Local News

There’s no resolution in sight in the property tax battle between the City of Houghton and Walmart… “They rejected our counteroffer right out of hand, doubled down on their petition to the Tax Tribunal, they’re still looking to get their store evaluation off by about 40 percent.” City Manager Eric …

18 local non-profits will take advantage of matching funds from the Portage Health Foundation in this year’s Giving Tuesday program. This year’s non-profits are the Swedetown Trails Club, Superior Search and Rescue, Simple Kindness for Youth, the Ontonagon County Cancer Association, Omega House, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Keweenaw …

Rachel Lankton – City of Houghton image. Houghton City Council members wrapped up last night’s meeting – and this term – by saluting Rachel Lankton, who is retiring after 16 years on the board. Mayor Robert Backon read a proclamation that also mentioned Lankton’s service on the Portage Lake District …

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community will hold its annual primary Saturday. This year’s election will take place only in the Baraga District. The L’Anse District doesn’t have enough Tribal Council candidates to require a vote. Baraga District candidates include incumbents Doreen Blaker and Robert D. “R.D.” Curtis, Jr., along with …

Saturday is the deadline for artists to submit works for the upcoming “Shaft” and “Junior Shaft” exhibitions. Projects in almost any medium are eligible, as long as they were inspired by mining history in the Copper Country, the physical signs of its presence or the effect it has had on …

Houghton High School students will complete this week at home. In a social media post yesterday, high school principal Cole Klein explained that the district does not have enough substitute teachers available to cover staff who are unable to teach. Teachers will lead their regular classes at the regular times …

An employee of the Houghton County Clerk’s office has filed a lawsuit against County Clerk Jennifer Kelly.  A release from the Eliason Law Office in Hancock says the four-count suit stems from an email sent by Kelly on October 19th about employee Beverly Smith. In the email, Kelly is said …

COVID-19 cases in our region continue to rise. The latest report from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department shows 97 new confirmed diagnoses and 21 more probable cases since the last summary was issued late Thursday.  Gogebic County leads the surge, with 46 confirmed positives and three deaths. Houghton County’s …

The Portage Lake District Library’s popular 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program has gone online. The project encourages families to read to youngsters, with a goal of reaching 1,000 books before they begin kindergarten. Families can set their own pace. Along the way, kids can get a sticker from the library …

The Houghton city police department is asking for the public’s help in solving a break-in at the Suomi Restaurant. The incident took place early Sunday morning. The suspect is described as a white male in his early 20s, who was wearing eyeglasses. He may go by the name Kendrick. Images …