The Western Upper Peninsula will be represented at a premier semiquincentennial event next year: The Marty’s Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corp from Bessemer has accepted an invitation to march in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The group, a familiar performer in the U.P. and northern Wisconsin, was founded in 1950 by local … Read more
The 60th annual Fifield-Park Falls Audubon Christmas Bird Count was held on the 14th, continuing a tradition started in 1965 by Tom and Mary Lou Nicholls. ThePriceCountyReview reports that historically, the count has documented 77 different bird species, with a low of 17 species in 1970 and a high of 41 in 2006. Individual bird … Read more
Despite Northland College’s spring 2025 closure, former faculty are forming the Northland Collaborative to save its educational mission, acknowledging the community’s desire to preserve its economic role. The Collaborative plans to launch a microcollege offering a two-year, holistic, community-based program for 20-25 students. The curriculum will be discussion-based and “experiential or place-based,” utilizing the Chequamegon … Read more
With Christmas now past comes Boxing Day, the time when all the pretty paper and other wraps go into the recycling bins…Wisconsin mandates recycling of flattened cardboard (no Styrofoam/air pillows), rinsed (not crushed) plastic #1/#2, aluminum, newspapers, and glass. DNR Coordinator Jennifer Semaru emphasizes proper sorting. Acceptable wrapping paper must be plain, flat, tearable, and … Read more
It will soon be time to decide what to do with the living tree you decorated so beautifully for the holiday. In Ironwood, you can contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) or check their official Facebook page for announcements about Christmas tree collection in early January. They often set up temporary drop-off sites (like … Read more
A 22-year-old Ashland man has received 180 days in jail and two years probation in Bayfield County for a 2022 crash that killed his best friend and seriously injured another person. The Ashland Daily Press reports that despite facing over 14 years for negligent operation and reckless driving homicide, Judge Kelly Thimm cited Marcus Agostine’s … Read more
The Bessemer Area Schools Board of Education has reaffirmed its decision to decline the state’s 31aa funding unless the language is significantly altered by the December 30 deadline. The Daily Globe reports school aid act funding supports essential services like staffing and safety measures. However, to receive it, schools must waive attorney-client privilege during investigations … Read more
Michigan’s Western Gateway Trail Authority has successfully raised funds to purchase a new, heated snow groomer for the Iron Belle Trail system. TheDailyGlobe reports a summer fundraiser, including a raffle, raised almost $22.000. Major contributors included the Ironwood Tourism Council, Gogebic Range Health Foundation, Republic Services, and the Bessemer Wakefield Rotary. Chairperson Paul Anderson noted … Read more
Work continues on the Mercer Public Library’s $150,000 renovation. On the 24th, the library will closed and starting on the 27th through January 4th, the contents of the building will be packed and moved out to allow for construction. Volunteers are needed to help with the move, drop-in help is welcome, and there is a … Read more
The Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education has taken a significant step toward updating its fleet of student transportation by unanimously approving the $206,000 purchase of two three-year-old used buses. As reported in TheDailyGlobe, the vehicles, acquired from Nelson Bus Service Inc., are intended to replace two of the district’s oldest buses. This proactive replacement … Read more