Local News

An Ontonagon County Christmas tradition has fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Foundation Christmas concert has been canceled. The event was scheduled for Friday, December 4th, at the Ontonagon Theater of Performing Arts. The concert, which features local performers, is a fundraiser for the AOH …

Two popular Copper Country establishments have been identified as potential COVID-19 exposure sites. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department says people who were at Nutini’s Supper Club in Hancock from September 9th through September 16th… and the Downtowner Lounge in Houghton September 17th through September 19th… may have been exposed …

Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly has announced the winners of its annual raffle. The 2011 Mustang now belongs to Peter Lappi of Chassell. Mary Kerttu of Dodgeville won the Door County weekend. Devone Fleming of Hancock claimed the Visa gift card. Mary Lou Tilson of Marquette won the firewood or …

Copper Country residents have been requesting absentee ballots in astounding record numbers. Figures released yesterday by the Michigan Secretary of State’s office compared requests received through Monday with requests received at the equivalent time in the 2016 presidential election. • In Houghton County, 6,558 requests have been processed this year, …

Finlandia University has introduced new online certificate offerings in Marketing, Sports Management, and Teaching and Learning: Professional Development.  Director of Innovative and Online Learning Michelle Rauch said the certificates will only be offered online, but may include components from the university’s bachelor degree programs. Each certificate consists of four five-week …

Michigan Tech and Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City have formalized their intent to collaborate on Great Lakes research. The two year Memorandum of Understanding was signed last week by MTU President Rick Koubek and NMC President Nick Nissley. The institutions have agreed to cooperate in development of marine technology …

The recent increase in COVID-19 activity has prompted Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics to restrict visitors. Effective immediately, no guests will be admitted to see most patients. Exceptions may be made for end of life care. Other exceptions include…• pediatric patients, who may be visited by one adult at …

Baraga Schools will reopen today, after taking a day off yesterday because of a positive COVID-19 test. District officials say the Western U.P. Health Department has completed contact tracing, and they feel comfortable that classes can resume safely. School pictures will also proceed as scheduled today. Schools were closed after …

COVID-19 diagnoses continue to rise in the Copper Country, with the focus on Houghton County. Monday’s update from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department includes 63 confirmed new positive cases in Houghton County since last Thursday, along with a dozen probable cases. Baraga County has two more positives, and one …

The City of Hancock is looking for a new member of its Board of Review. The board holds one-day meetings in July and December, and meets for two days in March. The term will end at the end of 2023. Applications may be submitted to Hancock City Hall.