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.

9/16/2024

IRONWOOD – Lower prices for gas this week on the Gogebic Range while the state average remains the same as last week.  Michigan drivers are paying an average of $3.25 per gallon for regular unleaded gas. This price is 27 cents less than this time last month and 47 cents less than this time last year. The national average is slightly lower than the state, at $3.21 per gallon.  Around Upper Michigan, the highest gas price is in Mackinac County at $3.45 per gallon. The lowest price for gas is in Ironwood at $2.90 a gallon as of this morning.