News

A bill lessening the penalty for a minor in possession of alcohol (MIP) is before a state Senate committee. The legislation would change MIPs from a misdemeanor, which could carry jail time, to a civil infraction punishable by just a fine. However, a third offense would remain a misdemeanor. Bill …

A proposal to run a power transmission line across the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula is drawing the ire of at least one U.P. Community. Escanaba City Councilwoman Pat Baribeau says the bill ignores the western U.P.’s connection to Wisconsin power providers. Escanaba Mayor …

Beginning Monday, women in Michigan will get more information about their breast cancer risks. Governor Rick Snyder signed a law in January making Michigan the 25 state to require that women are notified if their mammogram finds they have dense breast tissue, which make it more difficult to spot a …

State lawmakers are considering legislation to open the door for community colleges in Michigan to offer four-year degrees in certain disciplines. The bill would allow community colleges to offer the degrees in programs such as ski area management, wastewater treatment and nursing. Supporters of the measure say community colleges offer …

A bill awaiting the governor’s signature would make open bars at private events, like weddings, legal. Right now offering a drink package to someone planning a private event is a no-no. Instead, a host can opt for a cash bar or to pay per bottle consumed. State Representative Ray Franz, …

This is what Sobriety Court was intended for. 34-year-old Annie Freeman appeared in 97th District Court for a pretrial. She pled guilty to Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with an Occupant Less than 16 years old. A possession of Marijuana charge and a civil infraction were dismissed in exchange for …

Detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) responded to two (2) suspected meth labs in the City of Escanaba. On May 28th at approximately 9:30 A.M. detectives from UPSET responded to the Escanaba City Landfill site when components related to the manufacturing of meth were located in a …

 Gratiot Lake Conservancy is offering a nature oriented workshops in Keweenaw County this summer. All workshops are open to the public and fees vary. Preregistration is necessary and group size is limited. Information and registration forms are available at www.GratiotLakeConservancy.org. Janet Avery Scholarships are available for all workshops.  July 18, …

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) sent a letter today urging the National Park Service (NPS) to consider actions to address the sharp decline of the wolf population from nine to three wolves at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The current estimated timeline for planning a final …

Finlandia University is proud to announce that 115 students have earned dean’s or honors list recognition because of their impressive academic achievements during the spring 2015 semester. That includes 78 students on the dean’s list with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 or above, and 32 who earned a …