3/27/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - In just about forty days, regular driver’s licenses may not be an acceptable form of identification for boarding a domestic flight. Unless it is REAL ID compliant.  Beginning May 7, U.S. travelers will be required to have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights. The requirement also extends to Americans looking to access certain federal facilities, such as military bases, nuclear facilities, or federal buildings that require identification.  REAL ID is a driver’s license or other form of state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the minimum-security standards set forth by the federal government. A REAL ID will look almost exactly like your standard ID – except it’s marked with a star in the upper corner of the card.

3/26/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY – The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners meet at 5:00 this evening at the Gogebic County Court House in Bessemer.  Though not on the agenda the Commission is expected to discuss a proposal by the Non-Profit Group Friends of the Fair to take control of the Gogebic County Fair and take control of all events, activities, and all winter storage rentals at the Gogebic County Fair Grounds in Ironwood.  State Representative for the 110th District which includes Gogebic County Greg Markkanen encourages residents to go to tonight’s meeting and voice their opinion.  Those for the move say it’s the only way to save the fair, those opposed say that giving the group complete year-round control of the fairground and being allowed to keep all profits from events and rentals would have no benefit to taxpayers.  If approved the Friends of the Fair contract would go into effect immediately and the current Gogebic County Fair Committee would be abolished. 

3/26/2025

IRONWOOD - The Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA) honored Bob Tervonen of the Ironwood Water Department with the 2025 Rolly Olney Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service in the water industry.  The award recognizes professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service, both in their communities and within MRWA.  During his time, the city obtained $60 million in water and sewer grants for over $90 million in water and sewer projects.  These projects include replacing over 27 miles of water main, 25 miles of sewer main and replacing 270 defective fire hydrants.  Tervon has served in the role of Ironwood’s utility manager for 31 years.