MARQUETTE - An outspoken opponent of the Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company mine on the Yellow Dog Plains remained jailed in Marquette today, held on a charge of trespassing at the company's mining operation site.
Cynthia Marie Pryor, 58, of Big Bay pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge at her arraignment Wednesday in Marquette County District Court. If convicted, the crime is punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $250 fine.
Pryor is accused of attempting to block the path of a bulldozer Tuesday morning.
She is scheduled for a pre-trial court hearing at 10:30 a.m. May 6. She told court officials Wednesday she would hire her own attorney.
Pryor was arrested Tuesday morning by Michigan State Police from the Negaunee post. She was lodged in the Marquette County Jail on a 10 percent of $1,000 bond. Pryor has not attempted to pay the $100 to bond out of jail, according to the Marquette County Sheriff's Office.
State police said they received a call at 11:13 a.m. and responded to a parcel of state land west of Big Bay being leased by Kennecott for the mine .
Mining company officials said work began on the site late last week to prepare the location for surface facilities construction expected this summer.
State police 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.
