Local News

The following press release was issued by Michigan Tech writer, Mark Wilcox: For the second time in four years, a team from Michigan Technological University has won a national retirement security essay competition. The three-student team won the 2019 iOme Challenge sponsored by the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER). The iOme …

Forty local children between the ages of 5 and 14 have been working throughout the week to put together a summer camp production of Peter Pan at Finlandia University. The children will perform the play at 2 and 6 p.m. Friday, June 14  in the Jutila Center’s LeRoy Keranen Conference …

After disappearing for roughly 100 years, a taste of the Copper Country is now back. Iron Fish Distillery of Thompsonville, MI has re-introduced Copper Queen Whiskey, which is directly connected to the area’s mining era. Owner Richard Anderson says this spirit was originally produced and sold in Calumet.  “Copper Queen …

There are two more reasons to motor over to Bridgefest this Saturday. Keweenaw Chevrolet will be hosting Touch-a-Truck in Houghton while Keweenaw Buick GMC will present the Classic Car Show. General Manager Brandon Schlief says there will be all kinds of trucks and more for the kids to enjoy.  “We …

Utilities Superintendent Ryan Avendt was promoted to Director of Public Works by the Houghton City Council at their regular meeting Wednesday. Avendt had been sharing public works duties with Facilities Superintendent Doug Larson, who retired earlier this year. The City of Houghton had split the responsibilities of the DPW director …

The Houghton City Council moved to set a public hearing on proposed changes to the city’s rental housing ordinance. The ordinance has been revised by a special subcommittee and reviewed by the ordinance committee and the city’s attorney and is ready for council approval following the public hearing. City Manager …

The City of Houghton has their 2019-2020 fiscal year budget in place. The City Council voted to approve the proposed budget along with the Capital Improvement Plan at their regular meeting Wednesday. Houghton City Manager Eric Waara called it a balanced budget for all funds except for the employee benefit …

Volunteers are needed to help with the 44th annual Canal Run. The event takes place on Saturday July 20th. The Canal Run includes a 2 mile fun run/walk, 5 mile walk, 5 mile run, 10 mile walk, 10 mile run, half marathon, 5 mile blade (single and/or double leg amputee …

The Houghton County Jail Task Force continues to look at options to solve the jail overcrowding issue. Commissioner Tom Tikkanen shared his concerns about the need for facilities in the county for the mental health treatment of inmates. The Board of Commissioners also discussed the need to divide up those …

The 2019 Houghton County millage rate is set following the Truth in Taxation hearing at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the County Board of Commissioners. Deputy Equalization Director Jaikob Djerf said the 2019 taxable value of Houghton County is roughly $941.5 million.  The millage reduction faction is 1.0 and the base …