Downtown Houghton

Photo borrowed from the Daily Mining Gazette.

The traffic flow is still a mess in the downtown Houghton area. It is well marked though so you shouldn't have a problem getting around, just follow the signs and arrows.

All the businesses are open and there is lots of parking. It's been a long summer for them without the usual traffic. I hope the cruise ship brought in some new customers.

The luxury cruise ship, Clelia II has several visits planned to the Copper Country. Carrying about 75 passengers, the ship is makes one-week tours of the Great Lakes between Toronto to Duluth, Minn.

Passengers can book excursion to the Quincy Mine Hoist and the Keweenaw National Historical Park in Calumet.

A steady stream of locals came to see at the Clelia II, which is 290-feet long and has a beam of 50 feet. Because the ship left from Canada, Houghton officials had to take special security precautions, including a checkpoint with fencing and concrete barriers. The U.S. coast Guard officers from Duluth supervised the port operations. It not something we've seen in this area before.

The ship has 10 more scheduled visits to Houghton scheduled until Sept. 13. Other stops on the tour include Niagara Falls, the Soo Locks and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Kitten Incident.

It would only make the newspaper in the UP!

"IRON MOUNTAIN - Police continue to seek information on who may have thrown two kittens out a car window near Kentucky Fried Chicken early Thursday morning.

Iron Mountain Police on Friday did not have any new leads on the incident.

Reported to police was that an occupant of an unknown vehicle threw two kittens out of a car window near the intersection of East H St. and U.S. 2 at 7:20 a.m. Thursday.

One of the kittens may have been picked up by a passing vehicle; the other kitten was run over and killed."

County Fairs

It's fair time! Check out a County Fair. They are lots of fun for a low cost. You could even make money if you register an exhibit. How about register a pie, bread, painting, photo, quilt, or rabbit.

Alger County Fair M-94 Chatham 49816 (906) 439-5114 July 31 – Aug 2
Alpena County Fair 627 S. 11th Avenue Alpena 49707 (989) 356-1174 Aug. 1 - 8
Baraga County Fair Pelkie Road Pelkie 49958 (906) 353-6542 Aug. 7 - 9
Chippewa County Fair M-80 Kinross 49752 (906) 495-5778 Aug. 30 - Sept. 7
Chippewa Cty. Stalwart Agr'l.Fair Assoc. Hwy M-48 Stalwart(906)647-8870 Sept.10-12
Dickinson County Fair N1476 Hwy., US 8 Norway 49870 (906)563-8840 Sept. 2–7
Gogebic County Fair West US Hwy. 2 Ironwood 49938 OR(906) 932-2700 Aug. 20 - 23
Houghton County Fair Association Hancock (906) 482-6200 Aug. 27 - 30
Iron County Fair Association 720 W. Franklin Iron River(906) 265-3857 Aug. 19 - 23
Luce-West Mackinac County Fair North County Road 399 Newberry 49868 Aug. 26 - 30
Marquette County Fair 2 miles south of Crossroads of Hwy 480 & M-553 Marquette 49855 (906) 249-4111 Aug. 13 - 16
Ontonagon County Fairgrounds Greenland 49953 (July 23 – 26)
Schoolcraft County Fair North Lake St Manistique 49854 (906) 341-5663 Aug. 27 - 29

State Fairs:
Michigan State Fair 1120 W. State Fair Avenue Detroit 48203 (313) 369-8250 Aug. 28 - Sept. 7
Upper Peninsula State Fair 2401 12th Avenue North Escanaba 49829 (906) 786-4011 Aug. 18 - 23

If you make it to the UP State Fair... Stop by the Croatian Chicken location and have some of the best roasted chicken you'll find anywhere. Tell them Sue sent you!

Chickens

Dave wants to get some chickens. Why? Who knows. He gets these crazy ideas sometimes. I'm looking for a ceramic or metal chicken, that sounds better to me.

Ontonagon is have a similar problem. Someone wants chickens in the village limits.

Eleven people came to their council meeting, several of whom spoke out against allowing poultry, specifically chickens, in the village of Ontonagon. The council had four options: keep current ordinance which isn't clear as to whether it allows chickens or not; adopt an ordinance prohibiting chickens and other animals; adopt an ordinance that allows no more than four chickens with neighbor consent and other stipulations; or adopt a similar ordinance that does not require neighbor consent. In the end, the council voted six to one to adopt an ordinance that prohibits farm animals, wild animals or non-domestic animals in the village.

The idea stirred a lively debate but, if you live in Ontonagon, you shouldn't count on using a rooster as a alarm clock.

Read more on the debate.

Cool summer

We've only had two days reach 80 degrees and our nights usually dip to 50. So much for global warming. This will be a summer that never was.

Despite the temperatures, some things are growing, like my flowers. I'm waiting patiently for others to share their vegetable. Do I share my flowers? Only in pictures. I hate pick them. They last longer outside and you can do a garden tour any time you'd like... not that it would be more than a 2 minute tour.

Have a good day.

Fire in Hancock

A fire in downtown Hancock on Saturday morning took the lives of four people. The names of those who died in the fire have not been released but the police do suspect arsen.

The building is located on 116 Quincy Street contained nine apartments. The fire started in the rear of the building on the second or third floor. The interior of the building was extensively damage.

The building also housed Directions Unlimited Inc., a drop-in center for outpatient mental health and substance abuse, as well as at least two floors of apartments.

A night at the races, Adventure Mountain

Greenland.. that's the place to be on a Friday night. Races are every other Friday and this Friday was special because it was part of the Ontonagon County Fair.
To see more photos, click this link.

Maawanji'iding

The 31st Keweenaw Bay Maawanji'iding (Click link for a video from last year)is this weekend, July 23rd - 26th in Baraga. The event takes place at the Ojibwa Campground beginning on Thursday at Day Break with the lighting of the Sacred Fire.

There will be a Grand Entry at 7 PM followed by the princess coronation and honoring of the elders.

Saturday features a fry bread championship beginning at 11 AM, a Grand Entry at noon, a traditional dance contest at 2 PM, Youth Two Step Championship at 4:00, Drum Contest at 5:00, Grand Entry at 7:00 PM, and a Midnight Two Step and Drum Challenge at 11:30 PM.

On Sunday there will be a Grand Entry at noon and Pink Shawl Presentation at 2 PM.

The public is invited to attend. Admission is $5 for adults.

Afghanistan is too close to home.

Three local men assigned to the National Guard 1431st Engineering Company have been injured in Afghanistan. On July 18th, a rocket propelled grenade hit a Humvee in which Derek Van Buren, of Skanee, David Smith of L'Anse, and Jon French of Chassell were riding.

Jon French has broken snd shattered bones and internal injuries. He has had several surgeries but is in stable condition. David Smith was hit in the leg by shrapnel. Derek VanBuren was hit with shrapnel will need surgery for his wounds.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to these men and their families.

Art on the Rocks, Marquette

Art on the Rocks is my favorite Craft show of the year. This years 51st Art on the Rocks will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2009 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Sunday, July 26th, 2009 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. with almost 200 Artists showing their work. The 2009 Show is moving to Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette.


Here's what you will find at Art on the Rocks:

Chris Maher, Lambertville, Photography
Aaron Sault, Marquette, Jewelry
Steve Uren, Marquette, Furniture
Lenore Lampi, Baltimore, MD, Ceramics
Courtney Johnson, Ishpeming, Water
Kelly Hewitt,Marlene Denn, New Lothrop, Fiber
Tim Byrns, Duluth, Wood
Von Froehlich, Milwaukee, Prints
Tim Peters, Winter Haven, FL Ceramics
John Herbon, Sally Herbon, St.Ignace, Ceramics
Barry Bernstein, Marquette, Ceramics
Edward Holland, Jacksonville, Photography
Luke Barabe, Marquette, Prints
Mychal Mitchell, Austin, TX Other
Janel Anderson, Alanson, MI Prints
Catherine Brunet, Marquette, Water
Annette Morrin, Lambertville, MI, Jewelry
Jason Jensen, Negaunee, Oil Paint
Rick Shapero, Cederville, MI Glass
Allen-Wickler Artwear, Suttons Bay, Fiber
Heider Turnings Barlow Heider, Hermansville, Wood
Baskets By Edith Edith Isaacson, Laurium, Fiber
Bear Paw Paperworks Bill Sumner, Other
Copper Time Jim Cook/Jo Cook, Fremont, Metal
Don's Woodturning Creations Donald Perrow, L'Anse, Wood
Evergreen Glass Works
Figures in Wood Mark P. Klemp, Laurium, Wood
Gone to Pot Art Studio Jeanne Scott, Green Castle, MO, Ceramics
Great Lakes Photography Tim Trombley, Chatham, Photography
Handweaving by Ann M. McCann Morgantown, IN, Fiber
Joseph Graci Design, MARQUETTE, Wood
Lalaland Glass Karla Van Wagner, Wausau, WI Glass
lizard tongue clayworks Thomas Feyrer, Waterford, WI Ceramics
Majestic Moonlit Woods, Bark River, Furniture
MarDan Dan Cook, Marquette, Oil Paint
Northern Exposures Photography Duane Clausen, Menominee, Photography
Shadetree Tinker Bud Williams,Marquette, Metal
Shadow Charms Cherie Haney, Ann Arbor, Metal
Snowfirebeads, Jewelry
Southern Exposure Ron Cordell, Lago Vista, TX Jewelry
Stone Creations Online Sam Tyson, Buckley, MI Other
The Lost Marble Factory, Waterloo, WI Glass
The Studio Gallery Kathleen Conover, Marquette, Water

And the list goes on and on and on. I think you should go see for yourself.

Immigration problems in the UP

A Russian cargo jet is sitting on the tarmac at Sawyer International Airport Saturday, and five Ukrainian nationals are in federal custody after violating immigration laws.
This is a very unusual story for the UP. We don't have many immigrants or Russian planes. We don't even have many foreign visitor, a few, but we just aren't one of the normal tourist stops.

A huge Russian IL-78 tanker jet landed at Sawyer International Airport to refuel on Friday. The nine member crew was composed of five Ukrainian national who were in violation of immigration laws.

The authorities received information from a Texas court that the aircraft and crew members were involved in a civil dispute in Texas. The pilot and 4 other were taken into custody and are being held in Sault Ste. Marie the by U.S. Border Protection Agents, pending immigration hearings.

With the pilot in custody, I wonder if the plane is still at Sawyer?

Flowers

I love my flowers. They are so beautiful this time of year it's a shame not to share a photo or two. I take pictures of all of them to use when I make greeting cards. Too many hobbies, too little time.

Summer time on Keweenaw Bay

The lower end of Keweenaw Bay is actually L'Anse Bay but you will rarely hear a local say L'Anse Bay. If you look closely you'll see the statue of the Snowshoe Priest, Bishop Baraga. Bishop Baraga overlooks the bay from his lofty position on the red rocks. The higher trees in the background are Little Mountain. If you walk up Little Mountain you'll have a panoramic view of the L'Anse-Baraga area.

Fun for the kids

The kids (grandkids)loved this huge Wizard's Castle. The UP weather was cool but at least it didn't rain.

Columbus' Ships in Escanaba

A replica of the Nina, one of three ships used by Christopher Columbus in 1492 when he discovered the New World,fired a cannon as they sailed into Escanaba Tuesday to announce their arrival. The Nina and Pinta will be open to visitors through Sunday.

The ships are docked at the city's Municipal Marina during their visit to Escanaba, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. They will leave on Monday for their next port of call, Marinette.

The ships were constructed in the traditional methods used by shipwrights in the
15th century. Duringthe 15th century there were no drawings to follow, no plans. Each ship was constructed in the manner the shipwrights felt it should be constructed.

The Nina is the older of the two ships, constructed between 1988 and 1991. The Pinta was built between 2002 and 2005, using Atlantic forest growth timber from Brazil.
The Pinta is larger and can carry up to 200 passengers for day trips in the Caribbean.

Two years of research went into the design and construction of the Pinta. Researchers conducted dives on the Hyborne wreck and the Molasses Reef areas of the Caribbean, where two ships were sunk in a storm in 1504.

Excavation of the sites led to the recovery of sections of the ship hulls. They provided a template for the curvature of the Pinta's hull. Research was also conducted in Spain, Portugal and Italy to examine various vessels that were constructed during the same time frame.

This posting has been taken from the Escanaba Daily Press. Visit their site for more information.

A Saturday in the UP's biggest city.

I haven't done a police log in a long time. How about this for an exciting weekend in Marquette.

Saturday

•12:10 a.m. Fireworks complaint, Dobson Place.
•12:18 a.m. Suspicious vehicle at the end of caller's driveway
•12:19 a.m. Threats complaint, 1900 block of Sugarloaf Avenue.
•12:42 a.m. Found 21-speed mountain bike,
•12:51 a.m. Subject locked out of her residence,
•1:13 a.m. Loud kids in playground area, Dobson Place.
•1:14 a.m. Open door, W. Washington Street.
•1:38 a.m. Malicious destruction of property complaint,
•1:58 a.m. Renters cited for loud noise,
•2:10 a.m. Complaint of a subject carrying a realty sign,
•2:33 a.m. False alarm,
•2:55 a.m. Complaint of subjects carrying signs,
•4:30 a.m. Complaint of domestic assault,
•7:58 a.m. Vehicle lockout assistance,
•10:03 a.m. Subject arrested for driving with a revoked license, second offense, no insurance,
•10:09 a.m. Parking complaint, vehicle blocking driveway,
•10:29 a.m. Abandoned women's bicycle, water plant.
•10:57 a.m. Abandoned vehicle,
•11:02 a.m. Vehicle parked in business right-of-way,
•11:51 a.m. Complaint of semi tractor trailers driving too fast,
•12:30 p.m. Property damage accident, Lower Harbor.
•12:50 p.m. Report of skateboarders in the roadway,
•1:15 p.m. Found bicycle returned to owner,
•2:08 p.m. Report of an intoxicated subject stumbling around the area,
•4:56 p.m. Tree on power line, Division and Pioneer.

It looks like they turn out the lights at 5:00 PM. It's been a busy day.

33rd Annual Aura Jamboree

People come for all over the country to attend the Aura Jamboree. Will you be there?

Friday and Saturday, July 17, and July 18th. Aura Community Hall, Aura, MI.

Friday 5:00 PM to Midnight
Saturday 10:00 AM - Midnight

Dance both Nights 8:00 to Midnight.

Traditional Folk, Bluegrass, Ethnic, Classical, Country Western. More than 50 premier musicians, ensembles and individuals.

food and Refreshments

Up in the Air

I'm not sure why it's so high. I guess it does catch your attention.

Moving a mountain

Ok.. It just a hill but it is solid rock. MDOT is straightening the road in Michigamme.

Old Barns

Old barns and building have so much character. I wouldn't want one on my front lawn but other peoples barns make great photos.

Sand Hill Cranes

You'll need to look closely but these big birds are in the picture. I wish I could have gotten closer but I thought it was a nice picture anyway. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Make hay while the sun shines

Gas Prices

Gas prices go up, they go down, they don't stay in one place for long. Here's a look at our area. Feel free to tell us what they are at your favorite gas station.

Marquette $2.71
Negaunee $2.71
Ishpeming $2.73
Michigamme $2.73
L'Anse $2.36
Baraga $2.32

You can deduct up to $.20 per gallon (up to 12 gallons)in L'Anse if you also shop at Pat's foods. They give you coupons for cents off per gallon at the Holiday Gas Station. Max for a coupon is 5 cents but you can use up to 4 coupons a one time. That's a great deal if you live in L'Anse.

I wonder if anyone would pay me for advertising?

Negaunee Pioneer Days

Something else to do in the UP!! Come on over. The weather is beautiful. Get out and enjoy. Events started on July 5th and continue through July 11

Friday, July 10Negaunee Senior Center will offer continental breakfast from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Cost is $3. 475-6266.

NHS Class of 1959 will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Negaunee Senior Center. 475-9896.

A Fundraising Cookout will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Super One Foods in Negaunee. Proceeds benefit Pioneer Days. 475-4133.

Carnival BINGO will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Negaunee Senior Center. Lunch available. 475-6266.

Eagles Aerie #1944 will have an open house and cookout from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 475-9584.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary Celebration will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Negaunee Historical Museum to honor the Collins family, who gave the first property to be used as a museum. Tours available. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to Immanuel Lutheran Church. 475-4614.

A Giant Band Concert will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Vista Theater, featuring local musicians. Cost is $4. Concessions will be available; no carry-ins. 475-7188.

Negaunee Elk’s Lodge will have an open house from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, featuring music by Black Pearl. 475-4401.

Eagles Aerie #1944 will have live music by Union Pacific from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. 475-9584.



Saturday, July 11• Negaunee Senior Center Breakfast Fundraiser will offer a delicious homemade breakfast, made to order, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Cost is $5. 475-6266.

Range Bank Pioneer Days Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. in Old Towne. Cost is $15. 475-7801.

Jackson Mine Flea Market runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Jackson Mine Park on Tobin Street. 869-4859.

Eagles Aerie #1944 will have a cookout from 10:00 a.m. until after the parade. An open house will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. 475-9584.

Negaunee Elk’s Lodge will host a cookout and open house, beginning at 10:00 a.m. 475-4401.

Knights of Columbus 47th annual picnic will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring Bingo, food and a raffle. 458-4848.

The 30th annual Pioneer Days Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. Line-up begins at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 30 Years of Community Events.”

Pioneer Days Community Picnic takes place from 1:00 p.m. until dusk at Teal Lake, featuring food, beverages, music, children’s activities and more.

Firefighters Tournament begins at 1:00 p.m. at Teal Lake.

Ironstock Music Challenge begins at 4:00 p.m. and continues until dusk at Teal Lake. The two winning bands from the preliminaries (held on June 11 and 18) will battle it out for the top prize.

Blue Notes will play at 9:00 p.m. at Teal Lake.

The Negaunee Fireworks Display begins at dusk over Teal Lake.

Chassell Strawberry Festival

61th Annual Copper Country Strawberry Festival Schedule

The weather has been cool but the strawberries ripen anyway. Visit Chassell for the 61st Annual Strawberry Festival. It's always a lot of fun.

Friday July 10, 20099:00 am - 9:00 pm -- Serving of Strawberry Shortcake, Brats, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, etc.

10:00 am - 8:00 pm -- Exhibits and sales of Arts & Crafts
10:00 pm - 6:00 pm -- Quilt Show at Holy Trinity Church
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm -- Chassell Heritage Center Open House
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm -- "Free" Horse-drawn wagon rides
4:00 pm -- Fish Boil
5:00 pm -- Judging of Strawberries, etc.
6:00 pm -- Children's Parade
7:00 pm -- Adult/Youth Citizen of the Year Awards & Strawberry Auction
8:00 pm -- Queen Crowning
9:00 pm -- Dance at the Chassell VFW Post - Cheap Therapy

Saturday July 11, 2009
6:30am - 10:00 am -- Pancakes & Sausage Breakfast at the Firehall-Senior Class
9:00 am - 4:00 pm -- Strawberry Shortcake, Brats, Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, etc.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm -- Exhibits of Arts & Crafts
11:00 am -- Parade
After the Parade - BBQ Chicken - Fire Dept. & First Responders
12:00pm - 3:00pm -- "Free" Horse-drawn wagon rides
11:00 pm - 4:pm - Quilt Show at Holy Trinity Church
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm -- Chassell Heritage Center Open House
12:00pm - 3pm Live Music by "The Augustine's"
1:00 - 4:00 - Free 45 minute Scientific Excursions aboard research vessel Agasssiz
2:00 pm -- Friends of Fashion Vintage Fashion Show
"Italians of the Copper Country"
2:00 pm -- Children's Games

In Bloom

My gardens are beautiful. I wish you could see them. The lilies are late but then with the cold weather we had in June, everything is late.

4th of July Parade

Some interesting things in the afternoon 4th of July Parade.

Happy 4th of July from Hometown America

Here's a look at the kids events in Hometown America. It's a beautiful day in the UP. I'd say perfect. Enjoy!

I couldn't tell you who most of these people are, let's just say YY's. Young Yoopers.

More weekend events

Don't sit around and tell everyone you're bored. Get out and enjoy the UP!

Michigamme
July 3
7:00 PM Boat Parade
8:00 PM Slamtones at the Michigamme Park pavilion.
Fireworks at Dusk

July 4th
11:00 AM Main Street Parade
All Day Event New Book signing by Jerry Harju, Moonshine Art Gallery
6:00 - 10:00 Music by Richie Yurkovich

Skanee
July 4th
Parade 1:00 PM Starts at Fredrickson Rd and ends at Witz Marina.
Community PICNIC at Witz Marina 2:30 -4:30
Music by local musicians 6:30 - 10
Fireworks at dark

Lake Linden
July 3rd
Band in the park in the evening
Fireworks at dark
July 4th
9:30 AM Parade
6:00 PM Street Dance

Ahmeek
July 3rd
Evening Street Dance
July 4th
All day park social


Dollar Bay
July 3rd
Band will play in the evenig
July 4th
12:00 parade

Twin Lakes State Park
Boat parade at dusk. The parade includes upwards of 30 boats decorated for the Fourth on Lake Roland.
July 4th
Parade at 1:00

Hubbell-Tamarack
July 4th
Parade 10:30 AM

GayJuly 4th
Parade at 2:00

South Range
July 4th
Parade at 2:30
Village yard sale, classic car show and little league baseball.

Copper Harbor
July 4th
Fireworks at dusk

Looking for something to do?

Many of you will have your day off for the 4th tomorrow, July 3rd. What at you going to do. Most celebrations are on Saturday. May I suggest Covington?

Friday, July 3rd:

Music Food Kids Games Fireworks 50/50 Raffle
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pancake Breakfast
1:00 PM National Flag Raising
1:30 - 4:30 Billy butcher Bayou Band
11:00 - 8:00 PM Bounce-N-fun Rides
12:00 - until it's gone Chicken Bar-b-que.
2:00 PM Bike Parade with cash prizes and Kids games to follow
2:30 PM Sack Races
2:45 PM Balloon Toss
3:00 Fancy Hat Contest
3:15 Hay Stack
3:30 Watermelon Eating contest

5:00 PM until Dusk - Black Pearl
Fireworks at dark (about 10:30)

Plans

How will you celebrate on the 4th?

The weatherman has promised us a little warming for the weekend. We had a high today in the low 60's with rain. We should see the 70's for Saturday and most of next week. Definitely not a heat wave but we may not need jackets and I don't think it's beach weather.