9/16/2024

IRONWOOD – The driver of a large pick-up truck that crashed into a building in Ironwood near the Our Lady of Peace Church early yesterday morning was drunk according to police.  According to Ironwood Public Safety, the Hurley Police Department first saw a truck driving fast without its lights on around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.  After officers turned on their emergency lights, the driver of the truck did not stop. Instead, they went faster and drove into Ironwood.  Hurley police officers notified the Ironwood Public Safety Department and surrounding agencies about the driver, The driver of the truck was able to lose police in Ironwood, shortly afterward, they found the truck had crashed into a building off McLeod Ave after crashing through the fence around the playground and playground equipment at the Our Lady of Peace Church.  The driver of the truck was then taken to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital for treatment and later transferred to a different hospital.  The crash is under investigation, and the driver’s name will not be released at this time. Charges are expected to be filed against the driver. 

9/16/2024

GOGEBIC / ONTONAGON COUNTIES - On Saturday, members of multiple Tribal Nations and allies walked from Ironwood to The Presque Isle River in the Porcupine Mountains State Park as a protest against the Copperwood Mine Project.  The Gichigaming Water Walk had people walk from the Michigan and Wisconsin state line in Ironwood to the state park’s shore in response to Highland Copper’s proposed Copperwood Mine.  At the mouth of the river, water walkers performed a ceremony.  Highland Copper released a statement that reads in part “Highland Copper is seeking to sustainably produce critically needed copper in the U.S. and Michigan. Highland has designed its Copperwood project with consideration for both the environment and local communities, demonstrating that protecting the environment and industry are not mutually incompatible.” In response to community concerns, Copperwood says they will not be drawing any water from Lake Superior.  Highland has also designed key environmental mitigation projects, including the creation of compensating wetlands and streams, in addition to preserving a 717-acre area of wetland in perpetuity.

9/16/2024

HURLEY - Hurley may be on the way to getting a new hotel. Discussion between the city and a representative of the Cobblestone Inn chain have been about a four-story building with just over 60 rooms, full breakfast capability and a pool. Mark Guttater, representative for the hotel, said the $10 million project could break ground in spring and be open in a year. The hotel company is hoping for full city council support with some tax incremental financing. Before the plan can move forward, more concrete numbers on cost are needed and a commitment from the hotelier that it would cover the cost of establishing utilities at the hotel site. Cobblestone already has established inns nearby in Ashland, Rhinelander and Mosinee.