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Six thousand more Michiganders were working last month, compared to November. That dropped Michigan’s unemployment rate slightly by a tenth of a point. Data released yesterday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget put the seasonally-adjusted rate at 3.9 percent. That remains above the national average of 3.5 …

High School In high school hockey last evening, Hancock outshot Negaunee 47-14, but had to go to overtime to pull out a 5-4 victory. Tonight, Houghton entertains Escanaba. Our broadcast will begin at 6:40 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com. Tomorrow… – Calumet welcomes Escanaba. Our broadcast will begin at 12:40 …

The City of Houghton will hold an open house to share information about the proposed Lakeshore Drive Development. At last night’s council meeting, City Manager Eric Waara proposed that it take place February 11th between 5:30 and 7:00 at the City Center…  The open house comes after the first substantive …

A plan that could help expand access to high-speed broadband service in rural areas has passed the state House of Representatives. The two bills would require electric cooperatives to make their poles and easements for power lines available to carry broadband lines as well. In our region, that could open …

Flags will fly at half-staff at Michigan state facilities today to honor the recent death of a serviceman. The order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer also requests that flags at other facilities be similarly lowered. Army Specialist Bradley Walsh died January 8th. He was in his third year of active …

High School In high school hockey this evening, Hancock skates at Negaunee. In boys basketball tonight… – Hancock plays at Calumet. Our broadcast will begin around 7:00 on KBear 102.3 and KBear102.com. – Houghton welcomes Escanaba. – Lake Linden-Hubbell hosts Baraga. – Jeffers travels to Ontonagon. – Chassell journeys to …

It’s official – there will be no polar bear dive at this year’s Heikinpäivä celebration. The saga ended with an official announcement yesterday afternoon by the Finnish Theme Committee.  The dive began in the earliest years of Heikinpäivä as a small event at the waterfront at the Ramada Inn in …

Hancock has scheduled another round of pickup opportunities for its discount recycling bins. Thanks to a grant, residents and landlords can purchase the 35-gallon bins for $10.00. The normal retail cost would be more than $60.00. Bins can be picked up at the Department of Public Works on Tomasi Drive …

An historical novel about a legendary leader of the 1913 copper strike has been named one of Michigan’s Notable Books for 2020. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell recounts the story of “Big Annie” Clements, a young housewife in a troubled marriage who became the public …

A Michigan lawmaker is facing a second charge of sexual harassment. Democratic Senator Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak says Republican Senator Peter Lucido of Shelby Township made crude remarks and touched her inappropriately during a capitol orientation session after the November, 2018 election. Lucido denies that. Lucido is already being …