Local News

With this year’s Bridgefest Celebration cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tara Arens from the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce explained why they decided to cancel. Bridgefest joins the Aura Jamboree, Baraga County Lake Trout Festival and Dam Jam in Keweenaw Summer festivals cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With temperatures warming in the coming weeks, The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department is reminding people to be aware that ticks will soon be out in full force, and ticks bring Lyme Disease. With outdoor activities being one of the few exceptions to the “Stay Home Stay Safe” Order, people …

The City of Hancock has a few updates for residents. The Spring cleanup has been postponed to a later date. The DPW compost area is still available from 7am until 4pm, weekdays to dispose of your yard waste. Please observe social distancing guidelines. Biobags are available at Risto’s Hardware. Playground …

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department has issued a press release, regarding the state’s COVID-19 page incorrectly assigning a positive status to a Baraga County resident, who was recently tested. This was a mistake on the state’s part, and they will have it corrected to reflect this in the coming …

Keweenaw County Sheriff William Luokkanen will retire May 15th. Keweenaw County Sheriff William Luokkanen Luokkanen announced his decision at the Keweenaw County Board meeting on Wednesday. He has served for more than three years, after being elected to replace the retiring Ron Lahti in the November, 2016 election. Undersheriff Curt Pennala …

Dennis Hext, manager of Houghton County’s Memorial Airport in Calumet, checked in and gave an update on the funding for Michigan airports, secured earlier in the week by legislators through the CARES Act. He also explained how the money will be used. 

Kate Beer from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department checked in, and explained that even if a positive case has recovered, that may not yet be the end of it. She also added test results are starting to come back in less time, which is helpful when compiling data. To …

The Keweenaw Community Foundation is offering several scholarships and grants to area students. Executive Director Erin Minne said “More than 25 years ago, the Keweenaw Community Foundation was founded by some generous and wise community minded leaders to help enhance the quality of life in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.” The …

Governor Whitmer also signed an executive order yesterday, establishing procedures to protect staff and residents in Michigan’s long term care facilities. She had this to say regarding increased risk to exposure for long term care facility workers. This order calls for regional hubs, which will provide higher levels of care, …

Governor Whitmer held a press conference yesterday afternoon, to update Michiganders on the battle against COVID-19, while thousands were protesting outside for “Operation Gridlock.” She thanked residents for adhering to her “Stay Home Stay Safe” Executive Order. She also pointed out her order is working. She had this to say …