04/17/2026
Last night OUR community showed up at the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners meeting in Sault Ste. Marie.
We absolutely packed the room, leaving only space for folks to stand, with even more of our community joining online. People showed up - and not just one kind of people. Democrats, Republicans, elders, folks in their 20s, and everyone in between were there. Neighbors came to support neighbors, and clearly they all had each other’s backs.
Before public comment even began, Commissioner Shackleton acknowledged why we were there: to talk about crypto mining and large-scale data centers. He made it clear the county does not have zoning authority and does not intend to create it, emphasizing a belief in local control. In his view, the county stepping in would be no different than the state or federal government telling the county what to do. Even so, he invited the public to comment anyway.
And then, one by one, people stood up to share their thoughts and concerns.
Kalvin Carter of Up North Advocacy kicked things off, followed by Chloe Kannan from EUP Solidarity, and then many others. Speaker after speaker brought their concerns about what these projects could mean for our land, our water, and our way of life here in the U.P.
Folks pointed to examples from around the country where promised benefits didn’t materialize, but the costs did in the forms of higher utility rates, strained resources, minimal long-term jobs, loss of privacy, harms to wildlife, and many others. And we didn’t have to look far for proof. The situation at Lake Superior Academy, with a crypto mining operation right next door, came up again and again.
Staff and parents from LSA spoke about their lived experiences. Superintendent and founder Susie Schlehuber talked about the industrial nature of these facilities and the importance of where they’re located. She noted she wasn’t against development, as long as it’s logically sited. Amy Brzuchalski, Director of Academics, shared what it’s like to try to teach and learn under the constant noise from the mine, and the real psychological toll that takes on students and staff. She shared that the constant noise from the crypto facility has become such a part of her life that it stays with her even when she’s miles and miles away from it at home.
There was also clear pushback on the idea that the county has no role to play. Many speakers pointed out that some townships simply don’t have the capacity, as they are often run by volunteers, to take on issues of this scale alone. Many townships have no zoning of their own. And more importantly, the impacts of these facilities don’t respect township lines anyway. Water use, noise, energy demand, and rising costs affect entire regions. It begs the question: if not the county, then who is looking out for the whole picture?
Several clear asks emerged from the public. One was for a countywide moratorium on new development of these facilities so there is time to put safeguards in place, which is something other U.P. counties have already done. Alongside that, there were calls for strong, enforceable community benefit agreements to ensure that if these projects do move forward, they actually deliver for the people who live here and we aren’t left with empty promises.
And people didn’t just ask the county to handle it all, they offered their own time and effort. Multiple folks volunteered on the spot to help research, draft policy, and engage the community in what comes next. At least a dozen hands immediately went up when Heidi Witucki, Up North Advocacy Steering Committee member and candidate for Cloverland Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, asked those in attendance if they’d be willing to help.
Another major concern was transparency. In light of recent reports about closed-door discussions involving a data center developer and the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, speakers asked commissioners to commit to not signing non-disclosure agreements related to these kinds of projects. Two of the three commissioners present agreed - commissioners Shackleton and Lieurance. Commissioner Traynor refused to make that commitment.
In the end, the commissioners held their position. They reiterated that they will not step into zoning, even for townships that don’t have it in place. Commissioner Shackleton did thank the crowd for being respectful and well-spoken.
People left with mixed feelings. On one hand folks left proud because our community showed up in a big way, and demonstrated what it looks like when we stand together. But they were also concerned about the county’s refusal to engage and how that could leave large parts of Chippewa County exposed and unsupported as these industries come knocking.
So, we ask you: Should Chippewa County - counties in general - take a more active role in regulating data centers and crypto mining operations?
And if you want to be part of what comes next in helping figure out how we protect our communities, our water, and our way of life here in the UP and northern Michigan, reach out. We’re building something real here, and there’s room for you in it, no matter who you are.
Thanks again for all of you who showed up last night. We’re proud to share this community with you.
UPDATE: Please watch the entire meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09KgbDGTWtY
