2/05/2026

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - A federal appeals court dismissed a Department of Justice appeal that upheld U.S. District Judge William Conley’s August 2025 ruling granting Lac du Flambeau-area homeowners an “implied easement” to use four roads on tribal lands.

The dispute began in 2023 when the tribe barricaded the roads over expired easements. A temporary agreement required the town to pay nearly $600,000 in monthly permit fees until October 2024. Despite the tribe reopening the roads, the DOJ sued the town for trespassing, leading to Conley’s decision. The court granted the DOJ’s motion to dismiss its own appeal after canceled mediation.

2/05/2026

IRONWOOD - Matthew Sterbenz, a 24-year veteran of Ironwood Public Safety and former assistant director, is the new Ironwood Public Safety Department director, succeeding the retired Andrew DiGiorgio, who served since 2011. Sterbenz is a Gogebic Community College graduate and L’Anse native, and lives in Ironwood with his wife, Katie, and four children. He reported a “very busy” start to his new position, focused on hiring and budgeting and resigned as GIANT board leader. DiGiorgio, who prioritized community engagement and initiatives like establishing a school resource officer, is returning to his earlier career as a respiratory therapist at Aspirus Ironwood. Both men expressed gratitude to the community and confidence in the transition.

2/05/2026

LANSING - President Donald Trump is calling to nationalize future elections, claiming the current system is corrupt his statements drawing sharp criticism from Michigan officials. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall said he supports more federal involvement, However, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, who is running to be the next secretary of state, said Trump has an ulterior motive when making such statements.  Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says the proposal appears designed to deter accountability.  Suzanna Shkreli, a Democratic candidate for Michigan Secretary of State, says the president’s claims are aimed to “undermine the confidence in our elections and weaken the power of voters.”  In comments Tuesday, Trump said he wants elections to be honest and claimed states are agents of the federal government. He specifically mentioned Detroit, calling it corrupt.