Bayfield County faces a privacy dispute that has become more common across the country. TheDailyPress reports at the center of the issue is Bayfield’s use of five (with one pending) Flock Safety automated license plate readers (ALPRs), installed since 2022 at an annual cost of $3,000 each. The cameras store license plate and vehicle data … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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