Local News

The number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases in the Copper Country held steady last week, even as cases across the state spiked upward. Figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showed 90 confirmed cases in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties. That compares to 91 in the previous …

Eleven volunteer emergency service organizations will be better able to serve local residents, thanks to nearly $45,000 in grants from the Portage Health Foundation. Applications were solicited this spring from organizations in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties. Awards must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organizations receiving them. The maximum …

From the Western U.P. Health Department: The beach at Sunday Lake in Wakefield has been closed for swimming due to the presence of a harmful algal bloom. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) staff observed the algal bloom while conducting weekly beach monitoring for E. Coli. Samples taken on …

If you’ve played tennis or badminton you already know some of the basics to one of America’s newest and fastest growing sports. Pickleball has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years, and has been compared to similar types of sports like tennis. Pickle ball does offer it’s own challenges though. …

A local family is suing an airbag manufacturer for negligence relating to a fatal accident in Calumet last year. On Friday the Associated Press reported that the Beaudoin family filed for suit in Houghton County’s 12th Circuit Court against Arc Automotive Incorporated. On August 15th 2021, Marlene Beaudoin was killed …

The Mount Franklin wildfire on Isle Royale is smaller than initially believed. Initially estimated at 11 acres based on preliminary information, Isle Royale National Park officials yesterday said that firefighters on the scene have sized it at 5.7 acres. Favorable weather and low wind have kept the fire from growing, …

The first step in trying to keep Buffalo Reef from being overtaken by stamp sands will be a big wall. Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment officials confirmed yesterday that the state’s new budget includes $10 million to build the barrier south of Gay. The jetty will extend …

The Army Corps of Engineers is beginning to work on the Environmental Impact Statement for a potential tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel has been proposed, and would be paid for, by Enbridge. It would house the company’s Line 5 pipeline, and other utilities that are currently located …

The Upper Peninsula State Fair is underway. Opening activities were held at the fairgrounds in Escanaba last evening. The fair will be open full days from now through Sunday, with animals, exhibits, and a midway.  Featured grandstand entertainment includes the percussion ensemble Boom tonight, the ABBA tribute band Abracadabra tomorrow, …

Michigan Tech’s many forested lands are a forestry students dream laboratory and playground. In total the school owns more than 5,000 acres of forest, with various satellite locations set up throughout out the Upper Peninsula. In Lake Linden a 658 acre MTU forest is home to a mixture of hardwoods, …