KINGSFORD — Kingsford City Council heard an update this week on a Christmas Tree Lighting Event planned for Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Dickinson County Armory.

Organizer Jennifer Freeman said the event will be 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the tree lighting at 8 p.m. The evening will feature games and booths as well, with hot chocolate and treats to be served throughout.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck at 5 p.m. Music will be provided by the Kingsford Music Department from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Jim Counter from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Freeman thanked the armory for providing the space, sound equipment and supplies. They are also helping with set up, running the event and taking everything down afterwards. Staff Sgt. Derek Lambert has been her contact.

“He has been incredible to work with. It it our hope that the event will be successful and that we can continue to hold the event there in the future,” Freeman told the council.

Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union is helping put together and stuff 400 goodie bags to hand out to kids, she said They also donated the hot chocolate. “Amanda Bartels, marketing director for the credit union, has given me a lot of good ideas and has been a huge help,” Freeman said.

Ace Hardware donated candy canes and coloring books for the goodie bags. CJ Graphics is providing pens, markers and pads for goodie bags as well. They also donated plates, cups, napkins and printed posters. Results Broadcasting donated boxes full of stickers and candy canes and provided some items for the door prize.

Freeman also noted donations from Grede Foundry, First National Bank & Trust, Swanson’s Big Red Barn and Kwik Trip.

After the tree lighting, the tree will be moved to City Hall.

“I’m really happy the event is taking place. I hope this event will show that this community is a great place to raise a family,” Freeman said.

In other business, the council:

— Learned that Lt. Kenneth R. Wood will retire Feb. 4 after 27 years of service with the Public Safety Department. In his letter to the council, he said when he moved from downstate 27 years ago, “I would have never dreamed how much this department and community would change me, I met my wife, raised three kids and ultimately become a Flivver fan.” He further said, “Finding a department that involved both police and fire fighting duties was always my dream job so I sincerely thank the City of Kingsford and retired Director Denny Charette for giving me the opportunity.”

Members of the council thanked him for his service and for his dedication for helping teach fire training to other members of public safety. Councilman Dennis Baldinelli made the motion to have the director advertise for a replacement and conduct interviews, for the first time since 1951 without a civil service commission.

— Approved a three-year contract with Guide-Star to manage the city’s firewall at a cost of $1,019 a month. City Manager Mike Stelmaszek said he believes this was a fair amount but suggested the city look into other options after about 2 1/2 years. He said average monthly costs for computer work were about $2,500. The city has worked with Tech Solutions for a number of years, but they were sold to Guide-Star. Stelmaszek indicated that former owner Tech Khor would be remaining with the new company for a couple of years.

— Was informed that 19 deer have been harvested by 14 hunters through the ongoing managed archery hunt within city limits.

— Approved a $35 Christmas gift certificate for each city employee from Central Super Market, up from $25 last year.