A release from the Office of Keweenaw County Sheriff Curt Pennala reveals that one person died in the Ahmeek apartment fire Thursday night. Pennala says that the tragic consequences from the blaze will increase scrutiny of its cause. Obviously with a fatal house fire we want to cross out all …
Read More »New Senate bill would count quarantined students in attendance figures
In this week’s legislative update, state Senator Ed McBroom highlights bill 664 that passed the upper chamber unanimously. It will go to the House for consideration, and potentially on to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. The Senate bill would allow school districts to count students quarantined due to COVID-19 …
Read More »Houghton City Police selling snowmobile
At Wednesday’s Houghton City Council meeting, the group voted unanimously to allow the police department to sell its 2008 Polaris snowmobile. Chief John Donnelly says that the unit that utilized the machine has been dormant for several years because of the limited territory the patrol covers. Truthfully, we didn’t have …
Read More »COVID-19 report for October 27th
The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department released its latest COVID-19 update covering the week period ending Wednesday, with cases rising again in Houghton County. Relief appears to be on the horizon though, as Gogebic County’s tally halved for a second straight period, down to just 20 cases over seven days. …
Read More »Fire at Ahmeek apartment building
Fire departments and law enforcement agencies from across Houghton and Keweenaw Counties responded to a blaze on the upper level of an Ahmeek apartment building Thursday night. The structure at 26 Senter Street houses at least three units, whose entrances can be seen from ground level. A ladder truck from …
Read More »Houghton holding enforcement hearing for dilapidated College Ave house
The residence located at 915 College Avenue in Houghton, which burned for hours in March, is a potential hazard and the city wants to tear it down. Manager Eric Waara says he expects to hear from the owner that there are no plans to demolish the damaged structure that remains. …
Read More »Ammo shortage threatens rifle season
A nationwide ammunition shortage is nearing its one year anniversary, and anxious hunters are worried about the upcoming season. Jason Chaudier, manager at Woodland Firearms and Supply in Baraga, says it has been difficult since the 2020 election. He believes it may have started over political and safety concerns, and …
Read More »Halloween trick or treating hours mostly consistent with prior years
Sunday is one of the most anticipated days of the year for kids throughout the Copper Country. Usually, they can count on having to brave a snow storm while in costume for Halloween. That is not looking likely in 2021, but Houghton Police Chief John Donnelly says the calendar doesn’t …
Read More »Army Corps of Engineers releases winter water level forecast
Last month Lake Superior fell below its long-term average, adjusting for seasonal cyclicality, for the first time in seven years. The most recent forecast from the Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District expects that to continue until at least March. The office in charge of monitoring the Great Lakes …
Read More »Houghton council member steps down
Wednesday night marked the final Houghton City Council meeting for Dan Salo. Chief of Police John Donnelly, City Manager Eric Waara, and several other members paid tribute to him throughout the session. Mike Needham used part of his closing remarks to address Salo. I saw your wife sitting there when …
Read More »