Local News

Hancock’s non-union city employees will be getting a raise. At last night’s meeting, the city council approved a 2.75 percent increase for 2021. City Manager Mary Babcock said the raise was in line with those granted to union workers… “The police union gets a 2.75, and the DPW got a …

The Hancock City Council begins its new schedule of twice-monthly meetings tonight. The council recently decided to expand the number of gatherings, in hopes of trimming back the length of the meetings, which have frequently stretched out to three hours or more. Tonight’s agenda includes a public hearing regarding some …

UPDATE: It was announced on January 11th that the MTU team had won the top prize in this competition. A team from Michigan Tech is competing in the finals of a NASA competition. The BIG Idea Challenge asked college students to develop technology to support NASA’s goal of exploring the …

The Houghton City Council will hold a work session this evening to discuss options regarding the proposed Lakeshore Drive Redevelopment Project.  No decisions are made at work sessions, but the public is invited to view the discussion, and comments from the public will be taken.  The meeting begins at 5:30. …

Applications are now being accepted for this year’s Arts Projects Minigrants. The money comes from the Michigan Council for the Arts. The grants are administered by the Copper Country Community Arts Council. Non-profits, municipalities, libraries and K-12 schools in Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, Gogebic and Iron Counties are eligible.  Grants …

UP Health System – Portage will kick off its series of community events for 2021 tonight at 6:00 with an online presentation called “A Healthier You.” Health professionals including dietitians, exercise specialists and physical therapists will explain how small steps can lead to big improvements in people’s health. Participants will …

You may have noticed that Downtown Houghton’s official greeter is missing in action. The Miner statue at Franklin Square that welcomes folks into the city’s downtown was hit by a car late Sunday night. The driver of the car wasn’t injured, but city officials say the miner was severely damaged. …

The manager of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is leaving. Tara Arens confirmed the news on social media yesterday, saying she will depart at the end of the month. The Chamber will hold its annual meeting next Wednesday. The virtual gathering will include the election of three board members. Log-in …

The partnership between the makers of Copper Queen whiskey and the Calumet Theatre has produced another dividend for the theatre. Copper Queen was originally brewed in Calumet in the early 20th century. Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville revived the historic brand two years ago, with a commitment to share proceeds …

COVID-19 numbers are headed back upward in the Western Upper Peninsula.  The latest report from the Western U.P. Health Department includes 77 new confirmed positives since the previous update was released December 28th. That’s more than the previous two weeks combined. 40 were in Houghton County, 16 in Baraga County, …