Local News

Since early June, certain retailers have been allowed to accept bottles and cans for their $.10 deposit, which consumers were still charged. There was an 11-week suspension returning bottles and cans  during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s estimated during this time, close to $80 million worth of bottles …

Now is not the time to start taking shortcuts in the battle against COVID-19, according to Governor Whitmer at her press conference yesterday. She also stressed the value of a mask. Implicit Bias Training, will also  be a requirement for training and certification, if  you want a career in the …

Governor Whitmer extended an executive order, which provides protection for residents who have had their water shut off. Whitmer said from day one, her administration has focused on building a stronger Michigan, by investing in people, their families, their pocketbooks and the infrastructure they rely on. Michigan’s Department of Environment, …

Several Michigan agencies including the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Michigan Public Service Commission, and the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority have launched a website, allowing residents to keep up with the permit process for Canadian Oil Company Enbridge’s proposed new tunnel and pipeline, which will carry crude …

A resident believes funding for local police departments should be increased, not redirected as several Michigan Tech students hoped for at the last council meeting. Resident Linda Casti. This, from their council meeting last night.  Police Chief Donnelly also said he met with the Michigan Tech Students, and had a …

Several new cases of COVID-19 in the Western Upper Peninsula, including someone with ties to Finlandia University. The protocols after a positive diagnosis are in place. The new cases are in Gogebic and Houghton Counties. Since July 1st, Houghton County has gone from 11 cases to 23. The Western Upper …

Michigan Tech’s huge Fall Career Fair will be held virtually this year. In this morning’s Tech Today, Beth William from MTU Career Services wrote that the decision was made because of COVID-19 concerns, including potential travel problems, the need for social distancing, and potential exposure of the campus and community …

Aspirus Keweenaw has added two new health care providers to its staff. Tina Ploe is a nurse practitioner who will join the orthopedic team. She’s a Hancock native, and Finlandia University alumna. Dr. Divis Khaira is an oncologist with an extensive background. She will also treat patients at the Aspirus …

A Chicago man died while hiking in the Porcupine Mountains late last week. The 36-year-old man was almost two miles down the trail from the Lake of the Clouds parking area Friday when he collapsed. Life-saving measures administered by Sonco North Ambulance first responders were unsuccessful. Details were released yesterday …

The Portage Health Foundation has awarded $37,400 for use by nine community garden projects. Grant recipients include…• $5,000 for the Chassell School Garden,• $1,900 for the “Three Sisters” garden at Porvoo Park in Hancock,• $2,500 for the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Schools Tower Garden,• $5,000 for the Finlandia University Ryan Street …