Support the Rodeo
To the editor:
The rodeo is an annual event that has boosted Iron County’s economy and helped keep us on the map for 45 years. This year, the Rodeo Committee’s raffle is a 45 h Anniversary Limited Edition Rodeo Raffle Calendar. If they are able to sell the maximum of 400 calendars, the rodeo organization will be in the best financial shape they have been in years.
 I am not affiliated with the Rodeo Committee, just a concerned citizen. If the people of Iron County don’t continue to support these events they are not going to be around long. I believe there are about 100 calendars left to sell. I am asking the residents of Iron County to support this event and others like it and keep Iron County on the map.
-s- Ken Maki
Iron River

Bicycle trail update
To the editor:
 At last Thursday's Heritage Trail meeting, it became clear that we are still falling short of the local match for the $1.5 million in grant money we have received.
 For future expansion projects, we will be asking the public to donate money to help cover the local contribution. For now, we are asking you to show your support for this portion of the trail, from the end of the current Apple Blossom Trail to Pentoga Park, by contacting your county commissioner or by attending the county commissioners’ meeting, held at the Courthouse on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 1:30 p.m.
-s- Robert Rafferty
Friends of the Heritage Trail
Iron River

Inspiring quotations
To the editor:
     As we celebrate this year’s Christmas season, allow me to express my admiration and respect to the people around us who are tirelessly and unselfishly doing service to others without expecting any rewards in return.

No handicap
accessibility
To the editor:
 On Nov. 5, I took my elderly mother to watch her grandson play in the high school football district tournament between Ishpeming and West Iron.
 I however was extremely disappointed and upset at the lack of accommodations for handicapped or elderly people to access the bleachers and football field.

Galleria success
To the editor:
 We would like to thank the special people who displayed their wonderful Christmas trees and those who donated the fabulous baskets for raffle during this year’s Christmas Tree Galleria.

Wales doing a good job
To the editor:
 The recall Wayne Wales petition people are at it again. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, they handed in more recall petitions with 309 signatures on them. After being verified for valid signatures, and if they have enough of them, the earliest date for a recall election would be this February 2012.

Rising to occasion
To the editor:
 Nothing defines the character of a small community better than when disaster strikes one of its own. It is there, at such a time, that one can experience the sense of family that exists. Members join together to help because people matter to one another.
 The Chris Skrzyniarz family’s meeting with misfortune happened in August when Chris and Sheri were involved in an accident with their motorcycle. Chris did not survive. Sheri was seriously injured and faces months, possibly years, of rehabilitation. It was a life-altering event for their children.

Buyer beware;voter be wary
To the editor:
 Based on what I understand to be Michigan law where township expenditures are concerned, a township may legally expend public funds for a public purpose only if an interpretation of the state constitution and/or statutes indicates the township is authorized to make that particular expenditure.
 An expenditure that does not meet this standard is illegal and prohibited, even though the purpose seems worthwhile.

Dinner a success
To the editor:
 We wish to take this opportunity to thank the people of Iron County who attended our fundraiser dinner at the Senior Center in Iron River.

Thanks for the support
To the editor:
 Thanks to all who supported the Iron County Museum rummage fundraisers in 2011.
 The community response both last spring and this fall was astounding. The numerous volunteers at the museum were in awe of the quantity and quality of the donated treasures dropped off for the fundraising events.