Local News

Sunday is one of the most anticipated days of the year for kids throughout the Copper Country. Usually, they can count on having to brave a snow storm while in costume for Halloween. That is not looking likely in 2021, but Houghton Police Chief John Donnelly says the calendar doesn’t …

Last month Lake Superior fell below its long-term average, adjusting for seasonal cyclicality, for the first time in seven years. The most recent forecast from the Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District expects that to continue until at least March. The office in charge of monitoring the Great Lakes …

Wednesday night marked the final Houghton City Council meeting for Dan Salo. Chief of Police John Donnelly, City Manager Eric Waara, and several other members paid tribute to him throughout the session. Mike Needham used part of his closing remarks to address Salo. I saw your wife sitting there when …

Next February marks the 100th anniversary of Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival. The logo was unveiled recently, drawn by Rachel May, and it brings the annual event back to its roots. A ferris wheel, a roller coaster that looks like something out of New York’s Coney Island, and a merry-go-round sit …

A letter from the Office of Michigan Tech President Richard Koubek sent late last week to university students and staff revealed that COVID vaccinations will be mandatory by January 10th for all employees. The missive referenced a recent executive order from the Joe Biden Administration that applies to all federal …

Houghton approved the site plan for the 100 Pearl Street apartment complex last night. The plan will build new high density apartments near Michigan Tech’s campus, close enough for students to walk to classes or even downtown. The architect in charge of the project, Barry Polizn, says that the plan …

Only one lane is closed on the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, now affecting traffic headed north, but soon work will require 30 minute waits again in the overnight hours. Crews are racing to complete repairs before winter ends construction season. Contractors will need to raise and lower the bridge between …

Earlier this week, ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the Upper Peninsula, which is covered entirely by the 906 area code. The change has been suggested since the summer as the Federal Communications Commission tried to ease the region into the switch. The dial code 988 has been set up to …

Crews will be on Shelden Avenue in Houghton replacing selected bricks that are beginning to deteriorate on the downtown stretch. Manager Eric Waara says it is the first time maintenance work has been done since the business district was resurfaced in 2009. The work will be done when weather allows …

At Monday’s Western Upper Peninsula Board of Health meeting, Chief Health Officer Kate Beer said that there will not be any flu shot clinics put on by the department this fall. In-house clinics are just not viable for us right now, we don’t have the staff. We’re gonna have to …