Motorcycle Crash Kills One in Vilas County

A 33-year-old Arbor Vitae man died in a motorcycle crash in Arbor Vitae early Sunday morning. The Vilas County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call just after midnight, reporting the crash near Gross Road and Milton Lane. The caller stated the motorcycle was warm to the touch when they got to it, but no one … Read more

Ironwood Lumber Jacks Have New Member of Coaching Staff

The former Northland College assistant hockey coach, Paige Moilanen of Ashland, has joined the Ironwood Lumberjacks as an assistant coach overseeing goalies. The Lumberjacks are a Tier II Junior A team in the Superior International Junior Hockey League or SIJHL, part of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Moilanen played goalie for four years at UW-Eau … Read more

Michigan Governor Requests Additional Assistance for Storm Damage

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Houghton and Ontonagon counties, following a severe rainstorm that inundated the area with up to 4 inches of rain on July 23 causing flash flooding, damaging roads, culverts, and storm sewers. Preliminary damage in Houghton County exceeds $1 million, and Ontonagon County also experienced … Read more

Two Arrested for Meth Scheme

A former Ironwood resident and a Wisconsin man were arrested for a methamphetamine distribution scheme in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. GIANT began investigating Delani Cain Leyva, 56,now a Wisconsin resident with prior drug convictions, in May 2025 for bringing meth into Wisconsin and the U.P. On July 25, investigators found Leyva and and Erick J. Schuette, … Read more

At GCC Board of Trustee Meeting, Some Good News

Gogebic Community College reported a 9.8% increase in credit enrollment, reaching 924 students. The Board of Trustees at their meeting on Tuesday approved updated institutional fees for 2025-2026, lowering the blended fee to $18 per credit and adding a $20 distance learning fee per course. Jon Ocker joined as the new electric line technician instructor, … Read more

Fair Board Takes Measure of This Years Event

The Gogebic County Friends of the Fair Board met on the 21st to review the recent fair and plan for next year. Despite lower attendance – 3,355 tickets, due to the lack of a carnival, thunderstorms, and the Rice Rodeo Company’s Sunday cancellation, the fair was a success, highlighted by a $28,470 pie auction. The … Read more

Ashland To Receive Community Improvement Funding

Governor Tony Evers announced that over $18.6 million will be invested in community improvement projects across 21 Wisconsin communities, including two in northwest Wisconsin. Among the communities receiving support, Ashland will receive $1 million for street and utility work, and Minong will also receive $1 million for water system and wellhouse improvements. Improvement projects will … Read more

Plum Lake Moving Forward, But Not Without Pushback From Locals

Plum Lake and Sayner are replacing their old town halls with new community centers. While most residents support the change, former resident Jullen Thomas opposes it, prioritizing preserving the town’s history. Thomas started a Facebook page and petition to “Save Plum Lake Town Hall,” believing the building holds emotional significance. Town chairman Jackey Postuchow stated … Read more

Two U.P. Food Pantries Can Now Offer Dairy Products Thanks To Donation

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has donated refrigerators and $250 each to two Upper Peninsula food pantries, CLK Food Pantry and Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency, allowing them to offer dairy products. This is part of a larger initiative with partners like the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, supporting 41 Michigan food pantries with financial … Read more

Bangstad Off The Hook For Defamation, Though Legal Troubles Continue

An Oneida County judge has dismissed criminal defamation charges against Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad. Bangstad was arrested in October 2024 for a satirical image of Lakeland Times publisher Gregg Walker amidst an ongoing dispute. This follows a 2023 civil defamation case where Bangstad settled with Walker for $580,000. Bangstad faces other legal issues, … Read more