News

The State has emailed layoff notices to most of Michigan’s government workers. The layoffs that would be caused by failure to approve a new budget are far from certain, but law requires advance notice. About 30,000 of the state’s 48,000 employees would be sent to the bench if budget negotiations …

If you qualified for a home heating credit on your 2018 Michigan Income Tax, there could be a check in your mailbox soon. The state wound up with an extra $6.5 million in that fund. They did the math, and the 288,000 taxpayers who received the credit will get a …

A former Michigan state representative will probably not spend time in jail, after pleading no contest to a charge of trying to have a state employee help cover up his extramarital affair. Todd Courser has been sentenced to 12 months of probation, along with 45 days in jail. He can …

The Portage Health Auxiliary is accepting applications for its fall grant process. Non-profit groups in Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga, and Ontonagon counties are eligible. Selection is based on the auxiliary’s mission of improving the health and well-being of youth and the elderly. Application forms are available at the Guilded Rose gift …

The battle against lampreys moves to two more locations today. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service crews will assess the Trap Rock River and Hungarian Creek. Young lamprey live in the sand and silt at the bottom of Great Lakes tributaries for several years between the time they hatch, and the …

Fall color is developing rapidly, with peak season expected to begin as early as this weekend. The Houghton and Keweenaw County Road Commissions have contributed their “must-see” fall drives to a statewide list compiled by the County Road Association of Michigan. Houghton County included Covered Drive Road, Freda Road, and …

The Calumet Theatre board of directors is expected to get an infusion of new blood tonight. A recent spate of resignations has prompted the Calumet Theatre Company to call a special meeting to fill the slots. There is no shortage of candidates. The ballot includes David Crowley, Justin Cygan, Mark …

The Houghton-Portage Township Board of Education will consider appointing a new member at tonight’s meeting. The vacancy on the board was created by the departure of Bob Wheeler, who stepped down in August, after a dozen years of service. The meeting begins at 6:00. See the agenda here. School boards …

A Mass City man was badly hurt in a motorcycle crash Saturday evening. Ontonagon County Sheriff Dale Rantala tells us Arthur Longpre was westbound on M-38 around 8:30. He tried to turn onto Greenland Road, but struck a curb, and lost control. Longpre was thrown off the motorcycle onto the …

For the first time in a dozen years, members of the United Auto Workers have struck General Motors. Union employees walked off the job at 11:59 last night. The strike includes 46,000 union members at 55 GM facilities in the United States. Union contracts with Ford and Fiat Chrysler have …