Ancient underwater tribal cultural site discovered in Mackinac Straits near Line 5

Jiimaan (Anishinaabek canoe) and trolling motor. (Photo © and courtesy Philip Hutchinson)

 

MACKINAW CITY -- On June 25, Judge James Jamo struck fear into the hearts of many in Michigan when he stated that the State of Michigan’s ability to fulfill its "duty to protect public trust lands" was compromised "as a result of (Enbridge’s) failures." The harsh reality of this statement inspired a small group of women to answer the call to protect water and land. Their discoveries may fundamentally shift what's allowable for Line 5 moving forward -- or at least that's the hope.

 

One of the most significant ancient underwater archaeological sites in the Great Lakes may have been discovered in the Straits of Mackinac just a short paddle west of Enbridge Line 5.
On September 23, 2020, a small crew headed onto the Straits of Mackinac in fog so thick they couldn’t see the Mackinac Bridge. Using a remote operated vehicle (ROV), the team explored an area just west of Line 5. Their video captured at least one submerged cultural site. This stone circle is consistent with other underwater and terrestrial finds near Grand Traverse Bay, the Alpena-Amberley Ridge in Lake Huron and on Beaver Island.

 

Potential cultural site observed with side-scan sonar in late summer 2020. Note circle of stones that may have been placed in this arrangement about 10,000 years ago, near the end of the Ice Age, when the area would have been above water. (Photo courtesy Terri Wilkerson)

 

If these other cultural sites are so well known, why hasn’t a full archaeological survey been done on the bottomlands of the Straits of Mackinac? Given the imminent danger Line 5 represents, water protectors call for the immediate halt to all oil flowing through Michigan and a complete archeological survey of the lakebed in the Straits.

 

Sovereignty enacted

 

Most of the individuals in this determined team of water protectors are Michigan tribal citizens. Investigating our ancient cultural sites is an enactment of our inherent sovereignty as indigenous peoples, as well as our reserved treaty rights. The treaties dispossessed us of most of our lands -- but not our rights, which were explicitly reserved in the treaties by our chiefs.

Despite their sovereign, treaty-protected rights, tribes have rarely been consulted or involved with decisions that impact their waters and historic territory. Consequently, tribes are increasingly turning to legal action to protect their rights and the environment in general. Tribal citizens are also engaging with environmental groups, Michigan citizens, and legislators alarmed by the growing threats to our natural resources.

In the June hearings regarding the latest damage to Line 5, Judge Jamo repeatedly asked why there hasn’t been an independent look at Line 5 and said he "clearly felt I did not have credible, reliable information." So, water advocate Terri Wilkerson started building support to gather just that. In September, Wilkerson hired a survey boat in preparation for getting an independent look at Line 5. While investigating the Straits bottomlands, the vessel’s side-scan sonar inadvertently revealed a potential  site.

 

Terri Wilkerson during the Sept. 23, 2020, exploration. (Photo © and courtesy Terri Wilkerson)

 

Three of this core group of female water protectors are tribal citizens -- Andrea Pierce and Robin Lees, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBBOI), and Kelly Willis of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. In Anishinaabe culture, women protect the waters. These women are not representing their tribes in any official capacity but are advocating as women empowered under ancient tribal protocols.

 

Wilkerson is a Pinckney resident -- mostly retired after 30 years as a real estate broker to focus on water advocacy, social justice, and making democracy work for everyone by helping to start a League of Women Voters chapter in Livingston County where she lives.

 

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) on Jiimaan canoe. (Photo © and courtesy Adam Zwickle)

The ROV and sonar findings seem to show that Line 5 runs through precious, ancient cultural sites. Findings are now being reviewed by an underwater archeologist. Though these sites are now underwater, approximately 9,000 years ago the Great Lakes water levels were much lower, and evidence of human habitation encircles the northern tip of the Michigan mitt.

Circles. (Photo © and courtesy Fred Harrington, Jr.)

Jiimaan canoe

When side-scan sonar revealed the potential cultural site, the female water protectors reached out to Fred Harrington, Jr. Harrington is a Navy veteran, LTBBOI tribal councilman and citizen, and professor emeritus. He offered to use a community canoe named Jiimaan, which means "they are kissing" in the language of the Anishinaabek (Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi).

 

Fred Harrington on Sept. 23, 2020, a foggy day of cultural site exploration. (Photo © and courtesy Terri Wilkerson)

 

Paddlers "practicing" with the ROV and the Jiinaan. (Photo courtesy Terri Wilkerson)

This wooden watercraft was built in 1999 as an act of cultural sovereignty by members of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians community in the Petoskey area. It has been used for activism, youth education, and community paddles ever since.

A Jiimaan (tribal canoe) participates in the Sept. 3, 2016, Pipe Out Paddle protest against Line 5 near the Mackinac Bridge. (Keweenaw Now file photo © and courtesy Miguel Levy)

Scott Wyzlic, a Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians tribal citizen, assisted with towing and surveillance from his 21-foot fishing vessel, Inchworm. Scott’s Anishinaabe name is Ossokeh Ahninii.

Water protectors secured a letter of support from Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for their efforts to get an independent look at Line 5.

Grave concerns about Line 5

Line 5 is a 67-year-old, anchor damaged, deteriorating pipeline that originates in Canada. As it takes a 645-mile shortcut through Michigan before returning to Canada with about 95 percent of the nearly 23 million gallons of oil it carries, Line 5 passes through more than 23 counties and over 400 Michigan waterways. However, the area where Line 5 crosses in the Straits of Mackinac is the most vulnerable to an oil spill. Here, for about 4.5 miles, Line 5 becomes two 20-inch oil pipelines which run under the water just west of the Mackinac Bridge.

This is the "worst place in the Great Lakes for an oil spill," according to Dr. Dave Schwab, research scientist at the University of Michigan Water Center, who has been studying water and currents for decades.

Even a small spill would likely impact 37 miles of shoreline. A large one could impact 722 miles of shoreline. This comparison shows 3 different spill scenarios and the ping pong nature of how water acts in the Straits. The Great Lakes supply the water to over 40 million people and are the backbone of Michigan’s tourist economy.

A contractor for the Coast Guard estimates that a clean-up of 30 percent of an oil spill here would be the best case scenario. This assumes there is daylight and waves of less than three feet, and no  ice as they are not fully prepared to handle an open water spill when the Straits are iced-over.

As Lester Graham of Michigan Radio recently reported, "Even if you shut the valves on either side, there’s close to 388,000 gallons of oil in each pipeline (of the 2 sections of Line 5 in the Straits). If both pipelines were damaged, you could see an oil spill nearly as big as the Enbridge Line 6B spill in the Kalamazoo River ten years ago. It was one of the biggest inland oil spills in the country."

Enbridge, Inc. is the Canadian Company that operates Line 5 because of an easement granted by the State of Michigan in 1953. The 12 Federally recognized Tribes of Michigan were never consulted nor did they give permission for the granting of this easement. Enbridge is responsible for the top two largest inland oil spills in the United States -- Line 3 which broke in 1991 near Grand Rapids, Minn., spilling over 1.7 million gallons of oil, and Line 6B that broke and contaminated the Kalamazoo River watershed in 2010 with over a million gallons of oil per the EPA. The Michigan spill spoiled 35 miles of river and shore badly enough that they were closed for two years. State and federal documents show that Enbridge has been in violation of the easement rules for years. On June 19, 2020, Enbridge was ordered to pay $6.7 million in fines for violating federal court order on pipeline safety. Enbridge has shown itself not to be trustworthy of protecting the Great Lakes.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has called for the shutdown of Line 5. She has also commented on the UP Energy Task Force report on alternatives to Line 5 for supplying propane to the UP.

Shutting Line 5 down is in Michigan’s best interest. Governor Whitmer campaigned on shutting down Line 5 but has yet to revoke the easement that allows its continued operation.

Comment period on Enbridge tunnel permits ends Oct. 19

Enbridge hopes to replace Line 5 with a tunnel to include a new pipeline under the bottomland of the Straits. Recently the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) held information meetings and public hearings on Enbridge's permit applications for their tunnel project, which would mean 5 to 10 years of tunnel construction while leaving the ageing Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac.

A recent message from Andrea Pierce, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians citizen, asked Native and non-Native water protectors to oppose these permit applications -- under Part 303, Wetlands Protection; and Part 325, Great Lakes Submerged Lands, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended and the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit application -- by submitting public comments to EGLE by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on Monday, Oct. 19.

"We are asking that everyone contact EGLE, MPSC, your senator, congress representative and house representative to make a public comment asking to stop the Line 5 tunnel," Pierce writes. "Please CC: mpscedockets@michigan.gov   cc: governorsoffice@michigan.gov  and YOUR State Reps."

To submit comments on the these permit applications click here: https://www.michigan.gov/line5/0,9833,7-413-102021-537357--,00.html

Comments can also be sent by email to EGLE-Enbridge-Comments@Michigan.gov

NOTE: The recordings of EGLE online informational sessions and public hearings on the Line 5 tunnel application between Sept 8 and Oct 8 are now accessible on the EGLE Line 5 information page: https://www.michigan.gov/line5/ 

Inset photo: Andrea Pierce. (Photo © Steve Gutt and courtesy Andrea Pierce)

Houghton County Dems: Kasieta should suspend campaign after participation in phone harassment against County Clerk Kelly

[Editor's Note: This is the Houghton County Democratic Party's response to the facts that have emerged recently concerning the March 6, 2020, phone call received by Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk and Register of Deeds, who is running for re-election -- as reported by Kelly in the guest article we published yesterday, Oct. 15. It has been confirmed that Kelly's Republican opponent on the Nov. 3 ballot, Justin Kasieta, who at the time was the constituent representative for State Representative Greg Markkanen, was on this threatening call traced to Matthew Smith of Genesee County. Confirmation was made by statements Kasieta made to the Houghton County Sheriff's office as well as a statement released by his attorney.]

From Houghton County Democratic Party:

HOUGHTON -- Elected officials, their staff, and those who seek to become elected officials, must be held to the highest ethical and legal standards. No reasonable and decent person would think a 1 a.m. phone call implying harm to someone's pets is within any bounds of morality or law. Issuing threats to one's opponent in an election goes against the fundamental principle of peaceful elections. A nation committed to those principles cannot reward such behavior by electing to office anyone who does such things.

Because of his actions, calls for Mr. Kasieta to withdraw from the race are coming from all sides, including The Daily Mining Gazette. As people committed to fair and free elections, the Houghton County Democratic Party joins our voice to the rest of our community in calling on Justin Kasieta to do the right thing and suspend his campaign.

Jennifer Kelly has served Houghton County in various capacities for 20 years. While these events have already been discussed at meetings of the County Board of Commissioners, we call on the Board to formalize its responsibility to stand by their colleague and issue a call for Mr. Kasieta to withdraw from his race.

We also call on Representative Markkanen to reaffirm these principles of democracy by condemning the actions of his staffer. To remain quiet in the face of such a perversion of ethics is to be complicit. Unless Mr. Kasieta has kept all of these events from his employer since March -- an act which itself would be disqualifying for continued employment -- Rep. Markkanen has known about this situation for months and has said nothing as long as it was possible to remain silent. But now the facts have emerged.

As his constituents, we have a right to know: did Rep. Markkanen know about these events and continue employing Justin Kasieta while he ran against the county clerk he participated in threatening? Does Rep. Markkanen approve of his subordinate's actions? If not, let him say so, loudly and clearly. We call on him to make a firm statement repudiating any attempt to threaten a candidate's political opponents, and to immediately suspend Mr. Kasieta from any office of trust he might hold in Michigan's state government, pending the resolution of this investigation.

Also alleged to be on this call was Jake Putala, district representative for State Sen. Ed McBroom. We also call on Sen. McBroom to issue the same condemnation of any kind of harassment, and if additional information comes to light confirming Mr. Putala's involvement, for him to suspend Mr. Putala pending the outcome of the investigation.

Guest article: Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk/Register of Deeds tells her story

Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk/Register of Deeds. (Photo courtesy Committee to Elect Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk/Register of Deeds)

[Editor's Note: Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk and Register of Deeds, who has held this office for the past six years and worked for Houghton County for 20 years, is running for re-election as a Democrat. In March 2020 Kelly was the victim of a threatening phone call involving her Republican opponent, Justin Kasieta. Kelly was asked to keep silent about the incident for months during a county and law enforcement investigation. The story became public this week, and we are publishing, with permission, Jennifer Kelly's own account of the incident.]

By Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk/Register of Deeds
Published with permission

There has been a lot of talk about bullies lately, and in this election season, there are no shortage of them. As Midwesterners, we have been taught to treat people with respect, even when we disagree with our neighbors. We were taught that democracy involves differences of opinion and that thoughtful debate is the way through. As your County Clerk in Houghton County, I want to assure you that I will always fight bullies and I will always stand up for what is right -- especially after what has happened to me here in Houghton County one night, my home of 49 years.

On March 6th [2020] at 1:01 a.m., I received a phone call that would cement my commitment against bullies. "I am calling from TV 6 News, to film your home," said a voice I will never forget. Doubting very much that TV 6 would call me at 1:01 a.m., I asked who the caller was. "It is TLC Hoarders, Bitch." I am paraphrasing, but he went on to tell me that he has seen the inside of my home. I was shocked. Like many women who are threatened, I froze. Then he said, "I am going to make sure you are never re-elected you f_____g bitch." I panicked for a minute, but then I found my strength and told him I was going to hang up. Before I hung up he threatened to both "poison and kill my dogs and throw them in a dumpster."

I ran to my garage and to each door and locked it, made sure my father was safe and called the sheriff. I shut all my curtains and stood guard over my home and father until dawn. The sheriff called for a trooper to come to my house, but none came. The telephone company was able to retrieve the telephone number and the sheriff of this town was vigilant and traced the call to Matt Smith, in Genesee County, MI.* The detective researched Facebook and revealed that Matt Smith and Justin Kasieta were connected. The police report from Houghton County has Justin Kasieta’s confession of being on the call that night: The report says that Kasieta "was on a three-way call and listened to Smith call Kelly."

I was asked by police to identify the voice and it was the voice of Matt Smith -- a voice I will never forget for its evil intent. But what cemented Smith’s involvement was the fact that when the detective called Smith, he used the same phone number as was used to call me when he returned the call -- the same one traced in the call.

Detective Saaranen told me that Justin confessed and was willing to put together an agreement in order to keep his job with Representative Greg Markkanen.* At this point Justin retained an attorney, who proposed an agreement that he would confess to the crime and that he would withdraw from running in return for not pressing charges. This agreement was to be a written confession. But I never saw the agreement, and even though I have not seen it, it is more important for the truth about Justin to come out.

While the county investigated these two, I was asked to keep quiet while the county and state police investigated. Just yesterday, I was told I could share my story publicly.

But the story goes from two to three. Detective Saaranen reported to me that Justin was on the phone that very evening. The detective was the first one to confirm that Jake Puhtala, who works for Michigan State Senator McBroom*, was also on the call. It broke my heart to learn this, as I have known Jake and his family for years. This was not discovered until the Michigan State Police investigated further telephone records.

Kasieta’s confession is in the report. John Gleason, Genesee County Clerk, has seen Matt Smith’s confession as well.

"You’ve been had," Gleason said, of the many who are trying to cover up these bad deeds.

My case now sits on the desk of Attorney General Dana Nessel. I hope we can bring these three to justice -- for their own good and for our community. After seven long months I hope these individuals will be held accountable according to Michigan law.

Evil deeds should not go unpunished. Bullies should face prosecution -- because no election is worth our integrity. I remember when we all stood up for what we knew was right instead of blindly taking sides. We need to get back to that. Every Republican, Democrat, Libertarian and others deserve to live in a safe society. I will fight for that safety and integrity as long as I can.

There are heroes, too. County Clerk John Gleason is one. There are many others.

Editor's Notes:

* Matt Smith is a member of the Davison School Board and a candidate for the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
Greg Markkanen is Michigan 110th District State Representative, who is running for re-election as a Republican. State Senator McBroom is a Republican representing Michigan's 38th Senate District.

Click here to see an interview with Jennifer Kelly by the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country. To learn more about Jennifer Kelly and her campaign, visit her Web site or her Facebook page. Some of Jennifer Kelly's achievements in her six years as Houghton County Clerk are the following:

•  Saved the County over $250,000 in the last 3 years by implementing free software upgrades in both offices and e-recording of documents in the Register of Deeds office.
• Implemented a free Veterans Program to thank our veterans by recruiting businesses to give free products and services to our veterans who have filed their DD214 discharge papers.
• Implemented a free Property Fraud Alert Program to protect Houghton County property owners.
• Trained 200 election inspectors each election year and ensured secure, lawful elections.

People of the Heart Water Walk, Oct. 10-12, to include distance participation in honoring water resources

This year People of the Heart Water Walkers will walk 90 miles on behalf of life's most precious resource, nibi (water), from the Sandpoint Lighthouse in Baraga to the Copper Harbor Lighthouse Oct. 10, 11 and 12. (Image © Isaac Murdoch and courtesy People of the Heart Water Walk)

BARAGA, Mich. -- The People of the Heart Water Walkers will host its second annual Water Walk to honor water resources from Saturday, Oct 10, to Monday, Oct. 12 -- Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Water Walkers will walk nearly 90 miles through the Keweenaw Peninsula along Gichigami. The route this year will be reversed from the previous year, beginning at Sandpoint Lighthouse in Baraga and concluding at the Copper Harbor Lighthouse at Astor Shipwreck Park, Copper Harbor.

On the first day of the 2019 People of the Heart Water Walk from Copper Harbor to Baraga, Laura Smyth of Calumet makes an offering to the water at Jacob's Falls, near Eagle River, Mich. (File photo © and courtesy Charli Mills)

This year, because of the rise in COVID cases in the region, distance participation is encouraged. A core group of walkers will undertake the main route. Others interested in doing this work for water may share their personal Water Walk experiences virtually through the group's Facebook page @peopleoftheheart or through Google sites at https://sites.google.com/view/people-of-the-heart-water-walk.

The Water Walk is conducted through Anishinaabe ceremonial protocol with traditional understanding of the natural environment. Anishinaabekweg from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) willl assist in the walk. In this walk, women lead the ceremony carrying a copper vessel filled with nibi, the Anishinaabe word for water. The water continually moves through the 1842 ceded territory throughout the day beginning at sunrise and into the afternoon. An eagle staff is carried beside them as protector.

The conclusion of the three-day event coincides with Indigenous Peoples' Day. This annual day of celebration -- which falls on Monday, October 12 -- honors the peoples, histories and cultures of Indigenous populations across the Americas.

Sponsors of the Walk include the Indigenous Peoples' Day Campaign of Upper Michigan, the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR), the Copper Harbor Improvement Association, and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

People of the Heart Water Walkers join those of all colors, faiths and philosophies to work together for life's most precious resource: nibi.

UP Energy Task Force to meet online Oct. 7

The Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force has scheduled its next online meeting for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, to discuss energy options in the U.P. and begin to formulate possible recommendations for its report.

Sarah Banas Mills, senior project manager at the Graham Sustainability Institute and lecturer at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, will discuss attitudes about energy in the Upper Peninsula and renewable energy options for the region. Following the presentation, there will be time allotted for public comments.

The meeting begins at 1 p.m. via the Microsoft Teams online platform. Registration is not necessary to attend. To participate, go to Michigan.gov/UPEnergyTaskForce and click on the meeting’s Teams link. Those who are only able to join by telephone can dial 248-509-0316 and use the conference ID 867 579 60 #.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the meeting are asked to send an email to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov with "Request for Public Comment During October Meeting" in the subject line and your name. Members of the public who attend the meeting but who did not submit their names ahead of time will be allowed to comment. Each speaker will have a three-minute time limit.

Comments regarding the work of the UP Energy Task Force can be submitted to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov.

The U.P. Energy Task Force must submit its report on overall U.P. energy issues and alternatives to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer by March 31, 2021. In April, the Task Force sent to the Governor its recommendations on propane availability in the U.P. 

The Governor has asked the U.P. Energy Task Force to formulate alternative solutions for meeting the region’s energy needs -- with a focus on security, reliability, affordability and environmental soundness. The Executive Order also asked the Task Force to identify and evaluate potential changes to energy supply and distribution in the U.P., the impacts of such changes, and alternatives for meeting the area’s energy needs due to such changes.
 
Wednesday’s meeting is being held in accordance with Gov. Whitmer’s and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Governor Whitmer releases Video urging masks, social distancing to keep schools, businesses open and protect workers; Western UP Health Dept. urges same COVID-19 mitigation strategies

LANSING -- Today, Monday, Oct. 5, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a video on social media urging Michiganders, the legislature, the president, and Congress to do their part to protect families, frontline workers, and small businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also today, the Western UP Health Department issued a statement in response to the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling against the Governor's executive orders, urging residents to be consistent in keeping core COVID-19 mitigation strategies in place while guidance that is more specific is developed.

"For the past seven months, I’ve been making the tough decisions that took us from the state with the 3rd highest cases of COVID-19 per million in March and April, to the 33rd highest in September. We have one of the best economic recoveries in the nation too. Studies concluded we saved thousands of lives," said Governor Whitmer. "But after the Republican Legislature sued to take away my executive authority, this past Friday the Michigan Supreme Court struck down the statute under which I issued executive orders to save lives and protect Michigan families, frontline workers, and small businesses.  

"As a result of the Court and the legislature’s action, our COVID-19 cases will very likely go up. There will be uncertainty, disruption, and possibly greater risk to our economy, more people quarantined, and more deaths.  

"The ruling does not mean that the orders I issued violated the law. Although I disagree with the conclusion, the Court held the law is unconstitutional, meaning the legislature did not have power to pass the law in 1945. In fact, the Court made clear that I interpreted the 1945 law correctly. And the ruling does not mean all of the protections we have put in place will go away. I have additional powers that I will use to protect our families from the spread of this virus."

Today, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order under MCL 333.2253 restricting gathering sizes and requiring face coverings in public spaces. Under MCL 333.2253, if the MDHHS director determines that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health, the director by emergency order may prohibit the gathering of people for any purpose and may establish procedures to be followed during the epidemic to insure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws.

"The CDC and public health experts agree that wearing masks and practicing safe physical distancing are crucial to slow the spread of the virus, protect our frontline workers, and keep our schools and small businesses open," said Governor Whitmer. "Michiganders, here’s what we need you to do: please take this virus seriously by wearing a mask when you go out, washing hands, and maintaining six feet of physical distance. Get a flu shot. Taking this action is essential to keeping our small businesses and schools open. COVID 19 didn’t stop being a threat because the court ruling, or because we’ve tired of it, or because the legislature left town.

"Let us not squander the sacrifice we have made to get to this point. We all have to do our part. You can protect the brave men and women on the front lines who are working every day to keep us safe. The health care workers and first responders, grocery store employees, child care workers, and all of the people who have been putting their lives on the line since day one."

Western UP Health Department responds to Supreme Court ruling 

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) has received a number of questions as to how the Court decision will affect any local organization or community plans and protocols. At this time, the WUPHD stresses the importance of consistency and keeping core COVID-19 mitigation strategies in place while guidance that is more specific is developed. At a minimum, these strategies include proper mask use, social distancing, frequent handwashing, and staying home if you are sick. The WUPHD will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

"COVID-19 is currently hitting communities hard here in the Western Upper Peninsula," said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "These outbreaks are affecting our elderly, our most vulnerable, and our educational and healthcare systems. WUPHD remains confident that our community will continue to practice basic public health protocols and help keep each other safe."

Statement from Governor Whitmer on Michigan Supreme Court ruling on emergency powers

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

LANSING -- On Friday, October 2, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court conservative majority ruled 4-3 that Governor Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are illegal without consent from the Legislature.* The Governor's orders remain in effect for at least 21 days; thereafter, many public health and other rules will continue under alternative authorities. This is the Governor's response to the ruling:

"Since the beginning of this crisis, I have done everything in my power to protect our seniors, small businesses, and first responders from the worst public health emergency in over a century. Thanks to the hard work of millions of Michiganders who sacrificed and did the right thing, we have saved thousands of lives and laid the foundation for a strong economic recovery. But COVID-19 still poses a clear and present danger to the people of Michigan, our economy, and our way of life.

"This virus has now killed more Michiganders than World War I. It is a novel virus for which there is no cure, and which has infected the President of the United States, members of the United States Congress, and Legislators across our state. This virus continues to take the lives of Americans every single day, and without a cure or approved vaccine, that will continue for the foreseeable future.

"Today’s [Oct. 2] Supreme Court ruling, handed down by a narrow majority of Republican justices, is deeply disappointing, and I vehemently disagree with the court’s interpretation of the Michigan Constitution. Right now, every state and the federal government have some form of declared emergency. With this decision, Michigan will become the sole outlier at a time when the Upper Peninsula is experiencing rates of COVID infection not seen in our state since April.

"It is important to note that this ruling does not take effect for at least 21 days, and until then, my emergency declaration and orders retain the force of law. Furthermore, after 21 days, many of the responsive measures I have put in place to control the spread of the virus will continue under alternative sources of authority that were not at issue in today’s ruling.

"I know this is hard. We all want this crisis to be over, and we all want life to return to as soon as possible. But the only way we will get through this is by pulling together as Americans and working as one nation to defeat this virus. That means wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining six feet of physical distancing. Michiganders have grit, and there is no challenge we can’t meet.

"I want the people of Michigan to know that no matter what happens, I will never stop fighting to keep you and your families safe from this deadly virus."

* See this Oct. 2, 2020, Bridge Michigan article: "Michigan Supreme Court rules Whitmer lacks COVID-19 emergency powers."

After surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Whitmer moves Upper Peninsula to Phase 4 of MI Safe Start Plan to Protect Families, Save Lives

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

LANSING -- After a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Upper Peninsula, or MERC Region 8, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-192 moving the region back to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. The executive order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, October 9, although given the surge in cases everyone should make this transition as swiftly as possible. The move to Phase 4 will require people who can perform work remotely to do so, require schools to enforce mask requirements with limited exceptions, and place limits on social gatherings and stores that match those in place in most of the state, among other changes.

"After seeing the increase in cases in the U.P. region over the past several weeks and consulting with medical experts, I have decided to take action to protect U.P. families and move the region back a phase. I know this is hard. I know it will be an adjustment. But we can’t let our guard down," said Governor Whitmer. "COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. Everyone should implement these changes as swiftly as possible. This virus doesn't care if you're rich or poor, a Republican or a Democrat, young or old. No one is immune. Right now the most effective weapon we have is pretty simple: it's wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. It's washing your hands with soap and water. And maintaining six feet of physical distance from one another. Let’s all be smart and stay safe."

Although the Upper Peninsula had very low numbers from March through most of June, the region’s numbers began rising in late June, persisted at an elevated level through mid-September, and then began sharply increasing at that time, giving it right now the most concerning numbers in the state. The most recent case rate, adjusting for lag, has the region with 283 absolute cases per million and 5.1 percent positivity.*

"The governor is taking necessary action today to protect families, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations in the U.P. region," said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. "We will continue to monitor the spread and work together to fight this virus. With the 2020-2021 flu season fast approaching, we must also stay laser-focused on protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Get your flu vaccine, wear a mask, and maintain six feet of physical distancing. We will get through this together."

The governor’s order will implement the following changes in the Upper Peninsula:

• People who can perform their work remotely will be required to do so; 
• Social gatherings and organized events will be subject to the new Phase 4 limits in Executive Order 2020-183: indoor residential -- 10 people or less; indoor non-residential may allow more, depending on the size of the facility and subject to formulas in the order.
• Stores of less than 50,000 square feet must limit number of people in store, including employees, to 25 percent of total occupancy limits. Stores of 50,000 square feet or more must limit customers to no more than 20 people per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space, and allow 2 hours of week dedicating shopping time for vulnerable populations.
• Schools must require face coverings at certain times, including in the classroom, among other requirements.

"I along with other community members were given the opportunity to meet with governor Whitmer and share our challenges during this pandemic," said George Stockero, Copper Country ISD Superintendent. "Now, it’s on all of us to do our part to protect each other. Let’s get our numbers down by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands frequently. Yoopers are tough, and we will beat this virus together."

*Editor's Note As of Oct. 1, 2020, Houghton County has 7.6 percent positivity. See Copper Country Strong update in our right-hand column.

Click here to view Executive Order 2020-192.

Hero City, Documentary Photography Exhibit, part of D80 Conference, opens in Rozsa Gallery

Ulaanbaatar, capital city of Mongolia, by Meghan Kirkwood. (Photo courtesy Michigan Technological University)

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech's Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the Rozsa Center, and Pavlis Honors College are excited to announce the fall gallery exhibition, Hero City: Documentary Photography by Meghan Kirkwood. The exhibit features a collection of silver gelatin and inkjet photographs of modern Mongolia.

The images capture the unique and storied history of Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, its transition through economic and cultural change -- and the rich and thriving culture that animates this young Asian nation. This exhibit is presented in collaboration with Michigan Tech’s Pavlis Honors College and the D80 Conference, where Kirkwood will give the keynote address.

The title, "Hero City," refers to the chosen name for this urban center before pressure from soviet activists led to its renaming, Ulaanbaatar (city of the Red Hero). Mongolia’s history is long and complex, and most recently marked by its transition from communism to democracy following the fall of the Soviet Union. This transition was guided by international agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Fund, but the nation’s swift entry into a market economy has brought many challenges for its citizens, in spite of optimism from outside economists who view the country as a "global growth generating" nation. Mongolia offers a prescient look at the disconnect between prescriptive policies and the cultural and political realities that limit their success. Kirkwood’s images seek to capture these tensions, and to draw attention to Mongolia’s vibrant culture. 

Photographer Meghan Kirkwood. (Photo courtesy Michigan Technological University)

Meghan Kirkwood is an Assistant Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Her photography has been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe, and South Africa. She holds an MFA in Photography from Tulane University, and a PhD in Art History from the University of Kansas.* 

The exhibit opened Monday, Sept. 28, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 14. Works of art are also hung in several campus buildings and can be seen through a self-guided walking tour. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Walking tour hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kirkwood will give her online D80 keynote address at noon on Friday, Oct. 2, and online gallery talk at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3. Tour map, Zoom links, and more details to all related Hero City and D80 Conference events can be found on the Rozsa Center website here.

This program is partially funded/sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King- Chavez-Parks Initiative.

* Learn more about Meghan Kirkwood and see some of her work on her Web site, meghankirkwood.com.

Local residents honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with vigil

By Michele Bourdieu
With photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now

Local residents gather in Houghton on Sept. 20 for a vigil to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away on Sept. 18, 2020. (Photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- A group of local concerned residents gathered at the Miner's Statue Park in Houghton recently to honor the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).

An admirer of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg displays her sign during the Sept. 20 candlelight vigil in Houghton.

It was a quiet candlelight vigil, disturbed at times by the noise of passing traffic. Nevertheless, Valorie Troesch, retired attorney and member of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country (one of the event sponsors), thanked those who participated for their attendance and spoke about some of Justice Ginsburg's important accomplishments. 

"Right now, most of us are probably feeling a mixture of great sadness and also fear of what will happen next," Troesch said. "But tonight, I want to take a few minutes to dwell only on the remarkable life and career of Justice Ginsburg and how she made a difference for all of us. And I want you to hear her words rather than mine."

At the Miner's Statue Park in Houghton on Sept. 20, vigil participants listen to Valorie Troesch outline some of RBG's accomplishments.

Troesch pointed out that Ginsburg took on legal cases that would would contribute to achieving equality between men and women.

"Ginsburg argued that the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution required equal treatment of men and women," Troesch noted. "And -- to make her point -- she argued that the 14th Amendment worked both ways for men and women. In 1971, she successfully briefed the case Reed v. Reed -- in which the US Supreme Court decided that an Idaho law saying that men must be preferred to women in appointing administrators for estates violated the equal protection clause. Then in 1972 she won another federal case that said bachelors -- men -- could not be prohibited from claiming a tax deduction for the care of aged parents, something that had been allowed only for women previously. The court cited the Reed case as the grounds for its decision. So you see, limited issues in these cases but they were building important precedents. That was the work of Ginsburg." 

In arguing gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court in the 1970s, Ginsburg won five out of six of them, Troesch said.

"In her first appearance before the court, she told the justices, 'I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.' Prophetic words in 2020," Troesch added.

Other highlights of RBG's life and legal work cited by Troesch include the following:

-- appointment to the US Court of Appeals by President Jimmy Carter in 1980;

-- nomination to the US Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993;

-- three Supreme Court cases in which RBG dissented with strong words.

Troesch noted one of RBG's dissents that has been quoted in the news accounts of her death last week: "In 2013, the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act by deciding that voting issues based on race were no longer a problem and that states with histories of voter suppression would no longer be required to get federal approval before changing their election laws. Ginsburg wrote: '[t]hrowing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.'"

Troesch also expressed her own admiration of Ginsburg in this tribute: "Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the great jurists in our nation’s history. She was also an exceptional human being. She was able to do something many of us -- myself likely included -- could not do, and that was to be friends with the people with whom she had the most fundamental disagreements with on cardinal issues. She was best friends with Antonin Scalia, perhaps the justice most philosophically opposed to Ginsburg on the court. She wrote: 'Collegiality is crucial to the success of our mission. We could not do the job the Constitution assigns us if we didn’t -- to use one of Justice Scalia’s favorite expressions -- get over it.'"

Participants in the candlelight vigil for Ruth Bader Ginsburg gather with social distance at the Miner's Statue Park on Sept. 20, two days after the passing of RBG.

Participants in the vigil also shared their own thoughts and feelings about RBG with Keweenaw Now.

Hancock resident Miriam Pickens, who helped organize the vigil, said she was delighted at the turnout for this event honoring RBG.

"It was a quiet peaceful time to be present with others who also loved her and everything she represented. Her loss is a blow to democracy," Pickens said. "During these Covid-19 times, people are pretty stressed because when something terrible happens, especially on top of everything else, we can’t find comfort the way we human animals are meant to -- in the company of friends. It was really nice to be among the simpatico to mourn her loss. It was also important to take this time not to think about McConnell’s response but to purely focus on her legacy and her loss."

Paul Mitchell, lay minister, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, also commented on the vigil.

"I think this vigil was a chance for our whole community to pause amidst all the politics and the challenges of the pandemic to mourn the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg," Mitchell said.  "Her tenacity, wide ranging thought and eloquence in speaking her truth was spectacular. We were mourning her passing and celebrating her life. In the coming days I think she'll be our inspiration as we dive back into our social and political challenges."

Linda Belote and her husband, Jim Belote, of Hancock also attended the vigil.

"In spite of the pandemic, Jim and I had to attend this vigil for Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She has single handedly done more to achieve equality for women in modern times than anyone else or any 2 other people together," Linda said. "The entire group was subdued and social distancing was really honored. I was  moved by the communal spirit that was present. Oh how I loved and will continue to love and admire the energy, intelligence and the spirit of Ruth B G!"

The participants attending the vigil for Ruth Bader Ginsburg wore masks or respected social distancing or both.  

Among the vigil participants was Elizabeth Flynn, co-director of the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program, who spoke of RBG's place in history as a hero.

"Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become an iconic hero, especially for women of all ages," Flynn noted. "She recognized dramatic changes in women’s position in society and supported legal action to reflect those changes. Such a loss. Her work will live on, though. Thinking of what she was able to accomplish gives me hope that others will follow her and lead out of these dark times."

In her talk to the group, Valorie Troesch added some words of inspiration for following RBG's example.

"Where do we go from here?" Troesch asked. "Joyce Vance, a law professor and former US Attorney, advises this: We should honor the life of RBG, American hero, by refusing to give in, refusing to back down, fighting for the civil rights of all people and demanding our leaders honor the rule of law. This is our fight now."

Inset photo: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

Ballots for Nov. 3 General Election to reach Houghton County soon; State Voter Guide available

By Michele Bourdieu

Michigan census map showing Houghton County townships and cities of Houghton and Hancock. (Census map courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

HOUGHTON -- Voters in Houghton County wishing to vote early beginning September 24 will have to wait until their city or township clerks receive ballots that have been delayed because of some last-minute ballot changes by the State of Michigan.

Houghton County Clerk Jennifer Kelly expects the ballots for the Nov. 3 election to arrive by tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 25. As soon as they arrive, Kelly said, she will make every effort to get the ballots to city and township clerks by tomorrow.

The clerks will mail absentee ballots to voters who have applied for them. These can be mailed back to the city or township clerk, but because of some mail delays experienced recently Kelly advises voters to hand-deliver their ballot or place it in the correct drop box.*

"I'm encouraging everybody to hand-deliver their absentee ballot to their clerk or put it in the drop box," Kelly told Keweenaw Now today. "If somebody wants to vote early in person, they will have to contact their township or city clerk to make arrangements."

If for some reason voters cannot reach their own clerk, Kelly is willing to have them bring the ballot to her office on the second floor of the Houghton County Courthouse, 401 E. Houghton Ave., Houghton, MI 49931. She will then arrange to get the ballot to their clerk. While township offices are now closed because of the COVID-19 epidemic, the two city offices have been open and township clerks are working.

From League of Women Voters:

Barry Elizabeth Fink, League of Women Voters of the Copper Country president, announced that the print copy of the State Voter Guide has arrived and is at the Portage Lake District Library.

"If you would like to help distribute copies to locations around the area, especially outside of Houghton-Hancock, please contact me barryfink@chartermi.net," Fink said in an email to voters.

The League of Women Voters nonpartisan Voter Guide for the Nov. 3 General Election can be viewed on-line here. It includes candidates' replies to questions on important issues.

"We hope to have the local Voter Guide available in early October," Fink added. "Visit www.vote411.org for information as candidate responses are received.

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country presented a Zoom meeting, "All About Mail-in Voting," including an informative presentation by Barry Fink and Valorie Troesch, on Sept. 22. If you missed this live presentation, it is now available on their Web site here. 

* Click here for the list of drop boxes in Houghton County. You must place your ballot in the correct box for your own city or township clerk.

Portage Lake District Library to host zoom meeting on Mail-in Voting Sept. 22, National Voter Registration Day

HOUGHTON - Portage Lake District Library will host speakers Valorie Troesch and Barry Fink from The League of Women Voters of the Copper Country in a zoom forum on mail-in voting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, National Voter Registration Day. Topics will include reasons you can have confidence in mail-in voting, advantages, and how-to information on obtaining and tracking your ballot.

Join this Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 885 7678 5816 Passcode:007036
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88576785816?pwd=bjlIdmV4Q3d5ZmtZZ1NqbmN6bWtaZz09

In addition, The League of Women Voters will be at the Portage Lake District Library from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to assist with voting and absentee ballot forms.

The League of Women Voters (LWV) encourages voters to utilize absentee ballots, which can be mailed EARLY or dropped off at your clerk’s designated drop box site, in order to stay safe during the pandemic. Voters should be aware that polling places have been exempted from the Governor’s mask order and poll workers are not required to wear masks. If you do go to the polls, wear a mask and use precautions.

The Web site VOTE411.org is working hard to make candidate responses and voter information available. Check it out.

LWV of the Copper Country is planning virtual candidate forums for the three candidates in the 110th District House race  and for the six candidates in the Houghton County Commissioners' Districts One, Two and Three. Candidate interviews for the two candidates for the Houghton County Clerk and four candidates in the Houghton County Sheriff race are also planned. Dates should be finalized soon.*

Michigan Tech, Finlandia hold Voter Registration Day events

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Houghton City Clerk Ann Vollrath will be on the Michigan Tech campus from noon to 3 p.m. at the Husky Statue helping students get registered and handing out absentee ballot requests. The hope is that students will check their registration status, make a voting plan, and get involved with enough time to fully participate in the November election.

Finlandia University is proud to be a National Voter Registration Day partner. From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, FinnU will engage its community and register voters by hosting a voter registration table on Summit St. between Nikander and Wargelin. Houghton County Clerk Jennifer Kelly will be on site to answer questions, and Finlandia faculty and staff will help FinnU community members register or check their registration. See details here.

*See the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country Web site for more info. If you would like to submit questions for the candidate events, please send them to tarynsmason@gmail.com, identifying which race you are submitting questions for, by Sept. 23, 2020. Click here for local Ballot Drop Box Locations.

Editor's Note:  Visit the Michigan Voter Information page if you need to know if you are registered to vote or if you need more information about voting in Michigan.

Gov. Whitmer orders flags lowered to honor Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

LANSING -- Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Friday, September 18, 2020, until interment, to honor the life and service of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away Friday.

"I am truly heartbroken at the news of Justice Ginsburg’s passing," Whitmer said. "Her intellect, her razor sharp wit, and her lifetime of service to our nation made her an inspiration to millions of Americans.

"I know there are a lot of women who are feeling worried right now about what this means for the future of our country. One thing I learned watching Justice Ginsburg’s fearless battles with cancer and injustice is that you never give up, and you never stop fighting for the values we hold dear as Americans. The best way to honor Justice Ginsburg’s memory is by making our voices heard at the ballot box this November. Register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and return it quickly. Let us turn our grief into action, let us choose hope over fear, and let us find the strength to build a stronger America for everyone."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 15, 1933. She graduated from Cornell University before attending both Harvard Law School and Columbia Law School, where she ultimately completed her legal education. 
 
Before she was appointed to the bench, Ginsburg pioneered women’s rights working with the American Civil Liberties Union as founding counsel of the Women’s Rights Project. Her work with the ACLU led to the first U.S. Supreme Court decision in which a gender-based statute was struck down based on equal protection grounds.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.   

In 1993, Ginsburg was appointed by President Bill Clinton, becoming the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. While on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg was known for her active role in oral arguments and her powerful dissents.

Justice Ginsburg passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, at the age of 87 years old after battling metastatic pancreatic cancer.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. Flags should remain lowered until interment.

Senator Debbie Stabenow: Statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On Friday night, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow released the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg:

"Tonight we have lost an incredible voice for justice. As a lawyer and professor, Justice Ginsburg broke barriers for women. As a Justice of the Supreme Court, she helped build a better nation for all Americans. Justice Ginsburg spent her lifetime working to protect our people and our democracy. We must honor her legacy by continuing her fight.

"My heart goes out to Justice Ginsburg’s family and friends. She truly was a national treasure."

Call for Actors: Auditions for "Miasma" to be Sept. 20, 21, 22 at Rozsa

HOUGHTON -- Auditions for Eric Samuelsen’s play Miasma, a story of enduring love’s struggle with selfish desire, will be held by appointment: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, on the Rozsa Stage; 7 - 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, and Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Rozsa room 120 (Choir Room).

Please enter through the Rozsa Stage Door next to the loading doors. Email amsouthg@mtu.edu for Rehearsal Appointment. Auditions will be by "cold" readings. Callbacks are planned.

When you come to auditions, please wear a closed-tight mask. Use hand sanitizer when you come in and when you leave. Observe social distancing within the audition space. This first round of auditions will need you for about 30 minutes. The cast consists of Claire, who wrangles her feisty and stubborn father Ben. Ben holds the power of the family purse over his wife and children. His sons abandoned him and depend on Claire to speak for them. His other daughter, Beth, is his favorite; she follows his pursuit of wealth. Ben has left his wife, Liz, who weeps for the old West, in favor of Liza, a strong woman, who knows what she wants. Jorge, the ranch manager, is trapped between the family and the illegal aliens who work in Ben’s enterprises. (2 men, 4 women)

The play will be captured on video in Covid-19-compliant recording studios and spaces. The production will be streamed from the Rozsa Center facilities at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10 through Dec. 12.

I Have to Quarantine for How Long? And Other COVID-19 Questions Answered

By Kelley Christensen, Michigan Tech University science and technology publications writer
Posted Sept. 2, 2020, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted in part with permission

This graphic shows the timeline for a COVID-19 infection, disease incubation period, and time it takes to spread to another person. Typically a person who has been infected with COVID-19 becomes infectious to others two days prior to onset of symptoms (even if they are extremely mild and are not noticeable to the infected person). For health officials, quarantining people whom contact tracers have identified as possibly infected prior to when symptoms appear is crucial to slow the spread of COVID-19. A person is infectious as long as they have symptoms. Click on image for larger version. (Graphic courtesy Michigan Tech University)

In this interview, we speak with epidemiologist Kelly Kamm about virus latency, isolation versus quarantine, contact tracing, and why medical guidelines continue to change.

Kelly Kamm is an epidemiologist and assistant professor of kinesiology and integrative physiology at Michigan Tech University. Kamm’s expertise has been vital to informing the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, she explains some of the more complicated aspects of COVID-19 in a college setting. Inset photo: Kelly Kamm. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

How Long Am I Contagious?

Q: What is the latency period of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19?

KK: The virus can take between two and 14 days for someone to develop symptoms or test positive from the time they are exposed. This is called the incubation period. Many factors impact the range of the incubation period. If you were exposed on Monday the 1st and had a COVID-19 test on the 5th, only about half the people who are infected will have a positive test or have symptoms at that time. Just because you test negative on day five does not mean that you are not infected; you could still test positive up to 14 days after the exposure.

What’s the Difference Between Isolation and Quarantine?

Q: How does the incubation period relate to how long a person needs to isolate or quarantine?

KK: If someone tests positive for the virus -- whether or not they have symptoms -- they are infected and must be isolated. Their time in separation is based on the infectious period, which is how long they are able to spread the disease to other people. The infectious period differs between individuals, but can be determined based on their symptoms and whether those symptoms are resolving, or a specified time period if they tested positive but never develop any symptoms.

Q: So, what’s the minimum a person would need to isolate if they have no symptoms?

Click here to read the rest of this interview on Michigan Tech News.

UP Energy Task Force to meet virtually Monday, Sept. 14

LANSING -- The UP Energy Task Force will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, to discuss electric utilities that serve the U.P. and an overview of the region’s energy landscape.

Welcome and Task Force Business at 10 a.m. will be followed by two presentations:

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. -- Continuing Topic: "Electric Utilities' Role in Serving U.P. residents and business," presented by Aaron Wallin, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Power Marketing and Regulatory Affairs, on Cloverland Electric Cooperation utilities service."

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. -- "An Overview of UP Energy with Suggestions on Task Force Priorities," by UP Energy Task Force Member Douglas Jester, Partner, 5 Lakes Energy.

Discussion and public comments will follow.*

The meeting begins at 10 a.m. via the Microsoft Teams online platform. Registration is not necessary to attend. To participate Monday, go to https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3306_88771_93973---,00.html and click on the Join Microsoft Teams link. Those who are only able to join by phone can dial 248-509-0316 and use the conference ID 559 744 643 #.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the meeting are asked to send an email to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov with "Request for Public Comment During September Meeting" in the subject line and your name. Members of the public who attend the meeting but who did not submit their names ahead of time will be allowed to comment. Each speaker will have a three-minute time limit.

Comments regarding the work of the UP Energy Task Force can be submitted to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov.

The U.P. Energy Task Force must submit its report on overall U.P. energy issues and alternatives to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer by March 31, 2021. In April, the Task Force sent to the Governor its recommendations on propane availability in the U.P. The full report with appendices is posted here.

The Governor has asked the U.P. Energy Task Force to formulate alternative solutions for meeting the region’s energy needs, with a focus on security, reliability, affordability and environmental soundness. The E.O. also asked the Task Force to identify and evaluate potential changes to energy supply and distribution in the U.P., the impacts of such changes, and alternatives for meeting the area’s energy needs due to such changes.

Monday’s meeting is being held in accordance with Gov. Whitmer’s and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

* Click here for the Draft Agenda for this meeting.

Janet Metsa, 110th District House candidate, posts "Remembering Labor Day" video, discusses values with supporters

By Michele Bourdieu

Janet Metsa, candidate for Michigan's 110th District House seat, is pictured here near the Keweenaw Waterway in a new video she recently posted on YouTube, Remembering Labor Day. (Photo © and courtesy Janet Metsa and Michael Mullins)
 
HOUGHTON COUNTY, Mich. -- Janet Metsa, candidate for Michigan's 110th District House seat, honors workers -- past and present -- this Labor Day 2020 with a video she and her husband, Michael Mullins, made recently and posted on YouTube. She also held fundraiser question and answer sessions last week on Zoom to discuss her democratic values with supporters.

In the video, Metsa recognizes the Copper Country miners, who held a strike in 1913 for better working conditions, comparing their challenges to those of frontline workers today -- medical workers, teachers and working parents -- risking their lives in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic.

"This Labor Day is a good time to remember the legacy of the workers who came before us, and moving forward I want to support all working people as we make our communities here in the UP a better place to live," Metsa states in her video.

Watch the video here or click on the YouTube icon for a larger screen:

In this recent video for her campaign, Janet Metsa recognizes the workers of the Copper Country past, comparing their struggle to the challenges faced by today's frontline workers during the COVID-19 epidemic. (Photographs from Michigan Technological University Archives, courtesy Janet Metsa. Music: "Metsa Kukkia Waltz," played by Viljo Vesterinen)

Democratic Candidate Metsa is a supporter of labor unions and workers' rights. So far she has received endorsements from Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, AFL-CIO, and Michigan Education Association.*

Metsa discusses issues with supporters on Zoom

During two fundraising Zoom discussions, on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, Metsa gave a summary of her background and why she is running for the 110th District Michigan House of Representatives seat against Republican incumbent Greg Markkanen. She then fielded questions from supporters.

Sarah Green, Michigan Tech professor of chemistry and interim chair of the Chemistry Department, hosted the Sept. 2 Zoom fundraiser for Metsa.

"We need a forward-looking representative for the 110th district who can show Lansing the best of the UP, from our natural environment to our high-tech businesses," Green told Keweenaw Now.

During the first Zoom event Metsa answered a question on environmental protections, noting her concerns for sustainable forestry, fisheries and agriculture, as well as the problems of mining waste and climate change. She noted the federal government is responsible to the Native American tribes for keeping the fisheries healthy.

Linda Belote of Hancock said she was worried about the need for jobs vs. environmental protection.

Mentioning the Green New Deal, Sarah Green noted, "We can't have a healthy economy without a clean environment."

Metsa also commented on the importance of tourism in the Upper Peninsula economy and the many small businesses that depend on it.

"Tourism needs a clean environment," Metsa said.

As for job creation, Metsa has often referred to her experience with the local Smart Zone and the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and her own two businesses she started here with practically nothing.**

As she states on her Web site, "The answer is people create jobs!"

Metsa stresses the need to look at partnerships in business and education.

The second Zoom fundraising event, on Sept. 3, was hosted by Paul Sturgul of Hurley, Wis., who invited friends from the western end of the 110th District, including Ironwood and Bessemer, for the discussion.

Sturgul said he is very impressed that Janet is running for this office, especially because with her educational background she could be doing a lot of things in her life but instead has chosen public service.

"I grew up on a dairy farm and I learned to work hard," Metsa said. "I went to Chassell schools and MIT and I learned to work smart."

Janet Metsa is pictured here in front of the historic Chassell School she attended. "I went K-12 at the old Chassell school. A strong public education was my one shot at the American dream, like it is for so many students. It prepared me to run my business, serve my community, and provide for my family," Metsa states on her Facebook page. (Photo © and courtesy Janet Metsa and Michael Mullins)

During the Sept. 3 discussion, Metsa told supporters she has noted a strong entrepreneurial sentiment in Ironwood and would like to see collaboration between Michigan Tech and Gogebic Community College (located in Ironwood and Houghton).

"I'm a strong supporter of the community college system," Metsa noted during the Zoom discussion.

As she states on her Web site, "Building closer relationships and exchanges between Michigan Tech and Gogebic Community College in health care, technology and other key areas would benefit more counties of the Western U.P. and provide a better trained workforce at a lower cost."**

Health care was another topic of the discussion during the Sept. 3 Zoom event.

Sturgul noted his disappointment with Michigan's 38th District State Senator Ed McBroom's voting against the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Metsa said, while she sees a role for private health insurance, she is a strong supporter of Medicaid expansion, which benefits the local rural hospitals.

"Anything that gets more people covered," she added.

The discussion also included the need for broader, reliable affordable Internet in the 110th District.

Metsa said she is looking forward to the report from the Governor's UP Energy Task Force on ways to solve the problem of the high electrical costs in the UP.***

On the question of gun rights, Metsa said she is not against hunting.

"I'm not going to take a hunter's license away," she said. "I don't have a problem with hunting."

Metsa noted her husband is a bird hunter and her son, an Eagle Scout, taught gun safety at the Boy Scout ranch in New Mexico.

She is, however, concerned that there is a huge problem of guns in the homes of domestic abusers.

Paul Mitchell, a member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, who participated in the Sept. 3 Zoom discussion, said he supports Metsa because of her hardworking "Yooper" roots and commitment to working for local communities.

"For me, now more than ever we need thoughtful, hardworking legislators," Mitchell told Keweenaw Now. I am certain Janet is a problem solver. I remember her telling the story of her Finnish parents and their friends sitting around their kitchen talking politics and she always remembered them talking about the needs of 'da people' and working for 'da people.' I think Janet will actually work for 'da people.'"

NOTES:

* Visit the Friends of Janet Metsa Web site to learn more about her background, issues, endorsements and more.

** Click here to learn more about Janet Metsa's views on Jobs and the Economy. See also our July 31, 2020, article, "Janet Metsa, Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th State House District, speaks on economics, environment, education, energy."

*** Click here to learn about the UP Energy Task Force and their charge to assess the UP’s overall energy needs and how they are currently being met; formulate alternative solutions for meeting those needs with a focus on security, reliability, affordability, and environmental soundness; and identify and evaluate potential changes that could occur to energy supply and distribution in the UP, the impacts of such changes and the alternatives for responding to such changes.

Twelve more mobile food pantries coming to Houghton, L'Anse, Ontonagon

Mobile pantries such as this are coming to Houghton, L'Anse and Ontonagon each month through the rest of 2020. (Photo courtesy Portage Health Foundation)

HANCOCK -- Portage Health Foundation (PHF) is proud to announce 12 additional mobile food pantries coming to Michigan’s Copper Country, with visits to Houghton, L’Anse and Ontonagon scheduled for each month through the end of 2020.

"This has been a challenging year for all of us," said Kevin Store, executive director of PHF. "For some folks in our community, this has meant choosing between paying for food or paying for other necessities. We’ve seen a new group of people who have never had to navigate through things like unemployment or accessing some of the programs that are there to help people in financially challenging times."

The mobile food pantries are funded by Portage Health Foundation in partnership with Community Action Food Pantry, Ontonagon Area Schools and Feeding America West Michigan. At each of the mobile food pantries that took place in August, every family that waited in line received food.

"Everyone needs food! What is most satisfying is that these events are filled with hope and a sense of community," Store said. "I am grateful that we have been able to collaborate with others in our community to make this happen and thankful for the people coming out to each distribution -- all of this food is finding its way to our community."

Each mobile food pantry will provide a variety of foods, including fresh produce and dairy items, to approximately 300 families. For these distributions, attendees will not have to show identification or proof of income to receive food; however, they will be required to provide basic contact information and affirm that they are in need of food. Boxes of food will be provided in a drive-through format. Each event will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upcoming Mobile Food Pantries

 --  Thursday, September 10, 2 p.m. at Community Action Service Center in Houghton (310 E. Sharon Avenue)
 --  Thursday, September 17, 2 p.m. at Meadowbrook Arena in L’Anse (204 Division Street)
 --  Thursday, September 24, 12 p.m. at Ontonagon Area Schools in Ontonagon (701 Parker Avenue)

At the beginning of each month for the remainder of the year, details about the next month's mobile food pantries will be released. A schedule can also be found anytime at feedwm.org/mobile-pantry-schedule.

COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund

These events are being funded by Portage Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund. This is a restricted fund maintained for the purpose of mobilizing resources for the citizens of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. All monies contributed to this restricted fund will be used locally for the distribution of health/humanitarian relief.

To support this and other projects like it, visit phfgive.org/covid19 .

Rozsa to present free virtual performance of Manual Cinema's "Lula Del Ray" Sept. 4

 

Lula del Ray. (Image courtesy Rozsa Center)

HOUGHTON -- The Rozsa Center brings original, creative, groundbreaking arts to the Keweenaw, whether audiences are in person or online. In that tradition, the Rozsa is proud to host their inaugural virtual performance of Lula Del Ray by Manual Cinema, an award-winning artistic company that has pushed the art and crafts of filmmaking, puppetry, and live performance in an exciting and breathtaking new artistic direction.

Lula Del Ray -- the story of a young girl experiencing life, teenage angst, and new, sometimes haunting adventures -- combines handmade shadow puppetry, innovative cinematic techniques, and live sound and music to create an immersive, haunting, and entirely unique performance. Join online for Lula Del Ray, streaming FREE, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. The performance will be available for viewing for 24 hours, so you can catch the show anywhere, at a time that works best for you.

You can access the link on mtu.edu/rozsa close to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept 4. You will have to enter your email address to receive the link with a passcode, via automated email: the concert live stream is password protected.

Following the performance, the artists of Manual Cinema will host a live webinar at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, where they will pull back the virtual curtain and guide audiences through their innovative blend of lighting, puppetry, and cinematic techniques -- all the elements that make their award-winning creations come to life.

Manual Cinema is an Emmy Award winning performance collective, design studio, and film/ video production company founded in 2010 by Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Ben Kauffman, Julia Miller, and Kyle Vegter. Using vintage overhead projectors, multiple screens, puppets, actors, live feed cameras, multi-channel sound design, and a live music ensemble, Manual Cinema transforms the experience of attending the cinema and imbues it with liveness, ingenuity, and theatricality. 

Western UP Health Dept. confirms first Houghton County death from COVID-19; potential COVID exposure site in Houghton also identified

HOUGHTON COUNTY -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) has confirmed that a person has died of complications surrounding COVID-19 in Houghton County. The elderly person was an inpatient at a local hospital at the time of death. To date, there have been two deaths related to the virus within the five-county jurisdiction -- the first was in Gogebic County.

"Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who has lost their loved one," said Kate Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "This is a sad reminder of the seriousness of the COVID-19 threat. We must continue our prevention efforts, especially for the safety of our elderly and vulnerable populations."

WUPHD reminds people to avoid close contact with people who are not part of your household as even people with mild or no symptoms can spread the virus. Masking, washing hands, and maintaining a 6-foot distance are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

WUPHD is working to coordinate their response with federal, state, and local officials, as well as healthcare professionals, institutions, schools and community organizations. For more information, please contact the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department at (906) 482-7382. Updates are also available at www.wuphd.org.

A State informational hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time seven days per week. That number is 1-888-535-6136. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on the MDHHS website or the CDC website.

Potential COVID-19 exposure site identified in Houghton

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) has identified the Theta Tau-Beta Chapter, located at 407 Fairview Street, Houghton, MI, as a potential exposure site for COVID-19. Exposure may have occurred during events held at the site on Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25. Case investigation has revealed that social distancing and masking were not followed at these events during the times that a positive case attended. Theta Tau-Beta Chapter is an off-campus student fraternal organization that is not recognized by Michigan Tech.

WUPHD asks that if you attended these events, or have had close contact with someone who visited this site, and have or develop symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, or a new loss of taste or smell, that you call your healthcare provider and inform them of your potential exposure. For general information, call the WUPHD at (906) 482-7382, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If your symptoms worsen to the point of needing emergency care, please call 911 and notify the dispatcher of your symptoms or any potential exposure.

Editor's Note: See Copper Country Strong (linked in our right-hand column) for updates on COVID-19 cases in the five-county area.