Talking Trash: The search for the Trashman of Gogebic County:

U.P. Breaking News Talking Trash News Bulletin – 4-28-18 – 5:15 a.m. CT – 6:15 a.m. ET

One man’s trash, is a deputy sheriff’s nightmare: “I will be more than willing to look through it,” the Gogebic County sheriff’s deputy said – something stinks right here in Ironwood City

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Ironwood Township, MI) – The search is on for the Trashman of Gogebic County.

A intrepid Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department deputy  went above and beyond the call of duty Friday morning – digging thru a large pile of trash that someone dumped along an Ironwood Township roadway.

“A lot” and “large” are a subjective phrases and we do not have the exact poundage/tonnage.

The case began about 10:30 a.m. Central Time on Friday morning, April 27, 2018 when Ironwood Township Supervisor Steve Boyd called Gogebic County 911. Boyd reported that a large amount of trash had been dumped near the intersection of Junet Road and Woodcliff Road in Ironwood Township, MI.

“Just got a call from the Township Supervisor – apparently somebody dumped a large amount of garbage on the side of the road near that intersection,” said the Gogebic County 911 dispatcher over the radio to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Deputy.

“He’d like someone to take a look to see if” a suspect could be identified by combing through the trash.

The township supervisor hoped the officer “can determine where it came from.” the dispatcher stated.

The officer asked the dispatcher to please call township back “ask them if they are willing to come out here and help pick it up.”

Then a small clue on how much – as the cop really stresses these next words:

“There is A LOT,” the deputy said with exasperation and frustration in his voice.

The dispatcher reported the township would send out a truck and an employee to clean up the mess. However, it was hoped the deputy would find clues to the identity of the culprit.

“They just didn’t want to do that prior to you looking at it – Someone from the township should be there shortly,” the dispatcher radioed the Gogebic County deputy sheriff.

“OK, I will be more than willing to look through it but I would rather have them here, said the deputy.

We do not know if enough putrid clues could be found to discover the Trashman of Gogebic County (to be fair could be Trashwoman) was found – or has the law yet to point the stinky finger toward someone.

“OK, I will be more than willing to look through it,” said the deputy with the Gogebic County Sherriff’s Department.

It is also not known if it was intentional (like a protest or mega litterer) – or an accident – tho we do know the person did not admit their smelly deed and fled the scene.

Gogebic County is one of the information vacuums – one of the dark U.P. counties that doesn’t follow the law and refuses to release arrest information unless they deem you should known.

U.P. Breaking News Headlines – 10 U.P. Stories Include: Two-year-old girl falls seven feet in Mackinac County, theft at the Marquette Mom Prom?(or false alarm), mysterious rare Saturday hearing held inside Chippewa County Courthouse, Inmate hurt in showers in Gogebic County – Marquette shoplifters busted, and a stolen car from Ironwood.

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin and Headlines – 4-21-18 – 5:25 p.m. ET

U.P. Weekend Headlines: Toddler falls seven feet in Mackinac County, rare special hearing on Saturday is a mystery and kept from the public in Chippewa County, too drunk to float on a U.P. Eastern Island an afternoon car theft in Ironwood, and an inmate injured today in the Gogebic County jail showers – plus Marquette shoplifters busted and more

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

Its been a busy for police and other emergency folks this weekend – we’ve already done full stories on a police chase with juveniles in Gladstone, a missing snowmobiler found in Chippewa County.
However there was a lot more happening on Saturday – here are about 10 headline stories:

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Anyone who has had kids knows that two year olds are acrobats that will climb anything and everything – however sometimes that innate adventuresome fun turns into a serious injury.

Parents in Garfield Township called for an ambulance late this morning, Saturday, April 21, 2018 – after their toddler took a bad fall.

Two-year-old female “who fell off of an approximately seven-foot ladder,” the dispatcher told the paramedics/EMTs.

It happened at a residence on Sandtown Road in Engadine, MI.

“She is bleeding from the ear,” the dispatcher said. The victim is “a two-year-old female who fell off a ladder – they believe it may be a seven-foot fall.”

That is the last word we have on the incident, however presumably the girl was taken to the Straits Area Hospital. Her condition is not known.

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There was a strange theft call last night at the “Mom Prom” fundraiser held at the U.P. Masonic Center about 11:30p.m. ET last night Friday. Two Marquette Police Department units were sent to investigate the theft of a purse.
No word on the theft was confirmed or the purse was misplaced and then found
This year the annual fundraiser for a family-in-need was held to benefit the family of 8-year-old William Chittle of Negaunee, who has three rare medical conditions.
The fun attire includes old prom dresses, bridesmaids gowns, or anything that resembles or gives the feeling of being a princess.
https://www.mqtmomprom.com

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A rare and mysterious “special hearing” was held this morning at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
A Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department deputy was told he was needed back at the office to attend the special hearing at 10 a.m. ET on Sat., April 21, 2018.
Judges never come in on Saturday without a very good reason – so it had to be something significant and unexpected.
Scanner listeners said they heard police say the grandfather of the children was requesting to be allowed in the hearing.
No Star Chamber, but interesting nonetheless.

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Two shoplifters were busted about 3 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon at the Shopko in Marquette, MI.
They were “cooperative” with the store’s retail fraud squad.

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At least 3 Michigan state prison inmates were taken by ambulance on Friday night for medical reasons including a seizure and chest pains – at the Baraga Max Prison and the Chippewa Regional Correctional Facility.
Then on Saturday morning, a Gogebic County Jail inmate reportedly had a seizure and received a head injury in the jail showers.
The inmate, in his 20s, suffered a head injury – and while paramedics were told the inmate bled – one radioed doctor about the scene in the jail located in Bessemer, MI.
The blood “must have been wiped off” before the ambulance arrive, a paramedic radioed medical control at the Aspirus Grand View Ironwood Hospital.
The Gogebic County inmate “hit his head on something” and was “flopping on the floor a bit” in the showers resembling a seizure, the paramedic told doctors.

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Wound tight after this winter: Marquette cops were called Saturday afternoon to a report of youths blocking the sidewalk on the 400 Block of North Fourth Street – by putting up a tightrope
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To drunk to float?
A ferry operator at one of the eastern U.P. islands called 911 Saturday afternoon because one of the idling cars waiting to get on the ferry wasn’t moving – and neither was the gentleman inside.
He was alive but is suspected of being OUIL.

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In Dickinson County and Houghton County planned brush burns got a bit too big on Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters in Sagola Township and Calumet Township (off Copper City Road) this afternoon for private brush burning that got out of control.

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A U.P.-wide BOLO has been issued for a car stolen Saturday from an Ironwood, MI home just before 1 p.m. Central Time in Gogebic County
The vehicle is a red and black 2012 Mini Cooper with Texas tags: JNJ-7987

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Maybe suffering from Spring Fever, four escapee horses got loose and had some fun in Houghton County on Saturday morning, but as rounded up by their owner in the Atlantic Mine area.

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The Pickford EMS ambulance was basically totaled overnight – and had to limp back to its barn (station) – after hitting a deer. Be careful folks deer on the move in this nice weather – just like we are.

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Speaking of warm weather – please beware of slip and fall accidents that are likely to happen on Saturday night (as they did Friday night) and Sunday morning (churchgoers beware). The melting snow refreezes to black ice everywhere.

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Blizzard Bashing: Ironwood homeowner pulls gun on break-in suspect Sunday night; Suspect has criminal history and is wanted downstate; Suspect injured in scuffle with victim – pair apparently related

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 4-16-18 –11:08 a.m. ET – 10:07 a.m. CT

Ironwood parole absconder – with a MDOC history of break-ins – was first busted in head by the victim – and then busted to jail – after allegedly trying to bust into a relative’s home – Victim OK, suspect injured and wanted for downstate home invasion

Suspect 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood, MI

Break-in victim 58-year-old Guy Albin Anderson, Sr. of Ironwood, MI

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Ironwood, MI) – A Gogebic County man was injured, treated at the hospital and then arrested Sunday night after allegedly breaking into a relative’s home – and has numerous warrants including first degree home invasion.

Break-in victim 58-year-old Guy Albin Anderson, Sr. of Ironwood, MI

In the midst of a major blizzard, police were called to a break-in in-progress at the home of victim 58-year-old Guy Albin Anderson, Sr. at 243 E. Ridge Street in Ironwood, MI.

Police were dispatched about 8:20 p.m. CT on Sunday night, April 15, 2018 to the break-in progress call.

The call was answered by Ironwood Public Safety Officers and Michigan State Police from the Wakefield Post.

“I just lost connection with him, the man was trying to kick his door in,” the dispatcher radioed officers.

Police were told Anderson, Sr. was armed with a gun while trying to keep the intruder out.

“There is an altercation – one man has a gun,” the Gogebic County 911 dispatcher told responding officers.

The officers were told “be advised the homeowner has put his gun away,” said a second dispatcher.

 

Suspect 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood, MI

The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood – who has a long criminal history – plus is wanted downstate for home invasion and had a pair of failure to appear in court warrants issued by the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department.

“The gun is put away for now,” the dispatcher said. “He (Dylan Anderson) did enter the home and they are attempting to stay away from each other so there is not an altercation.”

The “suspect is bleeding from an injury to the head” that happened prior to police arrival, an officer radioed from the scene requesting EMS.

The victim received a head wound and was taken by Mercy EMS ambulance – with police closely following the rig – to the Ironwood Aspirus Grand View Hospital.

Dylan Anderson has a warrant for him out of Flint, MI for first-degree home invasion, however Flint officials will not come to get him.

The two men are apparently related, although online records do not explain how.

Dylan Anderson was set to get off probation two months ago for a break-in and gun conviction.

He was paroled to Gogebic County, and at the MDOC still lists him as an absconder from probation.

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department keeps their jail records secret, so the exact charges against the younger Anderson are not known.

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Michigan Department of Corrections:

Suspect 23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson of Ironwood, MI

23-year-old Dylan Bradley Anderson

http://mdocweb.state.mi.us/OTIS2/otis2profile.aspx?mdocNumber=927631

Supervision Begin Date: 2/23/2015
Assigned Location: Gogebic/Bessemer
Supervision Discharge Date: 2/23/2018

Sentence 1
Offense: Weapons – Firearms – Larceny
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 11/17/2013
Genesee County:
Date of Sentence: 2/23/2015
Conviction Type: Plea

Sentence 2
Offense: Breaking & Entering a Building With Intent
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 11/17/2013
Genesee County:
Date of Sentence: 2/23/2015
Conviction Type: Plea

Fatal shooting investigated in Gogebic County – Investigators on scene – but possible self-inflicted means yet another U.P. resident takes their life in despair – happening almost daily – Does anyone care?

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin: – 4-14-18 Update:

The shooting was reported at 4455 Nylund Road – located between Junet Road and Olson Road.
A neighbor found the victim.
However two immediate neighbors were mentioned by police – obviously shocked and sad. We are withholding all names of the neighbors and apparent victim at this point.

Officials in Gogebic County have not released anything about the shooting.

This apparent suicide underlines the need for better mental health services in the U.P. as we are experiencing about one suicide – and many attempts – almost every day in the U.P. especially among youth including at NMU in Marquette.

Its a tragedy that Lansing cares nothing about as they have slashed and slashed U.P mental health budgets – and mix it with poverty, despair, and one-sided court/cops system and we get suicides.

Plus the youth perceive there is nothing for them with only – low pay paycheck to paycheck and day-to-day living left by the older generations a gift to millennials.
We were hoping they forgive us.

Its has also left an older U.P. generation in despair and with little control of their once good iives – and add in the usual substance issues and its a major crisis that is U.P.-wide.

Like their secretive cop brothers in Ontonagon County and Luce County and more – just love duping the news media and keeping secrets

Its also brings up the coveted, secretive information that very rarely emerges from secret-secret Gogebic County- unless via a weak news release with omissions galore.

Police officials in Gogebic County and Ironwood DPS – have never been known for their candid response to the media – especially if they feel/perceive it embarrasses their controlled area of the U.P.

In fact, U.P. Breaking News has exposed several recent situations in Gogebic County that were false by omission. Keeping their secrets from you like the tragic fatal ice incident when a heavy machine broke thru ice and fell under a barge with a crane. Total cover-up .
It took them three weeks to admit there were two fires – an hour apart – in that triple fatal apartment fire in Ironwood. We reported both fires that tragic morning

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4-13-18 – 2:10 p.m. ET 1:10 p.m. CT

Gogebic County officials investigating man found shot to death in his home

Sadly, its beginning to look like the almost daily Suicide Crisis in the U.P., takes another victim

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Ironwood, MI) – Investigators are on the scene of a fatal shooting in Gogebic County.
A neighbor reported finding the victim with a gunshot wound to the head.

The shooting is in Ironwood, MI area – however we are withholding all roads connected to this tragic incident. U.P. Breaking News will not release locations until much later this evening.
The shooting was reported about 12:40 p.m. Central Time.

So far, we have not heard any indication that foul play is suspected.

However, it maybe the latest in a series of shootings, hangings and overdoses that are happening almost daily this winter in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The mental health organizations have their own crisis – ridiculously low funding and no follow-up care for those with depression. NMU has suffered their own suicides in past month.

When will enough people die in the U.P. before Lansing gets a clue.

Out U.P. legislative delegation suffered their own suicide incident – and yet nothing is done.
We stress this death remains under investigation – but have not heard MSP crime lab called

Near Vacationland Resort in Gogebic County Cisco Chain of Lakes: Divers and an ice water rescue team are among those being request by police and fire officials at the scene of a 55-year-old Wisconsin man whose Caterpillar Skid Steer broke through the ice and submerged while snow plowing for a stuck barge

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 3-7-18 – 11:50 a.m. CT

Massive ice water rescue in Gogebic County’s Land of a Thousand Lakes area – 55-year-old Wisconsin man on Caterpillar Skid Steer disappears while snowplowing next to a barge – and the water overwhelmed the approximately two-foot thick ice – victim found in water

 

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Gogebic County, MI) – A massive ice rescue operation is underway in the western U.P. after a Caterpillar Skid Steer and its driver disappeared below the ice this morning while plowing for a barge in a bizarre freak accident.

The victim’s body was recovered a short while ago (11:35 a.m. CT)  – and is being taken to a local hospital. The victim is a 55-year-old Wisconsin man, whose name has not been released. His body was taken by EMS to the Eagle River Memorial Hospital.

Its beginning to sound like an on-the-job incident – as the man had been plowing snow near the a stuck barge. The ice was less than two feet thick. Its not known what company is involved or who owns the barge.

The incident happened about 10:45 a.m. CT this morning, Wed., March 7, 2018.

“The (Bobcat) door locked and we can see in,” an officials said adding somberly they do not see the victim.

“Grab the ice rescue suits,” said an incident commander.

“He hasn’t surfaced,” the dispatcher told those heading to the scene. The hope for saving the man faded and now it is a body recovery for divers.

 

This area has countless lakes – and it appears this accident happened on or near one of the bigger lakes – Thousand Island Lake in Watersmeet Township (surrounded by many little officially unnamed lakes). Its part of the “Cisco Chain of Lakes.”

“The subject went through the ice in about 10 to 15 feet of water,” a dispatcher said. Officials were tracking his cellphone and he apparently called 911 for help.

“He was plowing snow next to a barge that was frozen in,” said a commander on the scene. “The water came up on the ice – they tried to pull him out and he ended up going down in the ice by the barge.”

A cold water rescue team from Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin arrived about 11:12 a.m. CT.

The rescue command is set up a distance from the Vacationland Resort – and down Hebert Road. These locations are off Thousand Island Lake Road. The male victim was reportedly three quarters of a mile from shore when the ice gave way.

Among those paged are the Lake Gogebic Volunteer Fire Department and the Watersmeet Township Volunteer Fire Department/EMS/Rescue, Land O’ Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, and an Aspirus Medivac Crew from Iron River, MI. Several other emergency agencies have been considered, and some were called then canceled like search and rescue. The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police – Wakefield Post are on the scene and Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police.

Gogebic County Midnight Chainsaw drama terrorizes woman near Marenisco, MI

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-28-18 – update

A 37-yar-old Marenisco Township man was jailed for domestic violence nd possession of  firearm while intoxicated. Bond was set at $25,000.

6:45 a.m. ET

Gogebic County man allegedly uses chainsaw to cut down trees in middle of night, allegedly makes booby traps out of notched trees, and armed with guns – frightens female in household flees and calls police

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Marenisco, MI) – A strange case of threats, guns, a chainsaw allegedly used to make booby traps out of notched trees – and a possible domestic violence in Gogebic County this morning.

A Gogebic County man allegedly started cutting down trees in the middle of the night – after allegedly threatening his wife.

A female member of the household called police after the man allegedly threats and had guns and a running chainsaw. The incident happened early today, Wed., Feb. 28, 2018.
The incident happened at a home on U.S. Highway 2 near the 122 Mile Marker close to Marenisco, MI.

He was believed to have a rifle and .40 caliber handgun, the victim told police.
Police were warned that the suspect had allegedly cut wedges in two large trees on both sides of driveway that were ready to come down on officers or the woman.

In pitch black darkness, the suspect also cut down several trees on the property. The female victim was told by police to drive down US-2 near Marenisco.

The victim told police the man threw a .40 caliber holster and magazine at her – and allegedly made a serious threat about her son.

“Your son is gone,” the victim claimed the suspect said – after allegedly throwing a holster at her.

The man has reportedly injured himself many occasions including he allegedly shot himself on a prior occasion.

At last report, the man said he was willing to talk with police.

It is unclear if the man was arrested. The agency in charge of the incident has not been released. In fact, police have not released any information on this incident.

U.P. Breaking News has a partial name but have not been able to identify the victim or suspect.

Police investigate an assault of a woman at a convenience store in Gogebic County

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-24-18 – 1:50 p.m. CT – 2:50 p.m. ET

Woman assaulted, Arkansas man arrested following attack reported at a Wakefield convenience story; followed by two men hurt in brawl in Hurley, WI

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Wakefield, MI) – A female assault victim was taken to the hospital late Friday after a reported attack at a Wakefield convenience store.

The attack was reported at the Holiday Station on US-2 in Wakefield about 11 p.m. CT, Fri. night, Feb. 23, 2018.

It is not clear if the victim was a customer passing through – or the clerk.

The woman sustained unknown injuries in the assault. She was taken to the Aspirus Grand View Ironwood Hospital.

The suspect fled in the victims 2004 white Mazda 3.

“It’s my car,” the victim could be heard telling police over the two-way radio as they gave broadcast a lookout for the car.

The suspect was suspected to have fled to an apartment on nearby Sunday Lake Street.

“She was fairly frantic,” a dispatcher told police rushing to the scene.

Marcus Jeffrey Tate

Marcus Jeffrey Tate

Police arrested an Arkansas man who the victim said assaulted her.

31-year-old Marcus Jeffrey Tate of Little Rock, Arkansas was taken to the Gogebic County Jail after being arrested about 20 minutes after the attack.

A check by police showed that Tate has outstanding warrants out of Little Rock, Arkansas but they do not want him back that badly.

The felony probation violation warrant has “an in-state only pickup” that is non-extraditable The probation violation involves an original conviction for larceny.

Tate also took off without a valid driver’s license – as the suspect has a suspended driver’s license that expired on Dec. 27, 2017.

Police also ran a computer check of the suspect’s older brother –  but he was apparently not involved in the alleged attack.

Marcus Jeffrey Tate

Meanwhile, the violence was not exclusive to the Michigan side of the border.

At 11:30 p.m. CT Friday night – Beacon EMS paramedics were called to the Sliver Street Pit Stop bar/restaurant in Hurley, WI to treat two male victims involved in a fight.
“We have two subjects bleeding, both subjects were involved in a fight,” the dispatcher told paramedics.

The Tapes – List to rescues and first fire today in same building: Two identical smoky fire calls in just over an hour at same building – could tragedy have been averted? : Many hurt in Ironwood, MI apartment building fire – At least two fatalities feared – Ironwood Aspirus Grand View Hospital was told to prepare for up to 10 injuries total

URGENT URGENT URGENT URGENT Fire Update – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin –

Could today’s tragedy in Ironwood, MI have been averted?

EXCLUSIVE: The Audio Tapes: Dramatic rescues this morning by Ironwood, MI police and firefighters in a deadly inferno – plus listen to audio of the small fire reported an hour before the huge blaze that killed at least two people
Two fires within about an hour of each other in same Ironwood apartment building – the first fir was blamed on cooking – and hour later and it turned into an inferno that last all morning and claims at least two lives – possibly more.

(Ironwood) – The Michigan State Police Fire Marshal is investigated why there were two fires in the same building in Ironwood, MI this morning – with the second causing at least two deaths and about 10 people injured.

The first fire at 102 E. Aurora Street was at 2:35 a.m. CT 

The second fire was reported at 3:45 a.m. CT

The second blaze destroyed the old three-story building in downtown Ironwood.

Fire #1 ( followed by Fire #2 – with dramatic rescues – listen as police and firefighters try to help the trapped victims)

Fire #2 – the deadly inferno:

Fire photo by Robert Lanctoe

Fire photo by Lisa Anne

Fire photo by Lisa Ann

Fire photo by Lisa Ann

2-21-18 – 6:35 a.m. CT –

Video by Nancy Zak/Zak’s Realty

Thick smoke is being sent east across Ironwood, triggering many calls from worried residents. One said he could see flames.

Just over an hour before this tragic fire, officials were called to same building for a smoky fire.

***This is info is from the first fire call at same building, not the tragic call an hour later:

Ironwood firefighters, police responded to the same kind of fire call – smoke in the building – at the exact same location just over an hour earlier.

At 2:35 a.m. CT – the first call went out for smoke filling 102 E. Aurora Street – an old three-story building in downtown Ironwood.

“There is a caller stating that smoke is filling the building – does not know if there is a fire or not,” the dispatcher radioed police officers at 2:35 a.m. CT. That first caller was in apartment 3 and said he could smell the smoke.

A second caller said his apartment wasn’t filled with smoke but the building as filling with smoke. He was told to evacuate.

A third caller reported fire:
“The caller stated there was fire inside,” the dispatcher told those responding.

Then word the fire was out – radioed in about 2:44 a.m. CT.

“You can slow everybody down, it was a ‘cooktop’ – the fire’s out,” said one official. 

We will be posting more on this soon.

Scroll down for more details

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4:35 a.m. CT

Tragedy unfolding in Ironwood, MI – Up to 10 victims total – two feared killed

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

**Remember in breaking news situations like this information can change rapidly. We are posting everything we believe is true.

(Ironwood, MI) – Ironwood fire officials are probing the cause of an early morning blaze that has left up to ten people hurt  – including two feared dead – at an apartment building that was filled with acrid black smoke.

At 5:34 a.m. CT, a ranking fire official on the scene said everyone who could be saved – has been.

At this point – “we’ve rescued everyone we can rescue,” the fire official told the dispatcher.

Gogebic County Victim’s Services went  to the hospital to help survivors – at the request of fire officials.

“See what the needs are of the one’s we rescued,” the official told the dispatcher.

About an hour and 10 minutes prior to this fire call, police and firefighters had been called to the same apartment building – also for smoke filling the building

At 6:20 a.m. CT, fire officials were still trying to stop the blaze from spreading to other old neighboring buildings.

“That east wall just caved-in,” a fire official reported – as the apartment building appears to be three or more stories tall.

It appears the apartment building is actually connected to the Choice Oil Company.
“There is heavy fire on the west side of the building,” an Ironwood fire official radioed to firefighters manning hoses including an aerial truck.

“Concentrate your efforts on that (west) side so that we can try and avoid it going (spreading) to another building,” the fire officials said at 6:21 a.m. CT. “I don’t want the wall knocked down – just the flame.

All available ambulances and firefighters were called to an apartment building fire in Ironwood. The Hurley Fire Department (WI) sent a truck and firefighters to the scene in the western Upper Peninsula.

The blaze is located at 102 E. Aurora Street in Ironwood, MI.

The smoky blaze was reported about 3:45 a.m. CT this morning, Wed., Feb. 21, 2018.

One paramedic estimated ten total victims – including two possible fatalities. Many of the victims are elderly.

Paramedics were doing CPR on one victim who had “severe smoke inhalation.”

At least one victim called 911 begging for help, and others could be heard screaming from inside the building.

The dispatcher told responding emergency officials that one victim said “he can’t get our of the building – there is thick black smoke.”

U.P. Breaking News is withholding all names of whom we are aware.

This will be a lengthy investigation. The Michigan State Police Fire Marshal is expected to be called to the scene.

Ironwood Public Safety Officers pulled about six people to safety despite acrid black smoke billowing from the building. Scanner listeners could hear the officers coughing and choking as they radioed the dispatcher.

“There are serious injuries,” said one official. “This is a serious fire – It is a Code Orange.”

The first officer on the scene confirmed the smoke and then flames.
“There are flames coming out of the building,” the officer radioed to the dispatcher.

Firefighters were still pumping a large amount of water onto the building at 6:20 a.m. CT

Officials are going from room-to-room to checking for victims.

“We probably have one or two (more victims) inside the building,” one fire official said.

An informal triage area was set up in the parking lots of a couple nearby businesses – as the apartment building is located just off downtown.

Thankfully some of the occupants were not hurt. Officials are trying to arrange hotel rooms for the fire victims including some who may be treated and released from the hospital. There were several cases of minor smoke inhalation.

The American Red Cross is en-route. Gogebic County Victim’s Services is on the scene.

More shortly.

With last week’s heroin wins, federal prosecutors in Marquette, MI are preparing take down an armed meth ring allegedly operating in three U.P. counties

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-14-18 – 5:30 p.m. ET –

Federal prosecutors prep for meth ring that allegedly spread the devious highly-addictive drug in Ontonagon, Gogebic and Baraga counties:

Where is the ever-present pseudoephedrine supply coming from?

Hundreds – if not thousands of lives – have been ruined in the U.P. due to Meth, heroin, opioids, and fentanyl – and cops are trying hard to stop the flow

Dion Roy Jolliff

30-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Ontonagon, MI

27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI

35-year-old Patrick Joseph Sievers of Ironwood, MI

Feds brought down heroin ring during trials last week – with several convictions and one not guilty verdict

(Scroll down to read all new federal indictments – download for free as we paid for them  another one of those five hour reads like meth trial)

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Marquette, MI) – Federal prosecutors in Marquette, MI are now focused on an upcoming big meth trial – this after they got several heroin distribution convictions last week and only one loss.

Federal prosecutors have one meth defendant ready to testify and three others charged in new indictments for an alleged meth distribution ring that distributed untold pounds of the deadly drug in three Upper Peninsula counties.

The amounts of meth involved are vague – however in one case seven ounces was sold and in another incident 220 grams. Police confiscated weapons, thousands of dollars in cash and a plethora of items used to manufacture and sell meth like scales and baggies. The ring operated for at least two years, according to the indictment.

Like all good undercover probes, police use wires and confidential informants to make purchases of meth.

Charged in the meth ring that prosecutors say was operating in the western Upper Peninsula:

35-year-old Patrick Joseph Sievers of Ironwood, MI
27-year-old Kathryn Maria Hellen of Ironwood, MI
43-year-old Dion R. Jolliff of Ontonagon, MI (Milwaukee and Watertown, WI)
30-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Smith of Ontonagon, MI

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An initial pretrial conference on the latest meth distribution indictment for Jolliff, Hellen and Sievers is set for March 7, 2018. The trio are set to go to trial on April 9, 2017.

In their arsenal, federal prosecutions have suspects on audio and videotapes – made during undercover buys with an informant wearing a wire.

The charges involve the distribution of meth across the western Upper Peninsula – while armed with handguns – during most of 2016 and 2017.

The indictments claim some of the suspects were armed with handguns “in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.”

The weapons included a loaded Taurus International .357 magnum revolver and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol. The operation allegedly were run from homes in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties including on Dutch Road in Rockland, MI; and on Pennsylvania Ave. in Ontonagon.

Prosecutors say Sievers, with help from Smith, allegedly distributed meth in Ontonagon and Gogebic Counties. Prosecutors say Jolliff, Sievers and Hellen allegedly distributed meth in Ontonagon and Baraga counties. Trial is set in less than two months.

Recently there have been several motions in the case that allowed two defendants to be released on bond after completing substance abuse treatment.

The Marquette federal prosecutors on the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

The cases are now joined together – after numerous motions, indictments, and even a superseding indictment.
The trio were given an extension to file their motions and other pretrial paperwork because of the new indictment in December 2017.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney

Chief U.S. District Court Judge the Hon. Paul L. Maloney approved a prosecution motion to dismiss previous charges against Kathryn Maria Hellen and Diona Roy Jolliff – as a new indictment was handed down.
On Nov. 27, 2017, Smith entered into a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Smith agrees to plead guilty to one of the meth distribution charges in the first superseding indictment.

Smith told federal prosecutors she bought meth from Sievers in Ontonagon County on March 23, 2017 for the purpose of distribution. Smith has agreed to cooperate with a myriad of law enforcement agencies as the feds, state ad local police try to stop the endless supply of meth in the Upper Peninsula.

Smith could received the maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, or on on the other end of the justice scale – the minimum penalty is three years of supervised release. On Feb. 12, 2018, a judge approved personal recognizance bond (PR) bond for Hellen. She was/is undergoing intense treatment at Great Lakes Recovery Center.

Basically, the order extends bond conditions from Hellen’s initial arrest remain in place, as she and Jolliff have been charged in a new indictment.

These conditions for the Hellen PR bond includes do not leave the U.P. , cannot possession or consume alcohol and illegal drugs, can’t possession guns, and must surrender if ordered to by federal pretrial services.

She cannot have any contact – in any way – with witnesses in the case inducing, but not limited to, two witnesses identified only by initials P.S. and J.S.

On Feb. 9, 2018, Jolliff requested a jury trial, according to Jolliff’s Initial Pretrial Conference Summary Statement.

On Dec. 12, 2017, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley approved the dismissal of the previous indictment against Jolliff and Helen as the new superseding indictment had just been returned.

1-29-18 Pretrial extension for defense motions for Jolliff, Hellen, and Sievers

2-9-18 Dion R. Jolliff asks jury trial Initial Pretrial Conference Summary Statement

2-17-18 Judge Greeley orders Hellen PR bond

10-25-17 Criminal Complaint Kathryn Maria Hellen 1

10-25-17 Criminal Complaint Kathryn Maria Hellen 2

10-31-17 Penalty Sheet Kathryn Maria Hellen

11-1-17 Superseding indictment Sievers, Smith

11-21-17 Indictment Hellen, Jolliff

11-27-17 Plea Agreement Jennifer Elizabeth Smith

12-5-17 U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley dismissed indictment of Jolliff, Hellen

12-5-17 Chief U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney orders dismissal Jolliff, Hellen without prejudice

12-5-17 Motion to dismiss Hellen, Jolliff because now in new case with Sievers

12-5-17 Penalty sheet 2nd Superseding indictment Hellen, Jolliff, Sievers

12-5-17 Superseding indictment Jolliff, Sievers, Hellen

12-7-17 Hellen motion for bond stipulations, conditions

12-20-17 Jennifer Elizabeth Smith bond motion to attend treatment

Patrick Joseph Sievers (1)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Magistrate Case: 2:17-mj-00019-TPG

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 3 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4 Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 1s Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 5s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 6s Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 7s Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 8s Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 1ss Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 3ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 4ss Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 5ss Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i), 18:924(c)(1)(C)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 6ss Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Count: 7ss Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i), 18:924(c)(1)(C)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Patrick Joseph Sievers represented by Elizabeth A. LaCosse (FPD)(Designation Public Defender or Community Defender Appointment)
Phone: (906) 226-3050
Fax: (906) 273-0070
Email: beth_lacosse@fd.org
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Jennifer Elizabeth Smith (2)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 2-3 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 4 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Jennifer Elizabeth Smith represented by Michael J. Manning (Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (906) 786-7224
Email: mmanning@mmanninglaw.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner (Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Kathryn Maria Hellen (3)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 1 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 10 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 12 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 13 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 14 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 15 Citation: 21:856=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:856(a)(1), 21:856(b), 21:856(d) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL/DISTRIBUTE/DISPENSE; maintaining drug-involved premises
Count: 16 Citation: 18:924C.F Offense Level: 4
18:924(c)(1)(A)(i) VIOLENT CRIME/DRUGS/MACHINE GUN; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Count: 8 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Released

defendant: Kathryn Maria Hellen represented by Monica Mary Lubiarz-Quigley(Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (906) 253-9330
Email: office544@yahoo.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Lochner
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Dion Roy Jolliff (4)
Office: Northern Division (2) Filed: 06/20/2017
County: Ontonagon Terminated: Reopened:
Other Court Case: None

Count: 10 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 11 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Count: 12 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C), 18:2(a) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 8 Citation: 21:846=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:846, 21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Count: 9 Citation: 21:841A=CD.F Offense Level: 4
21:841(a)(1), 21:841(b)(1)(C) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE – SELL, DISTRIBUTE, OR DISPENSE; distribution of methamphetamine
Defendant Custody Status: Custody This Court

defendant: Dion Roy Jolliff represented by Richard E. Zambon(Designation CJA Appointment)
Phone: (616) 456-7831
Email: rick@zambonlaw.com
plaintiff: USA represented by Paul Lochner(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: paul.lochner@usdoj.gov
plaintiff: USA represented by Maarten Vermaat(Designation Assistant U.S. Attorney)
Phone: (906) 226-2500
Email: Maarten.Vermaat@usdoj.gov

Blood on his hands: Man with terrible history of beating tribal woman – is now off to federal prison for being a habitual offender for Lac Vieux Desert attack – sentenced in federal court in Marquette, MI

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-12-18 – 8:45 p.m. CT

Upper Peninsula man with penchant for beating tribal women sent to federal prison

By Greg Peterson
U.P. Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Watersmeet, MI) – Last summer, there was a brutal strangulation attempt by a habitual offender – and it was witnessed by the daughter of the victim – and the daughter’s friend.

Both begged the attacker to stop – the attacker being the mom’s boyfriend.

Evan Gabriel Smith

46-year-old Evan Gabriel Smith was sentenced to six years in federal prison on Fri., Feb. 9, 2018 for brutally trying to strangle his girlfriend at their home in a tribal nation in the western Upper Peninsula.

The attack was done in front of the victim’s daughter and her friend – who pleaded with Smith to stop attacking her mom.

In addition to being a habitual woman beater, Smith has convictions for cutting telephone lines and home invasion.

The assault happened on trust lands of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians – located in Gogebic County, MI.

Smith was sentenced on Friday in Marquette, MI by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker. Smith was ordered to get treatment for his long history of domestic violence.

Prior to the assault, Smith already had convictions in different Michigan courts for assaults against women he dated.
Smith was indicted on three felonies in May 2017 by a federal grand jury sitting in Marquette, MI.

The charges included domestic assault by strangulation and assault with intent to commit murder.

Under plea bargain, Smith pleaded guilt to domestic assault by a habitual offender.

On March 2, 20l7, the Smith violently attacked his girlfriend duration an argument in a home they shared.

Smith admitted he pinned down his girlfriend on the bedroom floor and then tried to strangle her.

The victim’s “daughter and her friend, hearing the commotion in the bedroom, came into the room and told” Smith to stop, the plea agreement states. Smith then fled the scene.

Smith has two prior state convictions for domestic violence involving assaults upon intimate partners:
September 10, 2001, in Iron County 95-B District Court in Crystal Falls, MI.
February 7, 2003 in Isabella County 2lst Circuit Court in Mount Pleasant, MI
The federal prosecutors in the case are Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Lochner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maarten Vermaat.

MDOC Number: 377572
Evan Gabriel Smith

MDOC Current Status: Parolee

Supervision Begin Date: 11/17/2015
Assigned Location: Gogebic/Bessemer
Supervision Discharge Date: 2/17/2017
Date Paroled: 11/17/2015

Operating Intoxicated/Impaired/Controlled Substance – 3rd
Minimum Sentence: 3 years
Maximum Sentence: 10 years
Date of Offense: 2/11/2012
Gogebic County
Date of Sentence: 5/14/2013
Conviction Type: Plea

Operating Intoxicated/Impaired/Controlled Substance – 3rd
Minimum Sentence: 2 years
Maximum Sentence: 5 years
Date of Offense: 10/21/2007
Gogebic County
Date of Sentence: 1/22/2008
Conviction Type: Plea
Discharge Date: 7/19/2011

Domestic Violence – 3rd Offense
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 5 months
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 9/12/2002
Isabella County
Date of Sentence: 2/07/2003
Conviction Type: Bench
Discharge Date: 4/20/2006

Cut, Break, Tap Wire or Cable
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 9 months
Maximum Sentence: 3 years
Date of Offense: 9/12/2002
Isabella County
Date of Sentence: 2/07/2003
Conviction Type: Bench
Discharge Date: 4/20/2006

Third-degree Home Invasion
Minimum Sentence: 1 year 3 months
Maximum Sentence: 5 years
Date of Offense: 2/14/2001
Iron County
Date of Sentence: 9/10/2001
Conviction Type:Plea
Discharge Date: 4/20/2006