WUPM News

LEAD: The Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency announces its monthly commodity supplemental food program distrubution dates.

VERBATIM: The first distribution is Monday, April 20 at the agency’s offices on S. Mill St. in Bessemer from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the second distribution set for Tuesday, April 21 at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood in the rear parking lot from 10:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. There are minimum income requirements and other restrictions. Call 667-0283 extension 12 to sign up.

LEAD: An Ashland hotel owner is offering discounted rooms to those on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak.

VERBATIM: The Daily Press reports the operator of the AmericInn Hotel is implementing what they call a “shelter in peace” program to allow health care workers and first responders to have a place where they can stay in case they’ve become infected with COVID-19 and don’t want to go home risking transmission. The company will accommodate government per diem fees and will discount rates for others.

LEAD: The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department reports no changes in confirmed COVID-19 cases.

VERBATIM: A total of 4 cases are confirmed with 3 in Gogebic County which is also the only county reporting a death due to the coronavirus. Just over 220 tests were completed with results pending on 57 tests. On Monday the department asked those traveling into the area to self-quarantine for two weeks to reduce the stress on the healthcare system.

LEAD: The investigation continues into the discovery of a man’s body in Ashland.

VERBATIM: Ashland Police say the body of 43-year-old Bradley Mattson was found in a ravine off industrial park road last Thursday by a passerby. Investigators haven’t released any other details including what killed Mattson or if foul play is being suspected. An autopsy was ordered but the results haven’t come back yet with police saying it could take weeks before they know the cause of death.

LEAD: The City of Wakefield makes a temporary change to its drop box payment policy.

VERBATIM: Officials say they will now accept cash payments in the secured dropbox to assist residents and make paying utility bills as convenient as possible. To insure proper processing include your utility bill stub or if that’s not available write your name, address and phone number on a slip of paper and include that with your payment. No change will be given and checks are still being accepted.

LEAD: The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department issues an advisory for travelers entering the area.

VERBATIM: Health Officer Cathryn Beer says they are seeing an influx of individuals from areas with siginificant COVID-19 spread or returning from travel outside the five-county area which imposes a risk to all residents. Beer says those arrving from out of the area should self-quarantine for 14 days then follow the Governor’s Stat At Home Order. Rural camping is not a safe alternative as there are no sanitary facilities available for those who get sick.

LEAD: The body found in an Ashland ravine last week has been identified.

VERBATIM: Ashland police say the body found by a passerby off Industrial Park Road was that of a 43-year-old man who had lived in the area for a number of years. The man appeared not to have been injured but investigators say they won’t know that for sure until an autopsy is completed. The Wisconsin Crime Lab and Wisconsin State Patrol are participating in the investigation.

LEAD: Ashland city officials report a sewage discharge into Lake Superior.

VERBATIM: It started on March 29 at the city’s wastewater treatment plant and ended on March 31 with the total overflow estimated to be nearly 7.2 million gallons. The overflow is being blamed on heavy rain and snow melt and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been notified. The public is advised to avoid making contact with any sanitary sewer overflow.

LEAD: The City of Wakefield is offering a way to make children’s birthday parties a little brighter during the coronavirus outbreak.

VERBATIM: The city is partnering with the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department to offer a fire truck drive by on your child’s birthday with flashing lights, sirens, and of course, a wave from their local volunteer firefighter. To arrange for a ride by call 906.229.5131 ext 1002 to make a reservation. There is no charge for this service. Advance notice of at least two days is appreciated.

LEAD: An investigation is under way into the discovery of a body in Ashland.

VERBATIM: The Wisconsin Crime Lab and State Patrol were called in after a passerby discovered the man’s body Thursday morning in a ravine near Industrial Park Road. The identity and age of the man were not determined and the scene has been secured to aid the crime lab in its investigation. The man’s death is being investigated as a homicide.