Local News

It’s Independence Day weekend, and Independence Stay of Houghton is officially opening today. Construction for the hotel began last year and finished during the spring. Their Houghton hotel is their second location, with the other independence stay located in Marinette, Wisconsin. The hotel offers a number of amenities, including a …

Most non-union Houghton city employees will receive three percent raises for the new fiscal year. The city council approved the increases at last night’s meeting. City Manager Eric Waara confirmed that yesterday’s planned visit by the Viking cruise ship Octantis had to be scrubbed because of weather concerns. The ship’s …

Northern Michigan University’s Board of Trustees will meet in a special online session this afternoon. The big item on the agenda will be setting tuition and fees for the upcoming school year. The finance committee will meet to finalize its recommendation at 2:00. The full board will convene at 2:30. …

Miss Michigan visited the Copper Country yesterday. At the Baraga Drive-In, Paige Rubleski told our Thomas Fournier that she’s working to raise awareness about the challenges nurses and other health care workers are facing across the state… Nursing is a great, wonderful field, but we burn our nurses out, and …

In July, 1776, as the 13 British colonies in North America were in the process of declaring their independence, founding father John Adams predicted the event would be celebrated with fireworks. Such celebrations began the following year, and continue to this day. But, the noise from fireworks can be difficult …

After 15 years Dr. Phillip Johnson made his final address to university staff last Thursday. He spoke before staff, during the university’s last 125 anniversary celebration in the Martha Wiljanen Hall. He spoke of the university’s ever evolving nature since it’s inception in 1896 by Finnish immigrants. Starting off as …

Ahmeek has a few new bells and whistles. A couple weeks ago the fire department welcomed to the department their newest vehicle. Last year the department’s volunteers worked through fundraisers, and grants to purchase a 2021 Ford F550 XLT 4X4 truck. A lot more work has been done to fully …

With three members absent, the Houghton city planning commission took no action on agenda items last evening. Conversations will continue about several issues. The city is reviewing the food truck ordinance it adopted in 2018. Officials are discussing plants and animals, after having received questions and comments about residents raising …

One of the Copper Country’s largest financial institutions has a new name.  As of yesterday, the Michigan Tech Employees Federal Credit Union is now officially known as Breakwater Credit Union.  Breakwater President and CEO David Rautiola says the old name reflected the roots of the organization… Our credit union was …

A joint appearance by three of the four candidates for the 109th State House of Representatives seat has been organized by the Marquette County League of Women Voters.  Republican Melody Wagner, and Democrats Joe Boogren and Jenn Hill have agreed to take part. Organizers say Republican Ron Gray declined their …