News

A new report on Michigan’s 2013 tourism industry from the Toronto-based tourism research firm Longwoods International says the state’s Pure Michigan campaign drove more than 4 million trips last year, producing $1.2 billion in economic impact. State officials said $13 million was spent on out-of-state advertising for the Pure Michigan …

Thanks to a record-shattering late February and early March Arctic blast, ice cover on the Great Lakes is now the most widespread in 35 years, and nearing an all-time record. According to an analysis by NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, ice cover peaked at 92.2 percent …

A U.S. House committee is launching a probe of an expanded General Motors recall. Lawmakers in Washington want to know if GM officials and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration failed to detect an ignition switch problem that caused at least 13 deaths over several years. A key issue is …

A draft for an economic strategic plan for Baraga County has been completed. The Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region has been researching the area for about a year and feel that the three strategies they have created take into account the county’s competitive advantages, natural resources and recent …

The Michigan Department of Transportation is taking to social media to “myth-bust” misconceptions about the department and the condition of state roads. New “Reality Check” videos are being posted on You Tube. One of the videos responds to claims that Michigan’s roads are not in bad of shape and more …

Researchers at Michigan State University say tourism spending in Michigan was strong in 2013 and is poised for another robust year in 2014. Dan McCole and Sarah Nicholls, of MSU’s Department of Community Sustainability presented their annual report at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference in Traverse City. The MSU researchers …

Those under the age of 16 in Michigan would be prohibited from getting a tattoo or piercing without signed parental consent, under a measure before a State Senate committee. The proposed restriction also includes “branding,” however ear piercing would be exempt, under the proposal now before the Senate Health Policy …

The Service Employees International Union has been slapped with a near $200,000 fine for alleged campaign finance violations from a failed 2012 ballot initiative. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says it is the second largest such fine in state history. Johnson’s office investigated a complaint filed by political advocacy group …

The trails were in great condition for the Great Bear Chase this past weekend. The race brought together professional and casual skiers from all across the country. Kathleen Morse, one of the participants in the race, has been skiing for more than 30 years and she loves this race especially. …

Two Gogebic County residents are facing a number of charges after $75,000 worth of meth was found in their residence. 37 year old Richard Hill and 37 year old Rebecca Suzik, both of Ironwood, are charged with two felony counts: delivery/manufacture of meth and possession of meth. They could spend …