Carnegie Museum invites public to create Gingerbread Village display

HOUGHTON -- Coincidental to the first big snowfall of the 2010 holiday season, the Carnegie Museum staff have unpacked their Edible Playhouse for the Fourth Annual Gingerbread Village display.

Edible gingerbread building at the Carnegie Museum. (Photo courtesy Elise Nelson, Carnegie Museum director)

"We invite the public to create gingerbread buildings to add to our display," says Elise Nelson, Carnegie Museum director. "This year, all new creations will be awarded a prize in one of many different categories including 'most accurate reproduction of a local landmark building,' 'most different types of candy used,' 'most colorful house,' 'tallest building,' etc."

Also, to complement the museum's current Bridge Exhibit, they will have special prize categories for bridges, Nelson adds.

Can you build a swing bridge out of pretzels and gumdrops?? Don’t want to work alone? Come to one of the Gingerbread Building Workshops: Saturday, Nov. 27, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 30, 3:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.; and Thursday, Dec. 2, noon to 5 p.m. You can also help with the annual repair and maintenance of the playhouse. Or bring a kit to work on in the company of others.

"We will have some frosting 'glue' and bits of candy and pretzels, etc." Nelson notes. "All abilities and ages are encouraged!! (But children must be accompanied by an adult!)"

As part of the Downtown Houghton Christmas festivities, Santa will visit the Museum Saturday, Dec. 4.

Carnegie Museum Open House Dec. 16

The Carnegie Museum's Annual Holiday Open House will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16. The public is invited to enjoy snacks, hot chocolate, and the completed gingerbread houses on display, including the walk-through playhouse. At 4 p.m. Chris Alquist, Portage Lake District librarian, will read stories; and at 5 p.m. members of the Copper Country Suzuki Association will perform a small concert.

So, put on an apron and start baking, or whip up a batch of frosting!! Prize judging will be during the Holiday Open House, Dec. 16, so all entries must be brought to the museum by 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 14. Donations of candy, cookies, pretzels, etc., to cover the gingerbread playhouse or to share with others are always welcomed. Please drop them off during any of the open hours: Tuesday noon - 7 p.m., Thursday, noon - 5 p.m. and Saturday noon - 4 p.m. (The museum will be closed Saturday, Dec. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 1.)

For more information, including a good recipe for the "glue," please contact history@cityofhoughton.com or call 482-7140.

Even if you are unable to make a "house" for the museum this year, please stop by to view the exhibit -- perhaps you will be inspired for next year!

The Carnegie Museum is located on the corner of Huron and Montezuma streets in Houghton (former old Portage Library).

Other exhibits currently showing are "Senter of the Copper Country -- The Story of the Atlas Powder Company" and "The Golden Anniversary of the Portage Lift Bridge."*

*Editor's Note: Read more about the Carnegie Museum in our Sept. 8, 2010, article "Carnegie Museum celebrates Centennial with historic, educational displays," by Chad Girard.

Back Room Boys to return to Copper Island Beach Club Nov. 27

HANCOCK -- The Copper Island Beach Club, at the bottom of Tezcuco St. on the Hancock Waterfront, is bringing in the Back Room Boys again from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Nov 27.

"Come on out and dance away the extra calories from all those pumpkin and pecan pies," says Oren Tikkanen. "The BRB play swing, old-time jazz, blues, perhaps a polka and a waltz, and sometimes a tango -- all with a good-time, 'Big Easy' attitude. Loud enough for dancing and listening, but soft enough that conversation is possible."

The Back Room Boys are Bob Norden -- trombone and vocals; John Munson -- piano, sax, and clarinet; and Oren Tikkanen -- six-string banjo, guitar, and vocals.

Put the Mardi Gras spirit into your Thanksgiving weekend. It sure is fun to dance on a nice wooden floor.

Visit Home for the Holidays Gift Market in Rozsa Lobby Nov. 27

HOUGHTON -- The 13th annual Home for the Holidays Gift Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, in the Michigan Tech Rozsa Center Lobby.

More than 30 local and regional artists and fine art crafters will tempt you with handmade wreaths and seasonal decor, jewelry, basketry, pottery, fiber art, photography, paintings, candles, woodenware, folk art, rustic furnishings, children's books, jams, jellies, honey, chocolate goodies and much more.

MDNRE to hold public meeting on Kennecott mining permit amendment request Dec. 7

LANSING -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE), Office of Geological Survey (OGS), will conduct a public meeting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, at the Westwood High School Auditorium, 300 Westwood Drive, Ishpeming, on a request for an amendment to extend electric power from County Road AAA to the power house located in the mining area of Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company (KEMC) Mining Permit MP 01 2007.

Part 632, Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Mining, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, Section 63207(6) requires a permittee to request an amendment for anticipated changes in the mining operation including, if applicable, amendments to the environmental impact assessment and to the mining, reclamation, and environmental protection plan.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for interested parties to obtain information and provide comments on the amendment request.

In their letter to the MDNRE requesting the permit amendment, Kennecott claims diesel generators were the best power option available to them at the time of the permit application; but, now that electric power infrastructure is in place, they can connect to it for their mining operations and eliminate the diesel fuel.

The letter from KEMC states, "KEMC is committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions both locally and globally. Eliminating the continuous operation of the three permitted diesel generators will result in an estimated reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the facility by over 80%. The net savings in CO2 emissions by using off-site power from Alger Delta will exceed an estimated 3000 tonnes per year."*

The DNRE is required by law to make a determination on or before Dec. 15, 2010, as to whether the amendment request constitutes a significant change from the conditions of the Mining Permit. Written and verbal comments may be submitted to the DNRE at the public meeting. Written comments may also be submitted by email by 5 p.m. Dec. 8, 2010, or by mail postmarked not later than Dec. 6, 2010, to the following address:
Email: wilsons15@michigan.gov
Mail: Steven E. Wilson
Office of Geological Survey
Environmental Resource Management Division, DNRE
P.O. Box 30256
Lansing, MI 48909

From the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, posted Nov. 23, 2010:

BIG BAY -- As stated in the original permit, the company planned to use diesel generations to power the operation. Since then, KEMC changed course, working with Alger Delta Electric Cooperative to run an underground cable through a previously unpowered area. The new line, which is in the process of being built, branches from County Road 550, up County Road 510, then up County Road AAA.

This October 2010 photo shows power lines being run along the AAA Road leading to the Eagle Mine before Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. (KEMC) requested an amendment to their mining permit. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Groups such as the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve have expressed disappointment in the fact that a mining permit amendment was deemed unneccessary for running the underground cable before now, even though KEMC is paying for the cable and will be the only user. These activities were considered "outside" of the mining operation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. According to them, a permit amendment is required, however, to finishing running the underground cable from the AAA road to the compound, a distance of perhaps 200 feet or less.

*To view the letter requesting the amendment, click here.
To view the MDNRE response, click here.
Click here to view the Power Map.

Editor's Note: See also the Sept. 21, 2010, article, "Michigan Regulators Unsure How To Enforce Changes to Rio Tinto’s Eagle Mine," by Gabriel Caplett, in Headwaters News.

Keweenaw Krayons to hold Black Friday Art Sale Nov. 26

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons and the Ramblin' Rose Art Center invite the public to their Black Friday Art Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, at the Ramblin' Rose Studio (next door to the Mohawk Superette) on Rt. 41 in Mohawk. Keweenaw Krayons art, works by local artists and greeting cards will be for sale to support the non-profit Art Center and local artists.

For more information call 906-369-4314 or email staff@keweenawkrayons.com.

Editor's Note: See our Nov. 16 story and photos about Keweenaw Krayons classes and artists.

From Save the Wild UP: The Facts in the Case: How Kennecott and the MDEQ are overriding Michigan’s mining laws

By Lillian Marks Heldreth

If anyone is wondering why people continue to protest Kennecott’s Eagle Mine Project, or why litigation is ongoing despite the fact that we are repeatedly told it’s a "done deal," the reason is simple: the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and Kennecott have together managed to circumvent and ignore Michigan’s mining and environmental protection laws as well as applicable federal statutes.

Both Kennecott and the state claim that we are protected by these laws, but because they have chosen not to obey them, the miners, the environment, and our citizens are without any protection whatsoever from what promises to be a disaster, the scope of which ranges from "very bad" to "the BP of the Great Lakes."

Because to our knowledge the full scope of these violations has never been published in one place in any of the public media, we consider it our civic duty to reveal them here, as clearly and as simply as we can. ... Read the rest of this article, posted Nov. 12, 2010, on savethewildup.org.

Community Arts Center hosts Shaft exhibit through Nov. 30; members plan for future

This mixed media work by artist Sue Hamilton, part of the 17th Annual Shaft exhibit at the Community Arts Center, is titled "The Fabric of Calumet, MI." Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

By Eric Rosenberg*

HANCOCK -- Wednesday, Nov. 10, found the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) in Hancock playing host to two important events -- the opening of the 17th Annual Shaft exhibit in the Kerredge Gallery and the annual CCCAC members’ meeting.

Artist Vanessa Lipson visits the Shaft exhibit in the Kerredge Gallery after the Community Arts Center annual meeting Nov. 10.

The Shaft exhibit includes 34 pieces by 21 local artists who were invited to create works inspired by mining in the Copper Country -- the physical signs of its presence or the effect it has had on the area and its people. The pieces cover a diverse range of subjects, ranging from the actual physical mine shafts to the workers who mined in them, in a variety of mediums.

Community Arts Center members and visitors chat at the opening of the Shaft exhibit in the Kerredge Gallery on Nov. 10. A closing reception for the exhibit will be held this Friday, Nov. 26.

A closing reception will be held for the Shaft exhibit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, at the Arts Center. The reception is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. For this exhibit, viewers have been invited to cast their vote for public choice. Cash awards will be presented at the close of the exhibit, which continues through Nov. 30.


More entries in the Shaft exhibit. Visitors can vote for their favorite.

In the Junior Shaft category, Jared Butala, Maggie Gaunt, and Stuart Rosemurgy -- whose work is included in the Kerredge Gallery exhibit -- will receive awards graciously provided by the Quincy Mine Hoist Association.

This piece, by Cynthia Coté, is titled "They Didn't Think There Was Any Cause for Concern," commemorating the 30 people who died in the Osceola #3 fire. It is made of folded paper and hand colored photocopies of Copper Country people tied together with copper wire.

Annual CCCAC members’ meeting: present needs, future plans

The annual CCCAC members’ meeting was largely centered on the current affairs of the Arts Center and its plans for the near future.

Cynthia Coté, Copper Country Community Arts Center executive director, welcomes members and visitors to the annual meeting on Nov. 10.

One major focus for the future is the proposed redesign of the Community Arts Center building. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is planning to renovate the building to meet with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED certification entails meeting certain guidelines and goals in order to have a "green" building.**

While the renovations themselves haven’t yet begun, the plans for the renovations have nearly been completed. Kiko de Melo e Silva, a CCCAC board member, presented a series of mock-up photos illustrating some of the proposed changes to the building. The current plan suggests removing the rear third of the building, leaving that as an outdoor area, opening up the floor halls with a more modular feel, and installing numerous windows to allow for more natural light.


During the annual meeting, CCCAC Board Member Kiko de Melo e Silva presents proposed changes to the Arts Center building. The goal is to renovate the building to meet "green building" certification.

Unfortunately, the meeting wasn’t entirely good news. The financial report, given by treasurer Terry Monson, was considerably grim. This situation is due, in large part, to the current economic climate. While their sales have remained roughly the same as in previous years, available grant money has dropped off significantly.

Nevertheless, the year isn’t over yet. CCCAC board members remain hopeful.

"I’m proud of the arts center," said Phyllis Fredendall, board vice president.

Fredendall added she was optimistic that the board and members could work through the issues raised.

Cynthia Coté, the Center’s executive director, agreed.

"I thought the meeting was encouraging," Coté said. "It was some tough news, but hopefully it will help us to reshape our focus to better meet the community’s needs."

Community Arts Center members and visitors enjoy refreshments and take in the displays set up in the art classroom for the meeting.

The meeting concluded with a report on how the CCCAC is responding to the new arts environment. When the Center was established 18 years ago, there weren’t any other art venues or art education opportunities in the area. While the CCCAC has been introducing new opportunities, other organizations have opened up as well. The board of directors has since been re-evaluating the Center’s mission goal and how they can adapt it to the new Keweenaw arts landscape.

For more information on the Copper Country Community Arts Center, visit their newly designed Web site at http://www.coppercountryarts.com/.

Editor's Notes:
* Guest reporter Eric Rosenberg is a student at Michigan Tech University. Last summer, while a student in David Clanaugh's journalism class, Rosenberg wrote three articles (one of which was our first audio podcast) published on Keweenaw Now.

** Read our articles on the public meetings held last year to begin the discussion of the potential Community Arts Center green building project. See "Arts Center Green Building presentation / forum sparks community discussion" and "Glass Center visitors inspire Community Arts Center green building supporters."

Updated: Cynthia Pryor: Update on sulfide mining debate

By Cynthia Pryor, Sulfide Mining Campaign Director, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve

BIG BAY, Mich. -- A quick update for those interested in Michigan's metallic sulfide mining debate and the changes to our political landscape based on the recent elections:

Governor elect Republican Rick Snyder has announced key positions to his new staff:

Bill Rustem, CEO of Public Sector Consultants will be Snyder's Strategy Chief. Bill Rustem is also Kennecott 's consultant and was Nestle's Ice Mountain consultant during that citizen battle for their water rights.*

Dennis Muchmore, husband to Kennecott's public relations consultant and spokesperson Deborah Muchmore,** will be Snyder's Chief of Staff.*** Dennis Muchmore is the "Of Council" of a lobbiest firm in Lansing and a recent Executive Director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs.****

Rebecca Humphries has resigned as the Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and will be leaving that post in January to take the position of Director of Ducks Unlimited. There has been no announcement of who Snyder will appoint to this key regulatory position.

Judge Donald Shelton from Washtenaw County District Court has denied the petitioners NWF (National Wildlife Federation), KBIC (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community), HMC (Huron Mountain Club) and YDWP (Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve) Contested Case appeal for hearing the case in Washtenaw County based on "judicial economy." While recognizing that the venue request of Ann Arbor was appropriate, Judge Shelton also recognized that Judge Manderfield of Ingham County had heard the bulk of testimony; and, therefore, Judge Shelton moved the appeal back to Ingham County and Judge Manderfield. Judge Manderfield has ruled once in our favor and three times for the State of Michigan/Kennecott on this matter.

Update 2/ Correction: The oral argument by the Petitioners mentioned above concerning their appeal of the Department of Natural Resources (former DNR, now part of DNRE) decision to grant a lease on state lands to Kennecott for the Eagle Mine will be heard at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, in Lansing before a panel of three judges on the Michigan Court of Appeals. The Petitioners appealed the DNR decision once before in front of Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Paula Manderfield, who ruled in favor of the DNR. This appeal of her decision is not part of the Contested Case mentioned above. (See below)

The Marquette County Road Commission has approved the development of a new county road "somewhere in a corridor two miles on either side" of Kennecott's failed Woodland Road attempt. Kennecott, as the developer, asked Marquette County to build the road as a county road for the good of the people of the County -- based on economic growth, tax base expansion and tourist/recreation expansion opportunities. Kennecott would be paying road commission staff in their work to develop the new road, paying for the road work itself including design, engineering and permitting costs. The County Road Commission has not yet presented their plan for where the road will go, and many citizens are actively attending meetings and giving public comment in opposition to this new county road that would run from Kennecott's Humboldt Mill to the Eagle Mine on the Yellow Dog Plains.

While Rio Tinto has lost the bid for a joint venture with BHP that would infuse capital to meet Rio Tinto's debt, recent news indicated that Rio Tinto had a 2B debt sale (debt sale is an increasingly popular strategy for organizations wanting to improve cashflow and reduce balance sheet liabilities).*****

China, the biggest consumer of copper, today ordered banks to set aside larger reserves for the fifth time this year, draining cash from the financial system to limit inflation and asset-bubble risks in the world’s fastest-growing major economy. The reserve ratio will increase 50 basis points starting Nov. 29, the central bank said. Rio Tinto dropped 1 percent to 4,141 pence and BHP Billiton Ltd. lost 0.9 percent to 2,343.5 pence. Rio's profits are still heavily tied to China's growth and important to the outcome of this venture, and we continue to watch this closely.

Kennecott continues to develop the Eagle Mine with work commencing on the Waste Water Treatment Plant, Waste Rock facilities, the Treated Water Infiltration System, running electric to the mine and industrial expansion/support projects in the area (gravel pits/rock crushing/fuel/road development/housing facilities). The Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve continues to monitor these activities by frequent on-the-ground oversight/documentation, frequent in-the-air oversight/documentation, water quality studies and expansion of a monitoring program involving several partners in the region. YDWP has documented this work for several years and continues to keep regulatory bodies apprised.

Coalition meetings, strategy meetings and other forums are still being held and planned. We have not given up and there is still a huge silent majority that wants the outcome of this mine on the Yellow Dog Plains to be different. We will continue to work any angle presented to us as best as we are able.

Thanks to all for your continued attention and support. A special THANK YOU! to the team downstate that continues to fund and put up billboards: SULFIDE MINING KILLS RIVERS. Your billboards are effective, eyecatching and send a succinct message that resides in people's minds whether they realize it or not. Good work!

My best to you all,

Cynthia Pryor

*Click here to read about Bill Rustem.

** Click here for info about Deborah Muchmore.

*** Read the Detroit Free Press article on Dennis Muchmore's appointment.

**** Click here to read about Dennis Muchmore.

***** Click here to read the Bloomberg article.

Editor's Note: This article is reprinted with permission from a recent email Cynthia Pryor sent to concerned citizens.

Update: Pryor is quoted in the Nov. 22, 2010, Michigan Messenger article, "Enviros wary of corporate connections in Snyder cabinet," by Eartha Jane Melzer. The article gives further details on Rustem, the Muchmores, etc.

Update 2 from the Editor: We were in error previously in stating this Dec. 7 appeal was part of the Contested Case. Thanks to NWF Attorney Michelle Halley for clearing this up.

From DC Bureau: Midwest mining rush threatens water, Part IV: Challenging the mine permitting process

By Tiffany Danitz Pache

Several groups have banded together to file a lawsuit that finds fault with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s permitting process. The National Wildlife Federation, Huron Mountain Club, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve argue that the permitting process did not adhere to the state’s 2004 non-ferrous mining law and claims that decision making was driven by politics rather than science. There was no independent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and no one -- not even Kennecott -- provided a hydrological study for a mine that will be dug 1,000 feet beneath the Salmon Trout River -- which is mostly fed by groundwater and is just a handful of miles from Lake Superior. So there is no baseline on which to hold the company accountable. In addition, there were numerous procedural violations, including Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) official, Joe Maki, who led the Mine Review Team that recommended the permit. He admitted in sworn testimony that he did not adhere to the law, and, in fact, he did not completely understand it when he issued the permit to Kennecott. ... Read the rest of this Nov. 15, 2010, article on dcbureau.org.

From DC Bureau: Midwest mining rush threatens water, Part III: A river runs through it

By Tiffany Danitz Pache

On a span of Michigan’s storied Upper Peninsula that includes the largest ancient forest east of the Mississippi River, a sacred Native American site called Eagle Rock, the Salmon Trout River and the shores of Lake Superior, the London-based Rio Tinto has gained the rights to mine sulfide ore and extract nickel and copper in exchange for a handful of local jobs. It is dubbed the Eagle Project.

Rio Tinto’s subsidiary, Kennecott, owns the mineral rights to 245,000 acres in Marquette County, Michigan, and has leased 5,500 acres of public land and 4,000 acres of mineral rights on privately held lands. With the Eagle Project, the company plans to invest $489 million to build the nickel and copper mine making it the primary nickel mine in the United States when construction is completed and production begins in 2013. ... Read the rest of this Nov. 9, 2010 article from dcbureau.org.

Editor's Note: Also, read the comments below the article, especially those posted by Jessica Koski of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and Jack Parker, veteran mining expert, who has challenged the Kennecott mining application for the potential instability in their design.

Backroom Boys to play at Copper Island Beach Club Nov. 20

Backroom Boys Poster courtesy John Munson.

HANCOCK -- The Copper Island Beach Club in Hancock is again bringing the Backroom Boys into the front room -- Bob Norden on his mellifluous trombone; John Munson with his multiplying saxophone, clarinet, and keyboard; and Oren Tikkanen on jazzy six-string banjo and guitar.

They will play from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. TONIGHT, Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Beach Club, located on the Hancock Waterfront at the bottom of Tezcuco Street.

Bob Norden plays an encore -- trombone solo -- during a recent appearance of the Backroom Boys at the Copper Island Beach Club in Hancock. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"It will be a musical gumbo, a rhythmic boo-yaw, a note-worthy mojakka. You will feel like dancing, and maybe you will," says Tikkanen. "Take a traditional New Orleans attitude, mix in some rhythm and blues, swing, and old pop music, add a pinch of Copper country polka and waltz, throw in a tango -- that's the recipe for the Backroom Boys approach. It sure was fun last time, and it will be again if you show up."

Concerned citizens discuss possible uses for public land near County Courthouse

By Michele Bourdieu

Carolyn Peterson, organizer of a citizens' meeting to discuss potential uses of the two-block parcel of public property near the County Courthouse in Houghton, where Houghton County proposed building a Justice Center, leads discussion on various options proposed by the group. The meeting was held Nov. 14 in the First United Methodist Church in Hancock. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- Following the "No" vote against Houghton County's Justice Center proposal on the Nov. 2 ballot, a group of concerned citizens met on Nov. 14 to brainstorm the best uses of the two-block piece of county-owned land where the county had proposed to build a $15 million jail and court facility -- just west of the Houghton County Courthouse.

Carolyn Peterson, who organized the meeting, first asked the group of 18 residents to break up into small groups of four or five to consider and discuss the question, "What is a good use of any or all of this property?"

The idea of having a park on this property was popular among most participants at the meeting.

"I grew up in New England, where every town has a town commons," said Elise Nelson. "I would love to see a green space with trees. Personally I would like a dog run -- a long stretch."

Craig Makens also mentioned he'd like to see a park, noting there is a shortage of park space in Houghton for almost any sport.

John Haeussler of Hancock noted he supported the idea of a Justice Center, but was disappointed at how it was presented to the public before the vote.

"I would love to see a park, and I'd love to see an athletic field there," Haeussler said. "I'd love to see a Justice Center first and foremost."

Haeussler said if the Justice Center were built there he believed the present Pewabic Street Community Garden, which is between the two blocks, might have to be moved, but could also be expanded.

A rough sketch of the county property to the west of the Courthouse shows the location of the Pewabic Street Community Garden between the east and west blocks of the property. The west block was the former location of the old Houghton High School (HHS).

Elena Buzova, who has worked on the Pewabic Street Community Garden since its inception, said she thought a farmers' market -- to be open on alternative days with the farmers' market in Hancock (the Tori) -- would fit well with both a park and the community garden in that space.*

Elena Buzova, left, speaks about the possibility of putting a farmers' market in part of the county-owned property near the Courthouse. Pictured here in the same group during the small-group discussion are, from left, Craig Makens, John Haeussler and Elise Nelson.

"It's a great space. It's in the middle of town. There could be enough parking space there," Buzova said. "I know that the health department has some money for building a farmers' market."

Andrea Puzakulich, fiber artist and designer, said a park could include art as well.

"We could have an art fair on there as far as I'm concerned," Puzakulich noted.

The park discussion also led to suggestions of a pavilion or community building (possibly to accommodate groups such as teens and seniors), as well as ideas for different seasonal activities -- from picnic area to sledding hill.

Rolf Peterson lists group suggestions for uses of a public park on the county-owned land near the Courthouse in Houghton.

Eventually the group narrowed the major items down to six main uses to be voted on: 1) Justice Center 2) rehab / treatment center 3) housing 4) community building 5) outdoor park 6) retail space.

Barry Fink of the Copper Country League of Women Voters, a group that helped publicize the county's ballot proposal for the Justice Center, spoke in favor of putting a Justice Center on the property because of the need for a better jail facility.**

"To utilize property that we have that is adjacent to our Courthouse," Fink said, "can allow us to do something to take care of our needs in the most cost-contained way that is available to us."

Carolyn Peterson said she liked the idea of having the Justice Center in the middle of town, next to a green space and a garden.

"I do believe the Justice Center and the jail should be a place for rehabilitation, and I think the best way to rehabilitate people is in community," Peterson said, "particularly near green space."

Peterson added many towns have done this -- put a jail right next to a garden and had inmates help tend the property.

Haeussler noted the present facility has no accommodation for rehabilitating people incarcerated in the jail.

"That was part of the proposal -- to allow some rehabilitation services to take place," he explained.

Mary Ann Predebon said she believed there needs to be a compromise between what the county wanted in their proposal and what the people of the county -- many of whom live at or below the poverty level -- can afford.

"This is not a wealthy county by any means," Predebon said.

George Dewey, who led a citizen protest against the proposal as it was presented, noted the Justice Center issue -- in terms of the jail and Courthouse needs -- has got to be accommodated, possibly by building something smaller.***

"Another option is building onto the Courthouse," Dewey said. "You would lose parking over there if that option were adopted."

Pictured in this small group are, from left, Mary Ann Predebon, George Dewey, Barry Fink and Carolyn Peterson.

Susanna Peters mentioned a need for a low-security drug / alcohol treatment center for inmates -- and non-inmates -- dealing with substance abuse. She said she envisioned a much smaller scale for the Justice Center.

Participants in the small-group discussion listed their ideas for uses of the county land and presented these to the group as a whole before a "straw" vote was taken to determine the group's priorities. Pictured in this group are, from left, Andrea Puzakulich, Mary Marchaterre, Susanna Peters, Rolf Peterson and Tracie Williams.

Predebon pointed out that it was mentioned at a County Commissioners' meeting that 28 percent of felons released from prisons end up back in a county jail. If the county jail is too big, it could end up housing inmates from outside Houghton County.

The group discussed various ideas for using part of the property for housing, including possibly senior housing. Presently the block to the west, the former site of the old Houghton High School (which could be divided into ten 50' by 100' lots) is being offered for sale. It is now zoned for business, but has some restrictive covenants concerning what can be built there. These can be changed or removed with a majority vote of the Houghton City Council.

A community building was suggested for part of the space.

Haeussler noted the need for a building where technology for teleconferencing would be available, since people actually sometimes go all the way to Marquette for this purpose.

Most participants were in favor of having an outdoor park on part of the property.

Jay Green observed that the City of Houghton would need supplementary funding to support maintenance of a new park, since the city already assumes responsibility for maintenance of several parks.

Gretchen Janssen said while private housing or retail uses would not require public funding, the the park would be the least expensive of the remaining options requiring public funding. She said the park might attract community support or an endowment that would pay for maintenance.

Gretchen Janssen, left, takes notes during the small-group discussion. Also pictured in this group are, from left, Sarah Cheney, Jay Green and Erik Lilleskov.

Dewey added the park is only an option if the facility needs are dealt with first -- the jail and the courthouse.

"The facility needs don't go away," he said.

The results of the group's vote showed priorities as follows: 17 for the park, 11 for the community building, 8 for the Justice Center, 6 for the rehab/treatment center, 4 for housing (including public and private) and 1 for retail.

This chart shows the tally of votes from the citizens' group, indicating priorities among the six main uses they suggested for the two blocks of county land near the Houghton County Courthouse.

After the vote, participants discussed what the next step should be for communicating their concerns to county officials and the general public.

Sarah Cheney, one of the organizers of the Pewabic Street Community Garden, said she would like to see town hall meetings to allow more public participation in the discussion.*

Peterson said it would be important to present a spirit of openness and to have another meeting for further discussion.

Editor's Notes:
* Click here to see and listen to Keweenaw Now guest reporter Eric Rosenberg's audio interview with Sarah Cheney and Elena Buzova last summer concerning the Pewabic Street Community Garden.

** Read about the need for a new jail facility and some public reactions before the Nov. 2 ballot in Keweenaw Now guest reporter William Frantz's August 2010 article, "County justice center proponents seek public support."

See also the Houghton County Justice Center Sourcebook.

*** Read George Dewey's August 2010 article, "Reasons to VOTE NO on the Houghton County Justice Center."

Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra to perform chamber music Nov. 19

HOUGHTON -- The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will perform "The Spiritual and Transcendent," a Fall Recital Series concert, at 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Friday, Nov. 19, at Portage Lake United Church in Houghton.

This inspiring chamber music features sublime and touching instrumental and vocal works performed by local student and community musicians.

A suggested donation of $5 is accepted at the door.

Visiting artists offer family concert to benefit Calumet Art Center

By Jane VanEvera*

CALUMET -- On the evening of Friday, Nov. 12, regional artists Jym Mooney and Carol Lee Hopkins gave an outstanding concert to an appreciative audience at the Calumet Art Center (CAC) Performance Hall. Donating time and talents to support the CAC and quality events for local Copper Country residents, this Milwaukee duo brought a family-friendly atmosphere to their performance. Sharing many of their own lyrics and songs, Jym and Carol sang intimate and heart-felt stories of life, love, grief, goodness, family personalities.

Jym Mooney and Carol Lee Hopkins of Milwaukee sing their original songs to an appreciative audience at the Calumet Art Center on Nov. 12. (Photo © 2010 and courtesy Ed Gray)

Reminiscent of a Peter Paul and Mary concert, these refreshing, down-to-earth, sweet harmony with an attitude performers played to a just-right volume and balance of voice and instrument. The audience could actually hear the lyrics and relate to them personally, shedding an appropriate tear, laugh or deep sigh. What parent or sibling couldn't sympathize with the mothers who went to the battlefields to reclaim their sons ("I Have Come To Take My Son Home")? How many families don't recognize dear Aunt Jan who shops the antique stores for her beloved spoons? And who knew that vultures return to Hinkley, Ohio, annually? It was an evening of fun, good-listening music for ears of any age. Kids love these tunes.

This two-hour musical event and amazing talent was brought to Calumet by these generous artists who donated all their travel and lodging expenses and fees as well as the monetary donations taken at the door. They are genuinely supportive of the arts particularly when and where art funding has been so deeply cut out of school programs and community events. The communities of the Copper Country are fortunate to have welcomed many well known and highly esteemed artists from outside the local area. The Calumet Art Center has brought affordable family events to this community in the 18 months of its existence and will continue to do so with community support and attendance.

CDs of Jym and Carol's music are available at The CAC for $15. Consider them for holiday gifting -- great for the kids, too -- or for your own enjoyment. Check out their website: www.mootownproductions.com. Get great art. Support your local Calumet Art Center. Visit us. Request or sign up for classes in clay, weaving, or something of your interest.

Open hours are Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Located on the corner of Red Jacket / 5th Street behind the Keweenaw Heritage Center in the white building with the spire.

December holiday events

Join us for the Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. on First Friday, Dec. 3. Warm refreshments will be served at the Calumet Art Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Plan to attend the Christmas Concert at the Calumet Art Center at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. The concert will feature vocalists Monica Rovano and Courtney Clisch, guitarist Cathy Isaacson, violinist Libby Meyer, and organist Kathleen Alatalo-Arten.

To learn more about the Calumet Art Center visit www.calumetartcenter.com.

*Editor's Note: Guest writer Jane VanEvera is a Calumet Art Center Board member and CAC chair of visual arts.

Finlandia to present student, alumnae Fashion Show Nov. 20

HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University International School of Art and Design (ISAD) will present "Muoti," a student/alumnae fall fashion show at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

"Muoti" (pronounced MOO-oh-tee) is the Finnish word for fashion.

In a runway-style fashion show, current ISAD Fiber Arts and Fashion Design students, as well as Finlandia alumnae, will showcase original garments and accessories for men, women, and children.

Come see original designs in garments, re-purposed accessories, costumes, knitwear, and more.

The fashion show is free and open to the public. Donations to benefit the Fiber Arts and Fashion Design program are welcome.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is located at 435 Quincy Street, downtown Hancock. For more information, please contact Phyllis Fredendall, associate ISAD professor, at 906-487-7376.

Nordic Film Series to feature Finnish romantic comedy Nov. 18

HANCOCK -- One Foot Under is the feature film of this month’s Nordic Film Series at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. The film will be shown twice -- at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. -- on Thursday, Nov. 18.

One Foot Under (Toinen jalka haudasta), released in 2009, is a Finnish romantic comedy that tells the story of 35-year old gardener Visa Vuorio who learns that he only has a few months to live. When a young female reporter offers to write a series of articles about him, Visa’s life changes.

But when he learns there’s been a mix-up, and he is in fact perfectly healthy, Visa is reluctant to share the truth with his girlfriend and the reporter, with whom he has fallen in love.

The 94-minute film is in Finnish with English subtitles.

There is no charge to attend the film, but donations are accepted. The Finnish American Heritage Center is located at 435 Quincy St., downtown Hancock. For additional information, please call 906-487-7549.

Friends of Portage Library to hold Book Harvest sale Nov. 20

HOUGHTON -- The Friends of the Portage Lake District Library invite everyone to their Book Harvest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20. New and gently used books will be sold to raise money for library projects and materials that the Friends provide.

The Book Harvest also includes a feast of pumpkin treats. People are encouraged to bring pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pies, and any favorite pumpkin dish to try. Foods will not be for sale, but rather are for everyone to sample and enjoy. Recipes can be shared and copies can be made at the library. Bringing a pumpkin dish is not required for participation in this event.

Projects that the Friends of the Library have done include buying books and other materials, furniture, and the Children’s Listening Center. Information on how to become involved with the Friends will be available at the book sale.

For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Portage Library launches newly redesigned Web site

The Portage Lake District Library is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The new layout allows for easier navigation and, along with brand new online resources, gives users increased access from home.

The new front page displays recent library news, library hours, and different library resources and events. There is also a library catalog "quick search" box and account access for library patrons to place holds, renew books, and much more. Those who are interested can sign up for a weekly e-newsletter announcing that week’s events and recently added books, audiobooks, and movies.

Online content and library information are organized into six drop down menus at the top of the page:

ABOUT US -- Find information about library history, policies, staff, employment, and the Board of Trustees. You can also read the latest edition of the library’s print newsletter.

CATALOGS -- Search the library’s collection along with the catalogs of most Michigan libraries, public and academic, through UPCAT and MeLCat. Go here to access the Great Lake Digital Library and download audiobooks and e-books.

ONLINE RESOURCES -- Free access anywhere, anytime to online databases, magazines, e-books, continuing education classes and more. PLDL staff is most excited about our brand new resources -- Universal Class, Mango Languages, and Ancestry Library Edition:

Universal Class offers over 500 classes, some that meet Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. Topics range from business to computers to history to self-improvement and are taught by real professors.

Mango Languages is an online language learning system teaching practical conversation skills for real communication. Each lesson combines real-life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture.

Ancestry Library Edition offers all the genealogical research resources of the popular Ancestry.com. Vital records, census data, birth and death records, and more are all available. Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, Ancestry Library Edition can only be accessed inside the library.

EVENTS -- View a listing of library events on the redesigned calendar. Information is also available on the weekly children's story hour and annual summer reading program.

SERVICES -- Find out how to get a library card, place an interlibrary loan request, reserve the Community Room for your group, get on one of the 15 public computers, and access the library’s WIFI network.

SUPPORT -- There are many ways to support the library. Find information on donating, volunteering and the Friends of the Library group.

The public is encouraged to check out the new website to experience all the information available to them and come back often to stay up to date on everything going on at the Portage Lake District Library.

Open-pit iron ore mine proposed for northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- According to an article posted today in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel On Line, a company called Gogebic Taconite, an affiliate of a privately held coal mining company, has purchased mineral rights on 22,000 acres in Ashland and Iron counties in northern Wisconsin and proposes spending more than $1 billion to develop a large open-pit iron ore mine on an ancient mountain range.

A spokesperson from The Nature Conservancy says the organization has concerns over the effect mining would have on pine martens, woodland birds such as the black-throated blue warbler and on the Kakagon and Bad River sloughs, the largest such vegetative areas on Lake Superior. Read the article.

Newly elected Hancock City Councilors sworn in

HANCOCK -- Two new councilors joined the Hancock City Council as a result of the Nov. 2, 2010, elections.

John Haeussler ran unopposed and was elected to a vacant at-large council seat for a four-year term. Haeussler also serves on the Hancock Housing Commission and is vice-president of the Hancock Housing Foundation.

Newly elected Hancock City Councilor John Haeussler receives the oath of office from City Clerk Karen Haischer during the annual organizational meeting of the Hancock City Council on Nov. 10, 2010. (Photo © 2010 and courtesy Roland Burgan)

Jeremie Moore ran as a write-in candidate for the Ward II Council seat and was elected to that seat for a two-year term. Moore is employed by BHK Child Development and is a member of the Hancock Fire Department.

Jeremie Moore, newly elected to represent Ward II on the Hancock City Council, is sworn in by City Clerk Karen Haischer during the Council's Nov. 10 organizational meeting. (Photo © 2010 and courtesy Roland Burgan)

City Councilors At Large Lisa McKenzie, Ted Belej and James Hainault were each re-elected to a four-year term to end in 2014 and were also sworn in at the Nov. 10 meeting.

Hancock Mayor William Laitila was nominated and re-appointed as Mayor for a one-year term by a unanimous vote of the Council. Councilor Jim Hainault was also re-appointed as Mayor Pro-Tem for a one-year term by a unanimous Council vote.

Also at the Nov. 10 special meeting, the City Council members voted to award the contract for construction of the proposed 2009 Sanitary Sewer Improvements project to MJO Contracting, Inc., for the Total Base Bid for a total contract amount of $3,092,249.60 contingent upon Rural Development's concurrence with the award and the availability of funding.

The Council also voted to award OHM the engineering and professional services agreement to design the Hancock Beach Storm Water EPA Grant Project at a cost of $42,839.00.

Visit the City of Hancock Web site to read the draft minutes of this Nov. 10, 2010, meeting.

The City of Hancock will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010. Preceding the meeting, at 7:30 p.m., a public hearing will be held to receive public comment on proposed Ordinance #276 "Purchasing and Sales Ordinance."

Click here to read the Agenda for the Nov. 17, 2010, City Council meeting.

Keweenaw Krayons offers art classes for Nov., Dec.

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons art offerings continue through November and into December. All classes/workshops/open art studio time will be held at Keweenaw Krayons Art Center, located in the Horizons Alternative High School Building, corner of 2nd St. and Stanton Ave., Mohawk. Park in back and come in the far south entrance.

A mosaic map of the Upper Peninsula, made with a variety of materials, is displayed at Keweenaw Krayons during the October Art Night Out, introducing the public to potential art classes at Keweenaw Krayons' Art Center in the Horizons Alternative High School in Mohawk. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

To register for any of the classes or to find out more information call 337-4706 or email staff@keweenawkrayons.com.

All ages are welcome at all events, but youth younger than eight are asked to bring an older teen or adult along. Some exceptions can be made depending on the artist and class offered.

Here are the classes being offered now:

Natural Jewelry with Katelyn Kronshage: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in November. $5 per session. Price includes supplies to make a simple piece. Additional supplies will be available for purchase and/or participants are invited to bring their own special items (beads, feathers, stones, driftwood, trinkets, etc) to incorporate into their creation.

Katelyn Kronshage of Calumet displays some of her jewelry made of natural materials during Keweenaw Krayons' Art Night Out in October. Kronshage, a recent graduate of Western Michigan University, is an Ameri-Corps teaching assistant at Calumet High School.

Open Studio with Sue Fouts: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or later if enough people want to keep creating). Tuesdays in November. Free but donations always welcome! Come create a piece of art using our vast supply of donated materials. Sue might have a special project going with cost ranging from $3 to $10.

Sue Fouts, left, of Mohawk, and Rachel Tober of Copper City welcome visitors to the October Art Night Out at Keweenaw Krayons. Sue teaches paper making art (samples of her cards are on the table) and other crafts, and Rachel specializes in mosaic ...

Rachel Tober displays some of her mosaic art.

Working on an art or craft project at home? Bring it to Open Studio and create while socializing with others.

Artist Diana Langdon and her son, Luke Malnar, of Copper City work together on découpage during Keweenaw Krayons' Art Night Out. Keweenaw Krayons classes are open to both adults and youth.

Digital Photography Class for Beginners with Sarah Grieger: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in November through December 30. $7 per session. Bring your own Digital Camera and learn your way around it!

Sarah Grieger of Mohawk invites visitors to sign up for her digital photography class during the Art Night Out at Keweenaw Krayons. Sarah also teaches a class in Zines when there is a demand for it.

Beginners Photography will start with the basics of photography and build up to how to use the more complex features offered on most digital cameras (don't worry if you think your camera might not have these features -- we will work around it!) The class will cover framing, portraits, lighting, exposure, and simply improving your day to day snapshots.

An invitation to artists from Carol Rose, Keweenaw Krayons interim director:

Carol Rose, Keweenaw Krayons interim director, posing here for fun as you-know-who, is trying to retire. Meanwhile she offers a special gift to artists during the holidays ...

Attention Artists and Crafters!

Looking for a place to create, display and market your work over the holidays? How does a no-rent, no-utilities, no-commission offer sound?

Too good to be true? Not!

The Ramblin' Rose Art Center in Mohawk offers you free space from now through Dec. 31. Team up with others to provide staff. Set up your own displays.

CALL or email NOW! Call 906-369-4314 or email carolrose.u.p@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

The Ramblin' Rose Art Center is also available to purchase (will consider land contract), rent to own, or "just rent." See ad in right-hand column on this page.

More photos of artists at Keweenaw Krayons' Art Night Out:

Carol Rose, Keweenaw Krayons interim director, with artist Clyde Mikkola in his studio at Keweenaw Krayons, located in the Horizons Alternative High School in Mohawk. The two artists have worked together for a long time, even before Rose founded Keweenaw Krayons. He was one of the Ramblin' Rose Art Center's first artists.

Lyanne Stemler of Lake Linden, daughter of the late artist Renée Stemler, demonstrates how to make bracelets out of shelf paper in the Renée Stemler Memorial Art Room at Keweenaw Krayons. Learning from Lyanne is her art teacher ...

... Danielle Alfafara of Hancock, who teaches art at Lake Linden schools (K-12). "This is the first time I've ever been here," Danielle said. "It's a lot of fun."

Becky Weeks, right, of Lake Medora, demonstrates the art of making Temari, Japanese hand balls, to Cathy Isaacson of Mohawk.

Rachel Niemela of Kearsarge teaches knitting and creative writing at Keweenaw Krayons.

Keweenaw Krayons is a family affair for artist Christy Toepper, right, and her three daughters, from left, Emily, Sandra and Claire. Christy has taught paper making projects like those displayed on the table.

Fiber artist Betsi Arend, left, of Eagle River (a graduate of Finlandia's International School of Art and Design) enjoys volunteering at Keweenaw Krayons. Here she welcomes visiting artists Bob Dawson and Sharon Abramson of Calumet's Copper Country Associated Artists.

Young Mohawk residents, from left, Nikki McClelland, Greta Westerinen and Cierra Herstrom enjoy participating in Keweenaw Krayons activities.

Darlene Basto, who has worked several years helping Keweenaw Krayons obtain grants for their programs, poses with fellow fundraiser Pablo Pig Casso.