iminor@dailypress.net
ESCANABA After some discussion, the Escanaba City Council unanimously approved a change to the city’s code of ordinances that will ban hunting within city limits.
The ordinance, which was first presented at the April 22 regular council meeting, aimed to address an ongoing issue with hunting on land within the Westside Recreation Area. Over the years, the number of hunting blinds appearing in the recreation area has increased, suggesting the area has become popular with hunters. However, hunters could only be ticketed for hunting within the city limits if they were actively seen discharging a firearm.
The change approved Thursday expands upon the rules against discharging a firearm by explicitly prohibiting hunting activities. Specifically, the amended ordinance reads, “There shall be no hunting of wild or domestic animals within city limits with any kind of air gun, spring gun, cross bow, or firearm or any dangerous weapon. There shall also be no baitin
iminor@dailypress.net
ESCANABA Efforts to bring more housing options to Escanaba for the city’s aging population were highlighted during Escanaba’s regular city council meeting Thursday.
“Escanaba has a large population of Baby Boomers who are slowly approaching retirement age, this has increased the need for alternative housing as homeowners in this age group search for a smaller and easier to manage home,” said Council Member Karen Moore. “Condominiums are an excellent choice for this group. There are very few in this category in this city. In fact, when I was running for city council this was the most requested need.”
iminor@dailypress.net
ESCANABA As the year comes to a close, officials in Escanaba are preparing for the new year ahead and hoping for a better year than 2020.
“I can tell you honestly, I am looking forward to a much better 2021. 2020 has not treated us well. We’re all very expectant of better times,” said Escanaba Mayor Marc Tall.
Tall said one of his personal goals for the coming year was to encourage residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine whenever it is made available to them. On a personal note, he recalled the loss of friends to the disease and how restrictions put in place prevented him from celebrating his 50th anniversary with his wife, Maggie, but he expressed pleasure with the strength the community has shown in the face of the virus.