ONTONAGON — Bob Niemela was re-elected as Chairman at the recent Ontonagon County Republican party county convention.  Dr. Kirk Schott was re-elected Vice-Chair.  Schott will also assume the responsibilities of the Secretary position.  Bill Porter was re-elected Treasurer.

After the county convention, the party held its regular monthly meeting.  Discussion on economic development in Ontonagon County has become an integral part of the monthly meetings.  Extensive discussion took place dealing with JJ’s Tackle Shop’s attempts to purchase property near the Ontonagon Marina.

Jill Johnson proposed to purchase the property adjacent to her business at an Ontonagon Village Council meeting in September. At the November 28 meeting Ontonagon village manager, Joe Erickson, told the village council the village did not own the property.  The property is owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation, as the village never did the necessary paperwork when the former Ontonagon swing bridge was removed and that portion of M-64 was abandoned.

The Village Council agreed to pursue ownership of that property from MDOT.

At this month’s Ontonagon County Republican party meeting the members voted unanimously to support the village’s acquisition of the property and selling that property to Johnson.

Johnson proposes to expand the current JJ’s Tackle Shop and extend its business into sporting goods.  Johnson also plans on erecting a building to store and service boats.  Johnson also wants to build a coffee shop.

“p1″>”What I have heard by attending village council meetings is that the Johnson’s want to hire up to 15 people.  As one that also wants to start a new business in Ontonagon, I know how important it is to bring new businesses and new jobs to our area,” said Niemela.

The council also discussed a proposed water bottling plant.  Representatives of the party have contacted Governor Snyder’s UP liaison for assistance in meeting with representatives of a water bottling facility in lower Michigan.  The Governor’s representatives have not responded.

It was announced at the meeting that Ted Baird has been appointed to be on the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.

“p1″>”Since we are so involved in economic development, we’re happy to see Ted (Baird) being appointed to the EDC Board.  Hopefully we can get others from our party appointed to the Board,” concluded Niemela.