Superior Central School Closing

On 09-06-24, the Superior Central School in Eben Junction was closed as a result of a potential threat received from the public. The information was immediately reported to school officials as well as law enforcement. Superintendent, William Valima, deemed it necessary to close the school so that a thorough investigation could be completed.

After a collective investigation by the Alger County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police, the threat was found to be unsubstantiated.

Alger County Sting Operation Leads to Prison Sentence for Kingsford Resident

On 08-27-24 Matthew Clarence Cooley of Kingsford Michigan, accepted a plea of “No Contest” to Child Abusive Communication Activity and Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime in the 11th Circuit Court of Alger County. He was subsequently sentenced to serve 2 to 20 years at the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Cooley was arrested on 03-10-23 for Child Abusive Communication Activity, Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime, and Possession of Methamphetamine as a result of an undercover operation conducted by the Alger County Sheriff’s Office. The focus of the operation was to target predators with the intent to commit sexual acts on a minor. Cooley responded to the officers conducting the operation then traveled from Kingsford to Munising with the intent to have sexual intercourse with a minor. Cooley was then apprehended by several officers when he arrived at the predetermined location.

The Alger County Sheriff’s Office has conducted several of these operations with much success. However, Matthew Cooley was the first subject that was issued a prison sentence as a result of the operation.