By Steve Stiffler
The Newberry village council reviewed the community’s response to the recent blizzard, discussed school safety concerns, and approved major infrastructure and financial items during its March council meeting.
Village Manager Allison Watkins reported approximately two feet of snowfall from the storm but noted the community experienced no power outages. The success was credited to ongoing tree trimming efforts and preventative maintenance along local power lines.
Plow crews worked 12-hour rotating shifts beginning Sunday to maintain emergency routes and major streets before moving into residential areas and alleys. Some equipment issues slowed operations, including a truck awaiting parts and another unit that malfunctioned after an air filter became encased in ice from blowing snow.
Watkins also addressed recent tensions between residents and plow operators following isolated incidents, including one case that resulted in an arrest. In response, the village has installed dash cameras in plow trucks to document interactions and improve safety.
The Luce County Sheriff’s Department also recently conducted an unannounced active shooter drill at Tahquamenon Area Schools. The exercise identified several areas in need of improvement. Sheriff Gravelle described the drill as a necessary step to identify weaknesses and improve emergency preparedness.
Gravelle also reported increased enforcement of snowmobile violations, particularly in illegal railroad crossings, noting signs and warnings had proven ineffective.
The council voted to continue participation in the PA95 low-income energy assistance program for 2026-27. The monthly fee seen in utility bills will increase from $1.25 to $1.50 per residential meter beginning in September. Watkins said the Village at one time operated a local assistance program. However, to bring the program back under Village management would require additional staffing and higher administrative costs. The PA95 program is currently managed through the state of Michigan.
The Village council discussed concerns about the state’s Energy Waste Reduction program surcharge. Information about the program will be inserted in the April utility bill to better explain the charge to residents.
A request from Pentland Township to extend its service agreement with the Village was tabled until 2027 to allow completion of a rate study and review of future debt obligations.
“I don’t see a pressing need for the village to change what’s going on when we’re still in the middle of figuring out how much more debt we’re taking on,” stated Village Manager Allison Watkins.
Responding to public comment questions from the previous council meeting, several residents expressed concerns that street lighting in the downtown area is too dim. The current light fixtures are designed to direct light downward to reduce light pollution. Purchased with grant funds, requirements of the grant require the lights to reach the end of their service life before they can be replaced.
Watkins also discussed removing downtown tree stumps by the end of this summer that pose tripping hazards and can interfere with snow removal. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is expected to resurface M-123 down to the railroad tracks this summer. Resurfacing will also include the replacement of damaged ADA tactile warning tiles at pedestrian crossings, which the state will pay for.
