CASPIAN—The Caspian City Commission will move forward on seeking bids for the salt barn property adjacent to the former City Hall.
 At the council’s July 18 meeting, City Manager John Stokoski presented an appraisal of the property for the council’s approval. The city will seek a $3,000 minimum bid.

All miners in a row--Heigh Ho! The Pixie Dancers performed the first of several musical numbers at the Rum Rebellion Revue July 20. (Marko Brickman photo)

IRON RIVER—The Iron County Road Commission’s county-wide millage is up for renewal this year, and it approved ballot language for the November election at its July 17 meeting.
 The Road Commission will be seeking renewal of one-half mill for four years.

ESCANABA—To accommodate reconstruction of M-189 from Genesee Street to U.S. 2 as well as the U.S.-2/M-189 intersection, the detour routes in Iron River changed Monday and will remain in effect until mid- to late August.

CRYSTAL FALLS—Although the prisons in Michigan have seen an increase in inmate population, Iron County’s 50-bed jail is operating at about half capacity, and the county could see some revenue by housing state inmates in the vacant cells.
 The situation was explained to county commissioners by Sheriff Mark Valesano during the board’s regular bi-monthly meeting July 10.

Karen Bond (right) of Iron River and her sister, Carol Froeming of Bolingbrook, Ill., were among early shoppers at the Iron River Shopko Hometown store in the Riverside Plaza on Sunday, browsing the shelves in the health and beauty section. Phase 2 (hardware, housewares, sports, electronics and seasonal items) is expected to open within two weeks followed by Phase 3, the apparel section, by early August. A “cold” opening is set for Monday, Aug. 6, with the grand opening planned for Thursday, Aug. 9, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, gift card giveaways and door prizes planned.

CRYSTAL FALLS—A pay request from Coleman Engineering was made to the Crystal Falls City Council, signaling the completion of its 2010 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act water system improvement project.
 A summary of payments, in the amount of $98,496.02, was presented at the council’s July 9 meeting. The water distribution part of the project is completed, said Scott McNelis of Coleman.

STAMBAUGH TOWNSHIP—Discussion on the Chicaugon Lake usage fee continued at the Stambaugh Township meeting on July 9.
 In order to assist with treating the severe milfoil in the lake, the township recently passed Ordinance No. 29, which requires the purchase of a permit sticker before putting a watercraft into the lake.
 Not purchasing the permit and putting a watercraft into the lake in Stambaugh Township is a violation of the ordinance and subject to fines, as is any other ordinance violation.

STAMBAUGH TOWNSHIP—After two and a half years, the Stambaugh Township Wellhead Protection committee’s water preservation plan is nearly complete.
 The program was presented to the public preceding the regular monthly meeting held Monday, July 9.
 On hand to educate the public on the wellhead protection plan were Stambaugh Township Trustee and wellhead team member Kevin Isaacson, GEI Consultant’s engineers Craig Richardson and Rob Anderson, and Michigan Department of Environmental Qualities Resource Management Division’s Chuck Thomas.

It didn’t take much to encourage this group of youngsters to take advantage of the sprinkler system set up by the West Iron County Fire Department at the fire hall prior to get ready for the Fourth of July races. What a treat! Popsicles, prizes for race winners and a sprinkling system to cool down on a hot day.