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New era for SAGE Building at Sawyer International Airport

GWINN — The former K.I. Sawyer Air Base Command Center, also known as the SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) Building originally constructed by the USAF and deactivated in 1963, has hope for a new life. The property, which has not operated at its capacity as a data center since the base closed in September 1995, is under contract with an undisclosed purchaser, according to Vikki Kulju, executive director of Telkite Enterprises. The project, known as Project Odyssey, could be ready for occupancy by year end 2022 if the purchaser decides to move forward at the end of their due ...

Horne Fire burning in Isle Royale National Park closures, restrictions

HOUGHTON — Work continues on the approximately 200-acre Horne Fire, which ignited on August 10 near the Duncan Bay/Tobin Harbor Portage Trail on Isle Royale National Park. The cause of ignition is suspected to be lightning. The fire is now 15% contained. The health and safety of employees and visitors is our primary concern. Additional fire management objectives are to contain the fire to the east of the Duncan Bay/Tobin Harbor Portage Trail, and to extinguish fire on Minong Island. Closed areas are signed and monitored to ensure compliance. The following closures are in place ...

Senator Stabenow, U.S. Department of Agriculture announce Dairy Donation Program

WASHINGTON — Senator Debbie Stabenow joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Food Council of Michigan to announce the establishment of a $400 million Dairy Donation Program. Under the program, eligible dairy organizations will partner with nonprofit food assistance organizations that distribute food to individuals and families in need. Those partnerships may apply for and receive reimbursements to cover some expenses related to eligible dairy product donations. The program was inspired in part by the donations made by the Michigan ...

Federal unemployment benefits programs end Sept. 4

LANSING — Michigan workers who have been receiving federal jobless benefits through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will see those programs expire Sept. 4. Benefit recipients are reminded that the State of Michigan has several programs and services to assist in their search for a job or other help. Benefits approved by Congress through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation ...

LANSING — Governor Whitmer yesterday signed House Bills 4219 and 4220, which will allow for expungement of convictions for a first violation of operating while intoxicated (OWI) under certain circumstances. The bills are expected to allow an estimated 200,000 non-repeat OWI offenders to have the opportunity for a second chance at a clean record. The governor also signed legislation that continues Michigan’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) level for driving at .08, eliminating a planned sunset that would have increased the limit to .10. “No one should be defined by a mistake ...

Governor Whitmer proposes $2.1 billion investment to grow the middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities

LANSING — Joined by business leaders and public officials in Lansing, Governor Gretchen Whitmer laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities by tackling several underlying issues. As Michigan’s economic jumpstart continues, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by families, communities, and small businesses and take advantage of the historic influx in federal resources to deliver meaningful change that makes a real difference in people’s lives. “Since day one, I have been ...