Local News

K&W Landfill in Ontonagon was the scene of a large fire Thursday night. Thirty firefighters from four agencies battled the blaze. Luckily there are no injuries to report, but thick smoke suggests rubber and other toxic chemicals were likely some of the materials burning. Ontonagon County Emergency Manager Mike Kocher …

It’s no secret that summer heat was ahead of the calendar this year. While the changing of the seasons officially happened Sunday, roads across parts of the Upper Peninsula have already been subjected to record heat in some cases, with the mercury topping 90 degrees on multiple occasions. That is …

Classical music returns to the western Upper Peninsula this week with the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Appalachian Spring, a piece by celebrated American composer Aaron Copland, will be performed utilizing mostly local talent. Board President Diane Eshbach, along with her husband Charlie who is the marketing manager, were guests on …

The most recent COVID-19 report from Copper Country Strong and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department shows it is the right time for restrictions to be lifted. The number of new cases in the Copper Country is at a level not seen since last summer. The latest numbers cover a …

Howard Maki’s body was discovered Sunday afternoon after an extensive search. Numerous agencies and organizations engaged in an operation centered around the Alston Cemetery after Maki’s vehicle had been found two days earlier on Trail #109. The efforts ended at 1:15 yesterday when a Houghton County Sheriff’s deputy and a …

Traditional Independence Day celebrations are gearing up after a hiatus in 2020. Lake Linden has fireworks at dusk on Friday, July 2nd, followed by a parade the next morning. It doesn’t stop at the village limit, though, with the route snaking down M-26 to Hubbell, Tamarack City, and then onto …

A Michigan Department of Transportation project is repairing sidewalks along state trunk lines in multiple communities. M-26 in Hubbell is the first to have the work started, but M-203 in Hancock won’t be far behind. Torch Lake Township Supervisor Brian Cadwell says all walkways will have a different look when …

All COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted on Tuesday, June 22nd, over a week earlier than expected. The new guidance means there will be no curbs on activity indoors or out, for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement comes as the area has seen activity drop to nearly zero. …

Cool weather settles in across the Keweenaw this weekend, but until then it is hot and dry, raising fire danger across the area. The last significant rainfall was seen last Thursday, which should help to mitigate problems somewhat. The watch covers Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties, citing low humidity …

The Houghton County Sheriff’s Department is searching for Howard Maki of Alston in Laird Township. The 80-year-old is six feet tall and weighs 175 pounds. He was last seen driving a 2001 silver Isuzu Trooper in Hancock on Monday, June 7th, over a week-and-a-half ago.. Maki suffers from dementia. If …