ADAMS TOWNSHIP — Restoration and preservation efforts continue at the former Champion Mining Company’s No. 4 Shaft complex in Painesdale. Now under the care of Painesdale Mine & Shaft, Inc. (PM&S), the past couple of years have seen impressive work. The organization’s projects have increased the number of visitors to the historic site.

In the fall of 2022, PM&S received a grant from the Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund in stabilize and improve the stairs and walkways of the upper levels of the shaft-rock house. The repairs allowed visitors those upper level areas.

Vince Kanthak, a member of the PM&S Board, and a volunteer guide, said this year, the complex has seen more visitors than in previous years, but some are more interested than others.

“I think you know there’s two k

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