2016
CITY DEVELOPMENT SECTION F
PROGRESS
Wednesday, March 30
A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE MINING JOURNAL ALSO INSIDE PAGE 2F Making change Bank merger
PAGE 3F Unique venue
PAGE 4F High quality for big loads New care facility
Above, a floral arrangement made for purchase at Forsbergs ... A New Leaf located at 201 S. Front St. At right, Sarah Balding is seen constructing an arrangment. Below, the storefront on South Front Street is seen. Forsbergs ... A New Leaf, formerly known as Forsbergs Flowers officially opened its doors in their new location on June. The family owned and operated business provides floral arrangements and services for a variety of events. (Journal file photos)
PAGE 6F Aquila Resources Inc. Pedaling for Parkinsons
Turning a new leaf Forsberg’s opens new downtown flower store
By RYAN JARVI Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — A Marquette flower shop, which last year relocated from Third Street to a vacant downtown storefront, has turned a new leaf. Forsbergs ... A New Leaf, formerly known as Forsbergs Flowers, officially opened its doors in June after moving to a new location at 201 S. Front St. “We really like this area of town,” said Sarah Balding, who co-owns the shop with her mother, Lou Ann. “The neighbors are amazing, the foot traffic in the summer was fantastic. We were actually open until 8 oclock at night because we just had a reason to be open.” The shop occupies space previously used by Silver Crow, a gallery and jewelry store. “The customers seem to really love being able to come back into this store again,” Balding said. “It had been five years since Silver Crow had closed, so nobody had
been in here or anything.” Balding said she began working for Forsbergs Flowers about 14 years ago, when it was run by her aunt and uncle. After they retired and the Third Street location was put up for sale, Balding stepped into the coowner role with her mother and the business moved to its new location. “With relocating weve been able to open up new lines of options for customers,” Balding said. “Were adding in fruit bouquets — those big edible arrangements where theyre dipped in chocolate ... So we can do stuff like that now, whereas in the other store we were kind of limited because we were paying a mortgage. It was a huge store, so to stock a whole store that big it was very hard.” Balding said minimal work was needed to get the store ready as a flower shop. “We built a cooler,” she said. “That cooler is all brand new, but the crazy thing is (the space) was painted the exact same color that our old store was painted. ... So other
than that (cooler), we just brought in our own shelving.” The family owned and operated business provides floral arrangement and services for a variety of events, including weddings, birthdays, graduations, dinner parties and funerals, as well as completing weekly orders at offices and businesses. “We fill you up with plants, and we continuously come in and do it, take care of them, make sure theyre still alive, which is harder than it sounds,” Balding said. Balding said there was some concern with parking at the new store, but she said it hasnt been a problem. “Were just really thankful for the community and the other business owners for being so supportive and giving us such positive feedback for where we are and what were doing,” she said. Ryan Jarvi can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 242. His email address is rjarvi@miningjournal.net.
2F -— The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
PROGRESS2016
Bank merger
Making change Expansion begins at Ojibwa Casinos By RYAN STIEG Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — The Ojibwa Casinos are on track for an upgrade. The casino will go through an expansion soon that will provide a better experience for those who enjoy gaming and for other guests. The tribe conducted a study early last year and has determined a plan for expansion. “We reached out and had a feasibility study done for both Baraga and Marquette (casinos),” Keweenaw Bay Indian Community CEO Larry Denomie said. “Were actually doing a new casino in Baraga as well. We went ahead with that process and learned what could work down there in the property that we had available to do (with) gaming. “It turns out ... our plan is a reflection of that study that was performed, and then in the general election in December of 2015, the question was asked of the voting membership here on the reservation and they overwhelmingly supported doing the project in Marquette. “What were going to be doing is were going to be adding on to the existing facility. Were going to be actually adding on a casino gaming space which will include an additional 25 percent of space to grow the number of gaming devices that we have. “Well be adding on a new restau-
rant, which will be a branded restaurant. Within the facility that we have now, once we get the gaming going up into the new facility, that area is going to be renovated. Were going to be adding a club or lounge area, a small conference center and the rest of it will be used for storage and office spaces and back-of-thehouse functions that would support the casino operations.” Denomie said that casino management doesnt have a specific brand yet for the restaurant, but want to come up with something that is different than what is already in the area. In Baraga, the casino is going through a larger expansion that also includes a new restaurant along with a new and larger hotel. Denomie said that the budget for the Marquette expansion is set at $12 million, while Baraga is set for $28 million. He hopes that expansion of both casinos will provide a great experience for customers and that it will bring back those that may have left for newer facilities. “People that have come to us and have gone somewhere else, were hoping that theyll come back and theyll see that weve got a new fresh look and the offerings that we have will be very nice,” he said.
A merger agreement between Huntington Bancshares and First Merit has been entered By CRAIG REMSBURG Senior Sports Writer MARQUETTE — A merger agreement between Huntington Bancshares Inc. and First Merit Corporation has been entered into involving a stock and cash transaction. FirstMerit Corporation is the parent company of FirstMerit Bank, which has local branches at 1930 U.S. 41 West and 662 Palms Avenue in Ishpeming. The agreement was announced the end of January. Based on the closing price of Huntingtons common shares at that time, the total transaction was approximately $3.4 billion. That includes outstanding options and other equity-linked services. “I believe the strength of this deal is that both organizations already understand the needs and goals of our Midwestern customers and communities,” Steve Steinour, Huntington CEO, president and chair-
man, said in a press release. Huntington recently posted record earnings for 2015. Included were a 10 percent increase in net income and a 13 percent increase in earnings per common share. At the time of the merger announcement, FirstMerit reported its 67th straight quarter of profitability. At the time of the merger announcement, Huntington spokeswoman Maureen Brown said no decisions had been made regarding any bank consolidations. The merger transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of this year. The proforma company is expected to have nearly $100 billion in assets and operate across eight states in the Midwest. Craig Remsburg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251. His email address is cremsburg@miningjournal.net.
Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 246. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.
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The ball room, shown in this photo as a banquette hall, is an available rental space at the Masonic Center. (Courtesy photo)
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events,” Engle said. “The parking ramp is perfect in that respect because theres 240some spots back there for people to come and park.” The building also offers a prime location for wedding ceremonies and receptions. “We have about 15 to 20 weddings a year that come through here,” Engle said. “Thats been growing over the last several years.” Engle said couples can also take their vows in the buildings Red Room, which is the buildings large auditorium space. “The bonus of that is you get married and you walk across the hall and youre at your reception hall, and you dont have to go outside if you dont want to,” he said. “You dont have to worry about it raining and all that sort of stuff.” The original building was constructed in 1890, according to the Masonic Square Malls website. “It was originally the Marquette Opera House,” Engle said. “So the Washington Street level was actually an opera house. It was one of the top 10 opera houses in the country at the time.” Engle said John Longyear and Peter White donated the building to the Masons in 1927, but 11 years later the building caught on fire and burned down. It was rebuilt in 1939 with a new design featur-
See Masonic
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Marquette’s Masonic building offers unique retail, event venue
By RYAN JARVI Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — While many people visit the retail shops in the lower levels of the Masonic building in downtown Marquette, the upper level auditorium and event space may have flown under the radar for some. The building, which is located at 128 W. Washington St., is split between retail space on the two lower levels and banquet-style rental space in the upper story, which includes a roughly 3,500 square foot ball room. “Its almost like a duplex in that respect,” said Ryan Engle, business manager at the Masonic building. “Youve got the Masonic Square Mall, which is the retail shops, and then youve got the U.P. Masonic Center, which is this third floor.” Engle started as manager in December 2014, and has worked to develop the rental space as well as the number of businesses operating in the retail space. “When I took over we were 70 percent occupied, and now were close to 100 percent occupied,” he said. “Things have been going really well, and its been nice (with) new businesses and new opportunities.” The building has hosted farmers markets, fat bike summits, New Years Eve parties, gatherings for businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as many other events. “Its nice to bring people in and everybody has been having good
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4F — The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
PROGRESS2016
High quality for big loads
Superior Walk-In and Family health is purchasing the former Bonanza Steakhouse on U.S. 41. A new urgent health care facility will open at that site in June. (Journal photo by Elizabeth Bailey)
Skandia Truss, practical snow load design
New care facility New urgent health care facility will be located at the former Bonanza Steakhouse
By CRAIG REMSBURG Senior Sports Writer SKANDIA — A Wakefield native and longtime Marquette County resident/business owner, Gary Niemela knows what Old Man Winter can do when it comes to snow. The white stuff can put a lot of stress on residential and commercial roofs over a winter season. At Skandia Truss — established by Niemela and his wife, Sirkku Liisa Niemela — snow loads are not taken lightly. “We manufacture highquality trusses with a strong emphasis on practical snow load design to suit local conditions. We can build roofs that can withstand local elements,” Gary Niemela said. “Duration of loading, drift loading, rain on snow, lake effect snow and typically sheltered U.P. terrain ... must be considered for a complete and thorough snow load analysis. “Its not always practical to shovel snow off a roof, so its wise to design and build a roof structure which can withstand local elements and conditions,” he added. Trusses arent the only product the company sells. “We also sell structural product gluelams, LVLlaminated veneer lumber, I-joists and metal roofing for residential and commercial buildings,” Niemela said. Niemela has a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction from Michigan State University. He has been extensively employed in this field since graduating in 1975. He and Liisa established Skandia Truss in 1996. The Niemelas have constructed numerous wood frame projects ranging from residential to large commercial buildings. Skandia Trusss sales/service area is throughout the U.P., but primarily in Marquette, Alger, Schoolcraft and Delta counties. “We also get into Baraga and Houghton (counties ) a little bit, too,” Niemela said. He said Skandia Truss, which employs an average of 10 people and up to as many as 20 during the peak season, is a “very specialized business.” “People can get a custom-built order and not go through retailers. That makes us a little unique,” Niemela said. He said once road weight restrictions are lifted in the area, “we go hard from then until deer season or Christmas. “Theres something al-
ways going on (even during the winter months). Guys are doing maintenance and gearing up for the new season.” Niemela said his son, Josh, works at Skandia Truss. Another son, Luke, is leaving the Army in June and “wants to join us.” “Its a family business. We make the highestquality roofs and trusses money can buy,” Niemela said. “We basically sell a roof system thats trouble-free and can also insulate and ventilate a roof properly.” The business is located at 9465 U.S. 41 in Skandia. Office hours are from 8 a,m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until noon on Saturday. The telephone number is (906) 942-7171. Craig Remsburg can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 251. His email address is cremsburg@miningjournal.net.
By CRAIG REMSBURG Senior Sports Writer MARQUETTE — Barring any unforeseen complications, a new urgent health care facility will open in June at the site of the former Bonanza Steakhouse in Marquette Township. Superior Walk-In and Family Health is purchasing the building on U.S. 41. Clinic owner Dr. Kurt Olson expected the sale to be final the end of February. Olson said the clinics current location in the Peninsula Medical Center on Fair Avenue will remain open, but just as a walk-in facility. He said the new facility will be an urgent care clinic and provide pri-
mary care doctors. “Urgent care services will be dramatically better and I expect wait times to improve significantly,” Olson said. He also said the community will also benefit, as well, from the addition of primary care doctors at the new facility. “Were very excited about the expansion and how it will meet the needs of our patients,” Olson said. “Our facility will still remain open 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, and now, our patients can have a primary care doctor.” Extensive renovations to the former Bonanza building will be required, he said. “Engineering and architectural
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plans are laid out, for the most part,” Olson said. The new location will be right for the business in many ways, he said. “Urgent car is a drive-by business for a lot of people and this is a good location,” he said. “Convenient, close to town, adequate parking ... its a good time to do this.”
Craig Remsburg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251. His email address is cremsburg@miningjournal.net.
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6F — The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
Aquila Resources Inc.
Plans to develop a new open-pit mine close to Wisconsin boarder
By CRAIG REMSBURG Senior Sports Writer MARQUETTE — Plans are progressing to develop an open-pit mine in the Upper Peninsula not far from the Wisconsin border. Aquila Resources Inc., of Canada, has filed an application to construct the mine along the Menominee River, which divides Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin. The company says it will spend more than $300 million to extract gold, Copper, zinc and silver from the site. In a University of Minnesota-Duluth study commissioned by Aquila officials, the mine would generate more than $20 million in new tax revenue. In addition, more than $16.5 million in royalties would go into Michigans state government over the 16year life of the mine. In addition to an estimated 1,330 construction jobs, the open-pit mine and surrounding four-county area, would result in 450 new jobs, according to the study. Michigan regulators
held a public hearing on the application the middle of January before several hundred supporters and opponents. Members of the Menominee Indian tribe based in Keshena, Wisconsin, have raised concerns about the proposed mines impact on burial grounds and other cultural resources. In addition, the River Alliance of Wisconsin is concerned the mine could pollute the Menominee River, harming efforts to boost the sturgeon population there. Wastewater would be treated and then discharged into the river. Aquilas chief executive officer, Barry Hildred, said the company has spent $70 million on planning and scientific reports for the companys mining application. “Its paramount to us we operate in a very environmentally friendly and very safe way,” he said. Craig Remsburg can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 251. His email is cremsaddress burg@miningjournal.net
Plans for an open pit mine are progressing for Aquila Resources Inc., of Canada. The open pit mine will be located along the Menomonee River not far from the Wisconsin border. (Graphic by Selena Hautamaki)
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Pedaling for Parkinsons YMCA continues to provide good programs By RYAN STIEG Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Its hard to find an organization that puts out better programs than the YMCA of Marquette County. And new ones are introduced frequently. One of these newer programs is Pedaling for Parkinsons, which is designed to help those with the disease reduce their symptoms. The YMCA website, www.ymcamqt.org, cites a study performed at the Cleveland Clinic that found pedaling a bicycle at a fast pace provides a 35 percent reduction in symptoms. The program last eight weeks, three times a week for one hour per week, and the second winter session began on Feb. 29. Its for people ages 30 to 80 and its held in the Group Exercise Room. The first eight weeks are free, but after that, a $25 fee is required. Senior marketing and communications leader Megan Coombs says the program is quite popular and positive results from the class can be seen. “We have seen individuals who werent actually able to walk into our facility and by the end of the eight-week session, they can actually walk out of the facility by themselves without a cane or walker or anything,” she said. “Weve also seen individuals whose handwriting has actually gotten better and their speech weve seen (improve). Its a really great program.” Another program called Moving for Better Balance started in January. Its another evidence-based program, which Coombs says a lot of the YMCAs programs are. This one is based on the principles of Tai Chi.
Coombs said that the focus is to improve balance, strength, flexibility and mobility as a method to keep older adults from falling. According to Y website, participants may also have “better mental health, reduced stress, improved memory and cognition, and increased self-esteem.” The Y also offers a mentoring program called Rise to Reach that has been around for quite a while, but Coombs said that the Y is always looking for volunteers. Adults ages 23 and older are paired with a child to help to create a positive influence in their lives
This trio works on stationary bikes at the YMCA of Marquette County as part of the Pedaling for ParkinSee YMCA son's program. (Photo courtesy Marquette County Continued on 7F YMCA)
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PROGRESS2016 YMCA
Continued from 6F while going on field trips or engaging in other activities. The Y website says that at larger venues, such as San Francisco and Baltimore, mentees have improved their grades in school, express their feelings better, get along better with others and get involved in other healthy programs. Mentors spend one to three hours a week for a year after going
through paraprofessional counseling training. “Its a really great program,” Coombs said. “Weve had that for a couple of years now and were always looking for volunteers and mentees as well.”
A group of people work out on stationary bikes at the YMCA of Marquette County as part of the Pedaling for Parkinson's program. (Photo courtesy Marquette County YMCA)
Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 246. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.n et.
Masonic
Continued from 3F ing retail space on the lower levels to replace the opera house, but the Red Room was included because developers didnt want the community to lose its theater space, Engle said. At its peak, Engle said there were about 1,200 to 1,300 local Masons. “Now, were down to about 150,” he explained. “At one time, everybody knew somebody that was a Mason and so everybody knew the building was here and knew what was here because theyd been here for something.” Engle said as the group of Masons shrunk in size, it resulted in fewer and fewer people knowing about what was offered at the Masonic building over the years. Engle said some updating and painting has
been done to the upper floor of the building, which hasnt been done since the mid 1980s. “Were a community building,” he said. “Were really trying to promote doing things with the community, and being involved and engaged with the community the best we can. Were here for weddings, were here for meetings, a little bit of everything.” To rent space at the building, call Engle at 906-225-1157 or email upmasoniccenterre@g mail.com. For more information, visit www.masonicsquaremall.com, or search for “Masonic Square Shops” on Facebook. Ryan Jarvi can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 242. His email address is rjarvi@miningjournal.net.
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Above, the auditorium at the Masonic center is an available rental space for various events. Below, a closer view of the stage located in the auditorium. (Courtesy photo)
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