Local News

A fire and an extraction on consecutive nights ensured this past weekend will be one the members of the North Country Snowmobile Club in Ontonagon never forget. Through the eventful stretch, the group was able to stay in the right frame of mind, channeling Bruce Willis’ Detective John McClane on …

The Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club worked diligently last summer with several local groups, both public and private, to secure a new groomer for area trails. The equipment got its first use in January. Groomers typically cost around $35,000, so the club teamed with the City of Hancock, Portage Health Foundation …

Inpatient units are allowing visitors again after a roughly two week pause. The change comes with heavy restrictions, though. Only one person is allowed per patient between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Anyone in isolation due to COVID-19, or suspected of having the virus, cannot have guests. The Emergency Department …

As thousands met in Lansing, a local gathering lined the pedestrian walkways across the Portage Lift Bridge on Saturday morning. They amassed to send a message that student athletes deserve to have a winter sports season. Hockey players made up the majority of the crowd. Players and coaches from Calumet, …

The week began with the Hancock Public Schools Board of Education pushing for local control over in-person instruction and extracurricular activities. It is ending with the Public Schools of Calumet, Laurium, and the Keweenaw doing the same. At a special meeting of the CLK Board of Education Thursday, the organization …

The state’s woes regarding unemployment insurance are creating a new problem as tax season kicks into full gear. In a phone call with State Senator Ed McBroom earlier this week, he said a vast majority of people have had no problems, but for those who have slipped through the cracks …

The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) made a drug related arrest in Houghton County on Tuesday. Charles Knuckles, from South Range, was apprehended for one count of methamphetamine distribution. The 28-year-old was arraigned on the charge Thursday in 97th District Court with bail set at $5,000. The charge is …

Now that the gray wolf population has returned to robust health in the United States, they have been removed from the endangered species list. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the wolf count has ballooned from 140 in 1998 to over 600 every year for the past decade. It is still a …

The Western UP Health Department updated COVID-19 activity levels across its five-county district Thursday. The release covers new numbers for an entire week dating back to January 21st. Adjusting for that fact shows mostly positive trends again locally. The net number of cases continues to ease downwards led by improving …

State Senator Ed McBroom plans to meet with local and county government officials Friday morning, resurrecting a practice that has been on hold due to COVID-19. McBroom says he likes to engage public officials as those conversations can involve topics separate from what residents are discussing. McBroom likes an informal …