News

By Carla E. Kinder

Washington, D.C –
Congressman Bart Stupak has been selected to serve on the energy bill conference committee. The main goal of the conference is to come to a compromise between House and Senate energy bills. Stupak says the bill should address long term energy needs and lower the cost of gasoline. He also vows to include a ban on oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes.

By Carla E. Kinder

Gwinn, MI – Sawyer International Airport has experienced an increase in passengers since 2004. The mid-year review shows that about 55,000 people have flown with Sawyer this year, which is a nearly 8% increase from last year. Airport officials say that the airport will meet and possibly surpass 2004's passenger totals.
Sawyer International Airport provides service to Detroit, the Twin Cities, Chicago, Green Bay, Milwaukee and Traverse City. For more information go to www.sawyerairport.com.

By Carla E. Kinder

By Carla E. Kinder

Upper Peninsula, MI – Several Upper Peninsula airports will receive federal funding totaling nearly $4 million. The funding will be used to improve safety and security, infrastructure and snow removal. Houghton County Memorial Airport will receive $1.9 million, Sawyer International is slated for about $318,000 and Chippewa County International will get $1.7 million.

By Carla E. Kinder

Munising, MI – The city of Munising has received a loan from the United States Department of Agriculture to repair and replace its water mains. Congressman Bart Stupak says that the $3,600 loan is vital to improve the water systems and maintain a standard of safety. 26,000 feet of water main will be replaced through these funds from the Department of Rural Development. City Manager Doug Bovin says that the project will serve over 1,000 rural customers.

Marquette, MI – Northern Michigan University has a new head women's basketball coach. Athletic director Ken Godfrey says after an extended search, the position has been given to Troy Mattson. Mattson has been involved in NMU's basketball program since 1988, and is currently an NMU associate head men's basketball coach. He also served as the head women's tennis coach from 1994 to 2003. Mattson worked at Munising High School and Lake Superior State University before joining the Wildcat staff.

Marquette County, MI – The Marquette County Road Commission is struggling to preserve services in the region. Engineer manager Jim Iwanicki says the Road Commission's budget is based on Michigan's gas and weight tax. He notes that revenue hasn't changed since 1997, which means the commission is having a harder time serving the public.

Marquette, Alger Counties – The Central Lake Superior Land Conservancy is working to preserve area waterways and their banks. Jim Cantrill is president of the CLSLC Board. He says the Riparian Buffer Project is restoring banks and lakeshores in select sites in the Central U.P. Cantrill says workers are using native plants to improve the water quality and increase habitat at five sites in Marquette and Alger Counties.

Marquette, MI – Marquette Police have arrested a man for armed robbery and sexual assault. Officers say the victim in the incident met Jessie Garcia, 23, in downtown Marquette early Sunday morning. He says Garcia asked for a ride home, but when he could not be taken directly where he wanted to go, Garcia pulled out a razor blade-type knife. He then forced the victim to drive west on the US-41/M-28 bypass, took money from the victim's wallet, and attempted to sexually assault him. The victim was able to drive to the Cenex gas station, where Garcia exited the vehicle.

By Carla E. Kinder

Marquette, MI – An arraignment date has been set for a Negaunee man facing charges of breaking and entering. 31-year-old Michael Elenich was arrested in June and is lodged in the Marquette County Jail in lieu of bond. Elenich allegedly broke into a local bar and stole various items. He is charged with 2 counts of breaking and entering with intent and could face up to 20 years in prison. His arraignment is scheduled for July 21st in 25th Circuit Court.