Local Tribe Launches New Business

A local tribe’s business development corporation opened a cannabis dispensary. Little Pines Dispensary opened in early July, selling Wisconsin made products, operating under a legal loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing them to sell hemp products that contain CBD only. The tribally owned store sells CBD products like drinks, tinctures, topicals, and edibles from … Read more

Ironwood Facility to Receive Funding for New Equipment

The Ironwood City Commission approved a $750,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, complemented by a $375,000 local match. These funds will replace the four-decade-old ice-making system at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center, which currently requires frequent, costly repairs. Thomas Bergman, the city’s community development director, explained … Read more

New Ironwood Business One of Six in U.P. to Receive Match on Main Funding

Six Upper Peninsula businesses, including Ironwood’s Superior Gales Wine and Spirits, a spirits bar and bottle shop coming to downtown Ironwood, co-owned by former Stormy Kromer Sales and Marketing Manager Lauren DouBrava, will each receive $25,000 from Michigan’s “Match on Main” program. Governor Whitmer announced the recipients of the program, now in its sixth year, … Read more

Regular Lotto Play Pays Off for Local Woman

A woman from the U.P. won $25,000 a year for life playing Michigan Lottery’s Lucky For Life online. 56-year-old Carrie Settino, of L’Anse, matched five white balls drawn on July 2. Settino, who checks her account daily on michiganlottery.com, was “shaking” when she saw the large balance instead of the usual $4 or $6 prize. … Read more

Former Ashland Businessman Back In Court

Nathan Monkelien, 37, is appealing his life sentence for the October 2023, murders of Manuel and Luis Garcia Salas. Monkelien, former co-owner of the Stagecoach Bar & Grille where the shootings occurred, was sentenced in May to life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years. His attorneys claim self-defense, asserting Monkelien feared for his … Read more

Another Phone Scam…This Time Pretending to be State Police

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is warning residents about a phone scam. Impersonators claim individuals missed court dates or committed violations to pressure them into revealing personal information. The callers use this tactic to create a sense of urgency and panic. The MSP clarifies these calls are fraudulent; they will never request sensitive data or … Read more

UPCAP to Host Oral Health Care Forums for U.P. Veterans

A recent survey by the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) revealed that less than one-third of veterans in the U.P. are receiving adequate dental care from the VA. To address this critical issue, UPCAP is urging veterans to share their experiences and will be hosting two Oral Health Care forums next week. The … Read more

Five Alarm Fire in Woodruff Destroys Building

A large storage unit facility on State Highway 47 in Woodruff was destroyed by a massive fire on Saturday. More than 30 agencies from five counties responded to the blaze, which was reported at 1:41 p.m. Minocqua and Woodruff firefighters arrived to find a 60-by-200-foot storage building engulfed in flames. A Mutual Aid Box Alarm … Read more

House Fire Claims One in Washington

A Vilas County man was found dead inside his home early Friday following a house fire in the Town of Washington, according to the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies reported the fire just after 5 a.m. at the intersection of Wild Eagle Lane and Chain O Lakes Road. Firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed … Read more

Back to School Means Health Screenings for Kids

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department offers free, mandatory hearing and vision screenings in August for Gogebic and Ontonagon county kindergarteners. These screenings, required by Michigan law, help identify issues affecting learning, allowing for early intervention. Technician Joan Becia will conduct screenings at both county offices. In Gogebic County, screenings are scheduled for August 18, … Read more