Local News

June 19, 2018 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has partially reopened M-26 after flooding in Houghton County forced several closures Sunday. Other partial and complete closures of state trunkline remain in effect as repair efforts continue: – M-26 is now open near the Mont Ripley ski hill after …

County and state officials are working together to restore the Copper Country after devastating flash floods over the weekend. A press conference was held at the Houghton County Courthouse Tuesday to update the public on the recovery and relief effort. Emergency Services Coordinator Chris Van Arsdale said the 7 ½ …

The 12-year-old boy from Houghton County who was trapped Sunday morning when a mudslide struck his home has died. Thatcher Markham of Houghton was sleeping in a basement bedroom around 5:00am when the storm hit and produced sudden flash flooding. Thatcher’s father, Rodney Markham, was able to dig his son …

As communities across Houghton County begin cleanup efforts, government officials are putting the pieces in place to move forward after the weekend’s storm, and many community members have stepped up to the plate and asked “what can I do to help?” “We’ve had mass devastation in our communities. We’re assessing …

Marquette – Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) crews responded to the devastating aftermath of the intense storms that passed through the Upper Peninsula early Sunday morning. “Our crews worked throughout the day and into the night to address unsafe conditions and restore service to our customers,” said Brett French, Vice-President …

Gov. Rick Snyder today declared a state of disaster for Houghton County, after severe weather and heavy rainfall caused widespread damage on Sunday. Snyder also issued a disaster declaration for Menominee County, which was also hard-hit. The declaration of disaster will allow for National Guard deployment in these counties to …

The Portage Health Foundation has established a fund to which money may be donated to assist in relief efforts following Sunday’s storms. The Houghton County Flood Relief Fund will receive and hold monies. Disbursement will be overseen by the Portage Health Foundation Board of Directors, with input from the Houghton …

Houghton County –Western Upper Peninsula Health Department has been provided with confirmation from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that the following community water supplies did not experience any damage or loss of pressure during the weekend storms: Houghton, Hancock, Portage Township, Chassell, Adams Township, South Range, Calumet, Laurium, Lake …

WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA — The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department has issued a precautionary beach closure for all recreational bathing beaches in the Western Upper Peninsula. This is due to severe erosion and flooding caused by heavy rains. The public is encouraged to stay away from beaches until flooding has …

If your home has been damaged by the recent flood, please call 211 starting Tuesday, June 19, to request an assessment on your home.  It’s important that damages be reported so the county can provide accurate information in their attempt to get state and federal disaster declarations for aid.  The …