Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
There’s no resolution in sight in the property tax battle between the City of Houghton and Walmart…
City Manager Eric Waara provided the city council with an update last night. Walmart is appealing its assessment under the controversial dark store concept – that the property should be evaluated as if it were empty, rather than if it’s in use…
Waara says other states have shut down that concept…
The battle continues.
Also at last night’s meeting, Waara told councilors that the city is considering a cold-weather extension of its popular farmer’s market…
He said many of the vendors from the summer market still have wares to sell.
There will be a Ladies Night downtown promotion next month, and it will be expanded…
Waara said the expanded hours will thin out the crowds at businesses where occupancy is limited because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Police Chief John Donnelly reminded residents that the winter overnight parking ban begins Sunday…
The ban applies to city streets, parking lots and decks…
Donnelly also said two officers recently underwent special training to help them deal with autistic citizens…
Donnelly said the department’s training emphasis in the near future will be focused on addressing mental health issues, because they make up a large percentage of emergency calls…
The Council authorized the purchase of some new snow removal equipment, and approved acceptance of a Community Development Block Grant. $253,000 from the state will help provide renovations to the building at 308 Shelden Avenue, which houses Downwind Sports, the Rukkila Accounting office, and four apartments.
