Local News

The COVID-19 infection rate in Michigan now matches the highest level we experienced last spring. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ rolling seven day average of confirmed infections rose to 1,620 in yesterday’s report. That’s just six below the first pandemic peak in early April. The good news …

The  Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is expanding the number of free COVID-19 testing sites available.  Partnerships with Walgreens and the Michigan Primary Care Association will add 77 new sites, and bring the total number of free testing locations across the state to nearly 100. The Walgreens stores …

Some federal money is heading to the Upper Peninsula to help fight the opioid crisis. Michigan State University will administer the $392,462 United States Department of Agriculture Rural Health and Safety Education grant. MSU will work with 15 coalitions in the U.P. to implement an opioid misuse prevention program, provide …

A Chassell man faces multiple drug charges, following his arrest by officers from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team. Officials say 34-year-old Jon Lister was taken into custody Friday, after a two-month investigation. He was arraigned on five counts of Delivery of Methamphetamine. Bond was set at $5,000.

The much anticipated show by country music star Joe Nichols at the Calumet Theatre has been rescheduled again. Theatre Executive Director Marlin Lee said the November 14th date just became untenable… “We kept hoping that restrictions would ease, because this is a show that is going to be a sellout, …

Northern Michigan University’s budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year will shrink by about one percent. The board of trustees approved the spending plan on Friday. Despite the overall shrinkage, money for scholarships and fellowships will increase by nearly $300,000. The board also ratified a new two-year contract with 130 members …

Some Coles Creek Road residents who have been without water for a month brought their case to the Houghton County Board of Commissioners last week. The homes were served by a small, off-the-books private water system using an Artesian well that had been in place for decades. A contractor working …

People who use the Tech Trails may soon be able to enjoy a lodge that provides showers and security lockers. Officials from the Great Lakes Sports Commission last week announced a $150,000 grant to help the university promote use of the trails. Commission chair Doug Luciani says such a facility …

Bill Siler will continue to serve on the Houghton County Road Commission.  The Houghton County Board of Commissioners reappointed the current road commission chair to a new term at a special meeting on Friday. The decision was not unanimous. County Commissioner Glenn Anderson expressed concern about the Road Commission’s handling …

Local law enforcement officers have a new firearms training aid, thanks to some high school students. Members of the welding class at the Copper Country Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education Center assembled the target. It consists of a heavy vertical stand with a series of paddle targets that …