January 2024

The Limestone Township Board gathered for their regular meeting on the evening of Wednesday, December 27, to discuss the hiring of a new contracted assessor, the selection of an early voting site, and uses for leftover pandemic relief funds. Township Supervisor Tom Curry was absent.

In the December 29 issue of the Beacon, Keena Jones was mis-identified as president of HOPE. Ms. Jones is a former president of HOPE and currently serving as Midwest Regional Manager. Her dog Bella was interred in the War Dog Memorial for her therapy and crisis response word. We regret any confusion.

MARQUETTE, Mich., Jan. 2, 2023 — Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency informed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of its decision to deny Michigan’s appeal for assistance following the 2023 spring flooding in the U.P. The denial pertains to Whitmer’s Oct. 18 appeal for a major disaster declaration, focusing on public assistance for Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Marquette and Ontonagon counties, along with statewide hazard mitigation. Despite the evident challenges faced by the affected communities, FEMA has reaffirmed its original denial, asserting that the impact does not surpass the capabilities of the state and local governments. In response to the news, state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) released the following statement: “I’m deeply disappointed with FEMA’s decision to deny the appeal for assistance in the aftermath of the devastating flooding that hit the U.P. last spring. FEMA’s denial stands despite the evident challenges faced by our communities and residents, who are still struggling to recover from the aftermath, and are now dealing with the lack of snow for our unique winter events and tourism. I know Yoopers will persist, and I won’t give up on fighting for us.”

On January 2nd, the following cases appeared before Judge Brian Daniel Rahilly: • Johnson, Jarod, Bruce • Bloom, Rianna, Jessica • Bowerman, Tayor, William • Kelly, Terrrence, Dean • Corlew, Christian, Lyon • Green, Daniel, William • Godfrey, Bobbi, Jo • Sherwood, Brian, Alan • Kusmirek, Scott, Cameron • Hart, Gary, William • Killips, Scott, Thomas • Bowerman, Taylor, William • Swetich, Lucas, Garth • Lundbom, Angeline, May .

Michigan’s hourly minimum wage increased as of January 1, 2024, to $10.33. the 85% rate for minors 16 and 17 will increase to $8.78 per hour.