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The Houghton waterfront could someday include a hotel, retail and office space, conference facilities, apartments and condominiums.  The vision for the future of the property currently devoted to parking was unveiled by the Veridea Group of Marquette last night, at a joint meeting of the Houghton city council, planning commission, …

Houghton County sheriff’s deputies and jail employees have a new contract. The three-year deal was approved by the board of commissioners last night. No details were provided, other than that it runs for three years. Union members had already ratified the deal. Commissioners also decided to try to sell the …

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Mission Point of Hancock nursing home continues to grow, and another outbreak is developing at Canal View.  The latest weekly report filed with the State of Michigan by Mission Point includes 39 new resident cases. That raises the pandemic total to 52 at the facility. …

A former Michigan governor could be headed to Washington. There are reports that Jennifer Granholm will join the new Joe Biden administration as Energy Secretary. Granholm’s knowledge of the auto industry is seen as a key to facilitating the conversion from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric-powered vehicles. Granholm served as Michigan’s …

NMU After a number of cancellations because of positive COVID-19 tests, the Northern Michigan University hockey team will open its season tonight at home against Ferris State University. Both this game, and another to be played December 30th in Big Rapids, are non-conference competitions. The Wildcats haven’t skated in competition …

Add another 76 confirmed COVID-19 cases to the growing total in the five counties served by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. Their most recent report includes diagnoses from Friday through yesterday.  45 of the confirmed cases are in Houghton County, with 24 in Gogebic County. Ontonagon and Baraga Counties …

There’s a new commander in charge of the Negaunee State Police Post. Matthew LaBonte was recently promoted from Detective Sergeant to First Lieutenant, and given the new assignment. 1st Lt. Matthew LaBonte Along with the Negaunee Post, LaBonte will oversee the Munising Detachment, and administer all Michigan State Police services …

The Republican Party’s continued resistance to Joe Biden’s presidential victory has driven one of its highest-profile Michigan members from its ranks. U.S. Representative Paul Mitchell resigned from the party yesterday, and asked House leadership to re-list him as an independent. Mitchell represents the 10th District, which covers Michigan’s Thumb area. …

The Hancock School Board gained a member last night. Trustees appointed Steve Koskela to fill the seat left vacant after Charles Paoli resigned last month. Board members welcomed new middle school principal Jesse Kentala, who said he’s been warmly received… “I’m very impressed with the leadership team so far, and, …

The Houghton-Portage Township Board of Education has lost a member. Fellow trustees said “goodbye” last night to Crystal Verran, who is moving out of state. Board president Nels Christopherson said Verran’s 10 years on the board were productive… “She has served on most of our committees over that time, and …