[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6598596,"mediaKeyId","3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628","parentId",3032570,"title","Partridge Creek Farm announces CSA season, summer programs and executive director transition","audioSeconds",210,"startMs",1753000,"endMs",1963000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628&start=1753&end=1963","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628/thumbnail_1753000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598596/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/Partridge-Creek-Farm-announces-CSA-season-summer-programs-and-executive-director-transition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598596-4f91e2ba881524111a204a1ef2bb2a3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166611&Signature=ffgRo6hKw0rZ9QYQDvo-PXedpC~jAQMA2bNankZpw0BXs6sM9oKVA8vmlxC3DWU4cjEb7aT-FHDztLJCsnQcKiwoYF6wjofi5MaOwI0vrz6VOmvGoiOgjz-7VroT~7Zd2UGofAdKIe06-s7d3U4ilmDAfOaRpdkCrsMdCtKo39Ac~nEFwngli2UPwKb4Clvexuvj~umAyQO6~R6aV98zeHSwUpdfsvOFd6WZfHBMRK0MNyKRrZqSQwspXaDhgn5YmlhcGYRJgLzE94j-3O6EqgTIZMCk-doiUKkmsT2wKHdDCur5jjkOdjZ5kOnSjoHei9SqznHn2ElkLKRY3X1pQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ishpeming","date","2025-04-17T01:11:20.887Z","article","Sarah Johnson, executive director of Partridge Creek Farm, used public comment to outline the farm
s 2025 season and to announce leadership changes.

Programs and funding

Johnson said the farm
s 2025 CSA (community-supported agriculture) program offers 17 weeks of local produce with Wednesday pick-up and that SNAP/EBT payments are accepted; residents using food assistance qualify for a reduced weekly fee of $5 (a 75% discount) when paying weekly rather than up-front. The farm is renting growing beds at a community garden site on Euclid and First Street and plans major site upgrades funded by donations raised on GivingTuesday. Partridge Creek also expects a second Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) grant award pending final approval, which would support a second phase of farm development.

Leadership change

Johnson announced she will step down as executive director at the end of the month and transition to a role as director of operations and marketing for a family-run campground; she said the farm
s director of programs and director of finance will serve as interim co-directors. Johnson told the council she will remain an Ishpeming resident and would continue to support the farm.

Why this matters: Partridge Creek Farm operates programs focused on food access and education that rely on partnerships with the city and local funders; the MDARD grant (if awarded) would expand production capacity and local food access.

Ending

Council members thanked Johnson for her leadership and noted the farm will present a season recap at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Ishpeming Regular Council Meeting - April 16, 2025 6:00 P.M.","oneSentenceSummary","Partridge Creek Farm told the council its 2025 CSA is open, that plots at its new community garden are available, and that the farm was recommended for a second MDARD grant; the farm\ns executive director said she will step down and transition to a new local role.","taxTitle","Ishpeming, Marquette County, Michigan","taxId",55654,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598600,"Lake Superior Community Partners outlines West End business supports, grant activity and new initiatives",565,2329000,2894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628&start=2329&end=2894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628/thumbnail_2329000.jpg","/articles/6598600/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/Lake-Superior-Community-Partners-outlines-West-End-business-supports-grant-activity-and-new-initiatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598600-8c6e8b682b1e955f2435d3f9a76be5e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166611&Signature=JIgMwlya8CqduHc42Y6wLwkXD8D7sf3MDQaYXd31ZTKEPyS~zRuApOhp~sUs-yCg0F2n7TEBriVKB9JKxMVsHuy~F3h6rNnOEsCLwecflVeYvfdNFNIceDvN1fHZCYYzUwZNIUGun6zu2XyAjRIQrytUNFoBDj603V7tefoKxVi-GYxA7knyPpAtTnWZF-VVe5OsuJ9g863azOBsk8zMwHv0nqKKJ13oWlNUNvhyo128aZazbbMevj-Zw-isk6N34Ii55zaSYRUCo8R9M~qIM7-dlOWWeSjOGkaGB~bKOS46-Fj06uGe-FmR5~vC3wcBsraw4SS6uMsZd-wfF0Hh9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of Lake Superior Community Partners (LSCP) gave the council a quarterly update on economic development and small-business support in the West End district.

Highlights reported

- Match on Main applications: LSCP staff walked West End businesses door to door and submitted an application for Earth Goods Cafe; Match on Main is a $25,000 matching grant program administered by MEDC for eligible communities.

- Workshops and technical assistance: LSCP held two workshops at the West End Hub (a Match on Main workshop and a general grant-writing session) and a lunch-and-learn on recently updated Earned Sick Time Act requirements, aimed at small-business compliance.

- Promotional support and events: LSCP reported marketing and promotional support for local businesses and said they are developing a West End business passport (a tourist-oriented marketing pass) and a West End newsletter with a high open rate.

- Funding and partnerships: LSCP said it has a contract to hold the small-business celebration in Ishpeming and has used settlement funds isolated to the West End Economic Hub operating fund. LSCP also said the Lehi Foundation planned to support a West End Christmas market.

- Childcare and housing initiatives: LSCP is launching a childcare provider grant program (funded with county ARPA funds) with grants up to $5,000 and noted a new public-private housing partnership called Housing Now / 906.

Why this matters: LSCP
s work is intended to drive downtown foot traffic, support small-business growth, and leverage grant programs to upgrade storefronts and business operations in the West End. Councilors praised the outreach and asked staff to coordinate continued partnership.

Ending

Council members thanked the LSCP representative for the update and encouraged continued collaboration on grants, promotional events and the West End economic hub.","A Lake Superior Community Partners representative reported on first-quarter activity: Match on Main grant applications, facade and promotional support, a West End Economic Hub, a business passport pilot, childcare provider grants, and a collaboration on a regional revitalization application to MEDC.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598604,"Council agrees to advance Third Street redesign plans; staff to seek block-by-block cost estimates",682,2842000,3524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628&start=2842&end=3524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628/thumbnail_2842000.jpg","/articles/6598604/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/Council-agrees-to-advance-Third-Street-redesign-plans-staff-to-seek-block-by-block-cost-estimates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598604-97d98c9ef01788eccc3bbed26a80946b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166611&Signature=Naqw35l9TBt87BMnuYOz7OokLBjw-Pb2OKsg2QB4hFSmEPP0s0RXyC~fAt9FHz1oc31wF4kioLx9RQiQYgeTuaMd6IRnY6j1TYJ2qwKCe1i9iHk992eZtO4WP1XdW1DNCgGENTehG4r4op-OhSU-ZdhCF9hZ3~QfqJdKDZhtQfcPKbWWB3lnoWQzsVjRiZpuir~pA0ffiSTRpN5Cr007A4jqrQqQLBR~osFUceLGZB1zGzLXdUbqFZLRgprZSbWBLHyIOS31ePq1VImW4inhMRPOBe0VeSN69Aj~N~3x6Ezp-7tjh-vne-lIDCy3McAB~JyrA8ZVBafj-BAU1IK4Fw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and outside engineers presented proposed design options for Third Street reconstruction and related sewer work and the council agreed to advance the design package to the engineering firm Lindbergh for block-by-block cost estimates.

Key design choices presented

The engineering presentation described a plan to reduce travel-way width to about 28 feet in many sections (14 feet from centerline each direction), add curb and a green strip on both sides, and retain existing sidewalks in places where historic retaining walls or other constraints exist. Engineers said they would not alter a particular block's sidewalk near significant retaining walls to avoid damaging historic walls.

Sewer and stormwater notes

Engineers and staff discussed a planned sewer river crossing that may require cofferdamming and bypass pumping to dewater a work area; the presenters said permits (described in the discussion as MP51/MP53 minor permits) would be sought rather than requiring public hearings. Staff emphasized coordination with Payne & Dolan (sewer contractor) and that some work would likely be scheduled for drier summer months.

Council direction and next steps

Councilors expressed broad consensus to forward the Third Street plans to Lindbergh for pricing, block by block, so council can later select how much to include in a construction package. No final construction contract was approved at the meeting; a follow-up presentation with costed options was requested.

Related sewer purchase approved

Separately, the council approved purchase of four portable sanitary flow meters for $30,313.34 from the sewer fund to help isolate areas of inflow and infiltration (I&I). DPW staff had said one-month contract flow monitoring for a single manhole would cost roughly the same as buying multiple portable meters; the council approved owning meters to support ongoing diagnostics.

Ending

Staff will provide block-specific cost estimates to the council after Lindbergh prices the plan; the sewer river crossing will proceed after permits and further scheduling decisions.","City staff and engineers presented a Third Street redesign that would narrow travel lanes, add green strips, and retain certain historic sidewalks; council asked engineers to provide block-level costs and directed staff to seek prices from contractor Lindbergh.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598608,"Council approves letter of support to reserve CDBG funds for Loffler Block housing project",443,6033000,6476000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628&start=6033&end=6476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628/thumbnail_6033000.jpg","/articles/6598608/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/Council-approves-letter-of-support-to-reserve-CDBG-funds-for-Loffler-Block-housing-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598608-102cd251ef165666cf839be13f5b8c43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166611&Signature=NWERx-mEgSqSaSxb7FMR5T1ENYUvUiOePYbddbZNTlNUAPuFpL9zP3SuC5jYoi1dvQurFTpZTXFFrgvZ2QRM8SaculPipbgZsOghEPnZShTAWm0iKzDOjGS3aHb8mBv3XuZyLUmMvqOUJ7Ls6-DuTSXOZuIGfRr875tEu7o53vwizbA9wckidNwVj68jSRe8HTOxiECwATlEj21KBWxySjmfjpqo3-1zco7bZp~W2pwv0ksZJrQ94-CcjK89dvORaeldyQvFlhjJOBCcpYu3YYmVn34DGuj~eHQ0Dj2XmlRR59Ta~iWD1dovzhWzix3fG2GjvfEF5vF09lED3oCh2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bryce Sturmer, a local developer who owns multiple properties in Ishpeming, asked the council for a letter of support to reserve Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a downtown housing project at the former Raleigh\u0000s Furniture building (referred to in the presentation as the Loeffler Block).

Sturmer described a plan to create five new, accessible ground-floor apartments, rehabilitate seven existing upstairs units, and prioritize rents at or below 80% of area median income (AMI). He said the project aims to ‘‘introduce this housing at a really attainable rate’’ and told the council he is working with local contractors and the Marquette County Land Bank on a brownfield/TIF plan.

Council action

Council members voted to have city staff prepare and send a letter of support for the CDBG application. The motion passed by voice vote; the meeting record shows unanimous assent. The council chair asked staff to prepare the letter so Sturmer could meet a grant deadline.

Project details provided in meeting

- Proposed new units: 5 ground-floor apartments (mix described as five 2-bedroom, one 3-bedroom two-bath, and one 1-bedroom in the broader rehabilitation plan). Sturmer described an eventual resident population of about 14–20 people.
- Affordability target: priority for households at or below 80% AMI.
- Estimated project cost (developer estimate): $1.2 million to $1.4 million (construction-only, excluding land acquisition).
- Parking: Sturmer said he would demolish a steel connector structure and create parking on site, and that he owns a nearby gravel lot to increase capacity.

Why this matters: The request is a preliminary step to reserve CDBG funds; it does not represent final project approval. Council approval of a letter of support helps the applicant meet tight grant deadlines and is commonly used to demonstrate local government backing for funding requests.

Ending

Council asked staff to prepare the formal letter and the developer said he would return to the council for subsequent approvals related to site plan, building permits and any public funding acceptance.","The council authorized staff to prepare a letter of intent to reserve Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the Loeffler Block redevelopment in downtown Ishpeming, a proposal to create five ground-floor apartments and rehab existing upper units.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598613,"Residents urge Ishpeming City Council to hold public hearing on water fluoridation",2067,1063000,3130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628&start=1063&end=3130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3032570-8295f837d302637e2aa938f85586a628/thumbnail_1063000.jpg","/articles/6598613/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/Residents-urge-Ishpeming-City-Council-to-hold-public-hearing-on-water-fluoridation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598613-f77581f995f64a50093dc23be4663ec0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166611&Signature=hjWOgqmsFo1-tjkP5KHTamwhlZPi~GZ6K-SLEMIHn0YNI1vyVmwlwcc6QHOAfFInQfHewiJ5xyZEuSd726YVAecmGTQu5tNdU6zsW3xCEevxZuGx77bdC~6X0eCvW1slEobcOHEF8tNsrEAGiMau5kriAFZkYhrDU2joRbBIhi8pQtHknBXU41IXS7OYp0syV7TDp5~Te1XZQrmcgiOJRKy9Vnknr6V65UQFJWg3wCs0JVH29CGGi-f4Dyb0I7FQ4EQgpW9YyRn4vkRKgoyDnMX7d-1sdNRwLcCud8OAbd0tjR8AsWGo2dCXEJwjLnbVmfY0ZFOZUYxYULNZ3rH-aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents used the public-comment period at the Ishpeming City Council meeting to ask the council to hold a public hearing on water fluoridation.

Negaunee resident Carrie Plummer told the council she had emailed members a large packet of research and argued that proponents’ claims that fluoridation is “safe and effective” do not reflect the evidence she cited. Plummer said, “I
m here to ask the city council to please hold a public hearing on this issue.” She and several other speakers pointed to recent research summaries and a federal court ruling referenced in their remarks and urged the council to allow a structured public forum.

Why this matters: Speakers framed fluoridation as both a public-health policy and a matter of individual medical consent. Several residents said the issue affects children and pregnant people and asked the council to gather expert testimony. No council member announced steps to schedule a hearing during the meeting.

What speakers said and asked

- Carrie Plummer (Negaunee resident) asked for a council-hosted public hearing and provided emailed materials. She criticized broad statements that fluoridation is “absolutely safe” and cited international reviews and a recent National Toxicology Program (NTP) assessment mentioned by other speakers.

- A second speaker (identified in the record as speaker 10) referenced a September federal court ruling attributed to “Judge Chen,” saying the ruling found that fluoridation at commonly used concentrations poses “unreasonable risk of neurological harm to our children and the unborn.” That speaker urged a town meeting so health professionals could present additional information.

- Jeff Plummer (resident) described family experiences with dental fluorosis in a young child and the cost and effort required to remove fluoride from household water, saying his family now uses reverse-osmosis water for many uses.

- Other residents, including Amanda Ganavetti (Ishpeming business owner), Kristen Rainey (Negaunee resident), Dr. Frank Jeffries (holistic chiropractor), and multiple others, urged the council to hold a hearing or otherwise consider ending or pausing fluoridation. Several speakers said fluoride in local water comes from industrial sources such as phosphate fertilizer plants (hydrofluosilicic acid) rather than pharmaceutical-grade fluoride.

Council response and next steps

Council members listened during the public-comment period but did not vote, direct staff to schedule a hearing, or adopt a resolution during the meeting. Several speakers explicitly asked the council to put a hearing on a future agenda so “both sides can come to the table.”

Ending

The meeting record shows sustained public interest and written materials provided to council members; the council did not announce a date or formal plan for a hearing during this session. Residents requested public-notice type outreach so any hearing would include both proponents and opponents and expert testimony.","Multiple residents asked the council to schedule a public hearing on adding fluoride to municipal water, citing scientific studies and local health concerns; council took no formal action during the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Partridge Creek Farm announces CSA season, summer programs and executive director transition

Lake Superior Community Partners outlines West End business supports, grant activity and new initiatives

Council agrees to advance Third Street redesign plans; staff to seek block-by-block cost estimates

Council approves letter of support to reserve CDBG funds for Loffler Block housing project

Residents urge Ishpeming City Council to hold public hearing on water fluoridation