Local News

Houghton County sheriff’s deputies and jail employees have a new contract. The three-year deal was approved by the board of commissioners last night. No details were provided, other than that it runs for three years. Union members had already ratified the deal. Commissioners also decided to try to sell the …

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Mission Point of Hancock nursing home continues to grow, and another outbreak is developing at Canal View.  The latest weekly report filed with the State of Michigan by Mission Point includes 39 new resident cases. That raises the pandemic total to 52 at the facility. …

Add another 76 confirmed COVID-19 cases to the growing total in the five counties served by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. Their most recent report includes diagnoses from Friday through yesterday.  45 of the confirmed cases are in Houghton County, with 24 in Gogebic County. Ontonagon and Baraga Counties …

There’s a new commander in charge of the Negaunee State Police Post. Matthew LaBonte was recently promoted from Detective Sergeant to First Lieutenant, and given the new assignment. 1st Lt. Matthew LaBonte Along with the Negaunee Post, LaBonte will oversee the Munising Detachment, and administer all Michigan State Police services …

The Hancock School Board gained a member last night. Trustees appointed Steve Koskela to fill the seat left vacant after Charles Paoli resigned last month. Board members welcomed new middle school principal Jesse Kentala, who said he’s been warmly received… “I’m very impressed with the leadership team so far, and, …

The Houghton-Portage Township Board of Education has lost a member. Fellow trustees said “goodbye” last night to Crystal Verran, who is moving out of state. Board president Nels Christopherson said Verran’s 10 years on the board were productive… “She has served on most of our committees over that time, and …

Houghton residents could get a first look at proposed plans for the Lakeshore Drive redevelopment project tonight. The city council will hold a joint virtual meeting with the Downtown Development Authority and the planning commission. The real reason for the meeting is to fulfill a requirement for grant-ready status. But, …

The U.P. Energy Task Force will meet online this morning. The Task Force submitted its recommendations on propane supply and pricing earlier this year, and is now in the process of developing recommendations for electrical power and other types of energy. Its final report is due March 31st, 2021. The …

There will be no change in the membership of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council next year. Unofficial results from Saturday’s election were released this morning. In the Baraga District, incumbent Doreen Blaker was the top finisher, with 270 votes. Incumbent R.D. Curtis was returned to office with 174 …

Huntington Bank is merging with another big financial institution. The Ohio-based holding company will combine with the Detroit-based TCF Financial in an all-stock merger reported to be worth $22 billion. The Huntington name will continue. The TCF identity will disappear. Huntington operates a branch in the former D&N Building in …