Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

CALUMET -- Replacing a deteriorating roof, painting an oil tank, and fixing beams eaten by carpenter.  They're three of the 25 summer projects underway at Keweenaw National Historical Park.  And according to park staff, it's the busiest summer in the history of 10-year-old park.

"I'd say we probably had 12 seasonal employees last year," said Park Superintendent, Jim Corliss.  "So, it's easily doubled the work that we're getting accomplished."

Each year the park competes with 391 other National Parks for project money.  This year most of the projects include stabilizing old mine buildings.

"It's very careful work," Corliss said.  "It has to be done in such a way that you're not disturbing archeological resources or the historic walls."

One seasonal crew is replacing the deteriorating roof of the Calumet & Hecla dry house, located next to C-L-K schools.

"We've done some columns in there to support the roof," said crew foreman, Steve D'Agostino.  "And we're doing some rafter replacement, and probably 30 to 40 percent of the roof deck is being replaced."

The Youth Conservation Corps, a crew of six Copper Country teenagers employed with the park for the summer, are working on community clean-up projects at the park and cooperating heritage sites.

"I was just looking for a job, and I saw the application form on my school desk," said Chassell teen, Angel Youmans.  "So, I picked one up, filled it out, and handed it in."

The 25 projects at the Keweenaw National Historical Park total $1.2 million dollars.  They're expected to be completed by September 1.