Hometown Escanaba

Paula Jordan, events coordinator at the Bonifas Arts Center, says the annual Northern Exposure exhibit opens Nov. 12 and runs through the end of December. Artists are still being sought for the Holiday Arts Fair that will be held Nov. 6. Jordan also runs through the many classes and workshops through November.

State Rep. Beau LaFave wants to eliminate the permit needed to carry a concealed pistol and require Conservation Officers with the Department of Natural Resources to wear body cameras. He also wants the traditional handicap logo to show more motion in a new sign design and compensate local governments for revenue lost to disabled veterans exempt from property taxes. LaFave says the new legislative boundaries will not pass the courts and he is receiving endorsements for his run for Secretary of State.

The Gladstone City Commission approved the purchase of property in the North Shore Development Project area. Commissioner Brad Mantella says it will help to find a developer for the project. He also provided a North 15th Street Project update, an electric department asset management plan, a new shipping container ordinance and marina pump out station grant.

Rory Mattson with the Delta Conservation District says cleanup of the Escanaba River was completed last week and cleanup of the Wells Township property in the Bay View Location is about complete.He says efforts are now being made to get funding for Phase 4 in preparation of the Hannahville Indian Community development project. It includes water and wastewater for that part of the township from Gladstone or Escanaba.

Mike Sattem is looking to return to the Escanaba City Council. He says he misses attending city meetings and being involved in issues. The election is Nov. 2. He would like to see more done to upgrade city roads and encourage the construction of condos in the city. 

Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall says he enjoys serving as mayor and would like to continue as a member of the Escanaba City Council. The city election is Nov. 2.

His priority continues to be fixing roads. He also talks about expanding the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant,  operating the 911 Central Dispatch independently of the city and the progress of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority.

Kathy LeDuc is directing the Players de Noc members who are portraying figures from Escanaba's past who are buried at the Lakeview Cemetery. The Cemetery Walk will be held tonight and Saturday. LeDuc joins Sam Komay in describing the event. Promises to be howling good time.

Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall and Escanaba City Manager Patrick Jordan address the call for more transparency on the investigation of what happened to money connected to the development project of the former county jail property. They also discuss Jordan's job evaluation and other items from last night's city council meeting.

Highline Internet held an open house to highlight the progress of providing broadband to rural residents in the Upper Peninsula. 

Midwest CEO Bruce Moore says they started installing lines in Delta County this summer and plan to expand to 14 of the 15 counties in the U.P. during the next few years.

Linda Butkis of Flat Rock was Highline’s first customer. She talks about the how it has made a difference.

And Ed Legault with the Delta County Economic Development Alliance talks about the economic impact that the service will provide the U.P.

Leigh’s Garden Winery in downtown Escanaba is passing from Leigh Schmidt to Julie and Tony Lambert. Schmidt started the winery in 2008 with five wines. Today, there are more than 20 varieties. Julie had been working at the business as the taste room manager when Schmidt decided to retire.