Schoolcraft County – Upper Peninsula News and Information: Recent Episodes
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Schools in the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District took the unusual step of deciding to close schools Wednesday and Thursday on Tuesday due to a forecast of unusually frigid temperatures. ISD Superintendent Doug Leisenring said all eight school superintendents met Tuesday to discuss the closures rather than the normal practice of waiting until early in the morning to check conditions before deciding to cancel classes. They then made the announcement Tuesday night. “We want to make sure that we make accurate decisions so it has always been the policy of the eight school districts in the Delta Schoolcraft ISD to get up in the morning, like 4 o’clock in the morning, to make sure the weather that is forecast actually hit the area,” Leisenring said. In this case, Leisenring said they had a high degree of confidence in the forecast. He also cited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s declaration of a state of emergency. Leisenring said wind chills below -30 poses a significant hazard to children, especially those who wait outside for a bus. “Not only that, in some of your bigger schools like Gladstone and Esky, they have kids walking to school. You’re not going to be able to walk very far with temperatures like today. We don’t want people getting frostbite, we don’t want people getting hurt,” he said. The school districts in the Delta Schoolcraft ISD are Escanaba, Gladstone, Rapid River, Bark River-Harris, Nah Tah Wahsh in Hannahville, Mid Peninsula, Big Bay de Noc and Manistique.
MANISTIQUE – The Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall will be at Manistque marina tomorrow through Monday. It is sponsored by Manistique Recreation and the Schoolcraft County Veterans Affairs Board. It will open at 4 p.m. Thursday with a ceremony at 6. A parade will be held Friday from Rodgers Park to the Manistique High School. Elected officials will be at the wall Saturday including Congressman Jack Bergman and U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters. The names of the fallen Vietnam War Veterans from the Upper Peninsula will be read at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The wall closes at 1 p.m. Monday.
PALMS BOOK STATE PARK — A steady stream of visitors made final visits of the Labor Day weekend at many attractions across the Upper Peninsula including Kitch-iti-Kipi, Big Springs. One couple from downstate made a loop through the U.P., going to Pictured Rocks, making their way to Copper Harbor at the top of the Keweenaw Peninsula and stopping at Palms Book State Park on their way back to the Mackinac Bridge. Others started at the Mackinac Bridge early Monday morning, sporting fresh bridge walk t-shirts as they got on the raft to see the spring. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Big Springs. The girls were still young and the raft moved with a stick that was used to pull the raft across the water on a cable. It now moves with a wheel and has a canopy to protect users from the sun (or rain). Some things don’t change. The kids are still eager to be the ones to move the raft. Apparently, no one is quite sure what Kitch-iti-Kipi means. The kiosk next to the water gave several options. The name of the park, however, is not a mystery. Palms Book State Park was established in 1928. Members of the Palms and Book families in Detroit agreed to donate about 90 acres of property to the state for a park for $1. Photos of the raft on the kiosk date back long before the property became a park. As today, it featured a viewing area in the center to better see through the depths of the water. Bubbling sand areas in the bottom show where the spring enters. Trout appear to be suspended in the crystal clear water. About 10,000 gallons of water flows into the pool per minute from 40 feet below. One visitor noticed that as the raft passed over the spring that water on the surface of the viewing area rippled. Evidence of the water movement as it headed towards Indian Lake.
MANISTIQUE – Are you tougher than a Boy Scout? That was the theme of the Red Buck Fall Camporee held over the weekend near Manistique. Based on the reality TV show with that name, Scouts faced various challenges. Leadership and teamwork were cited by the Scouts as characteristics needed to successfully meet the challenges. Garrett McMillan with Troop 411 in Escanaba said it took teamwork to build a fire and cook a pancake for the judges without burning it. “We made a log cabin style fire with kindling in the middle. You light the kindling and once it’s coals all along the bottom you put down the griddle on top of the coals and you start cooking the pancakes,” he said. Jonathon Seeley’s group with Troop 400 in Manistique had to rescue a fellow Scout with a broken leg that had a compound fracture. “It was a fun challenge,” Seeley said. “It made me think back to my First Aid merit badge and lessons I learned over the years with Boy Scouts to do it correctly.” He said there was more to the challenge than just saving the victim. “It’s the leadership that you have to do to make sure that everyone is working together to make sure the person is safe after,” he said. On the obstacle course, Jordan Day with Troop 466 in Gladstone scaled a tall wall after using a rope to jump a pit, zig zagging on a balance beam and going through a tunnel. “There were a few boards going here and there going up,” Day said. “you got up there and then you had to climb back down. I thought the course was pretty fun.” Other challenges included physical fitness, crosscut sawing and pioneering.
RAPID RIVER – The Hiawatha National Forest is offering a wide variety of programs to entertain the public at area campgrounds this summer. “We are excited to be able to offer these high quality programs this summer” said Anne Okonek, Acting Forest Recreation, Trails and Wilderness Program Manager for the Hiawatha National Forest. “We would not be able to provide these free programs to the public if it weren’t for the generous financial assistance of the Hiawatha Interpretive Association and Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County.” Friday, Aug. 8 The next campground interpretive program which is entitled “Gone Batty” will take place on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at Camp 7 Lake Campground. This program will provide you an opportunity to learn about the life of a Michigan bat and how White-nose syndrome has recently been identified in our area. White-nose syndrome is a phenomenon that kills bats. Bats are a crucial part of a healthy ecosystem. Come learn how this disease is affecting bats in our area. Saturday, Aug. 9 On Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at Bay Furnace Campground, there will be an interpretive program entitled “A Blast from the Past.” Bring your family to learn about the story of the historic blast furnace. “A Blast from the Past” is a look at the people and the iron industry that supported the old smelting town that once existed where Bay Furnace Campground now sits. Jump back in time and see what it was like living in the 1870’s and how pig iron was made. Thursday, Aug. 14 Is your family looking for a day of fun and adventure? Come to the U.P. State Fairgrounds Pocket Park on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Forest Service employees from Rapid River and Manistique will staff the park where kids can learn outdoor skills such as fishing, shooting at the pellet range or at the archery range. Friday, Aug. 15 On Friday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at Camp 7 Lake Campground, there will be a Native American Dancing program. With a traditional background and upbringing, Reg Pettibone and wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, will provide you with a better understanding of true Native American culture through dance, song, narration and an artifacts display with a strong environmental emphasis. Friday, Aug. 15 Bring your family to Bay Furnace Campground on Friday, Aug. 15, where there will be an interpretive ranger program called “The Amazing Monarch Migration” at 7 p.m. The Hiawatha National Forest is proud to be a stop on the Monarch Migration. Join us as we follow the complex Monarch migration and find out some of the challenges along the way for this unique butterfly. Saturday, August 16 On Saturday, August 16, at 7 p.m. at Bay Furnace Campground, Reg Pettibone and his wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, will be presenting a Native American Dance program. Come with your family to learn about true Native American culture through dance, song, narration, and an artifacts display with a strong emphasis on the environment. This is truly a unique experience for the entire family to attend! Friday, August 22 Are you interested in bats? Come to Camp 7 Lake Campground on Friday, August 22, at 7 p.m. for an interpretive ranger program entitled “Gone Batty!” During the program, your family will learn about the life of a Michigan bat and how White-nose syndrome has recently been identified in our area. White-nose syndrome is a phenomenon that kills bats. Bats are a crucial part of a healthy ecosystem so come learn how this disease is affecting bats in our area. Saturday, August 23 The final interpretive ranger program of the summer will be held at Pete’s Lake Campground on Saturday, August 23, at 7 p.m. The program titled “Gone Batty!” will teach your family about the life of a Michigan bat, the affects of White-nose syndrome, a phenomenon that kills bats, and how it was discovered in our area! Due to the close proximity of Camp 7 Lake to Manistique, Rapid River, Gladstone, Escanaba and Munising, many people drive to the campground for the evening programs; the programs are open to everyone, not just for those camping. “Many people bring picnic dinners or go swimming as part of the evening” said Okonek. All of the programs are free of charge. All programs begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted and will be held rain or shine, thanks to the availability of an event tent. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. For more information on any of these programs, contact the Manistique District office at 906-341-5666, the Rapid River District office at 906-474-6442 or the Munising District office at 906-387-2512. The Camp 7 Lake Campground is located 4 miles west of County Road 437 (the Thunder Lake Road) on Delta County Road 442 for those traveling from the Manistique area. For families traveling from Escanaba, Gladstone and Rapid River, Camp 7 Lake Campground is located 8 miles east of Forest Highway 13 on County Road 442. The Bay Furnace Campground is located 5 miles west of Munising on M-28. Pete’s Lake Campground is located about 11 miles south of Munising on Forest Highway 13. For those wishing to camp for the weekend, approximately half of the campsites can be reserved in advance by calling toll-free 1-877-444-6777 or going to recreation.gov. The remaining campsites are available on a first come, first served basis for those planning last-minute get-aways.
MANISTIQUE – Three people from Manistique have been arrested on drug charges. The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) says they arrested a 48-year-old male, a 40-year-old male and a 32-year-old female Thursday at a home on Elk Street in Manistique. The arrests were a result of two search warrants at the home. All three were arrested and charged with manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants, conspiracy to manufacture over 100 plants and maintaining a drug house. The two male suspects were also charges with being habitual offenders. UPSET was assisted by Manistique Public Safety, the Schoolcraft County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police in Manistique.
MANISTIQUE – The Upper Peninsula History Conference will be held in Manistique next weekend, June 20-22. The conference will highlight historical features of Schoolcraft County such as Big Springs or Kitch-iti-kipi and Seul Choix Point Lighthouse. Vonciel LeDuc with the Schoolcraft County Historical Society says the guest speaker Saturday will talk about the Christmas Ship that sank after leaving Thompson near Manistique. A pre-confernence tour will visit the dock site. “What they are going to see there is basically the old harbor along with a plaque that the people of Thompson were able to get placed at this small park to commemorate the Christmas Ship that went down in 1912,” LeDuc said. About 150 to 200 people are expected at the conference. Pre-registration has been extended to Monday, June 16. You can register at hsmichigan.org.
MANISTIQUE – Three suspects from downstate Bay and Saginaw counties involved in the Dec. 9 illegal killing of a cougar appeared in Schoolcraft County District Court Wednesday where they were arraigned on warrants related to the killing. Two of the suspects pled guilty and the third entered a not guilty plea. Troy Robert Richard, 42, of Bay City, pled guilty to the taking and possession of an endangered species and conspiracy to take an endangered species. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, a three-year revocation of all hunting privileges, $5,775 in fines, court costs and restitution including expenses to preserve the animal for educational purposes. Richard also forfeited the weapon involved in the taking of the animal and was ordered to serve 120 hours of community service. Theodore Robert Richard, 68, of Munger, pled guilty to aiding and abetting the illegal taking/possession of an endangered species and paid $1,725 in fines and costs, had all hunting privileges revoked for a period of two years and received 96 hours of community service. Todd Anthony Richard, 43, of Burt, pled not guilty to conspiracy to take/possess an endangered species. He owns and operates a taxidermy business in Bay County and is a brother to Troy Richard. The incident occurred at the Richards’ hunting camp in Germfask Township near Seney in Schoolcraft County on Dec. 9. The investigation revealed the animal was shot from the subjects’ camp when it walked into a deer food plot and drove the deer out while the subjects were muzzleloader hunting for deer. The animal was wounded by Troy Richard with a centerfire 22-250 caliber rifle and it then fled the food plot. It was tracked and located approximately one-quarter mile away the following day and killed. The photo above was taken by one of the Richards after the cougar was killed. Authorities say Troy and Theodore Richard brought the animal back to their camp where they field dressed it and hid it. They proceeded to cook and eat part of the heart. They left for their homes in Bay County shortly after, with the animal intact but field dressed in the back of Troy Richard’s pickup truck. Troy Richard reported that he struck a deer with his truck after leaving the camp. He picked up the deer, put it in a trailer with other deer they had killed and transported it to the Michigan State Police post in St. Ignace where he obtained a permit for the roadkill deer all while having the cougar in the truck’s bed under a tonneau cover so that it could be hidden from view. DNR investigating officers say Richard had ample opportunity to report the cougar killing at this point, but failed to do so. Troy Richard returned to his residence with the cougar where the animal was skinned and prepared for mounting. The skull was also boiled and preserved; the remains of the carcass were disposed of. It was discovered when the Richards learned that Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers knew about the poaching, they attempted to hide the evidence at another location. During the investigation, the Richards gave many false statements and had officers searching several areas in the U.P. where they claimed to have disposed of the entire cougar and repeatedly denied that they took the animal home with them. The cougar hide, which had been prepared for mounting, and the skull were eventually recovered, and the entrails of the adult male cougar were also found at the Richards’ camp. The suspects ultimately admitted the crime and related it as one of opportunity – a once-in-a-lifetime chance to kill a cougar in Michigan and have it mounted. Cougars are on the Michigan endangered species list and are a protected animal that may not be hunted. Recent news reports quote Troy saying he shot the cougar to protect his father who was walking to his blind when they saw the cougar.
GARDEN CORNERS – A multiple vehicle accident closed U.S 2 Friday morning between Forest Highway 13 and Garden Corners and by early afternoon whiteout conditions in Mackinac County closed the highway from St. Ignace to Worth Road. Adverse weather conditions also closed the MackinacBridge as a winter storm with strong winds moved across the eastern Upper Peninsula. U.S. 2 in Delta County reopened about 2:30 p.m. As many a 16 vehicles including three semi-tractor trailers were involved in accidents near Garden Corners. First Lt. Greg Cunningham, Gladstone State Police Commander, said whiteout conditions made it difficult to sort out the extent of accidents. “The troopers and deputies are still trying to sort out how many vehicles are involved. You can’t see anything,” Cunningham said from the scene Friday morning. “These weather conditions are unpredictable and at this time it is absolutely undriveable on U.S. 2.” When the highway reopened, Cunningham said they were still uncertain of the number of vehicles involved and the number of injured. It was later reported that seven people were injured. They were transported to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique. There were no fatalities. Traffic was re-routed to U.S. 41 to M-67 to Munising during the closure. Adverse weather and poor visibility closed the Mackinac Bridge shortly after noon on Friday. The Michigan Department of Transportation also said traffic between St. Ignace and Worth Road in Mackinac County was being detoured to M-123.
ESCANABA – Nearly two miles of an abandoned gill net was recovered east of the Garden Peninsula in October. Law Enforcement from the Sault Ste, Marie Tribe and Michigan Department of Natural Resources began pulling the net on Oct. 18. The net is believed to have been floating in water along the Delta and Schoolcraft County border for about a year. It contained thousands of pounds of fish in various stages of decay. “This net was located east of the Garden Peninsula in approximately the same location, ballpark area of where the nets a couple of years ago where found,” Shann said at the time the net was brought in. “The process of dealing with this is like the same we did then which was pull the nets and determine who had them out there and left them unattended.” The net was brought into the Escanaba harbor aboard a DNR vessel. Tribal law enforcement took custody of the net and identified the people responsible for leaving it unattended. The Sault Tribe Prosecutor is now reviewing the case. The DNR and Tribal Police became aware of the net after fishermen reported getting fishing gear caught in what was believed to be a net. Several attempts to locate it were unsuccessful. Shann says it was eventually found about four miles east of Point Detour on the Garden Peninsula. “Here’s a Lake Trout that was recently caught. It doesn’t have that bad of decomposition. It’s been there for at least a few days. And then we have walleye, whitefish, burbot. Just thousands and thousands of fish. It’s sad. It’s just terriblely sad,” Shann said while walking among the crates of fish on board of the DNR boat in the Escanaba harbor. The crates of net and fish were hauled off the boat to an ATV that carried the crates to trailer. A small portion of the net remained out on the lake. Officers eventually were able to retrieve it.