News

Burt Debates Zoning The Burt Township Planning Commission met on Jan 2nd. Commissioner Jeff Cuthbertson stepped down from the commission and was thanked for his service.

The County Commissioners met on Jan 4, 2024. Dean Seaberg (District 2) was elected Chair, Mickey Rondeau (District 5) was elected Vice-Chair. Some discussion was made on the salaries of the commissioners. In the end, it was unanimously agreed to change their current payment structure to a flat rate of $6,000 per year, plus milage consistent with IRS standards.

The regular meeting of the Au Train Township Board was held on Monday, January 8, 2024. Trustee Tom Balmes chaired the meeting in place of Township Supervisor Michelle Doucette, who was absent. The evening’s discussions centered on two letters regarding members of the Au Train Township Planning Commission.

BJ Bensen, who also plays for Sky Pilots, will be playing at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12th.

The Alger County Committee of the Whole met Jan 8th at 5:00 p.m.. Among the topics discussed was the End of Year Report from Rebecca Burns, a Veteran’s Service Officer who spoke on last year’s assistance to local veterans. She also announced several veterans will be assisting during this summer’s car show to benefit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.

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.”

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.

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.