Local News

The Houghton City Council accepted their audit for the 2015-16 year at their regular meeting Wednesday. City Manager Eric Waara said the audit showed an increase in net position over the previous year. Two items were noted–the city does not employ a certified public accountant, choosing instead to have a …

The unusual January thaw has had some benefits—it’s helped the city of Houghton’s DPW catch up on clearing away the snow. At their regular meeting Wednesday, Houghton City Manager Eric Waara told the city council work crews have been widening the streets at night and that they are looking forward …

The Calumet High School Drama Club will once again be competing in the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association State Theater Festival. The competition is held February 17th and 18th at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center just outside of Lansing. This year the students have decided to do a selection from The …

The temporary load restrictions have been extended until Monday. The restrictions for Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon Counties went into effect on January 21st were set to expire today but will now remain in place until the start of next week. Maximum legal axle loads are reduced to 65 percent …

Republicans in Washington D.C. continue with their effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act and newly elected Representative Jack Bergman has a seat at the table. Northern Michigan’s voice at the capitol participated in a House Committee on the Budget hearing designed to explore the rising cost of health care …

The regulations regarding the use of the trail system can be confusing–even controversial. Such a situation arose recently between a property owner in Houghton County and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The issues were mainly trail easements and right-of-ways. Easements are required when a landowner has to cross state …

The Houghton County Land Bank authority is looking for board members to fill two expiring positions. One applicant should belong to a local unit of government such as a township board or city council member. The other applicant should be a resident of Houghton County. The Houghton County Land Bank …

The recent warming trend has weakened the ice on the Portage Canal, so the Heikinpäivä Polar Bear Dive for 2017 is cancelled. The annual plunge into the icy waters is a tradition of the Finnish-themed mid-winter celebration and is usually held the same day as the Heikinpäivä parade this Saturday. …

The inauguration of President Donald Trump will be remembered for a long time. Students from Dollar Bay, Chassell, Hancock and Ontonagon witnessed history in person when they attended the ceremony in Washington D.C. on Friday. Some 40 students and 14 adults made the trip. Dollar Bay High School11th Grader Korey …

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns that during this current stretch of warmer weather, riders using trails in many locations throughout the state may encounter poor conditions in low-lying areas and some areas exposed to the sun. Any trails with marginal snow and wet areas could become impassible. The …