News Staff At its meeting at the end of August, the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners discussed retaining Ashley Dennis as full-time 4-H coordinator for the MSU Extension Office. District 1 Director Paul Putnam advocated for Dennis after learning the commission’s plans to return her to part-time, citing the increased number of volunteers and projects, as well … Read more
Upper Peninsula legislators have expressed anger and frustration with Aspirus Health’s announcement to end OB/GYN services at its Ironwood facility. Sen. Ed McBroom called it “outrageous,” citing a lack of notice and previous surprises, including the 2023 closure of its Ontonagon facility and the ending of OB/GYN services at a Keweenaw facility. He noted the … Read more
Concerns are rising over declining teen vaccination rates in Upper Michigan, which have dropped to 65%, five points below the state average, due to misinformation. Houghton County mirrors this 65% general vaccination rate. Experts warn a 95% community vaccination rate is crucial for protection. Low rates, especially for measles, pose high contagion risks. Houghton County … Read more
Iron County commissioners voted 3-2 at their last meeting to maintain local 911 dispatch services, despite concerns about staffing raised by Commissioner Mark Stauber. The decision follows voters’ approval of two millages in February to fund the dispatch center until 2027. Commissioners Patti Peretto and Pete Judd argued against contracting with neighboring counties, emphasizing that … Read more
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) office in Ashland, Wisconsin, will remain open, reversing a U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) closure plan. The decision came after opposition from the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Employing 40 staff, the Ashland office is vital for six Lake Superior Chippewa bands, providing … Read more
A St. Germain man faces a charge of homicide by negligent operation after a head-on motorcycle crash on Oct. 18, 2024, in Lac du Flambeau, which killed Peter Postema, 20, of Manitowish Waters, and injured Brody Vizanko, also 20. Chandler Savel turned himself in on Aug. 14 after an arrest warrant was issued. A $2,000 … Read more
Authorities have released the name of the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash. At approximately 12:05 AM on Sunday, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a motorcycle accident in the vicinity of Gross Road and Milton Lane. The caller, who discovered the scene, noted that the motorcycle was still warm to … Read more
The Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 47th annual Lake Gogebic Fall Walleye Tournament, set to take place on the 12th and 13th. This highly anticipated event, a cornerstone of the Upper Peninsula’s vibrant fishing culture, draws anglers from across the region and beyond to experience Lake Gogebic’s renowned walleye fishing. … Read more
Following a state of emergency declaration by Governor Whitmer, Michigan State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks has announced that individuals and businesses in Houghton and Ontonagon counties affected by the July 23, 2025 floods are eligible for state tax extension relief. The relief, which includes waived penalties and interest, is not automatic and must be requested via … Read more
The Hurley School District is facing a substantial funding cut this year, to the tune of $200,000. Since 1993, Wisconsin has imposed a revenue limit on school districts. Hurley, one of the 10% of districts that haven’t exceeded this limit via referendums, faces financial challenges despite nearly doubled property values since 2018, which pushed it … Read more