Houghton High School Athletic Director John Sanregret says he remains an “eternal optimist” in regards to getting in prep sports for the district. He says with a chuckle that he thought they’d manage to play last spring’s schedule. Hope is still there to get in hockey and basketball in 2021, …
Read More »Western UP COVID-19 update
A new update from the Western UP Health Department shows COVID-19 activity remains centered in Houghton County. Fifty-seven new cases have been confirmed there since Monday, compared to just nine in Baraga (3) and Keweenaw Counties (6) combined. For the three-county area, there was one death since the last report …
Read More »Economic momentum building in the Keweenaw
A strong summer season is consolidating into lasting economic gains for the area, says Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Jeff Ratcliffe. He summarized the findings to wrap up the organization’s virtual breakfast on Thursday morning. Ratcliffe said the positive momentum began with “strong” tourism and construction seasons. He notes …
Read More »Wings Blanked in Opener – Friday Sports Wrap
High School The high school basketball season will stretch into April this year. The Michigan High School Athletic Association released its revised schedules for basketball and hockey yesterday. Both reflect the delay caused by the state’s Epidemic Order. Non-contact practices for hockey and basketball can begin tomorrow. If the Epidemic …
Read More »State funding reinstated for Houghton pier
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has recommitted to provide a grant for the construction of a new pier in Houghton. The project was originally approved in 2019 with construction scheduled for spring 2020. The MEDC redirected those funds towards COVID-19 relief before it could begin. The new agreement will see …
Read More »Health officials still cautious on COVID-19 vaccine
The Keweenaw Alliance hosted a virtual breakfast Thursday morning, with a significant amount of the discussion dedicated to the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of the news was positive. Western UP Health Director Kate Beer says that Houghton County has nine providers who can distribute the vaccine. The department is looking at …
Read More »State Rep. Greg Markkanen disappointed in dining ban extension
A press conference at the state capitol Wednesday has bar and restaurant owners feeling nauseous. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Joneigh Kaldun announced an extension to the indoor dining ban which has been in place since November. The prohibition will remain …
Read More »Great Lakes shipping season ends Friday
The Soo Locks will be closing to through traffic at 11:59 PM Friday for annual winter maintenance. The channel will be closed until March 25th to allow for various infrastructure improvements. The Army Corps of Engineers, in a release, says that work on the locks is unique compared to other …
Read More »House impeaches President Trump for second time
President Donald Trump was impeached by the United States House of Representatives for a second time on Wednesday, a first in the nation’s history. Jack Bregman, a Republican who represents Michigan’s first congressional district, opted against the measure. He urged the body to return to an agenda designed to help …
Read More »Houghton parking deck discussion put into cooling off period
The Lakeshore Drive parking deck was the focus of Houghton’s City Council meeting Wednesday night, both in public discussion and as an agenda item. During the comment period early in the session, developers Jon and Jennifer Julien asked for the panel to consider a proposal that they have been working …
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