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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 …

Houghton residents could get a first look at proposed plans for the Lakeshore Drive redevelopment project tonight. The city council will hold a joint virtual meeting with the Downtown Development Authority and the planning commission. The real reason for the meeting is to fulfill a requirement for grant-ready status. But, …

Michigan’s 16 presidential electors followed the law yesterday afternoon, and cast their votes for president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris. Threats of violence that obliged legislative leaders to close the capitol building and state offices to other activities did not materialize, with less than a dozen demonstrators outside. …

The U.P. Energy Task Force will meet online this morning. The Task Force submitted its recommendations on propane supply and pricing earlier this year, and is now in the process of developing recommendations for electrical power and other types of energy. Its final report is due March 31st, 2021. The …

MTU Two Michigan Tech hockey players have been honored by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Colin Swoyer was named Defenseman of the Week. He had two assists in the Huskies’ shutout of Bemidji State Sunday. Blake Pietila was named Goaltender of the Week. He stopped 31 shots Sunday, and earned …

There will be no change in the membership of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council next year. Unofficial results from Saturday’s election were released this morning. In the Baraga District, incumbent Doreen Blaker was the top finisher, with 270 votes. Incumbent R.D. Curtis was returned to office with 174 …

Huntington Bank is merging with another big financial institution. The Ohio-based holding company will combine with the Detroit-based TCF Financial in an all-stock merger reported to be worth $22 billion. The Huntington name will continue. The TCF identity will disappear. Huntington operates a branch in the former D&N Building in …

Minimum wage workers in Michigan will probably not get a raise next month. The base minimum wage was supposed to increase from $9.65 an hour to $9.87 an hour on January 1st. However, the law that mandates that also says that the increase will not take effect if the state’s …