Local News

Visit Keweenaw is seeking applicants for its 2023 Destination Development Grant Program. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects that improve the ability of communities in Houghton and Keweenaw County to attract tourists, and enhance the experience of visitors during their stays. The awards are open to governmental …

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is again facilitating ice fishing at 25 popular locations across the Upper Peninsula by keeping access sites and parking areas plowed.  Various local partners assist the DNR with snow removal at DNR boating access sites. Local sites being plowed this winter include Vermilac Lake …

Last week’s Heikinpaiva cultural events and classes sure sounded like fun last week. And the classes will keep going this week, all leading up to the big day this Saturday. This week will included only a couple of events before Satruday, but one class is available all week long. Starting …

Three men charged with entering a mine in Keweenaw County and taking minerals have been sentenced in Keweenaw County court. In March of 2020 Calumet residents, Bent Hiltunen, Ike Kinsinger, and Eric Grandchamp were arrested for illegally entering a mine in Copper Falls, and taking minerals. Hiltunen and Kinsinger were …

The Hancock City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed solar and wind energy ordinance tonight. The code would regulate the type, size and placement of solar energy panels and wind turbines, with different rules for residential and industrial areas. Among the highlights:• Industrial installations would …

A Minnesota-based non-profit has teamed up with a local non-profit to create a fund to help offset travel expenses for Copper Country residents battling cancer. The Keller Family Community Foundation has contributed $83,000 to start an endowment with the Portage Health Foundation.  Proceeds from the Keller Family Community Foundation “Ride …

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Executive Director Cathy Kass-Aten and LBFOE Upper Michigan Foundation Director Mike Aten have announced their retirements from their respective positions. Current LBFOE Development Director Carol Korpela will succeed Kass-Aten as the organization’s new Executive Director. Kass-Aten will replace Aten as the …

Across the country there are thousands of Americans who claim Finnish ancestry. A Finnish film maker named, Santi Fox, began to wonder why his home country, with a smaller population than most other European countries, appears so often in pop culture, and in history around the globe. Finding that many …

The National Parks Service has completed their non-wilderness cultural resources management plan for Isle Royale. Cultural resource management plans are long term strategies for the park service to managing cultural resources outside of designated wilderness. The plan will work with tribes to enhance or revive their relationship with Isle Royale, …

The Portage Health Foundation’s recent Giving Tuesday campaign was the biggest ever – by far. Donors contributed $659,136.77 to the 26 nonprofits that took part. That’s 48.7 percent higher than the $443,208.76 collected in the 2021 campaign. The PHF added $200,000 in matching funds, for a total of $859,136.77. Checks …