WUPPDR presents Tucker with public service award

By MEGAN HUGHES

[email protected]

Watersmeet - The Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region honored two individuals, including longtime Daily Globe reporter Jan Tucker, Monday evening for their contributions to Western U.P. communities.

The Oreste Chiantello Public Service Award, named for Oreste "Chip" Chiantello, of Ironwood, was created after his passing in 1991. Officials explained in a press release that Chiantello had dedicated 25 years of service to his community, county and region, and was a well respected public official. Having been the chairperson of both WUPPDR and Western U.P. Michigan Works Association boards, the two organizations banded together to make the award, which has traditionally been awarded to someone who meets a list of criteria.

As they didn't give award last year due to the pandemic, they honored two individuals this year, Tucker of Ontonagon County and William Menge of Baraga County.

The award's criteria includes: "(being) a resident of the Western U.P., (being) active in areas of public service as an elected or public official, or as a volunteer, and display qualities such as dedication and leadership along with some noteworthy accomplishment such as length of service, significant contribution ... or involvement in activity that provides positive impact upon their community."

"It was in that last category that Jan really excelled," said WUPPDR's Executive Committee Chair Robert Nousiainen. "Jan has been so active in the community, especially in the village of Ontonagon."

Nousiainen was one of the individuals who nominated Tucker for the award, the other being Marlene Broemer. Nousianen and Broemer are both members of the Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners.

Tucker moved to Ontonagon in the 1960s and has continued to be active in the community to this day, according to Nousiainen. 

Tucker has held jobs as a newspaper correspondent, radio show host and a caretaker for her family; and through it all maintained a presence in positions of public service. She continued working until she suffered a brief stroke (a TIA) while on the air in March of this year, which she took as a sign that it was time to retire, according to an interview in late March.

When asked about how she felt about receiving the award, Tucker told the Daily Globe, "I feel very humbled. I have seen the work that WUPPDR does in our area, and to get this award from them is very appreciated."

Tucker was one of the founding members of the Ontonagon County Cancer Association, something that she is extremely proud of. "All that money we raise goes to help people here in the county that have cancer and have bills to pay." she said.

In addition, she is one of the founding members of the Aspirus Ontonagon Foundation, which volunteers with the Aspirus-Ontonagon hospital.

The other recipient of this year's award, Menge, was nominated by William "Bill"  Rolof, chairman of the Baraga County board of commissioners.

Menge was nominated for the award due to his 40-plus years of community service and his participation in numerous boards and organizations over the course of his career.  

"It was a real surprise!" said Menge about being presented with the award after the event. 

WUPPDR director Jerald Wuorenmaa opened the ceremony, and with the help of Michigan Works' Debb Brunell, introduced and presented the awards.

Following the presentation of the awards, Wourenmaa gave a presentation explaining some of the projects that WUPPDR were involved in and some of their areas of focus, which included but are not limited to; infrastructure funding, pandemic recovery efforts, broadband expansion, housing studies and strategies, and tourism.

WUPPDR's Rachael Pressley presented additional information about specific projects, grants and funding that WUPPDR receives or participated in, with special focus on her area of expertise, food systems.

The final presentation of the evening was by guest speaker Darla Lenz, supervisor of the Ottawa National Forest. Lenz spoke of national forests as a whole, as well as specifics about the Ottawa. She told attendees about the various parts of the forest covered under their multiple-use management focus, including areas both industrial and recreational.

Following the service, attendees lingered and conversed, sharing their congratulations and catching up before heading home for the evening.