Lansing may be over 8 hours away but what happen in Lansing affects us directly. As a State of Michigan employee, I've been called and told not to report to work on October 1st. I'm laid-off, temporarily, until the Governor signs a budget extension or the Legislature passes a budget.
State lawmakers failed to meet a 2:00 PM Wednesday deadline for notification of State employees. The official deadline is midnight, the time the State shuts down, but employees needed some advance notice.
Some people might think, ok, good, a day off, but it doesn't work that way. As employees, we need to get up at our usual time, check the news reports on radio, TV, or the Internet, to see if things have been settled overnight. If it's not settled, we need to sit home and watch the TV, listen to the radio, or keep checking the Internet, for updates. If the budget is approved or extended during the day, we need to report to work for the remainder of our shift.
What that means is we need to waste a day waiting. Let's just get up and go to work as usual. We can always sit in the parking lot and read a book or work a crossword puzzle or tailgate. Now there's and idea. Gotta go and call Juli, she can bring the hot dogs.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
UP on NPR
The title of todays post caught your attention didn't it! That's because the UP got some national attention from National Public Radio. I missed it.. too bad I didn't tell you about it before it happened. Sorry
Over the weekend, NPR focused on the peninsula all Sunday morning, including comments from Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, an interview with Baraga City Manager Roy Kempainen and a group of puzzles about the U.P. by Will Shortz, the crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times.
The UP caught the attention of NPR because of of legislation that Representative Lahti got to make sure that the state includes the U.P. on every image. The legislation has passed through the House and Lahti said he expects it to pass through the Senate this week as well.
The legislation states that everything that is put out using state money must include the entire state. Yoopers often complain that we are left off of maps of Michigan. What's Michigan without the Upper Peninsula. We may only have 3 percent of the population but we have 30 percent of the land.
They interviewed Roy Kemppainen, the city manager in Baraga. They talked about areas in the U.P. in relative disparity, and then about Baraga which has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs.
The show focused on the history, the hard-working people, mining and the universities and the manpower we attract. It showed the U.P. as a great place to live.
The show is available on npr.org.
Over the weekend, NPR focused on the peninsula all Sunday morning, including comments from Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, an interview with Baraga City Manager Roy Kempainen and a group of puzzles about the U.P. by Will Shortz, the crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times.
The UP caught the attention of NPR because of of legislation that Representative Lahti got to make sure that the state includes the U.P. on every image. The legislation has passed through the House and Lahti said he expects it to pass through the Senate this week as well.
The legislation states that everything that is put out using state money must include the entire state. Yoopers often complain that we are left off of maps of Michigan. What's Michigan without the Upper Peninsula. We may only have 3 percent of the population but we have 30 percent of the land.
They interviewed Roy Kemppainen, the city manager in Baraga. They talked about areas in the U.P. in relative disparity, and then about Baraga which has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs.
The show focused on the history, the hard-working people, mining and the universities and the manpower we attract. It showed the U.P. as a great place to live.
The show is available on npr.org.
Monday, September 28, 2009
A Change.
What a drastic change to our weather. It's raining and we haven't had rain in over a month. It's cold, and it hasn't been below 50, not even at night, for over a month. A daytime high of 50 is rather chilly.
What can I say, it's fall. You never know what fall will bring. In a few weeks we could have snow in the air. Sorry, I didn't mean to use that nasty four letter word.
Color report... maybe 10%. Many years we don't have leaves left on the trees when Octobers arrives. It looks like the leaves will still be green on 10-1.
Have a good day!
What can I say, it's fall. You never know what fall will bring. In a few weeks we could have snow in the air. Sorry, I didn't mean to use that nasty four letter word.
Color report... maybe 10%. Many years we don't have leaves left on the trees when Octobers arrives. It looks like the leaves will still be green on 10-1.
Have a good day!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fall Color Update
The photo is an old one....
The leaves are turning very late this year. If I had to give it a percentage, I'd say color is only at about 10%. A trip to Marquette on Friday showed color along US 41 between Covington and Ishpeming. We have almost no color our area.
I love fall but the good weather only last for about two weeks, fall is a very short season.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Special Weekend deer - hunting
This is the 10th year Michigan has held a youth deer hunt designed to give youngsters an opportunity to hunt in the company of an experienced adult who can help develope the skills needed to become good, safe hunters. This special weekend hunt provides mentors the opportunity to teach, share experiences, and helps instill in our young people a respect for wildlife and their habitat.
Last year, more than 29,000 youths participated in the hunt, taking about 8,600 deer, less than two percent of the total 2008 harvest.
Hunters age 12 to 16 must possess a firearm, combination license or antlerless license valid for the unit in which they are hunting and may use a firearm, crossbow, or archery equipment to take an antlered buck.
This is the second year that 100 percent disabled veterans may participate in the hunt. A second hunt for disabled hunters is scheduled for Oct. 15-18.
We start them young in the UP. I've got a 12 year old grandson out trying to bag his buck. I'll let you know if they are successful. My bets are with the deer. Sorry guys.
Last year, more than 29,000 youths participated in the hunt, taking about 8,600 deer, less than two percent of the total 2008 harvest.
Hunters age 12 to 16 must possess a firearm, combination license or antlerless license valid for the unit in which they are hunting and may use a firearm, crossbow, or archery equipment to take an antlered buck.
This is the second year that 100 percent disabled veterans may participate in the hunt. A second hunt for disabled hunters is scheduled for Oct. 15-18.
We start them young in the UP. I've got a 12 year old grandson out trying to bag his buck. I'll let you know if they are successful. My bets are with the deer. Sorry guys.
Friday, September 25, 2009
No longer in the race...
There is something special about old tractors, they are much like old barns. They aren't good for much but they make a creative picture.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Terex Closing - Baraga
It's not good news for the UP especially for Baraga County with an unemployment rate of 26 percent. Teres Telehandler in Baraga will close it's door between November 30th and December 11.
Production in Baraga was at 12 machines a day at one point but had dropped to only one machine a day over the past year. With Terex moving their operation to other plants across the country it leaves Baraga without approximately 90 jobs. Some of those employees may be offer a transfer to Moses Lake in Washington.
The closing of the Terex plant will affect many other businesses in the area. There are many subcontractors currently making parts or providing services to the Terex operation.
Production in Baraga was at 12 machines a day at one point but had dropped to only one machine a day over the past year. With Terex moving their operation to other plants across the country it leaves Baraga without approximately 90 jobs. Some of those employees may be offer a transfer to Moses Lake in Washington.
The closing of the Terex plant will affect many other businesses in the area. There are many subcontractors currently making parts or providing services to the Terex operation.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wine Country
These are wild grapes, growing in Baraga County. They aren't very sweet but they make a tasty wine.
When I say wine country, do you think of the UP? You probably thought Napa Valley. If you are a Michiganian you may have thought of the Traverse City area.
Think again. The UP has several wineries and some friends of our have thought of starting one right here! We all dream, I hope their idea turns into more than a dream.
South Range, 3 miles from Houghton, has the Carrousel Winery
Don't miss the Mackinaw Trail Winery in Manistique.
or the Threefold Winery in Garden.
You might also like to visit the Superior Coast Winery in Sault Saint Marie.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Falls River
The Falls River is beautiful. It tumbles gently down toward Lake Superior through the Village of L'Anse.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Airport News
Small airports are the way to travel at least to begin your trip. There is no hassle with lines and security is quick but efficient. You don't need a people mover to get around at the UP airports, you don't even need to park very far from the terminal.
Houghton County Memorial Airport is going to receive a $600,000 grant. The funding was part of package totaling $2.5 million, which also would fund improvements at Bishop International Airport in Flint. The funds are made available through the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.
The funding will help these airports provide important safety benefits and improve on capacity and efficiency for travelers. The funds provide needed upgrades at both airports.
The Houghton County Memorial Airport will receive $648,850 to purchase an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle that has outlived its useful life.
How small is the Houghton County Airport? Well, let me tell you.. If you arrive on the last flight of the day you had better have made plans to be pick up in advance. You won't find a line of taxis waiting to pick up customers. Don't plan on a light lunch.. there aren't any shops and not much to eat except a little concession stand. Don't count on a ramp getting you into the terminal without being exposed to the elements. The planes that land here have steps and you can just walk through the snow or rain or heat/cold of the day. (it'll be a short walk)
Having said all of that, I'd still rather begin my vacation at a small UP airport. It's a lot less stressful.
Houghton County Memorial Airport is going to receive a $600,000 grant. The funding was part of package totaling $2.5 million, which also would fund improvements at Bishop International Airport in Flint. The funds are made available through the U.S. Dept. of Transportation.
The funding will help these airports provide important safety benefits and improve on capacity and efficiency for travelers. The funds provide needed upgrades at both airports.
The Houghton County Memorial Airport will receive $648,850 to purchase an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle that has outlived its useful life.
How small is the Houghton County Airport? Well, let me tell you.. If you arrive on the last flight of the day you had better have made plans to be pick up in advance. You won't find a line of taxis waiting to pick up customers. Don't plan on a light lunch.. there aren't any shops and not much to eat except a little concession stand. Don't count on a ramp getting you into the terminal without being exposed to the elements. The planes that land here have steps and you can just walk through the snow or rain or heat/cold of the day. (it'll be a short walk)
Having said all of that, I'd still rather begin my vacation at a small UP airport. It's a lot less stressful.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Turkey Shoot..
No, we're not talking wild turkeys here. I'd like to suggest you mark your calendars for the Ottawa Sportsmen's Club Annual Turkey Shoot on Sunday, September 27th. They start at 11 AM and end when all the prizes have been won. It's a family day.
The Milk Jug Blast sounds like a blast. The 10 cent raffles fit my pocketbook. With winter coming, I'd like to win the quilt raffle. Bowling with turkey's?? I can't bowl with a bowling ball, how am I going to bowl with a turkey or does it mean I need to bowl with my husband.
There is a lot more planned: Kids games, precision small bore rifle, fastest gun in the north, archery, center-fire rifle events, royal flush pistol shoot, hip shot, cannon blast, trap shoot, quail walk, UP Grand Slam, Kids .22 target, gun raffle, wood raffle, and, of course, GOOD FOOD.
The Milk Jug Blast sounds like a blast. The 10 cent raffles fit my pocketbook. With winter coming, I'd like to win the quilt raffle. Bowling with turkey's?? I can't bowl with a bowling ball, how am I going to bowl with a turkey or does it mean I need to bowl with my husband.
There is a lot more planned: Kids games, precision small bore rifle, fastest gun in the north, archery, center-fire rifle events, royal flush pistol shoot, hip shot, cannon blast, trap shoot, quail walk, UP Grand Slam, Kids .22 target, gun raffle, wood raffle, and, of course, GOOD FOOD.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
And a beautiful summer it is!
We've had summer.. it arrived in the middle of August and it's still with us. We are having perfect sunny days with highs in the mid 70's. The evenings are warm (but not hot)and no rain. This may be the year I give my harvest moon party. You are all invited.
Don't worry, it still won't be a big party, I only have a few visitors to my blog.
Don't worry, it still won't be a big party, I only have a few visitors to my blog.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Parade of Nations
The photo is from the MTU web site. It is from 2008. Click on the link above for the entire collection.
This will be the 19th Parade of Nations. The event is scheduled for Sept 19, 2009. The parade begins at 11:00. The Ethnic Food Festival sounds like a great chance to try some unusual dishes!
The Parade of Nations is a celebration of diversity in this community and on the Michigan Tech campus. The Parade begins in Hancock and crosses into Houghton, ending at the Dee Stadium where over 5000 people enjoy multiethnic performances, authentic cuisine from many cultures, vendors’ cultural offerings, and free pony rides for children. Students from more than 90 different countries participate in the Parade of Nations and International Ethnic Food Festival.
Another link.. Click here!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bountiful Harvest
It's not a good year for cucumbers but it's a great year for apples. Every tree in every field and orchard is heavy with apples. The apples are twice the normal size for apples that aren't commercially grown. Dave said the plums on our tree are beautiful and the tree is loaded.
Tomatoes? Not bad. Beans? are done but they were ok. Juli said she has a second batch of snow peas ready to harvest. Peppers are good too. I've made several batches of fresh salsa!!
How's your garden? For a cold summer the garden came through just fine... well other peoples garden. I only grow flowers and rely on the generosity of others for the veggies.
Tomatoes? Not bad. Beans? are done but they were ok. Juli said she has a second batch of snow peas ready to harvest. Peppers are good too. I've made several batches of fresh salsa!!
How's your garden? For a cold summer the garden came through just fine... well other peoples garden. I only grow flowers and rely on the generosity of others for the veggies.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tea anyone?
More than 300 people attended a Tea Party rally in Iron Mountain on Saturday at the Pine Mountain soccer complex. Yhe event was organized by Americans for Constitutional Enforcement. Those attending received free pocket-sized U.S. Constitution booklets.
The rally coincided with a march on Washington, where tens of thousands of protesters fed up with government spending marched to the U.S. Capitol, showing disdain for the president's health care plan.
Who said we Yoopers weren't fiesty!
The rally coincided with a march on Washington, where tens of thousands of protesters fed up with government spending marched to the U.S. Capitol, showing disdain for the president's health care plan.
Who said we Yoopers weren't fiesty!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Forests
The UP is heavily forested to say the least. It turns out there is money in forests. Who knew. You will note that Baraga County isn't getting any money.
I'm not sure this is a good use of tax payer money when money to schools is being cut and cut again. I thought we were going to get some better roads. A new road across the UP would be my vote if we can't bring our schools up to par.
Five counties in Northern Michigan have received more than $2.4 million to restore forest health conditions in federal, state, and private forests recovering from fires, forest insects and disease outbreak.
Alger, Delta, Houghton, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties received the funding from the US Forest Service as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Projects in the UP are:
•$200,000 for Alger County to restore native plants on Grand Island National Recreation Area in the Hiawatha National Forest.
•$2,243,000 for Delta, Houghton, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties to slow the loss of ash trees as a result of Emerald Ash Borer infestation in the U.P.
•$2,244,000 to six counties in Michigan and Ohio, including Keweenaw, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties, for Emerald Ash Borer containment and ecosystem restoration.
A complete list of those projects can be found at www.fs.fed.us/recovery.
I'm not sure this is a good use of tax payer money when money to schools is being cut and cut again. I thought we were going to get some better roads. A new road across the UP would be my vote if we can't bring our schools up to par.
Five counties in Northern Michigan have received more than $2.4 million to restore forest health conditions in federal, state, and private forests recovering from fires, forest insects and disease outbreak.
Alger, Delta, Houghton, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties received the funding from the US Forest Service as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Projects in the UP are:
•$200,000 for Alger County to restore native plants on Grand Island National Recreation Area in the Hiawatha National Forest.
•$2,243,000 for Delta, Houghton, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties to slow the loss of ash trees as a result of Emerald Ash Borer infestation in the U.P.
•$2,244,000 to six counties in Michigan and Ohio, including Keweenaw, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties, for Emerald Ash Borer containment and ecosystem restoration.
A complete list of those projects can be found at www.fs.fed.us/recovery.
Friday, September 11, 2009
God Bless America
We will remember forever where we were when we heard the news. Where were you? I was at work with no TV available. All I wanted was to go home and watch TV, to go home and feel safe.
We were on the site of the World Trade Center in September of 2005. The pictures above are my own pictures. The rather strange object is in Battery Park just blocks from the site of the World Trade Center.
The plaque reads:
"For three decades, this sculpture stood in the Plaza of the World Trade Center. Entitled, "The Sphere," it was conceived by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of world peace. It was damaged by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but endures as an icon of hope and the indestructible spirit of this country. The Sphere was place here on March 11, 2002, as a temporary memorial to all those who lost their lives in the attach on the World Trade Center. "
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Deer Season 2010
This news item scared me a little at first. The men in our area plan a large portion of their year around fire arms deer season. Messing with deer season would not be a good thing.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is talking about changing the opening date and/or adding an extra weekend to the season.
There is a lot that has to be considered as far as where the deer are in the rut at that time according to R. Humphries, director of the DNR. When the NRC meets the issue will be discussed, but a decision probably won't be made until October or November, and will not impact the firearm deer season this year.
DNR public information said the shift has been looked at in the past and reaction has been mixed. The hunters who have been surveyed are almost split down the middle 50/50.
What do you think hunters?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is talking about changing the opening date and/or adding an extra weekend to the season.
There is a lot that has to be considered as far as where the deer are in the rut at that time according to R. Humphries, director of the DNR. When the NRC meets the issue will be discussed, but a decision probably won't be made until October or November, and will not impact the firearm deer season this year.
DNR public information said the shift has been looked at in the past and reaction has been mixed. The hunters who have been surveyed are almost split down the middle 50/50.
What do you think hunters?
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Keweenaw Star
The Keweenaw Star has been a great addition to the Copper Country area. It has offered tours up and down the Portage Canal and, at one time, as far as Baraga with a side land trip to the Ojibwa Casino.
The tour ship will be spending less time in the Keweenaw and will be operating out of Charlevoix for the fall color season, and likely for next summer. The ship set off on a cruise to Charlevoix several days ago, from where it will run tours through October.
Cruises out of Charlevoix start on Friday, including a tour of 10 lighthouses in the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan.
The ship has been in the Keweenaw for the past 10 years. It has also made trips to Marquette and Ontonagon for various festivals.
It's very sad to hear the Star is leaving the area. It was a great trip to bring visitor on. The sad thing is we all didn't have enough out of the area visitors to make the business profitable.
The tour ship will be spending less time in the Keweenaw and will be operating out of Charlevoix for the fall color season, and likely for next summer. The ship set off on a cruise to Charlevoix several days ago, from where it will run tours through October.
Cruises out of Charlevoix start on Friday, including a tour of 10 lighthouses in the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan.
The ship has been in the Keweenaw for the past 10 years. It has also made trips to Marquette and Ontonagon for various festivals.
It's very sad to hear the Star is leaving the area. It was a great trip to bring visitor on. The sad thing is we all didn't have enough out of the area visitors to make the business profitable.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Cigarette Fraud
If you are a regular reader or if you follow the UP news on other sites you'll know about the big tax fraud case in Baraga County. (See my stories in August posts)
A preliminary hearing on seven individuals facing felony charges was held on September 3, 2009, in Marquette Federal District Court.
the Assistant US district Attorney Susan Gillooly of Detroit said charges on all suspects will be dismissed without prejudice at the hearing allowing federal officials to continue investigating the case. The feds opted to drop charges with hopes that some of the involved individuals will cooperate and plea bargain so that they may expand the arrests. The case will be going to a Grand Jury for further action before re-entering federal court.
Federal Officials have seized financial records from Superior National Bank of Baraga. One of those arrested provide cashier's checks some as high as $175,000 and several over $100,000.
A preliminary hearing on seven individuals facing felony charges was held on September 3, 2009, in Marquette Federal District Court.
the Assistant US district Attorney Susan Gillooly of Detroit said charges on all suspects will be dismissed without prejudice at the hearing allowing federal officials to continue investigating the case. The feds opted to drop charges with hopes that some of the involved individuals will cooperate and plea bargain so that they may expand the arrests. The case will be going to a Grand Jury for further action before re-entering federal court.
Federal Officials have seized financial records from Superior National Bank of Baraga. One of those arrested provide cashier's checks some as high as $175,000 and several over $100,000.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Fresh corn
There is nothing better than corn.. just picked from the garden and roasted on an open fire!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
The Real UP
I found these pictures on my computer. They weren't taken with my camera but I think I know how they got here. I thought you might like to see the UP through the eyes of someone other than me.
Me.. I'm not going where these were taken. Too many bugs and maybe a wolf or two. A bear? lots of deer and such. I like more civilized terrain.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
What is there to do in the UP in September
How about this.. nothing. Don't we all wish for a good book and a place to enjoy it.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Not complaining for a change
It's about the weather, it's always about the weather! Wait until you hear this forecast.
Dry and clear, warm and sunny for the next week!! yes, you heard it correctly. The UP is expected to have ideal weather for a week, maybe more. The nights may be a little cool but it's September, we'll take the warm days.
highs in the mid to upper 70's. Sounds perfect to me or perfect if I didn't need to go to work.
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