Local News

The Houghton Planning Commission is looking for a more complete overhaul of the city’s Master Plan as it begins to tackle the parking deck. The City Council decided to step back last month from that specific project after a developer backed out from the initial concept. Chairman Tom Merz said …

The Houghton County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday afternoon to review the sale of two lots at the airport that would eventually become the location of the Copper Island Academy. Airport Manager Dennis Hext rejoined the gathering to discuss the item specifically. What I am looking for is a motion …

In less than 24 hours, Café Rosetta went from a determined stand to remain open to trying a different tack as it works to resolve its dispute with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Judge Wanda Stokes said closing temporarily was a prerequisite to having MDARD lift the …

With winter storms making a sustained appearance in the Keweenaw Peninsula, area contractors say it’s not too late to arrange for your roof to be cleared of snow. Dan Riutta suggests the job should be done for every 100 inches of snowfall the area receives. Both Houghton and Keweenaw Counties …

Some badly-needed street repairs in L’Anse are getting closer. Last night, the village council awarded contracts for repaving L’Anse Avenue and Baraga Avenue. The two projects will cost $510,000. Nearly half will be covered by a state grant. Greg Kingstrom from Upper Peninsula Engineers and Architects laid out the timetable. …

Baraga County Commissioner Will Wiggins has resigned, after attending only one official meeting. Wiggins was elected to represent the second district in November, ousting 40-year incumbent Mike Koskinen. Wiggins did not attend last night’s meeting. Current board chair Bill Roelof read his resignation letter. Due to the misguidance of a …

Monday’s update from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department shows continued improvement regarding COVID-19 cases locally. Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties combined for only seven confirmed cases between Friday and yesterday. Thirty more recoveries were logged, representing the third consecutive period where net new cases have fallen. The decline in …

The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) issued a press release Monday evening regarding the arrest and arraignment of a Hancock woman. Christina Kela was apprehended on Friday, February 5th before being arraigned in 97th District Court. The 36-year-old faces five counts of selling crystal methamphetamine. Each felony charge carries …

The two-vehicle crash on US 41 near Airport Park Road that occurred Friday involved one fatality. Houghton County Sheriff’s Office identified the 79-year-old woman as Lorraine Edna Watts of Houghton. No information was released concerning injuries to the drivers of either vehicle.

The Minong Mine is receiving national attention thanks to a years-long proposal process spearheaded by a Michigan Tech researcher. Dr. Daniel Trepal began the application over five years ago. The site is an active archaeological dig and continues to yield some surprising discoveries. Mining has been confirmed on Isle Royale …