the Senior Sentinel, Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases may be a thing of the past. Obama's budget assumes no increase in the COLA for the years 2010 thru 2011. Could this be good news for the citizens of Ironwood? I believe that a while back it was stated by city officials that the increase in the water rates charged to it's customers was based on the cost of living adjustment (COLA). If that is truly the case a strong argument could be made against any water rate increases in any year that the cost of living does not go up. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Public Safety Officers Can't Be Everywhere (June 30, 2009)I noticed in your report that there seems to be an idea that the public safety department needs to do a better job of ATV enforcement. I think the point that everyone seems to miss is that these officers do both police and fire duties and since the resignation of officer Edwards, who moved to Green Bay last winter, they are even more understaffed. The designated fire officer even had to be recalled to regular PSO duties. The city can't expect these officers to be everywhere with less and less people. Granted the Public Safety Department budget is again over a million dollars a year but it's not just for buying officer salaries. The city saved around $100,000.00 a year by joining the rest of the county in enhanced 911 dispatching but that savings has quickly been eaten up. Last year I pointed out to the commission that the #1 fire engine is (now) 10 years old, the #2 engine is (now) 22 years old, the brush truck is 33 years old and the newly acquired ladder truck is 40 years old. Yet instead of saving for a new engine the $25,000.00 Wal*Mart pays annually for police and fire protection went to the general fund, just like the "fire tax" money you pay if you have a fire call. The public safety department simply can't be all things to all people and all places at once if things continue the way they are. They need help from the administration in the form of more money to hire more people to be cross trained fire and police. They lay their lives on the line daily for our citizens and remember, not just as police but firefighters as well. In my opinion the City of Ironwood, instead of pursuing boondoggles like the Hovey scheme and the waste of money on increased library security and out-dated siren technology, or spending years in so called "negotiations" in an obvious attempt at union busting needs to do a whole lot better job managing the money they have for things they really need, in a way that fully utilizes the resources they have on hand. In my opinion this has not been done for some time, and until it starts therer will just be things that our ps officers will not be able to do. I've worked with all of these officers their entire careers, they are good at their jobs and hard working. But even they can't be in more than two places at once. Citizens of Ironwood you have no idea how fortunate we are. Ken Jacobson EDITOR'S REPLY: Ken, my intention, was not -- in any way -- to belittle or criticize our Public Safety Officers. However, the overall City attitude that "nothing can be done" about people who are violating the law is ridiculous. I'm not asking or expecting our Public Safety Officers to be at all places at all times, but certainly, there must be times when they witness four-wheelers trespassing on City-owned property, or traveling on City streets illegally. I do a lot of driving around because of the Chronicle. If I can see it happening, certainly City officials can! You don't have to catch every speeder to control speeding. When people are aware of the fact that a police officer can, and will ticket you for exceeding the speed limit, they tend to slow down. For years I have been advocating that the City intitate a Municipal Court. If many of our misdemeanors were changed to be civil infractions, the City could fine minor law violators; the fines would help to pay the increasing costs for police and fire protection; and minor nuisance crimes would be worth prosecuting. Having a Municpal Court would reduce the workload of our County Prosecutor and our City Attorney. Right now, too many of our misdemeanors are overlooked because the County Court system is too overloaded as it is. Bringing citizens to court for misdemeanors like blight is costly and time consuming. Being able to issue civil infraction tickets would give many of our local ordinances more teeth, and many of our minor problems would quickly become controllable. Few anglers fish 24 hours a day, and when they go fishing they usually don't expect to catch every fish in the lake. However, if they give the sport a "reasonable effort" most fisherman can generally be successful bagging their limit. The City's attitude that "nothing can be done" about certain lawbreakers, is like a fisherman who refuses to throw his line in the lake complaining that he can't catch a fish! Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Priorities (June 26, 2009)I believe the Commission/Committees of the City of Ironwood should be utilizing their time more effectively. They have numerous meetings concerning Hovey, The Heritage Park, the skateboard park, the walking trail, the caves usage, blight, the downtown, yada, yada, yada. Myself, I would like to see the same effort in trying to bring jobs to the area. We cannot survive on tourism. It seems as if the people sitting on the council and committees have only their pet projects on their minds. It is time for them all to get their heads out of the sand and pull together for the betterment of all citizens in Ironwood. I am tired of special groups only caring what is best for them. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Commissioners Actions Should Reflect Will of the People (June 23, 2009)The people have spoken. I believe that the top priority of our elected city officials (Mayor and Commissioners) should be to make sure that the voices of the voters are heard and their actions should reflect the will of the people. On a 3 to 2 vote the Commission voted once again to extend a land purchase agreement to the Hovey Company. The people have spoken against this project repeatedly but our Mayor, Commissioners Toth and Laabs continue to go against the will of the voters by supporting this project. They have failed us. Hats off to Commissioners Burchell and Lamb for voting against the extension. I hope the Towering Pines project can be stalled until the next election in November so we can replace the commissioners who choose to go against the will of the citizens and taxpayers of Ironwood. Anonymous | ||||||||||
People Need to Speak Out Before the Fat Lady Sings (June 21, 2009)Well, June 20th has come and gone and the Ironwood City Commission failed to act on the request by Hovey Development Corporation for a PILOT to develop 49 apartments on East Ayer Street. Noting that on June 20th it has been a year and as such, Hovey needed to reapply for this request - our Mayor and two commissioners support an extension. Well, folks they say the battle isn't lost til the fat lady sings; but it appears to this citizen that this project, which will do nothing but relocate current renters and seriously hurt current landlords, is going to pass by a leadership of Mayor Noren and support of Commissioner's Toth and Lamb. The only thing that will stop this insane development is citizens speaking out at yet a third Public Hearing - I pray the fat lady sings loud and clear; join me. John Cain EDITOR'S NOTE: Commissioner's Burchell and Lamb have both voiced opposition to the project. Commissioners Toth, Laabs and Noren have tended to vote in favor of the complex. | ||||||||||
Why Does Hurley Do Everything Better Than Us? (June 19, 2009)One cannot help but to notice the progress the City of Hurley is accomplishing. Their finished and current infrastructure projects are a sight to behold. Just about every where you look in Hurley you see new sidewalk, curb and gutter, hydrants, new pavement with new sewer and water lines underneath. The decorative main street is awesome. I'm told that Hurley does not have a city manager or city engineer but operate under a mayor/council form of government. If that is true, whoever is in charge is doing a excellent job. Perhaps with the economy the way it is, Ironwood should look at going to a Mayor form of government as it would be a saving to citizens of Ironwood. All utility rates and charges for services continue to spiral upwards in Ironwood with less being provided to it citizens. During the next election a ballot proposal to go to a Mayor/Council form of government could be offered by the current commission to the citizens of Ironwood. The chance of that happening is zero. Signatures of registered voters would have to be gathered to place the proposal on the ballot. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Roy Ahonen Speaks Out Against Hovey Project (Full Version) (June 18, 2009)EDITOR's NOTE: The following is the original version of Mr. Roy Ahonen's Letter to the Editor as submitted and printed in today's edition of the Daily Globe. The Globe was unable to feature his complete letter because it was too long, so they requested that he rewrite his original letter, using 600 words or less. The editorial Mr. Karius published in Saturday's Daily Globe shows that he is badly misinformed, incredibly naive, and obviously never studied or understood Economics 101. Firstly, there has been substantial apartment inventory added to our area since 1969. To name a few: City of Ironwood's Pioneer Park Apartments Addition, Woodland Court on Ayer Street, Bessemer Housing Commission Apartments, Wakefield Housing Commission Apartments, and the sizeable Milltrace Apartments in the Resettlement Area. You will notice that every single one of these developments are Government projects . Why would that be? And why, from recent reports , do they all have vacancies? Well, Mr. Karius, here's where Economics 101 comes in. We happen to live in a free market society - it's called Free Enterprise. When the mining companies pulled out of Ironwood in the 60's, we began to experience a serious downtrend in population - people lost their jobs; could not find new ones in the Ironwood area , and began moving to other areas of the country looking for work. The situation became even more grave when the White Pine mine shut down , and one by one ,all of the major sawmills in the area closed their doors. In this bleak economic climate, facing a declining population base, the private investment community realized that there was not any DEMAND for new apartments or housing of any kind. The government, on the other hand, not being bound by the fundamental laws of supply & demand, and wanting, in their infinite wisdom, to provide some kind of "development" in these depressed areas, promoted a lot of these "low-income " projects such as the ones mentioned above (and in other depressed areas of the country as well). The result : Too much housing inventory where it is not needed ; vacancies abound & everyone suffers! We are now experiencing a continuation of this serious economic downturn, our population continues to decline, our school enrollments are going down, unemployment rates are going up, and if you read your own newspaper, you will note there are, as of Saturday's paper, 28 housing rental ads , representing multiple units that are available in the area. How then, facing this scenario, can you possibly suggest that we need to "provide a needed alternative to the current housing inventory?" Not only Economics 101, but plain old common sense will tell you that if you build 49 more housing units in Ironwood, Michigan, you are going to have 49 more vacancies in existing apartment complexes! And that will mean more bankruptcies, more foreclosures, more abandoned buildings, more lost tax revenue, more blight, and increased expense to the remaining taxpayers for blight removal. And we're talking about bankrupting our very own citizens who have faithfully paid their real estate taxes for decades! Now to the "naive " part -- How in the real world, Mr. Karius, can you expect "young people" (at least ambitious, talented young people who would contribute to our community) to move to Ironwood just because there is a new low-income, subsidized government apartment complex constructed here? They would only come if there was economic opportunity here for them - IF THEY COULD GET A GOOD JOB! What might happen is that yes, you would attract some new people, but they would be the kind that would only add to your welfare rolls & further increase taxes for our citizens. Finally, Mr. Karius, you allude to the new "BLUEPRINT" for downtown Ironwood. Well, this very document speaks to the fact that there are 146 apartments located in the downtown area. They suggest that these units must be upgraded & modernized to further attract citizens to live there - they stress that WE MUST HAVE PEOPLE LIVING DOWNTOWN if we are going to once again build a viable, dynamic downtown. So advocating the Hovey project is in direct conflict with what the Blueprint is trying to achieve! May I remind you, Mr. Karius, that the DowntownIronwood Development Authority (DIDA) , which you are a member of, passed a resolution last year requesting that the City Commission vote the Hovey project down because they could see how disastrous it would be for the Downtown. Mr. Karius, there are just so many things wrong about this project: Potential liability to the city because of unstable, caving ground on the site; no appraisal; no bids on the property; the zoning; an unreliable, obviously distorted market study; the PILOT hoax which actually will produce little or no revenue to replace real estate taxes; the unfairness & economic hardship it will cause to present apartment owners; the devastating effect it will have on the downtown; the fact that it will actually COST THE TAXPAYERS MONEY; that the city is tying itself up for THIRTY FIVE YEARS; and of most importance - IT WILL NOT CREATE ANY JOBS! It is difficult to understand how any person of reasonable intelligence - unless they have an ulterior motive - can support such a project ! Roy Ahonen | ||||||||||
Considering Hovey Tax Exemptions Is Incredibly Stupid (June 17, 2009)I would like to comment and agree with your articles on the Hovey project. The last thing this area needs is more housing. But on top of that, all the exemptions and such that they are asking for is incredibly stupid. This shouldn't even be discussed! It should have been shot down immediately. I purchased a home in Ironwood in 2007. The taxes I now pay have increased my mortgage from 458.00 to 682.00 per month. Now, my house is nothing spectacular, nice, but not spectacular. Not in comparison to the people living in Ironwood Township with $100,000 houses who pay a fraction in taxes that I do. And you know the Township roads are in pretty good shape compared to Ironwood. Best part is, I pay high water and sewer and also pay for a garbage service that won't even pick up my garbage.. I'm supposed to pay an extra 1.50 per bag. That could cost me an extra 3.00 a week, saving that extra buck a month on my water bill isn't doing anyhing for me. I have a garage full of maggots. I have thought about selling my house and getting the heck out of Ironwood, but guess what, there are about 5 houses in my neighborhood for sale, so the market is pretty saturated. Anyway, thanks for keeping us informed about this project, which seems to be very unfair to existing businesses and landlords, along with just us general Ironwood residents. Tammy S. | ||||||||||
Landlords & Businesses Need to Reconsider Who They Support (June 15, 2009)I was looking through the Ironwood Daily Globe recently and I noticed many downtown businesses advertise in the paper. I remember seeing several ads for downtown apartments for rent and multiple listings for chalets and condos. What are downtown businesses and Ironwood landlords thinking? Why would they advertise with the Ironwood Daily Globe when they fully support what the City of Ironwood is doing with the Hovey Project? I think what the landlords need to do is stop advertising with the Globe and stop supporting such nonsense! Hit them where it hurts and that is in the pocketbook. Chad Lompre | ||||||||||
Tax Breaks & Increased Services Are Incompatible (June 15, 2009)I am going to make a assumption after reading the "In Their Opinion" in today's Globe. There was a opinion from the Ann Arbor News about schools facing financial pressure. The name of the General Manager of the Daily Globe was encased above within the Ann Arbor News opinion encasement. I take that as his support for the article. Am I wrong to assume that? The article talks about the financial crunch the schools are facing and the possibility of new property taxes. Is not the Ironwood Area School District facing the same problems? Now on to Saturday's Globe opinion in which it seems that the General Manager of the Globe supports the Hovey project and their tax abatements. I am confused as it seems the Globe's General Manager wants it both ways or any way that suits his personal agenda. Please correct me if I assumed wrong. Walt G. | ||||||||||
Anonymity Eliminates Fear of Retaliation (June 12, 2009)I wonder why people want to be anonymous? Could it be that they fear retaliation? I wonder why commissioners fear reading anonymous comments? Could it be they fear the truth? It's a shame the commissioner has to be so narrow-minded that he is scared of free speech instead of avoiding comments he doesn't like he should learn from them. It's like throwing the baby out with the bath water. The Chronicle provides a great service to our area. Keep up the good work. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Television & Radio Feature Anonymous Comments All the Time (June 12, 2009)I just read the Chronicle's piece on Anonymity. Many a time on T.V. or radio news I have heard the phrases "Off the record" or "The source wishes not to be identified." These are all examples of Anonymity, aren't they? A Commissioner said he has no respect for anonymous writers and no longer visits the Chronicle site. I wonder if he no longer listens to the radio or watches T.V. as they use Anonymity just as the Chronicle. Walt G. | ||||||||||
No Respect for Commissioners (June 11, 2009)Being anonymous gets no respect from commissioner. Most people have no respect for them either. Either way. Who gives a s--t? Anonymous | ||||||||||
Hovey Deal Is Unneeded Stinker (June 11, 2009)As in the past, I think that Hovey deal is a unneeded stinker. Thanks for your very professional coverage on the water debacle. I guess it all brings out just how badly things were managed in the past, to bring us to this point. One hell of a lot more diligence is needed in the future. We need more sharp shooters on the council. Thanks big guy! John DeMario | ||||||||||
Hovey Would Be Disastrous for Ironwood (June 11, 2009)Last Monday , I attended the Ironwood City Commission meeting and was astounded to find that they are calling yet another Public Hearing on the proposed Hovey Apartment project. This will be the 3rd time they will have held a public hearing on this project, and they are doing so despite overwhelming public opposition to the project expressed in great detail at the previous public hearings. The fact that Hovey has proposed raising their payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) from 2% to 4% means practically nothing when you do the math. To equal what present apartment owners are paying in real estate taxes they would have to raise that number to 25%. In addition they are allowed to deduct the total cost of all their utilities - electric power, natural gas, water, sewer, garbage, etc. before applying the percentage. All apartment owners can testify that those utility costs represent the biggest part of their expenses. Also to be taken into consideration is the fact that if they have a vacant apartment, they don't have to pay a dime! Present apartment owners have to pay real estate taxes regardless of whether the apartment is rented or vacant. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that this would be totally unfair to existing apartment owners who are all struggling during these difficult economic times. It could well be the death knoll to many existing apartments, taking more properties off the tax rolls & costing the city additional funds for demolition of abandoned buildings. It also seems so strange that at the same meeting, the commission would approve the ordinance creating the "Downtown Blueprint" when that document promotes rehabilitation of existing apartments in the downtown area & the possibility of creating new units in the downtown area. The Hovey project would be in direct, unfair competition with this downtown re-development initiative. In fact the DIDA passed a resolution last year asking the city commission to drop the Hovey project since it would have such a negative impact on the downtown where presently there are 147 apartments, all of which have been experiencing serious vacancy problems. The bottom line is that Ironwood does not need any more apartments - with our declining population, we can't fill the ones we already have. We also can't afford to be absorbing the real estate taxes for a scheming downstate developer who would be lining their pockets with profits at the expense of our existing taxpayers. If our commissioners would get their priorities straight, they would be spending their time, energy, & the taxpayers money trying to find some JOB PRODUCING COMPANIES to locate in Ironwood rather than promoting a non-job producing project that would cost our present taxpayers money & be disastrous to present landlords & the downtown area. I must mention that at Monday's meeting, two of our commissioners stood out with their courageous & compassionate stand against this Hovey project. I am speaking of Bob Burchell and Gemma Lamb and I applaud both of them for exhibiting such genuine concern for our citizens. Roy Ahonen | ||||||||||
No Need for Additional Housing In Ironwood (June 11, 2009)From the beginning the Hovey/Towering Pines and other land deals nearby have stunk up to high heaven. It is about time to put a stop to this nonsense. Last night Commissioner Burchell rightfully spoke out strongly against the project. Hovey/Towering Pines should not be allowed to proceed. Shame on any Commissioner who supports it. Tim Hunnicutt's statement saying that decent, affordable housing has not been provided here in many years is a slap in the face to our local landlords. I would suggest that he pack his bags and go back where he came from. In today's Globe there were 28 separate ads for rentals with some offering multiple units available. I was told there are vacancies at the Ironwood Housing Complex and Taconelli's apartments also. I'm sure there are many more out there not listed. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) needs to be investigated for the way they conduct business too. Enough is enough. I am sick of the way my tax dollars are being squandered. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Why Are Our Gas Always the Highest? (June 07, 2009)Why are gasoline prices east of the Montreal River consistently higher than those of our Northern Wisconsin neighbors along US-2? Michigan's state gas tax is 10 cents less than Wisconsin's, yet the posted price of gas at the Citgo in Hurley is 9 cents cheaper than the same Citgo stations in Ironwood. The farther west one goes, the cheaper the gas gets. At the Frontier Bar and Campground in Cedar, the gas drops another nickel to $2.799. Ashland's gas prices vary from $2.649 to $2.699. This price range remains steady all the way to Superior! Transportation costs from the refinery can account for some of the increase, but Michigan retailers are not bound by the Wisconsin 9.5% markup law, they merely have to sell it for more than their cost. Anonymous | ||||||||||
The Road is Caving! The Road Is Caving! (June 07, 2009)Whimsy Jimzy was walking down Ayer street one day when he felt the ground shake a little. Not noticing the Bulldozer clearing the Hovey property he thought the ground was caving. "Oh!" cried Whimsy Jimzy,"The road is caving! The road is caving! I must go tell the Manager!" So Whimzy Jimzy ran and ran, and along the way he met Clerki Workie. "Why do you travel so fast Whimsy Jimzy?" asked Clerki Workie. "Ah Clerki Workie," said Whimsy Jimzy,"The road is caving. The road is caving and I must go tell the Wizard -- ah- er- oops wrong fable -- I meant the manager!" "How do you know the road is caving Whimsy Jimzy?" asked Clerki Workie. "I felt it with my own two feet!" said Whimsy Jimzy. " I will go along with you to see the Wizard -- oops -- I meant the Manager." said Clerki Workie. They ran off together and they met Finn Gyneer, Money Honey, Jani Tur, and Wowzie Housie. Wowzie Housie said, "I will take you to the King's -- oops -- I mean the Manager's office." As they were walking into the Manager's office (got it right this time) Wowzie Housie fell into a open manhole. "Oh dear!" said Whimsy Jimzy, " The road caved in!" "We are too late!" said Clerki Workie. "Poor Wowsie Housie," said Finn Gyneer. "No sense going to see the Czar -- er-ah -- I meant the manager!" said Money Honey. "Nothing to do now but go to Wal-Mart." said Jani Tur. And they did via US-2. Smile, have a good day. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Why Can't People Leave Places the Way They Found Them? (June 05, 2009)
Another example of public land abuse. A group of campers left a large fire going with winds blowing over 20 m.p.h.... Fire danger was high today I'm sure. Litter was also left behind consisting of paper,cans,bottles,a tarp, a thermos jug, and numerous other items.Scenes like this are commonplace. One has to wonder why these people can't leave the place the way they found it. They are spoiling it for all of us. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Effectiveness of Sirens Researched (June 03, 2009)I was researching outdoor warning sirens and I thought you might be interested in some of these opinions for a story. Clearly they are only OUTDOOR warning devices. Ken Jacobson EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Jacobson listed the URL links to each of the sites he researched. We have included brief excerpts from the articles to give you a flavor for what each article says about sirens. Many communities include them as part of a complete warning system. It is important to read the articles to get a balanced view of the value of outdoor sirens. I have been quite vocal on the subject. I believe they are a complete waste of taxpayer dollars. There are much better -- cheaper -- state-of-the-art systems that do a better job of alerting people in the case of a weather emergency (or any emergency for that matter). We welcome all opinions, however, and will gladly print letters with opposing viewpoints. Will the sirens work? The answer: Maybe, but don't count on it! That's right - not to sound accusative, but this is the plain truth. You must NOT depend on a outdoor warning siren to warn you while you are indoors of a tornado. http://stormsector.com/blog_news/bn_3031.php Don't just rely on warning sirens to alert you about a tornado In most cases, sirens are intended for people who are outdoors, and you may not be able to hear even a close siren inside your home with a violent thunderstorm nearby. Use sirens as part of your warning system, coupled with television, weather radio and other tools. In addition, different communities have different policies on when sirens are sounded. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/wxsafety/severewx/receivingwarnings.php Meteorologist: Don't Depend On Tornado Sirens - The devastating tornado that swept through Siren, Wisconsin points out the need not to depend on outdoor sirens for tornado warnings. Fire chief Tom Howe of the village of Siren said that there wasn't much warning because the village alert siren wasn't working. It was struck by lightning several weeks ago and repairs had yet to be made. The warning sirens are primarily designed to alert people who are out-of-doors. People who are indoors may have trouble hearing the sirens because houses today are better sealed and insulated against the elements. This also cuts down on sound from outside the house being heard indoors. Televisions, stereos, and air conditioners create their own sound that may further mask the sound of outdoor sirens from being heard indoors. http://www.channel3000.com/news/828774/detail.html A Lot of people asked "why didn't we hear the sirens" or "the sirens were a little late" A few things to note. Sirens are meant to be heard OUTSIDE!! We always urge people to get a weather radio for their home. ...when the tornado sirens went off this morning, I turned to your station and all I saw was "Entertainment Tonight" interviewing Ed McMahon. http://wp.journaldigitalmedia.com/index.php/2008/06/08/millard-tornado/ GRAND RAPIDS, OH - Township trustees must decide the best way to keep residents alerted to possible tornadoes, using an alert siren or providing individual NOAA outdoor warning system radios to households. During their meeting on Monday, the trustees discussed the two options. Trustee George Foos said it would be cheaper to purchase NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) outdoor warning system radios for each household in the township rather than purchase a new tornado warning siren. "That's how expensive those things are, $35,000 to $40,000," he said. "I'm not in favor of putting another penny in it." He later said township residents were asking, 'Why are you spending money when we can't even hear it?'" Foos said he has an NOAA radio at home. They can be triggered according to a zip code. "That's all well and good, but kids at the pool ... and ball diamond hear the siren," said Trustee Les Heyman. He suggested checking into grant money to buy a new siren or make it a group purchase. Heyman noted it was hard to get parts for the current siren. Foos said bird nests were recently removed from it, and it was greased for the first time since it was installed in the 1950s. http://www.sent-trib.com/index.php option=com_content&task=view&id=13574&Itemid=81 EDITOR'S NOTE: Watauga, Texas uses a combination of three sirens and a mass telephone system known as CodeRed. This system, when activated, makes mass telephone calls alerting people of potential dangers. http://www.ci.watauga.tx.us/fire/Warning.htm Outdoor warning sirens are not as effective as NOAA Alert Radios http://celebrate2000.staugustine.com/stories/013107/let_114662.shtml Have you heard the storm sirens? After the tornado came through on April 2, we discovered that our warnings were activated but did not sound. We solved that glitch, and we have sounded the sirens several times since. They were activated twice on Sunday and twice on Monday. You would think we were in an air raid. We have received several calls and emails regarding the siren activations, mostly inquiring why they were sounding when no tornado warning was issued or when the storm seemed not to be near O'Fallon. The confusion may stem from a misunderstanding of when the sirens will be activated. http://www.ofallon.org/Public_Documents/OFallonIL_BLOG/I0090B237 Milwaukee County emergency management administrator Carl Stenbol acknowledged that the entire county isn't covered but stressed that sirens are useful only for warning people outdoors. Also, sirens are dependent on atmospheric conditions and susceptible to lightning strikes, Stenbol said. A siren in Kenosha County near Bong State Recreation Area malfunctioned during this month's tornado after it was struck by lightning. "An outdoor warning siren should not be considered the primary device," Stenbol said. Still, American Signal Corp., the Milwaukee-based maker of warning sirens that supplies the county, has installed outdoor warning systems in more than 12,000 cities and villages worldwide since 1942. During the past decade in Wisconsin, the company has installed about 300 sirens, which are as wide as 6 feet in diameter and weigh as much as 1,500 pounds, sales manager Chris Roller said. Sirens can cost up to $20,000, including installation. "The most effective way to alert the largest amount of people at the lowest cost is an outdoor warning siren," Roller said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires that tornado sirens emit a signal that can be heard up to two miles away at a 70-decibel level, slightly louder than ambient street noise. The most powerful tornado sirens used in Milwaukee County can send signals four miles in every direction in ideal conditions, said Duncan Kasukonis, an American Signal customer support specialist. http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29581894.html I read a study a year or so ago that they conducted with today's modern homes and urbanized dwellers. because we now keep our windows closed almost all the time, out of crime concerns and the advent of CHA systems, they would not hear the siren at all. Those that did hear the siren, only 2% had a clue what it was for! or how to react That''s why they will fund NOAA alert radios but not the sirens.http://forums.firehouse.com/showthread.php?p=775306 The City of Allen's outdoor warning siren system consists of 13 sirens placed strategically throughout the city as a warning device to alert citizens outdoors of imminent severe weather. While the warning siren system is an effective method of outdoor notification, the City of Allen highly recommends each home and business have other means to receive warnings and notifications. http://www.cityofallen.org/departments/fire/emergency_preparedness/outdoor_sirens.htm | ||||||||||
Sirens? Enough of That Noise! (June 02, 2009)You have got to be kidding me about the sirens for sure. This is another fine example of how our city finds money for unneeded things while neglecting the more important items that need attention in this city. Just give me a whistle so I can blow it every time I see our city leaders waste more of the taxpayers money. I would be out of breath in a hurry for sure. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Volunteers Needed For Trail Improvements (June 02, 2009)This is a follow up letter to one that I wrote last winter in the Globe about the North Country Trail and lack of interest therein. But more importantly as a response to the young adults and teenagers who claim that there is nothing to do in the area. Coming up on the sixth of June which is National Trails Day, Ni-Miikanaake (which means “I make a trail” in Ojibwa), the newly formed local chapter of the North Country Trail Association, is having its first official work day. Those of us involved with the new Chapter would like to extend a welcome to any group or individual that would be interested in helping on the sixth of June or any future volunteer opportunities, and also to join the chapter. We will be maintaining and improving a section of the trail between Rainbow Falls on the West side, and County road 519 to the East on this Saturday the sixth. Tools for the work are going to be provided. All that is needed from the volunteers is a positive attitude along with a will to help do their part to improve one of the already existing, and soon to be expanding local, and national scenic treasures; the North Country Trail. Volunteers will also need bug repellent, and anything that will be needed like work gloves and boots, also bring a lunch or snack .The N.C.T. will eventually become a 4,200 mile non-motorized trail crossing seven states and it is one of only eight National Scenic Trails certified by the National Park Service. This is a great opportunity for the young adults in the area to take a little personal ownership in helping to develop and maintain one of our local “attractions”. Beyond the actual help that you will be doing for the North Country Trail, and our community, a greater appreciation of what there is to experience and become a part of right in your own backyard will be gained by volunteering. Also by volunteering a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment are attained that can only be gotten by giving of yourself freely to help attain a higher goal. I am looking forward to seeing the young adults and teenagers in the area turn out in masses to show how much they are willing contribute to the area. And finally, now we have something to do around here! Anyone planning to volunteer must contact Trail Work Coordinator Melanie Fullman at (work) (906) 932-1330 Ext. 539; (home) (906) 663-4075. Jason Hofstede | ||||||||||
Grateful to Father & His Dental Lab (May 26, 2009)This letter is in regards to Mr. McCauley and the expansion of his dental lab. I think it would be a great asset to the area to bring in a business that is needed greatly and that teaches young people to have a great work ethic and a trade. I know very well about having a great work ethic because Ken is my Dad and he taught me to work hard and you will be rewarded. I have been rewarded and I feel that it would be a great asset for other young people to have a trade and learn to work hard in their career. I have been a dental hygienist for almost ten years now. I have used my lessons of working in my Dad's lab many times in my career to excel and be committed, and I appreciate those early lessons tremendously. I have lived in a lot of places and I still believe some of the most valuable lessons I learned were in a small town -- Ironwood. I wouldn't be who I am without my early days of working with my Dad. Thanks Dad, | ||||||||||
Fond Memories of the Knight Club Pool Hall (May 25, 2009)It is a bittersweet day knowing that Jim will be retiring from running the Pool Hall or as us older folk know it; the Knight Club. I started frequenting the Pool Hall about twelve years ago. The first day I met Jim it seemed like I had known him for years. He was a very open person and did everything he could to try to maintain a Cheers like atmosphere. Everybody that went down there was treated like family. I am sure it is because of this that in the twelve years I have been going to the Pool Hall I have NEVER seen a fight or altercation. Five years ago, I joined the Army and moved away from Ironwood, but this family atmosphere is the reason I visit the Pool Hall Every time I am in town. The Pool Hall, for the last thirty years, has provided a clean safe place for Ironwood's youth to go for some entertainment, especially in the winter months when outdoor activities are limited by the cold and short days. It would truly be a shame if someone didn't take over this operation and continue to provide Ironwood's youth a place off the streets to have some good safe fun. Thanks for the memories Jim. Jeremy Dahl (Former Ironwood Youth) | ||||||||||
Congress Is Taking Over Our Water (May 20, 2009)Michigan, through its Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is one of only two states in the Union that regulates wetlands with a state agency rather than through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This has been a problem because the state guidelines are much more strict than the federal guidelines. Additionally, the DEQ has proven to be arbitrary and capricious in its decision making and has often caused long, unnecessary delays in approving permits. While the concerns about over-regulation by a state agency are valid, they may be rendered "moot" by recent efforts in Congress. U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has introduced a bill with 23 sponsors including Senators Levin and Stabenow. Senate Bill S787 is entitled, "To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the United States over waters of the United States." Notice they start the description with the words "pollution control." That makes it sound caring and good, doesn't it? The fact is, this legislation will put ALL surface waters in the United States of America under Congressional jurisdiction. The bill language has a couple of key phrases in it. The first changes the definition of what is under Congressional jurisdiction. Ever since the Commerce Clause of the Constitution and several test cases in the Supreme Court, Congress has had jurisdiction over navigable waters. The meaning of that word has been argued, but according to precedent and legal definition, navigable includes anything you can get a canoe down, or anything that is connected by water to the same. No matter because under S787, the word navigable is stricken, which means now ALL surface water is under Congressional jurisdiction. Additionally, in case there was any question of state's rights, the bill also states that this applies to interstate and intrastate waters. That means there is no state sovereignty over waters within that state's boundaries. And, if you have any doubt as to what the Congressional definition of "waters" is, they spell that out, too. It includes, "all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting these waters, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution." The bottom line is this: Congress is taking over all the water. If the Obama administration and Congress are anything like this state's governor and her administration, you will see free trade and commerce come to a virtual stand still. Manufacturing especially will come to a screeching halt. Water is an essential resource in the manufacture of virtually any consumable or durable good. Without ready access, manufacturers will be stifled in their attempts to create new products for market and the jobs that go with them. Jack Hoogendyk EDITOR'S NOTE: Jack Hoogendyk is a former state legislator and the Executive director of CIVPRO, a non-profit property rights organization based in Michigan. | ||||||||||
Will the Real "Naysayers" Please Stand Up? (May 15, 2009)Naysayers! MiddleRoaders! Yeasayers! Time after time we hear the term "Naysayer" being used by certain local media in reference to people who they claim have a negative slant on just about everything. When one disagrees with their ideas but offers constructive criticism they are branded "Naysayers". The "Yeasayers," on the other hand, only see the positive side of their ideas. In my opinion the "Naysayers" have done a excellent job of identifying and pointing out things to the "Yeasayers" that are wrong, here in Ironwood. Myself, I am a "Middle-of-the-Roader." I find it ironic though that many ideas brought forward by the "Naysayers" are dismissed -- but later used -- by the "Yaysayers" who then take credit for them. It is good to have both "Naysayers" and "Yeasayers." Let's just call it a much needed balance of power. Anonymous | ||||||||||
New Waste Disposal Company Is Trash (May 15, 2009)Last week was the first week of the new garbage service in Ironwood. I put out my two cans of garbage and later that afternoon, I went out to get my cans and there was a bag left on the ground and papers and garbage strewn all over the street and yard. I wasn't very happy but figured, they're new -- give them a chance. But this week, when I was coming home I saw a few neighbors out in their yards putting bags in the garbage cans. I stopped and talked to them and the garbage men left their bags on the ground as well. We stopped the garbage truck and asked them what was going on with the bags all over the ground. They said anything sticking over the top of the can will NOT be taken. A neighbor had a few dried flowers in a can and they didn't take the can at all. Now, I want to know what's going on! Here we're saving a few pennies, at best, on the service -- but I guess it all boils down to one thing -- you get what you pay for. The new garbage service has three scrubby looking workers doing half the job that one Waste Management worker did. I've had days where I forgot to put my garbage out and the guys from Waste Management actually came up to the house and took it anyway or came around later and picked it up. My hat's off to them for excellent customer service in a job that nobody really appreciates until its gone! SO LETS GET THEM BACK! I would rather pay a little extra for quality service than pay for poor service. Rob Douglas | ||||||||||
PE Teacher - Former Resident - Appreciates Chronicle's Coverage (May 13, 2009)Thanks for covering our school’s great accomplishment. I appreciate that you take the time to allow former residents to reconnect with the area. The Daily Globe should follow your example. If your community is going to prosper in the coming years and decades – it’s this level of connection that must be established not only amongst those living in your community – but with those who have left the area. The inability for people to work together towards a common purpose has long plagued your community. I’m hopeful that the passing of the remodeling of the high school is a step forward for the area. Having spent the first 23 years of my life in the community – I can say there are opportunities to transform the city…to take it the place where hearts desire & eyes inspire it to be. However, your community must embrace & honor - but let go of it’s past (how it usta was) to move forward. Egos must be checked at the door. The interest of the many must outweigh the interest of the few. Come Together. Unite. Strive to leave behind a city better for each generation that inhabits it. I again appreciate the story on our PE Program – and what you are trying to do in the community. Christopher J. Cain | ||||||||||
Blueprint Plan Rehash of Old Ideas (May 13, 2009)The blueprint plan for downtown Ironwood presented by Hyett-Palma, of Virginia, seems mostly like a rehash of ideas that have been presented to the city fathers before. I believe that the people who live in Ironwood are better suited to know what this town needs. Downtown revitalization, flowers, benches, trash receptacles, banners, signage, blight, off street parking for downtown employees, public art, murals, facade improvements, a better downtown retail base, surveillance cameras, snow removal problems with downtown businesses, later shopping hours, restrooms, and such have been suggested to our commissions (both past and present) in the past. The Superior Chronicle has past articles of many of the above ideas. The "About_Ironwood" web site has also discussed much of the same. Will we now listen to a out of town consulting firm whose plan mirrors past ideas that have already been presented by locals only to fall on deaf ears? I wonder if there was a cost to the city taxpayers for this plan? Anonymous EDITOR'S NOTE: The City of Ironwood contributed $15,000 to towards Hyett-Palma's fees. MSHDA and the Michigan Municipal League paid the balance. | ||||||||||
Vote YES On the 911 Surcharge (May 04, 2009)I ask everyone in Gogebic County to vote yes on the E911 surcharge and support Enhanced 911 for Gogebic County on Tuesday. If we are to have any hope of returning E911 dispatch to Gogebic County we need the additional revenue. I know there's never a good time to ask for an increase of any kind, but if you have a phone, for less than $20.00 for the entire year you can ensure the continuation of the life saving enhanced 911 technology for our citizens and visitors and work toward the creation of good paying jobs here at home. Please don't believe any of the lies, false statements, half truths or innuendo that uninformed opponents of the measure are trying to distribute. If you want the facts call Jim Loeper at 906 667-1118 and he'll be happy to answer your questions. Here are the facts:
I hope this answers some of your questions. Please vote yes and support Gogebic County E911. Thank you, Ken Jacobson, (Firefighter & Member 911 Committee) | ||||||||||
Believes Website Is Unprofessional (April 28, 2009)I see you disabled the link to the IronwoodInfo site. Why that publication uses the title IronwoodInfo, is beyond me. Talk about unprofessional. They talk postive about every other community, and talk of such contempt for the People of Ironwood. Indeed, I have yet, to read, of a positive input for the development and progress of Ironwood, from those writers of that publication the IronwoodInfo. Always, a distorted, untrue, negative. At any rate, good move, removing that IronwoodInfo Link, hope it is not temporary. Keep up the great job of reporting you do, and for the excellent venue and web design. Now that is progress to be proud of. Anonymous | ||||||||||
City Union Contracts Way Overdue (April 28, 2009)I have been following up on the City Crew and the Public Safety and their contracts. I agree with you 100% on wasting the taxpayers money. People do have to realize how much the Public Safety has done for this community -- when there is some kind of trouble they are there to help. When you need water the City Crew is there! When you have to get to work or school, the plows are out early to make sure you get there on time. And if there is an emergency IPS and IDPW are there! How much more of the taxpayers money do we have to spend on the lawyer that goes in for the negotiations? All that money spent can go for different projects in this town. This has been going on since 2007 and still no contract. When is this going to be settled? Kim Kieber | ||||||||||
Writer Supports School Millage Request (April 25, 2009)On May 5th voters of the Ironwood Area Schools will make a decision on supporting or not supporting a mileage request to upgrade and remodel both the Luther L. Wright and Sleight School buildings. I support this request and even thou I would rather see a K-12 school housed completely at the L. L. Wright building. I understand the cost to do so would be more than what's being asked. I would hope that if this passes that our State and Federal Representatives see our desire to better serve our young people and their education and assist us. There were funds available through this stimulus funds - but I personally think our Federal elected officials are giving stimulus funds to private Corporations and Banks and not to local unemployed here and across this country. We could develop our own stimulus program by passing this mileage and see local employees of construction and other services which would be needed to do the upgrades and remodeling of these two school buildings. If we look at it this way we are developing jobs and also serving the future needs of the students of our school district. John Cain | ||||||||||
Ironwood Is Not All That Unique (April 16, 2009)I was reading Mr. Long's April 6, 2009 Letter to the Editor and I have to disagree with him. Ironwood is just like many other communities in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Michigan. It's the same old stuff. You no longer need to travel to go skiing. You can go to Wausau, West Bend, and others that are much closer if you are coming from the south. And what is nice you have everything you need or want. They have the shops and the malls. So why travel the extra miles? Yeah, Ironwood has Lake Superior, but I tell you Two Rivers, Sheboygan has Lake Michigan. And those are nice places to go and see as well. They have parks, walking trails, waterfalls. All the other little communities along Lake Michigan offer stuff as well. To be honest I think people are finally opening their eyes and saying that they don’t have to travel as far to have fun. But I will tell you what Ironwood needs. And that is a city that cares! You have a select few that want the city to be successful. But you need a whole community to work together to make that happen. That is why people are moving away from Ironwood and now they are only making that occasional visit. Chad Lompre | ||||||||||
Ironwood's Assets Shouldn't Be Deep Dark Secret (April 6, 2009)"Ironwood is the western most spot of Michigan (Farther west than St. Louis, Missouri) and the largest city on the Gogebic Range. A plethora of year around outdoor activities have made tourism a major industry. The city boasts 53' tall Hiawatha, the World's Tallest Indian who will celebrate 40 years this summer, the restored 1928 Historic Ironwood Theatre, the Old Depot Park Museum and a small but quaint downtown shopping district." That is the description you find when you go to michigan.org, the State of Michigan's Official Travel and Tourism website. When you click on things to do, the nearest event is in Houghton. By the looks of things, Houghton is several hours away from Ironwood. When you click on events, there isn't a single event listed for Ironwood. I found the Superior Chronicle when I was Googling "Lake Superior." I live in Naperville, and I love northern Wisconsin. I spend a lot of summers in the area. From your website, I can see that there are many cool things happening in the Ironwood area. I am big into winter activities and I never knew Ironwood had so many ski trails and I hear very little about the area downhill ski resorts. Earlier this year I read on this site about three of the area resorts possibly merging. I never knew there were three resorts there! The point I'm trying to make is that it appears that Ironwood's number one industry is tourism. Perhaps an outsider can best explain how difficult it is to find out anything about your area. You need to talk to your Chambers of Commerce; your Vacations and Visitors agencies; and your Tourism Councils and let them know that tourism can greatly impact an economy, but it has to be done right. Nobody is going to visit the Ironwood area if they don't know anything about it. I've seen many very interesting photos in the archives of the Superior Chronicle. Ironwood seems to have a very rich history. I look forward to the scenic photos you often feature on Lake Superior. I checked out the Peterson Falls link you feature. You people need to let the world know what a beautiful place you have. If I were an area businessman and I saw what a pathetic job the people who are hired to promote the area were doing, I'd be irate. I look forward to visiting the Ironwood area, but what you have to offer shouldn't be such a well-kept secret. I wish you well. Dennis Long | ||||||||||
Thankful for Chronicle Coverage (April 6, 2009)Thank you so very much for your coverage of the Ervin Romans funeral on Saturday. I went to the Daily Globe website this morning and found their coverage overwhelmingly lacking. I didn't know Ervin personally, although I know who he is, for we are the same age and I remember him from high school, even though I went to Ironwood Catholic. I am friends with his brother and sister-in-law, Art and Tiffany, too. This tragic event hits close to home for anyone from a small town like Ironwood who sees that violence and tragedy can seemingly touch everyone, no matter where they grew up or how strong their values are. It is a testament to the world in which we live. I found myself in the days and weeks following Ervin's tragic death looking for some solace myself in the news stories, reports, and pictures. I don't know if it was a new sense of vulnerability or just that hometown feel that everyone is family. Maybe it is a bit of both. I was definitely looking for some comfort in the stories and pictures. While the Daily Globe had some nice quotes from the persons involved in the service, I needed the pictures to feel the wealth of support that went with the funeral at the Memorial Building. I received that in the photos on your website. So thank you for providing that to those of us outside of Ironwood who wanted to know that Ervin and his family were comforted in their time of loss. Michelle Vinoski | ||||||||||
Recent Crimes Have Direct Link to Poor Economy (April 5, 2009)As our community honored a native son Saturday who was died in the line of duty; I was once again sadden to hear on the news that three police officers in Pittsburgh were killed attempting to subdue an individual held-up in a house. What really made me question this unreal action was the amount of weapons and protective gear this individual had. It was stated that he had lost his job. This is a red flag many of us across this country are feeling, but hopefully we are not at the point of what seems to be a rash of last resorts. I would make a suggestion here that companies or whoever,who are looking at lay-offs or cutting jobs that our State and Federal governments offer free mental health services to these former employees who feel there future is gone. The thin blue-line of police officers across this Nation is and will be facing an element of crime which deals with those fellow citizens who have lost site of moving forward and see no future for themselves or their families. Something needs to be done now or we will continue to see these needless headlines. John Cain | ||||||||||
Miners Memorial Heritage Park Will Be Good for Ironwood (March 25, 2009)Miners Memorial Heritage Park Miner: n, One who digs for metals or ores. It is common knowledge that Ironwood and the surrounding communities were founded and prospered on the many iron mines which sprang up in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of us had grandfathers, fathers, uncles, brothers, etc. who risked their lives to provide for themselves and their families. Ironwood has changed a lot in the 40 years since the last ton of iron ore was extracted from those mines. Time has wiped away most of the outward signs of what once existed here. A lot of people like myself are not old enough to have experienced that era. What we know came from books, articles and, if we were lucky, stories related directly to us by those who worked during that time -- precious stories from special people. Memorial: n, Something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc. Those who helped found and grow our communities deserve to be remembered -- deserve to be celebrated. There is very little that one can see in our city that points to our rich mining history. A memorial -- an acknowledgement of the hard working men and women who built this area -- is wholly appropriate. Heritage: n, Something handed down from one's ancestors or the past, as a culture, tradition, etc. Someone passing through or even spending a few days in this area would never imagine our rich history. There is precious little to see or do that conveys our heritage. The Gogebic Range owes its existence to the miners, the lumbermen, the merchants, the educators, the railroad men and others who worked to create a special place. But our heritage is not just the mines and lumber camps of the early days. Since the mid 1900's, as mining faded, we found a new heritage. Outdoor recreation grew from hunting and fishing to snowmobiling, downhill and then cross country skiing. Now every year more and more of the people who come to this beautiful part of the country are expressing interest in hiking, bicycling and snowshoeing. Park: n, An area of land, for the enjoyment of the public, having facilities for rest and recreation, often owned, set apart, and managed by a city, state, or nation. What better way to bring all these concepts together than with a beautiful park located on the very ground that defined Ironwood in the beginning -- yet with the potential to proclaim what Ironwood is or, at least, can be in the future. It would be a fitting memorial to those who worked and died above and below the ground. It would be an area where residents and visitors alike can stroll, roll, ski or plod along learning along the way about Ironwood and the surrounding area via historical interpretative signs. It might be a place to reconnect with our roots or just a quiet place in the city to reconnect with ourselves. If you feel the same way, The Friends of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park could use your help. They will be meeting at Romeo's Grill Sunday at 6:00 PM. Please attend and see what you can do to make this park a reality. Also, contact your city commissioners to let them know how you feel. Morgan Grasso | ||||||||||
Imaginations: The Patterns of Success (Part IV) (March 1, 2009)A while back ago Beth, a friend of mine, invited me to a car race. “It will be one of the most unusual car races which you had ever seen,” Beth said. “Most unusual car race that I had ever seen?” I asked with a smirk on my face. I was very curious, what was was she talking about. “Yeah, no kidding,” Beth responded smiling broadly. “There are only six cars in the entire world which are built to the standards necessary to enter this amazing race, and they come from all over the world. They are very rare cars, you have seen nothing like this." “Okay, okay, I am in, let's go,” I responded with hesitation. It was race day. We arrived at a large oval track, about one mile or so in diameter, kind of like an Indy 500 track. But then I noticed the six cars on the track, WOW. I had never seen anything like these type of cars, they didn't even look like cars. They had very long sleek, narrow, bodies, no tires. No tires I thought? How do they move? Beth later explained to me, that these six cars have been engineered to defy gravity. Wow, Anti-Gravity race cars. Their engines made the sound of a rushing wind, not like a jet engine, but kind of like the sound when a hurricane roars across the ocean, intense, powerful, cause unseen, effects easy to see as I looked through the binocular at each car as they lined up to the starting line. Hard to describe, the engineering which would had to have gone into building these type of cars was light years ahead the times. The race was about to begin, and the six cars lined up to the starting line. With those six engines revving, the ground trembled, the bleachers swayed as the crowd stood to their feet in excitement. The cars were hovering above the ground now about one foot or so. Then, I noticed, out of the six cars, one of the cars appeared to be lined up on the starting line, “backwards.” The massive crowd was pointing and laughing at the one race car, which had backed up to the race line, backwards. “What's that car doing?” I yelled to Beth, “it's lined up backwards on the starting line.” “It's a backward driven race car,” Beth yelled back.“Duh, I can see that,” I yelled back. “I don't know, every year for the last 15 years it has been racing backwards. It always comes in last place, I don't know what is going on with that car,” Beth said. “What country does that backward driving race car come from?” I asked, figuring this car had to come from some undeveloped “backwards” country. “USA,” Beth shouted and stared at me with sadness in her dark blue eyes. I think I saw her hold back her tears, then she continued. “The other five cars are from Norway, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Czech Republic.” Well, I will tell you the cars took off, and I had never seen anything so spectacular in my life, they flew around that track at incredible speeds. But the question in my mind, blurred out the excitement of the race. “A Backward Driven Race Car” The race ended just about as soon as it started. My mind was swirling with questions. I had to go to the pits to learn more about this backward driven car. We made our way to the pit area of this backward driven car. I was so impressed with the design of this car, and on close inspection, this car was truly a engineering miracle, no doubt, I had never seen anything like this before in my life. I could not take my eye off of it. Like WOW, how did this thing come into being, how could anyone think of such a creation, let alone actually build it? I just stood in total awe of the ability of the human imagination. The need for the human to reach beyond themselves into the unknown, and create, such divine beauty. For those that claim that God is not real, one only needs to seriously consider the creative process. Here it was, this inspiration, imagination, formed into a very unique race car, one that stood apart from all other race cars, with the exception of five other race cars in the ENTIRE WORLD “Why, why, why,” I asked the crew chief named Sam. “Why does this car have to be driven backwards?” Maybe my directness of questioning took him by surprise. He looked down to the ground. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, nervous, maybe he was a bit embarrassed, a little defensive, kind of like the black sheep of the family of these hybrid race cars. I didn't mean to make him uncomfortable, but I just had to understand why in the world they were driving this work of art, BACKWARDS. “We have to do some additional engineering so it can run forward instead of backwards,” Sam responded and continued, “plus we lack the personnel necessary to help us to market the car. Because of that we can not get the necessary sponsors to help us get the funding so we can get a full race crew. So, what we do is we just use the car more for a tourist attraction, so we can keep the bare amount of money coming in to cover our very basic expenses. We do tours and we let people sit in the car and take pictures of them. Even though the car looks funny racing backwards, by entering the races, even though we always come in last, we draw enough attention to cover our overhead.” Sam must have noticed a look of utter disbelief on my face because he quickly walked away. I stood stunned and scratched my head. I looked over the car one last time, and I only saw one sponsor advertisement painted on the backside of the car: COPPER PEAK, THE LITTLE RED CABOOSE. “What is Copper Peak, The Little Red Caboose?” I asked Beth. “No idea,” Beth shrugged, “The Little Red Caboose was a story my mother use to read me when I was little kid. A story about a caboose who longs to be as popular as the steam engine at the front of the train, and gains the respect and admiration of all when it saves the train from rolling down a mountain. The Copper Peak part, not sure about that.” HTTP://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Red_Caboose Beth and I walked back to our car and drove back home. Obviously, the above story is not a true story. But the following is a very true story. In an excellent article found in the Superior Chronicle, I found this quote: www.superiorchronicle.com/archives/09_february/pc_02_04_09.html “The story of Ironwood, “ Hazel said, “Is the story of America.” The abandoned mines found in Ironwood and surrounding areas are indeed, not just an Ironwood story, but an American Story. So very true is this statement. All across this country, lay abandoned mines, farms, saw mills, landmarks, historic buildings and traditions all of which, upon reflection, cause one to remember the “American Story.” The story where the human mind, the mind of imagination, creativity, inspiration, and face to face communication was not distracted by DVD's, CD's, 500 Channel Cable Television, Video Games, or High Speed Internet. During those very long, cold winter nights, the American spirit pressed forward. It was in this environment that dreams, visions and imaginations filled the mind, heart and soul of those who were watching their once vibrant livelihood, die. Demand for lumber, steel, and other commodities which had once been the economic fuel of the American and World economies, was diminishing. People were losing their jobs, local economies were crumbling. It was in this time period of the 1920's that the men and woman of Hayward, WI were ready to change their economy based on logging, to an economy based on tourism. www.haywardlakes.com/history.html It was in this time period of the 1920's that the Rhinelander, WI Hodag played its part in helping this lumber boomtown and industrial center to turn its land into farm land. www.rhinelanderchamber.com/history2.htm It was during this time period of the 1920's, that Leavenworth, WA was left with 24 empty storefronts on its two block business street, and about 40 years later, in 1960, decided to turn change their town so they could attract tourist. Most important, it was also during this general time period that the mystery of the human mind, the creative, a miracle whirled around in the minds of Ironwood area people, a birth of an idea, with that idea, came discussions, came focus, came excitement, came hope, came belief, came a reality, a ski flying facility on Copper Peak, the only one in America. The birth of the idea of a Copper Peak ski flying hill was initially designed to be a resurrection to the dying demand for iron ore and the soon to follow dying economy of the Ironwood area. Organizers of Ironwood's Copper Peak, like Leavenworth WA, like Hayward WI, like Rhinelander WI, and many other successful towns, realized that in order to survive the dwindling demand for their iron ore and lumber drastic changes needed to be made. Maybe it was easier back then for a group of people to reach a consensus, no DVD's, No Internet, no 500 channel TV, no video games. Maybe it was easier to overcome such odds, because it was easier for people to talk face to face, it was easier to resolve differences of opinion, it was easier to create positive group motivation? At any rate, I read this quote in The Daily Globe: “The competitors love this hill,” said Charlie Supercynski, president of Copper Peak Inc. You won't find an event like this in the entire Midwest. This event brings more money into the country than any other single event... summer or winter. Half the fans come from out of the area so it helps the restaurants, lodging and other sports in the area.” www.ironwoodglobe.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=31432 Mr. Supercynski, also makes the following claims at the Copper Peak website.
www.copperpeak.org/president_speaks.htm According to Mr. Supercynski, Copper Peak, even as a Backward Driven Race Car, this Little Red Caboose continues to be a resurrection to the economy of the Ironwood area. Is Mr. Supercynski right? Did Ironwood area's previous generations really know what they were doing when they built Copper Peak? If so, if Copper Peak really adds to the local economy as Mr. Supercynski suggests, then, maybe in the scheme of things this Backward Driven Race Car deserves more attention. Maybe it should be made a very important community priority, and turned back into the streaming high speed locomotive it was designed to be? Lets think out of the box for a moment. Consider what one man did, just one man, not a community of brilliant minds like Ironwood, but one man. Dana White, thought out of the box, and turned a rag tag, very little value, mixed martial arts sport, which was dead, and turned it into the into a now billion dollar business now called the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC. I am not saying I support the UFC sport, but, I find the entrepreneur thinking process, as it relates to this discussion, relevant. That is, thinking out of the box, utilize the entrepreneur spirit to create prosperity. Read Whites Interview with Entrepreneur.com if you wish to have further insight. Maybe Copper Peak can be modified so it can not only accommodate ski flying, but also ski jumping? Maybe Gogebic Community College will offer for credit a course in ski jumping/flying? Maybe to raise money for Copper Peak, and to draw thousands of tourist, could host a Copper Peak Country Music Festival, kind of like a Hodag Country Festival? www.hodag.com Maybe Copper Peak, can host national ski jumping competition, as well as International ski flying competition? Maybe, Copper Peak, can also be turned into the nations largest Bungee Jumping facility. Maybe, Copper Peak, can also have the nations tallest water slide, season is short, but visualize, that water slide. Maybe the new proposed Ironwood Ski Director's responsibilities will asst in the expansion into the joint development, renovations, and marketing of Copper Peak with the area's businesses? The possibilities are endless. Next topic. This discussion you may find amazing. I did when I came across it. According to Wikipedia:
Imagine that, a European Doctor, Jacques Rogge, appointed to head the International Olympic Committee, has decided that, all women, are not equal, not good enough, to do as men do, and jump off a ski jump? It is the only sport, in the winter Olympics, where it has been decided that women, are not good enough, to be part of a sport that men do. 2010 Winter Olympics are to be held in Vancouver Canada, and the female ski jumpers are furious, that even though the Winter Olympics are being held in their own Country, they are not being allowed to compete in an event, solely, because they are female and the male European, Jacques Rogge, does not want the medals diluted and watered down by the female athletes. In short, Mr. Jacques, ruling, has determined that some female athletes, compared to men, are inferior. Don't believe me? Read it for yourself. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_jumping www.canada.com/Sports/snub+female+jumpers+double+standard/1312872/story.html www.womensskijumpingusa.com/presscopies/globemail.htm www.thestar.com/Sports/article/292592 www.cbc.ca/sports/amateur/story/2008/10/01/ski-jumping.html www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=3104&tp=n Maybe Copper Peak can form an All American women's Olympic ski jumping/flying team, and in conjunction with the Canadian and other North American female ski jumpers, defeat these anti-female athletic capabilities philosophy, by this IOC European President? Is it true that no women has ever ski jumped off of Copper Peak? Strange. Seems like to would be very easy to find a lots of American sponsors for such a cause, such as a female Olympic Ski Jumping/Flying Team, or just any type of female ski jumping team. This is a wide open field, this female Olympic ski jumping/flying events. Imagine, what if a town built a fully functional, fully equipped, NFL quality football stadium. Yet, future generations of young athletes were not given the opportunity to learn anything about football, or play football on that field, and it was the only football field in the entire town, because the goal post were at the wrong angle, the goal post were at the wrong heights, and the grass was not the right type to offer padding to the players? Imagine, what if a town built a fully functional, fully equipped, World Series quality baseball stadium. Yet, future generations of young athletes were not given the opportunity to learn anything about baseball, or play baseball on that field, and it was the only baseball field in the entire town, because the bases were missing, the bleachers were rusty, and no one would mow the grass so the field could be used? Yes, given honor to a 1000 dead miners is noble and wonderful, yes, recognizing areas such as the Caves as a unique heritage to the Ironwood area is great, yes naming a trail system and a park, after the history of an era gone by which will never be revived is terrific. Yet, how much more noble, to embrace that heritage, that history of an area, which is still alive, which is still vibrant, which still has incredible current and has much future use? Talk about an American Story. Building a structure like Copper Peak, during the time period it was built, in the remote isolated area it was built, when you think about it really is the greatest of American Dream The concept that we live in a nation where an individual, male, female, of any race, through belief and hard work, is not limited in their potential but can fly to very high heights of achievement. Is not this very concept the American Dream, the American story? Why did these builders of Copper Peak, just not settle for a typical ski jump facility, as opposed to this nation's only ski flying facility? It seems many communities, during the 1920's and 1930's made drastic changes to ensure the success and survival of their communities for their children, grandchildren, and for many generations to come. To be sure, this is very noticeable in small towns like: Leavenworth, WA www.leavenworth.org/modules/pages/?pageid=3&path=2|3 Hayward, WI www.haywardlakes.com/history.html Rhinelander, WI www.rhinelanderchamber.com/history.htm Much like a good parent, who provides well for her children, given them a bright and hopeful future, the leaders of the communities listed above did well for their future generations. In turn, the generations following, and the current generations, have been very good stewards of the previous generations, sacrifices, hard work, blood, sweat and tears. With enthusiasm, they embraced, expanded, the previous generations creative efforts and sacrifices, and in so doing, the current generation is helping to secure their children, grandchildren, and many future generations survival. Interesting to me, to not see any web links, no pictures, in either the Superior Chronicle, IronwoodInfo.com, or the The Daily Globe, on this incredible one of a kind sky flying facility representing human and American achievement, but then again, I am from out of the area. Wake Up Ironwood, your fore-fathers and fore-women, knew what they were giving you when they went through all the work, headaches, heartaches, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears to build you, the future generations, a very unique All American facility like Copper Peak. Take care of it, and it will certainly take care of you and many, many generations to come. Maybe, then, in the next seven years, Ironwood will not suffer a drastic 11.6% population decline, as she did from 2000-2007? HTTP://citywide-data.com/city/Ironwood-Michigan.html Maybe, just maybe this Copper Peak, this Backward Driven Race Car, this Little Red Caboose, along with all the other planned events, could greatly help resurrect the Ironwood area back into prosperity?
Best Wishes, M | ||||||||||
Aren't Cabs Meant to Be a Convenience? (February 28, 2009)I have lived in this town most of my life. Like many others, I rely on the services that our local businesses offer. I am totally appalled at the way the Twin City Taxi Company operates. I work as a bartender in the lower block of Hurley. This is not he first time that I have called for a cab, others have too at bar closing. Last night, I called a cab because my truck would not start due to the fact that it was only -22 degrees. I live 5 blocks east of Hurley. When I called for a cab, they told me that I needed to walk 3 blocks west to Larry's Bar if I wanted a cab ride. Why would anybody walk 3 blocks in the wrong direction to pay a taxi to drive you 8 blocks home? Isn't the entire concept of a cab to pick you up where you are to take you someplace where you want to be? They have done this in the past, like I said. At -22 degrees, not including the wind chill, a person could very easily get frost bite or worse. Do cab services in other towns do this? Please let me know! I could be wrong, but in my mind this is no way of doing business. Thank You. Tim Schwab | ||||||||||
MMHP Good Way to Honor Area Mine Workers (February 26, 2009)I must say I was very pleased to read your article about the Friend's of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park (MMHP) and their support of a Park honoring those individuals who worked the area mines over several decades. Back in 2006, I worked with several other concerned citizens to create a program that honored the 80th anniversary of the Pabst Mine Disaster. A program was held in September of that year. The City of Ironwood received a State Proclamation honoring not only the 80th anniversary of the Pabst Mine Disaster, but also those who worked in the mines -- including those who lost their lives in the process. The mines brought many good things to this area. One of the best things they established was a wide and varied ethic population. People from across the globe came here to settle and start a new life in America. We were, and still are, a melting pot of a diverse ethnic people with customs which today some feel are lost. To me, they aren't lost, but they maybe forgotten. It' encouraging to see a group wanting to honor the people who contributed to what we have today. Maybe with a building of a Park we may be able to develop a Miner's Day Celebration which would honor the rich ethnic background that was established in on the Gogebic Range by the people who moved here to work the mines. John Cain | ||||||||||
Could Conflicting Interests Be Affecting Decisions? (February 21, 2009)I could not agree more with the quote by Steve Frank below. You hit the nail right on the head here! Excellent, excellent, local reporting! This is why the Constitution grants us a free press. I listened to all the audios and I really liked all the positive thinking in this group, and all the great positive input from so many different people, really makes us excited about Ironwood area, a community moving forward, taking control of their destiny.
Charlie Supercynski's presentation was just excellent -- dream and dream big! Maybe your Mayor Noren is not so supportive of the community on this cross country trail/park project for he fears that cross country skiing popularity will draw business away from local downhill skiing? Isn't Noren the one who is buying one of the Ironwood area ski mountains, Big Powderhorn? And is he not buying this ski mountain via a lawsuit so he can force the owners of the ski mountain, his employer of many years, to sell the ski mountain to him? Would cross country skiing be considered a competition to downhill skiing? If, there is a direct competition between these two sports, downhill skiing and cross country skiing, then, your mayor, may be dealing with a conflict of interest issues? Meaning, he may find it to be in his best long term interest to excuse himself from this trail/park project manner? To be sure, I for one, if I had kids, due to the cost of downhill skiing, would rather get my kids, and myself, involved in cross country skiing. Just a thought. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Get the Facts Before You Develop an Opinion (February 20, 2009)I stated in my previous letter why we don't partner with our neighbors to the west. One other point I'd like to clarify is that not all cell phone customers reach Iron County, WI when they dial 911. Only those locals who have a Cellular One/at&t phone. Those of us with Alltel (soon to be Verizon) reach Negaunee, even if you're calling from Hurley or the surrounding area in Iron County such as the flowage for example. With all due respect to the ICSD, the difference between an enhanced 911 dispatch center, be it "Cadillac" or "Chevrolet" is obvious. They have done and continue to do an awesome job with both their own emergencies and ours, like any good neighbor would do. They are not a 911 dispatch center. They are a county sheriff office, just like we have in Bessemer. The reason we decided on the number we did is that no matter where the 911 calls are answered, there is not now enough income coming in to pay for it. In addition we still have to replace much equipment county-wide which is rapidly becoming outdated and unusable. By 2013 all five of the repeaters in the county, many radios (not the 800 MHz) and pagers will be unusable because of a process called "narrow banding" which the government is putting in place to free up more of the air waves. We also pay the microphone fees for all the 800 MHz radios in the county. There's a lot more here than meets the eye. Again, I'd ask anyone with questions to please come to a meeting and get the facts before you form an opinion. Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
Why Not Join Iron County's 911 System? (February 20, 2009)I stand corrected that citizens will vote on a surcharge increase and not a millage. But, in my mind, whether you call it a surcharge or a millage -- it's still an additional tax! We need to look at Iron County, Wisconsin, whose 911 system is already up and running and who continues to answer cell phone 911 calls for Michigan-based callers. What would be the costs to tie into their system? Just like the Regional Dispatch Center -- we took advantage of a 911 dispatch center that was already set up! I grant you $1.65 or $5.00, what's saving a life worth? My concerns are about the additional costs and budget problems -- both locally and at the State level -- which we all know could change at any time. If that happens we'd again be facing new costs as we are now. Will the ongoing money squeeze force the Committee to ask local citizens to vote on an increased surcharge in the near future? John Cain | ||||||||||
Gogebic County 911 Committee Member Responds to Cain Letter (February 20, 2009)I also wanted to clarify a couple of things in my friend John Cain's letter regarding 911. The so-called "basic 911" is in actuality nothing more than a call forwarding system. You dial 911 it forwards your call. It won't even give you a caller ID number to call back to. So lets call it what it is. Secondly, and we've investigated this repeatedly because it seems logical, we are unable to partner in 911 with our good neighbors to the west because the telephone companies can't or don't (they tell us can't) "talk" to each other. Something about different circuits or different technologies. Whatever, the bottom line is right now it can't be done. That's why the "easy button" was purchased to transfer 911 calls from ICSD to Negaunee Central Dispatch. I would invite any citizens with questions to please come to the 911 meetings. They're open to the public and we always have a place on the agenda for citizens who wish to speak. Although it's limited to five minutes we always try to answer any and all questions to the best of our ability. We put a lot of time and effort into this for the health and safety of our citizens and we don't take that responsibility lightly. If you have suggestions or questions PLEASE, we'd like to hear them at a meeting. Ken Jacobson | ||||||||||
County Should Consider Alternatives When It Comes to 911 (February 20, 2009)The 911 system that we use in Gogebic County, in times of emergent situations, is "TOP SHELVE" and can locate individuals if they're unable to speak. Many communities or counties have the "BASIC" 911 system - locally Iron County, Wisconsin has Basic 911, for example -- and I must point out that we have not heard of any problems from their 911 system has we have with our "ENHANCED" system through the State Police Dispatch Center. Now, we face a milleage request due to increase cost. That brings up a question and concern in my mind. What happens if the State of Michigan -- which has Budget concerns of it's own -- cuts funds at/or for State Police Operations, which include the Dispatch Center? Whose going to make up the difference or the next increase due to a new contract? Will we be asked again to increase the milleage? I understand the urgent need to act due to time constraints, but in listening to members of the 911 committee who state we aren't receiving what we're paying for, let's look at options including 911-Basic and maybe, if possible, hook with iron County, Wisconsin and having our own! Basic or Enhanced both provide what's affordable and connect citizens to emergency services. John Cain EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Cain, I feel I need to clear up a couple of things mentioned in your letter. First of all, a millage is not being requested. It is important to point out that a millage is tied to property taxes. Every telephone user, including cell phones, landlines, and VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) phones, currently pays 911 surcharges on their telephone bills. Gogebic County 911 is requesting a surcharge increase NOT a millage. Recently the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) forced counties throughout the State to cap surcharges at unrealisticly low amounts. Currently a surcharge of 30¢ per line is being charged for 911 in Gogebic County. That amount is simply not enough to sustain any dispatch in Gogebic County -- whether it features 911 or not. When Ironwood opted to go with Negaunee dispatch, I was one of those that was very vocal, and very upset. I never like to see jobs outsourced, especially when there is a shortage of quality employment in the area. With that said, however, what's been done, is done! To attempt to bring back local dispatch at this point wouldn't be feasible. The costs to purchase the required equipment; to hire the proper number of personnel; to train the 911 operators; and to maintain the equipment and space it occupies; would be astronomical and prohibitive. Initially Negaunee 911 had its glitches. Installing and implementing a County-wide 911 system is an enormous undertaking. Any time you make changes to anything, there are going to be problems. Considering what a big job it was to establish the Gogebic County Enhanced system through Negaunee, the problems were relatively few and far between. Without a proper surcharge, Gogebic County will not be able to provide even Basic 911. State regulations now require 911 services. What will we do without 911? Let's look at this thing in real terms. What is your home worth? What is your business worth? What value do you put on your life and the lives of your family members and friends? A surcharge of $1.65 will cost you less than $20/year. In my mind that's pretty cheap insurance to know that help, when you really need it, is only three buttons away. | ||||||||||
Local Tattoo Artist Has the Right Idea! (February 17, 2009)Thank you Tattoo Mike for your article. It was right on the money! I hope every business owner reads this and looks at our beautiful town of Ironwood. I feel bad about the "downtown" vs "U.S. 2"... shame on you, we are IRONWOOD...ONE AND THE SAME. I thank you for the thump on the head to the Chamber. It is a poorly run organization; it is not changing; and it refuses to change. It would be nice to have a "refresher" in people who are running it. If you visit other chambers and you will understand this. Again, thanks Mike, good ideas, good article. Anonymous 
EDITOR'S NOTE: It appears that the author of the above letter was referring to an article I wrote profiling the Iron Horse Tattoo Company and its owner Mike Mezzano back on January 21st of last year. When it comes to Mr. Mezzano (pictured to the left) and his ideas, I fully agree with the author. Mike has a unique perception of Ironwood's downtown and he has an abundance of ideas that, if implemented, could make a huge difference in the success of our downtown business district. When we first started the Chronicle last year, it was my goal to periodically write profiles of Ironwood businesses. I really enjoy writing those pieces, because like Mike -- many of the business owners have great ideas that deserve to be shared. Hopefully I'll be able to begin the profiles again in the near future. | ||||||||||
Weighing In On the Stimulus Package (February 14, 2009)I read, with interest, the letter to the editor regarding the bail-out funds allotted to banking and other big business by our Federal Government. It's very possible that the President's Stimulus Package will pass and be at his desk by this Monday - incidentally President's Day. I don't believe this package will help long-term; but will help for a short-term period. We are continuously seeing lay-offs of large numbers daily or complete close-ups of factories. I wrote a letter prior to the November Election to Congressman Stupak suggesting that we totally develop a stimulus package which earmarks or nation's failing infrastructure - by developing retraining programs for the unemployed. Most of our parent's and grandparents remember the WPA programs and how they provided training. This program provided improved infrastructure to local communities as well has providing a paycheck. The spin-off to the many industries who would employ individuals who manufacture the many various materials and or supplies, services, or equipment would be great - giving even more people a job and a paycheck. If you feel this is what's needed, let your elected officials, be they local, State, Federal, or even the President, know it. LET THEM KNOW YOUR CONCERNS! Thanks, John Cain | ||||||||||
Appreciates Chronicle Coverage (February 12, 2009)I just wanted to drop off a note to thank the Superior Chronicle for doing such a fine job of reporting Ironwood area news. I sincerely hope this new venture is a success for those involved. As a former resident of the area, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy making regular visits to your website to check for updates. I like the way that news is updated throughout the day. I also like all of the photos. The reporting is top-notch and the graphics are incredible. I used to read Ironwood's newspaper site, but I don't care for their new format. Reading the Chronicle makes me homesick for the area. You do a good job showcasing Ironwood and everything that makes it the best place to live and raise a family. Keep up the great job! Agnes Irwin | ||||||||||
Frustrated By Bail-Out Waste (February 12, 2009)I am writing as a frustrated, struggling United States taxpayer. I am sick and tired of turning on the news everyday to hear about the companies that are getting bailout money, for what? AIG got bailout money not only once but a second time. So what do they do? They go on some high-end spa retreat weekend. Yesterday on the news I hear about Bank of America, who also got bailout money. They go to Florida for a Super Bowl party that costs $10 million dollars! Merrill Lynch, just before their takeover, hands out billions of dollars in bonuses, and the guy doing this generosity goes and does a million dollar remodel on his office. Bank of America takes over Merrill Lynch and benefits from the bailout and has a "Super Bowl" party. Ok, so my complaint (one of many) is, who is in charge of how companies are spending this bailout money? He or she should be fired, along with the people who are mishandling these funds. Oh, and what are the consequences for mishandling these funds…hmmmm? I have not heard of one yet! Here is on good example of how the bailout money should be spent. I live in Ironwood, Michigan. The city has just put in for $22 million stimulus for help in the ever failing water line problem. A few weeks ago the main water line broke in our small town, which almost depleted all the water in the city. Almost every day since the city crew has been out on numerous water breaks since. This water system is in dire need of being replaced, not only would help from the government (a bailout maybe) help with this great need, it would also create many needed jobs in this area. My husband, who has a college degree, has worked construction for numerous years, ever since White Pine Mine has closed. But since the economy is in the shape it is in he has had quite a few different jobs since the closing of the mine. Currently he is at the same grocery store that I work at, making $8.50 an hour, anywhere between 21 and 32 hours a week. What happens to the guys that have been making millions of dollars in scams? Bernard Madoff got caught scamming millions. The he got caught trying to hide the money. So, what happens to him? He gets released to live in his multi- million dollar penthouse. Now there are reports of his wife withdrawing millions the day before he is arrested, she should also be "under house arrest in their multi-million dollar penthouse!" I guess the higher up on the success ladder you are the better chance you have of getting off. People who get caught stealing from the store I work at, whether it be a candy bar, or vitamins, they get carted of in handcuffs and prosecuted. I am tired of waiting for the American Dream to come knocking at my door, or buying a lottery ticket each week, to think, just maybe this week I will be lucky enough to win (HA). I won't have to live from payday to payday, or wonder which bill I can pay this week or have enough extra to buy the groceries we need. You know the ol' saying, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer? It sucks to be the poor ones! I would like to see some of these people to live in my shoes for just one month. Please excuse me if any of my statements are not totally correct, but you get the idea of what I am so frustrated about, not only me, but many Americans. A person could go on and on and on about all the B.S. that goes on in this great country. Lori Smith EDITOR'S NOTE: When it's all said and done, the country will have wasted trillions of dollars giving out hand-outs to irresponsible corporate executives. Why are top executives of failing companies getting bonuses anyway? Aren't bonuses meant to be a way of rewarding work well done? Can you imagine your boss coming up to you saying, "You know, you did such a rotten job this year, I'm going to give you a huge bonus!" The theory behind the corporate bailouts is that the financial assistance will "trickle down" to the average taxpayer. I would favor a plan that bailed out the average taxpayer. In the end it would be cheaper to give every American a fresh start financially by paying off personal debt -- mortgages, auto loans, and credit card balances. In so doing, the banks would not be "stuck" with foreclosed properties. People who are currently struggling to get by would suddenly have disposable income. People who are living from paycheck to paycheck would suddenly have a few extra dollars in their pockets. They would be able to buy things they need and even start saving and investing. Property values would stabilize and the economy would get a much needed shot in the arm. Giving millions to undeserving corporate executives does nothing for the economy. Giving money to people who badly need the money will greatly impact the economy. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Opposes Fire Department Cost Recovery Program (February 10, 2009)I just finished reading your article about the "Fire Department Cost Recovery Program". First off, I find it strange there was no mention of this in the Globe. Thanks for the heads up on this one. On the About_Ironwood site this idea is referred to as a "Fire Tax". I do not like this idea at all, in fact it makes me angry. We are currently paying taxes in support of these services already. It's like getting taxed twice. Looks like the tax payer will once again get the shaft. Let's look around town. House values are going down (try and sell yours) while my assessment went up along with my property taxes. The city continues to give reduced water rates to special events and entities. They consider tax breaks for the likes of Hovey! We pay a City Manager extra for his engineering qualifications only to see the engineering services contracted out. We hire a Code Enforcement Officer when we have a Public Safety Department that could handle the job quite well. The list goes on and on. In my opinion poor decisions are being make at City Hall at the expense of the taxpayer citizens of Ironwood. Thanks for letting me vent, and thanks for keeping us informed on what's really going on in Ironwood. Keep up the good work. Thanks. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Code of Conduct Equals Guise to Control (February 07, 2009)I have been following the controversy, comments, and articles concerning the proposed adaptation of a code of conduct/guidelines for the various city committees. From what I have read this only seems to be a guise to gain control over the proceedings of these meetings by a group of people who like to have things their way and their way only. They appear to want to silence those with opposing views. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Opposes IPC Membership Diversity Policy (February 06, 2009)Well, just when I thought I have heard everything - the Ironwood Planning Commission (IPC) takes the lead in adopting a policy which places professions as an area to be able to hold a seat on this appointed board. I can see reducing its members somewhat; however, requiring that one holds a certain profession will lead to problems. I have sat on this board when I was a City Commissioner and during that time found the makeup very diversified - made up of citizens of many backgrounds. Choosing to place individuals by profession sets limits on who may apply. This does not allow for total citizen participation. I know many in this community who have no college degree - who are very, very successful business-people. Where do they place here? Where does the small-business person fit? How about an individual with a legal-degree (an attorney)? Whoever came up with this has, in my opinion, a set agenda which needs to be stopped. What's next? The other various boards and committees? Or why not go all the way and let's have! Why not require that the City Commission be made up by professions that require a sheep-skin? John Cain | ||||||||||
Readers Report Bad Link and Question Lack of Reporting (February 05, 2009)I am writing to you in regards to this article: Trails Subcommittee Wows IP&RC Audience With Trail Presentation. Great reporting, great article, but I noticed that you have a very gross error. When you push "read more," to this article, it takes you to another link, the MSHDA Link. Also, I noticed on the City of Ironwood web site, that the City Manager has posted a 42k marathon cross country ski race is planned for 2010 and they are looking for a ski director, yet, I have not read any reporting, from any local news source on this fantastic event, which I would think is more than newsworthy, for this is certainly a great event for your depressed economic area. People afraid of change, or unwillingly to put aside petty differences in the name of economic prosperity?? Keep up the great work!! Mary Why is that we have not read any reporting, from any news source on this great ski event planed for 2010 for your area? Also, you have an error on the link to the article titled Trails Subcommittee Wows IP & RC Audience with Trail Presentation. Thanks, Kim http://www.cityofironwood.org/documents/Ironwood%20Ski%20%20Race%20director%20.pdf EDITOR'S NOTE: First of all, thank-you for reporting the "bad link" to the story. We have corrected the problem and we apologize for any inconvenience. Secondly, thanks for the kind words regarding our reporting. And finally, the proposed Ironwood cross country ski race is in the very early planning stage, and there really isn't much to report. The Chronicle reported previous mentions of a "possible" cross country event, however, many issues must be addressed before the plan can be implemented. The plan is to link the existing ABR trail with the Miners Memorial Heritage Park/Trail to create an event much like Hayward's Birkebeiner. There are some very ambitious, energetic, and dedicated people working on the trails project, and I am confident that this group can and will make the event a reality. The Chronicle will be happy to report each and every progressive step they complete in their endeavor. Jim Albert | ||||||||||
Imagination: The Patterns of Success (February 01, 2009)Greetings Ironwood. Greetings Ironwood. In Part I, and Part II of our discussion, we discovered how a small group of people, in two once dying lumber towns, took control of their destiny, and through the use of a Country Music Festival and Christmas Festival, were able to shift their paradigm from one of poverty to one of economic prosperity. Specifically, we looked at the town of Leavenworth Washington, and Rhinelander Wisconsin. Leavenworth, WA, with a population of only about 2000, was once a dying timber town. However, Leavenworth's leadership and citizens, focused their attention on making a positive change. They did this by creating a unified story "The Village of Lights." As a result, year after year they have been able to attract millions of tourist http://www.leavenworth.org/modules/pages/index.php?pageid=1 http://www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com/SPONSORS.HTM http://christkindlmarkt.projektbayern.com Moreover, Rhinelander citizens followed and put into action a very simple and well known pattern of success. Then, based upon that pattern of success, Rhinelander citizens created a tourist attraction, which appeals to a large audience. The Hodag Country Festival in July 1000's of people into the Rhinelander area. www.hodag.com These towns, like humans in despair, just got to that point where they said: "We have had enough." Their population were declining, their downtown area buildings were being vacated, infrastructure crumbling, water lines busting, and most of their residence were living in poverty. In that place of desperation, they came face to face with reality, that point where change was no longer an option; that is, if they wanted to survive. Consider, the alcoholic, the drug addict, or any other form of self destructive, self defeating habit and lifestyle. Either we ourselves have been their, or we certainly have a family member or friend, who has been their. 1601 As much as you want to help them, there is nothing anyone can do, until, that person gets to that point, where they have hit the bottom and realize that, "THEY HAVE HAD ENOUGH." These humans come to that place where in their utter despair they begin to look beyond themselves for a solution to their problems. In so doing, they network with those who have been were they are at, they form successful partnerships, they arrange a vast network of sponsors who willingly will share in the joys and of their recovery. As part of the pathway to success a simple plan is made, which is based upon patterns of success, is used by those seeking a brighter future. So what really are we doing here, with all these ideas and thoughts and observations of how other communities pulled themselves out of having to deal with blight and poverty? Consider, that on January 8, 2009 the Superior Chronicle did an excellent story on the Ironwood Planning Commission meeting. http://www.superiorchronicle.com/archives/09_january/pc_01_07_2009.html Specifically, the IPC was trying to figure out the most resourceful way to deal with an issue, "Sexual Oriented Business District," in doing so, they considered how another city, Traverse City, confronted with the same issue, structured their ordinance to deal with that particular problem. "Wyssling then told Dan Petersen that he didn't get a chance to read through Traverse City's complete ordinance. He asked Petersen if there were any matters that Traverse City addressed that the City of Ironwood's newly proposed ordinance maybe missing. Petersen told Wyssling that the Ordinance he drafted contained. changes based on the Traverse City Ordinance." By the way, great job Dan Petersen and John Wyssling for the resourcefulness used to remedy a problem! Given communities are made up of people, can we use this theory of how to transform a Dying person to a Thriving person, to an understanding how to take a Dying Community to a Thriving Community? So it was, with the once dying communities of Leavenworth WA, and Rinelander WI. They had come to a place, where "THEY HAD ENOUGH," they took their destiny into their own hands, used their imaginations, looked beyond themselves, and developed a simple plan based upon Patterns of Success and began to advance as a community from one of dying and poverty to one of prosperity and growth. To be sure, all life seeks to advance. "If the masses begin to move forward... neither governments nor industrial systems can check them;all systems must be modified to accommodate the forward movement." Wattles. Consider your sitting in your home, and mosquitoes start swarming in, day after day after day. You keep swatting them, but they just keep getting in a bothering you. You tried everything you could think of, this spray, that spray, this lotion, that lotion. The problem just kept getting worse and worse. To the point that you could not focus on anything else, could not move forward with anything else, so you even hired a full time mosquito swatter. The job of the mosquito swatter was to keep the problem at bay, let him use his energy to tackle the problem. Would it not be more resourceful to eradicate the cause of the mosquito problem, instead of focusing upon the effect? What happens if the mosquito problems continues to grow, even though you have hired a full time mosquito swatter? Hire another, and another, and another? Blight, the mesquite, Blight officer, the mosquito swatter. The cause of blight - population decline. [simple supply and demand economics at work] The cause of population decline – a lack of advancement and development opportunities on an individual basis within a community. If a community has enough to offer people, people, will move into the area, as people move into an area they bring a fresh flow of currency. Thus, demand for business increases, business expand, jobs are created, supply of empty houses are absorbed, vacant commercial buildings are filled, expansion is created. Wattles says it best: "Every living thing must continually seek for the enlargement of its life, because life, in the mere act of living, must increase itself." Most important, one only has to look at the many other communities in the area and in the nation, who have had to deal with these same kind of problems and see what they did to overcome. What criteria do we use then, to determine if a community is "Doing it Right" in terms of creating opportunities for their citizens to advance and develop. Population increase, or decrease, over a specific time period, I would assume?
Let us move on to PART III of this study entitled: Achieving Success Through Christmas Lights, Country Music, and Sporting Events. Let us now study how a small group of people, who like Leavenworth and Rhinelander, were faced with uncertianity and economic collapse and blight. However, they decided to take control of their destiny. This small Northern Wisconsin town, which like Leavenworth and Rhinelander, had once built its economy on an economy which demanded lumber. However, around 1922, when the demand for Wisconsin Pine died, they decided to finds way to support their economy on the need for city people to find unique country destination. For this reason, Hayward, Wisconsin turned to tourism. http://www.haywardlakes.com/history.html Hayward, WI: population of around 2,285 and located about 90 miles from Ironwood, really understood the lucrative benefits of turning their small town into a Northern Sport Adventure, with 5 unique sporting events such as:
It is just astounding to me, that a city population of only 2,285 people, and a county population of only 17,088, could come together, get focused, make commitments, get sponsors, put aside petty differences, and become so successful. Just Amazing!! No one handed their success to them. Yet Hayward, like Leavenworth and Rhinelander, they had a plan, strong leadership, and they simply picked themselves up and decided to become successful. Cannot blame the cold weather for a lack of success, for these three cities, also have a very similar weather patterns as Ironwood area. Even though it is not the purpose of this discussion to look at the history of each of these Hayward Sporting Events, there are some points which really stick out to me which I will discuss a bit further. First, it seems out of the five events, the one event, which led the way for this community was the American Birkenbeiner. I notice the marketing of this event, by using the word "American" just this event alone attracts on a yearly basis around 9,500 skiers, and 15,000 spectators. All this because one person had a dream, one person had a dream, to make Hayward Wisconsin the place where the entire world would come to each year to ski the Birkie. Can one person make a difference? Read the history, you decide. http://www.birkie.com/?page=1065&mediaid=13 "Every living thing must continually seek for the enlargement of its life, because life, in the mere act of living, must increase itself," Wattles. To be sure, Hayward put Wattles put this philosophy to work, and enlarged their lives by adding sporting event after sporting event. True to their lumber jack history, they created the Lumber Jack World Championships, which brings in around 12,000 people into their small town each summer to watch the 100 plus competitors vie for more then $50,000.00 in price money, making it one of the largest purses for lumberjack competition in the World. HTTP://championship/history Hayward learned the power of sponsorship to help them achieve their goals. They learned how to network, and build relationships, to form solid partnerships for the betterment of their community.. They even have a web page just for the sponsors of this Lumberjack World Championships. http://www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com/sponsors The other event that I find interesting is Hayward's Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. Hayward built upon their successes, one after another, and as America expanded their interest in alternative and new sporting events, Hayward was right on top of it. With a creativity, and good planning, Hayward planners utilized the same trails used for the Birkenbeiner Races for the Mountain Bike racing. Most important, like their Birkenbeiner events, for marketing purposes, they tailored the races and courses for the most serious professional, and the novice as well. Meaning, they tapped into a very, very large market, the professional and the novice markets. http://www.cheqfattire.com/cheq40.html This marketing strategy creates an event that encourages a large base of participants. The Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival event draws the crowds into Hayward during the Fall The Lumberjack World Championships event draw the crowds into Hayward during the Summer. The American Birkenbeiner event draws the crowds into Hayward during the Winter. Ingenious, simply ingenious planning and community development. What more can one say, for a small community in the middle of the Wisconsin woods who simply decided to take their destiny into their own hands. Moreover, I doubt if this economic downturn, even though it the worst economic criss to hit America since the Great Depression, will have much effect on the economy of Hayward. I have yet to here of a major sporting event being canceled due to the current economic conditions. People who love sports are very committed and focused people. Incidentally, this Hayward Mountain Bike event is so popular that they actually have to limit the number of riders to 2,500. http://www.cheqfattire.com/faq.html Are there sponsors of this mountain bike event? Again, Hayward planners shine bright in their understanding of the importance of working together, on an individual basis and as a community. To be sure, they have developed a very supportive network of sponsors.. http://www.cheqfattire.com/sponsors.html Did towns like Hayward and Leavenworth, and Rhinelander, depend on Government Grant or stimulis money for these events, or did they depend on themselves through the use of sponsors? In sum, Hayward, they have no ski mountains, they have no Great Lake Superior, they have no college, but through the use of creativity, determination, developing a solid plan, very good leadership, they have turned their small town into a very profitable place to live and do business, through the use of sports. This is an example of the excellent planning and development, patterns of success worth considering. Moreover, in order to develop themselves further Hayward has created other events weaving in and out of the main events; such as, Bridal Expo, Fishing Festival, Music, and Art festivals. The people of Hayward, like Leavenworth and Rhinelander, are no doubt "American Success Stories." The people of these communities did what Americans do best, work hard, innovative, and determined to succeed in spite of the obstacles. These success stories are very impressive, motivating, and could be worth learning from. If the the people of Hayward, Leavenworth, and Rhinelander can create an "American Success Story," then the people of the Ironwood and surrounding area, can certainly do the same and create your own Great American Success Story to hand down to your children, and future generations. What I am seeing in these three towns, Leavenworth, Rhinelander, and Hayward, is the ability of the people in this area, to come together in unity of mind, purpose, and create a simple plan of action. Press On Ironwood the World is Watching and Waiting for the Next "American Success Story" to inspire and give them hope. Best Wishes, M "The object of all life is development; and everything that lives has an inalienable right to all the development it is capable of attaining," Wattles. | ||||||||||
Writer Questions Lethargic City Fathers Lack of Planning and Action (January 29, 2009)"WATER ANYONE?" Ever since I found The superior Chronicle at Google during the initial and recent massive water calamity, I find myself checking it two-three times a day. For a lark I also Look-and-Laugh at the Daily "Blob" which is chuck-full of drug busts and other court rendered fines and sentences. Nice. Alluring. I write because in neither the Chronicle nor "The Blob" does one find any "mention" of the ardent and seemingly lethargic city fathers activities toward an "announcement" of any planning whatsoever of "shovel-ready" proposals to acquire any modicum of the forthcoming Obama Stimulus Package just packaged by the House of Representatives and now headed for the Senate. How about a "PLAN" to TOTALLY re-do the corroding water/sewer system here...or do we sit back and let them increase the water/sewer service and stick it to those who pay their outrageous bills. Infrastructure anyone? Here we sit on the greatest water resource in The World and we still have to PAY for it. Gaul. I must be stupid or I should go back to sleep and anxiously await the report of such productive findings and activities? Promise...I won't hold my breath. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Writer Supports the Civic Center (January 27, 2009)I was interim manager and my mother Linda was manager of the Civic Center for many years. It's hard to sit back and read and listen to people always putting down the Civic Center. Do people see what Pat O'Donnell did for this area for many years with his buisness and to give the city that money to put up the Civic Center? I don't see a lot of people in the area doing that kind of things for area childern -- giving what they have earned their whole life for a place like the Pat. Yes there has been some bad times down at the Civic Center but it seems like they always make it through it. There are a lot of people at the Civic Center that care for the place -- a lot of people who volunteer their time so the kids around here have something to do that is pretty cheap. There really isn't too much left to Ironwood. So, why take down another thing for people to do? Tony Cortez | ||||||||||
Writer Wants "Apples to Apples" Comparison on Water-Sewer Rates (January 25, 2009)Saturday's Globe had a clarification of area water-sewer rates. That clarification needs some clarification as it is still confusing to this reader. They use a base/flat rate comparison. Is the flat rate charge different in the various communities? Are not some charged by cubic feet instead of gallons? The Daily Globe is using the Department of Environmental Quality rate survey. Why not contact the local entities and get first hand the rates from each? Let's say we start with Montreal and end up in Wakefield including all the towns and townships in between. List what the flat rate of each is and what it costs per gallon/cubic foot after the flat rate is exceeded. List the sewer rates the same way. Let's not forget to list the garbage rates also, as they are part of the bill. Time after time, here in Ironwood, we are told how good of a deal we are getting. It would be nice to have a true comparison that everyone can comprehend. After all is said and done then let's look and compare what each community has to show for in the way of improvements to their infrastructure. Anonymous | ||||||||||
Parent Appreciates Hockey Postings (January 24, 2009)I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to post the articles for the Polar Bear Mite team. Last year we submitted an article to the Daily Globe with a picture and a week later still nothing was posted. They didn't even have to write the article, it was already written by one of the parents, along with the picture. When contacted, the Globe stated they didn't have room right now to run it. Instead they printed a WHOLE page on Brett Favre retiring. When they did run it they took out the picture and half the article. It is greatly appreciated how the Superior Chronicle takes the time to recognize the area youth. Not only did you print the WHOLE article but also added the picture! THANK YOU!!!!! Kerry Roehm (Mother of a Polar Bear Mite) | ||||||||||
Former Leadman Says Water Department Is In Good Hands (January 19, 2009)This is in response to Mr. John Cain's letter to the editor. Thanks for the kind words, John, but the water crew is capable of fixing anything that comes down the pipe. I was there just as a concerned citizen. They deserve the accolades. They may not have a certified person on the job but the people there are highly qualified to handle any problems that arise. There are lot of certified people that could not handle the work these guys do. If the guys have a question, they know they can call me any time and I would be glad to help them. I do miss the guys and the work. I guess that is why I visit them regularly. Rest assured John, the water department is in good hands. Bill Tregembo | ||||||||||
Former Commissioner Praises Former City Water Leadman For His Efforts (January 19, 2009)Yet another water leak and let's hope we have no more! The City of Ironwood is still under orders from the Michigan-Department of Environmental Quality [Water Division] to install a backup water main. For several years now the DEQ has insisted that a new main from the pumpstatation to Mt. Zion be installed. You'll not see the Township getting involved with any of that because they are a member of the Gogebic Range Water Authority and have plans of developing their own system. I noticed that Bill Tregembo was at todays waterbreak. He was also present at our last major break. It's good to see and know that Bill's there. His knowledge is very valuable to this City. He also has the current State certificates that are required. It's good to see him out there as we do not have a State certified leadman in our water department! So again, if Bill's assisting - I'd like to offer a BIG THANK-YOU BILLIE! John Cain EDITOR'S NOTE: The Chronicle contacted Mr. Tregembo to see if he is, in fact assisting the City. He told me that he was not there in an "official capacity," rather he was there merely as a concerned citizen. | ||||||||||
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (January 17, 2009)Hello Ironwood area! Here is an interesting study which I came across which some may enjoy. Simply, the purpose of this page was for the author to identify and collect the most significant points from Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He has created these notes because he found in this book a gold mine of sober and solid ideas for improving personal and professional management and forming quality relationships with other people. I have also read this book and I also recommend this book to anybody who wants to live a more productive and wholesome life. His comments are organized according to the chapters in the book so if you are reading the book, it will be easy to look up my notes on the section you are reading. I found the sections of Paradigm and Paradigm Shifts very interesting and useful. Best Wishes, M We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -- Aristotle PART ONE: PARADIGMS AND PRINCIPLES Inside-Out The Power of a Paradigm Shift Covey has the best example of a paradigm shift: he was traveling in a subway, a man gets in with his two sons, the sons are running all over the place bothering the people, this continues, so he finally gets irritated enough to ask the father why he doesn't do something to control his kids. The father replies, "We just got back from the hospital where their mother died. I don't know how to handle it and I guess they don't either." Suddenly you see the everything differently. That is the power of a paradigm shift. They are the same kids yelling and screaming in the subway, but you look at them and understand them in a different way. I was at the swimming pool the other day and saw a family of three leaving out the door. The little boy suddenly stopped and stood looking through the glass at the swimmers in the pool who were still swimming. The father yelled back to him, "Come on, what are you doing, just staring at things again? Let's go!" I thought about the paradigm that the father had of his son: "stupid, slow kid who's always doing something he isn't supposed to." Now what if the school counselor were to call the father up the next day and tell him, "We have just received the test results back from your son and have discovered that he has impressively high IQ. He is a genius." The next time his kid stood staring at something, I wonder if the father wouldn't go back to him inquisitively and say, "Tell me what you are thinking about son. What do you see?" Our behavior results from our paradigms of the world. The classic example of the old woman/young woman picture which Covey includes in the book is a good example. You can look at the picture and see an old woman or you can look at the picture and see a young woman. Depending on what you see is what you are going to say about "that picture." The Principle-Centered Paradigm In this book, Covey wants to express to us how we can base our behavior on a paradigm of the world which is centered on our unchanging principles instead of being centered on what happens in the world, what others do, what we do, how we feel, how others feel, the stock market, and the vicissitudes of life. The Way We See the Problem Is the Problem If you have a problem, the actual problem is that you are looking at it as a problem. It could be something else, such as an opportunity. When it rains lemons, make lemonade. You just need a paradigm shift. The Seven Habits--An Overview Production and Production Capability The Tale of the Golden Goose: There was once a farmer who bought a golden goose. A week later the golden goose laid a golden egg! The farmer was ecstatic! He cashed the golden egg and had a wild time. The following week he finds that the golden goose laid another golden egg! Again he cashes it in and spends the money. This happens week after week until one week the farmer just can't wait till the end of the week to get the golden egg so he kills his golden goose and takes the golden egg out of it. He has another wild time with the money. But the next week he realizes that there is no golden egg, for he has killed his golden goose. The moral of the story is to never kill your golden goose. Production is taking the golden egg every week. Production Capability is taking care of your golden goose. Covey suggests that we should strike a balance between production and production capability. Just like the farmer, someone who smokes and drinks constantly without exercising is getting too much production out of his body without storing any production capability. Yet someone who jogs 5 hours a day is not producing enough and is storing too much production capability (how long does he want to live anyway?). Production is getting something to work now (demanding that your son clean his room). Production Capability is making sure something will work in the future (building up an adult-adult relationship with your son so that he is the kind of person who wants to keep his room clean). We should keep these in balance. PART TWO: PRIVATE VICTORY HABIT 1: Be Proactive Pro-activity Being proactive means taking initiative, not waiting for others to act first, and being responsible for what you do. The opposite of proactive is reactive. Reactive people react to what goes on around them. Proactive people act based on principles. Circle of Influence Imagine a circle within a circle. The inner circle is your circle of influence and the outer circle is your circle of concern. This means that many things which you are concerned about you cannot influence. Yet there are many things which you are concerned about which you can influence. Reactive people focus on their circle of concern. Proactive people focus on their circle of influence. Being proactive also increases your circle of influence. HABIT 2: Begin with the End in Mind All Things Are Created Twice Plan well. Think things through. The carpenter's rule is "measure twice, cut once." Identifying Your Center What is your center? What determines your mood? If it is determined by your work, then you are centered on work. If it is determined by your spouse, then you are centered on your spouse. If it is determined by your church, then you are centered on your church. Covey suggests that you instead center yourself on your principles. A Principle Center While other things which we could center our lives on fluctuate, principles do not:
A Personal Mission Statement To find out what your principles are, envision your own funeral. Imagine that as your casket is being lowered down into the ground, your family and friends are standing around watching. What are they thinking about? When they think of you and your life, which statements, images and memories come up in their minds? What do you want them to think, imagine, and remember? It is precisely these statements, images, and memories which should be your principles. You should live toward these principles everyday. All of these principles combined make up your mission statement. Visualization and Affirmation I saw a documentary film once about an Olympic high jumper who used visualization in his training. He said that he trained the same amount of time visually as he did physically. This meant that half of his training was sitting in a chair envisioning every movement of the run up to the bar, then the jump, then the arched back, then the feet, and the successful fall down to the mat. He ran it in slow motion, backwards, and forwards until it was smooth. Anytime there was a doubt, he stopped his visualization and checked where his feet were, where his hands were, and how high his knee was. Then when he practiced physically, his body and mind had already "experienced" a successful jump and knew exactly what to do. This is the kind of visualization and affirmation that one can do with principles in a mission statement. If one of your mission statements is to be an understanding mother, visualize your daughter coming home from school and telling you that she failed a test. Visualize yourself being understanding in that situation. Identifying Roles and Goals The funeral exercise emphasizes roles before goals. "Being an good father" is a role. "Buying your son a skateboard" and "taking him to the ballgame" are goals which fulfill this role. Organizational Mission Statements When my wife and I were traveling in France, we stayed in an old hotel in Toulouse. We packed everything in the morning and made off to the train station. Ten minutes before our train was to leave, the owner of the hotel came running up to us with a bag of clothing we had forgotten. We thanked her profusely and we all said Au Renoir. She had a principle that she would give her customers the best service that she can, which means chasing after them to the train station when they have forgotten a bag of clothes. Now, being the owner of the hotel, it is not difficult to imagine that she needs customers and will go to all ends to satisfy every customer she has. Now what about a larger hotel. Would a bellhop or a cashier come running after a customer for a half hour to give them a bag of clothes? Probably not. Not only because they make their hourly wage anyway, but also because if they left the hotel, they would have a boss yelling at them when they got back. Most hotels are not set up to provide the kind of service that this French hotel owner provides her customers. Writing an organizational mission statement gives a common purpose to every employee of the organization and encourages employees to go out of their way to please the customers and fulfill the organizational principles. The janitor knows what the purpose of the company is and looks for ways to achieve that end. The president of the company encourages new ideas which will fulfill the company's roles and goals. HABIT 3: Put First Things First The Time Management Matrix
Every activity we do during the day can be put in one of four quadrants:
Quadrant II Answer this question: What one thing could you do in your personal and professional life that, if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous positive difference in your life? Chances are whatever you name, it is a Quadrant II activity. Effective, proactive people spend most of their time in Quadrant II. What It Takes to Say "No" To be effective, you need to stay out of Quadrants III and IV. To do this, you need to tell yourself and other people "no" to activities which lie in these areas. Suggest Quadrant II activities instead. Weekly Organizing Plan your week instead of your day. Each Sunday, look at your roles and goals from your mission statement, and assign activities throughout your week which fulfill these roles and goals. Double and triple them up, so that if your mission is that you want to be a good father, a good husband, and stay in shape, then on Thursday afternoon when you all have free, go jogging with your wife and son. Delegation: Increasing P and PC I love Covey's example of him delegating the lawn care to his son. He simple tells him "think green and clean" and use any tools and resources you need, including me. When delegating this job, he doesn't tell his son what to do (which would be killing the goose), he simple gives him a vision and lets his son fulfill it himself. Paradigms of Interdependence The Emotional Bank Account Imagine that each person with which you have a relationship of some kind has an emotional bank account. A deposit would be when you pick up a couple skateboard magazines for your son on your way home. A withdrawal would be when you make a promise to come watch his baseball game, but you do not show up. The goal is to get as much money in your emotional bank accounts as possible. Six Major Deposits Ways that you can make deposits in emotional bank accounts are:
P Problems are PC Opportunities Seeing problems as opportunities requires a paradigm shift. The flat tire on your way to an important meeting is still a flat tire, but the situation becomes an opportunity to show your resolve to act in a crisis situation. Or take the example of William Least Heat Moon, author of the book Blue Highways: in a period of three months back in the 70s, his wife divorced him and his college fired him. So he put all the money he had in a shoebox, packed up his van and drove around America on all the blue (smallest) highways writing a book about his travels through small town American culture. Today the book is a classic.
http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~tanguay/7habits.htm | ||||||||||
Writer Offers Christmas Gift to Ironwood Area (December 18, 2008)EDITOR'S NOTE: The following letter to the editor was submitted this morning via our Comments, Corrections and Complaints. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year Ironwood!! Here is my gift to you all | ||||||||||
