Most highway construction projects in Michigan have shut down for the long weekend, to allow for easier traveling. M-26 between Hancock and Dollar Bay will have a lane open in each direction on a temporary roadway. If you’re heading west, eastbound US-2 in Ironwood and Hurley will remain closed. A …

Baraga Lumberjack Days is underway. Last night, Grand Marshals Phyllis Maki and Lola Gerard were honored at the opening ceremony. Both have been involved with the Lumberjack Days committee as volunteers for nearly four decades. 11 young ladies competed to be named this year’s Lumberjack Queen. The winner is Sonja …

As we celebrate the theoretical midpoint of summer, the State of Michigan is already looking forward to Christmas. The search is underway for this year’s official state Christmas tree. To be eligible, the tree must be a spruce or a fir… at least 65 feet high, with a maximum crown …

Three Marquette County residents were arraigned yesterday on charges they were running a meth lab in a home in Ishpeming. 46-year-old Robert Kangas, Jr., of Marquette… 32-year-old Candice Bonner of Ishpeming… and 18-year-old Taylor Trezona, of Big Bay are being held in jail on $100,000 bonds. Ishpeming police say they …

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is taking steps to protect our state’s fir trees from an invasive bug. The Balsam woolly adelgid is a sap-feeding insect that attacks fir trees, including balsam fir and Fraser fir. The tiny insects work their way into the tree through cracks …

Even though Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency offices will be closed today, you can still recertify your unemployment claim. Both the MARVIN phone system and the Michigan Web Account Manager website are functioning. Because of the holiday, there may be a one or two day delay before the benefits are either …

For the second time in a week, maggots have been found inside food at a Michigan prison. Kitchen workers peeling potatoes on Tuesday at the Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson discovered the maggots. The entire pallet of raw potatoes was thrown out, and the prison kitchen was scrubbed …

Bottle rockets. Roman candles. Firecrackers. It’s all fair game this fourth of July as the state enters its second year under the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, which expanded the kinds of fireworks available for sale and use. State law allows local communities to regulate the use of fireworks on days …

Aspirus Keweenaw has announced it has received the 2014 Governor’s Award of Excellence for significant achievements in health care quality. The prestigious award recognizes health care providers and organizations across the state for their dedication and commitment to improving quality and patient safety. Aspirus Keweenaw was awarded for outstanding inpatient …

Officers from nearly 150 agencies in 26 Michigan counties kicked off a campaign Tuesday to pay special attention to drunk drivers over the Fourth of July holiday period. The campaign attempts to decrease alcohol-related traffic deaths and serious injuries, which are the highest during the summer, with July and August …