News Staff Aspirus has decided it will resume contract negotiations with the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) after an unfair labor practice charge was filed. Nurses at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, whose contract expired August 2, seek competitive wages and oppose the September 17 closure of labor and delivery services and say in a statement said they remain ready … Read more
Congressman Tom Tiffany has reintroduced the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act, aiming to designate the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior as Wisconsin’s first National Park. Currently a National Lakeshore, the islands would be elevated to National Park status under this legislation. Rep. Tiffany states this designation would preserve the islands, honor state heritage, … Read more
Team O’Reilly Auto Parts, Jacob Wheeler and Mark Daniels Jr., won their first Fishing Clash Team Series title at the Knighten Industries Heritage Cup on Tomahawk Lake late last week. They overcame an 11-pound deficit in the final hour, catching 43 bass totaling 65 pounds, 8 ounces, to beat Team Star Tron. Wheeler’s switch to … Read more
With many school districts in the country adopting a four day school week for various reasons, Ashland teacher Mark Reimer has proposed to do the same to address the teacher shortage and boost morale, citing its success in other rural districts. This could also improve attendance and academic performance through increased planning time. While Board … Read more
The Bessemer Downtown Development Authority (DDA) voted on the 10th to propose buying land from the Bessemer City Council to build two pickleball courts on main street. Mark Serwe, DDA’s City Council representative, volunteered to gather court specifications. DDA Chairman Dave Osier noted the Sophie Street lots have been vacant for 20 years, and other … Read more
A new 40-unit affordable housing complex on Odanah Road North, a collaboration between Impact 7 and Northwood Technical College, broke ground in Hurley late last week. Supported by the City Council, Iron County, Cinnaire, and The Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority-WHEDA, the project on over 14 acres north of Wisconsin 77 will include a … Read more
Nathan Monkelien, an Ashland business owner previously convicted of double homicide, now faces charges of possessing over 100 grams of psychedelic mushrooms with intent to deliver, a Felony G offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The mushrooms were discovered at Monkelien’s residence in 2023 … Read more
The Ironwood Carnegie Library has reopened with events and story times. Construction on the new whimsical forest-themed children’s library addition continues, with completion expected by early 2026. That new space will feature mobile shelves and shelving from the former Hurley K-12 school library. While construction continues, the existing library has a temporary wall installed, keeping … Read more
On Monday, the Arbor Vitae Planning Commssion rejected a request for a potential gravel pit. Highpoint Sand and Gravel had sought a zoning change for that land-intensive use, sparking backlash and a 200-signature petition from residents, who voiced concerns at a town board meeting, which Highpoint chose not to attend, providing no transparency or information. … Read more
The inaugural Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree, or “Glad Jam,” drew star gazers to the Copper Country this past weekend. The four-day festival celebrated the northern lights and the Keweenaw Peninsula’s unique beauty, offering guided hikes, photography workshops, and expert advice. The event began Friday at Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center, featuring speakers like Michigan … Read more