8/05/2026

N. MINNESOTA - Fire crews say recent cooler weather has helped the ongoing firefight in the Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota that has resulted in smoke and haze in Northern Wisconsin and the Western U.P over the last month.  On Monday storms brought rain to the fire area.  In total, 64,000 acres are impacted. Officials say fire containment is around 50%.  Despite the fires still burning, the Forest Service has reopened parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

8/05/2026

MERCER - Mercer celebrates its 46th Annual Loon Day today, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown. The Northwoods tradition features over 250 arts and craft exhibitors, live music, sidewalk sales, a flea market, food vendors, and family activities. The highlight is the famous Loon Calling Contest at 1:30 p.m. in front of Mercer Town Hall, where contestants of all ages compete with their best loon calls. For more information, go to mercerloonday.com

8/04/2026

DETROIT (AP) — Today is Primary Election Day as Michigan voters head to the polls.  On the Ballot has become a closely watched Democratic U.S. Senate contest between U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed. The race became one of the nation’s most expensive primaries and a proxy battle between the Democratic Party’s establishment and progressive wings. The winner will face off in November against Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who is running unopposed after narrowly losing a Senate race in 2024. Democrats are also picking their nominees to replace Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and to settle several competitive House primaries.  In Gogebic County Voters will decide on an Animal Control millage, and Gogebic County Medical Building site improvement millages.  There is a Bessemer Twp Operating Millage, a Watersmeet Twp Op Millage and a Watersmeet Twp School Millage on the ballot for some areas of the county.   Poles are open until 8pm tonight.