9/25/2025

BESSEMER - Numerous Citizens from Gogebic County including youth spoke during a packed public comment period at the start of the Gogebic County Board of Supervisors meeting last night at the Gogebic County Court House in Bessemer.  Most speaking against proposed cuts to the Gogebic County 4-H program.  The board ultimately decided in favor of those cuts, cutting the 4-H coordinator Ashley Dennis salary package in half to $40,000 from $80,000.  Commissioner Jim Lorenson (D) says the board has been displeased with the program for the last three years.  Because the 4-H Coordinator salary was in the Annual Budget and not separated, to vote in favor of keeping the salary at its original $80,000 for Dennis would have to be a vote against the entire county budget which includes numerous items that make the county function.  The Gogebic County Board last night passed its fiscal year 2026 budget which appropriated just over $134.5 Million dollars for the coming year beginning October 1. The board passed the budget unanimously, 7-0.

9/25/2025

IRONWOOD - Copper Peak is installing a new 384-foot-tall crane to build a two-acre, 37-degree concrete slab, an “engineering feat.” This project aims to restore Copper Peak as a ski-jumping hill for year-round training and events, boosting economic development in Michigan and Wisconsin. They anticipate hosting up to 10 annual International Ski Federation competitions, including future World Cups. Board president Bob Jacquart (Jay- cuart) is leading fundraising efforts. Last year, 3.2 billion Europeans watched televised ski-jumping, and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation believes Copper Peak can revitalize the sport in the USA.

9/25/2025

IRONWOOD - The Friends of the Gogebic County Fair Board, announced premium payments will be mailed soon, excluding checks under $5. The premium is for everybody who exhibits at the fair, they are eligible for premium money, based on how they place. Fair funds cover those payments. Off-season storage drop-off dates at the fairgrounds are today, the 25th and October 2, starting at 2 p.m., with individual drops possible. The board is struggling to find a carnival for the 2026 fair, due to bidding wars. The Band IV Play has confirmed for August 13; other bands are being sought. The board also discussed Michigan state support for harness racing, set the 2026 vendor charge at $50, discussed a new P.A. system for the fairgrounds, and scheduled the next meeting for October 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the fairgrounds’ multipurpose building.