See our right-hand column for announcements and news briefs. Scroll down the right-hand column to access the Archives -- links to articles posted in the main column since 2007. See details about our site, including a way to comment, in the yellow text above the Archives.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Finlandia Art and Design Diploma Works Exhibit to open Apr. 28

 Amanda Mears, Finlandia University International School of Art and Design student in ceramic design, displays her work, "It's a Mad, Mad World," for the 2012 Diploma Works Exhibition opening Apr. 28 in the Finlandia University Gallery of the Finnish American Heritage Center. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University International School of Art and Design (ISAD) 2012 Diploma Works Exhibition is featured from April 28 to May 26, 2012, at the Finlandia University Gallery, which is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

Mallory Torrala, "From Here to Eternity," mixed media.

A reception for the artists will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.at the gallery Saturday, April 28. The artists will be introduced at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

 Rebecca Langlais, "A Route's Ending," digital illustrations.

The artworks featured in the annual Diploma Works Exhibit represent the final body of student work for each graduating bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) student. The works include intensive research projects, series of individual artworks, and design prototypes. A variety of media is represented, including painting, illustration, sculpture, fiber design, graphic design, integrated design, and ceramics.

 Kari Heikkinen, "#182," paste resist on cotton.

The 2012 ISAD graduating seniors are Illustration majors Brooke Cummings (Bergland) and Mallory Torola (Calumet); Fiber and Fashion Design majors Kari Heikkinen (Mohawk) and Eileen Sundquist (Hancock and Jamestown, NY); Graphic Design major Ashley Hoeper (Houghton); Digital Art major Rebecca Langlais (Norway, MI), Ceramic Design major Amanda Mears (Houghton); and Integrated Design major Christine Westrich (Ewen).

For more information please call 906-487-7500.

MSU Extension to offer fruit tree pruning workshop Apr. 28 in Central

HANCOCK -- A fruit tree pruning workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Apr. 28, at Central Location (four miles north of Phoenix on the west side of Highway 41) in Keweenaw County.

The presenter is Mike Schira, Extension Educator in the Houghton-Keweenaw County Michigan State University Extension Office. The public is invited to bring pruning implements if they have them, although these are not required. It will be both a demonstration and a hands-on workshop. The cost is $10 per person.

Pre-registration is necessary. Please call the MSU Extension Office at 482-5830 or email:
msue31@msu.edu.

Portage Library invites kids to National Parks Storytime Apr. 28

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites all children to a special Storytime about our nation’s national parks in celebration of Junior Ranger Day.

Join Isle Royale National Park Ranger Valerie Martin at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, for stories and songs about your national parks. Kids will learn about these special places and earn their own Junior Ranger badge.

Library programs are free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Electric vehicle charging station unveiled in Houghton

By Michele Bourdieu


Michigan Tech students who worked on the project were present for the unveiling of the new public electric vehicle charging station on the Houghton parking deck behind the Fifth and Elm Coffee House on Wednesday, Apr. 25. Michigan Tech faculty members who worked with the students are George Dewey (left of sign), civil and environmental engineering; Roger Woods (far right), business; and John Ludowski (fourth from right), electrical engineering. (Photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- On Wednesday, Apr. 25, the City of Houghton parking deck behind the Fifth and Elm Coffee House was the scene of a "first" for Michigan Tech University students and the City of Houghton -- the unveiling of the first public charging station for electric vehicles in this area of the Upper Peninsula (possibly the first active one in the whole UP).

Two Chevy Volt electric cars were on site for the event -- and one was being charged at the station, which is connected to the Fifth and Elm, whose owner, Frank Fiala, is presently providing the electricity for the 240-volt charging unit (visible on the wall in the photo above).

"This is a student project," said George Dewey, Michigan Tech professor of civil and environmental engineering and faculty advisor for Michigan Tech's Transportation Enterprise program. "It's driven by students. A lot of the decisions are made by the students, and they certainly deserve -- I would say -- most of the credit beyond the sponsors. General Motors is the key sponsor here in the start of this project and continues to support a whole variety of student projects at Michigan Tech."

Dewey added this is only one of several projects at Michigan Tech involving electric and hybrid vehicles. He mentioned another is Michigan Tech's hybrid electric vehicles mobile lab -- on display in Washington, DC, this week.*


George Dewey, Michigan Tech professor of civil and environmental engineering, speaks about the interdisciplinary and community approach to this electric vehicle charging project -- involving students in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and business. Also speaking about the challenges of the project are John Ludowski, Michigan Tech professor of electrical engineering, and Roger Woods, faculty member in Michigan Tech's School of Business and Economics. Dewey also acknowledges the support of Houghton City Manager Scott Mac Innes (in photo below); Dan Crane, Upper Peninsula Power Company regional account executive; and Frank Fiala, owner of the Fifth and Elm Coffee House, where the public charging facility is located. Fiala is presently donating the electricity for the charging unit. (Videos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

The Michigan Tech student teams studied many of the technical and business issues of public charging -- including predicting how many charging stations will be needed, the best locations for charging stations, and a viable business model to pay for the charging infrastructure as well as the electricity used.

Pictured here with the new sign for the charging station are, from left, Frank Fiala, owner of the Fifth and Elm Coffee House; Michigan Tech professors John Ludowski, George Dewey and Roger Woods; Dan Crane of the Upper Peninsula Power Company; and Scott Mac Innes, Houghton city manager.

Frank Fiala said the Fifth and Elm Coffee House is presently donating the electricity for the charging station, which is connected to his electrical system, as a start-up service for the project.

"If the demand increases so that it becomes more and more expensive to offer the service, we can put in some sort of payment system," Fiala said.

He considers the donation an advertising expense for now, since the signage for the charging station includes the Fifth and Elm.

Michigan Tech Professor George Dewey and students display the Electric Vehicle Charging Station sign, which lists sponsors and partners in the project. 

"It will create awareness of who we are," Fiala added.

He also believes the charging station will help attract people to downtown Houghton.

To a question on where the next charging station might be located, Ludowski said Eaton, the company that donated the charging unit, donated a second one, which he and Dewey are working to locate on the Michigan Tech campus.


George Dewey mentions other renewable energy projects involving Michigan Tech students. He also shows an example of a 110-volt charger, the type used to charge an
electric car at home. John Ludowski explains the safety feature that prevents driving the Chevy Volt with the charging cord plugged in.

The Chevy Volt vehicles on display at the charging station require two and a half hours (at 240 volts) to charge an empty battery. The time to charge it at home on 110 volts is considerably longer. However, Dewey pointed out most electric vehicle owners would use a public charging station when the battery is not empty, possibly just to "top off" or to charge the car while doing something else downtown.

Chevrolet claims their "Volt is unique among electric vehicles because you have two sources of energy. You have an electric source -- a battery -- that allows you to drive gas-free for an EPA-estimated 35 miles. And there's also an onboard gas generator that produces electricity so you can go up to a total of 375 miles on a full tank of gas."**

Editor's Notes:
* Click here to read about the mobile lab on the Michigan Tech News.

** Click here for info on the Chevy Volt.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Orpheum Theater to host three music events

HANCOCK -- Tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. the Orpheum Theater will host a benefit show for Greg Wright, one of the Keweenaw's greatest musicians and a great guy! The Backroom Boys with beautiful Jazz, Raven Congress with superb Rock and Blues, Bob Hiltunen and Steve Jones with Blues, and Electric Park with Modern Rock will entertain. Suggested Donation is $10 at the door. Click here for Facebook info.

Saturday Night, Apr. 28, the Orpheum will offer great modern Alternative Rock from the Belle Weather (from Green Bay) along with Houghton's own March of the Snails. The Belle Weather's melodic original tunes are amazing, and March of the Snails will be heading off to college soon, so catch them while you can! Music starts at 8 p.m., and this great show is only $5 at the door! Click here to check out Belle Weather's music.

And at 8 p.m. next Wednesday, May 2, Good Grief, Dan Daniels and the Southern Gents, and Esto will perform! Only $5! Great rock and folk music!

Click here for Good Grief.

Check out Dan Daniels and the Southern Gents music.

Click here for Esto.

Portage Library to host "Dr. Seuss Extravaganza" Apr. 26

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library invites children of all ages to a "Dr. Seuss Extravaganza" at 6:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Thursday, April 26. This annual event will celebrate the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the whimsical magic of his stories.

This event is sponsored by members of Michigan Tech’s Circle K Service Organization and the Houghton High School Key Club. Circle K and Key Club students will read classic Dr. Seuss stories and lead the kids in decorating Cat in the Hat cookies with a Dr. Seuss-ish flourish. Gluten-free cookies will also be available for those who want them.

Circle K International Service Organization and Key Club look for opportunities for service, leadership, and friendship. Their wide range of projects includes activities such as picking up trash on highways, playing board games with the elderly, and doing storytimes.

Library programs are free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Back to the Future: Mining Engineering returns to Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON -- Beginning in fall 2012, Michigan Technological University will offer a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with a technical emphasis in mining engineering, and it is the first step in moving toward a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering.

"It’s not your grandfather’s mining anymore," says Wayne Pennington, chair of geological and mining engineering and sciences (GMES). "Mining today is so different, and this new program will be tailored to that."

It will be interdisciplinary, too, he said, with faculty coming from across campus and new courses being added to many existing ones.

"It will be accredited," Pennington says, "since it is part of the BSE program. And, of course, it’s a great use of the science and engineering available at Tech."

The program will be administered through GMES, and an advisory board will be formed, made up of industry, academic, and government expertise, to help direct the program, Pennington adds.

"It’s part of our heritage, and it’s part of the future, too," added Leonard Bohmann, associate dean of engineering. "There’s a definite need for mining engineers, now and into the future. We are positioned where we can help fill that need."

That need extends far beyond renewed local mining concerns, Bohmann said.

"There’s a global need for mining engineers," Bohmann said. "And getting this degree up and running will help us put together a mining program. This is a quick way of getting started."

Although it’s tough to gauge future enrollments, Pennington thought thirty to fifty students were not out of the question. Additional faculty members could be needed some day, too, Bohmann added.

GMES Professor Emeritus Allan Johnson was pleased about the new degree.

"It’s just great," he said. "The people who get mining degrees get good-paying jobs."

Johnson cited another reason for the renewed interest in mining.

"In the last half-dozen years, the price of all the mineral products and metals are high," he said. "Wealth is generated from natural resources."

"The world needs people to run mining operations that control costs, are safe, and don’t damage the environment," Johnson added. "That takes intelligence, excellent training and experience."

Pennington is announcing the new degree program at the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration conference in Marquette, today, Wednesday, April 25.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Houghton first in UP to offer public electric vehicle charging

HOUGHTON -- Electric Vehicle (EV) owners can now charge their cars at a public charging station in downtown Houghton on the parking deck behind the 5th and Elm Coffee House. Students from Michigan Tech, with support from General Motors, Upper Peninsula Power Company, and the City of Houghton have partnered together to install the first public EV charging station in the Upper Peninsula. The new charging station will be unveiled for public use at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 25, at the 5th and Elm Coffee House, 326 Shelden Ave in Houghton.

General Motors has a long history of working with Michigan Tech on student projects related to emerging industry and society issues. This year, GM sponsored several groups of Michigan Tech students to look at some of the charging infrastructure challenges associated with the ongoing emergence of electrified transportation. One of those current challenges is the availability of public EV charging. While most EV owners are likely to charge their vehicles at home, the limited battery capacity, and therefore range, of most current EVs makes public charging an essential element needed for widespread EV adoption. It is a classic chicken or egg dilemma. Without large numbers of EVs in service, public charging will not be extensively used. But the lack of a visible network of public charging is perceived as a possible limiting factor in consumers considering an EV purchase.

Student teams in the Automotive Computing Enterprise, Transportation Enterprise, Civil Engineering Senior Design, and the School of Business looked at the many issues associated with public EV charging. One outcome of their efforts is the new charging station in downtown Houghton. Students grappled with many of the technical and business issues of public charging including predicting how many charging stations will be needed, the best locations for charging stations, and a viable business model to pay for the charging infrastructure as well as the electricity used.

Initially, the new charging station in Houghton will offer free charging courtesy of 5th and Elm Coffee House. Frank Fiala, the owner of 5th and Elm, is excited to part of the first Houghton charging station because he believes it will help attract people to downtown Houghton. The City of Houghton sees the new EV charger as part of their continuing efforts to encourage the growth and development of downtown.

Electric utilities will be central players in the shift to electric transportation and the Upper Peninsula Power Company strives to be in a leadership role by supporting, encouraging, and enabling this new technology. By partnering with Michigan Tech and the City of Houghton on the first publicly available EV charger in the UP, UPPCO demonstrates their dedication to having an active role in shaping the future of this market. UPPCO envisions the future network of home, workplace, and public charging infrastructure as key opportunities to serve their customer base and provide the transportation fuel of the future.

Portage Library to host "Life in East Germany and the Fall of the Berlin Wall" Apr. 24

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host Michigan Tech Assistant Professor Thomas Werner (Biological Sciences) at 6:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Tuesday, April 24, for a slide show and presentation on "Life in East Germany and the Fall of the Berlin Wall."

Werner grew up in East Germany and will share his story about living there and his trip to West Berlin the day after the wall was torn down.

Werner studied biology in Jena, Germany; got his PhD in cell and molecular biology in Umea, Sweden; was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and is now in the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Tech.

Library programs are free, and everyone is welcome. For more information please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Letter to EPA: Comments on CR 595 road proposal

Editor's Note: The following letter, dated Apr. 6, 2012, was sent to the Watersheds and Wetlands Branch of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5, Chicago, Ill., during the public comment period on the Marquette County Road Commission's permit application for the proposed CR 595, a haul road for the Rio Tinto-Kennecott Eagle Mine.

These observations do not deal with the details of road planning and construction and the environment -- but with the underlying fundamentals, essentially that the applicant, Kennecott Eagle Mining Corporation, is not and never has been negotiating in good faith.

We, a small group which evaluated the application for mining permits, initially for the National Wildlife Foundation but without sponsorship when NWF funds ran out in 2008, have found and reported that the application document was, and still is, unacceptably ill-conceived, erroneous, deceitful and fraudulent.

It is strange, but true, that we have presented the evidence to the regulating agency (MDEQ), to the courts and to all legal authorities up to the State Attorney General, then the U.S. Attorney General, then the FBI, and all simply said, "No thank you. End of conversation," and all refused to even investigate the charges. We have the proof.

Since the operations went underground in September 2011 MSHA entered the picture, being held specifically responsible for Mine Safety and Health Administration. We handed them proof of two specific allegations: That the mine design was based upon incorrect and falsified design data and that the mine design, if followed, would be unstable and might well collapse without warning (as did the Athens iron mine near Negaunee, MI, despite the 1800 ft. thick crown pillar) and as did the Ropes gold mine near Ishpeming.

NB: Sainsbury, the technical expert hired by MDEQ to evaluate the mining aspects of the application, testified that he was told by MDEQ to delete those "case histories" from his report. That surely should have raised a red flag over the permitting proceedings. But it did not.

At this time MSHA tells us that in Metallic Mining law their mandate is to deal with unsafe operations as they show up, but not preemptively. In Coal Mining law they do have power to evaluate and allow or reject planned activities. Judging from the Athens mine collapse events we will have to wait for the Eagle to collapse then send in an investigative team or two, much as we did at the two recent major coal mine disasters in Utah and W. Va.

This attitude fits the generally recognized pattern within the industry -- which is to "Do anything and to say anything to get the permits -- then make changes as necessary." Law 632 requires supported amendments for each of these changes, unless the DEQ deems them to be "insignificant" -- which is what the DEQ usually does -- without the required public hearings and input. To me, a plain old engineer, that looks like collusion.

The Federal agencies have some degree of independence and in the earlier evaluation of a haul road displayed it by declaring that the name "Woodland Road," or "Wetland Road," was deceptive in that a simple truck count or tonnage count would show that haulage of ore from mine to mill was/is the primary purpose for building it, and if there were no mine then no new road would be built.

The deception continues. Behind the scenes Kennecott deals with local authorities and induces them to get state funds to help with the haulage roads, and still they have no permitted route. Incidentally 632 requires that ALL mining-related permits be in hand before other mining-related activities begin. That ruling has been ignored, or defied, since Day One, by extension of power lines, for example.

As evidence of gross deception Kennecott continues to soothe local objections by sticking to their original story that the mine will produce an average of 1500 tons/day, i.e thirty 50-ton truckloads per day. The locals appear to have accepted that proposition. But the Humboldt Mill is being constructed to handle not 1500 but 10,000 tons/day. Obviously they intend to mine more, not thirty but two hundred round trips per day. That, of course, would make a lot of difference -- first to their claim to be open and transparent in their dealings with the public -- thence to the degree of opposition aroused. Revelation of the truth could sink the project.

That intentional opacity is again demonstrated in their refusal to answer all questions about the most basic questions concerning the design of a new road -- How much traffic per day? How heavy the loads? What speed limits, gradients, vertical and horizontal curves? Trucks do not have to go 55 mph! Think about noise, dust and accidents.

For what length of time will the haul road be needed? 

More specifically -- how many years would KEMC mine at the Eagle prospect? If, as planned, they take only the high-grade ore ($1,000/ton) they could do it in five or six years; but if they mined more responsibly they could recover an additional billion dollars worth of $150 ore and extend the life of the mine another 15 years. That would be much more desirable from our point of view.

The numbers are in the application.

They do not disclose their intentions directly but the corporate (Rio Tinto) business plan is to seek out and operate only projects which will be profitable through times both thick and thin -- which implies that they will take only high-grade -- as they did at the Flambeau mine in Wisconsin. Is it to be a 5-year life? Or 20 years?

Another question which they avoid -- although you asked it for "Woodland Road" -- is this: "How many other destinations will the haul road serve?" How much additional environment will be disturbed? I am reasonably sure that they have strong, if not conclusive, indications from their airborne and other exploration efforts. But that, of course, is called proprietary information. Behold the cloak.

Conclusion: I believe that all road-planning to date has been based on intentional deception, and should therefore be thrown out, and that KEMC should be required to start again, specifically without deception, thus displaying their vaunted openness and transparency. If the facts are not forthcoming there should be no new road. (Say anything to get the permits!)

I would not be surprised if the original transportation plan would have been the best -- if they were mining only high-grade ore -- to truck it to a railhead close to Marquette and ship trainloads direct to refinery. No Humboldt mill was needed. There is still doubt concerning that 10,000 tpd operation -- and tailings disposal. (Some day somebody will discover that a large tailings pond would have to be built in the wetlands there. Another surprise!) Try this one: "Why was the multi-million dollar monumental Bridge to Nowhere built on CR510 in 2006 forward. The motive? Ask for a photograph of the finished product.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack Parker, Mining Engineer
Baltic MI 49963

Monday, April 23, 2012

Updated: Derek Bailey to run for Michigan House District 101

Derek Bailey, chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, has decided not to run for U.S. Congress. Instead he plans to run for the Michigan House of Representatives. (Photo courtesy Derek Bailey)

TRAVERSE CITY -- Derek Bailey, chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, has decided to run for the 101st District seat in the Michigan House of Representatives instead of running for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Democratic Primary against Gary McDowell for Michigan's 1st Congressional District.

Click here to read the article "Bailey Ends Bid For Congress, Looks Toward Lansing" on Interlochen Public Radio.

UPDATE:
LANSING -- Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer issued the following statement on Tribal Chairman for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Derek Bailey’s decision to end his campaign in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District:

"Chairman Bailey ran a Congressional campaign that all Democrats can be proud of. We value his leadership in the Michigan Democratic Party and believe he has a bright future ahead of him. We thank him for his campaign and for bringing important Democratic issues to the voters of the 1st Congressional District.

"Chairman Bailey now plans to run for the State House of Representatives in the 101st District. The Michigan Democratic Party has a long-standing policy of neutrality in Democratic primaries. We wish all of the candidates well and leave the choice of the Democratic candidate to the Democratic voters in the 101st. We look forward to winning the 101st in the general election as we work to take back the House in November."

Slide show: Kids learn about dairy goats at Portage Library

By Michele Bourdieu

Children and parents gather in the Community Room of the Portage Lake District Library during the April 21 "Dairy Goat Storytime," featuring goat owners Brian Rajdl (center) a science teacher at Hancock High School, and his wife, Katie Searl (holding baby goat), and their dairy goats. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- Keweenaw Now has posted a new slide show -- the "Dairy Goat Storytime" held last Saturday, Apr. 21, at the Portage Lake District Library.

Dairy goat owners Brian Rajdl, a science teacher at Hancock High School, and his wife, Katie Searl, brought Nutmeg, a Mama Goat, and her two three-week-old kids, Moscow and Angelina, to the library -- offering a unique learning experience for the children. The goats are originally a Swiss combined breed of Alpine and Toggenburg dairy goats.


Goat co-owner Katie Searl holds Moscow so children and Portage Library Community Programs Coordinator Chris Alquist, a former goat owner herself, can pet it.

The event, organized by Portage Library Community Programs Coordinator Chris Alquist, included goat stories, tasting pasteurized goat's milk products purchased by the library from the Keweenaw Co-op, and an art project. 

Click here or go to the top right corner of Keweenaw Now to view the slide show. Click on any photo. Above the large photo click on the title of the slide show; then, at the top left, click slide show.

Archivist Erik Nordberg to present "Houghton County Potato Farming" at Calumet Library Apr. 25

CALUMET -- Friends of the Calumet Public Library will host Michigan Tech Archivist Erik Nordberg, who will make a presentation on "Houghton County Potato Farming" from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, at the Calumet Public Library.

Betty and Marie Onkalo assist each other in bagging their potatoes just picked on the Sohlden farms near Klingville. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech Archives. Reprinted with permission.)

The Great Depression caused widespread distress in the mining and timber communities of the Upper Peninsula. Unemployment skyrocketed, and the short growing seasons and cold winters squeezed the people’s ability to survive. The circumstances transformed Houghton County into one of the nation's most productive potato-producing regions in the 1930s and 1940s.

The enterprise, which Nordberg illustrates with dozens of historical photographs, featured a community of growers, numerous potato warehouses and a niche market for high-quality, table-stock potatoes in Midwestern cities.

Nordberg’s presentation, which is open to the public, is sponsored by the Friends of the Calumet Public Library. Refreshments will be served.

From Tech Today: Donate electronics to help projects in Ghana, India

HOUGHTON -- Students from the Michigan Tech University Pavlis Institute are collecting electronics in good, working condition to donate to community centers and schools in Ghana and India. The Institute sends students abroad every year to complete service projects as a part of their curriculum for the Certificate in Global Technological Leadership. Students return to the same sites every year to maintain good relations with communities abroad.

Items Needed: computer mice, keyboards, speakers, headphones, USB drives, educational computer games, Webcams, digital cameras, disk drives, hard drives, Netbooks, monitors, desktop computers, laptops.

Drop off equipment at M and M 722 on campus during normal business hours. This can be done until mid-June.

For more information, contact Mollie Ruth at mmruth@mtu.edu.

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club seeks tool donations

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club (KNSC) is planning on fully stocking its maintenance shop. Before purchasing the tools they are asking for donations of tools that people may have and are willing to donate to them.

Tools are as follows: 1- loppers;  2- 12" combination level/square;  3- Punches and cold chisels;  4- 18v drill/driver;  5- twist drill set;  6- bench vice;  7- allen wrench set;  8-workbench;  9- 25' tape measure;  10- hacksaw;  11- 12" channellock pliers;  12- 10" pipe wrench;  13- 6" pliers - slip joint, long nose, and diagonal;  14- metal files;  15- free-standing shelving; 16- socket set; 17- light duty floor jack; and 18- jack stands.

To make a donation or ask a question contact Jay Green, KNSC president, at jbgreen45@charter.net or call 906-487-5411. Donations can be picked up. Donations are tax deductible. KNSC is a 501 (c) 3 and will supply a receipt.