Local News

A South Range resident has been appointed to the Michigan Community Service Commission. Governor Gretchen Whitmer named Darnishia L. Slade as one of eight members of the board, which coordinates and oversees volunteerism in the state. Slade is an instructor, graduate research advisor, and the manager of global engagement programs …

Adrienne Minerick will step in as interim dean of Michigan Tech’s Pavlis Honors College next year. Tech Today reports that she will fill the gap created when Lorelle Meadows retires at the end of January. Minerick’s current position as Dean of the College of Computing will be taken by Dennis …

One of the Copper Country’s most treasured Thanksgiving traditions will continue this year, despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic… “We’ve had overwhelming response from our elderly friends that they want the meals, and this is such an important time for them.” Cathy Kass-Aten from Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly …

Baraga County continues to be the state’s most active COVID-19 hotspot. The seven-day rolling average of 156 diagnoses per 100,00 residents per day puts it ahead of Dickinson County, which is second at 146.  The latest figures from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department show why. Since the last report …

Michigan Tech is using the COVID-19 classroom shutdown to save some money on the heating bill.  Tech Today reports that, beginning tomorrow, the university’s heating plant will shift to weekend/holiday mode. Director of Energy Management Larry Hermanson says the cooldown will continue as long as the campus remains in Health …

MTU’s next COVID-19 Community Town Hall will take place this evening. This week’s theme is “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Economy.” Laura Connelly from MTU’s College of Business and local business owner Jennifer Julien will provide perspective. The session begins at 7:00. You can follow it online …

Hancock’s Christmas celebration will look different this year. Instead of the traditional Christmas Walk the day after Thanksgiving, where kids would meet Santa in person at City Hall, Santa will be touring the city’s residential neighborhoods on a fire truck… “We will start at one end of town, and there’s …

With COVID-19 cases skyrocketing across the region, the Aspirus Health Care System is feeling the pressure… “We had about 30 patients, historically, throughout our system who had COVID, during the summer. Now, we are at about 130.” At a briefing yesterday, Aspirus CEO Matt Heywood said that more than quarter …

The Chassell Township Fire Department tried out a new hose nozzle Saturday that was designed by a local company. GS Engineering designed the nozzle to switch easily between low and ultra-high pressure water streams. It’s meant specifically for the US Air Force’s P-34 Rapid Intervention Vehicle, but company officials anticipate …

With the blustery weather we’ve had recently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is urging caution on and near Great Lakes waters. Lake levels continue to be unusually high. Heavy waves can crash over piers and breakwaters that are normally high and dry. Rocks and structures that are normally visible …