Local News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer touted the state’s commitment to building a new home for veterans in Marquette yesterday. Speaking at the current D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Whitmer noted that the state’s new budget includes money to construct that facility’s successor… We’re going to replace it with a modern complex, with …

The Keweenaw Wild Bird REC’s sticker contest will seek beautiful designs capturing two special bird species to the non-profit. This year the group is highlighting the most common species they take in each summer, Black-capped chickadees and Northern flickers. This summer they rehabilitated two nests of birds displaced by tree …

Michigan Tech and Sandia National Laboratories are partnering to work on solutions to increase the amount of solar energy generated in northern climates. Yesterday government officials, MTU facility and Sandia Labs representatives cut the ribbon for the Department of Energy’s newest regional testing center. Located in Calumet, the new center’s …

Part-time police officers in Laurium will be getting a raise. The pay boost was approved at last night’s village council meeting. It’s the first bump in four years. Council members noted that the new pay rate will be in line with what other departments in the area are offering, and …

The Mount Franklin wildfire on Isle Royale remains at about six acres in size.  Firefighters reported yesterday that hose has been laid around the perimeter. While progress has been made in suppressing the fire, it is not considered contained. A 10-member crew from Minnesota is working at the scene. The …

UP Health System Portage is hosting a free health and safety fair this afternoon. All are invited to visit the Hancock Campus between 4 and 7. The hospital will offer health screenings, tours of the operating room, close up looks at ambulances, fire trucks and police cars, blood typing, diabetic …

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. …