Newest Winter Attraction To See Second Season

The Glide Skating Ribbon in Boulder Junction will reopen this winter with safety and visitor experience enhancements. Upgrades include improved parking, smoother skating surfaces, new gates, and a permanent woodshed for the firepit. Laura Bertch, Park Board Chair, expressed excitement about Winter Park becoming a signature destination, including the Glide’s second winter season. Steve Weber, … Read more

Educators to Get A Boost From New Initiative

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential- MiLEAP and Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District have launched a $16 million Early Childhood Educator Wage Initiative, providing monthly stipends to Early Childhood educators to address workforce challenges and promote wage stability. The program will be implemented by ten Regional Child Care Coalitions, each eligible to receive … Read more

GCC Given Prestigious Award

Gogebic Community College has been named one of the top 200 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute, one of only three schools in Michigan and the only one in the U.P. to make the list. The colleges were selected based on student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. … Read more

Local Tribe Reclaims Land

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa recently added 80 acres of vacant forest land on Sand Point Road within its reservation boundaries, aiding hunting, harvesting, and repatriation efforts. Accordingto Chairwoman Nicole Boyd, reclaiming land provides safe access and tribal management for future generations, fulfilling members’ desire for more hunting, harvesting, and Treaty Rights. … Read more

Bridges Near Watersmeet To Be Replaced

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has granted approval for the replacement of six bridges on Duck Creek and one bridge on Beaver Dam Creek. These bridges are located along MiTrale Trail #3 in Watersmeet. The project will adhere to EGLE’s permit plans and conditions. The project included placing fill waterward, … Read more

Missing Person Thought to Be In Ashland

A 60-year-old woman from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, has been reported missing. Toni Peterson was last seen in Ashland on Monday morning and may still be in the area. Peterson reportedly left her residence at Woodstone Senior Living without notice, leaving behind a note suggesting suicidal intent. She is believed to be driving a gray 2020 … Read more

Local County Program Paused Due to Shutdown

Gogebic Ontonagon County Head Start, serving low-income families with three- and four-year-olds, has temporarily closed due to the government shutdown. Director Renee Pertile says the shutdown prevents grant processing, delaying November 1st funding needed for staff and operations. The program, which offers meals, school readiness, family support, and health services, impacts dozens of Western U.P. … Read more

Nuns Return Land to Rightful Owners

In an historic act of reparations, Franciscan Sisters have returned Maywood property to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, marking the first time a Catholic institution has returned Northern Wisconsin land to a tribal nation. The president of the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration said the transfer presents an opportunity to … Read more

Governor Evers Signs Bill School Phone Bill

Wisconsin became the 36th state to ban student cell phone use during class, following a bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Citing concerns about distraction, bullying, and hindered development, Evers, despite preferring local control, joined a rapid trend started by Florida in 2023. The new law, effective July 1, mandates public schools prohibit phones … Read more

Holiday Weekend Marred by Deadly Crash

An accident on Halloween, has claimed the life of a 60-year-old pedestrian in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was fatally struck by a vehicle on US-2 near Idlewild Road at approximately 10:15 a.m. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. The driver of the vehicle, a … Read more