Local News

More than 750 COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed within the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department region in the past three weeks, and the sudden increase has overwhelmed the staff.  To cope with the overload, contact tracing is being scaled back. Priority will be placed on notifying people at highest risk… …

Public allegations of vote fraud in last week’s election in Michigan are dying down, and none have yet been found to be accurate. Lists continue to be circulated on social media of dead people who allegedly cast ballots. Spot checks by multiple media organizations have uncovered no votes recorded by …

Most of the students who responded to Michigan Tech’s latest sexual misconduct climate survey felt the university is doing a good job of addressing the problem.  All students were invited to take part in the survey. 11 percent responded. Responses were anonymous.  Students who had an unwanted sexual experience most …

Two non-profit organizations are asking for item donations. The Copper Country Humane Society needs cat litter, equine pine pellets, bleach and paper towels. Donations can be dropped off at the Humane Society in Houghton. The Salvation Army has released a list of items they need, to help serve individuals and …

Because of the spike in cases in Ontonagon County, suspension of face-to-face activities for students in the Ontonagon and Ewen-Trout Creek school districts will continue for two more weeks. Students in Gogebic County districts will spend one more week studying from home. The tentative return dates are November 20th in …

The COVID-10 infection rate in Michigan continues to soar. The seven-day rolling average of new cases per day set a new record Saturday, when it reached 4,231. That’s more than two-and-a-half times the highest level seen during the initial surge last spring.  The hardest-hit area continues to be the Upper …

Last night’s special meeting was the last for two Hancock City Council members. Dan Seguin did not run for re-election in the third ward, as he and his family plan to move outside the city limits in the near future… “It’s been a real learning experience and a real honor …

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly will hold their annual food drive tomorrow. They ask that you place non-perishable food donations in labeled bags outside your residence by 8:00 tomorrow morning. Members of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity will canvass local communities, and pick up the donations.

The City of Hancock has taken a big step toward development of its new business and technology park. At a special meeting last night, the council approved the application for a grant that would cover much of the initial investment. The city will need to provide $666,028 in matching funds …

COVID-19 numbers in the western Upper Peninsula continue to rise. Since the last report was issued Monday evening, the Western U.P. Health Department has reported 132 more confirmed positives across the five-county region, 40 more probable positives, and two more deaths. Ontonagon County is hardest-hit, with 52 new confirmed positives. …