Local News

It looks like Republicans will choose the next Houghton County Sheriff in August’s primary election. Houghton County Sheriff Brian McLean faces a primary challenge from Steve Laux, as both are running as republicans on the ballot. The list of candidates for the August primary elections is out, and it looks …

The Western Upper Peninsula Food System Council has updated their website, with blogs and other information regarding local farmers and growing your own food. Rachel Pressley, Assistant Regional Planner with the Western UP Planning and Development Region, explained how they differ from area food banks. A link to the Western …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has released the latest updates on fatalities and injured motorists on Michigan roadways. This past week, 17 people died while traveling on Michigan roads, for a year to date total of 222. 63 motorists were also seriously injured, for a year to date total of …

Governor Whitmer has signed an executive order, which will expedite unemployment benefits to Michiganders, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new order allows the state to base benefits on the applicant’s most recent job separation, which is the reason the applicant is now unemployed. Governor Whitmer said the new order will …

Tuesday’s election saw a record breaking turnout, with nearly 25% of eligible voters casting absentee ballots. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, called it a very inspiring day. She also said local election officials deserved tremendous credit, for administering a safe, successful election, under unprecedented circumstances.   May elections in Michigan …

The majority of roadside parks operated by Michigan’s Department of Transportation are set to re-open on May 15th. MDOT maintains 85 roadside parks throughout the state. Parks in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula  are operated seasonally, usually closing towards the end of October and re-opening in the Spring. …

The City of Houghton is looking for two people to serve on the Downtown Development Authority and Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Board. Residents who live or own a business downtown, can contact City Clerk Ann Vollrath, for an application. The board meets approximately twice a year, reviewing projects and …

In an email sent to parents, Christopher Salani, Interim Principal at Hancock High School, said that cap and gown pick up for the 2020 Senior Class, will be today from 11am-1pm. If you can’t make it during this time, please contact Sheri in the office, to reschedule. The cap and …

Canadian Oil Company Enbridge’s application to build a new pipeline to carry crude oil under the Straits of Mackinac, has been put on hold. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, rejected the application, saying it was incomplete. The department is also requiring that documentation on the proposed pipeline, …

May 6th through the 12th is National Nurses Week, and UP Health System Portage is taking part in the celebration. The story of how National Nurses Week came about, starts in 1953, when an employee of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Dorothy Sutherland, suggested a national day …