News

The state legislature has passed a budget for the coming fiscal year, and Gov. Rick Snyder has signed it. The budget provides a 1.6 percent increase in state appropriations for Michigan Technological University and sets a 3.2 percent tuition cap for resident undergraduates at all state universities. A preliminary budget …

A few priests are packing their bags and preparing to begin new assignments in the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, while others are receiving their first appointment, and one priest is retiring. Most of the clergy changes and appointments announced by Bishop John F. Doerfler take effect on July 1. Father …

One of the best ways to keep kids free from harm is to teach them safety techniques. Camp 911 by Bay Ambulance provides kids with a fun way to learn those skills. Baraga Police Chief Matt Gagnier says these kids will be better prepared in case of an emergency. The …

The Hancock City Council has approved their 2015-16 Budget. A brief public hearing on the budget proposal was held prior to Wednesday’s regular meeting but no one chose to speak. According to the budget, Hancock will bring in about $7.8 million in revenues with roughly $7.6 million in expenditures. The …

The grills will be blazing and the outdoor stage will be rocking at Houghton Rotary Club’s 30th annual BridgeFEAST, this weekend at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park, brought to you in partnership with UP Health System–Portage. The excitement begins at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19, with tasty offerings from Library Restaurant …

The state will be handing out $3.6 million in grant funding to combat invasive species in Michigan. Applications for funding proposals for 2015 are now being accepted through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, a joint effort of the departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development. …

Legislation dubbed by opponents the “Death Star” bill that would block local governments from setting wage, benefits or leave requirements is headed to the governor. The measure would not apply to local ordinances already in place. House Speaker Kevin Cotter says he was asked to alter the bill so it …

Michigan’s unemployment rate is up for the first time September 2013. State officials say the jobless rate in May increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.5 percent, breaking a string of 20 consecutive months of rate reductions. A spokesman says more people were looking for a job last …

You could encounter some delays when crossing the Mackinac Bridge. Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary Bob Sweeney says they’ve been installing hardware and software upgrades in toll lane booths but encountered some glitches that have resulted in the delays. One of the benefits of the upgrades is that you’ll be …

Someone who purchased a lottery ticket in northern Michigan is a multi-millionaire and may not even know it. Lottery officials say a $3.5 million Lotto 47 jackpot is still unclaimed, six months after the winning ticket was bought at the Pellston General Store in Pellston during the heart of the …