Local News

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 …

Volunteer berry cleaners are needed for next week’s Strawberry Festival. If you can help, report to the Chassell Centennial Park Pavilion July 7th at 4:00. Bring a paring knife, a bowl and some newspapers if you have them. No experience is necessary – they’ll show you how it’s done.

Maintenance on the Houghton-Hancock Bridge will cause some traffic delays tonight. Weather permitting, the Michigan Department of Transportation will grease the bridge’s cables. Several lifts will be required between 11:00 tonight and 6:00 tomorrow morning. They could last as long as 30 minutes.

Michigan Tech is saying goodbye to a longtime administrator. Jacqueline Huntoon is leaving the university at the end of the week to become director of the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation. Huntoon joined the Tech staff in 2005 as a professor in the Department of Geological …

Tomorrow morning the Viking cruise ship Octantis will make their first arrival in the Copper Country. Previously weather prevented the 665 foot long vessel from making their initial visit to Houghton a couple weeks ago. The plan will have the ship anchored near Dollar Bay, and ferry passengers three miles …