News

Gogebic Range Health Foundation hosts its Annual Celebration

GRHF is celebrating its fifth year as a public charity foundation by holding a virtual celebration, during the month of June. “After a difficult year for everyone we wanted to bring light to and celebrate the programs, projects, organizations, businesses and people that created spaces for people to engage in health” Andrea Newby, Executive Director explains. “It was difficult because the pandemic caused our lives to be disrupted and many suffered great losses. But the community persevered and pulled together, so we are focused on highlighting the organizations and people that helped create healthy spaces for residents and visitors”.

Annual Community Health Celebration Events

Community Health Organization Mini Video Series

The GRHF will highlight groups that make Gogebic County MI and Iron County WI a healthy and fun place to live….Penokee Rangers, Friends of the Iron Belle Trail, MECCA Trails, Gogebic Community College, ICORE, SISU Dirt Crew are among the groups that will be featured.

Community Health Champion Awards

We will also be announcing our new Community Health Champion awards. A Community Health award will be presented to a business, an organization and an individual that has made an impact on community health in the last year.

Silent Auction – June 24 – 26 at Cold Iron Brewery

We will be holding a live silent auction at Cold Iron Brewery in Downtown Ironwood on June 24, 25, and 26th during brewery hours.

Make a Donation

You can help us continue to fund great community health projects by making a donation. Make a donation to help us meet our challenge of 30 $100 donations in 30 days.

Donate

The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is excited to continue working with MECCA trails on their annual winter fundraiser event. This year the event has been renamed the Mecca Winterfest. The event will consist of four events; The traditional Turtle River Pursuit, 5K Claire d’Loon Classic Fun Race, the new Flowage 15K Freestyle and the new Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour.

The Winterfest is virtual this year in order to host a safe event for participants and volunteers. Participants can register now and decide when and how many times they ski and snowshoe, as long as it’s between Friday, December 18, 2020 and Sunday, March 28, 2021. Participants may choose to race or tour alone or with a group of their family or friends. Racers will keep their own time and upload their best result. Awards will be given to overall winners and all participants will receive Winterfest swag.

The fee for the Turtle River Pursuit and for the Flowage 15K Freestyle is $25. The cost to participate in the Claire d’Loon Classic or the Mercer Springs Snowshoe Tour is $10. Online registration and downloadable forms are available at meccatrails.com.

The MECCA Winterfest is an annual fundraiser for MECCA Trails in Mercer, WI and will help fund trail improvements and expansion as well as community outreach programs.

February 27, 2025 – Ironwood, Michigan – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is excited to announce that it has been awarded a planning grant through the Michigan Rural Readiness Grant Program to develop a comprehensive plan for a multi-purpose community center in Gogebic County, in partnership with the City of Ironwood and with support from many local community organizations, businesses, government officials, and leaders. The $50,000 grant will support the early stages of the project, which will assess the community’s needs, including an evaluation of community health, and determine the best strategy for creating a sustainable and impactful center.

In January 2025, the Gogebic Range Health Foundation reached a significant milestone, surpassing $1 million in giving. As we approach our 10-year anniversary in July 2025, this is an especially timely moment for the Foundation to assist our community with this important project. A multi-purpose community center aligns with our mission to improve the well-being of individuals and families by addressing the unique challenges of the community, including but not limited to, childcare shortages, economic disparities, and gaps in services.

At this stage, no decisions have been made regarding the center’s location, services, or features. Over the next 16 months, the Foundation will work closely with local organizations, government officials, community members, youth, and other stakeholders to gather input and assess needs through surveys, focus groups, and other outreach efforts. This collaborative process will ensure that the center is designed to meet our community’s needs.

The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is committed to keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the planning process. We look forward to working with partners across sectors to develop a comprehensive plan that reflects the diverse needs of our region.

For more information about the project and the Rural Readiness Grant Program, visit the official announcement here.

For further inquiries, please contact Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, at kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org.

Public Radio 90, WNMU | By Nicole Walton | Published February 26, 2025 at 6:42 AM EST

LANSING, MI— Four Upper Peninsula organizations are benefitting from the state’s Rural Readiness Grant Program.

The money comes through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Rural Prosperity and is designed to help rural communities build capacity, drive economic development, and improve quality of life for residents.

Selected as grant recipients were:

Beaver Island Association – To develop a broadband development plan for Beaver Island to map out a fiber-to-the-home network, confirm build-out costs and establish a township-owned broadband system to provide reliable, high-speed internet access. ($43,000)
Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District – To assess regional mental health needs, engage community stakeholders and develop solutions to address gaps in support for students, particularly those experiencing severe post-COVID mental health challenges. ($50,000)
Gogebic Range Health Foundation – To develop a comprehensive plan for a multi-purpose community center in Gogebic County to address childcare shortages, economic disparities and social service gaps through cross-sector collaboration and sustainable funding strategies. ($50,000)
UPCAP Services – To support the establishment of a Veterans Assistance Fund to provide financial aid and services to veterans across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, ensuring long-term sustainability through strategic planning, policy development and community partnerships. ($50,000)

Projects funded through the Rural Readiness Grant Program will focus on key areas such as business development, broadband expansion, housing, workforce training, health and other initiatives that support long-term prosperity.

Link to this news article.

February 25, 2025 – LANSING, Mich. — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Office of Rural Prosperity announced the recipients of $1.3M in Rural Readiness Grant Program funding, a program designed to help rural communities build capacity, drive economic development and improve quality of life for residents.

The Rural Readiness Grant Program provides critical resources to communities that often face unique economic challenges, ensuring they have the support needed to attract investment, create jobs and foster sustainable growth. This funding will enable local governments, nonprofits and economic development organizations to implement projects that enhance infrastructure, build housing and health initiatives, expand workforce development programs and promote long-term economic success.

“Every Michigander deserves access to economic opportunity, no matter their zip code,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “With the Rural Readiness Grant Program, we are helping communities across Michigan build the infrastructure, workforce, health services, housing and other amenities they need to grow and thrive. These investments make a real difference in people’s lives and will help us continue to make Michigan the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Governor Whitmer and I prioritize Michigan’s rural communities,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These Rural Readiness Grants will help rural communities improve main streets, high speed internet access, housing, childcare, infrastructure and more. They are part of our commitment to grow Michigan’s rural economy, help more people succeed and build a bright future for rural residents. Let’s keep getting it done.”

Administered through LEO’s Office of Rural Prosperity, the Rural Readiness Grant Program aligns with the state’s commitment to ensuring all Michigan communities—regardless of size—have the tools needed to succeed in today’s economy.

“This funding helps level the playing field for rural communities, allowing them to compete for economic opportunities on equal footing with larger, urban areas,” said Susan Corbin, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “By investing in local projects that address community needs like workforce, health, housing, infrastructure and economic development, we are ensuring every Michigander has access to the resources needed to reach their full potential.”

The following communities and organizations have been selected as grant recipients:

Beaver Island Association – Develops a broadband development plan for Beaver Island to map out a fiber-to-the-home network, confirm build-out costs and establish a township-owned broadband system to provide reliable, high-speed internet access. ($43,000)
Central Michigan University Rural Health Equity Institute – Integrates non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) into rural EMS operations to improve healthcare access, reduce inappropriate EMS use and address transportation barriers for vulnerable rural populations. ($50,000)
Chamber Alliance of Mason County – Supports implementation of a five-year housing strategic plan and develops a strategy for soliciting developers to build on identified sites. ($50,000)
Develop Iosco – Expands grant writing capacity in Iosco and Alcona counties by providing workshops, research support and assistance to municipalities, businesses and nonprofits to help secure funding for critical community projects. ($50,000)
Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District – Assesses regional mental health needs, engages community stakeholders and develops solutions to address gaps in support for students, particularly those experiencing severe post-COVID mental health challenges. ($50,000)
Four County Community Foundation – Provides support for grant writing activities in a four-county region. ($50,000)
Gogebic Range Health Foundation – Develops a comprehensive plan for a multi-purpose community center in Gogebic County to address childcare shortages, economic disparities and social service gaps through cross-sector collaboration and sustainable funding strategies. ($50,000)
Hudson Area Schools – Conducts a feasibility study to determine the best use of a newly available 40-acre parcel in Hudson, developing a long-term plan to attract investment and support economic growth. ($50,000)
I69 Regional Development Corporation – Expands I-69 Regional Development Corporation’s technical assistance and revolving loan fund to support small business growth in underserved rural counties, increasing access to capital, fostering new partnerships and enhancing economic resilience. ($50,000)
Idlewild Community Alliance – Advances Idlewild’s revitalization by strengthening local governance, fostering leadership development, supporting small business growth and conducting a housing needs assessment to drive sustainable development. ($50,000)
InvestMitt Cooperative – Assists in establishing InvestMitt Cooperative, a community investment fund in Emmet and Charlevoix counties, enabling residents to pool resources, support attainable housing and attract additional investments to strengthen the regional economy. ($46,500)
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) – Strengthens rural Michigan communities by conducting needs assessments, enhancing cross-sector partnerships and providing assistance to address gaps in affordable housing, broadband and workforce development. ($50,000)
Manistee County Community Foundation – Expands the Manistee County Community Solutions Action Plan to strengthen childcare infrastructure, address regional childcare shortages and support policy updates that create a more childcare-friendly environment for families and providers. ($50,000)
Maslow’s Mount Pleasant Tiny Homes Village – Assists in the completion of essential zoning approvals and environmental assessments for a collaborative initiative that will provide stable housing and support services for individuals in need of transitional housing. ($33,800)
Michigan Center for Employee Ownership – Provides local stakeholders an understanding of the scope of impact of business ownership succession in their communities, builds skills to identify potential “at-risk” businesses, and offers tools and resources to guide business owners in starting the exit planning process to retain companies and jobs locally. ($50,000)
Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency – Supports Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care (MIBOSCOC) in reassessing its governance and funding structure to enhance efficiency, secure diverse funding sources and sustain efforts to address homelessness in 61 rural counties. ($45,000)
Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (Land Bank) – Establishes a multi-county regional land bank and brownfield redevelopment strategy to address housing shortages, mitigate blight and support economic revitalization in underserved rural communities by streamlining property redevelopment and investment efforts. ($50,000)
Northern Lakes Economic Alliance – Launches a Regional Infrastructure and Development Readiness Initiative to assess infrastructure needs, prioritize development projects and attract public and private investment to strengthen the regional economy. ($44,000)
Northern Michigan Health Consortium – Expands the Community Connections Network’s data-sharing platform to improve care coordination, enhance social determinant tracking and integrate multiple health record systems, strengthening rural healthcare access and funding opportunities. ($50,000)
Region 2 Planning Commission – Establishes a gravel cycling initiative by creating Rural Recreation Hubs to support local economies and revitalize rural communities affected by population and income decline. ($40,000)
Shiawassee Family YMCA – Supports the Shiawassee Family YMCA’s expansion and renovation to address the county’s childcare shortage, create new jobs and enhance community engagement spaces, laying the foundation for long-term growth and support for working families. ($50,000)
Traverse Connect – Enhances grant readiness in the Grand Traverse Region by providing specialized training for local governments and organizations, increasing access to state and federal funding to support infrastructure, workforce and business development. ($50,000)
UPCAP Services – Supports the establishment of a Veterans Assistance Fund to provide financial aid and services to veterans across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, ensuring long-term sustainability through strategic planning, policy development and community partnerships. ($50,000)
Village of Cassopolis – Advances the development of the Imagine Center in Cassopolis, a community hub focused on health, wellness, education and economic growth. ($50,000)
Village of Stockbridge – Develops a comprehensive mobility plan to enhance pedestrian safety, expand non-motorized transportation options, and improve access to essential services through sidewalk, bike lane and trail system improvements. ($40,000)
West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission – Develops a West Michigan Agriculture Analysis. ($50,000)
Otsego Community Foundation – Conducts a feasibility study and housing development plan in Otsego County, aiming to create at least 50 attainable homes while engaging stakeholders to support zoning changes and future housing initiatives. ($50,000)

For more information about the Rural Readiness Grant Program and other efforts to support Michigan’s rural communities, visit Michigan.gov/ORP.

Read this news article here.

Media Contact:
Chelsea Wuth
WuthC@michigan.gov

Ironwood, MI – January 13, 2025 – The Inky Lunta Committee, in collaboration with the Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF), has announced the Inky Lunta 78 Challenge, an event honoring Ironwood’s legendary sportsman, coach, and fitness pioneer, Gary “Inky” Engstrom, and his close friend, Jonathan A. Erickson.

This year’s challenge celebrates what would have been Gary Engstrom’s 78th birthday, with participants taking on the theme of 78 in true Gary fashion: “Let’s do this—it’ll be fun!” Beginning on March 1, 2025, participants will engage in a 78-day journey of physical activity, selecting from one of the following challenges:

78 minutes
78 hours
78 kilometers
78 miles

Participants are encouraged to walk, run, roll, ski, paddle, strength train, or engage in other forms of activity to complete their goals. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund, which supports mental health initiatives, as well as community health and wellness, through grant-making across the Gogebic Range.

Event Details:

Registration: Open now at runsignup.com/inkylunta78. The cost is $20 per challenge. Participants can add a T-shirt or fleece hat for $20 each. Log your activity each day.
Youth Event: Free to participate, with optional T-shirts and hats available for purchase.
Deadlines: T-shirt and hat orders must be submitted by February 16, 2025.
Kickoff Event/Tshirt/hat pick-up: Scheduled for March 1, 2025, at Cold Iron Brewery from 1-3pm.
Final Gathering Event: Will take place on May 2, 2025 (details to follow).

Donations to the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund can be made by check, payable to the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, and mailed to: E6112 Bluffview Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938.

For more information, visit runsignup.com/inkylunta78.

The Inky Lunta Committee and the Gogebic Range Health Foundation are excited to invite the community to participate in this meaningful event, continuing Gary Engstrom and Jonathan Erickson’s shared legacy of health, wellness, and community spirit.

Pictured (L to R): Karl Zinsmaster of Saint Maud’s; Kassi Huotari and John Garske of GRHF

January 8, 2025 — The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) is proud to announce and celebrate Saint Maud’s recent grant award from the American-Scandinavian Foundation! This significant funding will enable Saint Maud’s to expand and enhance its renowned Slöyd program, making its classes more accessible and impactful for local youth and families.

Thanks to this grant, Saint Maud’s will upgrade its equipment with the addition of a new four-person bench from Sjöbergs and another custom bench that is built in-house and designed by the Sloyd Experience. These enhancements will increase the program’s capacity to accommodate 16 participants, allowing more individuals to benefit from the hands-on craftsmanship, creativity, and character building fostered by the Slöyd program. Expanded offerings will reach local public school districts, the Superior Homeschool Co-op, and the program’s devoted community of families.

The funding will also support fair compensation for Saint Maud’s exceptional instructors and assistants, who are critical to the program’s ongoing success. Two new trainees—a work-study student from Hurley School District and a volunteer from Northland College—will join the team, bringing the total number of instructors to five. This investment in staffing will ensure the program’s continued excellence and growth.

“We’re thrilled to see Saint Maud’s Slöyd program flourish and to have supported them as their fiscal agent during their journey to achieving 501(c)(3) status,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “Their commitment to fostering creativity and community is truly inspiring, and this grant marks an exciting new chapter in their growth.”

Saint Maud’s has been a pillar of creativity and education in the community, and this grant from the American-Scandinavian Foundation further solidifies their impact. Congratulations to Karl Zinsmaster and the entire Saint Maud’s team for this well-deserved recognition and support. GRHF and Saint Maud’s extends its gratitude to the American-Scandinavian Foundation for investing in this vital initiative. Together, we are building a brighter, more creative future for the Gogebic Range.

For more information about Saint Maud’s Slöyd program, please visit www.saintmauds.com.

About Saint Maud’s

Saint Maud’s is a community-based organization dedicated to fostering self-reliance, perseverance, concentration and love for labor through its Slöyd program. The program focuses on hands-on, project-based learning, teaching individuals of all ages the traditional Swedish craft of woodworking. With an emphasis on inclusivity, Saint Maud’s strives to make its programs accessible to all local youth and families, enriching the community with skills that promote creativity, critical thinking, and resilience. The organization continues to expand its offerings to better serve the Gogebic Range community.

About Gogebic Range Health Foundation

The Gogebic Range Health Foundation supports initiatives promoting health and wellness across Gogebic County, MI, and Iron County, WI. Its core funding priorities include youth engagement, economic empowerment, community food systems, and fostering connected communities. Learn more at gogebicrangehf.org

For more information, please contact:
Kassi Huotari
Executive Director | Gogebic Range Health Foundation
📞 906-364-7527
✉️ kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org

Ironwood, MI – December 16, 2024 – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) has had an eventful and impactful year in 2024, marked by significant growth and collaboration. Throughout the year, GRHF has worked closely with local nonprofits and community health organizations to assess community needs. This collective effort has strengthened the Foundation’s ability to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Gogebic Range by setting updated funding priorities.

A key milestone in 2024 was the hiring of Kassi Huotari as the new Executive Director in July. Since her arrival, GRHF has continued to expand its partnerships and deepen its impact in the region. Notable achievements this year include:

Assisting Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority with a successful raffle ticket fundraiser, raising $25,680 to support the maintenance and enhancements of the Iron Belle Trail.
Receiving a $48,700 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, which will help strengthen the Foundation’s organizational capacity to better serve the community.
Partnering with IncredibleBank to provide $1,000 in support to nine different food security programs in the Gogebic Range, benefiting local families in need during the holiday season.
Serving as a fiscal sponsor for Saint Maud’s, enabling the organization to secure $33,425 in funding from the American-Scandinavian Foundation while they were in the process of securing their nonprofit status.

Although GRHF paused its grant-making in 2024 to focus on leadership transitions, we are excited to reopen a round of grant-making in early 2025. All donations received from now until December 31st will go directly toward supporting these grants and funding the critical initiatives that help the Gogebic Range thrive.

Looking ahead to 2025, GRHF is eager to build on these successes and continue supporting the four new funding priorities:

Youth Engagement & Mental Health
Economic Empowerment
Community Food Systems
Connected Communities

Make a Difference Today
Donations can be made easily here or by mailing a check to:
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
E6112 Bluff View Rd
Ironwood, MI 49938

For those wishing to designate their donation, options are available for Community Grant Making, Youth Engagement & Mental Health, Economic Empowerment, Community Food Systems, Connected Communities, the Jonathan A. Erickson Fund, Project Connect, or a General Donation.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and support from our community, we’ve made great strides this year,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “We’re excited about the future and the positive impact we can create together in 2025. Your contribution—no matter the size—helps us continue our mission to build a healthier, more resilient Gogebic Range.”

For more information, please contact:
Kassi Huotari
Executive Director
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
📞 906-364-7527
✉️ kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org

The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) and IncredibleBank have partnered to bolster food security initiatives in Gogebic and Iron Counties, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals during the holiday season. Each organization contributed $500 to nine local food programs, resulting in $1,000 donations to each organization and maximizing the impact of this collaborative effort.

The organizations receiving support include:

Mercer Area Food Pantry
Iron County Food Pantry
St. Vincent DePaul locations in Ironwood, Bessemer, and Watersmeet
Total Faith Ministries (Union Station)
Northwind Naturals Food Co-op (Kids Account)
Gogebic County 4-H Knapsack Program
Lac Vieux Desert Food Pantry

“This partnership with IncredibleBank demonstrates the power of collaboration,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of GRHF. “Together, we can make a more significant impact, providing vital resources to organizations that support food security in our community, especially during this time of heightened need.”

Kevin Nyquist, Market Manager at IncredibleBank, added, “At IncredibleBank, we are deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Partnering with GRHF to address food security ensures that local families can enjoy a healthier, more secure holiday season. This collaboration highlights the strength of our community when we come together to support one another.”

This initiative reflects GRHF’s broader mission to enhance community well-being through its four funding priorities: Youth Engagement & Mental Health, Economic Empowerment, Community Food Systems, and Connected Communities.

While GRHF paused its grant-making in 2024 to focus on leadership transitions, this initiative demonstrates its continued commitment to addressing critical community needs. As the Foundation prepares to resume grant-making in early 2025, supporters are encouraged to contribute to its mission.

Donations can be made here or by mailing a check to:
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
E6112 Bluff View Rd, Ironwood, MI 49938

For more information, please contact:
Kassi Huotari
Executive Director | Gogebic Range Health Foundation
Phone: 906-364-7527
Email: kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org

Ironwood, MI — November 8, 2024 — The Gogebic Range Health Foundation proudly announces it has been awarded a $48,700 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (Health Fund) to bolster its organizational capacity. This grant, part of the Health Fund’s Community Health & Capacity Building Initiative, will support critical professional development efforts, conference participation, educational programs, and financial management resources over a two-year period.

“We’re grateful for this funding, which enables us to strengthen our internal operations and build a more resilient organization,” said Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of Gogebic Range Health Foundation. “With enhanced capacity, we can continue improving health and well-being in the Gogebic Range.”

About Michigan Health Endowment Fund
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. You can find more information about the Health Fund at mihealthfund.org.

About Gogebic Range Health Foundation
The Gogebic Range Health Foundation supports initiatives promoting health and resilience across Gogebic County, MI, and Iron County, WI. Its core priorities include youth engagement, economic empowerment, community food systems, and fostering connected communities.

Contact:
Kassi Huotari, Executive Director
Gogebic Range Health Foundation
906-364-7527
kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org

Pictured (from L to R): Mandy Lake, City of Bessemer Clerk, Treasurer, and Interim City Manager, Mark Movrich, City of Bessemer Council Member and MWGTA Member, Paul Anderson MWGTA Board Chair, and Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation in front of the new Iron Belle Trail shed.

Ironwood, Michigan – September 30, 2024 – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) over the last few months served as fiscal sponsor for Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority (MWGTA) for the Iron Belle Trail maintenance fundraiser. Their latest collaborative fundraiser was a tremendous success, raising an impressive $25,680! This achievement has also brought GRHF to a remarkable point—just $4,480 shy of reaching $1 million in community giving since its founding in 2015.

The community’s support was on full display as all 300 raffle tickets, priced at $100 each, sold out, generating $30,000. After awarding 8 cash prizes totaling $10,000 and covering raffle expenses, $20,680 was raised. Thanks to GRHF’s generous $5,000 match, the total reached $25,680. These proceeds will directly fund crucial maintenance and improvements on the much-loved Iron Belle Trail.

“We couldn’t be more excited to assist the MWGTA crew to hit their fundraising goal,” said Kassi Huotari, GRHF Executive Director. “Not only were we able to raise significant funds for trail maintenance, but this achievement also puts GRHF on the verge of reaching $1 million in giving. Selling all 300 tickets speaks volumes about the trail’s importance to our region.”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to ensure the trail continues to thrive and serve the community for years to come. Planned projects include:

Purchasing a storage shed for maintenance equipment (pictured above at the Iron Belle Bessemer Trailhead)
Surfacing improvements and repairs, such as fixing tree root cracks
Regular mowing, brushing, and grooming of the trail
Supporting long-term maintenance efforts

The Iron Belle Trail is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, residents, and visitors alike, providing a safe and scenic space for recreation, exercise, and relaxation.

“We are incredibly proud of this partnership and the community’s generosity,” added Paul Anderson, MWGTA Board Chair. “This success not only benefits the trail today but ensures its longevity for future generations.”

With GRHF on the brink of its $1 million giving milestone, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission of enhancing the health and wellness of the Gogebic Range community through impactful partnerships and initiatives.

About Gogebic Range Health Foundation: The Gogebic Range Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the community by supporting various initiatives and projects that encourage active living. Since 2015, GRHF has provided nearly $1 million in funding to support programs and partnerships that enhance quality of life across the Gogebic Range. In the midst of transitioning its mission to meet the community’s needs, GRHF is excitedly positioned to make a big impact.

About Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority: The MWGTA oversees the maintenance and development of the non-motorized trail system in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, ensuring its continued use and enjoyment by the public. MWGTA is focused on providing a safe, accessible, and sustainable trail system that encourages outdoor recreation and promotes community wellness.

Media Contact:

Kassi Huotari
Executive Director, Gogebic Range Health Foundation
906-364-7527
kassi.huotari@gogebicrangehf.org

Ironwood, Michigan – October 1, 2024 – The first Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit was held on September 26 and 27, 2024 at the Michigan Technological University in Houghton. Kassi Huotari, Executive Director of the Gogebic Range Health Foundation and Amy Nosal, a Community Health Worker with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, participated in the event uniquely centered around the needs and benefits of increasing accessibility.

Increasing accessibility means creating spaces and attitudes that uplift an understanding of why and how to invite the largest variety of people possible. Whether it’s infrastructure design or people-first language, steps taken to improve accessibility expand the number of individuals who are engaging in a positive experience with a service provider, be it a government agency or business.

Summit attendees heard from local and national speakers about the latest data and resources to further accessibility efforts in the Upper Peninsula. More than 1 in 4 Americans have a disability, that’s about 1 in 3 families, and many are invisible conditions. Partnerships like those between Superior Alliance for Independent Living (UP SAIL) and communities in the Marquette and the Keweenaw regions have provided site accessibility assessments which then are used to strategically plan new developments and promotional materials. Featuring accessibility benefits residents and tourists alike by creating more social interactions and financial transactions. The summit concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing community partners who have created significant impacts in improve accessibility across the Upper Peninsula.

“Attending the first Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit was an important opportunity for us to explore how we can enhance inclusivity throughout the Gogebic Range,” reflected Huotari. “The Iron Belle Trail is a remarkable example of how accessibility can be seamlessly integrated into recreational spaces, and we aim to carry that vision into future projects in our community. By keeping accessibility at the forefront of future projects, we hope to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. This summit is an important step in assessing how we can continue making Iron and Gogebic Counties more inclusive and accessible for all.” For more information about the Gogebic Range Health Foundation, visit https://gogebicrangehf.org/.

Nosal spent this summer working with partners including Extension Iron County 4-H, Friends of the Iron Belle Trail, and the City of Bessemer to reintroduce the duet wheelchair bike, an electric pedal-assist tandem bike, for public use after the COVID pandemic. Nosal explains “It’s an opportunity for us to talk about our programs like Children’s Special Health Care Services, and it’s a service municipalities and businesses can promote to residents and visitors. Being a part of the summit expanded how to think about making places great for every body. It demonstrated the value of understanding others’ perspectives and how our different networks can align to create more resources and local income.” For more information about adaptable equipment in the Gogebic Range, visit https://iron.extension.wisc.edu/outdoor-adaptive-equipment/.

The Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit was created by members of the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative, including Visit Keweenaw, Keweenaw Community Foundation, Superior Alliance for Independent Living, and Western U.P. Planning and Development Region. For more information, visit https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/accessible-keweenaw-initiative/.

Annual Community Health Celebration and Fundraiser

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