Mayor praises IPSD, other agencies for fire response

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Ironwood — Mayor Annette Burchell praised the Ironwood Public Safety Department and other responding agencies Monday for their quick response to the Golden Dragon restaurant fire last Wednesday.

The downtown Chinese restaurant may not be reopening for another month because of the fire, according to city commissioner Jim Mildren, who talked with restaurant owner Anny Lin on Monday.

Mildren noted the Kiwanis Club holds its noon lunches at the Golden Dragon and he pointed out what an asset the business is to the community, saying Lin made a substantial investment in Ironwood in purchasing the business.

City building inspector Dennis Hewitt said a contractor is in the process of refurbishing the kitchen at the former Town House restaurant.

Burchell said the “quick and professional” response not only saved the building from greater damage, but protected the lives of the people who live in apartments there.

She also thanked the city of Hurley and Ironwood Township fire departments, Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, the Red Cross and Beacon Ambulance for their responses.

Letters of appreciation will be sent to all of the responding agencies that assisted in fighting the fire.

“Thank you. That means a lot to us,” said IPSD Lt. Mike Rimkus.

In other business Monday, city manager Scott Erickson said Snow Country Contracting will begin tearing down four more eyesores in the city in about two weeks.

Remediation inspections have been completed on four of the five buildings scheduled for demolition, so they are about ready for the wrecking ball, Erickson said.