Marquette National Weather Service updates warning this morning – Black Ice in some areas; 10 inches of snow with major blowing and drifting, dangerous driving; Western Lake Superior gusts nearly 50 mph, waves 15-feet

URGENT URGENT  – Just updated from NWS – U.P. Breaking News and Weather Bulletin: – 4-13-18 – 4:47 a.m. ET

New NWS special snowstorm statements issued this morning: U.P. Winter winds down with a weekend punch – lots of  black ice, snow, wind, waves and slippery driving

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

(Upper Peninsula of Michigan including Lake Superior) – A major snowstorm will pass through the U.P. this weekend – making driving hazardous with heavy, drifting and blowing snow.
Black ice is a danger the entire weekend including this morning.
A large storm system is moving through the Great Lakes this weekend.
And you would not want to be out in western Lake Superior with 15-foot waves and gusts to nearly 50 mph.

Important NWS Marquette links:

https://www.weather.gov/mqt/

Winter Storm Watch in effect from Saturday, April 14, 7:00 PM CDT until Monday, April 16, 1:00 AM CDT

Winter Storm Watch in effect from tonight Fri., April 13, 8:00 PM EDT until Sat., April 14, 2:00 PM EDT

Winter Storm Warning

Winter Storm Watch

Special Weather Statement

Gale Warning

NWS Marquette Spring 2018 Weather Presentations

Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week April 8-14

Winter Storm Watch

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Marquette MI
427 AM EDT Fri Apr 13 2018

MIZ012-131630-
/O.UPG.KMQT.WS.A.0006.180414T0000Z-180414T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KMQT.WW.Y.0022.180414T0000Z-180414T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KMQT.WS.A.0007.180415T0000Z-180416T0600Z/
Menominee-
Including the city of Menominee
327 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 AM CDT SATURDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
LATE SUNDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Snow expected tonight. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3
  inches, with localized amounts up to 5 inches, are expected
  tonight. Saturday night through Sunday evening, heavy snow is
  possible. Total snow accumulations of 8 inches or more are
  possible. The snow may mix with freezing rain Sunday night,
  leading to a light glaze of ice.

* WHERE...Menominee County.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 7 PM this evening
  to 7 AM CDT Saturday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from
  Saturday evening through late Sunday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on slippery road conditions and
  reduced visibilities at times tonight. Plan on difficult travel
  conditions Saturday night through Sunday night. Winds gusting
  as high as 35 mph could cause areas of blowing and drifting
  snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will
cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads
and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Marquette MI
427 AM EDT Fri Apr 13 2018

MIZ007-010-085-131630-
/O.NEW.KMQT.WS.A.0007.180415T0000Z-180416T0600Z/
Luce-Iron-Northern Schoolcraft-
Including the cities of Newberry, Iron River, and Seney
427 AM EDT Fri Apr 13 2018 /327 AM CDT Fri Apr 13 2018/

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
LATE SUNDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 8 or
  more inches are possible. The snow may mix with freezing rain
  from Seney eastward Sunday night, which may create a thin glaze
  of ice.

* WHERE...Luce, Iron and Northern Schoolcraft Counties.

* WHEN...From Saturday evening through late Sunday night.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Plan on difficult travel conditions.
  Winds gusting as high as 35 mph could cause patchy blowing and
  drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.

Winter Storm Watch

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Marquette MI
406 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

MIZ011>014-131000-
/O.NEW.KMQT.WS.A.0006.180414T0000Z-180414T1800Z/
Dickinson-Menominee-Delta-Southern Schoolcraft-
Including the cities of Iron Mountain, Menominee, Escanaba,
Gladstone, and Manistique
406 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018 /306 PM CDT Thu Apr 12 2018/

…WINTER STORM WATCH heavy IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON…

* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 inches
or more are possible. The most snow will occur south of US-2.
The snow may mix with rain and sleet early on Friday evening.

* WHERE…Dickinson, Menominee, Delta and Southern Schoolcraft
Counties.

* WHEN…From Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on difficult travel conditions.
Significant reductions in visibility are possible due to blowing
and drifting snow.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.
JLA

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Marquette MI
428 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

MIZ011>014-131000-
Dickinson-Menominee-Delta-Southern Schoolcraft-
Including the cities of Iron Mountain, Menominee, Escanaba,
Gladstone, and Manistique
428 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018 /328 PM CDT Thu Apr 12 2018/

…ANOTHER SYSTEM MAY BRING MORE SNOW LATER THIS WEEKEND…

After the first system producing the potential heavy snow over
south central Upper Michigan Friday into Saturday morning exits
later Saturday, expect another round of moderate to heavy snow to
return to the area Saturday night through Sunday night as a strong
low pressure system lifts across the Great Lakes. Expect snow
amounts Saturday night through Sunday night to range from 5 to 10
inches, heaviest across the east half of Upper Michigan. Locally
higher amounts may occur. The most snow will fall late Saturday
night through Sunday evening. There is still uncertainty on the
track of the storm and these snow totals for Saturday night into
Sunday night may change in the coming days. In addition to the
snow, there could be areas of blowing and drifting snow,
especially later in the weekend.

Please continue to monitor later statements and forecasts for the
latest details concerning this late season winter weather.
URGENT – MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Marquette MI
1033 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

LMZ221-248-250-131045-
/O.CON.KMQT.GL.W.0020.180413T1800Z-180415T1200Z/
Green Bay North of line from Cedar River MI to Rock Island
Passage-Seul Choix Point to Point Detour MI-
5NM East of a line from Fairport MI to Rock Island Passage-
1033 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

…GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM FRIDAY TO 8 AM EDT
SUNDAY…

A Gale Warning remains in effect from 2 PM Friday to 8 AM EDT
Sunday.

* WIND AND WAVES DURING THE GALE WARNING…Expect sustained
winds of up to 31 knots from the northeast, with gusts up to
42 knots. The largest expected significant waves will be 10
feet with a maximum wave height of up to 15 feet possible.

* TIMING…The maximum winds are expected around 10 AM EDT
Saturday with the largest waves expected around 10 PM EDT
Saturday.

Please see the latest marine forecasts for more detailed
information.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Gale Warning means winds of 34 to 47 knots are imminent or
occurring. Operating a vessel in gale conditions requires
experience and properly equipped vessels. It is highly
recommended that mariners without the proper experience seek safe
harbor prior to the onset of gale conditions.

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Marquette MI
428 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018

MIZ001>007-009-010-084-085-131000-
Keweenaw-Ontonagon-Northern Houghton-Baraga-Marquette-Alger-Luce-
Gogebic-Iron-Southern Houghton-Northern Schoolcraft-
Including the cities of Copper Harbor, Ontonagon, Houghton,
Hancock, L`Anse, Gwinn, Marquette, Grand Marais, Munising,
Newberry, Ironwood, Iron River, Kenton, Sidnaw, and Seney
428 PM EDT Thu Apr 12 2018 /328 PM CDT Thu Apr 12 2018/

…ACTIVE WINTER WEATHER INTO THE WEEKEND…

A narrow swath of heavy wet snow is expected to develop over
portions of southern Upper Michigan Friday into Friday night out
ahead of a strong deepening low over the central Plains. It still
looks like the heavier snow will stay south of north central Upper
Michigan. Expect snow amounts Friday into Saturday morning to
range from less than 1 inch on the Keweenaw, to 1 to 3 inches
along the rest of Lake Superior, including at Ironwood, Marquette
and Munising, and to 2 to 6 inches over south central Upper
Michigan, heaviest south of US-2. This first round of snow will
end on Saturday.

Another round of moderate to heavy snow is expected Saturday night
through Sunday night as the main low pressure system lifts across
the Great Lakes. Expect snow amounts Saturday night through Sunday
night to range from 5 to 10 inches, heaviest across the east half
of Upper Michigan. Locally higher amounts may occur. The most snow
will fall late Saturday night through Sunday evening. There is
still uncertainty on the track of the storm and these snow totals
may change in the coming days. In addition to the snow, there
could be significant blowing and drifting snow, especially closer
to Lake Superior late in the weekend.

Please continue to monitor later statements and forecasts for the
latest details concerning this late season winter weather.

The Coverup #1: Upper Peninsula Terrible Snowmobile crashes not told to media, or public

URGENT URGENT URGENT Upper Peninsula Breaking News Bulletin – 2-28-18 – 11:30 a.m. ET

The U.P. Fatal and Serious Snowmobile Stats Coverup #1 – the proof:

Some Upper Peninsula Law Enforcement agencies are trying to downplay the extremely bloody winter on Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Trails with many fatalities

Here is one of many that was never released to news media

Thurs., Feb. 15, 2018 in a remote area of Luce County way down the CCI Road then off County Road 407 (off the CCI Road) on snowmobile Trail Number 9

 

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

(Luce County, MI) – A major rescue was launched on Feb. 15, 2018 in remote Luce County to help a snowmobiler whose sled hit a tree traveling very fast.
The snowmobiler was seriously injured when his sled “hit head-on” with a tree doing about 60 miles per hour.
The crash was reported about 4 p.m. ET on Thurs., Feb. 15, 2018 in a remote area of Luce County
Among those responding with numerous first responders were the Luce County Ambulance and Michigan State Police. There was talk about launching a Valley Med Flight medivac chopper.
The wreck is said to be about 9 miles down the CCI road off County Road 407. Then about two miles in. It is believed to Snowmobile Trail #9.
The male victim is in critical condition.

 

34-year-old Jordan Michael Randall of Port Huron, MI is in serious condition at Marquette, MI trauma center – Snowmobiler spends 10 minutes in freezing Alger County river – and 45 minutes wet and freezing cold before being found – and he was flown to U.P. Health System-Marquette

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-7-18

A Port Huron, MI man remains in serious condition in a Marquette, MI trauma center  following that snowmobile crash into a river Sunday night in Shingleton, MI.

34-year-old Jordan Michael Randall of Port Huron, MI was  flown from the scene in Alger County to U.P. Health Systems-Marquette – where he remains in serious condition.

Another snowmobiler remains in critical condition at U.P. Health System-Marquette.

At least six snowmobilers have died in crashes in the Upper Peninsula – since mid Dec. 2017.

2-5-18 – 1:40 a.m. ET

Injured snowmobiler spends 10 minutes in Alger County stream – and 45 minutes in the freezing cold before being found – this after crashing his sled at a high rate of speed near Shingleton, MI

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

(Alger County, MI) – A snowmobiler with a serious back injury was choppered to the hospital in Marquette early this morning after landing in an Alger County river.

The 34-year-old victim spent 45 minutes wet and freezing before he was found. The man told paramedics he was actually in the river for 10 minutes.

The accident happened about 11 p.m. Sunday night. Once found it was a team effort to keep him warm while awaiting the airborne medivac chopper – Valley Med Flight.

Immediately those on the scene started warming him. Alger Med EMS, Alger County Rescue (Unit) 21. and the Alger County Sheriff’s Department – all had crews on the scene.

The snowmobiler left Snowmobile Trail #8 at a high rate of speed – and crashed his sled into the river. The accident happened on Trail #8 in Shingleton near M-28. Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash.

Officials have not released the man’s name or hometown. The crash is still being investigated by the sheriff’s department.

The man was very cold and reported he has an extremely sore back.

The extent of the back injury is not known, although it was dispatched as a possible broken back and he was declared a priority one patient when flown to Marquette.

The victim ended up in Hickey Creek – which is much more of a river than a creek.

A landing site was set up in Shingleton, MI at the Tanglewood Inn on M-28.

The victim was flown from the landing site in Alger County to Marquette about 12:35 a.m. today, Dec. 5, 2018 by Valley Med Flight medevac. It was about a 25 minute fight.

Paramedics and law enforcement were dispatched to the Hickey Creek Bridge behind the Tanglewood Inn. The area is close to Snowmobile Trail 8.

The victim has “severe pain in the back,” flight paramedics radioed to doctors at U.P. Health System-Marquette. He had stable vitals signs. The victim had movement in all four extremities (legs, arms).

Marquette Police Photo

This was one of several snowmobile accidents across the U.P. this weekend including four snowmobiles that plummeted to the bottom of Lake superior while the sledders were crossing unstable ice off Grand Island near Munising. The Saturday morning crash left them cold but uninjured. There is an on going warning about unstable ice in and around Munising Bay.

http://www.munisingsnow.com/UserFiles/File/munisingsnowmap.pdf

Saturday night house fire in Alger County, MI

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-3-18 – 7:21 p.m. ET

Eben, MI home on fire

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

(Eben, MI) – Firefighters are battling a smoky house fire in Alger County – located south of M-94 in Rock River Township, MI.

The Rock River Township Volunteer Fire Department requested mutual aid for additional tanker trucks.

The first fire official on the scene said the fire had not broken through the roof – but lots of smoke was pouring out of the home. However the fire spread.
At 8:31 p.m., the fire chief requested that UPPCO be sent to the scene.

“We’ve got flames right up to the electrical box,” the chief radioed the dispatcher.

The fire was reported by neighbors at about 7:45 p.m. ET tonight, Sat., Feb. 3, 2018.

The scene is reported at or near address 5275 Koski Road – at the very end of the road.

Those responding for mutual aid include the Mathias Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Au Train Township Volunteer Fire Department. A tanker from Christmas, MI was also sent – likely with the Munising Township Volunteer Fire Department.  No injuries were reported as of 8:30 p.m. ET.

A winter storm is underway – and the conditions at the time of the fire were 12 Degrees Fahrenheit  and snowing with calm wind.

Neighbors told firefighters they do not believe anybody was in the home at the time of the fire.

Four snowmobilers are lucky to be alive after their sleds went to the bottom of Lake Superior near Grand Island

URGENT UPDATE U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-3-18 – 3:25 p.m. CT
Snowmobile accident a short time ago in Hurley, WI at Kimball Drive at Center Drive.
Victim has possible broken left leg. There was another incident but it did not involve a snowmobile, rather confusion.

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 2-3-18 – Update 4:02 p.m. ET

The U.P. snowmobile death toll almost went to 10 today – in one fell swoop

Four snowmobilers take unwanted swim in Lake Superior but escaped death

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

(Upper Peninsula of Michigan) – There have been numerous snowmobile wrecks over past 24 hours including sleds on bottom of Lake Superior.

A snowmobiler is lucky to be alive after falling off his sled in Wakefield about 2:40 p.m. CT, today Sat., Feb.3, 2018. The incident is on Sunday Lake offshore from the Wakefield VFW Post. The man fell off his sled but did not crash. He will be checked by paramedics.

But none as wild as what happened today on Munising Bay.

This morning four snowmobilers were dumped into Lake Superior due to shifting ice near Grand Island.

There was also another snowmobile crash this morning in Alger County, and one last night. In both cases minor injuries including a man with a dislocated shoulder this morning. Plus two people received minor injuries in a snowmobile versus car crash in Gogebic County this morning. Not only on the trail, there have been numerous car accidents today in the U.P.

So far, six snowmobilers have died in U.P. accidents this winter.

There has been lots of concern this winter – that there might be a fatal wreck on Munising Bay due to quickly shifting ice and unexpected open areas.

This morning, four snowmobilers escaped death – and escaped injury other than headaches – when their sleds plunged into Lake Superior near the east channel off Grand Island.

The wet snowmobilers made it to Grand Island. The victims do not live in the Upper Peninsula.

These visiting snowmobilers were rescued by hovercraft thanks to the Alger County Sheriff’s Department Rescue Unit 21. Alger EMS was dispatched to checkout the cold victims.
Now the Herculean task of getting the snowmobiles off the bottom of Lake Superior.
Ice conditions in portions of Munising Bay and off Grand Island remains very dangerous especially in that east channel where you could literally die.
Despite the cold, ice conditions are effected by current and occasional warming

Big pileup in Houghton: At least 8 or more vehicles including a cop car involved in “skating rink” M-26 near closed Hardee’s – plus a series of slide-outs reported across U.P.

U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – Houghton M-26 pileup – 1-2-18 – 4:48 p.m

Houghton pileup

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

(Houghton, MI) – Sanders are being called out in Houghton after a multi-vehicle pile-up due to extremely slippery conditions on M-26 and other places.

So far no injuries reported.

Officials are temporarily blocking traffic on M-26 “on the hill” – also just south of the (closed) Hardees fast food restaurant.
Its on M-26 but also known as Memorial Road.

There were multiple reports of a second pileup near Econo Foods but apparently it was not found – may be confused with the original pileup.

Police are still trying to figure how many vehicles are involved and how many different crashes.

Up to 8 vehicles crash in Houghton pileup – Maybe more vehicles because a Houghton Police officer’s car was hit.

“It’s a skating rink out here,” one officer said. One officer described it as being like “sitting ducks.”

The vehicles may have been involved in a series of crashes.

No word on any injuries.

Recording of emergency official (sounds like law enforcement officer) who refused to go to snowmobile crash today involving a man in his 60s in Baraga County, MI

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 1-20-18 – 10:50 p.m. ET

Our only questions is WHY? Especially in wake of tragic snowmobile season, victim’s age and changing trail conditions

Accident protocol demands emergency officials to respond when asked – or at least until the injuries are confirmed

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

(Baraga County, MI) – Since mid-December 2017, its been an usually bloody snowmobile system in northern Michigan
At least five people have died in Upper Peninsula snowmobile crash – and one more critically injured and in a medical coma.

That’s why U.P. Breaking News was surprised when a dispatcher asked an emergency official to go to a crash with possible injury involving a man in his 60s.

That official refused to go citing whether he’d have to do an accident report. (Our tape recording doesn’t include a unit number – but response sounds like a law enforcement officer). We are sure the person’s voice will be recognized by somebody.

The accident was reported about 4:40 p.m. today, Sat., Jan. 20, 2018 on a snowmobile trail along M-28 near the Baraga County/Ontonagon County line in Duncan Township, MI.

In my 40 years covering police street news, I have never heard a refusal especially when it has not been confirmed the crash victim is OK. In most departments and agencies – everyone must respond (when asked) to any wreck with possible injuries – and at least until injury information is confirmed.

Its likely this is a good cop (most in the U.P. are dedicated, great cops) – however we find it incredible with the melting trails (blizzard coming) today and other factors that someone would refuse to go help and render aid.

The comment comes about 50 seconds into the short recording – the only thing we removed was the blank pauses (no audio) between dispatches.

Terrible crash: Critical injury to female sledder on the trail in Keweenaw County – Two snowmobilers sent to Marquette hospital in separate high-speed crashes on Wednesday in Baraga and Keweenaw counties

URGENT URGENT U.P. Breaking News Bulletin – 11-17-18 – 10:52 p.m. ET

Two sledders rushed to Marquette trauma center – one victim critically hurt  – after separate snowmobile crashes today

By Greg Peterson
Upper Peninsula Breaking News
Owner, News Director
906-273-2433

(Marquette, MI) – Two snowmobilers were rushed to the trauma center in Marquette, MI late today after separate crashes in Baraga and Keweenaw counties – and one sledder was in critical condition.

The worst crash was reported tonight in Keweenaw County.

An out-of-state woman was critically injured when she lost control of her sled in a curve and crashed into trees. The snowmobile received relatively light damage, however the sledder received multiple trauma-related injuries.

The crash happened on snowmobile Trail Number 134 near Madan Location.

The 28-year-old female victim was rushed to Aspirus-Keweenaw Hospital, and transferred a short while ago to U.P. Health System-Marquette suffering from multiple critical trauma-related injuries – and troubling vitals.

Those officials assisting on the scene included the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s department, Ahmeek Search and Rescue and Peninsula Auto Repair Towing and Recovery.

The crash is a tragic example of how a sledder can receive horrible injuries – and the snowmobile itself is barely scratched. female victim has “major trauma, multiple injuries.”

Meanwhile in Baraga County:

A rescue lasting almost two hours occurred in Baraga County this afternoon to get an injured snowmobiler off the trail.

The snowmobile crash was dispatched at 2:12 p.m. this afternoon, Wed., Jan. 17, 2018. The Bay Ambulance Service paramedics transported the victim to the Baraga hospital – and some EMS officials reportedly used snowmobiles to get on the trail.

The crash was reported on snowmobile Trail Number 15 near 14488 Arnheim Road near Pelkie, MI in Baraga Township.

While transporting the victim to U.P. Health System-Marquette, paramedics told doctors via radio that the victim suffered a shoulder fracture and a dislocated right ankle. All painful but not life-threatening injuries.

A WARNING TO ALL SNOWMOBILERS:

Despite recent heavy snow, U.P. trail conditions change rapidly – most wrecks involve curves, hitting trees, unfamiliarity with what’s coming up on the trail – and high speeds.
Slow down – and Live. Or face death or a life-changing painful injury

There have been five snowmobile fatalities in the past month across the Upper Peninsula. The latest victim – a 51-year-old Saginaw, MI man, was killed yesterday Tues., Jan. 16, 2018 in Chippewa County when he lost control in a curve and hit a tree in the eastern U.P. just south of famed White Fish Point.

Those killed in snowmobile crashes in the U.P. this winter include:

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/17/fifth-snowmobile-fatal-crash-in-a-month-in-the-upper-peninsula-claims-life-of-saginaw-man

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/16/tragedy-on-the-trails-terrible-snowmobile-crash-reported-in-chippewa-county-mi

https://upperpeninsulabreakingnews.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/fiery-early-monday-morning-snowmobile-crash-sends-sledder-to-ironwood-mi-hospital-with-serious-injuries-funerals-held-this-weekend-and-one-planned-this-week-for-three-of-the-four-people-killed-in-u

Ishpeming man killed on M-95 when he intentionally walked into traffic and was hit by vehicle – wraps up terrible day on the roads of the Upper Peninsula: Semi tractor trailer hauling lumber crashes near McFarland, Grader hit and run in Gogebic County

URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Update 1-5-18 – 10:50 a.m. ET

Ishpeming man was killed days before his birthday – in apparent intentional act on M-95

Plus weather-related wrecks continue today (Fri., Jan.5, 2018) across the U.P.

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

(Humboldt Township, MI) – An Ishpeming, MI man was killed Thursday night just four days before his 34th birthday – when he was struck by a vehicle on M-95 north of Republic, MI.

The victim is 33-year-old Cory James Derocha of Ishpeming, MI.
Police are investigating the possibility that Derocha exited vehicle and laid in the roadway.

Derocha was riding with his girlfriend – and there was an argument. The vehicle stopped along M-95 after Derocha allegedly tried to grab the steeling wheel of his girlfriend’s vehicle. Derocha exited the vehicle. It is known that Derocha did walk or run onto M-95. Derocha allegedly had history of suicidal statements and depression.

 

Janey Christiansen

A female driving a Toyota car could not avoid Derocha. She has reportedly been terribly affected by the wreck.

That driver is 19-year-old Janey Christiansen of Iron Mountain, MI.

Christiansen was a Iron Mountain High School track stand-out and received a prestigious scholarship from the Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Derocha attended North Star Charter School, according to his Facebook page.

A young male child is the only photo on his Facebook page other than graphics from elsewhere.

In June 2014, a federal judge in Marquette denied a motion Derocha made – saying the rules in Marquette County do not allow a person to get out of the hole – in a case involving his son. Oppressive rules perpetrated by Marquette County officials seeking money from anyone who goes near the court –  make it hard for an honest father to get ahead, Derocha charged, adding the courts just want to lock a person up and collect fines and fees.

Derocha filed a document titled “To Whom it May Concern,” which “the Clerk has construed as a complaint against the Marquette County Circuit Court and the Marquette County Friend of the Court.
Derocha states that he’s unable to pay child support – asserting that he is “unfairly being thrown in jail by the Marquette County Court.”

The wreck happened on M-95 about 3 miles from U.S.-41 in Humboldt Township.

Derocha was pinned under the car – and Marquette County Rescue Squad 131 used tools to take that Toyota off the man, who was killed instantly. Low visibility and the icy, snow-covered roads are both factors in the crash. The investigation continues.

Those roads caused over 100 crashes across the U.P. on Thursday and its continues today (Friday, Jan. 5, 2018).

A car collided with lumber truck Friday morning on U.S.-41 in front of Cattron’s Lumber in Negaunee, MI. Several injuries reported and the crash is under investigation.

URGENT URGENT – U.P. Breaking News Bulletin and Traffic Advisory – 1-4-18 – 10 p.m. ET – Fatal crash on M-95 near Republic, MI

Upper Peninsula Roads remain deadly

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

(Upper Peninsula of Michigan) – Hundreds of crashes occurred across the Upper Peninsula on Thursday thanks to slippery roads and snow – starting with a grader crash in Gogebic County and ending with a fatal pedestrian accident on M-95 in Marquette County.

Numerous emergency vehicles are on the scene of a fatal accident on M-95 near CR 601/CR FNO  in Humboldt Township close to the railroad tracks. The accident is just north of Republic, MI.  It happened just before 10 p.m. ET Thurs., Jan. 4, 2018.

The crash took down a road sign located near the railroad tracks.

The victim was reportedly driving, stopped his vehicle and started walking along M-85 when he was struck. Officials have been asked to investigate whether narcotics or other drugs were involved.

Michigan State Police accident investigators were doing interviews, surveying the snow-covered scene and taking measurements into early Friday morning. 

Among others on the scene are the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department, Marquette County rescue Unit 131, and the Republic Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Expect M-95 to be tied up and intermittently closed for several hours.

Roads and highways continue to be deadly across the U.P. – despite local media ignoring serious wrecks and reporting the storm on a light note.

About 2 p.m. Thursday, a semi-tractor trailer truck slid off M-35 just north of McFarland. The trucking was hauling lumber – reportedly various lengths of two-by-four boards. The trucker was pinned in his rig – and was freed from his crushed cab using the Jaws of Life.

The driver was not injured. No other vehicles involved. Michigan State Police are investigating the wreck that occurred in Delta County not far from Marquette County line.

Meanwhile just before dawn in Gogebic County – a grader operator reported he has been broadsided by a hit and run pickup truck in Bessemer, MI. The Gogebic County Road Commission grader was heavily damaged, however the driver was not hurt.

“We got a hit and run – a guy just T-boned me here at Bessemer Auto,” the Gogebic County Road Commission grader operator told 911 over the radio.

“He is still in Bessemer – I see his taillights headed west,” the grader operator said.

The grader “is still in the intersection,” a Road Commission supervisor said.

“I am half way through the intersection and traffic is passing me,” said the grader operator – who was told not to move the grader until law enforcement arrived.

The suspect “smashed up his truck pretty good.”

The hit-and-run vehicle “lost a tire” and “there is glass and plastic everywhere” left behind by the smashed up GMC. At first it was though the vehicle might be a Chevy – but evidence left behind made it not doubt it is a GMC.

“I see the emblem laying here,” the grader operator said.

Police searched for the pickup – but it’s not clear if it was found.

Suspect Vehicle:
Black early 2000’s GMC with heavy front end damage.

We answer the ? – Can it be freezing and hot at the same second? Da Boss Plows Staff: 2017 Yearend deadly snowstorm plows havoc across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan – sandwiched between quick musical magical microphone put next to radio

U.P. Breaking News “Traffic-Like” “Blizzard-Like” Advisory –  12-31-17 – 1:45 p.m. ET – 12 noon plus 45 CT on last day of 2017

Western Upper Peninsula Snowplow Supervisor goes from Freezing to Red Hot in blizzard-like conditions

Blizzard Bodaciousness: Boss Plows Drivers like Lake Superior Monster Ice Jam (and Jam to the mike placed over da radio)

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

(Gogebic County, MI) – A deadly blizzard-like storm hammered the Upper Peninsula Lake Superior shoreline snowbelts again overnight causing road commission and state snowplows to be out in force – from Marquette to Ironwood to Munising.

First the sorta humorous.

Listen to this snowplow crew supervisor going from freezing to red hot in the western Upper Peninsula recorded off our Gogebic County scanner feed. We believe it was the Gogebic County Road Commission, but that feed sometimes also captures MDOT plows and Ontonagon/Iron counties.
Either it was wrong to beat on the crew over the public airwaves (like getting scolded in front of others) – or are all bets are off when there is a bad storm. Ya get what ya get.

For More to the Snowstorm Story – Keeping reading after video:

Gogebic County was not the only hot spot during the storm.

The stress – or lack of common courtesy and communication – caused issues between the plows and other agencies including 911.

Extreme frustration coordinating urgent emergency daytime highway closures between the Marquette County Road Commission plows and Central Dispatch 911 and Marquette Police.

The MCRC was seemingly unwilling to coordinate its plows with emergency closures – normally called by state or road commission. This was different as numerous cars were off the road and many wrecks with injuries in blizzard-like white-out conditions.

We also have that frustration on tape – dispatchers/police trying to save lives and needing immediate highway closures as conditions deteriorated rapidly on U.S.-41 on Saturday afternoon (12-30-17).
One cop stopped himself and said he had better “not say more” over the radio.

Happy New Year folks!

We pray you have a prosperous and safe 2018.