MARQUETTE — The Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum in Ishpeming will not be open to visitors for the remainder of the tour season, according to an announcement from officials.

“Our utmost responsibility is for the health and safety of our volunteers and our visitors. Unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic has sadly made a safe opening of the museum unfeasible,” Craig Ilmonen, director, said in the announcement.

The decision was made by the museum’s board of directors at its board meeting Monday.

“The board regrets the need to make this unfortunate decision, but appreciates the community and visitors for your interest in mining history, your understanding and support,” the announcement stated. “Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum staff and volunteers look forward to seeing you in 2021.”

Firewood cutting extended

The Hiawatha National Forest is extending the availability of free firewood cutting for personal use in the Hiawatha National Forest to the general public through Oct. 31.

“We decided to extend the special cutting period, which had previously been scheduled to end July 15, as a benefit to the public during this time,” said forest Supervisor Cid Morgan in a news release.

Current free-use firewood permits set to expire July 15 are automatically extended to Oct. 31 without the need to obtain a new permit.

During this time of social distancing, a personal-use firewood permit will be issued upon request by calling a district office and providing the full name, driver’s license or other identification number and expiration date, address, license plate number and the amount of firewood desired. Standing dead and downed trees may be gathered for firewood. Further guidelines for cutting will be provided with the permit.

This authority applies only to non-commercial firewood cutting on Hiawatha National Forest system lands.

To obtain a free-use firewood gathering permit, contact the appropriate district below to leave a message with the caller’s name and phone number.

For cutting in the Manistique, Munising or Rapid River districts, call 906-387-2512 or 906-474-6442.

For cutting in the St. Ignace or Sault Ste Marie districts, call 906-643-7900 or 906-298-0111.

Warning about fraudulent cards given

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Better Business Bureau serving eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula warn Michiganders about fraudulent cards that falsely claim to exempt the holder from wearing face coverings in businesses and other areas where such personal protective equipment is required.

Certain groups like the Freedom to Breathe Agency have made available Face Mask Exempt Cards to residents as an attempt to bypass health and safety measures at retailers and other establishments, they said.

While the group’s Facebook page and website are no longer active, Freedom to Breathe Agency was offering a downloadable PDF of the exemption cards. Some of these cards may have a logo for the Freedom to Breathe Agency, and even the U.S. Department of Justice.

The cards also contain an implied threat that any business that denies access for failure to wear a mask will be reported as having violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The cards are not legitimate and related face mask-exemption flyers and similar information being circulated by such groups are not endorsed by the Department of Justice or other government agencies.