Aspirus’s decision to close the OB department in Ironwood has sparked concerns regarding the quality of healthcare in the western U.P. Michigan Regional President Natalie Seaber attributed the closure to a declining birth rate, noting only 83 deliveries last year, and difficulty in recruiting and retaining necessary staff. However, Ironwood nurse Sarah Trudgeon called the … Read more
The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners at a special meeting unanimously censured Commissioner Daniel Wood for repeatedly violating county spending and vehicle-use policies. TheDailyGlobe reports Wood, who was absent from the vote, was cited for $426 in unauthorized county credit card charges, including a motel room with spa services on August 15 and room service … Read more
The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners approved a mutual aid agreement with the City of Wakefield for specialized, high-voltage electrical services at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds. The county requires Wakefield’s licensed lineworker expertise and equipment for the internal grid, as Xcel Energy only services the property line. Wakefield City Manager Robert A. Brown Jr. highlighted … Read more
Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts or ICORE is extending Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail from Ironwood, Bessemer, and Ramsey into Wisconsin, linking them to Montreal via the old Soo Line. A 10-mile paved section is finished, with plans to pave three more miles into Hurley and across the Montreal River. ICORE is negotiating the $200,000 purchase … Read more
The search for 60-year-old Toni A. Peterson, who was reported missing from her Rice Lake home on Monday ended Friday afternoon after her body was discovered in Ashland, and local authorities notified the Rice Lake Police Department. According to TheDailyPress, Peterson had left behind her cell phone and a suicidal note at her Woodstone Senior … Read more
Due to a federal funding lapse, the Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency closed its free preschool program in Michigan, affecting 85 students and 30 Early Head Start families. This is the only one of nine impacted Michigan Head Start programs unable to secure alternative funds. Head Start programs, vital for low-income preschoolers, face significant risks, with … Read more
The St. Croix Chippewa Tribe, in partnership with the Wisconsin DNR, released 400 lake sturgeon fingerlings into Clam Lake in mid-October. The conservation effort, funded by the tribe’s $1 million hatchery expansion, aims to restore the culturally significant species. Tribal Chairman Conrad St. John emphasized the importance of this restoration for future generations. The tribe … Read more
The Gogebic County 4-H Market Animal Club hosted a successful annual dinner fundraiser in Ironwood, bringing together 250 community members to support local children. The event on Sunday featured a home-cooked chicken and pasta meal and raffle baskets, raising crucial funds for the 4-H program. Adrianne Balchik, Vice President, explained the funds cover essential supplies … Read more
The Glide Skating Ribbon in Boulder Junction will reopen this winter with safety and visitor experience enhancements. Upgrades include improved parking, smoother skating surfaces, new gates, and a permanent woodshed for the firepit. Laura Bertch, Park Board Chair, expressed excitement about Winter Park becoming a signature destination, including the Glide’s second winter season. Steve Weber, … Read more
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential- MiLEAP and Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District have launched a $16 million Early Childhood Educator Wage Initiative, providing monthly stipends to Early Childhood educators to address workforce challenges and promote wage stability. The program will be implemented by ten Regional Child Care Coalitions, each eligible to receive … Read more