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6/2/2008 11:59:00 AM |
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Chris Anderson directs the first
flight from Great Lakes Airlines to
arrive at Gogebic-Iron County
Airport in Ironwood Township Sunday
morning. (Joshua Kodis/Daily Globe
photo) |
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Da plane! Da plane!
IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP -- After eight weeks without
commercial airline service, daily flights into and
out of Gogebic-Iron County Airport have returned.
Sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures were on
tap Sunday for Great Lakes Airlines' arrivals and
departures.
Operations at GICA went on smoothly, despite an
approximate 17-minute delay with the first arrival
from Milwaukee's Mitchell Field via Rhinelander,
Wis. Wind turbulence in Milwaukee could have been
the reason for the short delay, according to Great
Lakes Airlines station manager Marti Armata of
Ironwood.
It was a homecoming of sorts for Great Lakes
Airlines, which provided the commercial passenger
service at the airport prior Skyway Airlines taking
it over about four years ago.
Skyway Airlines discontinued service in Ironwood
April 5 after it decided not to bid on the essential
air service contract.
Armata, who also worked for Skyways, said Sunday she
sees little difference in the day-to-day operations
with Great Lakes Airlines, with the exception of the
paperwork procedure. She said the computer network
at the front desk should be installed today, and
expects change there as well.
"It feels good to be back," she said.
It also means a return to work for the three
Transportation Security Administration staffers
employed at GICA. The three federal employees were
temporarily assigned to work at the airport in
Rhinelander.
Present at Sunday's inaugural flight were airport
manager Duane DuRay and Gogebic County Board members
Bob Morin of Ironwood and Joe Bonovetz of Bessemer. |
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Ironwood is the Western Gateway to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the major
city in the area with a population of over 6,000 - the shopping, cultural, and recreational center serving 50,000 people within a fifty mile radius. |
The area boasts the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway, including numerous waterfalls and the Copper Peak Ski Flying Complex. In the Summer and Fall, Copper Peak offers chairlift and elevator rides to the top of the world's largest ski jump.
The 954,000 acre Ottawa National Forest offers 27 campgrounds, access to 35 scenic waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails in the North Country National Scenic Recreation Trail.
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 Historic buildings are museums are numerous in downtown Ironwood. The recently renovated Historic Ironwood Theater is well worth a visit let alone a performance. With 100 shows a year you will be able to see something pleasing to your taste. The Depot, also recently restored, holds much of the history of this mining and logging community. The Memorial Building with granite floors and stone columns, houses the city government and is open for walk-in guests. |
Hiawatha
In June of 1964, escorted by police, Hiawatha started
his long journey from his birthplace in Minneapolis, MN
(Gordon Industries) to Ironwood.
Lying on a specially designed 70-foot trailer bed,
one hand extending 26 feet over the highway. Hiawatha
followed a carefully planned route, to avoid bridges,
underpasses, and electric lines. Upon safe arrival, the
general comment from the crowd was “I didn’t believe it
would be that big”.
In his honor many preparations were made, including
the pouring of 55 yards of concrete and the addition of
5000 pounds of steel reinforcement. Towering above the
concrete two 26 foot steel supports were placed. |
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All was in readiness for the parade to carry Hiawatha
to his new home. Hiawatha however had vanished.
Nationwide press coverage of Hiawatha’s disappearance
did little to assure the return of the ten thousand
dollar statue. He was returned in time for the
celebration, just as mysteriously as he disappeared.
Lifted upright into his present location on June 26,
1964 with the help of a 90-foot crane and a special
harness, Hiawatha rose to the cheers of the overwhelmed
onlookers.
Thus it was that Hiawatha, in all his majesty, stands
above Ironwood, Michigan, calling upon the traveler to
stop and view the wonders of his adopted country, to see
the sights and experience the freshness and rapture that
is Hiawathaland….
“HOMEWARD NOW WENT HIAWATHA”…..
Information obtained from “ the Ironwood Michigan
Hiawatha Story” by Paul J. Kending
Arranged for this publication by: Kathy Peite & Chris
Schlicher
For the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce
Special Thanks to: Larry Peterson & Will Andresen
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Waste Management
Waste Management collects refuse once a week in the
residential areas and by contract with businesses.
1-800-261-8727
City of Ironwood Compost Site is open to residents of
the City of Ironwood only. Brush, leaves, and chips
only. Do not use wire to bundle brush, rope only. Site
will be open by request. Call 932-3911
Furniture, appliances and other large items will have to
be brought by residents to the Solid Waste Transfer
Station on US-2. 932-0600
Christmas Tree pick up will be held approximately January 15th
weather permitting.
Page Last Updated:
June 02, 2008 |
