Ontonagon's budget, former-manager woes deepen; New management team seeks to make corrections

The Ontonagon Village Council held a budget workshop on March 4th. Budget matters were discussed at some length, but the most distressing items were discoveries that have been made in the wake of the termination of the village manager’s employment.  These were, in part, as follows:

•  The Deficit Elimination Plan did not have an approved budget for the Marina Fund. An approved budget must be in place by March 26, 2021, and if the Treasury Department doesn’t have this, the village could lose 25% of its State revenue sharing money (about $35,000).

•  CRLGG Grant: This is the COVID-19 program money. There was a deadline of Jan. 18, 2021, to submit the closing certification for this grant and this was left undone.  An email that was sent to and received by former village management detailing the issue and a new deadline of March 5, 2021, was summarily ignored.  The village office staff has now completed this obligation and submitted it on March 1, 2021. If this had not been caught in time, the village would have had to pay back $8,000 of the CRLGG grant.

•  MERS Payments:  The village currently owes $125,749.54 in back payments.  Village management had received notice of this on Jan. 25, 2021, explaining that a payment was due on Oct. 20, 2020.  The council had also been sent this letter, but this information appears to have been withheld.

•  ACT 51 Street Financial Report: Village management received an email communication from Laura Loomis which was received on Dec. 4, 2020, stating that a report was due on Dec. 31, 2020.  This was ignored.

•  Paddlecraft Landing Grant: This project has been rife with criticism from several persons in the community.  The village spent about $110,000 on this development. This was a DNR grant, but the village was not reimbursed because the grant closing documents were not completed. Numerous emails were sent to village management from October of 2019 to April of 2020 requesting completion of the grant documentation.  The village office staff has now been in contact with the MDNR and $46,000 is still available to finish this project and they have agreed to reopen the grant as it has  been allowed to expire.

• Lakeshore Lighting Grant: The MDNR advised the village that there is still $4,500  available for the Lakeshore Drive lighting grant. This will be followed up by village office staff.

•  Marine Dredging Grant: There was a shortfall in the marina fund because the paperwork for this grant has not been completed.  The audit received by the village in December of 2020 made this information available but there had been no attempt to correct the matter.  The grant expired on Dec. 31, 2020.  Thanks to  Acting Clerk Cori Weisinger, the deadline has  been extended to Dec. 31, 2021, and the village is entitled to recoup $174,681.

• MDNR Grant for re-culvert and proposed footbridge over the slough (Rose Channel):   This was a pass-thru grant from the DNR with no cost to the village at all.  Village management had not responded to information requests from the DNR and this is due on March 12. The village would have lost this grant if George Madison of the MDNR had not contacted the village after learning that the village manager had been discharged.  This project is again viable.

•  Past Due Water Bill:  A large commercial water customer is said to owe the village over $100,000. Tanya Weisinger had brought this matter to village management’s attention in 2017, but nothing was done  to resolve this issue.

Clerk William DuPont  added that in following up on other information that is  becoming available, it appears that ignored emails and other notices, that that were received and opened, were not reported to the village council. It appeared that information may have been withheld or concealed.

Clerk/Treasurer DuPont commended Kori Weisinger and Tanya Weisinger for bringing these and other matters to the attention of the council. Council then took the necessary step to change the village management.

The village council met again on March 8 via telecom at 6 p.m. The first order of business was to swear in the new trustee which was accomplished and the new member of the council was officially “seated.” Mike Rebholz took the oath. Mike Mogan was not on the call.

Before addressing the agenda, the floor was opened for public comment.

Sue Lockhart, a non-resident, responded to the invitation to speak. She asked how missed payment to MERS could have been missed? She charged that President Smydra should have known about this as he signs all the checks.  She asked if there are interest and penalties on unpaid bills, and she also asked about the lawsuit with Hilton Marine.  She pressed the inquiry of how all of these items could have been missed. Lockhart suggested that it may be discovered that there is actual money missing.  She felt that she has warned the council of many of these things that have come to light but that the Council rejected her warnings.

Smydra responded by stating that the Village President does not, in fact, sign any checks so that Lockhart’s charges and the previous statement were untrue.

Robert “Skip" Schulz interrupted and was declared out of order as he had not given his address. Schulz complied with this requirement and then Smydra asked Schulz if he was speaking as a village resident or as an employee of the Daily Mining Gazette. Schulz’s response was unintelligible. Schulz now charged that Smydra has misinformed the public about Jessica Huntzinger being sworn in. Huntzinger defeated Schulz in the November 2020 election. Schulz's outburst then became emotional, and, as his allotted time was over, he hung up. President Smydra addressed the charge that Huntzinger was not legally sworn in after her election. Documentation was provided to the effect that Huntzinger was indeed sworn in. It was also pointed out that for the months these allegations were being made on social media and other places, no one had ever actually approached the village to determine if Huntzinger had been sworn in or not.  It would appear that this matter is now at rest.

Under “unfinished business” on the agenda; the continuing issue with the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) related to the pension obligation for former Ontonagon Memorial Hospital employees.

The village has past-due payments to MERS in the amount of $125,749.54 which was due on Nov. 20, 2020. Village Treasurer William DuPont stated that in his opinion, this information was withheld from the council.  Clerk/Treasurer DuPont advised the council that he feels it is imperative to make the November payment as soon as possible and he also recommended that the council increase the budgeted amount of MERS payments from $400,000 to  $440,000 for the fiscal year ending on March 22, 2022.

Treasurer DuPont felt that the MERS issue is of primary concern and feels that payments must be made promptly to demonstrate to the State and pension fund that the village is doing what it can to meet this obligation.

Staffing Changes

In view of the dismissal of the village manager, it was recommended that William DuPont be appointed interim village manager. This was moved by Rebholz and approved on a roll call vote.

Kori Weisinger, who was serving on a contract basis to assist in the transition to a new clerk/treasurer, is to be moved to the status of a temporary employee.  Her rate of pay will decrease as a result of this change in status. This was moved by Marks and this was carried. 

Tanya Weisinger, who has been serving as payroll clerk and water clerk will have a change in title and commensurate responsibilities to become the office manager.  There is no increase in wages. This was moved by Marks and carried on a roll call.

President Smydra added that with a new administration in the village office, things such as overdue payments will not happen again.

Rich Ernest, President of the Downtown Development Authority reported that at a meeting of the DDA a number of projects were listed to be considered. The most visible projects will be concentrated on:

•  The Lakeshore Park; grading and preparing the ground for setting up volleyball courts. $2,500 needed.  Grass should be planted in early May.

•  Railroad yard site improvement; A general clean-up and disc and grade work.  $2,500 would cover this cost.

•  Several downtown buildings need to be addressed. Siding is falling off the buildings creating a hazard for pedestrians. Specifically, the old Hawley House Hotel and an adjacent bar are of concern.

•  Street signs that need replacement or updating. Several street name signs are entirely missing or unreadable.

•  A community cleanup is being planned to clean the sidewalks, de-weed the curbs, unbridle the trees that are being restrained by the iron grates, etc.

•  The floating docks on Rose Island have been out of the water for two years, for no good reason. They should be back in the water before Memorial Day. President Smydra said that the Department of Public Works crew will examine the docks in preparation for getting them back in the water, and putting out the benches and tables.

• Lights on the Elmer Weber Nature Trail boardwalk on Rose Island are broken and need to be repaired to light the walkway.

•  The street extension that was to be done by 2019 leading to Lakeshore Park near the VFW post should be started. Smydra said that Street Funds can be used for this.     

Ernest also mentioned the need for volunteers. Those wishing to help may contact Ernest at the DDA. 

•  2020-21 Budget Approval: Treasurer DuPont (now Interim Manager) asked for the budget to be approved, subject to amendments. This was moved by Rebholz, supported by Hopper, and carried. This will be submitted to the State of Michigan.

•  Announcements: A letter was received from McDonald and Wolff regarding the termination of Joe Erickson. This was referred to the Personnel Committee.

Ontonagon Village Council increases millage rate to 15

The Ontonagon Village Council met, via telecom, on March 22. Under unfinished business on the agenda was the matter of the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) obligation. It was reported that the village made a payment of $21,441.31 on March 16 which covered the payment that was due on Oct. 20, 2020.  The total amount past due is $104,308.23, and the intention is to continue “chipping away” at this past due amount. The past due amounts break down as follows: Nov. 2020, $32,350.08; Dec. 2020, $36,541.12; and Jan. 2021, $35,417.03.

The village was advised that this matter is now being referred to the MERS Legal Department for legal action, and late fees will be applied. Interim Manager William DuPont had a meeting on March 10 with the MERS representative to discuss options to reduce the payments. These could include freezing the current plan and negotiating different retirement options as well as possible buy-outs.

The council, among other business items, moved to the next needed step:

•  Resolution 2021-09: Authorization of the 2021-22 Tax Levy:  This item was considered absolutely necessary and is a first step in addressing the MERS obligation. After all available alternatives had been considered, the village council  adopted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14(1) of Act 621 of the Public Acts of 1978,  the Interim Village Manager, as the Chief Administrative Officer, has prepared and presented to the Village Council with a balanced budget; and

WHEREAS, on March 22, 2021, the Ontonagon Village Council approved a general appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2021-22 authorizing the expenditures of the Village funds; and

WHEREAS, the millage rate necessary to raise revenues for Village operating and debt retirement purposes:

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Village Treasurer is hereby authorized to levy and collect the following millage rates for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year:

GENERAL FUND OPERATION & DEBT: 15.00 Mills

TOTAL: 15.00 Mills

This is a tax increase from the current 11 Mills to the maximum millage allowed without a referendum vote.  This resolution (tax increase) had to be passed by a two-thirds majority of the village council present and voting, which in this instance would require four out of the six council members present to vote for approval of the resolution.

It was moved by Trustee Sarah Hopper, supported by Trustee Mike Rebholz to adopt the resolution. The actual vote was unanimous in favor.

 •  Resolution 2021-10, Deficit Elimination Plan: This resolution was to address a deficit fund balance in the Marina Fund of $119,023. This deficit was reported in the recent auditors findings. The Michigan Department of the Treasury requires a deficit elimination plan to be in place and filed with the department.

The deficit was the result of a MDNR grant that was obtained to pay for the Marina Dredging project. Due to an oversight, the final grant report was not submitted on time, however, the MDNR agreed to extend the deadline and the grant funds recouped present a balance of $35,453 as of March 31, 2022.  Simply put, completion of the grant “paperwork” resolves the cause of the deficit.  The Deficit Elimination Plan will be submitted to the Michigan Department of the Treasury.

It was moved by Trustee Elmer Marks Jr, supported by Trustee Don Chastan to adopt the resolution and carried on a roll call vote.

•  Resolution 2021-11, Authorization of General Appropriations for April 1, 2021-March 31, 2022: This is the budget authorization, based on a millage rate of 15 mills. Without listing each fund, the bottom line is a total of $3,422,321 in General Fund revenue with $3,248,650 in total  expenditures.

It was moved by Hamm, supported by Chastan to approve the General Appropriations Resolution, and was carried....this constitutes the budget adoption for the forthcoming fiscal year.

The Council adopted a final resolution, designating March 31 as Jan Tucker Day in the village.

VILLAGE OF ONTONAGON

RESOLUTION NO. 2021 – 12

A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE MARCH 31, 2021 AS ‘JAN TUCKER DAY’ IN THE  VILLAGE OF  ONTONAGON.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has been a long-time resident of the Village of Ontonagon and has established herself to  be a beloved local personality, and

 WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has served for 60 years as a local newspaper reporter, relating local news stories to the residents of the western end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has worked diligently as part of the Labor Day Committee for over 57 years to ensure the success of the Labor Day celebration in Ontonagon, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has been an active member for over 50 years of the Ontonagon County Cancer Association that provides funding and support for local and                   Ontonagon County individuals and families living in Ontonagon County who have been afflicted with cancer, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has demonstrated her love and commitment to her community with her membership, in company with her friends, neighbors, leaders, and problem-     solvers in the community who see a world where people unite and take action to            create lasting change, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has demonstrated her personal values by serving her faith           community as a CCD instructor and as an Eucharistic Minister for Holy Family Catholic Church, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has enthusiastically been a part of  the Ontonagon Area High School Scholarship Committee that provides support and educational opportunities to our community’s younger citizens, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker participated in many other community activities and organizations that included the Ontonagon Golf Club and the Women’s Club, and

WHEREAS, Jan Tucker has spent 57 years as a local radio personality providing recipes, commentary on local and national events, and personal insight on virtually every topic known to mankind, and is retiring from this unique service on March 31, 2021.

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Village of Ontonagon Council of Trustees declares that March 31, 2021 shall be designated as ‘Jan Tucker Day’ in the Village of Ontonagon.

 •  At 6:43 pm Council went into a closed session to discuss client/attorney matters regarding former Village Manager Joseph Erickson. Council returned to the open session at 7:11 p.m..

President Tony Smydra called for a motion to rescind the council’s termination of Joseph Erickson and this was forthcoming and carried.

At this point, President Smydra, acting on his authority as Village President, suspended Joseph Erickson, with cause, with pay, and declared the intent of taking up the matter of providing Erickson with a hearing and to afford the council the opportunity to consider his employment status. The meeting was adjourned at this point. It was 7:13 p.m.

Ontonagon Village Council fills two seats

The Ontonagon Village Council met on Feb. 22 and the headline of the meeting was to fill two vacancies on the council. It is a story unto itself how the vacancies occurred. Prior to the November 2020 election, Trustee Michael G. Mogan announced plans to leave the community and resigned his seat as of the end of the year. This left a partial term available and Jessica Huntzinger filed for election. After the deadline for filing Robert “Skip” Schulz filed as a write-in candidate for the same seat. Huntzinger was elected by a landslide with Schulz receiving fewer than 40 votes, however Huntzinger had a change in employment plans (she is a traveling nurse) and though she was sworn in to serve, she resigned her new seat. Schulz almost immediately started a campaign to be appointed to the vacant seat as the only other candidate who had run. The village council, however, has a policy to advertise the vacancy and then appoint whomever fills the qualifications and is recommended by the personnel committee. 

Schulz applied, and in his letter of application stated and charged, “While I highly doubt I will be appointed as I agree with many citizens in our Community that the resignation of Ms. Huntzinger was known BEFORE the election in a way for the Council to appoint one of their friends....”.   Schulz had unsuccessfully run for council on two previous occasions. Schulz is a reporter for the Daily Mining Gazette.

There were two other applicants, Mike Rebholz and Michael G; Mogan, who had changed his plans to leave the area and applied for his old seat.

Also to be filled was the unexpired term of Maureen Guzek, publisher and editor of the Ontonagon Herald, who passed away unexpectedly in January following heart surgery.

The council appointed Rebholz and Mogan to the two vacancies, based on the recommendation of the personnel committee.

 Other council business included a review of the village audit, a discussion regarding the needed repairs to a walkway approach to the east pier at the harbor, and adoption of a resolution reinforcing support for the pension liability for former employees of the Ontonagon Memorial Hospital, which is now operated as Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.  The pension costs have risen radically and now consume over half of the general fund revenue of the Village.

Original Comments:

Joshua

The thanks really belongs to Bruce! He pestered me about including Ontonagon, and when I explained how difficult that would be for me, he started sending in the stories, too.

Susan

Thanks for covering Ontonagon.

Porkies ski hill to be run by MDNR once again

Just over 25 years ago, in August of 1996, this reporter’s first assignment for the Ontonagon Herald was to do a story on the privatization of the ski hill at the Porkies. MDNR had operated the ski hill starting in about 1950, building on the old Weatherhorn Peak Ski Hill that was created by local ski enthusiasts in 1940. The fact that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources was operating an enterprise that was in direct competition with private businesses such as Black Jack and Big Powderhorn in Bessemer, and also Indianhead in Wakefield was being criticized. In 1996, the MDNR signed a contract with private vendors to run the Porkies Winter Recreational Area. 

The Porkies logo on the side of the ski chalet.

For a good part of the past 25 years, the Porkies hill was operated by several private vendors and since 2012, the Gogebic Community College has operated the facility as an extension of their accredited Ski Hill Management Program. This reporter had recently learned that the arrangement was going to end and that the MDNR was taking charge of the ski hill complex once again. We have to wonder what has changed in the philosophy about the State competing with private enterprise. To get some answers, we took a drive up to the Porcupine Mountains Wildnerness State Park.

First, we visited with Mike Knack, the park superintendent, who graciously made time to visit with us. He explained that the Gogebic Community College had been anxious for some time to end its managership of the Porkies and to concentrate on Mount Zion, located closer to the college campus. The college contract will expire at the end of this winter season and by mutual agreement, will not be renewed.  MDNR will take over management of the ski hill once again, a project they were anxious to relieve themselves of 25 years ago.  

Mike Knack, Park Superintendent

MDNR put out requests for proposals and received no successful bidders to manage and operate the full ski hill facility. When asked if there was no one who was willing to take on the full ski hill operation he mentioned that a local group had a proposal but that they did not meet the criteria or have the expertise to take on the operation.  

The operation was divided up, and, according to Superintendent Knack, a contract was entered into with a firm from southeast Michigan, Simple Adventures to operate the indoor concessions, rental of ski equipment, the Outpost, food, etc.  Simple Adventures of Michigan operates bicycle rentals, kayaks, canoe rentals, etc. at Ft. Custer, Lake St. Clair Metropark, and other parks located in the Detroit area. Knack added that Simple Adventures plans to hire 8 indoor staff to work at the Porkies in various roles. In checking out the website of Simple Adventures, it doesn’t appear that they have experience with ski equipment and there is no mention of them handling food service.

Snowboarders congregate near the base of the hill.

The park staff will be in charge of all outdoor operations such as mowing, grooming, chair lift operation, maintaining the buildings, and keeping the trails clear.  The park will take on 8 or more part-time “winter rangers.” One lead ranger will be dedicated year-round to the ski hill and its various activities. The park will also be hiring a maintenance mechanic, full-time. 

The Porcupine Mountains State Park is a big park, the largest in area of all of the state parks in Michigan, and there is no question that additional staff will be required in order to run the ski hill. 

We asked if there are plans for improvements in equipment and other areas. Knack explained that the triple chair lift is only certified for full uphill operation. They are only allowed to run a limited load going downhill. Presumably, when the lift was built, it was expected that persons using the lift to go to the top of the hill would be descending the hill on skis or snowboards. Parts have been ordered to upgrade the triple chair lift for full downhill operation which will make year-round operation possible for scenic purposes. 

Skiiers midslope on the hill. The triple-chair lift can be seen in the upper-left corner of the image.

There are plans to construct a second lift to replace the old double chair lift that has been out of operation for several years, but this is contingent on possible funding from the American Recovery Act.

A new PistenBully groomer is on order and should be delivered within weeks to be used for cross-country trail grooming. 

We received assurance that the MDNR park management has its bases covered and will be prepared to assume the running of the ski hill and recreation area starting this spring. 

We wanted to visit the ski hill itself and chat with current GCC Staff Manager Bill Perron. We had no difficulty locating Perron and we received additional information from him. Perron explained that the MDNR had approached Gogebic Community College several years ago when a former private operator had chosen to not renew his contract to operate the ski hill. The college seemed to be a logical choice in view of their ski hill management curriculum. GCC has used the Porkies as a teaching tool and it has been partially staffed with college students. GCC has also operated the food concession, also with students, as well as the rentals and the ski shop with some new merchandise as well. The rental equipment is owned by the MDNR.

Bill Perron, Ski Hill Manager for Gogebic Community College

Perron explained that the college never intended to run the hill forever. The intention was to bring the hill back to a fully operational “turnkey” operation and then relinquish it to another private operator.  The current 3-year contract between GCC and the MDNR expires this year. The manager mentioned that for the last two years, the hill has “made money.”  We immediately asked him how this money was used and was told that because GCC is a state-subsidized school the funds had to be put right back into improvements and maintenance of the ski hill itself. 

This reporter was curious and asked Perron if he knew anything of the proposal from a local group to run the ski hill that Park Superintendent Knack had alluded to earlier. Perron did not answer this directly except to say that the other group that had submitted a proposal would have kept the operation basically the same with the food service being provided by a local restaurant owner who has previously provided this service to the ski hill and has over 30 years of experience in the business. 

As our visit to the ski hill was drawing to a close, we met and talked to two of the individuals who had worked with a local non-profit corporation Mt Silent Sports, Inc. who had organized under 501(c)3 designation specifically to submit a proposal to the MDNR to operate the ski hill and its related activities.  We had an informal discussion with these folks and they felt that their proposal was quite viable but was not given fair consideration. They pointed out that among the incorporators were business people, experienced skiing enthusiasts, and even engineering experience. Basically, their proposal was the retain the present manager and utilize a local restaurant operator for the food services. Additional staff would be local people. 

We left the Porkies with our initial question unanswered. What has changed in the MDNR’s philosophy to allow competition between a state-run enterprise with private businesses in the region?

In all, we are grateful for the gracious cooperation and frank open comments of those we talked to. 

Ontonagon Village approves sidewalk dining, sewer line correction

At their May 10 meeting, the Ontonagon Village Council approved Syl’s Cafe for sidewalk dining this year again. Last year the outdoor dining saw good use and the restaurant wants to offer it again this year. Approved dates are May 25 to Sept. 6.

 Interim Manager William DuPont presented a brief report and update, in part, as follows:

•  The documents for the forthcoming audit are due on June 1, and the interim manager foresees no problem in gathering this information on time. The audit is expected to be completed by July 1. DuPont reaffirmed that his priority is to have the village’s financials where they need to be. Council can expect to receive relative financial statements by July 1 and every month thereafter.

•  One more auditor’s finding, as reported in the 3/31/2020 audit has been addressed but DuPont reported; “We are still bogged down in issues that we have  frequently uncovered but once we get through these, we will make solid progress.”

DuPont added; “I feel good about the direction the village is heading and we will do our very best to resolve any outstanding issues.”

It was moved by Councilor Donald Chastan to approve the Interim Manager’s report and carried.

The Village of Clinton had sent a letter dated March 10 inviting the Village of Ontonagon to become a participant in a class action suit against the mandate of the State of Michigan to require municipalities to pay for replacement of specified water lines on private property. They claim this is contrary to General Law Village Charter.

If the legislature is unwilling to change the law(s) involved it may be necessary to take legal action against the State of Michigan. Ontonagon was asked to pledge $2,500 as a share in the legal costs of such a suit.  At issue was whether or not it is legal for one municipality to donate to another community to carry on litigation of this nature.

In the opinion of the Michigan Municipal League, this would be quite legal and further more the MML  would like to see this matter considered by the courts. The village was advised, however, to consult with its local attorney if there is any uncertainty in the regard.

A recent  communication from the Village of Clinton updates the matter in their taking a “different route.” Further action was tabled until matters develop further.

Two bids had been received for installation of the new lift station on Tin Street, as follows:

Northland Electric, $125,531

FA Industrial Services, $187,166

The review of the bids by GEI (engineers) found that both bidders satisfied the requirements. It was recommended that the contract for the 2021 Tin Street Lift Station be awarded to Northland Electric.

It was moved by Councilor Mike Rebholz to accept the Northland Electric bid for the amount listed and this was carried.

A proposal by GEI was considered, in response to the questionable installation of sewer service for the Kulis residence on Gorman Avenue.  The project had been authorized by the former manager but was not supervised by a certified engineer and the property owner whose parcel the new sewer line was to serve had serious doubts about the installation. After investigating the situation, the interim manager recommended correcting the problem.  GEI Consultants presented a proposal to provide professional engineering services to install 300 feet of 8” sewer main. This is for the design work only and not for the actual construction. The project could total up to $15,000.

It was moved by Trustee Elmer Marks to make matters right by approving the GEI contract for the Gorman Avenue sewer line installation and this was supported by Sarah Hopper and carried.

The US Coast Guard will be holding a free boat inspection on May 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the marina pavilion.

Rebholz reported that he has applied for three sizeable grants:

  -Marina Travel Lift: $373,725.00

  -Turnout gear washing for the fire department    $  16,134.00

  -Rescue truck also for the fire department, $227,995.00

Area businesses putting community, staff above ease and profit

Pulling into Ontonagon on Wednesday, the roads were wide but empty. Empty roadside parking lined the street in front of the village businesses. Until I got near the end of the street. For almost a block in either direction, cars filled the parking in front of Syl’s Cafe.

David and Deanna Morin after their lunch at Syl’s Cafe. Behind them, the photography of Bryan Byrnes adorns the walls. Photo by Joshua Vissers

“Syl’s is our social event,” David Morin said.

David sat at a table near the window with his wife Deanna and Wanda McKay having lunch.

They’ve ordered takeout regularly during shutdowns as well as the tourist season--to keep away from the vacationers. Now that it’s an off-season, they were happy to feel safe coming back to the dining room. David called Syl’s Cafe a lifeline of Ontonagon through the pandemic. He said Kathy Wardynski, the owner, has an eye for hiring good staff.

“The kids that work here are just outstanding,” he said.

The Morins even started going to some of the local ball games to cheer for the girls who waited on them. Wardynski says she hires as much as a quarter of the local senior class.

Linda, who declined to give her last name, said she didn’t like the pandemic regulations, but came out to support Syl’s Cafe, and got takeout regularly, especially the Friday night salmon.

“I think they’ve handled it really, really well, I think they’ve outdone themselves,” Linda said.

The group also really appreciated the outdoor dining that was set up for the first time.

“She took care of tourism as well as her regular customers,” Sandy Morin, sitting with Linda, said.

They complimented Wardynski’s creativity in adding new menu items, like breakfast bowls and a weekly Chinese food night. They were also supportive of the way she took care of her staff.

One of Joseph Del Real’s arrangements on a table at Syl’s Cafe. Photo by Joshua Vissers

“Which is wonderful, and lots of people didn’t, which is so sad.”

Wardynski’s care for her staff didn’t start or stop with the pandemic. Her core staff is full-time with retirement and paid vacation benefits. She hires college and high school students part-time to handle tourism seasons and fill in the rest of the regular schedule.

When the pandemic struck, she was able to keep all the full-time staff on part-time, and secured government assistance for them to cover the lost wages.

Kristy Strauch has worked at Syl’s Cafe “off and on for probably 12/13 years.”

She jumps back and forth between working in the kitchen and serving tables.

“Kathy is one of the best bosses that we could have,” Strauch said. “She has taken care of us through all this.”

Joseph Del Real, one of the cooks, also makes silk flower arrangements. When Syl’s Cafe reopened with social distancing restrictions, Wardynski partnered with him to decorate the blocked-off tables with flowers. He said the extra exposure hasn’t helped much yet but hopes it will as the pandemic eases and people feel safe spending more money again.

Melissa Preiss, who has worked at Syl’s for about ten years, said they’re staying pretty busy, despite the seating restrictions. She said a lot of the locals are still coming out, even though snowmobilers aren’t around as much this year.

Dawson Pollard works the grill at Syl’s Cafe. Photo by Joshua Vissers

It has also been a little more difficult interacting with even the nice customers.

“When I smile, they would smile,” Preiss said.

Now that they can’t see her face, she says she talks with her hands a little more.

Preiss has also had to deal with some customers not wanting to comply with pandemic regulations.

“There are definitely some people that give you a hard time,” she said. “Don’t want to fill out the papers, won’t wear the mask…”

She said while it’s been hard to deal with, Wardynski has always helped out with difficult customers.

“We’re just happy to be back open and have our locals back,” Preiss said. “And we are ready for whatever is next.”

Stephanie Ferrard has worked at Syl’s Cafe for about five years now. She said that initially, the pandemic was really scary.

“You know, just not knowing,” Ferrard said.

Once the lockdown opened up in the summer, she said things bounced back fast.

“It was the most-wildest, crazy summer we have ever worked,” Ferrard said.

She said it was hard to keep up with impatient, “hangry” people while also keeping up with extra cleaning and sanitation steps.

“And then we closed up again,” Ferrard said. “We went down to take-out only after that, because the numbers went up.”

Kathy Wardynski

At 25% capacity, they had to create a waiting list for many people, which was another thing for the servers to handle alongside their tables and sanitation.

She said when people argue with her about the rules, she tries not to let it bother her.

While we spoke in a booth, a customer nearby pushed back against Preiss about leaving contact tracing information.

“It just is what it is,” Ferrard said. “And we have to follow the rules and you know, try not to make a fuss about it.”

She said there are also customers who have been extra nice because they see those who aren’t.

Wardynski’s grandmother, Sylvia, opened Syl’s Cafe in 1972. When she decided to sell in the early 1990s, she offered it to her family first. Her daughters were grown and moved away and were busy with other things, but Wardynski and her husband were living downstate and looking for an opportunity to start their family closer to some of their grandparents.

“So on June 1, 1994, was my first official day as owner,” Wardynski said, “and I was 25 years old at the time.”

Wardynski has steered Syl’s Cafe through other economic troubles before. The nearby paper mill closed about ten years ago, and the highway, which used to run over a bridge down the block, was rerouted to a new bridge about half a mile away, too.

“So we used to have first crack at all of the snowmobilers that came into town because they would come across the bridge and be here,” Wardynski said.

When the bridge moved, Wardynski took a job at Michigan Technological University, and worked there for 12 years as the manager of purchasing and process improvement for dining services. It was there that she first realized the impact the pandemic would have.

“We got really lucky,” Wardynski said. “We were already planning to be closed.”

She was starting a renovation project about the same time as the pandemic regulations began. Wardynski called the sheriff and confirmed it would be okay for the three contractors to work during the shutdown. While Syl’s Cafe closed down, the staff worked out of the local golf course clubhouse, as they are also contracted to feed inmates at the Ontonagon County jail. Once it was allowed by regulations, they started serving curbside meals to customers out of the golf course kitchen, too.

 Wardynski is developing a new menu that will be easier and faster for her waitstaff to sanitize between customers. She experimented with different packaging to improve the takeout dining experience. She bought a $1,000 electrostatic sprayer that mists with a sanitizing solution and they use that through the dining room every day.

A proof of Syl’s Cafe’s new menu. With a larger spiral binding, Wardynski anticipates her servers being able to slide a dowel through it, dunk it in sanitizer, and hanging it to dry. This will be a lot faster than wiping down each page one at a time. Photo by Joshua Vissers

“You can do the whole restaurant in like 10 minutes,” Wardynski said.

Syl’s Cafe is putting the work in but is still caught between trying to keep people safe and serve as many people as possible.

“It feels like you’re continually walking on a tightrope of just trying to do the right thing and keep employees safe,” Wardynski said. “I tell them, we wear a mask to keep us safe from you. Because we don’t want to be sick, and we all have families, and we have grandparents and different things. And so we’ve tried to do everything that we possibly could to keep everybody healthy, and not be the ones that spread it because my worst fear would be to be the one place that was identified as the super spreader place because of something that happened.”

Wardynski also recognizes how well-positioned her business has been. For instance, she pointed out there are no nearby drive-thru restaurants to compete with. The serendipitous planning of their renovation was also a lucky break. And because they’re a fair distance from the Wisconsin border, the more relaxed restrictions there didn’t poach her customers, either.

Syl’s Cafe is a stand-out, both in terms of precautions and successes, but a lot of other businesses and their employees in the area have been fighting the same fights with varying degrees of success.

Leanne Weeks, the manager of Swift’s Tru Value Hardware in Houghton, said she figured something serious was happening when they started checking people at the airport.

“Usually, the government doesn’t spend money to have a precautionary effort like that,” she said.

She kept a close eye on CDC and WUPHD guidelines after that and made every effort to follow them. Cleaning frequently-touched areas, requiring facemasks, instituting social distancing, and check-in and check-out procedures for staff. At first, masks were difficult to source, so they used painter’s masks and respirators off the shelf.

“We just tried our very best to make sure that we could help protect the community,” Weeks said.

After a year, she said a lot of the procedures have become “old-hat”. They also continue to provide curbside service for those who don’t want to come into the store.

Weeks said she appreciates the community support and the people who make the extra effort to shop at the store.

“It’s definitely not an easy time for anybody,” Weeks said.

Marilyn Swift, the store’s owner who was traveling to see family after being vaccinated, said in a text message, “Even when some didn’t want to wear masks in the store for whatever reason, we wanted to stay in business and felt that this had nothing to do with truth or lies. I obey the law. I follow rules. I believe in police and military. I fly the American Flag in front and in back of my business every day. I am proud to be an American and am grateful for all of my customers.”

Peg Kauppi and her husband have run The Mariner North in Copper Harbor for 44 years. They were traveling home from a wedding last March when they heard about an outbreak in the Boston airport.

“So we kind of knew something was going on,” Kauppi said.

The small size of Copper Harbor, with only about 100 year-round residents, made people feel safe initially, until they considered the scope of their business. Their guests travel from 42 different states, and Washington, D.C..

“We were like ‘Wow, we are as out there as any metropolitan area,” Kauppi said. “We felt very, very vulnerable.”

During the initial shutdown, they searched for guidelines to implement. They put up plexiglass screens, switched to individually-wrapped silverware, and more. They also didn’t reopen immediately after being allowed to, because their staff still felt exposed.

“And we knew we couldn’t make them do anything that we wouldn’t do ourselves,” Kauppi said.

When they did reopen, and diners didn’t honor the tables that were blocked off for social distancing, they decided to entirely remove those tables.

“We had to reinvent the whole thing,” Kauppi said.

Over the winter, when indoor dining was banned, The Mariner North hosted outdoor fire pits for their takeout customers to dine around. This allowed snowmobilers a chance to warm up and socialize even though they couldn’t eat inside around a table.

Kauppi said that while “95%” of their customers have been thankful for the extra precautions, a few have been “angry, and so rude”.

“Our staff has taken a huge amount of abuse,” Kauppi said.

Kauppi has had to postpone reopening for dine-in in part because they can’t find the staff to support it. Some staff have quit over the stress of the regulations and having to enforce them.

Despite the difficulty, Kauppi said she thinks The Mariner North and Copper Harbor as a whole has been fortunate through the pandemic and “weathered this pretty well”.

Jesse Hannon-Manderfield opened NV Salon in Houghton more than ten years ago, when she was 26. COVID-19 has hit her business hard, in no small part because she enforces the pandemic restrictions.

“We’ve lost quite a few people,” she said.

During the initial shutdown, NV Salon sent home its stylists, who aren’t technically employees but independent contractors. After the initial shutdown, the schedule filled up, but not everyone would comply with mask-wearing or social distancing policies.

“I’d have to say it so many times a day, ‘Can you please wear your mask appropriately?’” Hannon-Manderfield said.

Eventually, she took to asking people in advance of their appointments if they were alright with wearing their masks throughout the entire appointment. Not everyone was. Other people would show up for an appointment only to walk away after seeing signs on the door about the requirements. NV Salon lost not only clients but also stylists, who pay rent on the chairs in the salon from their earnings, rather than being paid a wage.

“I just had to change my budget and be okay with it,” Hannon-Manderfield said.

She said some of her clients went out of the way to support her financially, which was very kind and appreciated.

“We’re going to push through this,” she said.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated, March 24, 2021.

Syl’s Cafe on River Street in Ontonagon. Photo by Joshua Vissers

Comments on original story:

Mike Needham

Jessie and NV Hair are great, and I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone and everyone.

Edna Yonker

My husband and I own the Nonesuch Gallery across from Syl's Cafe and have been in business for a little over 20 years. We have been recommending visitors from all over the country to eat at Syl's saying their food and service is unmatched anywhere. People have come back to thank us often. Also, we have been grateful to have people recommended to our shop as well by Syl's staff. I don't know what we would do without our mutually beneficial relationship and are so very happy with the ability of Syl's to weather the pandemic crises. It has been such a big challenge for everyone. In our own business, we were shut down for 9 weeks last year. Worried about what the summer would do to our business when we reopened was a big one. We initiated thorough cleaning and sanitizing constantly throughout the day, putting up a plexiglass shield and washing or sanitizing our hands between every customer. We wore our masks all day long and required anyone who entered to wear one, providing masks by the door for those who didn't have one. Very few people turned around to leave which was good as nearly everyone had no problem with the rules. Now that things seem to be getting better with so many getting vaccinated we will continue to follow all the restrictions until the threat of the virus has gone away. Last summer turned out to be a successful one for us as so many folks came to the area to enjoy the scenery and be able to re-create in safety with camping, kayaking, hiking and doing things outdoors. We have and will continue doing our best to keep them safe in our business and know that Syl's is doing the same. We wish them the best as we all move forward.

Joshua Vissers

Thanks, Edna. I saw your shop, and nearly stopped in, but I, unfortunately, ended up leaving Ontonagon in a hurry for unrelated reasons. Maybe next time!

Steve Knudstrup

Black Ice Comics in downtown Houghton has been super great about keeping the staff and customers safe. They have a walkup window, can do curbside, and will work with anyone to help out how they can.

Tom

So, it can be done, and done properly within the rules. No whining, no complaints about business being destroyed. Decent wages and benefits. Apparently, good food. Kudos to Syl’s, and the owner and staff.

Debbie P

I have driven to Ontonagon for takeout from Syl's numerous times during this pandemic. They evolved a takeout menu to stay operating and I found it worth the 50mile drive to support small business that was complying with mandates. I will continue to make the drive.

Ontonagon village fires manager in split vote

On Feb. 25, at the special meeting of the Ontonagon Village Council, Joseph Erickson’s employment as the village manager was terminated on a split 3-2 vote.

The council emphasized that the termination, “with cause,” was in reference to Erickson’s alleged mismanagement of a $282,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant, which had partially paid for the dredging of the Ontonagon Village Marina. A recent audit revealed a shortage in the marina fund of $119,000. It appeared that the manager had failed to complete the paperwork to receive the final payment from the MDNR. 

An MDNR official was contacted and indicated that he had reached out to the manager on three occasions about this matter and had received no response.  The deadline for final submission of the paperwork was Dec. 31, 2020.

The MDNR agreed to amend the closing date of the grant so that the village can recoup the grant funds and the council passed a resolution accepting the new terms.

A heated discussion followed the adoption of the resolution and this matter as well as other past issues with the manager. Trustee Sarah Hopper introduced a motion to terminate the Erickson’s employment, with cause, and this was supported by Trustee Donald Chasten.

Erickson, speaking in his own defense, pointed to several projects he has completed successfully, his preoccupation with the Village MERS (pension liability) issue,  the many meetings he must prepare for, and his very busy general work load.

Trustee John Hamm spoke against firing the Erickson stating that even with his faults, he is one of the better managers the village has had.  Trustee Elmer Marks suggested some disciplinary “time off” and added that everyone forgets things once in awhile.  Marks also pointed out that a “full council” was not present. The council is short two members due to a resignation and a death, and though replacements have been appointed, they will not be seated until March 8. (see previous article Late Edition Feb. 28) 

Marks suggested not voting on this matter until that time, however, the motion was already on the floor.

President Tony Smydra, indicated that a legal quorum was present, and as there was an obligation to vote on the motion, he called the question. The final vote was Aye; Hopper, Chasten and Smydra. Nay; Hamm and Marks. The motion was carried.