WUPM News

LEAD: Four Ironwood Area Schools students win their regional spelling bees.

VERBATIM: District officials say not only did Breanna Freeman, Jaiden Demaray, Madeline Ranta, and Sarah Lauzon win their classroom bee, but also their grade level bee. They competed against five other district schools. Now they are off to the UP Spelling Bee Finals on March 11 in Negaunee/Ishpeming for a chance to qualify for the National Spelling Bee.

LEAD: A conference is being held in Hurley to show beginners how to produce maple syrup.

VERBATIM: The conference is at the Hurley K-12 school on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m and costs $10 per participant with lunch provided. It’s an opportunity for beginners or those with experience to pick up some new tips on producing your own maple syrup. This is a joint program of University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension and Michigan State University Extension.

LEAD: We now know which route Enbridge is choosing for the Line 5 reroute.

VERBATIM: The energy company announced the permitting process is under way to move the line south of the Bad River reservation and north of Mellen in Ashland County. The year-long relocation project covers around 40 miles across Ashland and Iron Counties. It’s the result of a lawsuit filed by the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa tribe to force removal of the line from its reservation.

LEAD: Two County health departments are reporting an increase in norovirus cases.

VERBATIM: Officials in Ashland and Bayfield counties are warning of the increase in the virus which can spread very easily and quickly. Symptoms are nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. To avoid spreading the norovirus wash hands thoroughly and avoid contact with those who are sick. Experts also recommend thoroughly cooking shellfish and be sure to completely wash fruits and vegetables.

LEAD: Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend will feature a fishing contest in Wakefield.

VERBATIM: The Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department holds its 11th annual conest on Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Wakefield VFW between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Entry fees are $2 for those between 3 and 12 and $5 for 13 and older. Proceeds go toward the department’s purchase of fire suppression equipment. Tickets are available at the door beginning at 9:00 a.m.

LEAD: The City of Hurley is the location of a hike through the past, present and future.

VERBATIM: It’s called the Hurley Railroad Hike and takes place Feb. 23. starting at 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of 9th Avenue North and Gold Street in Hurley. Members of the Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts will guide a short hike to the Hurley Railroad Overpass West Bridge to explore the history of the railroad, the current scenery and future trail developments. Attendees are invited to gather post-hike at Sharon’s Coffeehouse.

LEAD: The deadline is approaching to pay the 2019 winter tax bills in Wakefield.

VERBATIM: Officials say on-time payments are due by February 14. Payments made after that date but before march 2 will be subjected to a one-time penalty of 3%. Those not paying their bills by March 2 will have them turned over to the Gogebic County Treasurer for collection. Payments can be made at the City Minicipal Building.

LEAD: A snowmobile crash in Iron County, MI takes the rider’s life.

VERBATIM: Police say a 42-year- old man was on Trail 113 south of Superior Avenue in Crystal Falls on Tuesday when he failed to make it around a curve while heading northbound. The unidentified rider hit a tree and was ejected from his snowmobile. He died at the scene. The Iron County Sheriff’s office says the crash remains under investigation.

LEAD: The City of Wakefield is issuing absentee ballots for next month’s primary election.

VERBATIM: Ballots are available at the City Clerk’s office in the Wakefield Municipal Building during regular business hours. Mail requests for ballots need to be made by March 6. The final day for absentee ballot voting is March 9. Next Monday the City of Wakefield Election Commission will meet to appoint Election Inspectors.

LEAD: The Historic Ironwood Theatre is showing a classic movie for February’s First Friday.

VERBATIM: Coming to a planet near you it’s “Coneheads” – the full-length feature based on the hilarious Saturday Night Live skit. It stars Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtain, Michelle Burke & Chris Farley…along with countless celebrity cameos. Rated PG. Showtime is 7:30pm, but arrive early for entertainment by Tim Mesun on the Theatre’s Barton Organ.