An Ashland man was charged in Barron County Circuit Court on Jan. 6 with three felonies—possession of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of narcotic drugs—along with misdemeanor counts of possessing cocaine and drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from a Dec. 31 routine patrol at the Turtle Lake casino parking lot. An officer, checking a … Read more
Drive through Woodruff and beside beautiful scenery, there’s the Oehmcke State Fish Hatchery and there’s something else, something unusual and very special…the World’s Largest Penny. The penny is not made of copper but of painted cinderblocks and concrete, and has stood as a monument to the efforts of students at Arbor Vitae High School back … Read more
You may soon see one of the more distinctive creations born locally on the world stage. Stormy Kromer, the distinctive Upper Peninsula hat company, has created 36 custom “GO JESSIE 2026” hats for three-time Olympic medalist cross-country skier Jessie Diggins’ supporters at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Chairman Bob Jacquart was inspired after seeing … Read more
Mahjong after hours at the Boulder Junction library has become a thing. New player Amy Niesen is learning from Amy Russel, and even experienced player Deborah Riegelman started as a beginner. There are even tournaments in the Northland, and mahjong is played at four different libraries. Director Kate Frisk has put together various beginner-friendly, no-registration … Read more
Aspirus Upper Peninsula pharmacies launched the Medication Deactivation Bag Program at its Houghton, Laurium, Ontonagon, and Ironwood locations, offering families a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. The supplies were sourced through the University of Michigan’s OPEN Program. Proper disposal prevents accidental ingestion, reduces overdose risk, limits misuse, and protects … Read more
The Wakefield City Council unanimously passed a short-term rental ordinance in late December following Planning Commission approval. The Daily Globe reports the ordinance mandates residential-zone rentals, limits parking/occupancy, requires tiered licensing fees (owner-occupied vs. not), initial/periodic safety inspections, and a 24/7 maintenance contact available within 60 minutes. There was criticism of the ordinance by members … Read more
A disappointing development despite having good snow and cold weather in the region, the annual Eagle River Ice Castle has been canceled due to unfavorable ice conditions on Silver Lake. Rain and warm weather before the recent major snowfall caused a layer of slush. Although it is now frozen, the Eagle River Fire Department determined … Read more
Mercer and surrounding area residents interested in learning how to cross country ski are invited to register for lessons courtesy of the FE University course taught by Chad McGrath on Mondays and Wednesdays in January, starting today. MECCA Trails will be the site of the class, rental skis are available. MECCA Trails Owl Prowl Snowshoe … Read more
The Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Department celebrated a successful “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety initiative, reporting on Facebook Saturday that the holiday wreath hung with colored bulbs remained completely green, meaning the department responded to no structure fires between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The campaign replaces a green bulb with a red … Read more
Michigan lawmakers are debating the cancellation of over $600 million in approved work projects, including a $1.2 million grant for Labor and Delivery Services at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital. Republican Senator Ed McBroom noted that most canceled funding was already spent. He added that Aspirus Ironwood declined their grant after a nearby facility closed, but didn’t … Read more