Local News

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department is opening a 30-day public comment period on the updated U.P. Environmental Health Code.  The Environmental Health code primarily oversees the permitting and construction of on-site sewage systems and water wells in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties. Health Department officials say they’ve …

Christmas is three-and-a-half weeks away, and efforts continue to make sure that all of the children in the Copper Country find something under the tree. The deadline for registering kids for the Copper Country Angel Mission Angel Tree program is this Saturday. Children can be signed up at their store …

The Copper Country Community Arts Center is soliciting work from local artists for this year’s Art from the Kalevala exhibit. The Kalevala is a 19th century work of poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Finnish and Karelian oral folklore and mythology. It is regarded as the national epic poem of …

New Hancock police chief Tami Sleeman met many residents and leaders in the community last night during a meet and greet at the Hancock Fire Hall. Sleeman returns to her home town, after gaining 32 years of experience in law enforcement in the Upper Peninsula, Boulder, Colorado, and with the …

Get ready for some fun and holiday hoopla. Next Thursday Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, the Portage Health Foundation, the Keweenaw Young Professionals, and the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce plan to meet up at the Bonfire in Houghton, for live music, and a silent auction. The event will benefit the Portage …

The Village of L’Anse is buying a new police vehicle.  At Monday night’s council meeting, Village Manager Bob LaFave explained that the town’s current vehicle needs extensive repairs – too expensive to justify, given its age and high mileage. Council members approved the purchase of a Chevrolet Tahoe. It will …

The Houghton City Council is expected to face a light agenda at tonight’s meeting. One of the items expected to be discussed is a report from the city attorney regarding a potential conflict of interest involving councilor Jan Cole. Cole is involved with management of the Hall Building downtown, and …

COVID-19 cases remain relatively low in the Copper Country.  Figures released yesterday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show 34 reported cases last week in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties. That’s lower than the 45 cases reported the previous week. Statewide figures show an average of …

Food and clothing drives are common in our area during the early part of winter, but there are other necessities that low-income families struggle to afford, as well. The Copper Country Great Start Collaborative has kicked off its annual diaper drive.  Donated diapers and wipes will be distributed through the …

Today is giving Tuesday, and there are various campaigns happening all over the country, and right here in the Keweenaw. A second campaign that is separate from the Portage Health Foundation’s own campaign, has been organized by the Gratiot Lake Conservancy in Keweenaw County. Recently there group held their first …