News

The Hancock City Council approved new contracts with the three unions that represent most of the city’s employees last night. Pacts with the Teamsters Union, the Police Officers Association of Michigan, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees differ slightly in their details, but Mayor Paul LaBine …

Hancock Schools Superintendent Steve Patchin wants to put up a sign. Patchin brought his idea to the Hancock City Council last night. He said the digital sign could be as large as three feet by 10 feet. Rotating messages could promote events at the school and in the wider community. …

A Champion man died in a one-vehicle traffic crash yesterday afternoon in Humboldt Township. State Police troopers say the 61-year-old apparently drove off the side of US-41 near Marquette County Road FX a little after 3:00. Bystanders found him unresponsive, and he was later pronounced dead at UP Health System-Marquette. …

The Copper Country Intermediate School District Board of Education heard some good financial news this week. At its meeting on Tuesday, Superintendent George Stockero reported that the recent state budget supplemental agreements reinstated funding for rural and isolated school districts. Many districts in our region receive that money to help …

Calumet has a new village council member. At Tuesday’s meeting, Lori Weir was named to one of two open seats created by recent resignations. Her term will run through November, 2020. Village Manager Caleb Katz says applications are being sought from individuals interested in filling the other seat. Katz also …

L’Anse Middle School is getting a new science teacher. At this week’s board of education meeting, trustees accepted the resignation of Rachel Wilber. Wilber is leaving to pursue additional education. The board hired Dawn Carlson to take over the position. L’Anse bus driver Bill Connor was recognized as the district’s …

A number of environmental protection projects in the western Upper Peninsula have received money from the state. Among those getting cash from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program are… Michigan State University, which will receive $228,600 to identify knotweed species in several counties, including Houghton. Information will be used to …

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has created a task force to develop recommendations to help lift Michigan families out of poverty. The Michigan Poverty Task Force will operate within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. It will include directors or other representatives from a number of state departments and agencies. The …

The Salvation Army in Hancock is asking for help on several fronts. Envoy Brenda DeLacy says their Christmas Kettle Drive is falling short… The money raised during the Christmas season helps support Salvation Army community efforts year-round… Money can be contributed at any of the Red Kettle sites in the …

Some of Laurium’s part-time workers will be getting raises. Last night, the village council voted to increase the hourly rate for police officers by 50 cents to $19.48 per hour, for truck drivers by 75 cents to $12.00 per hour, and for Zamboni drivers by 25 cents to $10.75 per …