Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Houghton County is supporting an effort to install location markers on ATV and snowmobile trails.
The effort is spearheaded by Joe Schneller, who recently completed signing the trails in Keweenaw County. The markers give location information that rescuers can use to locate stranded trail users in remote areas.
At their meeting yesterday, commissioners allocated $15,000 to support Schneller’s project.
Commissioner Kevin Codere reported that the DNR plans to begin requesting bids for reconstruction of the Lake Linden trail this fall. The state is seeking a half-dozen contractors to tackle the various areas that were damaged in the 2018 Father’s Day Flood.
Commissioner Glenn Anderson reported that the final touches for the Houghton County Fair are coming together. With the fair back to full strength following the pandemic, there are hopes for a new attendance record.
Sheriff Josh Saaranen reported that the county jail has passed its annual state inspection. He anticipates some footnotes to the approval, however, which could focus on the jail’s age and the need to replace it. Board chair Tom Tikkanen indicated that planning for the replacement of the jail and the relocation of the district court complex continues, but is still in the long-term phase.
Meanwhile, concern continues about security at the existing county building. Upper Peninsula Engineers and Architects presented their initial report on that topic yesterday. Working with commissioners, court staff and sheriff’s deputies, they identified three areas within the county building as needing security upgrades. The building also should be converted to a single point of entry, which could cost a half-million dollars or more, and require a full-time staff person be assigned to screen visitors. The board plans to discuss the security options during a work session on August 22nd at noon.
The county will issue letters of support for BHK and WUPPDR, which are both applying for grants through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s MI Hope program. BHK is asking for $28,500 to use locally to help homeowners improve energy efficiency. WUPPDR is planning to apply for $1 million for similar projects spread over the six counties it serves.
