News

State Education officials say books still will be available to thousands of Michigan schoolchildren at libraries across the state as part of the Summer Reading program. Summer Reading is a free, voluntary program designed to encourage youths and teens to keep reading through engaging activities that tap into their personalities …

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has objected to planting of walleye on the Bays de Noc in the Upper Peninsula preventing the Department of Natural Resources from planting 3 million fry stock this spring and another 30-thousand fingerlings in the fall. The DNR says the tribe is …

Traffic on the Mackinac Bridge dropped again last month. Robert Sweeney, Executive Secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, says 304,387 vehicles crossed the span during the month of May down 1.3% compared to 308,440 in 2013. Fare revenue is down 1.4% compared to last year. Officials say all revenue collected …

Two special events in the Copper Country are finally here. The first is Bridgefest Feast, formerly known as Seafood Fest, which will be held at Kestner Park in Houghton. The annual rototary fundraiser will feature live entertainment and food from local establishments including Fitzgerald’s, Habaneros, The Library and MTU Dining …

A U.P. coyote hunter’s conduct is being called into question. The man, who is still anonymous at this point, shot a coyote several times in Ironwood this past winter before having his dogs come in to finish off the job. Hounding coyotes is permitted in Michigan, but the United States …

State Representative John Kivela’s new meth bill is on its way to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk. The proposed law would restrict pharmacies from selling ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products, like Sudafed and Zyrtec-D, to individuals convicted of methamphetamine-related offenses. Convicts with a prescription would still be able to purchase the medication. …

The Michigan Senate this week approved a measure that eliminates county gun boards, and also transfers the job of issuing permits to county clerks. Also, the Michigan State Police would perform accompanying background checks. The bill is sponsored by Senate Republican Mike Green of Mayville. Supporters say while the current …

Michigan’s most scenic sites, including a few gems from the Upper Peninsula, are now featured on eight new motorcoaches traveling across the state. Each bus is covered with giant photos of the state’s most popular destinations. Scenes from the Upper Peninsula include the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Marquette’s Lower Harbor, …

The Michigan Legislature adjourned for the summer Thursday without action on a plan to raise more than $1 billion to fund repairs to the state’s roads and bridges. After several failed attempts to approve a plan that would replace the state’s 19-cent per gallon gasoline and 15-cent diesel taxes with …

Lawmakers in Lansing did finalize work on the state budget for 2015. The Michigan Senate voted to send the budget to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature. The spending plan totals $37.5 billion, an 11.6% spending increase over the current year. Democrats in the Senate voted against the budget, and …