Local News

The Portage Health Foundation has taken over one of the region’s leading providers of mental health care. PHF’s acquisition of Dial Help became official Saturday, after it was approved by both organizations’ boards of directors, and by the Michigan Attorney General’s office. In a joint statement released yesterday, PHF Executive …

Ben Larson will return as Houghton County Administrator. Larson was hired yesterday, as the county board of commissioners moved quickly to replace the departing Elizabeth Bjorn. Bjorn replaced Larson in the job just 18 months ago, when Larson took a job in the private sector. She is leaving April 30th. …

Students studying in Finlandia University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program have a new transfer option. Finlandia has finalized a Teach-Out Agreement with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. PTA and Pre-PTA students at Finlandia will be accepted seamlessly at Northeast Wisconsin Technical. Finlandia students pursuing other degrees will be considered …

The Canal Run is searching for sponsors and volunteers to support them for their huge event on July 15. Health and Fitness Manager at UP Health System Portage, Angela Luskin, said, “Sponsorship is really vital to the Canal Run. It takes, you know, lots of different support within the community …

Copper Country Community Mental Health (CCCMH) promoted their Community Employment Program on March 22. They work with local companies to offer services to employ those with a disability.  Community Employment Coordinator, Ardith Brown, said ” well the ADA defines a disability as like a physical or mental impairment that substantially …

Houghton County will begin the search for a new administrator at a special meeting this afternoon.  Current administrator Elizabeth Bjorn will be stepping down April 30th. She has been on the county staff for a decade, serving as controller, and, since late October of 2021, as administrator. The board will …

The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department continues the search for a missing man. Rudy Patrick Massi was last reported seen March 19th at 9:00 in the evening on Bundy Street in Ironwood. Foul play is not suspected. In addition to the Ironwood area, Massi is known to spend time near Park …

Friday night’s Old Time Copper Country Dance drew a big crowd to the Finnish American Heritage Center.  The evening was a fundraiser for the Kivajat Youth Dance program, and the several groups it sponsors each performed during the event. Kivajat director Kay Seppala said the money raised will help pay …

The May consolidated election takes place May 2nd, and there are numerous millage requests on local ballots. Houghton County• Houghton County – 1.37 mill renewal for 10 years for road maintenance• Calumet Township – 1.5 mill renewal for eight years for building and maintenance• Chassell Township – 0.5 mills for …

Michigan’s updated State Forest road map is scheduled to be released today. Maps are revised each year based on changing road conditions, new data, and input received from users and residents. They show which state forest roads are open or closed to both off-road and conventional vehicle use. In the …