DAEDA updates Kingsford council on education, development efforts

KINGSFORD -- The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is getting a good response to career exploration days conducted for area high school students, the Kingsford City Council was told Monday.

Mindy Urban, executive director, said the DAEDA had its annual Manufacturing Day on Oct. 2 at the Bay College Iron Mountain Campus for 370 freshman in area schools, including Florence and Niagara in Wisconsin. The event introduces students to possible careers in the manufacturing area.

In the winter, the Alliance will host a Healthcare Career Day for sophomores.

"The earlier we start that, the better," Urban said of providing information on jobs available locally in various fields.

She told the council that typically Dickinson County has one of the lowest Upper Peninsula unemployment rates and higher pay, but housing continues to be an issue. The alliance is conducting a housing assessment survey that is available on its website. The last assessment was done in 2020.

The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission and the Central U.P. Regional Housing Partnership are working with eight local developers to find out what works and what doesn't, Urban said, adding there is a lot of collaboration.

The DAEDA will host a small business luncheon on Wednesday at Bay College.

In other business, the council:

-- Approved a variance request at 816 Michael St. for a side-yard setback to allow for the construction of a garage addition 4 feet closer to the side property line than is permitted. There were no objections, with one letter of support and one verbal support.

-- Authorized a final change order/pay request for $105,023 for the alley wall project between Harrison and Cleveland avenues. Because of the steepness of the wall, the city will consider adding a guard rail in the alley.

-- Approved a request from Todd Dooley to have a fireworks display at the Kingsford High School varsity football game Friday. This is the final regular season game and also features the annual night show by the high school marching band.

-- Learned that 14 hunters are participating in the city's annual archery deer cull, taking 21 deer so far this year.

-- Heard that Northern Soccer League has contacted the city about using Commemorative Field next year. They will meet with city officials soon to discuss details.

-- Learned early in-person voting starts Saturday and extends through Sunday, Nov. 1. Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. All registered voters in Dickinson County may vote at Kingsford City Hall during the early voting period. On Election Day, Nov. 3, only City of Kingsford voters may vote at Kingsford City Hall. Other Dickinson County voters must vote at their regular polling location in the community where they reside.

City officials remind the public that campaign materials are prohibited inside the polling location and within 100 feet of the building entrance. Prohibited items include political signs, shirts, hats, buttons, pamphlets and other materials that express support for or opposition to a candidate or proposal on the current ballot. Wearing campaign apparel or carrying signs or pamphlets within 100 feet of a polling place for the purpose of influencing voters is illegal.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.