Paige Wiard Gallery hosts Copper Country Strong Art Auction through July 10

After the Storm. Collage by Fredi Taddeucci. This is one of several works of art donated to the Copper Country Strong Art Auction at the Paige Wiard Gallery in Calumet. The money raised will go to the Keweenaw Community Foundation to help people who have lost their home or need to make repairs because of the June 17 storm. (Photos courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

CALUMET -- Artists who exhibit their work in the Paige Wiard Gallery in Calumet have donated art works to the Gallery's Copper Country Strong Art Auction. Bidding ends on Tuesday, July 10.

Maple with a Touch of Turquoise, by Bill Wiard. This auction item is a maple vessel has been hand turned from maple from the Keweenaw that has a touch of turquoise from the Kingman Mine in Arizona. This piece is 5 inches tall and approximately 7 inches wide.

All money raised from this auction will go to the Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF), which keeps all donations in the Keweenaw area. The money will be used to help people who have lost their home or need to make repairs because of the June 17 storm.

If you would like to make a bid, you can post a bid in the comment section of the announcement on the Paige Wiard Gallery Facebook page. If you don’t want your name attached to a bid, instant message Paige or email her at paigewiardgallery@gmail.com and she will post it as anonymous.

Purple Iris, by Edith Wiard. This original watercolor was inspired by the beautiful iris that grow in Edith's garden along the shore of Lake Superior in Calumet.

You may also stop by the Gallery at 109 Fifth Street in Calumet during the First Friday Art Walk tonight, July 6, and make a bid.

To see more photos of art donated to the auction visit the Paige Wiard Gallery Facebook Page.

Pilgrim River Watershed Trail Run/Hike to be Sunday, July 8

Pilgrim River trail volunteers, from left, Stephen Handler, Melissa Wenzel and Christine Handler, are pictured here during trail work earlier this year. The sign announces the Pilgrim River Watershed Project, a local conservation project supporting sustainable forestry, watershed protection, public recreation and education. (Photo © David Paulu and courtesy Christine Handler, his sister)

HOUGHTON -- Join Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) and Keweenaw Running Group for a recreational trail run or hike at the Pilgrim River Watershed Project Boundary Road trail at 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 8. Participants will travel the 3.5 mile trail, which consists of two track and rugged single track. The trail runs along the Pilgrim River and its tributaries. There will be faster, slower and hiking pace groups. On-leash dogs are welcome.

Afterwards, participants are invited to join KLT board member Christine Handler for post-run muffins and coffee at her home near the trailhead. Click here for directions. (See South Loop/Boundary Road Access.) Note that parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

According to Handler, this trail was largely undamaged by the June 17 storm and is still easily passable.

The Pilgrim River Watershed Project is a local conservation project supporting sustainable forestry, watershed protection, public recreation and education. The property includes over 3 miles of the Pilgrim River, including a good portion of the River's headwaters. To learn about the project and how it benefits the community click here.

Houghton County begins third week Of recovery after Father’s Day flooding

HOUGHTON -- Weekend downpours caused only minor delays in repair work being done on roads and culverts in and around Houghton County over the weekend. Local officials say it was a good test of the work done so far but cautioned there is still much to be done.

"Our main objective is to establish the safe passage of water, whether in original or rerouted beds," said Department of Environmental Quality Incident Management Specialist Scott Schaefer. "Right now, one of our main concerns is culverts associated with the mining area railroad grades that have become clogged with debris."

Some of that debris pileup has been caused by illegal dumping of household items, with everything from coolers to mattresses being found in culverts and drainage ditches. Officials remind residents that all debris needs to be discarded by regular means of collection, or by taking them to one of the two county transfer locations. Normal fees will apply, but people are encouraged to obtain and keep receipts as funds may be available for possible reimbursement at a later date.

Residents who notice any drain blockage, ditch or culvert problems should call their local Township Supervisor for routing through the appropriate channels.

Reminder: A Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is planned for Friday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on MacDonald Street behind the Lake Linden Park. This event is for the exclusive use of residential flood victims only.

The Superior Watershed Partnership has agreed to take over management of both the Volunteer Registration Center and the Donation Distribution Center, which are now located at The Copper Country Mall. Hours of operation for the remainder of this week, July 3-8, are as follows:
Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday and Friday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Center is requesting that individuals please bring a picture I.D. to show Houghton County residency.

The call continues to go out for volunteers to help with cleanup as recovery efforts transition from "slinging mud and filling buckets" to interior demolition work. The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) is located at the former JCPenney location in the Copper Country Mall (rear entrance). Those who can offer their time to volunteer, or people who still need help, can visit that location, visit CopperCountryStrong.com  or call (906) 233-6621. Volunteer Coordinator Jon Stone stresses that there are jobs for everyone, no matter age or physical condition. Some volunteers are helping by driving supplies to needed areas.

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department reports that many beaches, lakes and rivers remain closed or under a health advisory following the weekend rains. See update in our right-hand column or visit the Health Dept. Web site.