Local News

State Senator Ed McBroom has more than just auto insurance reform in his sights as the 2019 legislative session gets underway.  The Vulcan Republican has helped put forward bills addressing the ongoing dark store issue and revamping the way members of the state board of education are selected. Dark store …

Progress is being made on improvements to the Houghton-Portage Township School District, made possible by a $10.9 million bond passed by voters in May 2017.  School Superintendent Doreen Klingbeil says they were able to get started on interior and exterior projects right away last spring because of favorable weather. The …

An effort is underway from the Finnish American Heritage Center to begin the farming of reindeer in the UP which could lead to commercial farming of the animal.  Over the weekend, a presentation was given at the annual Heikinpäivä celebration regarding the history of reindeer farming from a Finnish reindeer …

The Mushing Club at Michigan Tech has finished its first sled dog race in Minnesota.  Two mushers from the club entered the John Beargrease, the longest sled dog race in the lower 48, over the weekend to face the 20 below temperatures. The Beargrease, which was named after John Beargrease …

Now that the partial government shutdown is over, the Isle Royale National Park and the Keweenaw National Historical Park offices are open again. Also opening is the Calumet Visitor Center, which will resume its winter hours of operation starting this weekend.  The center will be open from 11am to 4pm …

The new owner of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge will also serve as the interim general manager for its first year under private ownership. The Lodge announced that Keweenaw Resort, LLC owner John Mueller will be taking over the general manager duties of the facility on their Facebook page. Mueller’s company …

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is declaring a state of emergency due to the frigid temperatures throughout the state, particularly the impact it is having downstate. While the Upper Peninsula is accustomed to bouts of severe cold, Whitmer said other places like Detroit are not used to subzero temperatures and dangerously low …

There’s more to selling your home than simply putting a sign in the front yard. A presentation Wednesday at the Portage Lake District Library called “Design To Sell” will look at the different ways a homeowner can make their house more attractive to potential buyers. Certified Professional Home Stager, Designer, …

An Upper Peninsula ice rink is hoping to receive a helping hand from one of America’s favorite cheese makers.  Kraft Inc, is holding its annual Hockeyville USA promotion, where one hockey arena in the United States will receive $150,000 to be used on stadium upgrades. Hockey and the Copper Country …

With temperatures hovering right around zero degrees, it was a slightly lighter crowd at this year’s Heikinpäivä but still a great mid-winter celebration. The minus-20 wind chill didn’t seem to affect participation in the parade as the various Finnish characters, including Heikki Lunta, danced down Quincy Street in Hancock. Executive …