Local News Feeds from Bay Cities Radio http://baycitiesradio.net/RSS/rss.htm Armada Media Corporation http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:10:49 -0600 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:10:10 -0600 FeedForAll v2.0 (2.0.2.9) http://www.feedforall.com http://baycitiesradio.net/RSS/wagn.jpg http://baycitiesradio.net/RSS/rss.htm WAGN Logo 144 26 Menominee County Commissioner James Furlong is requesting a formal investigation into the software that has been installed on a county computer. The spyware on the county Administrative Assistant’s computer was apparently put there by former Interim Administrator Mike Erdman. Furlong says he’s concerned about a private citizen’s ability to access a government computer. Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Hass says they are in a fact-finding mode as they look onto the software matter. Once the facts are gathered, Hass says they will act accordingly. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7355 CC40E5AC-1C36-4D0B-8509-7842493112D4 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:10:10 -0600 Today is the deadline file paperwork to become a potential candidate for replacing former Menominee County District Four Commissioner Dick Peterson. The Democratic and Republican Parties of Menominee County have been informed they need to select a candidate to be placed on the May 4th Special Election ballot. Other Independent candidates can also run for the county board seat by filing their qualifying petitions with the Menominee County Clerk’s office today. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7356 E2BD2417-D541-46B1-9254-60FB72EB628A Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:06:44 -0600 Think twice and take a good look before making that U-turn while driving in Marinette. The signs have been ordered and once posted, it will be illegal to make U-turns at eight of the city’s intersections. A new Wisconsin law recently made it legal to make the turnarounds at any intersection within the state unless proper signage prohibiting the U-turns is posted. So Marinette identified eight intersections where making the U-turns could be hazardous. Those spots where U-turns will now be illegal include the intersections of Hall Ave and Hattie Street, Hall Ave and Main Street, and the Cleveland and Carney Ave crossings of Highway 41. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7357 7BECA669-3F46-4F74-B9A1-773DDB869A27 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:06:33 -0600 Since it started about ten months ago, the local branch of SCORE has been providing its services to numerous new and existing businesses in the area. Made possible by volunteers, SCORE provides counseling services to small businesses out of NWTC in Marinette one night a week. Bob Friak is a volunteer with SCORE. He says more local businesses are seeking SCORE”s advise, and SCORE is trying to keep up. Fraik encourages those with previous experience in business, especially retired business executives, to volunteer their time with SCORE. More about becoming a local SCORE volunteer can be found online at greenbayscore.org. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7358 5FDC7BF2-23D1-4594-8AF4-2B2047454A57 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:05:57 -0600 According to a study of U.S. Forest Service Data, of the top ten forests in the nation for storing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, all are in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. But that doesn’t mean Michigan and Wisconsin trees aren’t working hard to help keep global warming pollutants out of the atmosphere. The study’s author Mike Anderson of the Wilderness Society says Michigan’s Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests in the UP and Nicolet Forest in Wisconsin ranked in the top 20 for carbon storage because of soil conditions. Why don’t Michigan and Wisconsin forests rank higher? Anderson says those Northwest forests are bigger and the trees are older. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7359 7DA95EDB-EF83-4572-8723-6F802ABF23E1 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:05:12 -0600 Know an outstanding businessperson or educator in the local area? The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations of its members for the Ron Wipfli Person of the Year Award and the Educator of the Year Award. The Person of the Year Award is given to a local businessperson who demonstrates high standards in business and a commitment to the community. The Educator of the Year Award is given to educators at both the classroom and administrative level. Nomination forms can be obtained by calling the chamber’s office at 735-6681. The deadline for nominations is April 2nd. The awards are presented in May. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7360 C5948BDE-961A-427D-9912-77CD433DEA7A Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:33 -0600 Without a millage increase, Menominee County’s Road Patrol may not be able to continue. Sheriff Kenny Marks is pushing for a bump in the road patrol millage, which hasn’t been changed since it was started in 1994. Marks says the current funding for Menominee County’s 24 hour emergency response service just won’t cut it anymore. Sheriff Marks is hoping the current 1.15 mill rate for the road patrol could be raised to 1.795 mills. Marks wants to put that proposal to the Menominee County voters on the August ballot. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7349 A57A45C5-D5EC-4768-81E2-C8498372464D Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:03:56 -0600 There’s a push for an investigation into why certain software was installed on the computer of Menominee County’s Administrative Assistant. The spyware was apparently installed on the county’s equipment by former interim administrator Mike Erdman. Commissioner James Furlong wants to know why that software was installed on a government computer, how many computers it’s on and who has access to it. Whether or not Menominee County’s Prosecuting Attorney formally investigates the matter may be up in the air, since two county commissioners are for the investigation and two commissioners are opposed to it. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7350 D446E61A-E5A6-49D5-9F85-C65AA9F29AF9 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:03:19 -0600 There’s still time for Marinette residents to weigh in on the proposal for a change to the city’s leadership. In fact, residents are being encouraged to E-mail their thoughts on the idea of switching to a city administrator style of government to Alderman David Buechler. Responses have been slow so far and Buechler says they want more input. Marinette residents can E-mail their opinions on the proposed switch to a city administrator government to marward5@yahoo.com. Those responses are due before March 24th, so Buechler can share them with the Ad-Hoc committee considering the idea. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7351 2145FAC6-3B15-4E52-AAEF-38EB1255D33B Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:02:45 -0600 Menominee’s Planning Commission will be looking for comments from the city council on the proposed Master Plan within the next month. Coming out of Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, it seems the council may have some objections over the new Master Plan. The Planning Commission has been working on the new Master Plan for several years and hopes it’s in the final stages of approval. So they’re asking for council members to submit their comments and concerns by early April. After those concerns are addressed, the Planning Commission wants the Menominee City Council to approve distributing the Master Plan to the general public for their input. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7352 DDF7963F-6614-47FF-9D5E-72E8FB5077BA Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:02:04 -0600 Starting today, weight restrictions for commercial truck traffic will be imposed and enforced on all Michigan roadways and state trucklines. There are no restrictions for legal axel weight loads on Michigan roads designated as all season. For information about what roads are affected by the weight rules, go to michigan.gov/drive. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7353 EA99C922-AC95-4B93-A5C0-13FB29A0EB17 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:48 -0600 Menominee is joining Marinette and will temporarily stop enforcing the city’s snowban parking period. Unless there is accumulating snowfall, Menominee Police will not issue any parking tickets for violations of the city’s overnight parking ban. The winter snowban parking restrictions will be officially lifted in Menominee on April 1st. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7354 F399FD45-283A-4C21-87C4-7C006071C1C7 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:00:14 -0600 The need for Census workers is being stressed in the local area. It’s been talked about for months. Now it’s coming down to crunch time as the nation prepares for the 2010 Census. Thousands of workers in Wisconsin are being hired to help with this year’s population count. Marlene Wiesrock with the Census Bureau says they’re really looking for Census workers in rural areas of the state, including Marinette County. Information about getting a Census job is available online at 2010censusjobs.gov or by calling 866-861-2010. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7342 ACFDE30E-F5C7-48C4-BEA6-B45082C89F0C Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:37:55 -0600 A UP man will avoid prison for growing pot in northern Marinette County. Police arrested 39-year old Eric Warmboe of Channing Michigan in September. He and another man were allegedly caught at a marijuana growing site with over 50 plants in the Town of Beaver. Warmboe pleaded no contest to one count of Manufacturing THC. Last week, his prison sentence was stayed and instead, Warmboe was ordered to serve 90 days in jail and two years of probation. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7343 AB96A9E3-6546-4D43-B148-1247B5F0656F Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:37:24 -0600 The increased fees for parking fines in Marinette are starting to add some weight to the city’s wallet. According to a report from the Marinette Police Department, over $4,500 was collected in parking fines from December through February. That’s over twice as much as was collected from the same period one year ago. Also, there’s still an additional $2,500 in outstanding tickets yet to be paid to the city. If those fees are not paid, the vehicle’s license could be suspended by the state. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7344 EE0F4FEC-C235-4222-AAE5-68235B2CF25D Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:36:51 -0600 Marinette is temporarily not enforcing its snowban. With the warmer temperatures, much of the melting snow is turning unpaved parking areas into miniature swamps. So the Marinette Police Department is allowing residents to park their cars on the streets to avoid the mud. But if it snows again, Marinette’s winter overnight parking ban will again be enforced http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7345 5D14EC82-906D-4FC2-B5BB-AE97D0B3F53C Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:36:04 -0600 It’s a requirement from the State of Michigan that every municipality update its Master Plan every five years. So Menominee is hoping to do just that over the next month or so. The city’s Planning Commission is responsible for putting together the new Master Plan for the city council’s approval. A few council members may take issue with some of the changes in the plan, which will probably come to the forefront when the Planning Commission formally presents the new Master Plan to the city council next month. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7346 25426E00-2033-494A-8E0F-9063C3B9EA67 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:35:14 -0600 A growing threat against the local paper industry may be slowed, thanks to a preliminary tariff on paper imported from China and Indonesia. The ruling from the U.S. Department of Commerce was made following a petition by members of the U.S. paper industry asking that duties be imposed to offset Chinese and Indonesian government subsidization and dumping of coated paper products. Congressman Bart Stupak from Menominee says U.S. trade laws must be enforced to prevent closures like the one at the Niagara, WI paper mill. The preliminary tariff could become permanent this fall when the Department of Commerce makes its final determination. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7347 926B8744-63E6-46FE-B8FC-6312286E461E Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:34:28 -0600 In less than one week, Wisconsin Public Service plans to reduce the water level of the Caldron Falls Reservoir. As the operator of the hydroelectric facilities along the Peshtigo River, WPS plans to reduce the water level by no more than four feet beginning March 15th. The drawdown is part of a coordinated effort with the Wisconsin DNR and is being conducted to reduce the flows downstream as temperatures warm. As always, recreational users should use care on the Caldron Falls Flowage. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7348 BFEF8AE4-871E-417D-8CC6-1AB920451CCC Tue, 9 Mar 2010 07:34:01 -0600 Another large contract will send locally built helicopters to the Far East. The latest contract for Enstrom Helicopters in Menominee will send 30 training helicopters to Japan. Enstrom’s Director of Sales and Marketing Tracy Biegler says the newest work for the Japanese Ground Defense Force, coupled with the other recent contract for the Royal Thai Army, means the local helicopter manufacturer is in a great position for growth, especially in the private government sector. Biegler says these contracts solidify Enstrom’s workforce and give the company an opportunity for growth over the next 4-5 years. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7335 4B21C017-5C21-418C-B68F-13ECEA7C753C Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:57:25 -0600 The man implicated in last week’s assault of a woman in the Town of Grover has bee formally charged. The Marinette County Sheriff’s Department was called to a residence on Highway 64 Wednesday morning to investigate a disturbance. 48-year old Edward L. Poisson was arrested in the incident after a woman told police he had assaulted her and had a gun. The charges against Poisson include Felony Possession of a Firearm and two counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault. He has a $250,000 cash bond and is scheduled to be back in court on Friday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7336 7C3A9A51-6E1D-4337-83A3-60319AFCA7FB Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:56:52 -0600 A jury trial is scheduled for four Marinette men charged in a severe assault. 25-year old Phillip L. Barber, 18-year old Steven E. Matz, 19-year old Nathan S. Peterson and 18-year old Aaron A. Sovey are alleged to have assaulted another man with a golf club at home on Garfield in Marinette. The February 12th beating was allegedly caused by a dispute about drugs and money. The trial for the four men is scheduled for May 25th, with a pretrial conference on May 12th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7337 C4FF9020-432E-4A74-B897-E8016514C25B Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:56:12 -0600 A string of vandalism, break-ins and thefts leads to prison for a Marinette teen. 17-year old Dale S. Christopherson was charged with numerous counts of property damage and thefts to homes and vehicles in Marinette from August of last year. He pleaded no contest to several misdemeanor charges of Criminal Damage to Property, Theft and one felony count of Burglary. Last week, Christopherson was sentenced to five years in a state prison. He does intend to appeal that ruling. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7338 1BA316F3-C64F-4E5D-ACC4-48682C8C3769 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:55:34 -0600 The U.S. Coast Guard is planning to start ice-breaking operations on the bay of Green Bay today. The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw will be conducting the ice breaking operation along the Lake Carriers Association track lines. That includes icebreaking in and around the Marinette-Menominee and Sturgeon Bay areas. Ice fishing shanties near the shipping lanes need to be removed from those areas. All recreational ice users on the bay need to plan their activities carefully and use caution near any of the shipping lanes. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7339 7B2B3FF2-14EE-499D-9DE8-6FCBC92EC68A Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:53:25 -0600 Springtime weight restrictions will be going into effect sooner that expected on Marinette County roads. Due to the warmer weather, roadways are now considered to be at their most vulnerable condition. So the weight restrictions will go into effect today, instead of Friday. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and most of the surrounding counties have also placed their seasonal restrictions on area roadways as well. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7340 A8A15D61-06B8-4801-A01E-87C0EEC2B36D Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:52:47 -0600 The Walk for Warmth may have gotten them plenty of attention last week, but the Community Action Agency does so much more. From the early childhood programs to its services for seniors, the goal of the Community Action Agency in Menominee, Delta and Schoolcraft counties is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to improve their quality of life. Kathy Pearson with the local Community Action Agency says thanks to over $9 million in annual funding, they aren’t just limited to certain programs. Heating assistance, low-income home weatherization and other services are available through the local Community Action Agency. More about their programs can be found online at mdscaa.org. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7341 EB982F26-9D12-4508-8457-404B68859EDF Mon, 8 Mar 2010 16:52:08 -0600 It’s likely to be another rough budget year for Menominee Area Public Schools. Preliminary estimates already have Menominee Schools facing an estimated $1.9 million deficit for the 2010-2011 school year. Superintendent Erik Bergh says numerous ideas are needed to overcome a shortfall that large and one of those ideas is personnel cuts. Bergh says more planning and discussions are needed as the district works to approve a budget by the end of June. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7327 CAA34C02-2C80-49DF-8CCA-63B34413FCC1 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:05:32 -0600 Michigan and Wisconsin are not among the 16 finalists for the $4.5 billion available from the federal Race to the Top program. Both states found out Thursday they missed out on the funds designed to help struggling schools and overall education efforts. Michigan had applied for over $500 million from the Race to the Top program. Wisconsin was hoping for $254 million. There is still a second chance for the states to apply for Race to the Top funds. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7328 485A39ED-E19A-4795-934C-6353645BA268 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:04:55 -0600 Funding for Menominee and its schools won’t be getting any easier with the latest tax outlook. Menominee residents are now receiving their latest property evaluations in the mail. According to City Assessor Jill Schwanz, overall property values in Menominee are decreasing slightly and taxable values on properties also generally going down. While residents may like the lower taxes, Schwanz says Menominee and its schools may not share that enthusiasm as they struggle with declining revenues. Schwanz says a 1-3% decrease in taxable revenue will be fairly common across the board. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7329 6F06F7E7-BF5F-4049-8171-E705F1EEDCDB Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:04:18 -0600 A northern Marinette County drug-dealing suspect is bound over for trial. 28-year old Jimmy T. Neal, also known as “Short”, of Beecher was arrested on February 3rd. He’s facing several charges including Delivery of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine and Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place. Those charges are dated from January through February. Sufficient evidence was found to bind Neal over for trial in Marinette County Court this week. He is scheduled to be arraigned on March 26th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7330 7CA99899-82C5-4B94-8922-42CC5014E660 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:03:45 -0600 A Marinette teen pleads no contest to charges stemming from an alleged burglary attempt at Pederson Ballpark. Police allegedly found 17-year old Kurt Patrick Ravet attempting to break into the local ballpark’s concession stand in September. This week, Ravat entered his no contest pleas to charges of Criminal Damage to Property and Possession of Burglarious Tools, while the charge of Attempted Burglary was dismissed. His sentencing is set for May 12th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7331 BCCD9A2E-3300-40EC-817C-55E51603DCA2 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:03:13 -0600 A standoff may be brewing over the formation of an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with guiding Marinette on the use of its room tax revenues. Just this week the city council would not approve the committee as it was appointed by Mayor Robert Harbick. The composition of the committee was the stalling point, with the mayor wanting to appoint himself, two council members and two representatives of the city’s hotel industry to the committee. Now a memo from Alderman John Marx is asking for the Marinette Finance committee to again move for creating the new Ad-Hoc Committee for the purposes of making recommendations on room tax funds. Hoping for “fresh ideas”, Marx is sticking by his belief that the new room tax oversight committee be made up of representatives that will benefit from the spending of room tax dollars. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7332 E81EBC6D-88B3-4F8D-A17A-BEA2D14D8A0E Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:02:37 -0600 It’s a sure sign of spring as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources begins the call to remove ice shanties from the state’s waters. On waters south of Highway 64, unused shelters must be removed daily before midnight starting on Sunday. Shelters north of Highway 64 must be removed daily starting on March 15th. Anglers on the Menominee River have about another week to leave their shelters unattended. Shanties on Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters must be removed by March 15th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7333 BD65619A-585A-4ACE-883B-C8ABED460EB0 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:02:02 -0600 The 11th Annual Policeman’s Ball fundraiser will be held on Saturday at Little River Country Club on Shore Drive. The evening will include dinner, raffles, door prizes and dancing. The cost is $20 per person. Social hour is at 5 PM, followed by dinner at 6. Tickets are available at Westlund Bus Lines, Stephenson National Bank, Forward Financial Credit Union, the Dome Lanes, or by calling 732-0238. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7334 7E7EBDC2-45B2-4B39-92C8-83A2217E11F8 Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:01:23 -0600 Make a bomb threat to a school—you’d better believe it’s going to be taken seriously. That’s the message Menominee County Sheriff Kenny Marks is stressing following Monday’s bomb threat at North Central Junior and Senior High School in Powers. Marks says bomb threats or threats of violence are never taken lightly and are acts of terrorism. A 16-year old female student was apprehended for the bomb threat against the Northern Menominee County School. Besides possible expulsion, she also faces criminal charges which are being reviewed by the Menominee County Prosecutor’s Office. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7320 7E7CAD14-40F5-4441-82B7-839DFA0B891E Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:59:24 -0600 The Marinette County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a disturbance in the Town of Grover. Officers responded to the incident at the residence on Highway 64 early Wednesday morning. A female made accusations that 48-year old Edward L. Poisson had assaulted her. The woman even reported Poisson had a gun, though no shots were reported fired in the incident. Poisson was arrested and lodged at the Marinette County Jail. The Marinette County District Attorney’s office is reviewing the allegations. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7321 2AF43446-C2C3-4402-A635-C1360635D846 Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:58:53 -0600 A Niagara man is sentenced to prison for charges stemming from two burglaries. 28-year old Andrew-T-Giguere is alleged to have broken into the North Star Bar in Niagara in August and stolen cash. He’s also charged with a burglary at a Town of Niagara residence in which a safe with over $50,000 was reported stolen. Giguere entered guilty pleas to charges of Burglary and Theft in December. Last week in Marinette County Court...he was sentenced to five years in prison. Giguere’s alleged accomplice in the home burglary, 27-year old Sheryl Ann Swiontek of Norway, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7322 D0278407-0B24-4CEA-B049-8A4CF5850495 Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:58:24 -0600 A new Marinette Ad-Hoc Committee will not be formed to direct the city on dispersing its room tax revenues. By a 5-3 vote on Tuesday night, the Marinette City Council would not approve the new committee as it was appointed by Mayor Robert Harbick. Harbick had appointed himself, two council members and two representatives from the city’s hotel industry to serve on the committee. Alderman John Marx said he believed the committee would be too overloaded with elected officials. But Mayor Harbick responded saying the committee cannot just be comprised of lay people. Harbick says it’s now up to the city’s finance committee to decide if it still wants to pursue forming the Ad-Hoc Committee to address the city’s use of its room tax dollars. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7323 192E41A5-A24D-4754-A05E-B53A9C168BE5 Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:57:43 -0600 Paying utility bills at the local Wisconsin Public Service office will become a thing of the past. March 12th will be the last day utility customers can make walk-in payments at the WPS office in Menominee. Jenny Short with WPS says like most other utilities in Wisconsin and Michigan, the uneconomical walk-in payment service had to be eliminated. WPS costumers still have a variety of other ways to pay their bills. Payments can be made through the mail, online or at several local businesses throughout the area that will accept Wisconsin Public Service payments http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7324 47C77EE0-9811-4017-B9EC-3DDCA793A0EC Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:57:10 -0600 Due to the warmer temperatures, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is announcing the state’s frozen road declaration will end in the zones south of U.S. Highway 8 today. State-maintained highways were declared in December and January to be so frozen that no damage would be result from the increased load limits. Additionally, starting on Monday, spring thaw and Class II restrictions will go into effect south of Highway 8. Maps depicting where and when the frozen road and spring thaw declarations are in effect can be found at the Wisconsin DOT’s website. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7325 A775F7AE-ADED-4C7E-8FF5-3320738AFE16 Thu, 4 Mar 2010 05:56:34 -0600 One student is arrested for making a bomb threat to North Central Junior and Senior High School in Northern Menominee County. The school in Powers had to be evacuated for about two hours on Monday, while a K9 unit searched the school for explosives. The 16-year old female student from Hermansville was apprehended then turned over to the custody of a parent and placed on house arrest. The student has been suspended for ten days and faces an expulsion hearing before the North Central Area Schools Board of Education. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7313 1DAD0934-AD01-4324-8B27-B0075D5B3154 Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:55:46 -0600 Prison is ordered for an Illinois man convicted for dealing drugs in the local area. 35-year old Mark Darland pleaded no contest to one charge of Delivery of Heroin stemming from an arrest in early January of 2009. He also pleaded no contest to one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine brought about by a traffic stop on U.S. 41. Darland was allegedly returning to Marinette with drugs from the Chicago area. Last week in Marinette County Court, Darland was sentenced to six years in prison for both convictions, giving him a total prison sentence of 12 years. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7314 B8FB8156-2A94-4669-8D4A-15B4D5C27089 Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:55:05 -0600 Marinette will take a deeper look at a proposed volunteer ordinance before it is approved. Last night city volunteers turned out in force to voice their opinion against the proposed ordinance being considered by the Marinette City Council. Marinette resident Mike Martin has been a volunteer in the city for over 40 years. He says the proposed ordinance drives a wedge between the city and its volunteers. The ordinance is designed to give Marinette more oversight of its volunteers by having them register their activities and waive any liability. But the city council decided the proposed ordinance needed to be more defined and sent it back to the Civic Affairs, Cemetery, Traffic and Lights Committee for clarification. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7315 402B4F2C-4BEF-4B2C-8056-BEFB1F5AAA9B Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:54:31 -0600 Menominee Area Public Schools are beginning their planning for the next school year’s budget. During a workshop for the district’s Board of Education and administration last night, some preliminary budget figures were laid out for the schools. If current projections hold true, those preliminary numbers don’t look good. According to Superintendent Erik Bergh, Menominee Schools may face a $1.9 million deficit for the 2010-2011 school year. While stressing that these numbers are just projections, Bergh says the district will need to find a strategy to close that gap by the June 30th budget deadline. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7316 E6097C6B-A51A-487F-B528-905255C63522 Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:53:53 -0600 Menominee County is moving forward with filling the vacancy left on the county board following the recall of District Four Commissioner Dick Peterson. Menominee County Clerk Marc Klieman says he’s already informed the Democratic and Republican Parties of Menominee County that they need to find a candidate to run for the empty commissioner position. Independent candidates can also take out qualifying petitions from the Menominee County Clerk’s Office and file those by the March 11th deadline to be on the May 4th ballot. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7317 FEF4AA99-04C1-4CEE-B88D-12236E90E073 Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:53:16 -0600 Looking for work this summer? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment is hiring for summer work throughout the state. The DNRE plans to hire 1,200 full-time and part-time workers for positions at Michigan’s state parks, harbors and boating access sites. Applicants should be over 18-years old and willing to work varied shifts including weekends and holidays. Applications can be picked up at any state park or online at michigan.gov/stateparks. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7318 8049B0DA-687C-473D-AE81-7A5AF4209641 Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:52:38 -0600 Those pesky reeds popping up along the bay will be the topic at a community forum being held tonight. Marinette County Supervisor Bob Fraik plans to present updates on the local problem with the invasive phragmites during the community forum being held at UW-Marinette’s Main Building. The forum is free and open to the public and starts at 7:30 tonight. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7319 73112C39-3B29-4FF3-85F2-81363FA037BF Wed, 3 Mar 2010 05:51:59 -0600 Stimulus funds for Marinette’s new water treatment facility weren’t the only topic of discussion during Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle’s local visit last week. Doyle also highlighted two Brownfield Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment grants for Marinette. One grant worth $450,000 goes to ChemDesign to help clean up its newly-purchased facility to meet high environmental standards. Another grant worth $190,000 will be used to help develop the new Hometown Square retail area. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7306 75799549-2419-454B-B2F4-E89707C51067 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:36:50 -0600 A preliminary hearing is set for a Marinette man accused of possessing child pornography. The child pornography was allegedly found on 32-year old Matthew B. Motsinger’s computer during a warranted search of his residence in February. While police were questioning him about the contents of his computer, Motsinger allegedly attempted to destroy the computer’s wiring. According to the police report, a struggle ensued and Motsinger had to be tasered. Motsinger is facing charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Obstructing an Officer. He appeared in Marinette County Court Monday and has a preliminary hearing set for March 11th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7307 C91B8636-583C-414E-AC1C-ED10EE478101 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:36:18 -0600 Menominee residents can now get rid of their old TV’s, computers, cell phones and other electronics. Starting this Saturday and continuing on the first Saturday of every month, city residents can bring their unneeded electronics to the recycle bins next to Menominee City Hall for disposal. City Manager Richard Goode says there is an upcoming demand for the service as more people purchase new TV’s and other new technology. No cash will be accepted to use Menominee’s new electronics disposal service. Instead, stickers for the useless items must be purchased in advance at City Hall. Prices range from $25 for larger items, such as TV’s, to free for smaller electronics like a cell phone or computer mouse. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7308 ED8A1753-CB9B-4677-ADAF-B1B2586A67CC Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:34:58 -0600 Marinette has boxes of materials promoting the 2010 U.S. Census and they’re considering how do dole them out to residents. Items from coffee mugs to computer mouse pads all with the census logo are all designed to be distributed to residents in an effort to raise awareness of this year’s count. Some of the materials may start popping up at local churches and schools to remind citizens of the census. Getting an accurate count is considered critical for cities like Marinette as they struggle to make sure they’re getting a fair share of state funding. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7309 E391F902-A346-4E46-8863-CA9B91EDDBF6 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:34:01 -0600 The Marinette City Council will hold a public hearing tonight on a proposed amendment to the City’s 20-year Comprehensive Plan. That proposed amendment consists of changing the designation of 23 tax parcels within the city to different land use categories. The public hearing will be held at 6:30 PM, before tonight’s regular meeting of the Marinette City Council. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7310 7A85FEEE-798E-4C17-A024-580CD0FD992C Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:33:16 -0600 The Menominee School District is again considering plans to restore Blesch Field. Several years ago, funds from a community drive to make physical improvements to the actual field ran out. Now Menominee Schools are looking to revive the project using donated funds. According to Superintendent Erik Bergh, as of now, the district would not use general fund revenues for the Blesch Field restorations. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7311 35BE5F9D-52E4-4AB6-B56E-3448E67A9854 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:32:32 -0600 A delectable event will help ensure uninsured local residents can get see a doctor. Demand for the Twin Counties Free Clinic has been up and this Thursday’s Taste of the Town will ensure it can continue providing its services to the area’s uninsured. Candy Sheridan Director of the Twin Counties Free Clinic says the scrumptious event highlighting some of the best foods of the area, will help benefit the volunteer-run clinic. The 8th Annual Taste of the Town will be held at Little River Country Club in Marinette on Thursday from 6-8 PM. Tickets are available throughout the area. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7312 57DCA094-50A2-49AA-9512-9C0B16C4610E Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:30:00 -0600 Wisconsin’s Governor visits Marinette. During his local stop on Friday, Governor Jim Doyle focused on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act...and how it’s helping with the state’s economy. Touting the $9 million in stimulus funding Marinette received for its new Water Treatment Facility, Doyle says this is an example of what the Recovery Act can do. Those stimulus funds will cover about half of the $19 million Water Treatment project. Marinette will have to pay the other half using Safe Drinking Water Loans from the Wisconsin DNR. So what set Marinette’s Water Treatment Plant project apart from other projects looking for stimulus funds? Governor Jim Doyle says the project was well planned, ready to go and had merit. Doyle says the Recovery Act funding is aiding the state’s efforts to ensure clean drinking water for all residents. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7298 A827D50A-58CC-4633-8BE2-E5242B217BF2 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:46:10 -0600 The City of Marinette will expend some of its own money to make sure several stimulus road projects are completed. The bid on the Cleveland Ave...Hattie Street and Hosmer Street resurfacing projects came in about $340,000 over what would be covered by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Apparently with all the current stimulus projects, the demand and price for construction materials have risen, leading to the inflated costs. 80% of that shortfall can be covered with federal funds...but Marinette would have to cover the other 20% of the deficit. During a special meeting Friday, the Marinette City Council approved using about 68-thousand-dollars to cover its share of the project. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7299 2268846A-0196-4B00-A83F-FB77C824E111 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:45:40 -0600 A new contract will send locally built helicopters to Asia. Thailand to be exact. Enstrom Helicopters in Menominee will provide 16 advanced turbine training helicopters for the Royal Thai Army for training purposes. Dennis Martin with Enstrom says the about $35 million contract will help give the local helicopter manufacturer worldwide attention. Martin says the new contract will allow Enstrom to build up its local workforce as the company works to complete most of the aircraft within the next year. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7300 B43E1B9D-0DF2-423E-9CD4-AA6E487464F2 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:45:03 -0600 Four Marinette men charged in a beating over drugs and money are bound over for trial. 25-year old Phillip L. Barber, 18-year old Steven E. Matz, 19-year old Nathan S. Peterson and 28-year old Aaron A. Sovey are charged with luring two men to a home on Garfield in Marinette and assaulting one of the men with a golf club while holding the other down. The February 12th beating was allegedly caused by a dispute about drugs and money. The four men are set to be arraigned for the charge of Substantial Battery on Wednesday http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7301 D5B7CDCE-5132-4EB4-AAB3-E72887763B73 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:44:31 -0600 Driving through the intersection of 13th Street and 14th Avenue in Menominee should get a little easier starting in about a month. The Menominee City Council has approved signing the contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for upgrades to the intersection’s traffic signal. The usual red-yellow-green light signal has been blinking red for several months, turning the 14th and 13th intersection into a four-way stop. But the light should return to normal in early April, with improvements to the intersection continuing after that. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7302 E28F86D7-9154-468E-96E4-6141D518EDBA Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:43:55 -0600 Starting today at 7 AM, temporary weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all Menominee County Roads. The exception is for roads designated as all season. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7303 F1653971-413A-4709-8EE8-FBF52A01E27F Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:43:28 -0600 Over 150 participants took a stroll down 10th Avenue in Menominee on Saturday morning for this year’s Walk for Warmth. From the walk alone the Community Action Agency raised over $4,000. All of the proceeds will stay in Menominee County to help residents that are struggling to pay their heating bills. Joan Corsten from the Community Action Agency called this year’s Walk for Warmth a great family event. Wisconsin Public Service also contributed in the Walk for Warmth by donating 100 compact fluorescent energy-efficient light bulbs that were given out participants in the walk. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7304 46411282-9F94-453D-9480-3869296C671C Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:42:55 -0600 Two snowmobilers find out first-hand that the ice on Green Bay can be unpredictable and dangerous. The Marinette Fire Department responded to a call on Saturday that two snowmobilers went through the ice on the bay near Pond Road. Upon responding, the department found one snowmobile and its driver in the water. That driver was pulled from the frigid bay and the other was picked up and brought to shore for the waiting paramedics. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7305 32D92E94-6FA5-4468-AB86-D39AE842D508 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:42:25 -0600 The first Littoral Combat Ship built at Marinette Marine is already making headlines. According to the Navy, the USS Freedom seized a quarter-ton of cocaine on Monday, during a trial deployment in the Caribbean. Smugglers reportedly dumped the cocaine into the sea when they encountered Freedom off the coast of Columbia. The drugs were recovered by the crew of the LCS and will be used as evidence if the smugglers are brought to trial. Freedom had departed from Florida for its trial deployment before it arrives at its homeport of San Diego. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7291 9F0433E3-233C-4733-BF13-3F6D6F893DE7 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:41:42 -0600 A Green Bay resident is sentenced to prison for an attempted theft in Marinette County. Joseph M. Kaminsky was arrested in December for allegedly attempting to break into a video poker machine at a truck stop in the Town of Grover. Police responded to the incident and followed footprints in the snow which allegedly led them to Kaminsky, who was hiding under a tree. Kaminsky entered no contest pleas to charges of Attempted Theft and Criminal Damage to Property. He was sentenced to one year and two months in prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7292 B9327328-E34C-451C-BEFF-8F5FFE008220 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:40:42 -0600 A major change is being considered to a portion of U.S. 41 in Wisconsin. The state is considering reclassifying the segment of Highway 41 from Milwaukee to Green Bay as an interstate. The switch could be a few years away as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation considers changes that would be needed to bring the stretch of road up to interstate standards. Northeast Regional Director Michael Berg from the Wisconsin DOT says it could lead to good things economically. It’s not clear how that change would affect 41 further north as it leads to Marinette. But this week, the Marinette County Board passed a resolution to support reclassifying Highway 41 as an Interstate. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7293 7F46C053-62EC-46F7-AF38-89C0D18F4EFC Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:39:28 -0600 Menominee Area Public Schools will have to pay out funds to property owners in Menominee and Ingallston Townships as part of the new summer tax collections. The district will now be collecting taxes on summer tax forms. The schools will have to pay $2.50 to each piece of taxable property in Menominee and Ingallston Townships, to replace a state subsidy that the townships will lose because of the summer tax collections. According to Superintendent Erick Bergh, that will cost the district around $8,000, though the interest saved by collecting in the summer will more than offset those fees. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7294 A14DF069-2132-4800-8ED0-F33C673F6BF6 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:38:46 -0600 Marinette merchants and professional people have only a few more days to return their personal property forms. The forms, which are subject to assessment as of January 1st, must be returned to the City of Marinette Assessor’s Office no later than Monday. If the form is not returned, the Assessor will use his own judgment in making the assessment. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7295 8DDBFF3D-06F7-4C67-AF98-4B6C58A573A9 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:32:29 -0600 It’s a mostly symbolic stroll down 10th Avenue, but it will help warm Menominee County residents struggling to pay their heating bills. Every dollar raised from this Saturday’s Walk for Warmth will benefit the Community Action Agency’s heating assistance efforts in Menominee County. Joan Corsten with the Community Action Agency says it’ll be a lot of fun and for a really good cause. The Walk for Warmth starts off at the Menominee Senior Center with registration at 9 AM. The walk begins at 10. Information and pledge sheets can be found online at mdscaa.org. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7296 33B315F1-B4AD-4224-BF55-619FE3C8E39E Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:31:50 -0600 This is the last weekend to purchase tickets for this year’s Car Plunk. The green Volkswagon van is already on the ice in the Menominee Marina behind the bandshell and you can take a guess at when that van will break through as the ice thaws. A $20 ticket gets you four guesses. This year’s Car Plunk will benefit the Dar Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. Tickets are available at the DAR, the YMCA and throughout town. The deadline to purchase tickets and make your guesses is Monday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7297 D68D2864-50B3-4E4D-A816-30DA608ECD88 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:31:13 -0600 It wasn’t everything they hoped for, but members of the recall movement are hoping one new commissioner will be enough for Menominee County. Menominee County District Four Commissioner Dick Peterson was recalled by voters in Tuesday’s Election, while District Five Commissioner Gary Eichhorn avoided recall. Kathy Selby started the recall petition against Commissioner Eichhorn. She says with only Peterson being removed, hopefully one will be enough to change the makeup of the Menominee County Board. An election is being planned for May 4th to find Commissioner Peterson’s replacement. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7285 E3353AA0-448B-4946-9746-44416D07D44B Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:30:39 -0600 In what proved to be the last county board meeting for Menominee County Commissioner Dick Peterson, the commissioners acted on a variety of issues. Tuesday, new appointments were made to the Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare Board of Directors. The commissioners approved new staggered terms for the appointments then approved the new appointees on a three-two vote. Also the commissioners approved posting their monthly per diems and expenses so they would be available for the public to view. The purchase of two new security cameras was approved for use in courtroom A at the Menominee County Courthouse http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7286 C0D7DBC4-BE6B-4AB9-93DF-6FA38D445F07 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:30:02 -0600 Drug charges lead to prison for a Marinette woman. 35-year old Melissa A. Pier was first arrested in March after a search warrant was executed at her Marinette home and heroin was allegedly discovered. She pleaded guilty to one count of Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place stemming from that incident. Pier was also charged following an October traffic stop on Highway 41 in the Town of Grover, when she was allegedly found with Heroin and Pills. She pleaded guilty to three charges stemming from that arrest including Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin. Last week in Marinette County Court, Pier was sentenced to ten-years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7287 FA3DE47F-0C8B-40BC-85D6-187E052BE975 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:29:26 -0600 DNA evidence may be used to link a multiple armed robbery suspect to the crimes. The Marinette County District Attorney’s Office plans to use DNA obtained from 20-year old Patrick Scotty Erickson if the case were to go to trial. Erickson is charged in the armed robberies of the Back-A-Gan Bar and the Shell Gas Station in Marinette in July of last year. DNA evidence on a sweatshirt, a pair of goggles and a bandana may connect Erickson to those robberies. Erickson has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his next court date is for a status conference scheduled for April 9th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7288 4BA30A87-9352-48A1-BABA-69B3AE59932D Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:28:46 -0600 A Marinette Ad-Hoc Committee is still in the midst of considering a proposal to switch to a city administrator form of government. According to Alderman John Marx, Marinette is actually the smallest city in Wisconsin to still operate with a full-time mayor instead of an administrative style of leadership. Alderman Marx proposed the restructuring of the city’s government. He says it’s time to reassess the city’s direction. Marx says he’s open to having a full-time or part-time mayor if Marinette were to decide on changing to an administrator run government. The Ad-Hoc Committee is looking for public comment on the proposed city administrator style of government in Marinette. Marinette residents can E-mail their questions, comments and concerns to marward5@yahoo.com by March 24th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7289 06F183C0-FA96-47B1-90F1-F69680029507 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:27:58 -0600 Almost $500,000 will be distributed to several emergency responder organizations throughout Michigan, including about $50,000 for the Spalding Township Fire Department in northern Menominee County. The funds come from the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. According to U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, the grants are designed to enhance the skills and readiness of Michigan’s frontline first responders. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7290 AA927F72-8490-4627-B526-3449080CEEA3 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:27:03 -0600 One Menominee County Commissioner avoids a recall. Tuesday Menominee County voters headed to the polls and decided to recall District Four Commissioner Dick Peterson. The recall of Peterson was approved by a 411 to 310 tally. District Five Commissioner and County Board Chair Gary Eichhorn was more fortunate. He handily eluded being recalled by a 415 to 199 vote. Eichhorn says he’s just glad voters turned out to voice their opinion. Eichhorn says it’s a shame his fellow commissioner was recalled. According to the numbers from the Menominee County Clerk’s Office, about 20% of the voters in District’s Four and Five participated in yesterday’s recall election. The Menominee County Board of Canvassers plans to meet this afternoon to certify the recall election results. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7279 2355DA6A-596A-4E89-9CA3-FEB1DC45AF91 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:26:19 -0600 Not guilty pleas are entered for a Menominee man suspected in a string of summertime armed robberies. 20-year old Patrick Scotty Erickson stood mute at his arraignment in Marinette County Court Tuesday and the not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf. Erickson is charged in the armed robberies of the Back-A-Gan Bar and the Shell Gas Station in Marinette in July of last year. He’s also charged in a home burglary in the Town of Peshtigo. He has a status conference scheduled for April 9th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7280 2FA7AA5B-FC1F-4D35-9110-239250AA2216 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:25:38 -0600 A Marinette man is facing charges for allegedly possessing child pornography. Matthew B. Motsinger was arrested last week after a search warrant was executed at his Marinette residence. The child pornography was allegedly found on his computer. While police were questioning him about the contents of his computer, Motsinger allegedly attempted to tear out the computer’s wiring. According to the police report, a struggle ensued and Motsinger had to be tasered. Motsinger is facing charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Obstructing an Officer. He’s scheduled to appear with counsel in Marinette County Court on Monday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7281 E365464A-DF29-435E-AEC4-992C1C57C264 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:24:58 -0600 Wisconsin’s D.A.’s are continuing their fight to prevent layoffs at their offices. A few new developments are giving Wisconsin’s District Attorneys hope that the state may not go through with its plans to lay off some Assistant District Attorneys. Marinette County District Attorney Allen Brey says one proposal to add a fee to ordinance violations would not only solve the funding shortage, but could also help to add new staff to the D.A.’s office. The state is also planning to meet with a group of District Attorneys to discuss possible ways of overcoming the budget deficit and avoiding the Assistant D.A. cuts. The Marinette County Board passed a resolution Tuesday opposing the permanent Assistant District Attorney layoffs in Marinette County. At a meeting last week the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association passed a similar resolution. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7282 9580AF8C-BCEB-45C2-AC2C-B85DB557C88B Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:24:17 -0600 With an eye on student to teacher ratios, especially in the younger grades, the Marinette School Board has approved a staffing plan for the next school year. The school district is seeing a growth in their youngest grades, and staff is being added at those levels to keep student to teacher ratios under 20. Five part-time paraprofessional positions will be eliminated, and the district will also take advantage of some retirements to eliminate some positions in the middle and high school. The board will also eliminate the Dean of Students position to hire another licensed administrator to address needs at the high school. Other actions on the preliminary budget include reductions in utilities as conservation projects begin to show returns. Board president Scott Vandehei says next year is going to be a tough budget year, but says the kids won’t feel it. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7283 F6168DB5-23B9-4738-8A7C-FEC3596934C5 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:23:36 -0600 Farm Service Agency Disaster Loans are now available to farmers in Marinette County who have suffered qualifying damages or losses caused by the severe winter conditions starting January 2009 and ending in July, the drought starting in May of 2009, and the early frost and excessive rainfall that began in August of 2009. Farmers who feel they have sustained a qualifying loss should check with the local FSA office in Oconto, located at 111 Arbutus Ave. The deadline for filing applications is October 1st. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7284 E80FF85C-0FD0-435E-8579-5FFD2E459013 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:22:54 -0600 It’s Election Day in Michigan. In two Menominee County Districts, voters will be making a critical choice—whether or not to recall District Five Commissioner Gary Eichhorn and District Four Commissioner Dick Peterson. The commissioners face recall for reasons including their actions to rescind volunteer appointments to various boards and committees, voting to terminate former county administrator Brian Neumeier and manipulating the county’s budget. Commissioner Eichhorn says he’s always had the best interests of Menominee County in mind. If the commissioners were to be recalled, another election would have to be held in May to find their replacements. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7272 427DAC61-9BD0-48FF-91A7-CA03F277A072 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:22:03 -0600 Voters in Menominee County need to remember to bring their identification with them when heading to the polls today. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land says because of the voter identification requirement, voters should bring that photo ID. Land says if you fail to bring an ID, you can still vote. But you’ll have to sign an affidavit stating you don’t have photo ID. Additional election information on voting can be found online at michigan.gov/vote. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7273 19551100-2DC1-4BD2-B39B-D2E953700398 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:21:14 -0600 Wisconsin’s new smoking ban may be a bit more complicated that anticipated. Some recently discovered loopholes might leave room for smoking in workplaces, provided they follow certain guidelines. One of those exemptions allows for smoking in an enclosed space provided a certain area of the building has windows that may be opened. Also, what about those outdoor smoking areas that will start popping up? Businesses may need to place receptacles for cigarette butts and ensure any new structures for smokers are built and placed according to code. Marinette’s Personnel and License Committee considered the possibilities at last night’s meeting and plans to prepare for any issues that may come up associated with Wisconsin’s upcoming smoking ban. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7274 6A7B73C8-B594-4C2D-B492-CBCFF8D901D5 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:20:20 -0600 As the days get longer and the temperatures start to warm, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is keeping an eye on how stable the state’s highways are. The Wisconsin DOT is closely monitoring the weather and pavement conditions and likely will issue zone-by-zone notices ending the frozen road declaration and beginning the spring thaw restrictions in the next few weeks. A map of the affected highways in each of the state’s five zones is available at the Wisconsin DOT website. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7275 5F4EA999-6C5D-4B4B-A3C0-2B51A917E31C Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:19:34 -0600 Nine projects at Wisconsin Public Schools are receiving recognition for their services to rural communities. Included in Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin award winners is the 2009 Career Fair at Coleman High School. The Acres of Diamonds in Our Own Backyard program brought more than 90 presenters in 16 career clusters to Coleman High School. Monday, a ceremony was held in Madison to honor the award recipients. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7276 028DD8DF-5698-431A-8202-5D5414CB8582 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:18:50 -0600 A new local business looks to help our troops serving overseas. The new Qwik Pack and Ship Store, located at the Roosevelt Center next to Angeli’s in Marinette, will hold its grand opening on March 6th. During the celebration, QPS will be sending out care packages to deserving soldiers all over the world. Jerry Kobishop, the owner of Qwik Pack and Ship, says it’s a way for everyone to help our troops. To find out the needs of the soldiers and how you can help, go to qpsmarinette.com and click on ship to a soldier. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7277 18C048B2-C5FB-496B-A0D2-AA07B7A70A2D Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:18:08 -0600 There’s a familiar face chairing today’s Congressional hearing on Toyota’s safety problems. As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Menominee Congressman Bart Stupak is heading the first of the Washington hearings on Toyota. House investigators believe Toyota intentionally resisted the possibility that electronic defects caused unintended acceleration, and then misled the public into thinking its recall would fix all the problems. Stupak said documents and interviews demonstrate the company relied on a flawed engineering report in its statements to reassure the public. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7278 921322E0-803F-4ACD-96CC-FE4BDB29BDEB Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:17:34 -0600 It’s an idea called Congress in your Kitchen and it lets local residents know what’s cooking in Washington. Northeast Wisconsin’s U.S. Representative Steve Kagen stopped by the home of Marinette resident Pat O’Hara on Friday. During the get-together, O’Hara expressed his concerns about how the local workforce would benefit from a new Navy contract for Marinette Marine. O’Hara says it could be huge for the local economy. Kagen says job creation is key and it ties into health care coverage. Coincidentally, right after his stop at the O’Hara’s, Kagen headed to Marinette Marine to meet with workers during the shift change. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7265 6E7EFBE4-E2DC-4BE2-AD21-ACFA5B208BFB Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:58:27 -0600 We have our first candidate for Marinette County Sheriff. After current Sheriff Jim Kanikula announced last week that he would not seek re-election, the department’s Chief Deputy Jerry Sauve is announcing his candidacy for the sheriff’s office. Sauve has been with the Marinette County Sheriff’s Department for over 25-years and says he’s ready to take the lead role. He’s been Chief Deputy for over four years and says that’s given him the experience of overseeing the entire department. Sauve will run on the Republican ticket for Marinette County Sheriff in this fall’s election. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7266 8C86D642-4555-4D8A-A13E-3A34F576D57D Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:57:55 -0600 The outcome of last week’s fact-finding hearing between Menominee Schools and their teachers union may depend on who you talk to. One of the major topics during the fact-finding session was the projected budget for the Menominee Area Public Schools. With uncertainties in state funding, the district and the Menominee City District Education Association differ on how to anticipate the school’s income and how that should affect the teachers. Superintendent Erik Bergh says the district is already preparing for a hefty budget deficit. But MCDEA Spokesman Ron Jackson says the district needs is using worst case scenario numbers. The fact finder is expected to reach his decision within 60-days. Menominee teachers have now been working without a contract for over 600 school days. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7267 4CA717D1-A830-4AD1-806E-12F69B236F77 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:57:21 -0600 The U.S. 41 bridge over the Peshtigo River will be named to honor a fallen local soldier. Last week Governor Jim Doyle signed a bill that will designate the Highway 41 bridge as the Steven Drees Memorial Bridge. Private Drees was deployed to Afghanistan on his 19th birthday. He died from a fatal injury he sustained during combat while serving in Afghanistan. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7268 40E0B0CA-C4C3-4B54-AC33-DEB678B92F5A Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:56:46 -0600 The second of the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business Safety meetings is being held tonight. Law enforcement officers are expected to be on hand to give local business owners ideas on how to keep their businesses secure and employees safe. Tonight’s Business Safety meeting is being held at the Chamber’s Marinette office at 5:15 PM. Call 735-6681 to sign up. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7269 F806DDA6-280F-4747-9A1B-9B4E12E985E7 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:56:13 -0600 Menominee County Treasurer Diane Lesperance is encouraging property owners to pay their delinquent 2008 taxes immediately. Payment must be received by the office of the Menominee County Treasurer by Friday, February 26th to prevent property forfeiture. Payments received after Friday will not prevent property forfeiture and will result in substantial penalties and a higher interest cost. Questions regarding any delinquent taxes may be directed to the Menominee County Treasurer’s Office. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7270 6068BDAC-CC68-4D9F-AA3C-A35C5DED8F60 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:55:37 -0600 All of the Libraries in the Marinette County Library system will be closed on Tuesday for a computer server update. Any materials that need to be returned can be placed in the outside book drops. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7271 C086ECB2-7EF4-4FC8-ADF8-6C1AA39A2705 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:55:13 -0600 The polls may not open until Tuesday, but the recall election is well underway in Menominee County. Voters are already filling out absentee ballots asking whether or not District Five Commissioner Gary Eichhorn and District Four Commissioner Dick Peterson should be recalled. Menominee County Clerk Marc Klieman says that means voting in the recall election is essentially underway. Klieman says at the polls, each precinct has already completed their public testing this week, which means everything is set to go for Tuesday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7258 459E4EAF-545F-4520-8F79-3CA39BF9F74D Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:15:24 -0600 Two Marinette sisters are sentenced to prison for drug charges. 19-year old Cheri Branham and 21-year old Christi Branham were sentenced in Marinette County Court this week. Both sisters faced charges stemming from a traffic stop on U.S. 41 in May. Police allegedly found them in possession of heroin while returning to the local area from Chicago. Christi Branham pleaded no contest to one count of Possession of Narcotic Drugs from that incident. Cheri Branham pleaded no contest to a similar charge from a separate traffic stop in March within the City of Marinette where she was allegedly found in possession of Heroin. Both women were sentenced to one year in prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7259 670347F4-F5E1-43E5-A708-0EAA1D7B51DD Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:14:25 -0600 A Crivitz High School student has been expelled after allegedly making threats against the school. The Crivitz Board of Education has reportedly decided to expel 17-year old Brett Bedora. Bedora was arrested in January. Police allegedly found him in possession of firearms and notebooks containing threats against the school and fellow students. Bedora is facing four misdemeanor charges, including one count of Carrying a Concealed Weapon. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7260 7DD47516-E730-4EE2-975F-BA2795391E62 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:13:17 -0600 The City of Marinette is giving a developer one more month to complete changes in plans and financing for a condominium development. The developer of the Harbor Terrace project had asked for several extensions as they work on the new condo units in the city’s TIF District Number Seven. The developer asked to extend an over quarter-of-a-million-dollar letter of credit until next month, while he sorted out details of the plan. The Marinette City Council approved extending that letter of credit until next month, even though the Planning Commission had already voted against a new, larger site plan for the project. If the project goes into foreclosure, Marinette may lose out on $2.4 million in property value. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7261 485B531F-6CD0-46E6-80DC-EB863223FAB9 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:12:45 -0600 Marinette plans to form an ad-hoc committee to give the city direction on how to spend its Room Tax revenue. The mayor would have to appoint the five members expected to sit on the committee. The Finance Committee wants one of those members to be a representative from Marinette’s hotel and bed and breakfast community. Marinette’s Recreation Department has been hoping to use a portion of the room tax funds to upgrade the Civic Center domes. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7262 0D893A7A-C3A3-4B80-B0EE-8C445E39CD1F Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:12:07 -0600 It’s really no surprise that one of the topics in Menominee Mayor George Krah’s State of the City Address in the city’s economy. Menominee is faced with declining local and state revenue, a problem seen by just about every municipality. But citing some recent positive news in the city’s manufacturing sector, Krah says there are bright spots in the economic outlook for Menominee. Mayor Krah says Menominee has plenty of assets that bring people to the area. Krah also made the call for residents to take an active role in the city’s government. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7263 1CC866B7-CC2C-4FF6-8435-FAEDA70CBBB8 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:11:34 -0600 The 2nd annual fundraiser and poker run in honor of fallen Private Steven Drees from Peshtigo will be held this weekend. The event gets underway on Saturday at 11 AM at Stompin Wild Saloon at the corner of Highway 64 and RW. There will be plenty to do with games, raffles, food, prizes and live entertainment. The proceeds from the fundraiser will help send much needed care packages to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Steven Drees was killed in combat while serving in Afghanistan. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7264 2174F01D-0933-4745-9E42-8A6732C9008B Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:10:51 -0600 There will be a new Sheriff in Marinette County in 2011. Marinette County Sheriff Jim Kanikula is announcing that he will not seek another term. Kanikula served for 12 non-consecutive years as sheriff and says his last four years have been the most enjoyable. He says in that time, one of his proudest accomplishments is the educational programs implemented at the local jail. During his time in office, Sheriff Kanikula has overseen several high-profile cases, including the Niagara shooting incident in 2008 and the murder at the Peshtigo Harbor Wildlife Area in 2007 http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7252 061DC14F-43D1-459E-B598-E8F17F39F7AA Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:09:50 -0600 A Crivitz man faces prison time after pleading no contest to pot dealing charges. 51-year old Patrick Bemis was arrested at his residence in May of last year. A search warrant had been executed and police allegedly found marijuana prepared for sale. Bemis pleaded no contest to one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver THC. He’ll be sentenced in April. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7253 C9A4321A-C29C-461D-81A2-6D54B729FAD4 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:09:07 -0600 How necessary is a fact-finding hearing between the Menominee Area Public Schools and its teachers union? Pretty necessary according to the Menominee City District Education Association. MCDEA Spokesman Ron Jackson says the contract talks haven’t been going anywhere and the contract proposal from the district would have hurt educational quality. Jackson says Friday marks the 600th school day that Menominee teachers have been working without a contract. The fact finding hearing is being held today. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7254 A37A978C-BEB2-4D0A-81B0-24FD240DA5CD Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:08:16 -0600 Michigan residents with questions about voting in next week’s primary election have an easy way to find answers. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land says the website michigan.gov/vote can get voters prepared for the Tuesday, February 23rd election. Besides the website, Land also says you can also go to your local city or county clerk’s office to have voting questions answered. Voters in Menominee County will be deciding the fate of two Menominee County Commissioners on Tuesday. District 5 Commissioner Gary Eichhorn and District 4 Commissioner Dick Peterson are both up for recall. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7255 0EFAD118-1814-49BF-81E4-4B3A80EA960D Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:06:54 -0600 Dredging the Menominee harbor remains at the top of the Marina Management Group’s wish list, though it may not be happening anytime soon. Dredging the marina would cost some serious money and the group just doesn’t have it at this time. Still dredging the local harbor remains at the top of the Marina Management Groups 2010 project list. Other possible projects, which may be more likely to be completed, include improvements and repairs to several of the Menominee Marina’s docks and adding security cameras to the marina. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7256 17C68451-3A03-4A2F-AC15-D94BFE8C4210 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:06:12 -0600 A survey of every county in the U.S. ranks them on how healthy their residents are and how long they live. The survey from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation takes into account health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment. According to the survey, Menominee County ranks as the 13th healthiest county in Michigan. Marinette County ranks as the 63rd healthiest county in Wisconsin. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7257 0D895BCC-92B7-4788-BA46-0FDFBE69ED07 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:05:20 -0600 A teen charged in a summer shooting incident in Marinette is heading to prison. 18-year old Leeann Marie Carlson was charged in the September incident in which she allegedly threatened several people at gunpoint. She was only 17 at the time of the incident. No one was injured in the apparent shooting. Carlson had entered no contest pleas to five charges, including two counts of 1st Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety. On Monday, she was sentenced to five years in prison. Carlson will need to serve at least 30 months of the sentence before she can be eligible for any early release program. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7245 8B7B91FD-8549-4214-A0C4-0C4D7B680ABC Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:52:20 -0600 The City of Niagara’s Fire Chief is in some hot water. 48-year old Fire Chief Frederick J. Harvath is being charged with one count of Obstructing an Officer. That charge stems from a Christmas Eve car crash on U.S. 141. Harvath is alleged to have interfered with the accident investigation, when he drove away with the one man involved in the crash, an acquaintance who police suspected was driving drunk. Harvath made his initial appearance in Marinette County Court this week. He has a status conference scheduled for March 18th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7246 FB2E2715-528E-4CB0-B9C0-B48EBFCFF8BF Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:51:53 -0600 Life is back to normal following a fire at an Oconto apartment complex. The blaze broke out early Tuesday morning, when a mattress reportedly caught on fire. Everyone was evacuated safely, though three people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. An ex-firefighter in the apartment apparently knew exactly what to do and put out the fire with an extinguisher. Oconto Firefighters says the cause of the fire appears to be an accident. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7247 AFCC47E8-808E-401D-92F1-4ACD3995A024 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:51:21 -0600 Standing committees may be making a comeback in Menominee. On Monday, the Menominee City Council decided on a five-four vote to reinstate at least the personnel committee. The standing committees were done away with when City Manager Richard Goode began his tenure, but some city council members had pushed for their revival. Alluding to the city’s personnel policies, Council Member Arnie Organ says the committee was needed. Some council members believe that without the standing committees, the city manager has too much authority, while others thought the committees excluded much of the Menominee City Council from the decision making process. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7248 4F4EA506-8C0C-41FC-B82E-A40CD27D9F8A Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:50:50 -0600 If there’s one constant area of concern about Waterfront Fest, it’s the city’s responsibilities associated with the alcohol sales. Handling the liabilities for the beer sales at Menominee’s Waterfront Festival has been a contentious issue for many years. But Waterfront’s new overseer Nancy Douglas says after meeting’s with the city’s insurance carrier and police, she believes it shouldn’t be a problem. Douglas, who is a former Waterfront Chair, was just appointed to be the driving force behind the annual event by the Menominee City Council this week. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7249 04B90D80-1268-49E3-BFA0-1085F5755D11 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:50:17 -0600 Change. It’s a major point in Menominee Mayor George Krah’s State of the City Address. Mayor Krah unveiled this year’s State of the City Speech to the Menominee City Council this week. In the address, Krah says we’ve seen change at the national and state levels and now it’s becoming necessary for Menominee. Krah noted that changes are already taking place at city hall, including the new city manager, as Menominee looks to streamline its city government. You can hear Menominee Mayor George Krah’s State of the City Address in its entirety on Our Town tomorrow. The program starts at 8:30 AM on Hometown Radio 103.7 FM and 1340 WAGN. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7250 D1F55E2E-B9C0-4F8C-BD14-EBF046CCE2E5 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:49:40 -0600 Fat Tuesday’s Brats for Breakfast proves to be a rousing success. Over 1,400 brats flew out the doors of the Menominee Senior Center yesterday. That raised over $3,000 for the Menominee County Walk for Warmth, which raises funds for local families to pay their winter heating bills. Brats for Breakfast is made possible by Bay Cities Radio. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7251 8EF5867B-8E60-4832-9A17-23295AEFE3EA Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:49:03 -0600 No contract agreement has been reached, so Menominee Area Public Schools and its teachers’ union will have to enter a fact-finding session. The Menominee City District Education Association and the board of education will try to resolve their differences over a new teachers contract with the help of the fact-finder, a Detroit area attorney who was mutually selected by the union and board. Superintendent Erik Bergh says the fact-finder may help with the disagreements. Bergh says he hopes common ground can be found so Menominee Schools can maintain their educational quality. The fact-finding hearing is set for Thursday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7239 F36169C3-7600-413F-ABE2-739CFBD4B429 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:48:17 -0600 A deal is apparently being negotiated between prosecutors and the teenager accused of threatening Crivitz High School. 17-year old Brett Bedora was charged after police searched his home in January and allegedly found firearms and notebooks containing threats against the Crivitz School and a fellow student. Bedora made his initial appearance in Marinette County Court yesterday. He said he and the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office are currently working on a plea agreement. Bedora faces four misdemeanor charges including Carrying a Concealed Weapon. He is due back in court on March 18th for a status conference. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7240 7E835569-C4AE-40DA-8018-36642FFF811B Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:47:38 -0600 One of the people charged in a Town of Niagara burglary pleads guilty to the crime. 27-year old Sheryl Ann Swiontek of Norway is implicated in the September home burglary along with 28-year old Andrew T. Giguere. Among the items reported stolen was a safe with over $50,000 cash. Swiontek entered her guilty plea to one count of Burglary last week in Marinette County Court. Her sentencing is set for April 12th. Andrew Giguere has already pleaded guilty to one count of burglary stemming from the crime. He’s scheduled to be sentenced next week. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7241 1C5133E0-8343-46BC-93B2-70307805DC14 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:46:58 -0600 The proposed increase in Marinette’s Water Utility rates could hit residents harder than originally expected. The Water Utility is recommending to the state’s Public Service Commission that Marinette’s water rate increase 50% over the next two years. Now the PSC says it believes most of that increase will have to be implemented in the first year, as the city will need more revenue to pay for its current capital improvement projects, such as the new wastewater treatment facility. Originally that increase would have been somewhat offset by the elimination of the Wastewater debt retirement charges. The Public Service Commission will need to hold a telephone town hall meeting before it could approve Marinette’s water rate hike. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7242 0BEDEF1B-E006-4418-A4A6-A3D454A4858F Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:46:07 -0600 Waterfront fest will have some new, but not unfamiliar leadership. Former Waterfront Chair Nancy Douglas will overtake the duties of putting together the annual event. Douglas will take charge of the tasks previously held by the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce, which relinquished its responsibilities due to its limited resources. Douglas says one of the first issues to tackle is the festival’s budget. Last night the Menominee City Council agreed to pay Douglas $5,000 to be the driving force behind Waterfront Festival. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7243 7B032067-A30F-45C2-9D8D-29BF214F425D Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:45:28 -0600 It’s a different take on classical music. The New York-based group Ten O’clock Classics brings their interpretation of the classics into Blesch Auditorium tonight , as part of the River Cities Concert Association’s concert series. Keith Akins is on the board of the local concert organization. He says the idea behind Ten O’clock Classics is to bring a down-home approach to the music. To attend tonight’s concert and others, you can join the River Cities Concert Association by either calling 863-7387 or by signing up at the door. Now don’t be confused. The Ten O’clock Classics concert starts at 7 PM tonight. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7244 4DAF5F41-8936-45EA-880E-D889E39C3FED Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:44:34 -0600 Yes. There will be a recall election for two Menominee County Commissioners. On Friday, a judge ruled Menominee County Clerk Marc Klieman followed the proper procedure when he accepted recall petitions circulated by persons not residing within the commissioners’ districts. Hermansville resident Kathleen Selby filed the recall petition against District Five Commissioner Gary Eichhorn. She says she was confident the commissioners didn’t have a valid argument to stop the pending recall with a preliminary injunction. So the decision to recall Commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson will be put to the Menominee County voters on February 23rd. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7232 EA67B5A1-71E7-4C3E-AF3E-E6B3ADAAC83F Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:43:36 -0600 Prison is ordered for a Peshtigo man charged in a string of burglaries and thefts in Marinette County. 25-year old David L. Chartrand was one of five people charged in numerous break-ins at almost 20 storage units in 2007. Chartrand had pleaded no contest to three charges of burglary. He was originally sentenced to probation, but his probation was revoked in January. Now Chartrand has been ordered to serve 1-½ years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7233 18562F4C-B005-4763-98A0-E7E3BBD2E34A Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:42:33 -0600 Marinette County is attempting to address the local drug problem, particularly heroin. The heroin issue was brought up during Friday’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee meeting. Law enforcement officials are seeing more inmates come into the Marinette County Jail for hard drug charges, which can be a challenge when users detox within the local jail. Marinette County District Attorney Allen Brey says he’s working on putting together an informational program on heroin to present throughout the community http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7234 A589DF2D-F718-4052-A241-56A544D06512 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:41:47 -0600 The Menominee Police Department is informing the public of an insurance phone scam. Residents reported receiving the phone calls from a person or automated voice stating an insurance policy has expired and they then demands payment through a checking account number or by credit card. They may also ask for a Social Security number as well. The scam phone calls primarily targeting the elderly, are reportedly originating from Arizona and the 602 area code will appear on caller ID. The Menominee Police Department reminds that you should never provide personal and financial information over the phone. Any suspected scam incidents should be reported to local law enforcement. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7235 1D76A0E3-BFAD-403F-BA1B-E79F6541F922 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:40:59 -0600 The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its first safety training for businesses session tonight. The workshop is free for chamber members and will be held at 5:15 at the AmericInn on 10th Street in Menominee. Law enforcement officials are expected to share their expertise on how to keep businesses secure and employees safe. Another safety training for businesses is planned for next week in Marinette http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7236 FDE5746F-DE6F-4D99-8F15-3872657180C3 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:40:10 -0600 Will a new ordinance have a negative impact on City of Marinette volunteers? It’s a concern of Marinette resident Beverly Doucette. A draft ordinance requiring all volunteers to fill out a form and register with the city will likely be considered by the Marinette City Council next month. Doucette, a long-time city volunteer, says that will make it to hard to volunteer in Marinette. Volunteers would also sign a liability waiver when registering for volunteer activities. The draft ordinance is an attempt for Marinette to have more oversight of those volunteering on city property. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7237 F77FF306-D4B2-414B-B585-2C7D63554166 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:39:36 -0600 Control of Waterfront Fest will likely be decided by the Menominee City Council tonight. The council is considering making former Waterfront Chair Nancy Douglas the new overseer of the annual even, since the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce will no longer be able to be the driving force behind the festival with their limited resources. The Menominee City Council meets at 6 tonight. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7238 06B3A4A8-9ED2-43DE-83E0-9D600CFFEC95 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:38:15 -0600 We’ll have to wait one more day to find out if the recall election against two Menominee County Commissioners can go forward. Commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson were supposed to have their day in court yesterday. But there was apparently some confusion and Delta County Judge Robert Goebel, who was supposed to hear the case, never showed up. Eichhorn and Peterson filed the lawsuit against Menominee County Clerk Marc Klieman for his acceptance of recall petitions filed by persons not living within the commissioners’ districts. The lawsuit asking for a preliminary injunction to stop the recall election is now expected to be ruled on today. The recall election scheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7226 094BEC8D-EC67-49B1-859C-C091F29E3A50 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:00:59 -0600 Three Marinette men are facing drug trafficking charges in Sheboygan County. The three were arrested during a traffic stop this weekend. During the stop 35-year old Benjimen G. Chaltry, 26-year old Jacob L. Martin and 31-year old Robert L. Rogers were allegedly found to be in possession of heroin. They were allegedly returning to the local area after purchasing the drugs in Chicago. All three men face charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin and all three have court dates scheduled for next week in Sheboygan County Court. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7227 2C61CD12-4EE6-4716-ADEE-89F033AE2FFA Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:00:26 -0600 The Twin County Airport will not reimburse Lineman Jeff LaFleur for his legal fees. LaFleur hired an attorney to represent him after he was terminated by airport manager Tim Spreen last month. The Twin County Airport Commission later overturned that termination, thanks in part to the arguments from LaFleur’s lawyer. LaFeur asked to have those attorney fees covered...but the local airport commission decided against that on a 5-1 vote. One reason was LaFleur would not have technically been fired until the Twin County Airport Commission approved his termination. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7228 9350F26A-3007-46DF-93BE-C96AAF6E619B Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:59:48 -0600 Marinette Marine’s parent company has a new leader. Fred P. Moosally took office as President and CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group this week. Moosally will be responsible for all Fincantieri Naval Vessel Business Unit activities in the U.S. Fincantieri Marine Group is the subsidiary of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, which owns four shipyards in the U.S., including Marinette Marine and Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7229 4C75299C-5142-4A42-873C-7305B382740C Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:59:14 -0600 Michigan’s Secretary of State branch offices will be closed on Monday in observance of President’s Day. Additionally, Wisconsin’s Division of Motor Vehicle offices will also be closed on Monday for another of the state-mandated employee furlough days. Both government entities remind that information about vehicle titling and other services can be found online at their websites. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7230 3954AA3C-8F63-4E8D-9EB1-E46D57E1084E Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:58:31 -0600 Mentoring a can have a long-lasting effect on the youth in our area. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area is working to bring successful mentoring relationships to every local child who needs and wants one. Tanya Schuster is the Executive Director of the local chapter of Big Bothers Big Sisters, which serves an area including Menominee and Marinette Counties. She says mentoring a youth can have a positive impact on their life. Schuster says mentoring can help a youth’s education, confidence and social skills. You can find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area’s mentoring program at bbbsbayarea.org. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7231 56633848-5C0D-4035-B125-5E029B21255D Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:58:01 -0600 The Wisconsin chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving weighs in on this week’s sentencing in last winter’s multiple fatality traffic accident. 40-year old Richard Allen Powell of Marinette was sentenced to 25-years of initial confinement in prison for the January 2009 crash that killed Wrightstown resident Joel Rivas and four of his children, two of whom were pregnant. Powell had allegedly been drinking before he broadsided the Rivas’s car on U.S. 41 near the Marinette city limits. Frank Harris with MADD of Wisconsin says Powell’s actions constituted a strong sentence, though any punishment will not bring back the lives lost. Harris says the incident shows that Wisconsin needs to adopt tougher drunk driving laws, including upping first OWI offenses to a misdemeanor charge. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7220 169ECE85-E5F8-4EF8-8FD6-FF4FB543AF41 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:12:22 -0600 An investigation conducted by the KIND Drug Task Force from Iron Mountain and the Marinette Drug Task Force leads to the arrests of two female heroin trafficking suspects in Crivitz. The suspects were arrested during a traffic stop and vehicle search on Saturday. 26-year old Stacey Witter and 18-year old Chelsea Trepanier, both from the Iron Mountain area, face charges including Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7221 5F23B655-ADD5-4C20-8279-98D818952AC2 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:11:34 -0600 Cuts could severely affect the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office. The proposed cutbacks from the state could lead to Assistant District Attorneys being laid off throughout Wisconsin. With two Assistant DA’s on probationary status, Marinette County District Attorney Allen Brey says it could inhibit his office’s ability to prosecute criminals. The cuts have not been implemented yet, and Brey says he plans to keep making noise to prevent those state mandated layoffs. Brey encourages the public to speak out against the DA Office layoffs by contacting their state lawmakers. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7222 B5A96846-A275-4743-9900-D50AC01FBB21 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:11:00 -0600 We should know by the end of the day whether the recall election against two Menominee County Commissioners can go forth. Commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson have their day in court today. They attempting to challenge County Clerk Marc Klieman’s decision to accept recall petitions circulated by person’s not living in the commissioners’ districts. Eichhorn and Peterson are asking for a preliminary injunction, which could stop the recall election planned for Tuesday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7223 09ACA5A3-91CE-4EA2-A62F-2A4929D047DD Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:10:22 -0600 It’s not a dead issue yet. Some Menominee City Council members are still pushing to do away with the current committee of the whole meeting structure and reinstate the city’s standing committees. Those committees were done away with when City Manager Richard Goode began his oversight of Menominee’s affairs. But some council members believe those committees served a purpose and without them, the City Manager may have too much authority. Those supporting the committee of the whole structure say it’s given the council a better chance to dialogue. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7224 EE8C19FA-5048-49BD-8138-6FE2463817A0 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:09:31 -0600 Crivitz schools were not alone in their efforts to raise money for Haiti. Marinette, Menominee, Peshtigo, Oconto and Coleman schools all worked together to raise money for the earthquake-ravaged country. All together the six schools raised over $12,000 from January 6th through February 5th. Marinette High School raised over $3,000 during its Winterfest week, and Menominee raised about $2,700. Crivitz High School Science Club students started the effort by donating one-thousand-dollars in club funds for earthquake survivors. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7225 1981D6CC-E627-4512-9E80-58A51C3DE2B5 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:08:53 -0600 The Marinette man charged in last winter’s multiple fatality car crash on U.S. 41 will serve significant time in prison. It was an emotional day in Marinette County Court yesterday as 40-year old Richard Allen Powell was sentenced for the January 2009 accident. That crash killed Wrightstown resident Joel Rivas and four of his children, two of whom were pregnant. Powell is alleged to have been drinking and speeding when he broadsided the Rivas’ car. He had pleaded no contest to five counts of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle. District Attorney Allen Brey says Powell’s sentence needed to send a message. Judge Timothy Duket agreed the punishment had to send the appropriate message to the community and sentenced Powell to 25-years initial confinement in prison and 15-years of extended supervision. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7214 ADE7FA7A-FC28-4134-9274-8D5FD4646E06 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:54:45 -0600 Family and friends of Richard Allen Powell were understandably disappointed with yesterday’s sentence. Powell’s Attorney Kevin Musolf says he did not expect that long of a sentence for his client because it was an accident. Supporters of Powell had hoped for a sentence of probation or jail. Musolf says they plan to appeal the sentencing decision. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7215 B2F91B26-CECC-4217-AFC3-EF8014B022A7 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:54:15 -0600 How can Menominee execute its Waterfront Festival? It’s a legitimate question now that the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce may step back from its years of being the driving force behind the annual event. The chamber’s Executive Director Mary Johns says managing the festival is no longer practical for them. So Menominee may decide to have former Waterfront Chair Nancy Douglas manage the festival, putting the city in a more direct role in the festival’s execution. The changes may be formally approved by the city council on Monday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7216 A59EC50B-E42D-4F0A-95EC-A40E0F0BC5C5 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:53:41 -0600 Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators are getting behind Marinette Marine’s bid for the next generation of Navy shipbuilding. Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl met with Governor Jim Doyle and representatives from the local shipyard Tuesday. As Marinette Marine goes after the Navy contract to build multiple Littoral Combat Ships, the senators pledge to do their part to bring the work to the local area. Senator Kohl says Marinette Marine is the best value, has the best product and is the best investment. The contract could mean more jobs and a better economic outlook for the local area. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7217 8293FC46-0C73-4265-84F4-10B6EF6FD715 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:53:05 -0600 If City of Marinette voters are asked to change to a City Administrator form of government, it won't be until next year. The City's Civic Affairs Ad Hoc Committee held it's first meeting Tuesday afternoon. Alderman John Marx who is pushing the proposal presented his fellow committee members with information he had collected on the subject over the past couple of years. Marx says by going to a city administrator, he's looking for long-term continuity and more efficiency in city government. He says an administrator wouldn't have the power a city manager would, and would report to the mayor and city council. He doesn't envision the position replacing any of the existing posts at city hall, and he's open to whether the mayor's position should stay full time or be reduced to part time if an administrator were added. City Attorney Jon Sbar says the charter ordinance that would create the change can only be voted on at a spring election, so the earliest the question could be brought to the voters would be in April 2011. The committee agreed to meet again on February 24th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7218 FD4C6EEA-B992-4FFE-A404-488426FB768D Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:52:11 -0600 The Menominee County Walk for Warmth will benefit from the latest edition of Brats for Breakfast. The brats will be grilled up next week on Tuesday morning, February 16th from 6-9 AM at the Menominee Senior Center near the corner of 10th and 10th. The Brat’s for Breakfast that was held on Fat Tuesday last year was an overwhelming success, so get your large orders in early by Friday. Orders can be faxed to the Menominee Senior Center at 863-8973. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7219 C95B48E3-6EBB-4F05-9CA7-DF0CF9E7520B Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:51:38 -0600 With two incidents in less than one week...local emergency services are keeping busy. Saturday’s overturned tanker north of Menominee followed the hazardous materials release at SFK Pulp Recycling earlier last week. Menominee County’s 911 Director and Emergency Services Coordinator Debra Wormwood says multi-agency cooperation has been important in both incidents. Wormwood says they’re fortunate to have the working relationships with other emergency responders, including those in Marinette County. Wormwood says the responses on both incidents were very good and can be good learning experiences for all the agencies involved. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7207 5C04ECA9-086F-4335-828E-72B0B994B335 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:50:39 -0600 The Gillett man killed in a one-vehicle accident Friday in Oconto County has been identified. 44-year old Todd Witt was killed when his vehicle rolled over in a field off of Wisconsin 32 in the Town of Breed, about a mile south of Oconto County Road AA. Witt was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Oconto County Sheriff’s Department, speed was a factor in the crash. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7208 3BC930DD-0917-438B-8FEE-C2C9392C4F03 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:50:00 -0600 The Marinette man charged in last winter’s five-person fatal vehicle accident on U.S. 41 will learn his fate today. The charges against 40-year old Richard Allen Powell stem from the January 2009 accident on the outskirts of Marinette that killed Wrightstown resident Joel Rivas and four of his children, two of whom were pregnant. Powell is alleged to have been drinking heavily before he broadsided the Rivas’ car while they attempted to cross the highway. Powell pleaded no contest to five counts of Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle in December. His sentencing is set for 2 PM today. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7209 7A1870C7-CE4D-41AA-BA3B-DDA814374CE0 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:49:17 -0600 Where are the stimulus jobs? According to Northeast Wisconsin’s U.S. Representative, they’re right here in Marinette and Menominee. Congressman Steve Kagen made the comments at Marinette Marine Friday, during the contract signing for the new Alaska Regional Research Vessel, a project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Kagen says the investment of $123 million will help the local economy. The construction of the ARRV is expected to sustain Marinette Marine’s workforce while the company tries to secure a multiple-ship Navy contract. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7210 F7E02308-C433-49C2-A4BB-426B89B184FE Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:48:47 -0600 Waterfront Fest is expected to be a major item of discussion when the Menominee City Council meets as a committee of the whole tonight. Menominee is apparently considering who should continue to be the driving force behind the annual festival, either the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce or the city itself. One continuously contentious aspect of Waterfront is the burden on the city for the liability associated with the alcohol sales at the festival. The Menominee City Council may dive into those issues and others tonight starting at six. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7211 61DD7C90-DD89-40BB-95E5-F2C2E93298CD Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:47:54 -0600 They may be allowed for now, but Marinette is hoping to stop U-turns at certain intersections within the city. U-turns are currently allowed at controlled intersections in Wisconsin, unless signs prohibiting them are posted. Marinette Police Chief Jeff Skorik says the department has identified four intersections that need the no U-turn signs because of safety concerns. The city will have to enact an ordinance before those could be placed. Until then, motorists making U-turns at intersections without prohibiting signs cannot be cited. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7212 82F4DD14-9A8D-4D73-97E4-AD1183CA91EE Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:47:13 -0600 Another meeting of the Barricade Busters is planned for Wednesday. The group, organized by the Marinette Menominee Chamber of Commerce, aims to help Menominee’s businesses survive the U.S. 41 road construction planned for the next two years. Tomorrow’s Barricade Busters meeting will be held at the Econo Lodge in Menominee starting at 5:15 PM. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7213 512307BE-000A-44E2-86B8-085FC305AAA5 Tue, 9 Feb 2010 13:46:30 -0600 Things are returning to normal following this weekend’s tanker accident on M-35 north of Menominee. On Saturday, the semi-gasoline tanker crashed and rolled over on M-35 at Evergreen Road. According to the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department, about 200-gallons of gasoline spilled from the tanker and had to be contained by the multiple agencies responding to the incident. M-35 was closed for several hours, eight nearby residences were evacuated and about 700 Wisconsin Public Service customers were without power for nearly five hours. The driver of the tanker was treated and released from Bay Area Medical Center. The accident remains under investigation. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7199 0B5C2922-1F05-4FB4-AD04-1A0C3A466760 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:45:41 -0600 The contract is signed for the next big project at Marinette Marine. During a ceremony on Friday, Marinette Marine and the University of Alaska Fairbanks signed the agreement for the construction of the Alaska Regional Research Vessel, named the Sikuliaq, a Native American term meaning young sea ice. Chancellor Brian Rogers with the university says the ship will help us learn about climate change at ground zero. Rogers says in just three-years, the Marinette Marine built ship may be helping us better understand the artic and the earth’s climate. Sikuliaq is expected to be completed and delivered in 2013. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7200 DDB90773-2C61-4B01-A240-0966CA727664 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:44:57 -0600 The contract for the new Alaska Regional Research Vessel means more certainty for the local shipyard’s employees. Marinette Marine’s President and CEO Richard McCreary says the new ship will help sustain the workforce as the shipyard goes after a large government contract. Marinette Marine is then pursuing the next Navy contract for the construction of up to ten new Littoral Combat Ships. McCreary says the large contract is expected to be awarded this summer. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7201 3BC6F5A8-0D0C-4634-8BA8-FD4717C96A9F Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:44:16 -0600 A jury finds a Crivitz man guilty of his sixth drunk driving offense. 55-year old Martin P. Wright was convicted for his sixth Operating While Intoxicated charge in Marinette County Court last week. The jury also found him not guilty of one count Operating with a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration. Those charges stem from an incident in August, when Wright was allegedly found to be intoxicated after running his car into a ditch in the Town of Lake. Wright will be sentenced in April. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7202 AA0C50CE-65E7-4CBC-BDC3-93DB1E9E53B3 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:43:13 -0600 A joint investigation by the Marinette and KIND Drug Task Forces leads to the arrest of a drug-dealing suspect in northern Marinette County. The 26-year old had allegedly been trafficking heroin to the local area from Chicago. The suspect was arrested during a traffic stop in the Town of Pembine, when he was allegedly found in possession of heroin and cocaine and with a large amount of cash. The drugs had a combined estimated street value of $2,600. The case has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7203 8B45B57B-C5BA-4675-9A5E-EEFAAEEFA8E9 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:42:12 -0600 Menominee residents should start seeing some of the first changes to the city’s trash services this week. On Tuesday, Waste Management is expected to begin collecting curbside garbage instead of the city crews. Collection days will stay the same, though pickup times may vary. All single family homes, small businesses and multi-family buildings with four living units or less are allowed to place up to six 30-gallon trash bags at the curb. The changes are part of Menominee’s recently overhauled garbage collection system. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7204 0BA0C549-0AE6-4C6C-9439-335918A8DDA7 Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:41:27 -0600 Thanks to the community, Crivitz High School Science Club students manage to more than double their $1,000 donation for earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The students collected an extra $1,100, for a grand total of about $2,100. Crivitz High Science Teacher Paul Matty says it shows that the younger generation can have a positive impact on the world. Other local schools also joined in the effort to collect donations for Haiti. Matty says the donations will be delivered to the American Red Cross today, with 100%of the funds going to the Haiti relief effort. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7205 ECE192A0-99F0-480D-B089-3522B95E402B Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:40:33 -0600 M35 North of Menominee is again open to traffic after a gasoline tanker crash at 4:15am Saturday closed the highway, forced the evacuation of several residences in the area of the crash, and caused power along M35 to be shut off for several hours for safety reasons. Sheriff Kenny Marks says about 200 gallons of fuel was spilled in the incident, but the contaminated soil has already been removed from the site to prevent any groundwater contamination. Eight residences were evacuated until 11am, with the American Red Cross assisting the displaced residents. Power was turned off along M35 from approximately 6am to 11am while the gasoline from the damaged tanker was transferred into another tanker. The tanker was owned by Klemm Trucking of Green Bay. The driver was treated and released at Bay Area Medical Center. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7198 635C24C1-E495-42E7-AC57-CAD2B9170E67 Sat, 6 Feb 2010 13:39:31 -0600 Not only does a Crivitz High School student face criminal charges for allegedly making threats against the school, he also faces expulsion. 17-year old Brett Badora was arrested over two-weeks ago, after he was allegedly found in possession of firearms and notebooks containing threats against Crivitz High School and a fellow student. Interim Superintendent Bob Cavanaugh says even if Bedora never intended to carry out the threats, the district still acted properly. The Crivitz Board of Education will consider expelling Brett Bedora on Tuesday night. Cavanaugh says that expulsion would be justified. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7192 136BC04D-DB9A-4F57-9EB0-D7DF78648D53 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:38:20 -0600 A no contest plea is entered for a Marinette County burglary suspect. 22-year old Nicholas John Hummel of Marinette is one of three men charged in the November break-in at Wildlife Decor in the Town of Peshtigo. Cash, jewelry, computer equipment and a safe were all allegedly stolen in the burglary. After originally pleading not guilty, Hummel entered his no contest plea to one count of Burglary this week. His sentencing is set for March 29th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7193 2FCCD3D0-C175-4C27-96E9-BD0AD4956D06 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:37:30 -0600 A Menominee man implicated in a Marinette bar burglary is now heading to prison. 20-year old Justin M. Termaat is alleged to have stolen equipment and copper wire from the Marinette bar in October of 2007. He pleaded no contest to one count of Burglary and was originally sentenced to probation. But last week that probation was revoked and Termaat was sentenced to four-years in prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7194 44B3DFF6-EE54-4A6A-8959-7D2587834253 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:36:30 -0600 After former CEO David Olsen stepped down last month...Bay Area Medical Center needed someone to manage the hospital on a temporary basis. Mark Gregson stepped in as the Interim CEO, to help BAMC make a smooth transition while the medical facility searches for a permanent replacement. Gregson says his role is to ensure it’s business as usual at the local hospital. Gregson anticipates it will likely be about a six month process for BAMC to find its new, permanent CEO. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7195 6D81C191-B095-445F-A391-C6767BC7DD73 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:35:17 -0600 Use ‘em while you still can. Saturday, February 13th will be the last day for city residents to utilize Menominee’s rubbish bins, located behind the city garage on 23rd Avenue. After that date the bins will no longer be open for public access. Waste Management will provide curbside pickup for large household items. In the spring, Menominee will again accept yard waste and brush from city residents, either behind the city garage or at a nearby location. The recycling bins behind Menominee City Hall will remain in operation. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7196 E212D456-A112-461B-AD18-0B09CF93D073 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:34:30 -0600 Menominee County is one of 74 Michigan counties qualifying as a natural disaster area due to last year’s adverse weather. The designation makes farm operators in Menominee County eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program. Farmers can get more information on the assistance from their local Farm Service Agency office. Menominee County qualified for the aid due to the extreme conditions last winter, as well as the drought in the summer. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7197 EDEDB751-8AD8-4304-BD38-399487EEF2A5 Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:33:27 -0600 The preliminary hearing is waived for a suspect in two local armed robberies. 20-year old Patrick Scotty Erickson of Menominee is charged in the armed robberies of the Back-A-Gan Bar and the Shell Gas Station in Marinette in July of last year. He’s also charged in a home burglary in the Town of Peshtigo. Erickson was being held in Menominee for separate charges, but is now working his way through Marinette County Court. Erickson waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday. His arraignment is scheduled for February 23rd. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7185 1B536D61-5770-4BEE-8CAD-8E8428E8FFAC Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:32:19 -0600 A court date has been set for the teen charged with threatening Crivitz High School and a fellow student. Formal charges were filed against 17-year old Brett Bedora on Tuesday. He was arrested on January 20th when police searched his home and seized firearms and notebooks allegedly containing threats to the high school and another student. Bedora faces four misdemeanor charges., including Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Disorderly Conduct. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in Marinette County Court on February 15th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7186 675B9FA4-FBBC-4F38-ADFB-903ED3B7CC10 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:30:39 -0600 The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is planning two workshops focusing on safety training for area businesses. It’s in response to the recent string of local break-ins and burglaries. Local law enforcement officials are expected to take part in the training. Menominee Police Chief Brett Botbyl says businesses can use some advise on how to stay secure. The first business safety training session will be held on February 15th at 5:15 PM at the AmericInn in Menominee. Another is also planned in Marinette on February 22nd. To sign up, call the Chamber of Commerce at 735-6681. The workshops are free for chamber members. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7187 C6C01F28-C834-4D39-83D2-DCC9D30426FC Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:29:46 -0600 An alleged pot and crack dealer is sentenced to prison. 19-year old Walter W. Harden Junior of Milwaukee pleaded no contest to charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver THC and Cocaine in Marinette County Court in October. The charges against Harden stem from a traffic stop in Crivitz, in which he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana and crack-cocaine. Harden was sentenced to four years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7188 C03A141E-7846-49AB-81B8-9419E75772B1 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:28:49 -0600 When fans come to see Marinette Legion or Youth Baseball this summer, they’ll be doing it in a smoke free environment. Tuesday the Marinette City Council approved banning smoking within the fenced in areas at Pederson, Haase and Prep Ballfields. Also the council approved the new contract with American Legion Baseball and Marinette Youth Baseball for their oversight of the city’s ballparks. It’s a shorter contract, with the city only entering into a two-year agreement with the legion and youth ballclubs. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7189 DEB2C78B-42B5-476B-935A-BFDAE3642978 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:28:02 -0600 Broadband access would be expanded across Menominee County, thanks to a grant from Michigan State University. Spies Public Library and the Menominee County Library System will benefit from Michigan State University’s nearly $900,000 grant designed to improve internet broadband access to underserved areas of the state. Kurt Demaagd with MSU is the project’s main coordinator. He says it ties into improving the economy. The improved workstations are expected to serve an extra 13,000 additional users throughout Michigan each week. The MSU grant is funded through the economic stimulus package. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7190 E14FC168-9499-4887-8F30-80D4D34BAB2F Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:27:08 -0600 Wisconsin is continuing its trend of lowering traffic fatalities. 2010 has had the safest start of any year on record on Wisconsin’s roads, going back to 1937 when the state began compiling monthly fatality figures. In January, 21 people died in traffic crashes in the state, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. That’s 27-fewer than the five-year average for the month of January. Traffic deaths in Wisconsin have generally been declining since 2007. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7191 6722600E-7395-49DE-907D-D74A5F581917 Thu, 4 Feb 2010 13:26:16 -0600 Charges have been filed against a Crivitz High School student accused of making a threat against a fellow student and the school. Yesterday the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against 17-year old Brett Bedora. Bedora was arrested on January 20th when police searched his home in the Town of Beaver and seized firearms and notebooks allegedly containing threats to the high school and another student. Bedora has been charged with Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon and two counts of Disorderly Conduct, all misdemeanors. No court date has been set yet for Bedora. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7178 176F448B-F4E8-4FD9-9405-A595BFD836AA Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:25:32 -0600 A new police chief gets to work in Menominee. Just over two weeks ago, Brett Botbyl signed the contract making him Menominee’s new Chief of Police. Botbyl is no stranger to local law enforcement. He is a former Menominee County Sheriff. As he begins his tenure, a rash of burglaries is plaguing Menominee and Botbyl says it’s a common effect of an unsettled economy. Botbyl also says, with declining state revenue sharing for municipalities, maintaining Menominee’s police services will be a major issue he’ll have to address. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7179 6898DA0C-F906-4B00-95FC-306927771B7C Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:24:04 -0600 A Crivitz bar burglary suspect is sentenced to prison. 40-year old Charles Dean Gleason is charged with breaking into the Riverside Tavern in Crivitz in June. He was arrested after police allegedly identified him through the bar’s video surveillance system. Gleason entered a no contest plea to one Burglary charge in October. Last week he was sentenced to six years in a state prison and four years of extended supervision http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7180 8005BC7E-8547-4496-8FD0-08C38F821487 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:23:01 -0600 Marinette is taking the first steps in creating a new TIF district. Tuesday the Marinette City Council approved the contract fee for Ehler’s and Associates to create the proposed Tax Incremental Financing District # 10 within the city. It’s the beginning of the process, which could lead to Ansul-Tyco building a new Engineering Center of Excellence near the Fire School on Industrial Parkway. City Attorney Jonathan Sbar says this pay-as-you-go TIF district would be different from a conventional TIF district because the city coesn’t have to borrow money. According to Sbar, Ansul considered locating the new multi-million-dollar facility in other city’s, but the TIF district could entice the company to build in Marinette. Many steps still remain in creating the new TIF. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7181 ACBB0CD6-F90C-46F8-A526-DD0B0C291D70 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:03:46 -0600 Marinette will begin stricter enforcement of an ordinance ensuring that all city residences are numbered in a manner that is clearly visible from the street. Under the ordinance, all buildings in Marinette need to have the address displayed in numeric form with figures at least three inches in height and placed in a conspicuous area. If property addresses are not properly displayed, the owner may be subject to a citation. The idea is not to raise revenues...rather to ensure emergency personnel and others can quickly and easily identify a location. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7182 9985611E-EBFE-490D-9DDF-93644B55916B Wed, 3 Feb 2010 10:02:39 -0600 Marinette wants more control over city volunteers. The issue came up at Monday’s Civic Affairs...Cemetery...Traffic and Lights Committee meeting. The committee will consider a volunteer program policy ordinance, which would give Marinette more authority over volunteers serving at city properties including parks and cemeteries. City Attorney Jonathan Sbar cited recent issues as the need for oversight of Marinette’s volunteers, though he did not discuss what those recent issues were. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7183 4B590AA0-0372-4A27-A4B3-B8B788F7F7A4 Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:58:57 -0600 A hazardous materials situation impacts a factory in Menominee. After 10 AM Monday morning, emergency personnel from Menominee and Marinette responded to the hazardous materials release at SFK Pulp Recycling on 4th Ave. Menominee Fire Chief Mark Peterson says the incident started when two chemicals were combined. A portion of the building had to be evacuated, but the facility remained operational during the response. One person was reportedly taken to the hospital and has since been released. Peterson says there was no danger to the public and no environmental impact. It took a little over two hours for crews to clean up the hazardous materials http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7172 33116504-4402-4472-ABC1-4B8628520C18 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:57:07 -0600 Marinette will begin looking into the proposal to change the city government’s leadership. Alderman John Marx brought his idea for switching to an administrator style of government to the Civic Affairs, Cemetery, Traffic and Lights Committee last night. Marx says an administrator could help keep the city on track for long-term plans. Under the proposal, a full-time mayor may not be necessary. Mayor Robert Harbick is forming an Ad-Hoc Committee to further investigate and develop the proposed change to Marinette’s government, which could be brought to the voters in November http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7173 D12C500E-AF80-428C-85F4-F00D8035BE2D Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:51:38 -0600 A Menominee County man is arrested following a high-speed chase and crash. The chase occurred early Saturday, when a Menominee County Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol spotted the suspect vehicle allegedly traveling at over 100-miles-per-hour on U.S. 41 south of Wallace. The deputy followed the speeding vehicle north, until it skidded and left the roadway in Nadeau Township. The driver, 43-year old David M. Parrett of Wallace, was not injured. Parrett was arrested and arraigned for charges of Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer and Operating While Intoxicated. He has since been released on bond. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7174 E5333F40-5A8F-48B0-A4D8-A637791ADDB8 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:47:28 -0600 Prison is ordered for a Marinette man charged in an attempted burglary at a local sporting goods store. 39-year old Taz Milton VerHagen was arrested in late August along with another man. They were allegedly caught trying to break into the Dunham’s at Pine Tree Mall. VerHagen’s 9-year old son was also allegedly found at the scene. For his conviction in that incident, Verhagen was sentenced to 3 ½ years in a state prison. VerHagen has also been charged in numerous other local thefts, including several boat burglaries at Nestegg Marine in Marinette. He was convicted for six counts of Receiving Stolen Property and sentenced to three years in the local jail for those counts http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7175 A6E091E8-119F-4428-AC78-C05D8905880B Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:45:32 -0600 A Marinette County man is convicted for pilfering panties. In November, 51-year old Dale M. Woodworth was allegedly caught red-handed, trying to steal a pair of panties from an apartment in Coleman. While investigating, police allegedly found Woodworth to be in possession of an entire garbage bag full of stolen ladies undergarments. Woodworth pleaded no contest to a charge of burglary in Marinette County Court last week. His sentencing is scheduled for March 24th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7176 C6BD5E8C-F4FD-4CEB-A20C-CEDBA228CDCC Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:29:07 -0600 Another local school is receiving honors. The Wausaukee School District has a lot to be proud of. One national and two state honors have been awarded to the schools in the district, including the National Blue Ribbon School Award for Wausaukee High School. Superintendent Jan Dooley says the awards speak to the district’s academic success. The Wausaukee School District is planning to hold a community celebration Wednesday encompassing the recognition of the three awards. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Doctor Tony Evers is expected to be on hand for the event. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7177 1B0487AE-D481-486D-8E70-8345387F3ED1 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 09:27:40 -0600 Crivitz High School science students collecting donations for Haiti have met their goal. The students had decided to use one-thousand-dollars of the science club’s funds to help the earthquake ravaged country, in hopes that the community would match that donation. Crivitz Science Teacher Paul Matty says the community did not disappoint. The Crivitz students have decided to extend the deadline for donations until February 5th. Donations can still be made at the Crivitz High School office, with 100% of the funds going to the American Red Cross relief effort in Haiti. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7166 28F87E9F-FFB5-422A-B5C3-D2D0098D77D5 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 09:24:32 -0600 The U.S. Navy has put out its formal request for bids on building the new series of Littoral Combat Ships. Marinette Marine and its partner, defense contractor Lockheed Martin, plan to make a serious push to get the contract for the local shipyard. The Navy plans to award the contract to either the Lockheed-Marinette Marine team, or defense contractor General Dynamics and their partner shipyard in Alabama. The contract is a winner takes all situation, with the possible construction of up to ten new LCS’s on the line. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7167 C2471AAB-1BBC-4414-9E0C-8E8474102378 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:52:24 -0600 A Fox Valley teen faces possible time in prison for two local burglaries. 18-year old Elizabeth Rose Head was charged following last year’s attempted burglary at GCR Tire in Marinette. She was arrested in August, along with two other Fox Valley teens as they allegedly fled the scene. She was also charged in a break-in at Northreach Health Care Family Doctors in Marinette. Last week, Head pleaded no contest to two counts of Burglary. Her sentencing is set for March 19th. The two other teens charged in the GCR Tire burglary have already been convicted and sentenced. 18-year old Scotty Chapman was sentenced to one year in jail. His prison sentence was stayed and he was instead ordered to four years of probation. Because of prior convictions, 17-year old Bradley Veatch was sentenced to four years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7168 5426693C-112B-4954-A8CE-A66156D8197F Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:51:35 -0600 A jury trial is scheduled for a Milwaukee man charged with dealing crack and heroin in Marinette. 22-year old Rio Payne, also known as Snaps, was arrested in December. Police allegedly found him in possession of crack cocaine and heroin while at a Marinette residence. The charges against Payne include Manufacturing and Delivery of Cocaine and Heroin. His trial is set for May 4th, with a pre-trial conference scheduled in early April. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7169 9A0431C0-B487-4B3A-B113-5C5AE466CE58 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:50:09 -0600 Unemployment figures continue to rise throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. According to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, the seasonally unadjusted jobless rate in the U.P. labor market rose to 14.5% in December. Menominee County was not spared from the increase, with its unemployment rate jumping to 12.4% last month. That’s up from 11.6% in November. According to the figures, Menominee County is tied for the second lowest unemployment rate in the U.P. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7170 40B446E4-70B2-49AE-BAC1-2226648E48AD Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:49:23 -0600 The Car Plunk is back! A Volkswagon van will be sitting out on the ice in the Menominee Marina and you can take a guess at when that vehicle will finally break through as the ice begins to thaw. This year’s Car Plunk will benefit the DAR Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. Terri Falkenberg with the Y says it’s a tradition that hasn’t been seen in the area for some time. Tickets giving you several chances to guess when the car will plunk through the ice are available at locations throughout town, including the DAR and YMCA. The closest guess wins a choice of a brand new 2010 Sportsman 500 four-wheeler or $5,000 cash. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7171 0A206D8C-8A97-49C4-83C3-6B9B6D207530 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:42:24 -0600 It’s now been one month since Menominee County’s new Administrator Brian Bousley began his position. Bousley says since then, he’s been asking alot of questions, doing alot of reading, talking to other county employees and looking at other county business to bring himself up to speed on the county’s affairs. Despite moving into the Administrator post at a turbulent time for Menominee County, Bousley says he’s excited about beginning oversight position. Bousley says one thing he’s already started preparing for is the coming budget process. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7159 ACFACC88-AE11-42E7-BBD3-B9866F1B63F3 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:13:00 -0600 A Niagara teen will spend time in prison for a string of burglaries and car break-ins. 19-year old Joshua E. Stein was implicated in three burglaries and over ten car break-ins in the Niagara area dating from as far back as July of 2008. He was apprehended after he allegedly attempted to steal a snowmobile. Stein pleaded no contest to five misdemeanor theft charges and two felony burglary charges. He was sentenced to four years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7160 9475FB9A-C209-415D-8EE7-45B2CF0922BD Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:12:14 -0600 The appropriately named Menominee Matters will provide residents a chance to learn more about specific issues facing the city. Residents will be able to have a cup of coffee and a conversation with City Manager Richard Goode during the sessions. Goode says it’s one way residents can learn more about Menominee’s affairs. The latest session of Menominee Matters will be held at 2 PM on Saturday at Spies Public Library. This time the City Manager will offer residents the opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions and voice opinions about Menominee’s budget. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7161 DC5CC3F0-0AC2-42EB-BBB1-C53FEE114CC4 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:11:33 -0600 Northern Michigan’s U.S. Representative Bart Stupak plans to hold a Telephone Town Hall meeting next week. Stupak will answer questions from his constituents on a variety of issues, including health care and the economy. The telephone town hall will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd at 5 PM central time. Constituents in Congressman Stupak’s district who wish to participate can sign up by visiting house.gov/stupak, or by calling Stupak’s office at 1-800-950-7371 before Monday evening. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7162 D32B5869-D0C7-4280-A4AB-24CF550A80C4 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:10:47 -0600 The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for input from its members. Chamber members have been receiving E-mailed surveys. They’re encouraged to fill out and return the survey, which will help the Chamber of Commerce with strategic planning. Mary Johns, the chamber’s Executive Director, says being a member of the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is an investment and taking the survey will help members get a return on that investment by letting the chamber know what they want to get out of their membership. The deadline to complete the survey is Monday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7163 0A15C6B9-4C9E-4E3B-ACD5-EAF5517E5109 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:09:55 -0600 It may be the dead of winter, but it’s sure to get hot at Blesch Auditorium this weekend. The Winter Dance Party Tour rolls into town tomorrow night. Over 50 years after “The Day the Music Died” the work of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper lives on. Their music will keep rocking Saturday night at Blesch Auditorium. Doors open at 6 PM. The show starts at 7. Tickets are available at most local grocery stores and through the Menominee Kiwanis Club. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7164 50DC4563-076B-44A4-9B58-7198B4E36E02 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:09:10 -0600 Unemployment is on the rise in 69 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, and Marinette is included in that list. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Marinette County’s unemployment rate increased to 11.5% in December. That’s up from 11.1% in November, and is still a significant rise over the rate of 8.1% one-year ago. According to the latest figures...Marinette County had the state’s 7th highest unemployment rate in December. Wisconsin’s overall unemployment rate of 8.3% remains below the national jobless rate of 9.7%. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7165 7731BE42-FA98-4D5F-BDB1-DC07092B3F3E Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:08:22 -0600 A court date has been set in the lawsuit filed against Menominee County Clerk Marc Klieman, which is attempting to stop the recall effort against two county commissioners. Commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson filed the suit over Klieman’s acceptance of recall petitions circulated by persons not living within the commissioner’s districts. According to the Menominee County Clerk’s Office, a judge will hear the arguments on February 11th. The commissioners are seeking a preliminary injunction, which could halt the recall election planned for February 23rd. But as of now, Menominee County is moving forward with plans for the recall election. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7153 A8E06450-4419-4710-A042-C4A574D6C667 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:07:15 -0600 The upcoming road construction on U.S. 41 through Menominee will likely challenge the city’s businesses. So the Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Barricade Busters movement to help promote Menominee’s businesses during the roadwork. The chamber’s Executive Director Mary Johns says Menominee’s main drag businesses will need to find ways to reach new and existing customers. Johns also says the public can do their part by shopping local and shopping the barricade businesses. The Barricade Busters held their first brainstorming meeting last night. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7154 EFB2537B-CAA6-4759-B117-E2C6EA40B639 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:06:37 -0600 Two breaking and entering suspects are arrested in northern Menominee County. 18-year olds Adam D. Bertolini and Kyle F. Langemak, both of Hermansville, were taken into custody at North Central High School on Tuesday. They’re both charged with one count of Breaking and Entering, stemming from an incident at a camp located in Meyer Township. Both defendants are being held at the Menominee County Jail pending arraignment. Deputies frequently do checks on property throughout Menominee County. If you would like the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department to do more frequent checks at your property, call 1-800-236-0242. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7155 9751BDBE-405E-4D08-92D3-2D8931CD92F4 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:05:58 -0600 A man charged with dealing pot in the local area is sentenced to time in prison. While investigating a tip in August, police arrested 42-year old Mark D. Hansen of Wisconsin Rapids. He was allegedly found at a home in Crivitz with marijuana, packaged in a manner consistent for selling. Hansen pleaded guilty to counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver THC and Felony Bail Jumping. Both charges also carried repeater allegations. This week Hansen was sentenced to serve 3 ½ years of initial confinement in prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7156 BFAE6E63-75BF-4457-B3B0-C09897FC34FA Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:05:20 -0600 Another call for a significant change to Marinette’s government. Marinette Alderman John Marx is renewing his push for a change in the city’s leadership. Marx wants to revert to a City Administrator form of government, a style of management done away with by Marinette about 50 years ago. Marx says he thinks long-term professional leadership would be good for Marinette. Under an Administrator style of government, Marinette would only need a mayor on a part-time basis. Marx would like the Marinette City Council to begin considering his idea, in hopes that it could be brought to the voters in the November election. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7157 5EFE951E-B33E-4C7D-A04F-F5F564D8BC3F Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:04:43 -0600 Test taking sessions for Census jobs are being held throughout the area. The U.S. Census Bureau is planning to hire over 7,700 temporary workers just in the Green Bay region, which includes Marinette County. To get a Census job, you must first take a test. There are numerous opportunities to take that test coming up in Marinette County, even starting today with tests being given in Marinette and the Crivitz area. Test takers should have an ID and Social Security card with them. No appointment is necessary, but the Census Bureau suggests calling 1-866-861-2010 or visiting the 2010 Census Jobs website to verify times and testing locations. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7158 EDB21142-83DD-4E2C-9E99-4A295ACBD757 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:03:55 -0600 It will not be “Governor Stupak”. U.S. Representative Bart Stupak from Menominee announced Tuesday that he would not enter Michigan’s gubernatorial race this year. Stupak had previously stated that he was considering a possible run, but finally decided it would be too difficult to pursue the Democratic nomination for governor at this critical time. Stupak says if he had chosen to run for governor of Michigan, he would have had to sacrifice some of his current responsibilities in Washington D.C. Instead Stupak says in the next few weeks, he plans to begin circulating his nomination papers for re-election to Congress. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7146 08041660-FF64-4156-BD49-3B02FE29D702 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:03:10 -0600 Looking for those pesky address numbers on homes is not always an easy task. It can be especially troublesome for emergency personnel responding to critical situations. The City of Marinette has an ordinance to ensure all address numbers are displayed in a manner that they can easily be viewed from the street. But according to Marinette Fire Chief Gary Guenette, some homes are not complying with the guidelines and that’s a problem. Marinette is considering better enforcement for the ordinance, which requires address numbers to be in numeric form, at least three inches in height and of a contrasting color from the building. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7147 1A2AABDF-9DBE-4889-A876-FAA9C769A6EC Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:02:36 -0600 There’s more than changes in fees associated with the overhaul of Menominee’s garbage collection operations. The city’s rubbish bins will be closed for trash drop off under the new system. Waste Management will instead make home pickups of large household items, which can be set up by phone. Yard waste will still be collected at the bins starting in the spring, but there will be a charge for more than three bags of yard waste. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7148 9899FB09-E543-44F7-9B1E-720E7FB78370 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:01:55 -0600 All too often victims of crime and trauma can feel like after thoughts in the system. The new Victims Services Unit in Menominee County is looking to change that. Mary Leboeuf is the new unit’s coordinator. She says the idea is to help victims feel like they’re not on their own. LeBoeuf says the hope is the Victim Services Unit will be up and fully running by spring. Anyone interested in volunteering for the victims unit should call LeBoeuf at 863-1116 http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7149 4F9FB194-1F04-4CA2-939B-6C51259AB73F Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:01:08 -0600 No major items of contention came up during yesterday’s meeting of the Marinette County Board of Supervisors. Among the agenda items tackled by the board was the approval of the purchase of seven new vehicles, six for the county motor pool and one for law enforcement. The supervisors approved resolutions, one stating their opposition to a Department of Revenue County Assessment proposal that could cost residents more in taxes. The other voicing the county’s support for ending predatory lending in Wisconsin. Also, the Marinette County Board decided to impose no stricter drug and alcohol testing standards on county Commercial Drivers License operator employees than are required by federal regulation. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7150 E0E15A36-BE6C-4BB8-B366-FE0B9A06F58E Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:21 -0600 The Marinette Recreation Department is reporting a strong financial year. The Rec Department made over $217,000 in revenue during 2009, according to figures brought up at yesterday’s Recreation Programming Board meeting. That’s an over 1.5% increase over 2008’s revenues. A large increase in ice rentals and a reduction in utility expenses helped those figures. The Marinette Rec department even ended up returning over $53,000 in unused funds to the city last year http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7151 0694BF95-EF5A-4125-BBDC-343A06CA22EB Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:59:31 -0600 The City, County and State line provides some challenges in the local fight against drugs. But local law enforcement agencies are combining their efforts to make sure drug traffickers cannot exploit the border between Michigan and Wisconsin. Lieutenant Greg Nast with the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department says the Menominee River may separate the two states, but it does not separate the drug problem. Nast says the drug dealers in Marinette are also the drug dealers in Menominee. That has made the cooperation of local authorities necessary to achieve an effective drug enforcement program. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7140 A0650A66-5EF9-46D7-9DCE-BD10512B6799 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:58:38 -0600 A change is in store for taxpayers in the Menominee Area Public School district. The schools will now collect their taxes during the summer tax collection season. That means taxpayers will see an increase on their summer tax bills, but a decrease will be noticed on their winter taxes. The change was necessary because the district needs the money at that time to avoid taking out loans while waiting for additional state funding. Last week the Menominee City Council approved the change allowing the schools to make the tax collections on the summer tax forms. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7141 DBD8F28C-56B9-4FB4-83A0-FB364F6C9EA7 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:57:42 -0600 The Marinette Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce is planning to hold a meeting Wednesday for business owners that will be affected by the upcoming roadwork on US 41 through Menominee. The meeting will be held at the Econo Lodge in Menominee starting at 5 PM tomorrow. It will include a brainstorming session on how to encourage both local residents and tourists to support businesses along the construction route. To attend the meeting, call the chamber’s office at 735-6681. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7142 E4979453-D72D-4B60-B142-425C6E2AAC17 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:56:51 -0600 Marinette may want a shorter contract with American Legion Baseball and Marinette Youth Baseball for their oversight of the city’s ballparks. The new proposed agreement between the city and the ball clubs was brought up at last night’s Board of Public Works meeting. The only change from the previous agreement is that the city just wants to enter into a two-year deal with the legion and youth baseball, for the organizations’ seasonal management of Pederson, Hasse and prep ballfields. The Board of Public Works just sited the uncertain economy as the reason for shortening the new agreement. The board approved forwarding the proposed agreement on to the Marinette City Council. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7143 29695FEB-851C-4855-8717-DEA4D138828B Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:55:31 -0600 Over $200,000 in grants and loans will be coming to the U.P. for community facility projects. Northern Michigan’s U.S. Representative Bart Stupak announced the funds for the Upper Peninsula as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facility Grant and Loan program. Included is a $12,000 grant for the City of Menominee to purchase a new police utility vehicle, to assist in patrols and to transport equipment. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7144 90C3F89B-3B03-4F29-B1C2-58214AAB2C32 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:53:16 -0600 A brand new website is helping to promote one of the area’s unique recreational activities. The website uphiddencoast.com highlights the 64-mile stretch of M-35 between Menominee and Gladstone. Pal Van Steen is with the CUPPAD Regional Commission in Escanaba. He says the website identifies recreational, historical and scenic points of interest along the route. In 2007, M-DOT had designated the M-35 corridor as the U.P. Hidden Coast Heritage Route, to help promote tourism and economic development in the area. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7145 9A78F62A-7CD8-4829-974B-994FC1EAFDCD Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:52:32 -0600 A Menominee man charged in a summer robbery is heading to prison. 41-year old Richard Scott Holderbaum had pleaded no contest to the July 17th robbery of the Citgo Gas Station in Marinette. He had faced a charge of Armed Robbery, but that charge was changed to one count of Robbery with Threat of Force. During Holderbaum’s sentencing Friday in Marinette County Court, much attention was paid to his ongoing problems with alcohol and drugs. Holderbaum’s Attorney Jane Krueger Smith says her client has the potential to be a good citizen. Judge Timothy Duket said a light sentence would send the wrong message to the community and ordered Holderbaum to serve seven-years of initial confinement in prison and three-years of extended supervision. Holderbaum may take part in a risk reduction sentence, which may reduce his time in prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7133 D0861B83-57D7-402E-A802-4F7913D7CB8A Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:51:43 -0600 A Marinette burglary suspect is sentenced to prison. 17-year old Kevin K. Buerke was implicated in two home burglaries in September of last year, one of which was at his mother’s home. Buerke had pleaded no contest to two counts of burglary. He was also charged in a theft at a local group home. Last week, Buerke was sentenced to four-years in prison and four-years of extended supervision. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7134 616AE28C-B5A0-48B3-9683-5BC9B962E610 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:50:42 -0600 The Twin County Airport is taking a closer look at its personnel policies and procedures. It’s in response to the problems that arose when an airport employee’s termination was overturned by the Twin County Airport Commission. The airport is attempting to address the lack of personnel policies that became apparent during those proceedings. The airport has been operating under the rules and laws of both Menominee and Marinette counties, but never any of its own. The airport’s personnel committee will try to update those policies and then bring them to the full Twin County Airport Commission for approval. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7135 5C801A76-D0DB-4BE7-97B9-633236655096 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:49:10 -0600 The results for Menominee’s Household Income survey are in. Menominee received notice from the Michigan Economic development Corporation that the city been designated a low to moderate income community, based on the results of the survey. City Manager Richard Goode says thanks to that designation, Menominee can now use Revolving Loan Funds, which can be used for local infrastructure and other community projects. While it’s still preliminary, Goode also says he’s already received information on a round of grants only available for low to moderate income communities. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7136 0BF460CB-AB8F-43B3-9E7B-136B81385D5B Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:48:22 -0600 Local members of the Wisconsin National Guard have completed their year-long deployment to Iraq. About 20 members of Company D, from the 2nd Brigade, 127th Infantry returned to Marinette Saturday evening. Many opted to return to the local area in private vehicles with their friends and family, instead of returning by bus. The soldiers had returned to Wisconsin about a week earlier...but had first gone to Fort McCoy for demobilization. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7137 C87EF88D-36A5-41CB-8463-48789A58ED2A Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:47:28 -0600 The game may be played on ice, but that doesn’t mean players and spectators at local hockey games want to be frozen as well. The Marinette Finance Committee approved raising the temperature at the Civic Center Ice Dome last week. Apparently the city had been trying to save money on utilities by setting the thermostat at the ice dome to 32-degrees. But that got too cold for the Marinette Menominee Youth Hockey Association. They requested the temperature at the ice dome be raised to 40-degrees. The Finance Committee approved that request. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7138 92863587-F063-4546-AFCE-744BDA8BA048 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:46:38 -0600 Drug activity is definitely on the rise in the local area. Many of the illegal drugs being brought into the region are coming from large cities, such as Chicago and Detroit. Menominee County Sheriff Kenny Marks says an increased supply and the economy are factors that have played into the increase in local drug use. Sheriff Marks says one of the most important steps in fighting the growing drug problem begins at home. Marks says he believes that having frank discussions about drugs with family members can reduce the likelihood that they’ll end up using illicit drugs. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7125 48474D5F-7AF0-4A4E-83B2-AE19A3534AC7 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:45:27 -0600 A Marinette woman is heading to prison for heroin charges. 18-year old Cassie Alloy was arrested with two other women in May of last year. They were apparently returning to the local area from Chicago when police pulled them over and allegedly found them in possession of heroin. Alloy pleaded no contest to one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin as a party to a crime. This week she was sentenced to serve four-years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7126 64A8E57B-2803-48E4-BF19-18A737F3EC85 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:44:36 -0600 A deadline for Michigan voters is very close. Residents wishing to take part in the state’s February 23rd election need to ensure they’re registered to vote by Monday. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land says there’s an easy way to make sure you’re registered. Land says check online at michigan.gov/vote. Also the website will tell Michigan voters where they can find their polling place and when the polls are open. As of now there will be a recall election for two Menominee County Commissioners on the February 23rd ballot. Commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson still have a pending lawsuit that may put a stop to the recall election. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7127 5B935FA0-E2B2-40F8-B288-815FB7C18DCE Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:43:07 -0600 Michigan’s head of the American Legion is touring the U.P. State Commander Carnie Jackson’s tour included a stop in Menominee last night. As part of his trip, Jackson is assessing veteran and community programs with representatives of the legion’s over 7,000 Upper Peninsula members. Jackson says it’s important to visit the local American Legion posts, since much of the American Legion’s work is done at the local post level. Jackson’s U.P. tour will conclude this weekend. He’ll attend the Upper Peninsula Mid-Winter Conference of American Legion Posts in Hannahville. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7128 DE0972D8-5299-4246-8823-927F124333FD Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:41:07 -0600 The Wisconsin Tourist Welcome Center in Marinette had over 9,000 visitors in 2009. That’s leading the city to make some upgrades to the center. Thursday, the Marinette Finance Committee decided to purchase a new TV and computer for the center using the city’s room tax funds. Those funds should be reimbursed by the state. The finance committee also plans to consider a new security system for the Marinette Tourist Center at a future meeting. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7129 BBD4736D-F2A8-453A-A66A-AE31A514F47F Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:40:14 -0600 Menominee Schools will extend their counseling services to elementary students in emergency situations, though it may have an impact on counseling at other grade levels. Last night the Menominee Area Public schools Board of Education approved having the district’s two counselors provide their services in emergencies at the elementary schools. That means the two counselors will have to undertake additional duties. Superintendent Erik Bergh says for now it’s a way to spread the counseling service equitably across the district. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7130 785FAA01-37F5-49E7-AA6D-89A05B2952C2 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:39:37 -0600 A free H1N1 vaccination clinic will be held in Marinette this weekend. Marinette County Health and Human Services will hold the free clinic on Saturday at its Marinette office at 2500 Hall Ave from 11 AM until 3 PM. There are no restrictions on who may receive the H1N1 flu vaccine. Marinette County will also be holding H1N1 walk-in clinics at schools throughout the county next week. A list of those clinics is available online at marinettecounty.com. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7132 2D91CF5C-F2B2-4B74-9D03-9DFAADCBC9BE Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:38:15 -0600 A Crivitz High School student is arrested for making an alleged threat against the school. The Marinette County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant early Wednesday morning at a home in the Town of Beaver, as part of the investigation into the threat. Firearms and notebooks allegedly containing threats to the high school and another student were seized as evidence, and 17-year old Brett Bedora was taken into custody. Crivitz High School Principal Jeff Baumann says he’s relieved potentially serious consequences were avoided. Brett Bedora was lodged at the Marinette County Jail and reportedly released on bond. The case is being reviewed by the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7119 914A38F1-73DC-4AE9-B6BD-58389991C186 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:35:29 -0600 A fired airport employee is reinstated. After much discussion Wednesday, the Twin County Airport Commission decided to reinstate Lineman Jeff LaFleur. LaFleur had been terminated by Airport Manager Tim Spreen earlier this month. Commissioner Ted Sauve says there are steps that should be followed before an employee is fired. It was unclear whether Spreen went through the proper procedure for firing Lafleur, since the protocol is not clearly stated anywhere for the local airport’s operational or personnel procedures. That’s something the Twin County Airport Commission will likely address so similar problems don’t arise in the future. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7120 DA5B6F88-2ABD-47CF-B4CC-B08FFB10C705 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:34:46 -0600 The preliminary hearing for the man charged in the Menominee puppy dumping case is pushed back. 36-year old Jeremy John Goodlet is alleged to have put six puppies in a trash bag and left them in a dumpster behind a Menominee gas station in November. The dogs were only about 6-9 days old and had to be put down due to their age and extreme hypothermia. Goodlet is charged with one count of Abandoning and Cruelty to Animals, a felony punishable by up to two-years in prison. His preliminary hearing was originally set for today, but has been rescheduled for February 17th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7121 A89D74B3-DA68-494B-B860-E0CB854D3168 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:33:58 -0600 Menominee doesn’t want to be caught by surprise when it puts together its budget, so the city has formed a budget task force. Included on the task force are city council members Donald Mick, William Plemmel and Al Walker. According to City Manager Richard Goode, the idea of the budget task force is to get multiple perspectives on the city’s finances and to come up with creative solutions. Goode also says the task force will be looking forward and attempting to create a three year rolling budget, to avoid finance speed bumps down the road. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7122 0C6460C4-5901-4384-ABBD-A55D091C595D Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:33:10 -0600 City of Marinette merchants and professional people will be receiving personal property forms over the next week, which are subject to assessment as of January 1st. According to City Assessor Michael Minzzlaff, the assessment forms will be mailed out today. The forms must be returned to the Assessor’s Office by March 1st. If the form is not returned, the Assessor will use his own judgment in making the assessment. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7123 6F74ADB4-E7F4-4A88-A9FE-D2ECCDC14E6B Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:32:28 -0600 Everyone knows the dairy industry plays a very important role in Wisconsin’s economy. Wisconsin is known throughout the country for its dairy and agriculture. Connie Seefeldt owns Seefeldt Farms in Marinette County and she sits on the state’s Milk Marketing Board. She says every year, one cow has a major impact on the local economy, generating over $17,000 for the local economy. Seefeldt also says Agriculture in Marinette County pays more than $2.4 million in state and local taxes, not including the school property tax. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7124 85C1B1B1-21A5-48C5-B803-13EC0C5D9FC5 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:31:36 -0600 A resident speaks out against Menominee’s newly approved garbage collection operations. The Menominee City Council approved the changes to the city’s garbage pickup system, despite vocal disapproval during numerous public comment sessions. Menominee resident Leon Felch is not happy with council’s actions Monday. He says an injustice has been done to the majority of Menominee’s residents. Felch says he doesn’t believe Menominee ever did an apples to apples comparison to find the best and most efficient way to collect Menominee’s trash. He also says he may not be done talking garbage and may see what he and other citizens can do to counter the actions. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7112 D70D12ED-232E-4D04-B212-5599C85B5C70 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:30:51 -0600 An attorney has been selected for Menominee County Clerk Marc Klieman for the pending lawsuit filed by two Menominee County Commissioners. Klieman is being sued by commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson for accepting recall petitions circulated by people residing outside of the commissioners’ districts. The commissioners are asking for a preliminary injunction to stop the recall election. The Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority has assigned Escanaba Attorney Paul Strom to represent Klieman in the case. No court date has been set in the matter, so as of now, the February recall election in Menominee County is moving forward as planned. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7113 AD963345-3941-419B-8E02-5815A7B87FFE Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:29:31 -0600 Another educational forum is planned at UW-Marinette this week. Life issues from conception to death will be the topic at the latest educational forum being held at UW-Marinette Thursday. A panel, including local doctors and clergy, will be on hand to share their everyday view and experience on life issues ranging from abortion to health care to end of life care. Amy Schwaba helps organize the forums. She says the idea is to learn about the issue from all sides. The Life Issues forum is open to the public and takes place at UW-Marinette’s Cafeteria tomorrow night at 6:30. UW-Marinette in no way endorses any of the views presented at the educational forum. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7114 3781E8B9-E4AB-45BC-AC44-87A59EF4EF65 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:25:32 -0600 Demolition of the Wilcox Building in downtown Menominee is expected to begin soon. The dilapidated structure on the 700 block of First Street has been condemned for some time, but demolition was delayed due to an issue with the neighboring property. According to City Manager Richard Goode there is an adjacent wall that would be affected when the building is torn down. Goode says the city has reached a solution for the problem and now demolition on the Wilcox building is planned to begin in about two weeks. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7115 31723DA3-150E-487E-AEA7-763D28E24CED Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:24:46 -0600 Three bankers from the Stephenson National Bank and Trust joined other representatives from the banking industry in Madison last week. It was part of the annual Wisconsin Bankers Association Capitol Day. State Representative John Nygren and State Senator Dave Hansen of Northeast Wisconsin met with the SNB&T personnel, including Executive Vice President Dan Peterson. Peterson says by meeting with lawmakers one-to-one, they’re able to keep them better informed of their industry. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7116 0B9E6988-3F00-4EF3-87B8-23F8DE2A6DC1 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:23:36 -0600 High school seniors planning to attend college or technical schools don’t have much longer to apply for Wisconsin Public Service Foundation scholarships. The scholarships of up to $1,500 are awarded to student inn the WPS service area based upon outstanding academic achievement, leadership in school and community activities and financial need. Information and applications for the scholarships can be found at Wisconsin Public Service’s website. The deadline to apply is February 1st. Since 1964, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than $3.9 million to students throughout the WPS service area. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7117 FC4A1541-043A-481F-80A4-660BD74C6AC9 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:22:55 -0600 It’s been a long time coming, but an agreement has been reached on Menominee’s garbage collection system. The city will turn over its garbage operations to Waste Management and organize a new fee structure based on last night’s actions by the city council. Mayor George Krah voted for the new garbage system and fee. He says he was thinking about the city’s future. The privatization of Menominee’s garbage system will be paid for by collecting one mill from all city properties and a $9.50 monthly user fee. Waste Management will begin collecting the city’s garbage in February. Menominee residents will notice the new garbage fees starting in July. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7105 498E0354-AECA-46C1-840E-DD6B2EE75B9C Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:22:10 -0600 Three new department heads are expected to begin work today in Menominee. Monday night the city council approved City Manager Richard Goode’s recommendations for the city’s new Police Chief, Fire Chief and Building Inspector. Former Menominee County Sheriff Brett Botbyl, will be the new Police Chief. Deputy Fire Chief Mark Peterson will become the flat-out Fire Chief. Finally Tom Lesperance from Green Bay will be Menominee’s new building inspector. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7106 2672381B-039C-44B3-989E-5FD2EEB6EE0D Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:21:28 -0600 The discussion over the sudden firing of a local airport employee will have to wait. The Twin County Airport Commission had planned to consider the termination of lineman Jeff LaFleur at Monday’s meeting, but that item was removed from the agenda. Commissioner Ted Sauve says he’s concerned the proper procedure was not followed when LaFleur was fired and a temporary replacement was picked. The Twin County Airport Commission still has to approve LaFleur’s termination. They plan to revisit the matter at a special meeting planned for Wednesday. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7107 CB2FBA7D-6D58-4497-92CC-265AF9D9C333 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:20:40 -0600 In an era of declining enrollments, the Marinette School District got some good news from last week’s “2nd Friday” enrollment count. The district is up 10 students from 3rd Friday Count in September. The counts are used by the state to determine state aid. Increases in the early childhood, 4-year old kindergarten, and elementary grades made up for drops at the middle and high school levels. The enrollment is now at 2,283 students. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7108 C4D493C0-A4A7-476C-950A-71CBF845F44D Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:20:08 -0600 The Marinette High School Gymnasium will get a facelift over the next few months. The lights, sound system, and scoreboards will be updated, the auxiliary gym will be enclosed for safety reasons, and the entire gym will get a paint job yet this school year. The gym floor will be refinished later in the summer, which will be in the next budget year. While replacing the lights will cost between $40,000 and $55,000, the district can expect to cover that cost in three to four years from the savings of the new, more efficient lights. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7109 A36A99C3-DB2A-4712-81CF-5B857F81A5C2 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:19:39 -0600 The School District and Marinette Education Association are co-sponsoring a billboard that will go up along highway 41 in the coming weeks. The billboard will highlight some of the academic achievements the district has accomplished recently, and remind parents of the open enrollment period February 1st through the 19th when students can sign up to attend schools in districts other than where they live. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7110 E316E87B-687D-4A46-90A7-7B462C65FF21 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:18:43 -0600 A local resident is preparing for a missionary trip to Haiti to help victims of last week’s devastating earthquake. Dominican Sister Pauline Quinn from Marinette leaves for Haiti today to try and assist in the recovery effort. Quinn is no stranger to lending a hand with relief work and she says this call for help was too great for her to ignore. Sister Quinn says there are many ways she can help Haiti’s injured. She may even assist people in finding their missing relatives following the massive earthquake. Sister Pauline Quinn leaves this afternoon. If anyone would like to make a donation that Sister Quinn can bring directly to Haiti, they can call (715) 735-5131. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7111 256148DD-1B95-4779-84C1-1891A87F375D Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:17:56 -0600 Drug abuse is a big problem in the local area and local law enforcement agencies are ramping their joint efforts to address the issue. Marinette and Menominee’s police and sheriff departments are alerting the community of the seriousness of the local illicit drug problem. One drug in particular seems to have grown in popularity. Marinette County Sheriff Jim Kanikula says heroin appears to have become the drug of choice. Kanikula says it’s alarming to see how many young people are using heroin. Authorities are concerned that the drug problem will have a devastating impact on families and the community. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7098 4C07054B-632A-4892-B8EA-A75D727C2C08 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:16:44 -0600 Drug abuse is a big problem in the local area and local law enforcement agencies are ramping their joint efforts to address the issue. Marinette and Menominee’s police and sheriff departments are alerting the community of the seriousness of the local illicit drug problem. One drug in particular seems to have grown in popularity. Marinette County Sheriff Jim Kanikula says heroin appears to have become the drug of choice. Kanikula says it’s alarming to see how many young people are using heroin. Authorities are concerned that the drug problem will have a devastating impact on families and the community http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7098 059D6423-9CE5-427C-96ED-869F35B61BBF Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:23:23 -0600 Four North Central Junior and Senior High School students are arrested for prescription drug abuse charges. The 13, 16 and two-14 year old students at the Powers school were apprehended on Wednesday after the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department was notified of their suspected illegal use of the prescription drugs Vicodin and Adderall. The juveniles were placed under house arrest and released to their parents and they were also suspended from the Menominee County school. Three of the students are charged with delivering the controlled substances. Those three face an expulsion hearing. It’s another sign of the rise in prescription drug abuse, especially among teens. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7099 5E04E783-47DD-4ACF-86D5-7AA5643010D1 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:22:09 -0600 The Menominee City Council will hit on a couple of issues tonight that could have long reaching effects on the city’s future. The council will again consider approving a contract to have Waste Management take over the city’s garbage collection operations. As part of that issue, the Menominee City Council will have to decide how to charge residents for the trash service. Also tonight, the council may approve the City Manager’s recommendations for hiring the new Police Chief, Fire Chief and Building Inspector. The Menominee City Council meets at 6 PM. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7100 E87175D5-0903-44E4-9CED-DD71884FEFEC Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:21:09 -0600 Michigan residents only have one week left to make sure they’re registered for the state’s special February 23rd election. Monday, January 25th is the registration deadline for Michigan voters if they want to participate in the election in February. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land says registering is a very simple process. While many areas across the state may not need to take part in Michigan’s February election this year, it could play a large role in Menominee County. Two county commissioners are up for recall, unless they can convince a judge to halt the recall effort http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7101 83647D69-C64C-4AF2-A764-C15D892B7B37 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:10:01 -0600 The new year brings changes related to commercial driver licenses in Wisconsin. One of the biggest changes is that Wisconsin CDL drivers will be subject to a two-year disqualification of their license if the DMV receives notice from another jurisdiction for failure to appear to contest a citation, failing to pay a judgment, or failing to comply with penalties imposed by a court. More information about the changes in store for CDL holders can be found at the Wisconsin DMV’s website. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7102 DEDB18C7-46A3-4002-91C8-24A94DA2EF75 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:09:28 -0600 Another batch of soldiers from Wisconsin’s National Guard are returning to the state after their deployment in Iraq. Included in the latest batch of soldiers coming home are members of the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Company D from Marinette. The local soldiers were expected to fly into Volk Field Sunday afternoon. From there they’ll head to Fort McCoy to begin the demobilization process. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7103 4C817B36-CEE4-43E2-92F1-8B9E964FBDE1 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:08:39 -0600 Over 80 brides to be and their friends and family turned up for this Sunday’s Bridal Expo at Little River Country Club. Shannon Gignac of Marinette says with the numerous vendors, it was basically a one-stop shopping trip for her upcoming wedding.This year future bride Aimee Barley was a lucky guest at the bridal show. She picked up trip Jamaica courtesy of Travel Leaders. The Bridal Expo is an annual event and it’s made possible by Bay Cities Radio. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7104 2ABDF3E3-C3A3-48D6-B111-CFC341BE684D Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:08:08 -0600 A former Menominee resident will spend the rest of his life in jail for the murder of a local man. 46-year old James Dulak of Weston, formerly of Menominee, was convicted in October for the death of Menominee Township resident Mark Keller. Keller was found beaten to death at his home in May of 2008. Dulak and two others allegedly drove to Keller’s home with the purpose of robbing him. Even at his sentencing hearing Thursday, Dulak maintained he never meant to fatally harm Keller. Dulak became emotional as he apologized to Keller’s family. Mark Keller’s daughter Jenny St. Germain spoke before the court and said there was no reason to tear Mark away from their family. For his felony murder conviction, James Dulak received the mandatory sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7092 1E2B51E6-94CE-4B2A-A606-C73CD127AE7E Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:23:01 -0600 The new organization of the Menominee City Council isn’t sitting well with some of its members. In fact three council members now actually want to abandon the new Committee of the Whole structure and revert to the style of using standing committees to make recommendations to the full council. Council Member Arnie Organ says he’s concerned that without those committee recommendations...the city manager has too much authority. Organ does say Menominee City Manager Richard Goode has already done excellent work for the city, but Organ believes Goode should have more council input. The argument against the old standing committees is that most council members end up being left out of the decision making process. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7093 3024C977-F9A6-42AA-B33F-4BE1338C15E8 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:22:16 -0600 A Marinette teen is pleading no contest to a local burglary. Last fall, an elderly Peshtigo resident believed her home was being burglarized, so police placed an alarm on the residence. On September 13th the alarm was activated and police responded. After a chase, police arrested 17-year old Ross A. Borneman as the suspect for the burglary. Following the conviction in Marinette County Court, Borneman will next be sentenced on March 10th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7094 030C2D31-5315-40D7-9795-EFE4F13FE3F1 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:15:53 -0600 Sufficient evidence is found to bind a Milwaukee man over for trial on drug charges. An investigation led to the arrest of 21-year old Rio Payne, also known as “Snaps”, in December. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and heroin while at a Marinette residence. Payne faces charges of Manufacturing and Delivery of Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine and Heroin. His arraignment is scheduled for January 27th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7095 41494D3C-95B4-4796-AE71-4DDFA27851F2 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:15:12 -0600 All Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicle offices will be closed for business today. It’s another of the mandatory 16 unpaid furlough days for DMV staff members, which must be taken over the two-year budget period. The DMV reminds that many of its services will still be available online. All DMV offices will reopen on Tuesday, since all State of Wisconsin offices will also be closed on Monday...in observance of Martin Luther King Junior Day. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7096 D7B0C5E5-199E-498A-AF98-69C9D820D3AD Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:14:29 -0600 The earthquake ravaged country of Haiti is about two-thousand-miles away. But that’s not stopping Science Club students at Crivitz High School from trying to lend a hand. Paul Matty teaches science at Crivitz High. He says his students decided to use $1,000 in science club funds to aid victims of the devastating quake. The students are also challenging the community to step up and match or exceed their donation. Matty and the Crivitz Science students will then give the donations to the American Red Cross, with the assurance that 100% of the funds will go to help the recovery effort in Haiti. Anyone wishing to aid in the effort can drop off donations to the Crivitz High School Office before January 28th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7097 DEC66EAD-CD6F-4F90-A505-870650C8EEB1 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:13:51 -0600 A convicted murder suspect is expected in Menominee County Court today. The man convicted in the May 2008 beating death of Menominee Township resident Mark Keller, 46-year old James Dulak, is scheduled to be sentenced this morning. Dulak was convicted of Felony First Degree Intentional Murder in October. He faces life in prison for the crime. Two other men have also been charged in Keller’s death. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7085 53880E61-43C0-49BD-9925-32E9FA7FF642 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:13:02 -0600 Menominee is still bogged down in the issue of changing its garbage operations. At last night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, the Menominee City Council again discussed the idea of privatizing the city’s garbage pickup. The major hang-up is still the possible fee structure to pay for the service. City Attorney Rob Jamo says he believes it would not be considered a tax as long as it reflects the cost of the garbage operations to the city. But now some council members are considering sticking with the current three mill levy, instead of changing to a one mill rate and adding a $9.50 monthly user fee to pay for Waste Management to collect the garbage. The Menominee City Council may again try to vote on the issue at its meeting Monday night. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7086 F27BF1BD-0DC4-4435-9ABB-CC98AF04AE3C Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:12:01 -0600 One resident still has questions regarding the overhaul of Menominee’s trash operations. Menominee resident Leon Felch has voiced his displeasure over the proposed fee structure to pay for Waste Management’s garbage services. When it comes to the $9.50 monthly user fee, Felch says he’s just not convinced. Felch says he is pleased the Menominee City Council is at least considering staying with the current three mill levy to pay for a privatized garbage pick-up system. He calls the proposed fee and mill change unfair to the low-income and elderly in Menominee. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7087 61686F05-ED3D-4652-9FDB-F1B26CD7C2DE Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:11:16 -0600 A prison sentence is ordered for a Marinette woman accused of dealing heroin. 19-year old Cheri Branham was arrested along with two others in May. They were pulled over by police while returning to the local area from Chicago. That’s when the heroin with an estimated street value of over $6,000 was allegedly discovered. Branham had pleaded no contest to one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin. This week in Marinette County Court, she was sentenced to four years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7088 A3DF9232-2688-4E38-82DF-D8CA8C08866D Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:10:19 -0600 Two pot growing suspects are convicted in Marinette County Court. Authorities discovered about 45 marijuana plants in the Town of Beaver in September. Two men from Channing Michigan, 48-year old Mark Baker and 39-year old Eric Warmboe, were arrested at the grow site. Both men pleaded no contest. This week Mark Baker was sentenced to three years in prison. Eric Warmboe will be sentenced in March. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7089 ABC7CFCF-30A3-4B59-A506-EF9D237B1C84 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:08:45 -0600 A large contract for new LCS work could bring a boost to Marinette Marine and the local area. Marinette Marine is well underway with the construction of the new Littoral Combat Ship for the U.S. Navy. The local shipbuilder and its partner, defense contractor Lockheed Martin, are also aggressively pursuing a larger contract to build multiple LCS’s. Paul Lemmo with Lockheed Martin says the LCS program means a lot to Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Lemmo says if the larger contract is awarded, it could create up to 7,500 new jobs in the region and raise Marinette County’s employment rate about 12%. The navy is expected to select one contractor, either Lockheed Martin or General Dynamics, to build ten new LCS’s over the next five years. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7090 A204995F-72A0-4504-A933-31FF573C78D1 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:07:48 -0600 The Twin County Airport Commission is moving on into 2010. The airport’s oversight commission met yesterday and held their reorganizational meeting, which saw few changes to their last year’s structure. Commissioner Garry Anderson from Menominee County will remain as the board’s chairperson. The group had originally planned to have a regular meeting following the reorganization, but that meeting was cancelled and is now being planned for Monday. The commission may then take up the sudden firing of one of the local airport’s employees. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7091 A7BE0EB5-0FCB-4805-822C-9F1030A05168 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:05:18 -0600 What would you expect to be the main topic of conversation during a U.S. Senator’s visit to Marinette? It’s no surprise healthcare reform seemed to dominate Senator Russ Feingold’s listening session at Marinette High School yesterday. This was Feingold’s 9th public listening session in Wisconsin this year. He says some of the opposition to the healthcare bill is quieted once people hear what’s in it. Besides healthcare, Feingold also talked with constituents about Social Security funding and gave his take on President Obama’s first year in office. The senator holds listening sessions in all of Wisconsin’s counties every year. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7077 AC0010A4-E483-407B-AA88-03C13343215F Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:18:31 -0600 Senator Russ Feingold does not just have praise for the healthcare reform bill. He says it’s good, but not great and he still would like to see a public option. Feingold does say the current healthcare reform bill is good enough because it prevents discrimination against pre-existing conditions, closes the donut-hole for seniors and prescription drugs and provides health insurance for 30-million people that don’t have it. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7078 A12750F2-11C3-4527-B1EA-73AA1F181DA3 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:17:51 -0600 The Menominee man suspected in a string of summer armed robberies begins his court proceedings in Marinette. 20-year old Patrick Scotty Erickson of Menominee is charged in the armed robberies of the Back-A-Gan Bar and the Shell Gas Station in Marinette in July of last year. He’s now also charged in a home burglary in the Town of Peshtigo. Erickson was being held in Menominee for separate charges, but is now working his way through Marinette County Court. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 3rd. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7079 826C93E8-0348-4ECA-A9D0-C22C6E436771 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:16:46 -0600 Serious prison time is ordered for an alleged cocaine dealer. 35-year old Richard L. Giese of Kaukauna was pulled over while traveling on U.S. 141 in Marinette County last January. He was allegedly found in possession of 10 ounces of cocaine, with an estimated street value of over $10,000. Giese pleaded no contest to one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine in October. He also has prior convictions. On Tuesday, Giese was sentenced to ten-years in a state prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7080 19ABF10D-8876-4AB8-A2FF-77F5BCDEBD0E Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:10:43 -0600 The Menominee County Sheriff is taking an extensive look at his department. Sheriff Kenny Marks gave an overview of the sheriff’s office to the Menominee County Board of Commissioners last night. Marks identified areas where his department does things effectively and efficiently and areas where improvements could be made. One area that Marks hit on was the county jail, which has had problems with overcrowding and communications. The sheriff also touted the awarding of almost $140,000 in grants to the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department over the past year. Marks oversees the largest department in the county, with a budget of about $2.4 million. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7081 6C8FFE9D-CCBD-4D9E-A80A-AB97BDC3BF1E Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:57:37 -0600 It’s another big milestone in Marinette Marine’s construction of the new Littoral Combat Ship. The landing of the LCS 3’s two main diesel propulsion engines is the latest achievement for the Marinette Marine and Lockheed Martin team as they build the new warship. Paul Lemmo is Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Business Development. He says Marinette Marine construction of the LCS is about 25% complete. Marinette Marine Began construction of the LCS Fort Worth in March. The ship is expected to be completed and delivered to the Navy in 2012. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7082 92C140B7-AC70-4A09-850A-9C67986B1CF5 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:57:00 -0600 Menominee’s Highway 41 construction project should begin April 1st, according to Michigan Department of Transportation Engineers who held an informational meeting Tuesday night. The project, which will be spread over two construction seasons, is being divided into stages to minimize the number of businesses affected at any one time. Stage one, from 20th to 23rd Avenues should be completed by June 5th. Stage 2, which will take the rest of the year, will involve the area from 23rd Avenue to 38th Avenue. In 2011, the US41/M35 intersection will be completed by May 14th, and the entire project, which goes north to 48th Avenue should be done by November 12th, 2011. While thru traffic will be detoured around the construction areas, a two-lane temporary road will be constructed on the west side of 10th Street to allow two lanes of local traffic and access to businesses throughout the construction. As was the case during the US41 project two years ago, businesses will be responsible for signage directing motorists to individual businesses, although MDOT will work with the businesses in locating the signage along the detour route. Temporary traffic lights will be installed at some intersections along the detour which will be 13th Street this year and 48th Avenue next year. The state is also working with the city to repair and modernize the traffic lights at 13th Street and 14th Avenue before the detour begins in April. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7083 3959D450-4104-4AAA-A2A5-0B2E8A83B834 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:55:46 -0600 Police are investigating two new burglaries at Menominee businesses. According to the Menominee Police Department, the first burglary was reported on Thursday at the Muffler Center on 10th Street. The second was reported on Friday at Dexter’s on 10th Avenue. Cash was reported stolen in both incidents. Several other businesses in Menominee have been broken into in recent months. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7070 2730D4BC-45AF-4CB4-9EFC-016DA528C114 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:55:06 -0600 A Marinette teen is pleading not guilty to an attempted burglary at Pederson Ballpark. Police allegedly found 17-year old Kurt Patrick Ravet attempting to break into the local ballpark’s concession stand in September. The charges against Ravet include Attempted Burglary and Possession of Burglarious Tools. He has a status conference scheduled for March 1st. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7071 D5D8274A-8958-4A19-881F-47FBDA502D0A Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:53:55 -0600 Taking a look at a Marinette Marine product is now easier than ever. Lockheed Martin, Marinette Marine’s partner in the Littoral Combat Ship project, has redesigned its LCS website. The website shows off the completed LCS 1 Freedom. Lockheed’s Vice President of Business Development Paul Lemmo says there’s plenty to see at the website...including the construction of the new LCS 3 Fort Worth. The new website may also be helpful as Lockheed Martin and Marinette Marine pursue a larger LCS contract from the Navy. You can check out Lockheed Martin’s LCS website at lmlcsteam.com. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7072 CAEA5FC3-B647-4C51-827A-3EC39E3C09AD Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:53:15 -0600 Marinette is making sure some one will oversee the city’s economic affairs during the absence of it’s chief financial officer. Finance Director Yuzhen Liu will be on leave until February. So last night the Marinette City Council approved hiring a temporary department head. James Villiesse will manage Marinette’s finances during Liu’s absence. Villiesse comes to Marinette from the City of New London, where he was the Clerk and Treasurer. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7073 4066B27C-3911-4953-9229-F821484A0BE9 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:48:43 -0600 Smoking will be outlawed in most indoor public workplaces in Wisconsin this year, but what about outdoor workplaces? That’s a question that Marinette is considering in regards to a few of its ballparks. Last night the Public Safety, Code Enforcement committee recommended an ordinance be drafted for the city council to ban smoking at Pederson, Haase and prep ballfields. Apparently there have been complaints about fans smoking in the stands. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7074 C38DB842-9283-4B01-AF80-C6A187D66FA0 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:48:07 -0600 An informational meeting is being held tonight regarding the upcoming work on Highway 41 through the City of Menominee. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation are expected to present the plans for the 41 construction project planned to start this April. The meeting will be held at the Menominee High School Lecture Hall tonight at 6:30 PM. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7075 3B5F71BE-4561-4BD5-A494-7A342C15C704 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:47:15 -0600 Wisconsin Public Service’s message of safety gets a younger audience. Some students at Blesch Intermediate School in Menominee took part in Wisconsin Public Service’s Path to Ground program yesterday. Students got to watch live demonstrations of the potential hazards of overhead and underground electrical lines. Seth Berman with WPS presented the program to the students. He says it’s important for students to learn about electrical safety. WPS is holding more of the Path to Ground programs across the area over the next two weeks, including stops at schools in Lena, Pembine and Oconto. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7076 1FB6CE6A-B89B-466D-95F8-E311710A37C4 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:46:17 -0600 Menominee City Manager Richard Goode has made his picks for the city’s new police chief, fire chief and building inspector. Goode has recommended to the city council that former Menominee County Sheriff Brett Botbyl be the new police chief. That means current Deputy Police Chief James Furlong would be leaving the Menominee Police Department. The City Manager is also recommending that Deputy Fire Chief Mark Peterson become the flat-out Fire Chief. The new police and fires chief are necessary since Menominee did away with its dual oversight Director of Police and Fire Services position. Finally Goode is recommending that Tom Lesperance from Green Bay be named the city’s building inspector. All the recommendations still need the approval of the Menominee City Council, which may happen January 18th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7063 02C80B8B-29B0-4851-BF68-7F06F094A2FE Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:46:36 -0600 The U.S. Census bureau will be looking to hire over 48,000 people to help with the 2010 count in Wisconsin alone! That means jobs for the local area. Around 7,700 temporary workers will be hired for census work in the Green Bay region, which includes Marinette County. Regional Recruiter Jennifer Sciacca with the Census Bureau says it’s not a bad pert-time gig. There are different types of Census jobs that pay anywhere from $11.50-$15 per-hour. Sciacca says the bulk of the hiring will be done in the next two-months. Information about Census work is available online at the 2010 Census Jobs website 2010censusjobs.gov. You can get information on testing sessions for Census jobs by calling 866-861-2010. Census workers need to be U.S. citizens and have a driver’s license and two forms of identification. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7064 309179D0-03A2-4515-91D0-64884A872B31 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:45:58 -0600 A Marinette County teen will avoid prison time for the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year old girl. Instead 19-year old Cody J. Swiercz of Goodman will serve one-year in jail for the crime. Swiercz of Goodman was accused of having the sexual contact with the youth in August of 2008. He pleaded no contest to the felony First Degree Sexual Assault in October. Besides his jail sentence, Swiercz was also sentenced to five-years of probation. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7065 12EC5B8D-F540-480A-86A1-72F746232CA9 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:45:20 -0600 The Menominee County Sheriff’s Office will now have a centralized location in the county in which to work. The sheriff’s office has opened a new substation at Stephenson High School. The station was provided by the Stephenson School District and will provide deputies with a mid-county office to respond to calls, complete reports and conduct investigations and interviews. This is the second Menominee County Sheriff’s substation to open in the past year, joining the other new county location at Pinecrest Medical Facility in Powers. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7066 6865B58B-9E84-4629-8BF4-7BA482FCDA6A Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:44:40 -0600 U.S. Senator Russ Feingold from Wisconsin will be holding listening sessions in Marinette and Oconto counties tomorrow (Tuesday). Feingold is first scheduled to appear at the Marinette High School Auditorium at 11:15 AM. The senator then heads to Lena for a 2:15 PM listening session at the Lena High School Gymnasium. Feingold says the sessions are important to his work as a senator, since he learns more at his town meetings than he does anywhere else. Both meetings are expected to last up to an hour. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7067 BE63D35D-38E9-45AA-83E2-FFA8332E4CEF Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:43:49 -0600 It can be a tough time for many families as they work to get their children a higher education. But the local UW campus continues to offer an affordable way to start a college career. UW-Marinette has the lowest tuition and fees in the UW System, but Dean Paula Langteau says that doesn’t mean they’re skimping on educational quality. UW-Marinette still offers access to the entire University of Wisconsin System. The local campus is still accepting registrations for its next semester, which starts on January 25th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7068 EE892362-F379-4704-8A33-7107C9BAFAFA Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:43:02 -0600 It didn’t take long for the first birth at the local hospital in 2010. At 2:15 AM on January 1st, Bay Area Medical Center welcomed its first baby born in the new year. BAMC congratulates Ashley Everard and Drew Buyarski, who are the proud parents of newborn Addison Buyarski. Both mom and baby are reportedly doing well. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7056 News CFE1B379-68D4-4BB6-96B2-DF43B3036170 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:14:24 -0600 Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased in 14 of Michigan’s 17 major labor market areas, but remained basically flat throughout the entire state in November according to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Apparently some seasonal jobseekers had a tough time finding employment during the holiday season. The Upper Peninsula’s seasonally unadjusted workforce rose 0.6%, though the U.P. has still has slightly fewer jobs since this time last year. Menominee County has the state’s 13th lowest unemployment rate at 11.6 %. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7055 News 4AD307A8-F0C6-44FD-94F5-F917610EC548 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:12:34 -0600 Charges have been filed against a Milwaukee man allegedly found dealing crack and heroin in Marinette. An investigation led to the arrest of 21-year old Rio Payne, also known as “Snaps”, in December. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and heroin while at a Marinette residence. Payne faces charges of Manufacturing and Delivery of Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine and Heroin. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday in Marinette County Court. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7054 News 6CA65C55-D0F0-4AFE-AF61-C27FDAE7D88C Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:11:30 -0600 A primary election will not be necessary for any of the Marinette County Supervisor positions. According to Marinette County Clerk Kathy Brandt, as of Tuesday’s deadline, only two of the 30 current supervisors will not be running for reelection. Two people have apparently filed to replace District Nine Supervisor Al Greason. No one filed to replace County Supervisor Carol Faucett who represents the City of Marinette’s 6th Ward. With no more than two candidates per position, the primary won’t be needed. Primary elections will still be necessary for a few municipalities in Marinette County in February. The Spring Election is set for April 6th. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7053 News 7D7DFA91-97C5-41B2-AC4D-13BB7B360F8E Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:10:25 -0600 Last night’s 2nd meeting of the Menominee County Board of Commissioners never took place. The Commissioners were expected to approve legal representation for County Clerk Marc Klieman in the lawsuit filed against him by Commissioners Gary Eichhorn and Dick Peterson. But news came in yesterday that the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority would provide legal council for Klieman in the lawsuit. That made the special Menominee County Board meeting unnecessary. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7052 News 84A44A93-84E9-4D58-9540-5091F22037BF Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:08:31 -0600 One Menominee County Commissioner already believes 2010 is off to a rocky start. At last night’s reorganization meeting, Commissioner Bernie Lang was taken off his county assignment to the Michigan Works Board and instead traded to the county’s Library Board. Lang says he’s angry about the move, which was brought up by County Board Chair Gary Eichhorn. Lang has served on the Michigan Works Board for about 15 years. Lang will basically trade his positions on the boards with Commissioner Dick Peterson. The move was apparently brought up since Peterson lives closer to Escanaba, which is where the Michigan Works Board meetings are held. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7051 News ED749434-DFF2-4779-A3C4-F377C1D235E4 Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:05:49 -0600 The five Menominee County commissioners are sworn in for another year in office. 2009 was a rocky year for the Menominee County Board. Between the recalls, firings of county personnel and the budget process, the board made its share of controversy and headlines. Commissioner Gary Eichhorn was reelected as chairman of the county board at last night’s reorganization meeting. He says he has better hopes for 2010. Commissioner Eichhorn acknowledges that the county board took many hits in the media last year and hopes they can get more positive support. Eichhorn is one of two Menominee County commissioners facing a potential recall. Also at last night’s reorganization meeting of the Menominee County Board, Commissioner Dick Peterson was reelected as the board’s vice chairman. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7050 News 6A593D4F-9B2D-49F2-9977-513CB734A47D Thu, 7 Jan 2010 10:02:49 -0600 The new effort is underway to ensure children in Menominee County are ready for school. Great Start of Menominee County formed several months ago thanks to state funding. Since then, Director of the Great Start Collaborative Nichole Twork says they’ve been assessing the needs for children in the community. Twork says Great Start is using the data to build a community report, to help Menominee Kids get to where they need to be as they reach school age. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7062 News 26BBA8F5-C7CD-4B4F-A61D-E141641F64CE Fri, 8 Jan 2010 10:01:49 -0600 The School District of Marinette is making sure it’s ready should Wisconsin be awarded serious cash from the Race to the Top program. Last night the Marinette School Board approved a Department of Public Instruction memorand, which means the district will try to align itself with the goals of Race to the Top. The new program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment A and will distribute $4 billion to states on a competitive basis. It's all very preliminary, but if predictions hold true and Wisconsin were to be awarded a portion of the fun, Marinette Schools could receive a projected $213,000. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7061 News 6BBE11ED-1DA4-4FCC-968F-BED66DEDBC1F Fri, 8 Jan 2010 09:58:41 -0600 Three local teenagers are arrested for heroin charges as part of an investigation by the Northeast Tri County Drug Task Force. One 16-year old male from Marinette and an 18-year old male from Menominee were arrested for multiple counts of Delivery of Heroin. An 18-year old female was also arrested for Delivery of Heroin as a Party to a Crime. The two 18-year olds were lodged in the Marinette County Jail. The street value of the heroin seized has a reported street value of over $500. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7060 News CB014F36-F68A-4A20-A075-E52422E833B4 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 09:57:16 -0600 Not guilty pleas are entered for the second person charged in a Town of Niagara burglary. 28-year old Sheryl Ann Swiontek of Norway is implicated in the September home burglary along with 28-year old Andrew T. Giguere. Among the items reported stolen was a safe with over $50,000 cash. Swiontek faces charges of burglary and theft as a party to a crime. She has a status conference set for February 12th. Andrew Giguere has already pleaded guilty to one count of burglary stemming from the crime. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7059 News C55303E4-D143-4893-BBC4-3D347A27B0AA Fri, 8 Jan 2010 09:53:51 -0600 All things considered it was a very successful season for the local Salvation Army. The Salvation Army of Marinette raised over $51,000 during its Red Kettle campaign of the 2009 holiday season. While most people are familiar with the campaign, not everyone knows where those donations to the red kettles go. Major Sally Michael with the Salvation Army explained to me how the funds help the needy in the community. Donations to the local Salvation Army were down slightly from last year, but that can be accounted for since there were fewer days when volunteers were out collecting. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7058 News 3FD885CE-24FF-40AF-8FA0-2E441EF73EE5 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 09:27:22 -0600 Prison time is ordered for a woman accused of bilking hundreds of thousands of dollars from several local businesses. 56-year old Krystyna Gryszczynski, previously known as Christine Rinelli, is a former employee at the Crivitz Business Center. She is alleged to have stolen over $160,000 from the accounting center’s clients and one local church by methods including altering financial records and using payroll checks. Gryszczynski pled guilty to five felony counts of theft in October. During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, victims of the thefts spoke of how their trust was broken by Gryszczynski. Judge David Miron says Gryszczynski abused a position of trust and ordered her to pay over $90,000 in restitution and serve 7 ½ years in prison. http://baycitiesradio.net/news.php?action=view_story&story_id=7057 News 6030A5E0-D56F-462C-ABC3-DFD3E9E2A55D Fri, 8 Jan 2010 09:14:41 -0600