Workers from Protech Environmental remove debris from Central School as plans to renovate the building into the Apple Blossom Apartments move ahead. The Grand Rapids-based firm will also remove lead paint from the former school. Contractors will build 22 apartments as part of the project.

IRON RIVER—Iron County road commissioners approved a $6.13 million budget but voted against a state-wide initiative to increase political funding during a meeting Dec 27.
The 2013 budget is a $1.75 million increase over the previous year, due mostly to projected $1.62 million in expenditures for the Iron County Heritage Trail, according to Superintendent Doug Tomasoski.

CRYSTAL FALLS—When the new Iron County Board of Commissioners is seated Jan. 8, one of the first issues it will consider is how to enforce employee contracts.
Administrator Sue Clisch told the board that the past practice of paying retirement benefits prior to an employee leaving the county’s payroll violates union contracts.

IRON COUNTY—Bev Camp, District 5 commissioner on the Iron County Board, announced her resignation Dec. 27.

Wildlife Unlimited of Iron County was the recipient of a $3,000 donation from Thrivent Financial for the club’s handicapped/disabled hunter trailer. During the fall hunting seasons, WU had the trailer out and in use 12 times with three different individuals. One youth and two adults had the opportunity to be participants in successful hunts with two harvests. Pictured, from left are WU members Bob Gallup and Secretary Diane Grondin, Thrivent Financial associates Jason Anderson and James Quayle, WU member Scott Westphal, WU President Rick Commenator and member Larry Pifke.

IRON RIVER—The Iron River City council selected Bernie Sacheck as its 4th Ward council member after a contender stepped down.

IRON RIVER—Tax changes passed by the Michigan Legislature could take a huge bite out of municipal revenues, according to City Manger Perry Franzoi.

BATES TOWNSHIP—Bates Township officials report a major water project is nearing completion and two other projects are ready to go.
An update on the projects was made at the Township Board’s Dec. 12 meeting.

Members of the First Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Sunday School and Sounds of Joy choirs performed Dec. 15 as part of the Noah’s Never Ending Rainbow Miracles of Christmas concert, hosted by the Windsor Center. The concert was organized by David and Barbara Adamson to raise funds to fight Trisomy disorders and drew acts from throughout Iron County.

IRON RIVER—Plans for The IronLine dog sled race are coming together, according to organizers.
“We’re about 98 percent ready to have this race,” coordinator Josh Brindle said Dec. 14. “All we need is snow.”