Local News

State Representative Greg Markkanen is proposing that Michigan change its official state bird… The robin is a wonderful bird, don’t get me wrong, but the Kirtland warbler is unique to Michigan. Kirtland’s warbler was listed as an endangered species in 1967, after being driven nearly to extinction because of reduced …

The four candidates to become the next president of Northern Michigan University will meet with the school’s board of trustees today. The candidates are:• Debra S. Larson, provost and vice president of academic affairs at California State University, Chico, and an Ishpeming native.• Brock Tessman, Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education …

Hockey gives blood, next week that is. On Tuesday the U.P. Regional Blood Center will hold a community blood drive at the Calumet Colosseum. Blood supplies across the Upper Peninsula are in critical need, and blood drives serve great importance in communities. As a single donation can help up to …

 After nearly 60 years in business, Jerry Rota decided to retire and close up shop on the Vansville Bar, on US-41. While in business, many patrons posted dollar bills on his walls and ceiling. Rota wanted to take the money and put it back into a community that had given …

The process of renaming the Baraga Post Office after a pioneering female legislator has taken a step forward. The bill sponsored by Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow was recently passed by the United States Senate. It moves on to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. If approved, …

The Halloween season begins Saturday evening, as the Lake Linden Campground hosts its annual Spooktember event. The public is welcome, and you do not need to be registered at the campground. Refreshments will be available between 6 and 8. A costume parade for children and adults starts at 7, with …

Employment increased slightly in the Upper Peninsula last month. The latest report from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget shows that the number of workers on the job grew to 128,800. That’s 700 better than July, and 3,300 better than August of 2021. The raw unemployment rate for …

COVID-19 diagnoses rose in the Copper Country last week, but the numbers remain modest. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 49 new confirmed cases in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties, up from 33 in the previous week.  Statewide numbers edged downward, with an average daily diagnoses …

Houghton is getting plans ready for the upcoming demolition of the downtown parking deck. While the demo itself has not been scheduled yet, the city has begun pulling together funds. Houghton has agreed to a bond of up to one and a half million dollars for the demolition. “Essentially passed …

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is investing one point two million dollars in veteran suicide prevention. The funds will help implement new programs and gather data on Michigan’s more than 500,000 veteran. The over a million dollar investment is the largest by the agency since at least 2000. According …