News

This year’s Hankookin Heikki honor has been bestowed on Mary Pekkala. The Hankookin Heikki award is given to someone who has made significant contributions to keeping the Copper Country’s Finnish traditions alive. David Maki of the Finnish Theme Committee says Pekkala has been a behind-the-scenes star.. Pekkala also volunteers at …

Local school superintendents shared their concerns about educational issues with our state lawmakers Friday morning. The Copper Country Intermediate School District legislative sessions with State Senator Ed McBroom and State Representative Greg Markkanen focused on dealing with mental health issues in the schools, and on state funding in general. On …

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel: Michele F. ”Mickey” Martinac, age 54, of 175 Cooper Lake Rd., Ishpeming passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at UP Health System Marquette while in the loving care of her family. Michele had fought a courageous 4 yearlong battle with …

The Michigan Public Service Commission on Friday approved a $19.9 million rate increase for SEMCO Energy Gas Company. The average SEMCO customer (using 100 ccf per month) will see an increase of 9.2%, or about $6.10, on their monthly bill. The increase was about half of the $38 million the …

The Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) has accepted portions of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) submitted earlier this year by Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO). The IRP outlines the utility’s plans for power production, energy sources, waste reduction, and protection for customers from risks in production and transmission of electricity. …

Christmas in Calumet kicks off tonight. The Keweenaw National Historical Park will hold an open house from 5:00 until 7:00. The tree will be lit at 7:00 next to the Calumet Theatre, and Santa will meet with kids afterward in the Red Jacket Ballroom. Main Street Calumet’s Leah Polzien says …

Some local robotics whiz kids will be showing off their skills Saturday. Matt Monte tells us the SnowBots middle school robotics teams have been impressing everyone this year… Monte says the teams have built small robots – around the size of a microwave oven. The competitive challenge this year is …

One of the Democrats hoping to challenge U.S. Representative Jack Bergman in the 2020 election will be visiting the region this weekend. Dana Ferguson will meet with voters Saturday afternoon at 5:00 at Syl’s Cafe in Ontonagon. He’ll be at the Fifth and Elm Coffee Shop in Houghton Sunday at …

It’s Finnish Independence Day, and the traditional celebration will be held tonight at the Finnish-American Heritage Center. David Maki from the Finnish Theme Committee tells us they’ll be integrating the upcoming centennial of U.S. women’s voting rights into the program… Some will have local ties… Entertainment will include traditional Finnish …

Mount Bohemia has been recognized by USA Today as one of the nation’s top downhill ski destinations for the second straight year. The top-10 selection is made by voters, who choose from a list of 20 ski hills compiled by industry experts. This year, Mount Bohemia finished third in the …