Combined Efforts Will Yield Success In Area Promotion (November 16, 2008)

This area offers endless opportunities that should be attractive to vistors and newcomers. Our four seasons are each filled with outdoor activities such as: hunting; fishing; camping; hiking; skating; cross-country and down-hill sking; ski jumping; trail riding by ATV's; and snowmobling.

We have the world's largest fresh-water lake in our backyard, stunning waterfalls, and trail systems that connect the whole U.P. and Northern Wisconsin. Many visitors that I've talk to say we have a well-kept secert here and they enjoy vacationing where they can avoid the crowds. Most areas that offer the same activities are so crowded that it takes away from their enjoyment.

Our son-in-law's family from central Wisconsin all enjoy coming up here to camp at Little Girl's Point, Black River Harbor and the Porkies. They enjoy the landscape and the lack of people. We offer an opportunity for folks to truly enjoy the outdoors. Are we ready to advertise this? My family enjoys sailing, canoeing, camping and hiking and there are bussiness opportunities out there which would definitely attract visitors here.

We all must work and advertise together to promote this area. I heard this talked about by many and it does work - but people must be ready to work together for everyone's best interests and not just for themselves. Good article, Jim.

John Cain, Ironwood

The Art of Promotion (November 15, 2008)

I read with interest your Chronicle editorial regarding promotion of the area. It's sad but true. I was pondering recently on what draws folks to different towns. What do we have here? Ashland and Wakefield both have waterfront, Bessemer majestic bluffs, Mercer and Lac du Flambeau besides their respective attractions have wonderful wayfinder signs large enough to actually be read from a moving vehicle.

Why aren't we successful? We simply do not promote what we have! My nephew lived in Green Bay, and every time he would come "up north" we had to do the touristy stuff. We HAD to go to Copper Peak, Black River Harbor, Hiawatha, Mt. Zion, the water falls etc., etc.

He was always surprised that more people didn't go there. Of course we take these things for granted.

I often thought a narrated bus tour of the area sights might be helpful. Maybe offering some sort of payoff at the end, such as a "genuine miners' lunch" of pasties, etc. Some sort of hook. Start it at the depot and hit the highlights such as Newport hill, tie in the Peshtigo fire, maybe even Tank hill, Mt. Zion, Historic Curry House, Riverside Cemetary, Memorial Building, James (Iron) Wood Park (I wonder how many people even know where this is downtown), the possibilities are endless. We need to better embrace our history and our beautiful scenery.

Promotion is an art, not a science. One needs to make people aware of what we have to offer. As I mentioned earlier, a person had lived in Ironwood ten years and didn't know that Ben's Place was downtown, having never been downtown!

One of our goals in hosting the UP Volunteer Firefighters' Tournament is for people to visit and enjoy our town and the surrounding area. We try to drive traffic to the area, and the fact that we partner with Bessemer Township helps to "spread the wealth" from Ashland to Wakefield, literaly.

After the last tournament we heard nothing but praise for the entire area and all it's people, from the police and sheriff departments, to taxi drivers, restaurants, bars, gift shops, etc.

If everyone enjoys themselves this much, and they do, then why can't we promote ourselves every day as THE place to go to? We are clearly capable in promoting big events here, so why not take that talent and put it to good use?

We have a lot to offer, let's not keep it our secret!

("I'm KJ and I approve this message".)

Ken Jacobson, Ironwood

Speakers Did Their Homework On Hovey Project (November 11, 2008)

I must say that Mr. Tom Ahonen, Leroy Johnson and Marvin Marks did their homework regarding the Hovey PILOT Ordinance.  They presented compelling evidence that supported why the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) shouldn't be granted for Hovey's proposed East Ayer Street apartment complex development.

I must say that these three gentlemen were looking out for this City's best interests. I waited 6 months to see the market study that was presented last night. MSHDA refused to release the document even though several Ironwood citizens, including myself, requested it through the Freedom of Information Act.  I wish the "facts" stated in the report were true. Perhaps Hovey was trying to impress MSHDA, but I was very disappointed with the misstatements made in the study. 

To all who attended last night's meeting -- we aren't done yet! The City Commission still has to act on this request at its next meeting. The same strong show of opposition will be needed then. To everyone, but certainly to Tom, Leroy and Marvin... congratulations on a job well done and thank-you!

John Cain, Ironwood

"I Feel Sorry For Mr. Pisani!" (November 6, 2008)

What is the point of even having a zoning system if it is completely arbitrary? A zoning system is put in place by representatives of the community to control how the community physically develops or so I thought.

We're supposed to live within those constraints to keep a bar from going up across the street from a school and from condos to be built in between industrial manufacturers. Now, if the public wants to change a zoning law, they have every right to petition their representatives to do that. But trying to stop the legal actions of a business person after someone has already taken interest in a particular zone is just plain obnoxious and elitist.

It makes it difficult for people with the money to guess what bug is going to be up someone's ass next, and if I were them, I would hesitate to even take on the headaches.

Jerry if I were you I would take my business and leave. Right across the street you can have "storage sheds" but Mr. Pisani can't have a storage building on the opposite side? I wonder what special interest group has the eye on that property now? Maybe a buddy of Mr. Fitting? Or Mr. Schonberg?

Mr. Hazel said that many cross-country enthusiasts would gladly purchase homes in the area; fix them up; and use them only seasonally -- increasing the tax-base while positively impacting the landscape. Really? Give me some of the grape juice you are drinking! Why aren't they doing it now? Because of that 4 acre parcel of land Mr. Pisani wants to buy? Give me a break!

The Project 149 Team Comments on Consolidation Outcome (November 5, 2008)

Most said consolidation had no chance. Though defeated, it’s thrilling so many see the need for significant change. After such an emotional debate, we hope we can all find common ground. Clearly, the public wants a plan. With the school boards leading the way, our communities must take up the challenge to plan for dwindling enrollments and improved student performance.

The Project 149 Team

Daily Globe Letter Quotes Great Sources on Consolidation (November 03, 2008)

Sue Hoeft’s letter to the editor of the Ironwood Daily Globe quotes two great sources, The Cato Institute and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, regarding School Consolidation: Smaller schools are better for education. The question is, however, how small is small? If you look further into the same research, 2,900 students is considered “optimal” size of a school district. Together, our three districts have approximately 1,835 – still some 1,000 kids short of the “ideal” size.

Here is the link to the research: http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=8621

Blame the owner -- NOT the Breed! (November 02, 2008)

• Despite what some people believe, pit bulls actually make great pets for families. In tests done by the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls were generally less aggressive when faced with confrontational situations that produced negative reactions out of many other stereotypically "friendly" dog breeds, such as beagles and poodles.
  
• Early in the 20th century, pit bulls were actually the No. 1 family dog.
  
• Dog fighters use pit bulls breeds because they are strong, agile and have a desire to please their owners. Unfortunately, pit bulls' abuse in this circumstance contributes to the negative myths surrounding them.
  

EDITOR'S NOTE: Be sure to read what other people have to say on this topic -- and feel free to offer your opinion! Go to our companion Yahoo webgroup "About_Ironwood" (Click 'Comment on Any Article' Below) to read more!

Writer Calls For Pit Bull Ban After Brutal Attack (November 02, 2008)

I had an incident happen to me on Wednesday afternoon, that I feel the people of Ironwood need to know about. I live in Ironwood....I came home from work on Wednesday around 3:05. I walked in the front door of my house, and yelled for my dog, I have a west highland white terrier, also known as a "westie", shes only about 15 lbs. She came running to greet me at the front door. I walked out to my front steps, to put her on her chain, and watched her as she hurried down the steps to the front lawn to do her "business."

I happened to look up across the street and saw 2 loose pit bulls!! Well they saw my little dog and started to running across the street to her. I grabbed her chain and tried to get her inside but it was to late. These 2 dogs started attacking my little dog in my front yard!! I did manage to push 1 of the dogs off her enough to get her inside my front porch. As I was closing the front door to protect the both of us, the 2 dogs burst through my front door, which threw me backwards, and these dogs were inside my house attacking my dog in my living room!!

My dog was still on her chain, and had nowhere to go. There were baseball bats and hockey sticks within my reach, but I was hesitant about hitting these dogs, because I didn't want them to turn on me. I was home alone at the time of this incident. I left my dog with these dogs still attacking her, and ran to my neighbors to call the police, on my way there, I remembered I had my cell phone in my pocket. Instead of calling 911, which is what I should have done, I called my husband. I was screaming into the phone about what was going on. My neighbors came out to see what all the noise was, I told them there were 2 pit bulls in my living room, attacking my dog! I couldn't go into my house in fear of what I might find.

My husband, an Ironwood Public Safety Officer, arrived in seconds because the IPSD had already been summoned to our street, in response to another complaint that there were 2 pitbulls loose in the neighborhood and that school was letting out, and kids were going to be walking home from school. He went inside our home, and one of the dogs ran out, but the other one was still in the house, and when he started yelling, the dog came charging at him, but ran past him and out the front door. He was able to let our dog off the chain finally, and check her over to make sure she was alright. Thankfully she was. Just scared.

After my husband came back outside, the one dog met him at the bottom of our front steps, so he maced it. The dog finally did leave. My husband said he would be right back, and he went to the pit bull owner's house. While he was gone, I thought it was OK to get my dog, put her on her chain, so she could do her "business". Maybe 2 minutes later, the dogs came back, I was able to get her off the chain and inside so she would be safe. The dogs did try to get her again, but my neighbor hit the one dog with a broom, to keep it out of my yard. Within minutes, 2 Ironwood Public Safety officers were there.

This isn't the first time that there has been problems with these dogs. The owner had been issued with many tickets a couple of months ago. He did receive more tickets because of this incident, and I filed a police report. I was told the owner would have to go to court at the end of November. This is where it gets interesting. The owner of the dogs, filed a complaint against my husband for hurting his dogs!! We know nothing will come from the complaint, because everyone thinks he should have shot the dogs when he found them in our home.

My biggest fear with this situation, is what would I have done if my kids were home? They are 10 and 8!! I can't imagine what would have happened if they were here. I have a hard time sleeping now, I don't want my kids to play outside, and my dog has gone to live with my parents in Bessemer, because I don't want her to get hurt if those dogs get loose again. My boys are heartbroken.

I want these dogs destroyed, and I would like to see a ban of these types of dogs in a residential area. I know it sounds pretty far fetched, but what if that was a child that was attacked?

Paulette Clemens
Ironwood, MI

Not All New Developments Represent Progress (October 23, 2008)

I appreciate your article referencing the e-mail response I received from State Representative Lathi regarding the purposed Towering Pines Apartment Complex.

I have no real personal interests in getting involved with this issue. I only own a home and I have no other property interests. But I know several local people who own rental properties here and respect their concerns if this development should move forward.

I was surprised to find out, through Representative Lathi's email, that our City Commission, even though they had asked about a market study showing a need for additional rental units, had not received nor reviewed such information before granting Hovey's request for a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). This shows me that the Commission acted irresponsibility and had total disregard for any and all owners of local rental units, including those operated by the City Housing Commission! Incidentally, the Housing Commission was never contacted for any study by anyone.

MSHDA offers many different programs -- such as rental assistance, home ownership and assistance with downtown housing redevelopment. Considering the current status of our downtown business district, and the number of vacant apartments and houses for sale, the City should be working with MSHDA on rehabilitation of existing buildings instead of building a new apartment development which will only relocate current rental tenants.

Mr. Lahti doesn't understand the situation in Ironwood! We do not have "returning college grads" or "those who are seeking employment" such as police, fire officers, or teachers. I believe Rep. Lathi needs to come over and show us what he's talking about. It gets my goat when local elected officials completely ignore local interests! Creating new development just to say we have new development isn't progress! That's what's happening here and what will it cost us? That's the question! Is it worth it? Thanks Jim.

John Cain

Consolidation: Quality Education the Ultimate Goal (October 17, 2008)

Amid all of the talk of "small schools in small communities" many people have lost sight of the ultimate goal of schools – education of our children. How well are our schools doing? The answer is: a little above average in Ironwood, a little below average in Bessemer, and just awful in Wakefield-Marenisco. The Michigan Merit Exams are given to all of the juniors in the state and measure competency in 5 subjects. There is a four point scale…advanced, proficient, partially proficient, and not proficient. Think of them as great, good, poor, and stupid. Here are the results for poor and stupid (hint…the smaller the number, the better). www.michigan.gov/mme 

Only 1 out of 19 kids at WM are any good at math. Only half of the kids in Bessemer are good at reading. Less than half of the kids in Ironwood are good at writing. I threw Houghton's scores in there to show you what's possible in the UP. Houghton's k-12 enrollment is 1240 and the city is even poorer than Gogebic county (median household income = $21,800 versus $27,400 for us). Also remember that the state average contains about 100,000 students from Detroit – a school system where only 1 in 4 children graduate from high school. Being a little better than the state average isn't saying much.

People will attack this data from all sorts of stupid ways…

1. They'll point to a kid who is a success and say – the test doesn't mean anything in the "real world." We can't be doing as bad as the data suggests, or Johnny wouldn't have gone so far. Baloney! These skills are MORE IMPORTANT every day. The world is becoming more technical and less mechanical. The auto industry has mechanized everything that they can think of – manual labor is not how children will succeed in this world. Remember that we are trying to teach of the kids, not just the brightest.

2. They'll say that Houghton "teaches to the test" as if that's a bad thing…in reality, no test is perfect, but math is math…if we don't think that these 5 subjects are important, what are we sending these children to school to learn in the first place.

3. They'll say that the data is old and we've changed everything in our current curriculum so that NOW our kids are getting a much better education. This is totally false. This is last year's results – hardly a long time ago. Ask your school board if they've changed all of the textbooks in all of the grades that made these kids failures the year before they graduate and what they're going to do to have the seniors "catch up" with the rest of the state.

Wake up! Smaller isn't better. A consolidated school system would be very close to Houghton's 1240. Forget about every other argument. The purpose of a school system is the education of its children – we're failing our children. Shame on us.

Jeff Edwards, M.D.

IVFD Chief Reminds Readers to Keep Fire Exits Clear (October 8, 2008)

When a smoke alarm sounds we all know what to do, right? Find the nearest escape route, get out and stay out! But if that exit is blocked, the best escape plan in the world will not help you and your family get to safety.

Items that block doors and windows in your home could keep you from escaping in the event of a home fire. Any emergency can affect one's ability to think clearly, but during a fire, smoke and other physical factors can literally inhibit your ability to react. Add a blocked escape route to the equation and your chances of safely escaping a fire may decrease even more. Not only can blocked windows and doors hinder you and your family's ability to escape a fire, but they can also keep firefighters from successfully completing their rescue attempts.

While many blocked escape routes are unintentional, such as large furniture or a pile of toys, others, like security bars, serve a purpose. Despite a downward trend in overall fire deaths in the United States , the number of fire deaths related to the use of security bars has risen, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Most of these fatal fires occur in low-income, high-crime neighborhoods. Due to a heightened fear of crime in these neighborhoods, people take measures to secure their homes and discourage intruders from entering, thereby, either consciously or unconsciously, placing a higher priority on security than on fire safety. This is particularly dangerous because people living in high-crime and/or low-income areas usually face increased fire risk as well. Increased fire risk, combined with blocked windows and doors, are most dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with disabilities, for whom escape might be more difficult, even under ordinary circumstances.

Whether your home has security bars or other items blocking escape routes, the following tips can help you to increase your chances of escaping your home should a fire occur:

• Use emergency release devices inside all barred doors and windows. Emergency release devices enable you to push the bars open from the inside, but they don't affect the security provided outside. These devices can involve pulling a lever, pushing a button, stepping on a pedal or kicking in a lever on the floor. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to operate the release devices.
• Padlocks can be a barrier to safety. In the event of a home fire, you'll need access to every escape route. Remove padlocks so the door or window can be used as an escape route.
• When arranging furniture and other items, make sure that you're not blocking doors or windows with televisions, heavy dressers, tables, couches, even potted plants. Every room needs two ways out. Remove furniture that may be blocking doors or windows.
• Never nail or paint windows shut. Opening them could be crucial in the event of a home fire. Inspect your windows and doors. Remove nails or paint that could prevent using windows for escape.
• A pile of toys or other items in front of a doorway can block your escape route and could be a threat to the safety of you and your family. Remove toys that may be blocking doors or windows.

In addition to clearing clutter and unblocking exits, the most important key to your family's safety is planning and practicing a home fire escape plan. Make sure you develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside. Practice using the plan, at least twice a year. If everyone knows that everyone else is ready to exit quickly, no one will lose precious time trying to help someone who doesn't need help.

This October 5-11 is Fire Prevention Week. What better time to make sure you are prepared in the event of a fire? Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department is encouraging local families to make a fire escape plan and practice it during The Great American Fire Drill. For more information visit www.firepreventionweek.org  or www.sparky.org .

Ken Jacobson, Chief
Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department

MSHDA Dollars for Hovey Project Should Go Elsewhere (October 8, 2008)

The proposed two-million dollars for the Towering Pines Project could be well spent elsewhere by MSHDA right here in Ironwood.  These funds could be used to develop and revamp our downtown housing. On MSHDA's website there is a very good study which shows a need for this in cities all over the State.

Then look at homeownership for low-income families which --  that's right -- MSHDA offers assitance and programs. We have needs -- not needs to build new -- but needs to fill vacant rental units-homes and apartments-buildings which could be redone to provide housing.

To give a tax break to Hovey and allow their developement will damage our downtown even more. We'll see those who are currently renting downtown and elsewhere just moving to the NEW! Towering Pines Apartments and the revenue going downstate and not here.  

John Cain

Ironwood

Writer Supports Chronicle's Decision (October 2, 2008)

Although it is the talk of the town, I applaud you and the Chronicle for not succumbing to the temptation to report about the unfortunate incident of the prominent citizen. Thanks for taking the high road on stuff like that, keep it up!

Ken Jacobson

Writer Says Chronicle Graphics Are Insensitive (September 27, 2008)

EDITOR'S NOTE: The letter below was originally posted on the Yahoo Web Group "About_Ironwood," the Chronicle's companion opinion site.

I read the Chronicle regularly and I appreciate your efforts to deliver quality journalism to the area. However I have noticed some graphic effects that seem a bit "Fox news-like". The recent article about the man found drowned in the Montreal River was particularly offensive.

A hand reaching up out of the water??? With the water-colored font reading "DROWNING" is totally morbid, insensitive and sensationalized. It makes me question the legitimacy of the Chronicle. Not to mention the morality.

I have also noticed a lot of commentary with in articles as well. And while I may agree with your politics in general, I find that style of journalism to be counter-productive and very similar to the Fox News style of "journalism".

While many American's DO prefer to be spoon-fed their values and ideals, people who lean our way don't usually need so much commentary and those who lean the other way are put off by it. That is how we can account for a divided country of red states and blue states.

Anyways...I'm not tryin to get down on your paper.. Its existence is important...especially considering the Globe is a bit of a joke. I just hate to see a great idea go down the Fox News road.

Leah Gramith

EDITOR'S RESPONSE - Leah, First of all, thank-you for your letter. I agree with you that the drowning graphic is a bit disturbing. Our goal is not to offend anyone or to be insensitive. I have removed the graphic from our archives, and I will try to do a better job selecting graphics in the future. The reason our stories feature graphics is that most people tend to over-look "text only" stories online. Our goal is to grab the reader's attention -- not to offend anyone.

As far as my commentary in posted articles, I try my best to remain neutral when I am reporting area news. I do have very strong freelings about certain issues, however, and I struggle to keep my opinion out of my reports. I try to stick to the facts, and when I express my opinion, I try to make it clear that it is "my opinion." I am not perfect, by any means, and I guess I will have to try even harder to remain neutral. Our readers need to realize something -- I am NOT a professional journalist by any means -- and I don't pretend to be!

I want people to be informed. Much of my editorial comment is an attempt to bring light to certain issues that have either been ignored or misreported by our local "pulp" media. For years, the Globe has done its best to mold public opinion on issues. If you doubt what I say, try submitting a letter to the editor that is conflict with their views. It will never appear on their pages! I know dozens of people that have written letters to the Globe that have gone unpublished and unanswered. I believe EVERYBODY should have the right to voice their opinion on public issues.

I don't like the way the Globe tries to present its "views" as "news" and I have tried not to follow that path. It deeply disturbs me when the Globe hand-picks "good" candidates in local elections and does their best to discredit, malign, and disgrace the "bad" ones. It's disgusting that a local newspaper would abuse its power to influence an election or to sway public opinion.

My goal with the Chronicle is and always has been to provide "truthful" and "accurate" news to the people of Ironwood. Every meeting the Chronicle covers is audio recorded. There are many reasons for recording the meetings. The main reason is so that we can accurately report what happens. At the end of every article is a hyperlink that allows the reader to listen to the meeting and judge for themselves if our report is accurate or not.

Thanks again, Leah. I appreciate your input, and I will try my best to address your concerns. I urge everyone to let us know how we are doing. We try our best to do our best, and public input is necessary for us to improve.

Jim Albert

Writer Questions Media Coverage of Hovey Project (September 23, 2008)

According to the headline article in today's Globe another hearing to the proposed Towering Pines project will be scheduled. I find it suspicious that the Globe never fully covered all aspects of this project from its inception. I'm sure there would have been more opposition to this project from the onset if the Globe had printed all the facts -- both pro and con. I feel this project was ill conceived right from the get-go. The City has made the right decision to schedule another meeting. Hopefully sound reasoning will prevail. Have a good-day.

Ironwood_Anonymous

EDITOR'S NOTE: The letter above was originally posted on the Yahoo Web Group "About_Ironwood," the Chronicle's companion opinion site. At the Chronicle we value your opinions whether or not we agree with them. We also understand that, many times, openly expressing your opinions can jeopardize your business, job, or social standing. For that reason we will publish anonymous letters that are responsibly written.

Citizens Need to Take Responsibility for City-Wide Problems (September 17, 2008)

Blight issues have been, and will continue to be, a problem here. Yes, the City has issues it needs to address other then blight. As Mr. Albert pointed out in his editorial,  the City's old, leaking water lines and crumbling sewers, streets and sidewalks need to be addressed so that these problems don't continue to be passed onto our children and our grandchildren.

I sat on the City Commission, and on various appointed committees, to address these problems with hopes to come up with solutions. Is the City -- who is you, me and everyone else -- ready to assume that responsibility and fund projects by way of increases in rates or special assessments to correct our water, sewer, streets and sidewalks?  This has been the biggest road block to progress, and it is at the heart of the issue.

We have recently made some improvements  -- Alfred Wright Boulevard, for example, and now North Greenbush is now under construction.  These projects have been and are being done with State and Federal assistance. Unfortunately, there isn't enough State and Federal funding available to complete all improvements needed throughout our City.

Plans are in the works to look at Jessieville and Norrie Locations in the near future. Will there be the needed support to fund these must needed improvements or will we hear what we have heard in the past -- our City residents can not handle the additional rate increases? We must assume the responsibility that these systems belong to each and everyone of us and that any improvements will SAVE us money in the long run. This SAVINGS would  immediately be recognized with repairs to leaking water lines and crumbling sewer lines. Other improvements would also yield savings, but they might not be as apparent.

Yes, some grants and low interest funding may be available to assist us.  But are we willing to assume the responsibility or continue to pass-it-on to the next generation?

When it comes to blight,  I have seen some independent clean-up in the City by both residential and business landowners. I read ads in the paper by a local businesspeople who will pay good money for junk vehicles and scrap metal, as the price for scrap metal is at a good market price. These efforts ultimately result in a clean-up in our City.

The last free drop-off of certain waste held this Spring by the City was well received and tons of unwanted waste and scrap was removed. Yes, I'll agree some of the ideas to attempt citizens who maybe at fault is a little too harsh. I would rather have these individuals appear before the Blight Committee or City Commission to resolve their problems.

With any issue, Mr. Albert, be it Blight or making improvements to our aged infrastructure --taking a role of responsibility and pride in one's City has to be there or nothing will change. No one is going to come in and do it for us. 

John Cain

Ironwood

Writer Agree's With Marvin Marks' Daily Globe Letter (September 16, 2008)

I hope everyone read with interest, as I did, the letter to the editor that Marvin Marks placed in the Daily Globe regarding the Towering Pines Apartment Development.

Mr. Marks made some important statements regarding the proposed construction site of this development and he raised a good question. "Who will be held for the responsibility if a cave-in occurs if this development takes place?" Yes, everyone wants to see development and development that serves our community's needs -- provide jobs, provide goods or services and pay taxes.

This is not totally going to happen here. The Hovey Developer will get a tax break -- wouldn't we all like that; I would guess those locally who own rental units or are attempting to sell a home would like to pay in-lieu of taxes. The thousands of dollars which will not be collected by our City, county, college, Medical Care Facility, and others is a problem -- all of these units of government are hurting for dollars, yet the City bent over backwards to accomodate Hovey.

We hear that the City will apply for grants to develop a park,with a bike trail, and tennis courts --when the City has previously done away with neighborhood parks to save money. They City did not go with a request from Jessieville residents to take over the playground at the former Newport Grade School. No playground for Jessieville children and families; but yes to Hovey.

Is this current City Commission serving our City's needs and protecting all of our interests? To me, the answer is NO! They have yet to show us the survey which shows the need, they approve a sale of property in a known cave-in area and think it's in our best interest. It's time to make known to this City Commission that loss of tax base monies is not good for a City that needs all the additional funds it generate, and that it's questionable that the site Hovey may purchase will support a complex they plan to develop.

Sincerely,

John Cain
Ironwood

Writer Finds Poorly Worded Headline Misleading

THIS WAS COPIED FROM  yourdailyglobe.com online….

I THOUGHT THE VIKINGS LOST….

Penalties keep Pack grounded after Vikings win

LEAVE IT TO THE GLOBE…

Josie Dahl

EDITOR'S NOTE: Joe Vandelaarschot from the Daily Globe sent the following email to me regarding Ms. Dahl's letter to the editor:

To whom it may concern:

You currently have featured on your site a story written and copyrighted by the Associated Press. You are not an AP member, nor do you have permission to display copyrighted material from the AP. You must remove it immediately or your provider will be contacted and they will close that portion of your Web site..

This was my response:

Dear Joe,

What you referred to was a letter to the editor that was submitted to the Chronicle. Future correspondence related to Chronicle matters should be addressed to news@superiorchronicle.com not to my private email. For one thing, my business partner handles these matters and he doesn't have access to my personal email.

The writer clearly stated where she got the information. FULL CREDIT to both the Globe and AP appeared in her letter. Your paper includes a link encouraging people to "Email this Article." If that isn't copyright infringement I don't know what is.

We will remove the article from our site because the title is the issue she was mostly referring to anyway. I find it extremely curious that your paper has, on several occasions, covered meetings that no member of your staff attended. How is this possible? Could you be lifting information from our site?

I also think it is troubling that your paper threatened a local radio station for mentioning our site on the air. Exactly, what are you afraid of? Don't we have a right the same rights to free enterprise the exalted Globe has? I am highly offended that your company would attempt to "strong-arm" our advertisers as well. In my mind, the Daily Globe has poisoned this community long enough. It's time people are given an alternative to your tainted, twisted, version of the news. Any future violations of our rights will NOT BE TOLERATED.

Sincerely,
Jim Albert

Superior Chronicle

Writers Oppose Hovey -- Favor Free Enterprise (August 29, 2008)

We applaud the Superior Chronicle for courageously exposing the Hovey (Towering Pines) Apartment Project for what it really is - a scam! The difficult thing to understand is why our own government, without even a market study to determine need, would subsidize a 49 unit apartment complex in a depressed area like Ironwood. Surely they can see that our population is decreasing, school enrollment is declining, and our tax base and revenues are unable

The net result of all this is that not only will we not be collecting any taxes from this new development (even tho they will still demand all the city & school services) but the government will be putting many small tax paying apartment owners out of business; losing more tax dollars; and further depressing our already suffering tax base and revenues. How ironic it is that at the same time when many concerned citizens have managed to put a school consolidation proposal on the ballot to save tax dollars, we are supporting a project which will COST us tax dollars. With declining school enrollment, there will be less state funding, and with a declining economic base, there will be fewer tax dollars. Allowing the Hovey project to proceed will only make a bad situation worse!

It is understandable that with our terrible streets and abandoned houses making our citizens depressed, any type of new project seems , at first glance, to be a bit of refreshing news. But an in-depth look at the economics proves that this simply is not a responsible, sensible, cost effective project. It will only cost our taxpayers more money and that money will do nothing but line the pockets of the Lower Michigan developers.

We would encourage our citizens to sign the petition the Superior Chronicle has provided and send the Hovey project back to Lower Michigan where it belongs!

We don't need more apartments - we need more good jobs!

Roy and Doreen Ahonen

Country Club Issue to be Resolved (July 28, 2008)

I was contacted on 7/28/08 by Brian Rigoni from the golf course. He informed me that a special meeting was being called to recall the action, and this matter would be resolved. I applaud the members of the board that are taking this anticipated action. I hope any decision in the future to resolve an issue will never be based on either race, religion, age or gender. Thanks in advance.

Ron Carpenedo
Bessemer, MI

Author Charges Discrimination Against Woman at Gogebic Country Club (July 27, 2008)

On 7/24/08, Thursday, when women and children arrived to play golf at the Gogebic County Country Club, they were turned away even though they were yearly members. They were told that the board had voted to not allow women to golf on Men's league night, which is Thursday night. Although the men only use (9) nine holes of the (18) eighteen hole course, women were still turned away. Non-members, male in gender, were allowed to golf. Female members pay the same membership fee for 7 days of golf that men had pay and question why they are being reduced to 6 of 7 days. The same board also decided that men could golf on Women league night.

This wrong doing to women and children should not continue. This is wrong and should be addressed. If a problem exists, Men's golf league should be split into two different nights. If rumors of an all men's course are true this is a terrible set back for this area. My wife and daughter are both members of this course and I support them to continue to golf on Thursday nights even after being told to leave.

Ron Carpenedo
Bessemer, MI

Writer Feels Wal-Mart Was Unfairly Portrayed In Chronicle Article (July 14, 2008)

I was wondering if you had done an article about Wal-Mart's donations to the community. It may have been along time ago and I didn't see it but recently. I read the article about the Walgreens-Wal-Mart taxes and perks.

I realize and agree that the continual amount of guaranteed taxes from Walgreens is not in the same category as the donations of funds the employees contribute and company matches that Wal-Mart has been providing to the area, but Walgreens is not going to be able to do this amount of monetary donations to the area as Wal-Mart does.

I am just as excited about Walgreens opening as I was for Wal-Mart, but the recent article was like a slap in the face to Wal-Mart employees and company that are giving money to all local schools, city parks and the Sheriff's Department for the drug team not to mention the Relay for Life where employees and management donated their work time pay to go walk and Wal-Mart company is contributing a lump sum in addition. We haven't seen this amount of donated contributions to this area from a business and it should have been noted in that article as well as people do forget.

Maybe you could schedule a visit with Jeff at Wal-Mart and get a story about the past and upcoming donation programs Wal-Mart is working on. It would be a worth-while news article.

Kimberly Martin
Ironwood

EDITOR'S RESPONSE: First of all, I would like to apologize to Wal-Mart and its employees. I realize they have been extremely generous to the community, and it was not my intention to disrespect their efforts in anyway.  I will be happy to contact the manager of Wal-Mart, and the Chronicle will gladly post an article about the generous donations Wal-Mart and its employees have made and continue to make to the community

I don' t have any issue with Wal-Mart, whatsoever. The issues I brought up in my article have to do with the poor negotiation skills of our City management/government. If the City were on the ball, they should have done everything in their power to locate the new SuperCenter within the City limits. The City of Ironwood desperately needs the tax revenues that Wal-Mart would have provided. The City should have played hardball with Wal-Mart. When Wal-Mart asked for police and fire protection, for example, the City should have insisted that Wal-Mart either locate in the City limits or have the existing Wal-Mart site annexed. The City of Ironwood would have been wise to offer Wal-Mart lowered taxes that match those of the Township and done everything in their power to have an IRONWOOD Wal-Mart rather than a TOWNSHIP Wal-Mart.

Jim Albert

Should Ironwood Purchase Water From Montreal? (July 10, 2008)

An article in the Ironwood Daily Globe today said that the average three month water and sewer bill for Montreal city residents is between $60 and $70. Although I'm a senior citizen and I live alone, I consider my Ironwood water usage to be average, yet my bill is consistently over $60 per month (excluding garbage).

Time and time again, the City has claimed that Ironwood rates are in the low to middle range, when compared with those of other Upper Peninsula cities.

The Globe article also touched on the high quality of the Montreal water.

Would it be possible for Ironwood start purchasing water from Montreal, at a reduced bulk rate, similar to the reduced rate Ironwood gives Hurley and Ironwood Township?

Doing so should result in a reduced rate for Ironwood customers and perhaps the water will start tasting better!

Patricia A. Albert
Ironwood

911 Banner (May 12, 2008)

Thank you for re-installing the flashing 911 banner on your masthead. People need to remember that here, 911 is not just for life and death. Whenever they need help after "office hours" they should not hesitate to call. Case in point, a good friend of mine a couple of weeks ago commented that he wanted to complain about cars driving at high speeds on his street which has a lot of young children on it, but it was after the psd office hours, so he did nothing. I asked why he didn't call 911, and he said "It wasn't an emergency!" Another example is a water main break. If your house is flooding and it's after hours, please call! That's an emergency for you.

So thanks for spreading the word. Folks need to remember that one person's inconvenience is another's emergency. Better to be safe than sorry.

Ken Jacobson
Ironwood

EDITORIAL -- The Civic Center is the Logical Location for Ironwood's New Skate Park (April 13, 2008)

I have attended and reported on the last two skate park meetings, and I have been completely impressed with the behavior of the young people that have attended the gatherings. They have been extremely polite, extremely cooperative, and willing to do just about anything to make their dream of a skate park come true.

George Goerig should be commended for his efforts to "group the troops" in this effort. He has been an advocate for the skate park from the very beginning. As you may remember, the only way I favored the concept is if the kids were involved -- and they very much are!

Since the kids are so involved in the project, I have no choice but to support their efforts. Although I now support the idea of skate park, I strongly oppose the location the Parks and Recreation Committee has chosen. I don't think an unsupervised skate park in any location is a good idea. I have traveled extensively throughout Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and I have observed many skate parks in the communities I passed through.

Without fail, unsupervised parks have been seldom used and often vandalized and abused.

Before the Parks and Recreation Committee had decided to locate the park on Suffolk Street, Mr. Goerig suggested that the City locate the park at the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center. This, to me, is a solution to two problems that now face the City...

(1) The Civic Center needs to become "self-sustaining!" The City Commission is forever ranting that the Center needs to become self-sufficient. Closing the Center during the summer severely limits the revenue options available. Many ideas have been suggested to make the Center a year-around facility. Most of them are costly and impractical. Locating the skate park at the Center is good for the Center and it's good for the skate park.

Skateboarders could be charged a minimal membership and/or a low admission fee. I have discussed this idea with many of the kids. In fact, the kids were the ones that suggested an admission charge. If a $5.00 per day fee were charged, with let's say $3.50 going to the Center and $1.50 going to equipment improvements -- everybody benefits.

The Center could offer board rentals, and with some creative grant writing, could probably get safety equipment -- pads and helmets -- donated for free use. Several kids I talked to said they had old boards they no longer use that they would donate to the Center and the Skateboard Club to earn money for both. Eventually, a pro-shop -- selling boards, wheels, clothing, and apparel could be opened, generating more money for the Center and the newly formed BSB Skateboard Club.

(2) The Civic Center is the best possible location for the skate park. It's supervised. It's maintained. It has seating, rest rooms, waste facilities, parking, lighting, snacks & beverages available. Being enclosed, skaters can enjoy the facility even when the weather doesn't cooperate. How many days during the summer does it rain? How many days is it too hot to even consider skating outdoors?

If the Center housed the skate park in the summer, the skate season would be extended. Skating could start earlier in the spring and continue later into the fall. Because the park would be indoors and there are very few neighbors in the area, noise would not be as much of a problem at the Center. City work crews would not have the added burden of maintaining the park -- no mowing, sweeping, garbage removal, or repairs of equipment. Public Safety officers wouldn't have to "keep an eye on" an unsupervised park.

Being on the Gogebic Community College campus is an added benefit to the skate park. Most Ski Area Management (SAM) students are snowboarders, and most snowboarders skateboard in the summer. Many of the SAM students would use the park. Skate-park Management could be added to the College curriculum.

Having the park located on the College campus could be a good thing for the College as well. All of the College facilities would be available to the users of the park (and their parents). The track, the pool, the Library, etc. would all be there. Parents bringing their kids to the park could go use any of these facilities while they are waiting for their kids to "have their fun!"

I challenge everyone reading this editorial to take two pieces of paper. Draw a line down the center of each piece. On the first page, left column, write the "PROS" of locating the skate park at the College, and on the right column, write the "CONS." Do the same thing on the second piece of paper, only for the outdoor park on Suffolk Street. If you don't agree that the skate park at the Civic Center isn't the best option, I'd be very surprised and I'd love to hear from you.

To me, the biggest advantage about the Civic Center park is that it is supervised. Do yourselves a favor and go to the Michigan Registered Sex Offenders list online. See how many registered pedophiles live on or near Suffolk Street. Is this where you really want your kids to be -- unsupervised?

I have repeatedly suggested to our City Manager that the ONLY place for the new skate park is the Civic Center. Each time I mention it, he says something like, "The train has already left the station!" or "The Parks and Recreation Committee has made their decision, and there is no changing it!" or "We've made such a big investment on the current location that there is no turning back!" The money the City claims to have for the park (in excess of twenty-thousand dollars) would be more than enough money to build a park at the Center. There is no need to pour a slab at the Civic Center, so that money could be used for equipment as well. The money raised by the BSB Skateboard Club could go towards equipment and possibly even to start a pro-shop and board rental center. The City would SAVE money because they won't have to maintain an outdoor park or have the IPSD oversee it.

The Suffolk Street location is a joke. There's a cave on one side of the proposed park. That's where the City has been dumping snow for years. There's an well-traveled (especially during softball tournaments) street on the other side. There will be no place to go to the bathroom. There will be no place for skaters to secure their personal property. There will be no lighting in the park to keep it safe. And most importantly -- it will be UNSUPERVISED. Remember: supervision isn't just to discipline the skaters, it is also to protect them.

An outdoor park makes no sense. We have the perfect facility to house a top-notch indoor facility. There are no weather worries. There will be opportunities for organized competition. Kids from outside the area would patronize the park when it's raining or too hot elsewhere, or when competition is promoted. Offering skateboard rentals opens the sport up to new participants. Having bleacher seating opens up a wide variety of options for both the Center and the skateboarders.

And finally, there is the BIGGEST advantage to moving the park to the Civic Center. The idea of building a skate park in Ironwood has been kicked around for over ten years. To date, it's still an idea. If the City Manager has his way, and the park remains on Suffolk Street, there will not be a park built this year. I will guarantee that fact! The City is waiting for grant money that will not be available until June or July. That means that the slab will not be poured until July or August. The City Manager claims the equipment will cost $120,000 or more. By the time that kind of money is raised to buy overpriced prefab equipment, snowflakes will be falling once again.

On Monday afternoon at 4:00 PM there will be another skate park meeting. I intend to push this issue at that meeting. I hope this next meeting is well-attended, and I hope people will support the effort move the skate park to the Civic Center.

Jim Albert

P.S. I have prepared a web page that shows pictures of area outdoor skate parks. On the page I included pictures of an indoor park in Kalamazoo that closely resembles what the Civic Center could realistically achieve. Please feel free to view the web page. Notice how much vandalism and how few users the outdoor parks attract.

The URL is: http://www.thefocuscenter.org/about_ironwood/skateparks/skateparks.html

Letter to the Editor

My wife, Rosemary, wrote a wonderful letter to the editor of the Orange County Register which, of course, was not printed. So, I decided to "print" it myself by sending it out on the Internet. Pass it along if you feel so inclined. Written in response to a series of letters to the editor in the Orange County Register:

Dear Editor:

So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer.

Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.

Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany , Italy , France and Japan . None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan .

They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France , no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are in 2008 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags. And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty , it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

Rosemary LaBonte

Ironwood School District's Decision to discontinue Driver's Ed classes (March 27, 2008)

The Ironwood School board’s decision to discontinue driver’s education classes is a very poor one.

I have a daughter who would be taking driver’s education classes this summer. Thanks to the Ironwood School Board’s decision, she’ll have to wait until she’s 18 years old to get her driver’s license.

Since we, as taxpayers and parents, have to pay extra for this class, I don’t see any benefit to the school district to cancel it. They’re not saving any money! It’s at least a “break-even” class!

Because of this decision, there’s no where else we, as parents, can send our teen-agers to get this training. The closest “out-of-town”, private instruction company has no current plans to make their training available in Ironwood. It’s impractical to drive our teen-ager 2 hours away, for driver’s Ed training at another Michigan town, where private instruction is available. And, private driver’s Ed classes are significantly more expensive than the @$250 the Ironwood school was providing it for.

No, Bessemer, is not currently offering driver’s Ed training to Ironwood students. I’ve already checked. Their schedule is completely full with their own students.

What other options do we have? If last year’s drivers Ed instructors, or other qualified teachers are willing to participate, why not let them teach the class? What’s the benefit of canceling it? You’re not saving much money, if any. And, you’re making the parents of teen-age driver’s education students very upset. Do you want to nurture this ill-will?

Please reconsider your decision. The Ironwood Public School is in the “instruction business” of providing life and career preparation training for our children. That includes training them to be informed, safe drivers.

Kevin and Sherri Cox
Ironwood, MI

(March 26, 2008)

City councilman Robert Burchell shocked an otherwise comatose audience at the Ironwood City Council Meeting when he made rude remarks to a city taxpayer. The taxpayer, Steve Buda, has been requesting zoning relief for his property for many months. The property which is his residence had been rezoned commercial and as a result, has been nearly rendered worthless. Banks and other conventional lenders won't finance the property without a large down payment since the property is too small for commercial development . The property would be worthless, of course, to anyone but real estate speculators who could buy many parcels for development. Developers similar to those found on the city planning and zoning commission. The very same people who tried to rezone Wilson street earlier this year, only to run for cover with their tails tucked between their legs when the Wilson street residents showed up in mass at the planning board meeting. Fortunately for the Wilson street residents that they chose to fight rezoning or else they too would be in the same position as Mr. Buda. It's important to note that Mr. Burchell was one of the planning board members at the time who promoted the US 2 zoning changes which would have negatively impacted Wilson street. If you don't already know, the Burchells are business owners on US 2 who more than likely benefit from the proposed zoning. Mr. Burchell is using his position on the city council to push the city into building Tennis Courts near his motel, while other tennis courts in the city sit mostly idle.

Tonight, Mr. Burchell told the audience that if someone can't afford the 20 percent down payment they shouldn't think about purchasing a home. He also stated that he should not be asked to bend over backward to help anyone who is leaving Ironwood.

Burchell's poor choice of words raised eyebrows throughout the room. Louise DeMassi, who becomes a member of IDDA this Thursday, chastised Burchell for his rude and inconsiderate remarks. No one came to Burchell's defense. The audience sat in silence as to expect an apology, which of course never came.. The not so friendly Friends of the Library who now control the City Commission sat silent. A silence as rude as the remarks themselves.

Lou Bonagura
Ironwood, MI

Editor's Note: This Letter to the Editor was submitted by Lou Bonagura, the webmaster of a local e-magazine called IronwoodInfo.com. This letter also appears as an article on his website, www.ironwoodinfo.com.

Home Improvement Conspiracy (March 25, 2008)

While most retail operations have had much competition in the last 35 years, it seems very strange that the retail area of building materials, hardware and home improvement has had little if any.  Word about town is that the big 3 local empires of Ironwood, (hardware & lumber), Hurley, (hardware), and Bessemer, (lumber & related materials) are controlled by a 3 way plot controlled by a powerful elite group from those cities who have used their power and money to influence the local governments and other institutions to block any attempt by companies wishing to introduce fair prices in those areas.  Our area really needs a Menard's, Home Depot, or Lowe's to provide the residents with fairly priced materials.  Something seems very suspicious.

Chuck Olson

Gas Mileage (March 8, 2008)

The outrageous price for a gallon of gas got me thinking about the 1990 Ford Festiva I used to own. Believe it or not I used to get 50, yes 50 mpg on a highway trip. I personally filled the tank right to the top where it was visible, returned to the same pump after a trip and filled it again to the same visible level, then divided the gallons purchased into the miles driven. I did this on many occasions and the results were most always the same. Not wanting to post and look foolish I did a search on the computer of other Festiva owners to see if anyone else got similar results. There were others that got 50 mpg. The questions that beg to be answered are: How could a 1990 Festiva get 50 mpg? Why can't today's cars get the same mpg? The Festiva I drove had a manual transmission. It sure was nice only having to gas up every two weeks or so. Does anyone else have a similar mpg story?

Bill Tregembo
Ironwood, MI

Snowmobile Crossings Need to Be Cleared (March 07, 2008)

The snowmobile crossings on Lowell, Curry, Lake, and Luxmore Streets continue to be a hazard to automobile traffic. The pictures I have attached show the snow and ice buildup created by the snowmobiles spinning their tracks after they cross the street. At times the buildup extends across the parking/turning lanes into the driving lanes creating a road hazard. Ice chunks and even car parts have been seen on the road where cars have hit these obstacles. The snowmobile crossings should be cleared and cut back on a regular basis by the city to prevent any future problems.

Anonymous
Ironwood, MI

Daily Globe Makes Third Attempt at Online Website, But The Superior Chronicle remains "Simply Superior" (March 5, 2008)

The Daily Globe first responded to the high cost of producing a printed daily newspaper by discontinuing home delivery of the paper. Laying off many local delivery personnel in an attempt cut expenses. A move that has come back to haunt them in their attempt to compete with local online news provider the "Superior Chronicle." Just a month ago, the Globe tried to increase its profits by introducing a new "pay-for-view" online news edition. Unfortunately for the Globe, the subscriptions have been slow to come by. The Globe has failed to penetrate the online readership of feistier Ironwood based Superior Chronicle. The Globe, of course, is produced by out-of-state conglomerate Bliss Communications. For quite a while now, the locally owned and published news website "The Chronicle" has beaten the Globe in delivering more timely and more in-depth news coverage. The decision to cancel home delivery has caused the Globe to be days late in delivering important, local news events.

While the Globe editors are home a sleep the reporters and photographers of the Chronicle are at the news scene taking photos and videos which readers can view before "they" go to bed for the night. When the Globe and the Chronicle have reporters at the same news event, the Globe only reports TV-like sound bites, while the Chronicle has an in-depth story on the net, shortly after the event. While readers get the Globe's "version" of an event readers of the Chronicle get to read a complete and accurate story, and on many occasions they can view the event on video "free" - right online.

This week, in an attempt to get off the ropes and catch up to the Chronicle, the Globe gave up and decided to emulate its superior competitor. The Globe is publishing a near carbon copy of the very same website they trashed in last fall's election. Even with the newly revamped website the Globe will still be in second place if they continue sleep as news take place. While the Daily Globe is offering world and US news on video (supplied by the AP) , however, the Superior Chronicle offers video of local news.

One has to wonder "why would the Globe, considering the precarious position that it's in, would rush to put out it's inaugural online edition with so many errors in it?" Isn't it the job of editors to catch out-of-date stories being passed off as news? Unlike Ironwoodinfo ( which is an e-zine (online magazine) the Globe is supposed to be reporting the news and this is where the Superior Chronicle has been clearly superior!

The Chronicle has up-to-the minute news.
The Chronicle reports facts not opinions.
The Chronicle reports in-depth and includes lots of photos.
The Chronicle has online video of local news events.
The Chronicle does not censor or filter the news.
The Chronicle is local and reports what local readers want to read.
The Chronicle does not cover-up governmental wrong doing.

Clearly if the inaugural edition of "Your Ironwood Daily Globe" is a sign of things to come, the Daily Globe has a difficult if not impossible job ahead.

Lou Bonagura
Ironwood, MI

Editor's Note: Lou Bonagura is the editor of the IronwoodInfo e-zine. This editorial originally appeared on that site, and has been reprinted here with Mr. Bonagura's approval. The URL for IronwoodInfo is www.ironwoodinfo.com

Like The "Write Ups" (February 25, 2008)

I have to say that the "Chronicle" is doing a great job! I like how you guys are doing "write ups" about local businesses. Moving away from the area, it is nice to see what is new to the area. Keep up the good work!

Chad Lompre
Fond du lac, WI (Former Ironwood resident)

Writer Praises Superior Chronicle (February 11, 2008)

Being born and raised in Marenisco, joining the Air Force a year out of high school and retiring 20 years later (in 2003), I find myself in Bellevue, Nebraska. My mom sent me a link to your website to show me the pictures of the fire at the Booby Hatch. What awesome, clear photos and a great bit of information you passed on.

I just wanted to tell you "thank you" from all of us transplanted yoopers. Just because we are away, doesn't mean we still don't crave news from up north.

I will definitely send a link to my computer at work so I can periodically check on any new happenings / events back home on a daily basis.

Best of luck, and keep on doing the awesome job you're currently doing.

Rick Maki
Bellevue, Nebraska

P.S.
What you need for your website is a "kudos" page for yourself. It is definitely well deserved. Thank you, once again!

911 (February 6, 2008)

John, I'll try to answer your questions as best I can and in order.

In listening to you in conversation, you have an obvious and apparent dislike for Mr. Loeper.  That's certainly your prerogative.  Hey, I don't like everybody either.

Maybe it wasn't made clear in our conversation and if so I apologize, but given the information as you related it to us you were told that it sounded as if the problem was on the Iron County side, and Mr. Loeper told you he would check into it when he returned to his office.  The information you gave us that day had errors in it and thus changed the answer.

John, if we were to take a deputy off of the road to assume the 1/2 time positions of 911/EMC, we'd have to then replace the deputy.   This person would then need to be brought up to speed and trained in the disciplines of 911/EMC that Mr. Loeper has obtained during the past eight years, grant writing, Universal Command, etc. as mandated by both the federal ad state governments.  In addition if you can convince one of the deputies to leave the bargaining unit and to give up all of their seniority, etc. and take the pay cut, you're a better salesman than I.  I sure wouldn't do it if I was one of them.

As for the so called "basic 911", this is a common misnomer.  What we had previous to E-911 with Negaunee was a call forwarding system that simply forwards your dialing of 911 to either the public safety department if your land line phone has a 932 prefix (including parts of Erwin, Ironwood, and Bessemer Townships) or to the sheriff's department for the rest of the county.  It could not give you the name or location of the caller or any other information as is available for input to the E-911 system.  Not to mention the fact that if you called 911 from your Alltel phone, you reached Negaunee regional and if you called 911 from your Cellular One phone you reached Iron County, WI as is still the case today, and will be the case tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.

There is now and never has been a CAD system in place at the sheriff's department as there is in Negaunee.  That's why the sheriff's department is the back up PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) for Gogebic County.

As the 911 committee has stated repeatedly ad nauseam, if we can afford to give the citizens of and visitors to Gogebic County comparable or better service at close to the same price as we pay to Negaunee Regional Dispatch, it will be done.  Of course we'd rather spend money here!  That goes without saying, yet over and over that spurious charge is levied against us.

John my friend, you are certainly entitled to call whomever you please for service, no one said you can't call Beacon directly, but not everyone has the advantage of the Beacon personnel knowing you, where you live and your past and present medical history. 

This is the acknowledged beauty of E-911!  If someone is ill and doesn't have the advantage of Beacon personnel knowing them personally or even for some reason can't speak (maybe they fall unconscious after just dialing the three numerals), all of that information can be input into the system if so desired and the dispatcher doesn't need to take your medical history down.  It's instantly available to emergency responders.  You know as well as I that when seconds count, this is invaluable! 

I believe part of the problem that you have with 911 is you're receiving incorrect information from other individuals with an axe to grind.  I've invited you to 911 meetings more than once and you've declined.  I've given you my personal copy of the minutes from the meetings and you aren't interested in reading those either.  As a valued friend of more than thirty-seven years I've tried to do what I can to answer any questions you've had, and on a personal level I'll continue to do that. 

I'm glad Director Erspamer was able to help you out.  Aren't you glad he was able to get the information from 911?

Believe it or not I don't speak for the 911 Committee, I probably should have stated that upfront.  These observations are mine as I know the truth from being on the 911 committee from the very beginning.  It just irritates me we have worked for years to bring the best service to Gogebic County residents at a price that we can afford, while voices from the bleacher seats try to rip it apart without even the courtesy of getting the truth first.   It didn't just pop out of a lamp with a magic genie.  Come on Henry!  Are you letting people with this little knowledge of the situation suck you in?  You're a better man than that!

Ken Jacobson
Ironwood

A Difference of Opinion on 911 Service (February 5, 2008)

My long time friend and associate in EMS and firefighting, Mr. Jacobson feels my opinion of Jim Loeper as our 911 and Emergency Service Director is personal. I must say it is not. Ken, when I brought my concerns to you and Jim, you both stated the problem was with Iron County, didn't you? My question is what's the problem? As far has Mr. Loeper's position as 911 and Emergency Service Director, I still feel this position would be better served by a combined position within our sheriff's department. There are several officers qualified to hold that position. Is it a question of the CAD system and its cost? Prior to going to Negaunee we handled 911 calls (basic 911) through the public safety and sheriff's dispatch. Wasn't and isn't that CAD system in place if Negaunee went down? The sheriff's department would be the 911 backup for dispatch. Could you answer that question? Like I stated, Ken, I'll call 911 for police and fire as Negaunee directly dispatches these services. However, if I require ambulance service I prefer to call Beacon directly as Negaunee does not directly dispatch that service. Opinions differ in regards to services and where certain positions should be. With the economic problems facing all I feel we would be better served with a local 911 system. I have no personal problem with Mr. Loeper other than that I like up front answers which I didn't receive. As far as my concerns in regards to my call on x-mas morning, it's done and over with and answered by Director Erspamer.

John Cain
Ironwod

There's no pleasing some people (February 2, 2008)

It's a shame that John Cain lets his obvious personal dislike for Jim Loeper cloud the issue of 911. I don't suppose it occurred to him where Director Erspamer got his information from.

Once again my friend John has publicized errors in his story that will now be taken as fact. Instead of conceding that he might be in error, he continues to defame a hardworking public official who is only trying to bring the residents of Gogebic County the 21st century service and technology that they deserve.

Instead of trying to turn back the clock, how about working toward the future? If there's a problem, work to correct it! I find it ironic that in trying to preserve John's confidentiality, Mr. Loeper is now being assailed as being elusive by the very person he was protecting! No wonder people are hesitant to perform public service here!

No matter how far you go to help some people they're never satisfied, then they spend their time telling everyone what a horrible job you did. All this still without getting the facts.

There's a lot of talk about 911 and the 911 committee and Mr. Loeper, but in all the years of the 911 committee, eight years or more, there is almost never any public input either in person or by letter at the meetings. These meetings are now and always have been open to the public. People would rather complain everywhere except the one place where it would do some good. Then when an attempt to help the person is made, you get raked over the coals for that too!

You just can't please some people!

Ken Jacobson
Ironwood

Follow up on 911 (February 1, 2008)

I received a follow up from Director Erspamer in regards to my 911 emerency call this past x-mas morning. I thank him for checking this out for me. Like I stated Mr. Loeper told me it was Iron County's problem, which wasn't the case. Mr. Erspamer stated it was the cell-phone system which was busy and on x-mas morning one can understand it. According to all reports a public safety officer was dispatched by Iron County within a 1:59 of the call arriving. The officer was told I had come around somewhat and Beacon was leaving. The time delay was due to the fact of busy circuits, not Iron County which I was led to believe. Hence, from now on if I require an ambulance I'll call Beacon direct and only use 911 for police or fire. The basic system prior to going to Neguanee worked well and we had no problems Again we're paying to help maintain a State system which should be here with dispatchers who know our area. I thank the Director for checking out what caused the delay. One other item- Mr. Loeper when I talked to him made no statement in regards to me requesting anything in writing to his office. He stated he was waiting for some tapes Funny how our Director of Public Safety can give me the straight facts and the person in charge gives me an answer which he hopes will shut me up.

John Cain
Ironwood

EMC responds to citizen's complaint (January 31, 2008)

When I received the complaint I started to work on getting the information on the call together. I am still waiting for the initial call from the state to review. As you know information, especially medical information, cannot be given out to just anyone. If Mr. Cain would like all the information on this call he needs to contact my office with a written request and I will turn everything over to him. I take 911 very seriously, and when I receive a complaint I do act on it. As far as the increase in the rates the 911 committee meetings are open to the public and anyone can attend. The state is looking at an increase of enhanced 911 dispatching for 2009 that will go up at least $50,000. We do not have firm numbers from the state as of yet. These are estimated numbers. I hope to have these numbers sometime in March from the state.

Thank you for your time,

Jim Loeper
Gogebic County
Emergency Management Coordinator / 911

Mr.Cain is in error  (January 31, 2008)

I'm the 911 committee member that John spoke with. I asked Mr.
Loeper to check in to John's questions regarding this call. As John stated to me, he was unconscious during this event and really didn't know what had happened except for what he was told after the fact. There are many factual errors in John's account according to the recordings and call records. One nice thing about enhanced 911 is the ability to have recorded calls both telephone and radio with a timeline so we can trace any problems with the system and correct them. Out of respect for John's privacy, I will not go in to any details without his consent, but I'm sure if he contacts Mr. Loeper he'll be able to get a record of his event and see what actually happened. I hope he does this because it will shed an entirely different light on what actually happened.

Ken Jacobson
Ironwood

Citizen Voices Complaint About 911 Service   (January 30, 2008)

As one who has had a career in emergency services, I must take the stand that we are supporting a 911 emergency service which is offsetting a State run service; and would be better served being located here in a county 911 run operation.

I've been quiet in regards to my experience in using the current system this past Christmas morning. Those that know me are aware that I'm a diabetic. This past Christmas morning my family called 911 by cell phone to request an ambulance for me. I was non-responsive and having seizures as a result of insulin shock, with a blood sugar level of 24. (Editor's Note: Typical "normal" glucose level is between 60 and 90.)

Of course the call was routed to Iron County, Wisconsin and they used the "hot button transfer" to Negaunee Regional Dispatch. My wife gave them all the information requested and after 20 minutes – yes, 20 minutes and a return phone call by Neguanee – a public safety officer came and no ambulance had yet been dispatched.

My wife, who works for the Kutz family as a Registered Nurse, and is associated with Beacon, brought this to the owner's attention and I brought it to a member of the 911 committee's attention.

The reply from Mr. Loeper was it was Iron County's fault – which is bull----! He didn't even check this out. This service of 911 dispatch worked better and just as well prior to going with the State and it was basic 911 service which Iron County, Wisconsin has. Now we're going to pay more to bail out the State for a service which wasn't there when I needed it and almost cost me my life.

A county-wide 911 emergency system, jointly or separately with Iron County, Wisconsin, and a basic service can and will eliminate a lot of errors in this regional system.

Sincerely,

John Cain
Ironwood

Editor's Note: A copy of this letter was emailed to Mr. Jim Loeper for his response. As soon as he responds, we will post his response. Also, a copy of this letter was also posted to our "Opinion Group" as this is a topic that is currently being discussed there.

Bamboozled   (January 17, 2008)

Seems the Michigan D.N.R. got caught trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the Michigan Sportsmen . They wanted to significantly increase our license fees. They told our legislature that they were in dire need of money and thus needed the increases. Many calls and e-mails were sent to our Senators and Representatives. Then magically they found $10,000,000 in their budget that they didn't know they had and dropped the request. Give me a break, please! This letter is in no way meant as a cut to the D.N.R. officers in the field, whom I believe are necessary and are also understaffed. They certainly have their hands full, especially trying to enforce rules and regulations written and passed by people who don't have a clue. I have been an avid hunter and fisherman for approx. 50 years. I never thought I would see the day when I would consider quitting what I have loved for all these years. I believe the D.N.R. has become a bloated bureaucracy that is in desperate need of an overhaul....

William A. Tregembo Sr.
Ironwood

Water Bottling Plant Just An Idea   (January 15, 2008)

I appreciated the followup opinion in regards to bottled water. However, this was just some what you refer to as thinking out of the box, ideas on how to spur our economic growth and fix our failing infrastructure. A water bottling plant would generate additional revenue which if done right would add additional dollars to fix our infrastructure. Rate increases for water and sewer improvements are in our very near future. Should we all just accept these increases or find ways to offset them? I know bottled water is expensive. This would be for use by others and not our own residents. We can also set a limit on how much would be allowed. Many units of government have come together to form their own water authorities and bottling plants which generate revenue to maintain local water systems. Just an out of the box idea, with areas of concern. Like anything it must be looked at, good and bad.

John Cain
Ironwood

Bottled Water Leaves Bad Taste In Writer's Mouth   (January 14, 2008)

There are many reasons not to use bottled water. A 12 oz. bottle of water costs approximately $1.00 --- For about $3.50 you can get 750 gallons of municipal water which is held to higher quality standards. Some brands of bottled water are actually tap water from municipal wells.The oil used to produce the plastic water bottles can fuel 100,000 cars for a year. If you don't like the taste of tap water you can get a filter such as Brita. It is nothing more than a marketing illusion when a bottling company advertises their water is purer than municipal supplies. Go online and type in "the dangers of bottled water." YOU WILL BE SURPRISED. Large corporations are trying to buy municipal water supplies all around the world. I wonder why? Hopefully our city fathers will never privatize our water utility. Water is truly one of our most valuable resources. Did you know it takes more water to produce a plastic water bottle than that bottle can hold? Water is becoming more scarce every year. We are lucky to have a vast amount of water in our aquifer. Once again. Go online. Research water. Think GREEN...

Anonymous

Water Bottling?   (January 13, 2008)

After reading the news in regard to the City's workshop where ideas were suggested in regards to water system improvements and to find a business to move into the spec building in the industrial park, I offer this suggestion: a water bottling plant. We're all aware of the water needs all over this country. Have you at any time purchased a bottle of water? All that is needed is a fine filtering system, a system to bottle, and method of distribution. With Wal-Mart and Wal-Greens coming into the area could such a distribition system be in place and could the city own its own system with the profits to go to system improvements? The City has a large amount of excess water available and a large, renewable water table in the Big Springs Well Fields. What do you think?

John Cain
Ironwood

Fires and Smoking Materials   (January 11, 2008)

I just read the article on fires caused by smoking materials. I would like to add a couple of things that can help prevent home fires. First, teach everyone in the house that ashtrays are not garbage cans! Many people like to throw candy wrappers and other things into hot ashtrays causing problems. Also keep an old coffee can in the house. If you must empty ashtrays during the course of the day empty them into the coffee can and keep the can on a porch or anywhere that is away from anything flamable. If there is still a smoldering cigarette it will not cause a major problem.

On a more personal note, smoking outside is the safest and the most healthy for those of us who just can't quit. About a year ago I stopped smoking in my house and go outside when I need a smoke. Not only do I smoke less but I do not have to sleep in a smoke filled house. I wake up feelling MUCH better.

Scott Sturzl
Ironwood

Writer responds to Globe Letter to the Editor   (January 9, 2008)

I read with interest the globe letter to the editor from a Sandra Erickson of Evansville, WI who was so taken back by the unavailability of handicapped restrooms in our downtown. I pointed out in reply to Mrs. Erickson that there are several public restrooms that are handicapped accessible in our downtown and in several publicly owned buildings. Those buildings are the Depot, Public Safety, Memorial Building, and Public Transit Building. The problem is lack of signage alerting both locals and visitors of these. I, myself, as well of many others have asked for signs outside of these buildings but nothing has been done. I also was taken back by Sandra's last name, Erickson, and I know our current city manager has a sister Sandra who lives in Southern Wisconsin. So I did ask Sandra to pass along to her brother these prior requests for appropriate signage outside of these publicly owned buildings.

John Cain
Ironwood

Thanks for the recognition   (December 27, 2007)

Dear Editor,

I thank you for recognizing the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department. We, the current members are very proud of our department's history and confident that we'll continue to be an asset to our friends and neighbors in need well into the future!

We've gone from battery powered alarm boxes on the street corner to computer-enhanced 911 that can give us your name, location and any other information you wish to have included such as medical conditions or disabilities.

We exist only to help our fellow citizens when an emergency strikes.

Don't hesitate to call us even if you're not sure. We'd much rather be called and not needed than needed and called too late.

Remember, "We still make house calls!"

Ken Jacobson, Chief
Ironwood Vol. Fire Dept.

L.P.M. Buck   (December 17, 2007)

I think it amusing that L.P.M. Buck never mentions the main reason Hurley is still known to many in the Midwest, namely the proliferation of bars and "houses of ill-repute" that still thrived in the 50's and were no doubt the reason Ironwoods trolley crossed the "raging river". Surely someone has written a comprehensive history of that storied town. Hopefully we will see it soon in your chronicle.

Regards,
Wally Raisanen (WHS1953)

The Long Road Out of Eden   (December 16, 2007)

A few weeks ago one of the most popular bands of all time released their first album of all new music in 28 years. The Eagles sure took their time in creating this one. They took 5 years on this project. Some of that time was due to Don Henley’s tantrums. There was at least two times that Henley thought that the rest of the band was not serious enough so he walked out and said “see ya next year”.

As many Eagles fans know the band is not in any hurry to get things done these days. They are all 59 or 60 years old now and they are more interested in doing things right than in doing things fast. This really shows in Long Road Out Of Eden. This 20 song, 2 disc set is sold exclusively at Wal Mart stores for under $10. Being a long time Eagles fan I was prepared to pay about 3 times the price, and it would have been worth it! Like many discs, the first time I listened to it I was thinking this is good. The second time it was better and the third time I started to really like it.

The Long Road Out Of Eden is definitely the same sound that made the Eagles so popular, in some cases even better. The band has always had great harmony and this album is no exception. In fact it seems that a couple of songs are on the album just to remind us of just how good their harmony is. In spite of the departure of long time guitar player Don Felder in 2000 the guitar work is exceptional! Joe Walsh and hired musician Steuart Smith have been able to maintain if not even improve on the famous guitar work.

As usual each member gets their chance at lead vocals. Timothy B. Schmit gets a couple of songs including the mellow but catchy tune “Do Something”. He is also strong in the backing vocals on several other songs. Don Henley has not changed a bit. He still has the same unique sound as always. Joe Walsh still sounds great. His voice may even be a bit stronger than before. Glenn Frey still sounds great whether he is singing country, mellow tunes or harder edge stuff.

Eagles fans have gotten sick of buying albums that have new names but the same old tunes over and over again. This one is different; with all new songs, it is a must for all Eagles fans.

Scott Sturzl