No vaccine mandate this fall, but Michigan Technological University is bringing back at least one pandemic staple to try and protect against COVID-19. Masks will be required on campus beginning on August 15th. Northern Michigan University and Central Michigan have made similar announcements in recent days, but have refused to …
Read More »Library offering skateboarding lessons
The Portage Lake District Library is totally rad. Combining skateboarding lessons with STEM instruction, Library Director Dillon Geshel and Rabbit Island Foundation Director Andrew Ranville will be showing a new side of the popular sport. “I’ve been skating since I was a teenager, and the culture surrounding skateboarding reallyshaped who …
Read More »Delta variant confirmed in Houghton County
The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department confirmed Thursday that at least six cases of COVID-19 in Houghton County were attributable to the delta variant in recent weeks. Gogebic and Marquette Counties have seen the strain as well. Chief Health Officer Kate Beer says that the delta variant changes department guidelines. …
Read More »Porcupine Mountains Expand Efforts to Keep Visitors Safe
It is the largest section of wilderness in Michigan and home to many of the state’s favorite attractions. The Porcupine Mountains consists of 60,000 acres of old growth hardwood forests, the only such left in the state. Last year the park set record for attendance and this year has been …
Read More »MTEC SmartZone welcomes new CEO
Calumet native David Rowe took over as the Chief Executive Officer of the MTEC SmartZone on Monday. He is hitting the ground running. Along with Jason Mack, Rowe is looking to reach out to area tinkerers and inventors. It may only be an idea at this point, but Rowe says …
Read More »Hancock signs lease for dog park
The new Hancock dog park is gonna stick around awhile, at least 50 years. The City Council approved a lease at Wednesday’s meeting to use the one-acre parcel owned by David and Lisa Mattila near the Maasto Hiihto Trailhead. What the park looks like is still up in the air, …
Read More »Houghton Elementary School hosting Gem and Mineral Show
The Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club is bringing up a prominent Michigan paleontologist for its annual Gem and Mineral Show next week. Taking place at the Houghton Elementary School, the event is set for August 13th-15th. The featured presenter is Joe Kchodl, better known as Paleo Joe. He is …
Read More »Planning continues for September fireworks display
At Wednesday’s Hancock City Council meeting, Manager Mary Babcock updated the group on progress in planning a joint event being put on alongside the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and the City of Houghton. Being billed as the Community Night Out, it will happen on Saturday, September 4th. Babcock says the …
Read More »Karl Dresch to be released
A plea deal has been accepted by Federal Judge Amy Berman Jackson in the case of United States of America vs. Karl Dresch. The Calumet native agreed Wednesday to be found guilty on one misdemeanor count of Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building. The maximum sentence allowable for …
Read More »Scotia Wind Farm permit denied
Several state and federal agencies are opposed to a wind farm proposed for Adams and Stanton Townships. Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) cited concerns over potential effects on local bat populations as being the main driver in denying a permit to Circle Power. James Mihelcic from …
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