News

Michigan Senators Ed McBroom and Jeremy Moss have introduced new legislation aimed at integrating the Michigan Legislature and the executive office of the governor within the scope of the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The proposed laws, if enacted, will enable residents to obtain a clearer insight into the workings of their state government.

Mathias Township’s longest-serving public official is officially retired. Amy Richmond will serve her last day as township clerk on December 13, one day before the next regular meeting of the Mathias Township board.

The Alger County Board of Canvassers approved the results of the 2023 November election on Thursday, Nov. 9. The following are the results of the election: City of Munising Commissioner: Jordan Prunick 200, Unresolved Write-Ins 2 Burt Township Improvement Millage: Yes 109, No 58 Burt Township Harbor Operating Millage: Yes 115, No 52 This was the first election for the brand new Board of Canvassers, as all four members – two Republicans and two Democrats – were all appointed to the position in the last three months. The board works with Alger County Clerk Joel VandeVelde and other staff from the clerk’s office to open up the sealed ballots, verify information from the tabulators and review the poll books recorded by poll workers in each of the precincts.

In a bipartisan effort to aid the logging industry, Michigan State Representatives Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) and Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) have proposed legislation aimed at easing the transport of logging materials between Michigan and Wisconsin. House Bills 5379 and 5378, introduced by Hill and Prestin respectively, seek to provide more flexibility for logging companies in the transportation of their products across state lines.

Separate fires have caused major disruption at two local locations, one in Shingleton and one in the City of Munising. Despite property and equipment damage, no major injuries were reported in either incident.

Construction crews work on the parking lot near the Rock River Township Hall and Fire Station on Thurs. Nov. 2. The township used its remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to pave the parking lot between the township hall and fire hall and to regrade the area near on the western side of the fire hall. Further paving may happen as a potential expansion is being discussed between multiple government entities about expanding the fire hall to accommodate extra indoor ambulance parking.