Newly Formed Foundation Begins Its First Operational Season

Despite being challenged to get ready for the season with so much snow, the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails (ABR) Foundation has gotten over 40 km of cross-country ski trails ready, with Operations Manager Matthew Shruck reporting excellent, near 40-inch “mid-winter conditions” despite drifts. To counter a slow start to the season, ABR introduced a … Read more

Ashland Considering Change To School Year

A committee was recently approved to examine the potential benefits and challenges of a possible shift to a four-day school week in Ashland. District leaders are asking for community feedback on the idea. The district is exploring the option for several reasons, including the potential for improved mental health for students and staff, and easier … Read more

Man Continues to Forage the Northland For All His Food Sourcing

Ashland native and sustainability advocate Robin Greenfield is two months into a year-long challenge to completely forage all his food in the Northland. Since October, he has lived only on foraged items-wild rice, mushrooms, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and salt; rejecting stores, restaurants, and gardens. Greenfield, who became sustainable in 2011, says, “nature is my garden, … Read more

Michigan DNR Says Snowmobile Trails Are Not Ready

Heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds have closed snowmobile trails in Ontonagon, Iron, Gogebic, Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw counties, due to downed trees and limbs, according tp the Michigan DNR. Trails coordinator Ron Yesney said snowmobile clubs are clearing paths and assessing damage. North Country Snowmobile Club President Mac McCaughn noted clearing began Saturday, … Read more

Neglect Case Ends In Plea Deal For Educator

Former Manitowish Waters preschool teacher Alexis Engler pleaded guilty in Vilas County Court to felony child neglect resulting in bodily harm. The charge stemmed from a February 2024 sledding injury at Camp Jorn YMCA, where Engler failed to notify staff or the parents of an injured two-year-old victim. Engler’s deferred judgment agreement requires surrendering her … Read more

U.P. Foundations Give Local Food Pantries A Leg Up

Two U.P. foundations, Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and Superior Health Foundation, are jointly awarding a $20,000 grant, $10,000 from each, to food pantries in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties. Copper Shores CEO Kevin Store explained the partnership addresses uncertain SNAP funding and low supplies. Store noted the significant need, with over 20% of … Read more

Wood Claims Censure is Way Out of Line

Following a Nov. 10 censure, the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners escalated action against member Daniel Wood on Nov. 19, unanimously voting (with Wood opposing) to ask for his resignation. Chairman Daniel Siirila requested Wood provide his current address by Monday. According to TheDailyGlobe, Wood said he was “shocked” by the censure, calling the reaction … Read more

Governor Appoints Sheriff Fath’s Replacement

A 24-year veteran of the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, has been appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to succeed Sheriff Joe Fath, who is retiring Dec. 1 after 44 years. Capt. Gerard Ritter, who ran against Fath three years ago and has served as administrative patrol captain since 2017, will complete the term expiring in January … Read more

Law Enforcement Investigating Death in Price County

The Park Falls Police Department is currently investigating the death of an adult discovered outside a residence on Monday, November 24. Police responded to the scene in the 1200 block of Saunders Avenue at approximately 9 p.m., where the individual was pronounced deceased. The cause of death remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities … Read more

Recreational Facility in Trouble After Two Seasons of Poor Snow

Whitecap Mountains Resort in Upson in Iron County, and its parent company, Midwest Skiing Company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy mid-week last week due to a $1.86 million foreclosure and mounting debt from two seasons of historically low snowfall, including the state’s warmest winter on record. A nearly 90% drop in natural snow, from 260 … Read more