The U.P. Regional Blood Center, a service of Marquette General, is in critical need of O-positive, A-positive, O-negative and A-negative blood throughout the Upper Peninsula. The need is high in all service areas of Marquette, Escanaba, Hancock and Sault Ste. Marie. You can donate at the U.P. Regional Blood Center in Marquette at 427 West College Avenue, adjacent to Marquette General Hospital. Call for an appointment at 225-4610. Their hours are Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can also donate at Blood Center offices in Escanaba, Hancock and Sault Ste. Marie.
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Informational pickets are being held by the Michigan Corrections Organization at correctional facilities across the state this week. One was held yesterday in Baraga against recent budget cuts at the Baraga Maximum Correctional Facility and other facilities. Correctional Officers gathered along US-41 in Baraga yesterday to protest a lack of proper staffing and other concerns. They are also protesting a $13 million statewide cut where state prisons will no longer have their perimeter security vehicles staffed on a 24-hour basis. Another picket is being held this afternoon in Marquette and at other pickets are scheduled at U.P. prisons through the week.
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Pinnacle Airlines, the regional carrier that operates flights out of several Upper Michigan airports, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to deal with mounting debt. The airline operates flights under contract with Delta Airlines out of Sawyer International in Marquette County as well as airports in Escanaba, Iron Mountain and Sault Ste. Marie. The Memphis-based airline says its current business model isn’t sustainable and will ask its employees to help it cut costs. With this latest filing, one-quarter of the regional airline industry market is in bankruptcy protection. American Eagle filed along with American Airlines under parent company A-M-R Corp. in November.
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U. S. Congressman Dan Benishek is in Michigan’s First District for a Constituent Work Period through April 11th. Benishek will be hosting opportunities for constituents to share their thoughts and concerns on issues facing Congress. Staff will be available to assist citizens in need. The Congressman will be holding public office hours at his Marquette district office tomorrow from 1:00-2:00pm at his Marquette office at 307 South Front Street. He will also be hosting a meet and greet at Buck’s Restaurant in downtown Ishpeming from 6 to 7 pm.
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Four men arrested in a home invasion case in Alger County in February have been scheduled to appear in court later this month. 35-year-old Ruben Rodriguez of Elmwood Park, Illinois, 32-year-old Issac Cotto of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, 28-year-old Israel Velez and 24-year-old George Carmona, both of Chicago are facing 34 felony counts connection with an armed home invasion and hostage situation on East Powell Lake Road in Munising Township on February 28th. All four face pre–trial hearings on April 16th. They are currently being held on $250,000 bond each.
