MARQUETTE - An outspoken opponent of the Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company mine on the Yellow Dog Plains pleaded not guilty to a trespass charge today after she allegdly attempted to block the path of a bulldozer Tuesday morning.
Cynthia Marie Pryor, 58, of Big Bay was arraigned in Marquette County District Court on a misdemeanor charge of trespassing, which is punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $250 fine.
Pryor is scheduled for a pre-trial court hearing at 10:30 a.m. May 6. She told court officials today she would hire her own attorney.
Pryor was arrested Tuesday morning by Michigan State Police troopers from the Negaunee post. She was lodged in the Marquette County Jail on a 10 percent of $1,000 bond. She did not post bond today and remained in jail overnight, according to court staff.
Troopers said they received a call at 11:13 a.m. and responded to a parcel of state land being leased by Kennecott for the mine, west of Big Bay.
Mining company officials said work began on the site late last week to prepare the location for surface facilities construction expected this summer.
Troopers said Pryor was allegedly standing in the road and refused to move when asked to leave by Kennecott officials and state police. The woman allegedly told police she planned to stop the work of a bulldozer.
John Pepin can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. His e-mail address is jpepin@miningjournal.net
