Local News

The Mount Franklin wildfire on Isle Royale remains at about six acres in size.  Firefighters reported yesterday that hose has been laid around the perimeter. While progress has been made in suppressing the fire, it is not considered contained. A 10-member crew from Minnesota is working at the scene. The …

UP Health System Portage is hosting a free health and safety fair this afternoon. All are invited to visit the Hancock Campus between 4 and 7. The hospital will offer health screenings, tours of the operating room, close up looks at ambulances, fire trucks and police cars, blood typing, diabetic …

The number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases in the Copper Country held steady last week, even as cases across the state spiked upward. Figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services showed 90 confirmed cases in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties. That compares to 91 in the previous …

Eleven volunteer emergency service organizations will be better able to serve local residents, thanks to nearly $45,000 in grants from the Portage Health Foundation. Applications were solicited this spring from organizations in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties. Awards must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organizations receiving them. The maximum …

From the Western U.P. Health Department: The beach at Sunday Lake in Wakefield has been closed for swimming due to the presence of a harmful algal bloom. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) staff observed the algal bloom while conducting weekly beach monitoring for E. Coli. Samples taken on …

If you’ve played tennis or badminton you already know some of the basics to one of America’s newest and fastest growing sports. Pickleball has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years, and has been compared to similar types of sports like tennis. Pickle ball does offer it’s own challenges though. …

A local family is suing an airbag manufacturer for negligence relating to a fatal accident in Calumet last year. On Friday the Associated Press reported that the Beaudoin family filed for suit in Houghton County’s 12th Circuit Court against Arc Automotive Incorporated. On August 15th 2021, Marlene Beaudoin was killed …

The Mount Franklin wildfire on Isle Royale is smaller than initially believed. Initially estimated at 11 acres based on preliminary information, Isle Royale National Park officials yesterday said that firefighters on the scene have sized it at 5.7 acres. Favorable weather and low wind have kept the fire from growing, …

The first step in trying to keep Buffalo Reef from being overtaken by stamp sands will be a big wall. Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment officials confirmed yesterday that the state’s new budget includes $10 million to build the barrier south of Gay. The jetty will extend …

The Army Corps of Engineers is beginning to work on the Environmental Impact Statement for a potential tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. The tunnel has been proposed, and would be paid for, by Enbridge. It would house the company’s Line 5 pipeline, and other utilities that are currently located …