Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Houghton and Ontonagon counties, following a severe rainstorm that inundated the area with up to 4 inches of rain on July 23 causing flash flooding, damaging roads, culverts, and storm sewers. Preliminary damage in Houghton County exceeds $1 million, and Ontonagon County also experienced … Read more
A former Ironwood resident and a Wisconsin man were arrested for a methamphetamine distribution scheme in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. GIANT began investigating Delani Cain Leyva, 56,now a Wisconsin resident with prior drug convictions, in May 2025 for bringing meth into Wisconsin and the U.P. On July 25, investigators found Leyva and and Erick J. Schuette, … Read more
Gogebic Community College reported a 9.8% increase in credit enrollment, reaching 924 students. The Board of Trustees at their meeting on Tuesday approved updated institutional fees for 2025-2026, lowering the blended fee to $18 per credit and adding a $20 distance learning fee per course. Jon Ocker joined as the new electric line technician instructor, … Read more
The Gogebic County Friends of the Fair Board met on the 21st to review the recent fair and plan for next year. Despite lower attendance – 3,355 tickets, due to the lack of a carnival, thunderstorms, and the Rice Rodeo Company’s Sunday cancellation, the fair was a success, highlighted by a $28,470 pie auction. The … Read more
Governor Tony Evers announced that over $18.6 million will be invested in community improvement projects across 21 Wisconsin communities, including two in northwest Wisconsin. Among the communities receiving support, Ashland will receive $1 million for street and utility work, and Minong will also receive $1 million for water system and wellhouse improvements. Improvement projects will … Read more
Plum Lake and Sayner are replacing their old town halls with new community centers. While most residents support the change, former resident Jullen Thomas opposes it, prioritizing preserving the town’s history. Thomas started a Facebook page and petition to “Save Plum Lake Town Hall,” believing the building holds emotional significance. Town chairman Jackey Postuchow stated … Read more
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has donated refrigerators and $250 each to two Upper Peninsula food pantries, CLK Food Pantry and Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency, allowing them to offer dairy products. This is part of a larger initiative with partners like the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, supporting 41 Michigan food pantries with financial … Read more
An Oneida County judge has dismissed criminal defamation charges against Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad. Bangstad was arrested in October 2024 for a satirical image of Lakeland Times publisher Gregg Walker amidst an ongoing dispute. This follows a 2023 civil defamation case where Bangstad settled with Walker for $580,000. Bangstad faces other legal issues, … Read more
U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to make the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians reimburse the town of Lac du Flambeau for an “illegal shakedown.” This follows a judge’s ruling favoring the town in a lawsuit brought by the DOJ on behalf of the tribe. The lawsuit stemmed … Read more
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will host the inaugural Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree or GLAD JAM from Sept. 11-14 in Houghton, a dark-sky haven. Organized by Visit Keweenaw and Michigan Aurora Chasers, GLAD JAM blends stargazing with science, storytelling, and art. Events include a reception, night sky photography, a keynote by Melissa Kaelin founder of … Read more