State Rep. Scott Dianda takes oath of office, announces Committee assignments

State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) takes the oath of office from Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget Mary McCormack at the swearing-in ceremony for the official opening of the 98th session of the Michigan House of Representatives on Jan. 14, 2015. Joining Rep. Dianda, from left, are staff member Curtis Audette; relatives retired Coast Guard Cmdr. Kim Pacsai and his wife, Carol; wife Debbie Dianda and Rep. Dianda; House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills); and staff members Elise Matz and Martha Troy. (Photo courtesy office of Scott Dianda)

LANSING – State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) was sworn in Jan. 14 beginning his second term at the official opening of the 98th session of the Michigan House of Representatives at the state Capitol in Lansing. Dianda’s House District 110 covers the western Upper Peninsula counties of Keweenaw, Houghton, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Iron and Baraga as well as part of Marquette County.

"I'm an honored that the residents of House District 110 have sent me back to Lansing to continue working on the issues that are important to our U.P. communities," said Dianda.

In his first term, Dianda fought for proposals to improve U.P. communities including tax relief for middle-class families and helped convince Gov. Rick Snyder to declare a state of emergency after brutally cold temperatures caused frozen and burst water pipes in many U.P. communities. He also fought for fair distribution of Michigan Department of Transportation road funding.*

Dianda's Committee assignments

For the new legislative session, Dianda will be the Democratic minority vice chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee and will serve as a member of the Energy and Transportation Committees.

"I am pleased to be the Democratic vice chairman of regulatory reform, and I look forward to working with my House colleagues on establishing sensible regulations that work for our communities. As a small businesses man myself, I will always be the private sector guy looking for ways to make Michigan a better place for small businesses," said Dianda. "I look forward to working on the energy committee to lower costs for the U.P. and generate power in the Upper Peninsula. As we saw last winter, and as we are seeing now over the issue of energy generating plants, U.P. residents have unique issues and needs. As a member of the transportation committee, I will be working with the Michigan Department of Transportation to reduce costs and find more cost savings before the May ballot vote on transportation funding. I am eager and ready to get to work."

The House Regulatory Reform Committee handles legislation covering many different areas including, to name just a few, licensing requirements for occupations, regulating athletic contests such as boxing and mixed martial arts, liquor license regulations and other liquor related issues and construction code regulations. The House Energy Committee considers legislation including utilities and current methods of energy generation as well as new ways of generating energy. The House Transportation Committee considers legislation that affects both state and locally maintained highways, roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure, as well as licensing and traffic control issues.

"I will continue to put U.P. residents and our unique needs first as we debate legislation at the state Capitol," Dianda added. "I encourage people to contact me with their thoughts and ideas through email, my website or by phone. My staff and I are always ready to hear new ideas and to offer our help to people trying to navigate their way through state government."

Dianda can be contacted toll-free by phone at (888) 663-4031, by email at ScottDianda@house.mi.gov and through his website at www.dianda.housedems.com.

* Editor's Note: See our Nov. 27, 2014, article, "State Rep. Scott Dianda notes concerns about clean energy, road improvement, public transit, more ..."

Hancock researcher, author to speak at Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society meeting Jan. 15

HOUGHTON -- The Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society will hold its first meeting of 2015 at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 [NOT THE NORMAL MEETING DAY], at the Portage Lake District Library, in Houghton.

The meeting will feature a presentation by John Haeussler, author of Images of America: Hancock (published by Arcadia Publishing in 2014, part of Arcadia's Images of America series). The presentation will be a discussion of images of early Hancock: virtually all pre-1940, many pre-1900.

At a Hancock Fire Dept. Pancake Breakfast in October 2013, Hancock researcher and former City Councilor John Haeussler (center) chats with City Councilor John Slivon, right, and Ann Pace (Slivon's wife) about Hancock history and the Hancock Sesquicentennial book, to which Haeussler, Sesquicentennial Committee chairman, contributed significantly. Haeussler will speak about his book, Images of America: Hancock, at the Houghton-Keweenaw County Genealogical Society meeting Thursday, Jan. 15, at Portage Lake District Library. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

In addition to showing a few of his favorite images, Haeussler plans to focus on looking at the detail within the images, at times looking at as many as six-to-eight items within a single image. One "sidebar" topic will be a series of images in which the Norwegian Lutheran Free Church appears. Four ca. 1880 images from the Smithsonian will also be included. There will be time for Questions and Answers, and audience participation will be highly encouraged. Books will be available for purchase and can be signed.

John Haeussler is an academic researcher. He moved to Hancock in 2007 and recently completed a four-year term on the Hancock City Council. Haeussler continues to serve on multiple local governmental boards. He was Committee Chair of the City's Sesquicentennial in 2013, and co-editor and co-author of the City of Hancock's Book, Hidden Gems and Towering Tales: A Hancock Michigan Anthology.

The meeting is open to the public. For further information, call 369-4083 or emailHKCGSociety@gmail.com.

Contra Dance to be held TONIGHT, Jan. 14, at Finnish American Heritage Center

HANCOCK -- A Copper Country Contra Dance will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock.

Colin Hoekje provide instruction and call the dances. The Thimbleberry Band will provide live music. No need to bring a partner -- everybody dances with everyone else. Admission is $6 per person. Great wood floor for dancing!

MDOT Traffic alert: M-26 detoured for Portage Lake Lift Bridge project

HANCOCK -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be detouring northbound M-26 traffic in the city of Houghton beginning TODAY, Wednesday, Jan. 14.

As part of ongoing bridge maintenance work, the M-26 northbound ramp onto the bridge in the city of Houghton will be closed until further notice. Traffic will be rerouted through downtown Houghton.

Motorists also should expect a single-lane closure of the outside northbound lane on the bridge. Both southbound lanes will be reopened Wednesday morning.

UPDATE from Tech Today: Change in Portage Lake Lift Bridge Closures

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close the US-41/M-26 Portage Lake Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock for 10 hours beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. The bridge is scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18. The hockey game on Saturday, Jan. 17, has been moved to 5:07 p.m. to accommodate Huskies fans north of the bridge. In case of a weather delay, an alternate bridge closure date of Jan. 24 has been set.

Short Closures Schedule Change

The contractor has notified MDOT the previously scheduled four two-hour closures for Jan. 20, 21, 22, and 23 from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. will need to be rescheduled. The two-hour closures will be announced at a later date.

In addition to the Saturday, Jan. 17, closure, motorists should expect:

• Nearly 170 intermittent 15- to 20-minute closures from January to March, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• One 11-and-a-half-hour closure on March 21 from 9 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. with an alternate date of March 28 in case of weather delay.

For more information, visit the bridge construction website or contact Travis Pierce at tlp@mtu.edu.

Houghton County to be announced Jan. 14 as semifinalist for $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize

HOUGHTON -- Residents of Houghton County are taking charge of their power bills, thanks to the efforts of the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET). On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Houghton County will be announced as one of 50 semifinalists for the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP), a nationwide competition challenging communities across the USA to reduce energy consumption. The community which most drastically reduces energy consumption will be the winner of a $5 million dollar prize.

Houghton County’s entry is an initiative launched and led by Michigan Tech computer science graduate student Abhilash Kantamneni (pictured here), with the support and help of the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET), the Houghton County Board of Commissioners and many Michigan Tech and community individuals and groups.

Photo: Abhilash ("Abhi") Kantamneni is pictured here at a HEET meeting during discussion of Houghton County's energy efficiency initiative mission statement and energy plan. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

A kick-off event will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the circuit courtroom, Houghton County Courthouse, 401 E. Houghton Avenue in Houghton. The event is open to the public.

A selected group of speakers will describe their excitement for the GUEP competition, pledge their support, and encourage the community to participate. After the event, a photo will be taken on the steps of the Houghton County Courthouse (weather permitting) with speakers and any community leaders who wish to participate. Bakery will be provided by Roy's Pasties and Bakery and Suomi Home Bakery and Restaurant.

HEET will partner with utilities and other groups to expand upon the work already being done, as well as explore alternative energy sources in order to reduce energy consumption, and more importantly power bills, in Houghton County for the two-year duration of the competition.

"This is a community effort," Houghton County Commissioner Scott Ala said, "This is a chance for the residents of Houghton County to be involved in something that will benefit the entire community."

This comes as timely news for Houghton County as the residents of the Upper Peninsula wonder whether their power rates will spike given the uncertain future of the Presque Isle Power Plant. The UP already pays some of the highest power rates in the country. Only Hawaii has more expensive electricity.

"The whole project has been gathering momentum and it’s good to see," said Bruce Woodry, Chairman and CEO of the Sigma Capital Group and a member of HEET’s Community Action Board. "Everybody wins on this deal. The community will win and individuals who winterize or have energy savings will win, period."

The community is encouraged to help win the Prize for Houghton County by taking some simple actions at home, such as caulking windows and doors and turning down the thermostat at night.

"Houghton County, as well as mayors and executives from across the country, have told us that the Prize gives them the momentum to accelerate their energy efficiency efforts," said Dr. Francis Slakely, Founder and Executive Director of the Georgetown University Energy Prize. "These semifinalist communities are leading the way for other small and medium size cities and counties to secure their energy future."

The local business community has already taken a step in jump-starting this effort for Houghton County residents by offering a 10 percent discount on weatherization products for anyone mentioning HEET at the time of purchase.

Efficiency UNITED Booths

Efficiency UNITED is a state and utility partnership program that helps people and businesses to become more energy efficient. They will have representatives in Houghton and Hancock Wednesday, Jan. 14, and Thursday, Jan. 15, to discuss the multiple rebates and programs they offer to Semco and UPPCO customers. They will also be selling energy efficient items (like LED light bulbs and low-flow showerheads) at cost.

Here are the locations:

• 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14 -- Pat's Foods in Hancock.

• 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15 -- Econo Foods in Houghton. 

Efficiency UNITED is committed to educating both residential and commercial customers about energy efficiency and offers cost-effective solutions and rebates for reducing energy use. Efficiency UNITED is also in partnership with twenty of Michigan’s energy providers, including SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company and Upper Peninsula Power Company, to help customers discover ways to save energy through innovative energy efficiency programs and educational tools such as online energy audits.*

Hardware Store Sales

Local hardware stores have agreed to provide a 10 percent discount on "consumable" energy efficiency products (CFL and LED light bulbs, winterization supplies, etc.) from January 14-31 for customers who request the HEET (Houghton Energy Efficiency Team) discount.

Dates: January 14-31

Participating Stores: Swift’s Hardware, Houghton; Risto’s Hardware, Hancock; Ace Hardware, Calumet.

Learn more at energizehoughton.org

For more information about HEET’s efforts and ways to get involved in saving money on your utility bills while winning the Prize for Houghton County, visit www.energizehoughton.org to stay on top of the latest ideas and opportunities HEET will be acting on locally or contact Robert Handler by email at rhandler@mtu.edu.

"The competition looks truly like America," said Dr. Slakely. "Not only do these communities come from across the map, they come from across the political spectrum, represent all socioeconomic strata and include demographically diverse populations. Some are paying the highest prices for energy; some have the ambition to be carbon net-zero, but all communities share the goal of transforming America’s energy future."

To learn more about the Georgetown University Energy Prize and to track the competition’s progress, visit www.guep.org, or follow the Prize on Twitter @GUEnergyPrize or on Facebook www.facebook.com/guenergyprize.

*Information on Efficiency UNITED can be found at www.efficiencyunited.com.

MDEQ to hold public hearing on Humboldt Mill surface water discharge permit Jan. 13

Eagle Mine, LLC, is applying for a renewal of their surface water discharge permit for the Humboldt Mill, pictured here, where they process ore from the mine into separate nickel and copper concentrates. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will hold a public hearing on the draft permit next Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Westwood High School Auditorium in Ishpeming. (File photo courtesy Eagle Mine)

MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will hold a public hearing on the proposed surface water discharge permit for the Eagle Mine -  Humboldt Mill in Marquette County beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at the Westwood High School Auditorium, 300 Westwood Dr., in Ishpeming.

A brief presentation, beginning at 6 p.m., will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The hearing will begin no later than 7 p.m., but may begin earlier. The hearing will end at 9 p.m. and the building vacated by 10 p.m. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Comments or objections to the draft permit and proposed decision regarding the Antidegradation Demonstration received by January 16, 2015, will be considered in the final decision to issue the permit.

Eagle Mine, LLC, operates the Humboldt Mill and the associated tailings disposal facility to process copper and nickel ores. The applicant discharges treated process wastewater, treated laboratory wastewater, and treated water treatment backwash through a pipeline to the wetland contiguous to the Middle Branch Escanaba River in the SW1/4, SE1/4, and in the NE1/4, SE1/4, Section 2, Town 47 N, Range 29 W, Marquette County. This draft permit, a renewal of Eagle Mine's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, includes several modifications on the previously issued permit.

Steve Casey, MDEQ Upper Peninsula District Supervisor, Water Resources Division, said the increase in discharge by the Mill required Eagle Mine to submit an Antidegradation Demonstration.

"Anytime there is an increased discharge, water quality will be lowered," Casey told Keweenaw Now. "We believe the proposed permit and the Antidegradation Demonstration both meet the requirements of the statute."

Two complaints about the water level from discharge into wetlands led to Eagle adding a pipe under U.S. 41 to take some of the treated discharge from the Mill to wetlands that are adjacent to the Middle Branch Escanaba River, Casey explained. Originally the discharge went through culverts from wetlands near the Humboldt pit under the highway to wetlands on the north side of U.S. 41. Some of the increased discharge will continue to take that route and some will go through the pipe.

The DEQ Public Notice on this permit states, "This draft permit authorizes an increased loading of pollutants to the wetland contiguous to the Middle Branch Escanaba River, which will lower the water quality with respect to certain parameters. The permitted discharge shall not lower the existing water quality of the receiving water below State Water Quality Standards."*

Casey also commented on the new discharge limits on various pollutants.

"The limits they are required to meet are protective of water quality in both the wetlands and the river," he said.*

Save the Wild U.P concerned about water quality degradation

Urging concerned citizens to attend the Jan. 13 hearing, Save the Wild U.P. recently made these comments on the proposed permit renewal: "Serious, unresolved environmental issues plague the Humboldt Mill. Tailings produced by Eagle will be deposited into the existing pit, adding to legacy contamination. There is an ongoing investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the mill’s status as a superfund site. An outflow pipe was built between the tailings pit and wetlands of the Escanaba River without permits or public involvement. As proposed, the NPDES permit for Eagle Mine - Humboldt Mill will degrade water quality in the Escanaba River."

Concerning the EPA investigation, Casey noted he was present when EPA officials and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) tribal staff toured Humboldt facilities last fall, to provide historical information from his long experience with the Humboldt site, but he was not present when EPA met with KBIC officials afterwards.

"They (EPA staff) did not share any conclusions with me," Casey said.

Eagle Mine: Water treatment plant surpasses standards

Eagle Mine also issued a statement concerning the proposed permit: "Since the issuance of the original NPDES permit additional background and operational data has been collected. This data helps ensure the permit conditions align with the operation. For example, the new permit would allow for an increase in discharge volume and a second discharge location which provides operational flexibility and allows for better water management.

"The renewed permit would not change the operation of the water treatment plant. The plant has had an exceptional performance record and continues to treat and discharge water that surpasses NPDES water quality standards."

MDEQ: Eagle's Antidegradation Demonstration "adequate"

MDEQ also states this in the public notice: "The Department proposes that the applicant’s
Antidegradation Demonstration, based on information required by Subrule (4) of R323.1098, shows that lowering of water quality is necessary to support the identified important social and economic development in the area. This is solely for purposes of satisfying state water quality regulations and is not intended to supplant local requirements, including land use or zoning laws. It is not, and should not be construed as, a finding by the Department that the proposed development meets local requirements or ordinances. In addition to the proposed permit, the Department is proposing to accept the Antidegradation Demonstration as adequate."*

Casey also confirmed that, during the Jan. 13 hearing, MDEQ will give an update on the groundwater discharge permit for Eagle Mine, which was the subject of the March 25, 2014, MDEQ public hearing at Westwood High School.

"We had a lot of good comments, and we made changes with regard to those comments -- which took a long time," Casey said. "There's one unresolved issue that we'll talk about on Tuesday (Jan. 13)."**

Notes:

* Click here to read more details on the permit in the MDEQ Public Notice.

** See our April 1, 2014, article on the March 25, 2014, public hearing: "Citizens question, challenge MDEQ proposed Groundwater Discharge Permit for Eagle Mine."

Houghton County Dems to host Solar Power presentation TONIGHT, Jan. 7, at Super 8

HOUGHTON -- The first regular membership meeting of the Houghton County Democratic Party in 2015 will be held at 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, Jan. 7, in the conference room of the Super 8 Motel in Houghton. Members and friends are welcome.

Did you see that glimpse of sunshine this week? What better time to celebrate the sun in January than to find out how solar power is easier and more affordable than you think?

The meeting will feature a presentation by Abhilash "Abhi" Kantamnemi, a research engineer at the Keweenaw Research Center. He has done extensive research into the viability of solar power in the Upper Peninsula and has helped several area residents install solar power for themselves.

Abhilash (Abhi) Kantamneni, second from left, joins in a discussion during the Oct. 3, 2014, Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) core leadership team meeting at Portage Lake District Library. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

"The basics of solar is really pretty straightforward; a lot of people in the area have installed solar themselves," Kantamnemi said. "Your installs could be 50 percent cheaper if you DIY (do it yourself)."

His presentation will feature an idea to start solar "co-ops," in which interested parties can put in a bulk order to save on costs and shipping charges.

For those who might be interested in obtaining solar power but may want a professional installation Kantamnemi suggested Dave Camps at Blue Terra (906-231-3995) in Hancock or Ian Olmsted from Marquette (517-242-2558).

More information can be obtained at www.SolarizeHoughton.org .

Houghton Energy Efficiency Team to meet TODAY, Jan. 6, at Portage Library; team leaders sought

At the Oct. 3, 2014, Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) meeting at Portage Lake District Library, Michigan Tech students lead a discussion on the Community Energy Plan and its mission. HEET invites the public to its meeting TODAY and seeks persons interested in taking leadership positions for implementing the plan. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- The Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) will meet from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. TODAY, Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton. All are welcome to attend this important meeting.

Key on the agenda is to slate the leaders who will guide HEET's efforts moving forward to implement the Community Energy Plan. Interested persons are asked to consider taking on a leadership position and/or recommending others in the broader community who they know would do a good job.

You may read the job descriptions and make nominations and self nominations online at: http://houghtonenergyefficiency.com/leadership/*

Houghton County is one of 50 official semifinalist communities in the Georgetown University Energy Prize! This means Houghton County is in the two-year long competition to reduce energy usage. Leaders for implementing HEET's Community Energy Plan could be key to winning the prize.**

* NOTE: This link, previously accessible only within Michigan Tech, is now open to all. HEET apologizes for this inconvenience.

** More on this prize coming soon!

Dance Zone Marquette offers week of dance activities beginning Jan. 4

MARQUETTE -- Dance Zone Marquette is offering a full slate of interesting activities this week:

• TONIGHT, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, 6 p.m. -- Free Trial Session Waltz and Fox Trot. The actual class begins on Sunday, Jan. 11, also at 6 p.m. 

•  Monday, Jan. 5 -- Square dancing at 7:30 p.m. with class at 6 p.m.

•  Tuesday, Jan. 6 -- International Folk Dancing at 7:30 p.m.

•  Wednesday, Jan. 7 -- Choreographed Ballroom (Round) Dancing at the Jacobetti Center on Fisher Street (Rec room in lower level), 6:45 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

•  Thursday, Jan. 8 -- First session of the Ballroom Basics dance class (6 session class), 7 p.m.

•  Friday, Jan. 9 -- Contra dance with All Strings Considered, 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

•  Saturday, Jan. 10 -- Ballroom dance with Blue Champagne, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year and enjoy healthy exercise by dancing! The Dance Zone is at 1113 Lincoln Avenue, Marquette. Visit their Web site for more Dance News details or call 906-236-1457 for more information.

Just Keweenaw project seeks to promote Copper Country, support community charities; fundraising deadline: Jan. 8, 2015

CALUMET -- There's no doubt, the Keweenaw Peninsula is beautiful. The people who live and visit here have a deep connection to this unique area and love sharing their experience with others.

Local residents Jonathan Soper and Michael Juntunen are opening a store in Calumet along with a website (justkeweenaw.com) to promote the Keweenaw and give back to the community by utilizing their current web development and graphic design business, Base Nine Studios (baseninestudios.com). They have been working with other local businesses, merchants, metalsmiths, printers, and artists -- all of whom are very excited about participating in this project.

This conglomerated effort will produce high quality shirts, coats, drinkware, jewelry, and crafts -- all created locally by folks we know, thus ensuring that everything offered from Just Keweenaw is built to last. Just Keweenaw aims to donate five percent of all future monthly sales to local charities and to showcase them on the Just Keweenaw website and social media in order to raise public awareness about organizations that need help.

"We'll be working to benefit the artists -- that's our mission," Soper explains. "And we'll be selling both on the website and in the Calumet storefront."

Just Keweenaw is currently raising startup funds on Kickstarter.com, a popular crowd-funding website. When you make a pledge on Kickstarter, you'll receive rewards in return. You are not charged until, and only if, the project reaches its funding goal.

The deadline for this Kickstarter fund raiser is next Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015.

Everyone is encouraged to visit JustKeweenaw.com, watch the video, like their Facebook page, and make a small pledge on Kickstarter if possible -- by Jan. 8. Just Keweenaw is working hard to meet their funding goal by the Jan. 8 deadline. They are confident that people will love to show off their Keweenaw pride with style.*

Jonathan Soper and Michael Juntunen live in the Keweenaw and have 30 years’ experience in marketing, business management, design and interactive development. Base Nine Studios has developed websites for many local businesses -- including The Michigan House (michiganhousecafe.com); Carmelita's, a Southwestern Grille (carmelitasasouthwesterngrille.com); and Fitzgerald's Restaurant/Eagle River Inn (eagleriverinn.com).

* Click here to go directly to Just Keweenaw's Kickstarter page and learn more about the project and rewards for supporters!

(Just Keweenaw logo courtesy Jonathan Soper.)

Calumet Art District to offer Omphale Reopening plus art exhibits, activities, receptions for First Friday, Jan. 2

American Copper. This butterfly photo by Miriam Pickens is part of "The Butterfly Show" at the Omphale Gallery and Café, which will reopen on First Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. (Photo courtesy Miriam Pickens)

CALUMET -- The Calumet Art District welcomes 2015 with a wide array of Gallery Shows and the reopening of the famous Omphale Gallery and Café this First Friday, Jan. 2.

Omphale Gallery and Café: Reopening, "Butterfly Show," live music

The Omphale Gallery and Café, at 431 Fifth St. in Calumet, is reopening with a new menu and a special First Friday meal, courtesy of Chef Mike Porter of the Eagle Café (Eagle Harbor) and the Miscowaubik Club.

During January and February, the Omphale gallery will feature "The Butterfly Show" with works by Karen Runvik and Miriam Pickens. Karen fills her transparent watercolors with vibrant colors and light as she enjoys capturing the essence of the beauty of flowers and their pollinators. She currently spends her time at her woodland studio in the the Baraga area. Miriam has been taking close-up photos of the butterflies of the Maasto Hiihto trails in Hancock. She has photographed over 50 species and incorporates these and other delightful creatures in her work with ceramics.

Art by Karen Runvik, part of "The Butterfly Show" at the Omphale Gallery and Café. (Image courtesy Miriam Pickens)

The two will be presenting their works this First Friday evening, Jan. 2. During the Opening, enjoy the live music, visit with the artists and view their matted photographs, prints and portfolios. Please call Chef Mike at 235-9191 for more information.

Update: According to their Facebook page, the Omphale is now called the Omphale Restaurant and Gallery. Reservations are appreciated for dinner. Visit their Facebook page for the tentative menu.

Calumet Art Center: Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 2

The Calumet Art Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on First Friday, Jan. 2, but will be closed for the evening. Karena Schmidt is offering a felted mittens class on Thursday evenings in January and February, and there are still a few openings. The staff at the Calumet Art Center wishes you a Happy New Year, and will see you at First Friday in February. For more information call 934-2228.

Paige Wiard Gallery: Opening Reception

Art by Jerry Eppel, on exhibit at the Paige Wiard Gallery. (Photo courtesy Paige Wiard Gallery)

For the month of January the Paige Wiard Gallery, 109 Fifth St., will be showing work from the talented artists that can be found in the gallery every day! Stop in and show your support for the artists that make this gallery so special. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. First Friday, Jan. 2. For more information call 906-337-5970 or email paigewiardgallery@gmail.com.

Galerie Bohème: Group show

This lovely doll by Margo McCafferty and Tom Rudd is part of the group show now at the Galerie Bohème in Calumet. (Photo courtesy Galerie Bohème.)

Galerie Bohème is pleased to bring you a group show featuring multiple local artists. Check out the six-foot-long sturgeon that Tom Rudd just completed. The opening reception will be from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 906-369-4087.

Galerie Bohème is at 423 Fifth St. in Calumet.

Copper Country Associated Artists : Dry wall carving

Dry wall carving will be the featured activity at Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) for First Friday, Jan. 2. Learn how to create a beautiful carved tile from a material that is readily available as scrap. As this requires the use of exacto-knives, participants will be restricted to older teens and adults. All materials will be provided, and the activity will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

During the winter, the CCAA Gallery will be open most Thursdays from 11 a.m. - noon and on first Fridays from about 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as well as for special events such as the Copperdog 150.

The CCAA Gallery is at 205 Fifth St. Call 337-1252 for more information.

Cross Country Sports: Art by Greg Green

For the month of January, Cross Country Sports will feature new works by Calumet master painter Greg Green. His new paintings, titled "Winter, Buddha, and a Trip to the Circus," celebrate paint, shapes and color in an abstract expressionist style. Enjoy an open house, refreshments and talk with Greg from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.

Cross Country Sports is at 507 Oak Street in Calumet.

Hahn Hammered Copper: New found objects

Hahn Hammered Copper will be participating in the Marquette-based "100 Day Project" again this year. The Hahns will be "Exploring Beauty" in the found object and will have new works on display monthly from now until the Spring Equinox. Stop in on First Friday and help guess the little brass Mystery Object. Whatever your taste, you're sure to find something at Hahn Hammered Copper, 203 Fifth Street.

Café Rosetta: Poetry Reading; art by Chris Schmidt

Café Rosetta is pleased to host a Community Poetry Reading and Original Short Stories, open mic beginning at 6 p.m. on First Friday, Jan. 2.

During the month of January, the art of Chris Schmidt, longtime bicycle racer and avid photographer, will be featured. Inspired by the Tour de France, Schmidt has been photographing races and creating posters, flyers and t-shirts. A winter collection of skiing and cycling images in photography and graphic art will be on display at Café Rosetta, 104 Fifth Street, during January.

UPDATE: Backroom Boys dance postponed to Friday, Jan. 2, at Copper Island Beach Club

Please note the change of date: Backroom Boys will play dance music on FRIDAY, JAN. 2, because of Dec. 31 weather cancellation. (Back Room Boys poster courtesy Oren Tikkanen.)

UPDATED: HANCOCK -- The Backroom Boys Jazz Band will play dance music from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. FRIDAY, JAN. 2, at the Copper Island Beach Club (CIBC) in Hancock. The New Year's Eve Dance Party scheduled for Dec. 31 at CIBC has been postponed because of weather. Come down to CIBC this FRIDAY for an evening of post-holiday dancing and fun with the Backroom Boys.

This time out, the Backroom Boys will be Bob "Smooth Slide" Norden -- trombone, vocals, and high-jinks; John "Mr. French Quarter" Munson -- clarinet, tenor sax, keyboard; Matthew "Matti Poika" Durocher, once again voted the Keweenaw's Best-Looking Fretless Bass Guitar Player; and Oren "Vieil Homme" Tikkanen -- guitar, banjo and vocals.

The Copper Island Beach Club is on the Hancock waterfront at the bottom of Tezcuco Street. No cover or admission charge!

Happy holidays from Keweenaw Now!

HANCOCK -- Keweenaw Now wishes all our readers, contributors and supporters a very peaceful, safe and joyful holiday season!

This year we have tried to connect you with important issues and events -- not just in the Keweenaw, but also as far as New York and Normandy, thanks to our guest reporters and photographers and our news links on Facebook and Twitter.*

We welcome your letters and comments. Tell us what you like / don't like about our articles and offer us suggestions of what you'd like to see in 2015. Email us at andersm@pasty.com or post your comments on individual articles.

We wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year!

* In case you missed them, see our series of articles on the New York City People's Climate March -- a highlight of our 2014 news -- by clicking on our Dec. 9, 2014, article on the march and checking the links at the end for the three previous articles in the series. See also our slide show in honor of the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Keweenaw Now photo: "Paloma de la paz," by Gustavo Bourdieu.

Hancock Chalet now open daily

HANCOCK -- The Hancock Chalet is now open on a daily basis for skier warmup, restroom use, etc. It is opened sometime in the morning and closed about dark.

Hancock Tori to hold Christmas Market Dec. 20

HANCOCK -- The Hancock Tori Christmas Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 20, at the First United Methodist Church, next to Quincy Green in downtown Hancock.

Handmade crafts and other tempting items will be available for your last-minute holiday shopping!

A fund-raising lunch will be offered by the Methodist Youth Group during the market.

If you have questions contact Sandy Soring at sandysoring@charter.net.

MDOT to hold public meeting on Portage Lift Bridge maintenance project and bridge closures Dec. 18

View of Portage Lift Bridge by night. The public is invited to review plans for upcoming bridge closures at a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) meeting TOMORROW, Thursday, Dec. 18, in Fisher 138 at Michigan Tech. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

HOUGHTON -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will share plans for the major maintenance project on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge at a meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. TOMORROW, Thursday, Dec. 18, in Fisher 138 on the Michigan Tech campus.

Residents, community stakeholders and business owners can review the plans for construction and ask questions of MDOT staff members and contractor representatives.

MDOT will perform upgrades and preventive maintenance work on the lift bridge between Houghton and Hancock from mid-December 2014 to mid-April 2016. This $8.3 million project includes lift cable replacement, balance chain maintenance, electrical and mechanical upgrades, security system improvements, spot painting and new barrier gates.

The project will require two long-term nighttime closures of the bridge and numerous short-term closures.

Here is the tentative schedule for closures from January to March 2015:

• One 10-hour closure (with ramp for emergency vehicles): WHEN? Jan. 17, 2015, nighttime (9 p.m. - 7 a.m.) with an alternate date of Jan 24 in case of weather delay. WHY? Disconnect lift cables from lift span.


• Eight 2-hour closures: WHEN? January 2015, nighttime (2 a.m. - 4 a.m.). WHY? Remove balance chains.


• 168 intermittent 15-20-minute closures. WHEN? January - March 2015, nighttime (7 p.m. - 6 a.m.) WHY? Lift cable removal and reinstallation.


• One 11.5 hour closure (with ramp for emergency vehicles). WHEN? March 21, 2015, nighttime (8 p.m. - 7:30 a.m.) with an alternate date of March 28 in case of weather delay. WHY? Connect lift span to new cables.


• Eight 2-hour closures. WHEN? March 2015, nighttime (2 a.m. - 4 a.m.) WHY?  Install balance chains.

Hancock City Council to hold public hearing on two proposed ordinances Dec. 17

HANCOCK -- Hancock City Council will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, on two proposed City ordinances:

1. Proposed ordinance (No. 288) approving amendment to the Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan of the City of Hancock DDA.
2. Proposed ordinance (No. 289) approving regulating open fires and burning within the City limits of the City of Hancock.

At the Nov. 19, 2014, City Council meeting, Council members unanimously approved the first reading of each of these proposed ordinances.* The agenda for the Dec. 17 meeting, which follows the public hearing, includes consideration of the two proposed ordinances.**

Copies of the two proposed ordinances are on file in the Clerk's office, Hancock City Hall.

* Click here for the Nov. 19 meeting minutes.

** Click here to read the agenda for the Dec. 17 meeting.

Rolf Peterson to lead wildlife discussion TONIGHT, Dec. 16, at Carnegie Museum

Rolf Peterson, Michigan Tech expert on Wildlife Ecology, will lead a discussion from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. TONIGHT, Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Carnegie Museum in Houghton. (Poster courtesy Carnegie Museum)

HOUGHTON -- The Carnegie Museum will host Professor Rolf Peterson, Michigan Tech expert on Wildlife Ecology, for a discussion titled "Animal Elements of Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale" from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. TONIGHT, Tuesday, Dec. 16. The museum will open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments.

The event is part of a monthly series of sessions on the Geoheritage and Natural History of the Keweenaw. The discussions are aimed at the general public, but discuss current research and science.

"In the 19th and 20th centuries many wild animal species in the Keweenaw, along with the forest, were wiped out or reduced by unregulated harvest and widespread fire," Peterson explains. "Protective game regulations and regrowth of the forest allowed some species to recover, a process that continues today. Isle Royale was affected by the same influences, to various degrees."

Peterson will review the status of prominent and obscure species of wild animals, including many that are presently experiencing rapid change.

The Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw is located at Huron and Montezuma in downtown Houghton. Seminars are held in the recently restored Community Room on the ground level of this historic building. Lectures are free, open to the public, and barrier free (wheelchair accessible).

For further information visit the Carnegie Museum on Facebook or contact the Museum at 906-482-7140.

Community Arts Center seeks art works for 2015 Art from the Kalevala exhibit

These art works, by Kris Raisanen Shourek (left) and Joyce Koskenmaki, were part of the January 2014 Art from the Kalevala exhibit at the Copper Country Community Arts Center. (File photo courtesy Copper Country Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The Kalevala is a 19th-century work of poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. It is regarded as the national epic poem of Finland and is one of the most significant works of Finnish literature. Its rich imagery provides a hearty topic for visual art.

The Copper Country Community Arts Center will host an exhibition of art inspired by the Kalevala in connection with Hancock’s mid-winter Heikinpäivä celebration in January. Artists may submit up to three original works in any medium along with the rune or lines from the poem from which the artwork was inspired.

There is no fee to participate. The art works should be delivered to the Community Arts Center between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015. A closing reception will be held from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015. For more information call (906) 482-2333 or email cynthia@coppercountryarts.com. The Copper Country Community Arts Center is located at 126 Quincy Street in Hancock.

Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery to host Artists Holiday Celebration Dec. 14

"Elegant," by Laura Stahl Maze, is part of the holiday exhibit at the Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery, which will host an Artists Holiday Celebration TOMORROW, Sunday, Dec. 14. (Photo courtesy Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery)

MICHIGAMME -- Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery will host a special Artists Holiday Celebration from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Gallery in Michigamme. Holiday refreshments will be served.

More than 30 artists and 10 local authors are participating in this exhibit, which includes a variety of original art: drawings, gelatin prints, glass, linocuts, metal, mixed media, paintings, photography, pottery, sculptures, silk batik, wood art, woodcuts, and books. The exhibit will continue through Jan. 31, 2015.

Featured artists are Pat Butler, Thomas Cappuccio, Jens Carstensen (late), Jim Clumpner, Meegan Flannery, John French, Michael Friend, Maureen Gray, Ed Gray, Bill Hamilton, Pat Hicks Ruiz, Nan Hoeting Payne, Marc Homant, John Hubbard, Bryan Kastar, Connie Kerkove, Paula Kiesling, Janet F. Koenig, Taro Kojima, Mary Anne Kublin, Michael LaTulip, Tom Larson, Troy Lichthardt, Ron Lukey, Joanne McCoy, Sandra Palmore, Brook Powell, Seri Robinson, Rudd and McCafferty, Peg Sandin, Kathrine Savu, Laura Stahl Maze, Craig Weatherby, Emil Weddige (late) and Liz Yelland.

Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery specializes in original fine art. Every year the gallery celebrates up to eight shows and receptions with artists and the strong support of art patrons. Michigamme Moonshine Art Gallery, located at 136 E. Main in Michigamme, is open year round: Mondays through Sundays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays by chance. For more info call: 906-323-6546.