Save the Ice Arena in Irontown

03/02/2026

🗓️ Mark your calendars!!

✨This is a GREAT opportunity if you have questions about the proposed bond in May!

March 2, 2026
(For Immediate Release)
PRESS RELEASE

RE: Negaunee Ice Arena Public and Media Tour

City Manager Nate Heffron is announcing two tours of the Negaunee Ice Area for both the public and media to attend. The purpose of the tours will be to reveal designs for the proposed ice arena overhaul, which is needed to keep the facility operational to facilitate updates and repairs. Additionally, those who attend the tours will learn firsthand what is proposed, why, and be able to ask questions concerning the project.

The tour will be offered twice on March 25th. The first tour will start at 3:00 p.m. and the second will commence at 7:00 p.m. Both will start in the lobby of the Negaunee Ice Arena.
Questions concerning this release may be directed to the attention of the City Manager, Nate Heffron at (906) 475-7700 ext. 11.

# # #

02/26/2026

❓Have questions about the Ice Arena bond? We want to hear them! 📣

No question is too small — if you’re wondering about it, chances are someone else is too.

Drop your questions below or feel free to send us a message!

Please note: This page is a grassroots effort by local community members to share information about the Ice Arena bond vote on May 5, 2026. We are not affiliated with the City of Negaunee, but aim to help residents understand the proposal and stay informed.

02/21/2026

✔️ What are the basics of the bond?

02/15/2026

⚠️ Why this bond is necessary:

⏳ The rink is nearly 40 years old, and critical equipment is failing with no repair options left.

❌ If major systems fail, the rink could be forced to close until costly replacements are made.

⛸️ Because of a DNR grant from the 1980s, the building must be used for public recreation—it can’t be repurposed for something else.

This bond helps keep the ice in Negaunee for our kids, families, and future generations. 💙💛

02/11/2026

Did you know⁉️

If the city bonds for the full $1.25 million, the estimated cost to property owners would be:

💲 About $35 per year for a home with a $75,000 state equalized value (roughly half of market value)
🏡 Equals approximately 0.49 mills ($0.49 for every $1,000 of assessed property value.)
🗓️ Bond term would be no more than 20 years

You can read the full Mining Journal article for more information and proposed project details below. 👇

NEGAUNEE — Voters in the city of Negaunee will review a bond proposal on the May 5 ballot, funds to be used to upgrade and improve the Negaunee Ice Arena. By a unanimous vote Thursday, the Negaunee City Council approved bond proposal ballot language, which will, in effect, ask voters for permissio...

02/08/2026

STATE BOUND! 🚨
Huge congrats to our IRHA 14U team for earning their spot in the State Finals!

Champions of District 8!
Our 14u is State bound after 6-5 victory over DAHA in the District 8 Finals. Thank you Munising for hosting! 🏆

02/06/2026

38 years. 125+ players. One great weekend for our town. 🏒 (And, of course, Heikki Lunta Winter Festival to top off the excitement!)

The Yooper Invitational Tournament brings hockey, visitors, and support for local businesses all weekend long.

Another great example of how our ice arena keeps Negaunee thriving!

Good luck to the Oldtimers!!

The Negaunee Ice Arena serves both local residents and visitors from afar. On weekends, the parking lot is packed and the arena buzzes with excitement and activity. Weeknights are equally lively, as players work on sharpening their skills and learning lessons in discipline and hard work—qualities that build character and help shape good citizens.
This weekend, we welcome a special group: the Oldtimers. For the 38th year, the Yooper Invitational Tournament will bring over 125 players aged 18-60+ years old to compete at the Negaunee Ice Arena. These athletes also enjoy Heikki Lunta festivities and patronize local businesses during their visit.
For these Oldtimers, this annual event is a chance to relive fond memories, connect with friends old and new, and show support for the Negaunee community. You'll spot these hockey legends around town throughout the weekend. Some hail from nearby, while others travel from farther away. Many return again and again, drawn by the hospitality and amenities Negaunee offers—not just for hockey, but also for its events and bike trails. This demonstrates the lasting impact of the Negaunee Ice Arena; it’s dedicated to developing great young people and future citizens, but let’s not overlook the Oldtimers either! Best of luck to everyone participating in the 38th annual Yooper Invitational Tournament!

02/04/2026

🏒 Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day!

The Northern Lites adult women’s hockey team is proud to call Negaunee Ice Arena home. This year, they placed first in the Madison Pirates Parley Tournament and swept Green Bay!

Did you know? USA Hockey reported the number of girls and women playing hockey continues to grow — the 2024–25 season saw a 5.1% year-over-year increase (4,784 more girls and women registered).

And locally, we have a chance to keep that momentum going right here at home.

✅ On May 5, Negaunee voters will decide on an ice arena bond proposal (capped at $1.25M) to fund critical repairs and upgrades in two phases — including equipment needed to keep the rink running reliably and Phase 2 locker room improvements (including a dedicated women’s locker room space, which we don’t currently have).

📌 Please make a plan to vote and Vote YES on May 5 to support the future of our rink — for girls, women, families, and the whole community.

02/03/2026

Kaitlyn started at the Negaunee rink in 1st grade.
Now she’s making history at CMU.
Congratulations, Kaitlyn!

Help us keep creating success stories like this — Help Save Our Ice. Vote YES in May! 🗳️

ONE HUNDO FOR KWILL ⚡️

Senior Kaitlyn Williams becomes the second player in CMUWH history to notch 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ career points! Congrats Kaitlyn!!!

🔥⬆️🏒

02/02/2026

02/01/2026

Congratulations to the 12U AA Miners hockey team on their District Championship! 🏆

01/26/2026

Future Miners. Future memories. Future ice.

Vote YES for our arena.

Congratulations to these mighty little 6u miners and Coach Ted Pietila on an incredible performance at the Gipp tournament in Calumet this weekend!

Going 4-0 in round robin play out scoring their opponents by a combined score of 66-10 but falling just short in the semifinals to Calumet 8-12. The future is bright for these kids 😎