WUPM News

LEAD: It’s guilty as charged for a man accused of sexually assaulting a child from Bayfield County.

VERBATIM: A jury found Matthew Lauseng guilty in the 2018 assault of a child in the Washburn area after a three-day trial. Prosecutors say Lauseng who is from Minnesota assaulted the girl who then ran from the scene with her younger siblings. Lauseng was arrested after his DNA was found on the victim. He could be in jail for up to 40 years when sentenced on August 14.

LEAD: This year’s Iron Mountain-Kingsford Fourth of July parade has been cancelled.

VERBATIM: The Menominee Range Historical Foundation’s board announced it made the decision due to the current uncertainty over the coronavirus and the ongoing public health concern. The board held the inaugural parade last year and said while they looked forward to the second annual event this year they plan to focus their efforts on the 2021 parade. They also thanked the community for their support.

LEAD: There will be no Festival Ironwood in 2020.

VERBATIM: The Festival committee met earlier this month and decided that with the current restrictions in place they had no alternative but to cancel this year’s Festival that was scheduled for July 15-18 at Depot Park. The committee thanked everyone for all of their hard work, dedication, and donations they received towards this great event. Festival Ironwood 2021 is scheduled to place from July 14 through the 17

LEAD: The City of Ironwood provides details on a program to help small businesses dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.

VERBATIM: The program is offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through the Patronicity Crowdfunding platform. It’s the same program that helped the City create the Art Park downtown. Money that a business raises on the platform is being matched by the MEDC up to $5000. Go to patronicity dot com slash m-i-local-b-i-z for details. Businesses are also encouraged to frequently check the update906.com website to see what new programs are available.

LEAD: Ashland cancels some of its Fourth of July activities due to COVID-19.

VERBATIM: According to the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce the decision to not hold the city’s 4th of July Parade and the Ashland Bay Days Festival was also based on consumer fear to gather in large groups, marketing expenses that cannot be recovered if the event is eventually canceled, and the ability to recruit volunteers because of safety concerns. The 4th of July fireworks will still be held.

LEAD: The Ironwood Public Safety Department issues a reminder that help is available for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.

VERBATIM: The department says COVID-19 has been stressful for people with fear and anxiety impacting not only people’s lives but also the community. At the same time everyone manages and reacts differently to stressful situations with access to many services significantly limited.For questions or to find assistance call the Ironwood Public Safety Department (906) 932-1234 or your local agency. If it is an emergency call 911.

LEAD: The Gogebic Range Trail Authority makes a donation to help kids be safe while riding their bikes.

VERBATIM: The authority joined forces with the Hurley-Ironwood Rotary Club to give away bike helmets and goggles to nearly 10 families at an event that took place last week. Authority President Steve Hamilton tells the Daily Globe the idea for the helmet giveaway came up during a meeting last month. He says they plan to do another giveaway at some point.

LEAD: Work is under way to build a new parking area at the Hurley Trailhead.

VERBATIM: According to the Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts the lot will hold 13 vehicles and offers safe access to the trail from downtown Hurley. It provides access to the Montreal River along with the Iron Belle Trail in Michigan. The project is funded by the Gogebic Range Health Foundation and ICORE. The Foundation awartded a $20,000 grant in January.

LEAD: The city of Hurley observed Memorial Day differently than in years past.

VERBATIM: According to the Daily Globe the parade and large gatherings that marked the traditional ceremonies turned into small gatherings with attendees wearing masks and practicing social distancing. There were several speeches at the Hurley Cemetery followed by a wreath presentation for each branch of the military. A tribute was read to those who died during the last year with a firing squad then performing a volley salute and Taps was played to end the ceremony..

LEAD: A man taking a plea deal for defrauding a Vilas County resident learns his jail sentence.

VERBATIM: According to the U.S. Attorney for Western Wisconsin 33-year-old Emmanuel Odiah of Dallas, Texas is sentenced to 54 months in federal prison. He also is known as James Princeton and Ryan Morrisson. An investigation conducted by the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office and federal agents detemined Odiah set up fradulent bank accounts and get the Vilas County resident to send hom $66,000. Odiah was apprehended last August.