Local News

A Whittemore, Michigan man has plead guilty to two separate crimes related to placing improvised explosive devices outside of cellphone stores in Cheboygan and Sault Ste. Marie. John Douglas Allen pleaded guilty to charges on Tuesday, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Ludington, and faces up to 20 ears in …

Starting next Monday, Houghton has scheduled hydrant flushing throughout the city. Public works crews will begin work on Monday and continue through Friday next week. Work will occur from 6 am to 6 pm. During this time water may appear discolored. It is suggested by Houghton officials to run cold …

Portage Township is beginning to work on an updated recreation plan with the help of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region. The updated plan hopes to include improvements in the township’s recreation facilities and sites. The plan will also ensure that Portage Township is eligible for certain grants …

Hancock’s proposed new zoning ordinance is a step closer to approval.  City council members officially introduced the new rules at last evening’s meeting, and advanced them on a 5-2 vote, with councilors John Hauessler and Whitney Warstler opposing The first major rewrite of the zoning law in a half century …

The leadership of the Copper Country Intermediate School District will remain largely the same this year. At its organizational meeting this week, the board re-elected Karen Johnson of Lake Linden as president, Gale Eilola of Pelkie as vice-president, and Nels Christopherson of Houghton as treasurer. Adam Loukus of Calumet will …

With the August primary election less than two weeks away, state officials are advising that absentee ballots no longer be submitted by mail. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says ballots should be hand delivered – either to the relevant clerk’s office, or to a drop box. Ballots that are …

Childcare providers are the economic cornerstone of any region. The importance of the industry means any issue it faces impacts the surrounding community. There are thirteen-hundred kids still in need of child care in Houghton County alone.  The region only has 300 childcare slots currently available. Director for the Copper …

More evening single lane closures on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge can be expected next week. MDOT will address mechanical and electrical work, that will require tests take place next Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Test lifts will occur at the top of the hour, and at each half hour mark. …

Laurium is taking active steps to clean up the village. At last night’s meeting, village council members received an update about the latest effort to combat blight. Village President John Sullivan and Police Chief Kurt Erkkila recently met with county officials, to refine the procedures the village will use to …

Hancock’s new zoning ordinance could take a big step toward approval tonight.  The city has been working for months on the first major rewrite of the zoning rules in a half century. At its meeting this evening, the city council is set to introduce the result formally. Barring any last-minute …