News

110th District State Representative Scott Dianda is about to begin his third term in the house. In an interview with Todd VanDyke this morning on KBear 102.3, Dianda said he’s interested first and foremost in doing the best job he can in his final term. “I’m very happy to serve the …

The percentage of special needs children in Michigan schools continues to increase. Educators are struggling to provide accommodation. Parents are frustrated. State Senator Tom Casperson suggests that part of the problem is caused by state rules that mandate what must be taught to special needs students. “Every student must meet …

Schools in Michigan are no longer allowed to physically restrain or isolate special needs students. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley signed a series of bills yesterday that outlawed such practices. Restraint and seclusion may now only be used if a student represents an imminent threat to him or herself, or to …

There’s been a schedule change for the Chassell Schools. Superintendent Howard Parmentier says students will have just a half-day when they return from the holiday break on Tuesday. Elementary students will be dismissed at 11:45. Middle and high school students will be let out two minutes later.

The dates have been confirmed for next year’s Houghton County Fair. At its recent annual meeting, the Fair Board set the event at its usual time in late summer – specifically, August 24th to 27th. The 2017 fair will have a familiar look. Most of the major entertainment offerings will …

An Illinois girl was hospitalized yesterday after she was thrown off a snowmobile in southern Houghton County. The 14-year-old from Fox Lake lost control of her 2006 Arctic Cat while traveling northbound on Trail 8/15 in Duncan Township near Sidnaw. The mishap took place around 1:45 yesterday afternoon. The Houghton …

The price of gasoline will be going up on Sunday, and it won’t have anything to do with OPEC, or refinery problems. The Michigan gasoline tax will increase 7.3 cents per gallon as part of the road funding package passed earlier this year by the legislature, and signed by Governor …

The Iron River Police Department is asking for the public’s help in solving a Christmas Eve armed robbery. Officers say the incident took place around 8:00 Saturday evening in the McDonald’s parking lot. Citizens who may have been in the area at the time are urged to call the Iron …

December 31st is the final day to apply for one of the 2017 Pure Michigan Hunt licenses. Each year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources selects three applicants at random to be the Pure Michigan Hunt winners. The prize package includes licenses for elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, antlerless …

A Wisconsin man who posed as a federal officer to commit an armed robbery in Baraga County will remain in prison. Bernard Fish was convicted on several counts for trying to extort money from the operators of a marijuana growing operation in Watton in 2013, and holding them prisoner. He …