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Don Ryan a worthy recipient of Pellonpaa award

The first recipient of the Carl V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award is a deserving one.

Don Ryan, who hosts his own television show on WLUC TV6 and Fox UP, “The Ryan Report,” was honored Monday at the Ramada Inn.

The award’s namesake is himself notable. Pellonpaa, also a television show host at the station, passed away in 2018. His “Finland Calling,” or “Suomi Kutsuu,” ran from 1962 to 2015.

So, it’s only fitting the first person to receive the recognition follows in Pellonpaa’s footsteps in making a difference in the community.

WLUC created the award to honor people for their service to the Upper Peninsula over their lifetimes, and to acknowledge significant contributions to advancing and developing the region.

Ryan has accomplished this, and then some.

He served on the Marquette City Commission and the Ishpeming Public Schools Board of Education, and was district representative for former Rep. Phil Ruppe (R-11th District).

His leadership positions in the community include those with the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Operation Action U.P., the Lake Superior Jobs Coalition, the Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce and the Central Upper Peninsula Job Force Board.

He also was public affairs representative and then district manager of public affairs for Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

The award’s organizers said Ryan was chosen because of his dedication to area businesses and the community.

It’s obvious many people in the area agree. Ryan’s Facebook page is filled with people who attended Monday’s award ceremony who also congratulated him on the recognition.

The Mining Journal congratulates Ryan on the award as well. It’s a great way to kick off the new tradition of giving future worthy community members the Carl V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award.

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