5/21/2026

IRONWOOD - Gogebic Community College has selected Ward Helakoski, originally from White Pine, MI and currently of Bergland, Michigan, as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program. During his time coaching Michigan high school basketball programs at Crystal Falls, Bloomingdale, Mattawan, and Hancock, his teams earned seven district championships, two regional championships, and one state runner-up finish. Most recently, Helakoski served as an assistant coach for the Michigan Tech women’s basketball program.  At the collegiate level, he also served as head coach at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His team qualified for two National Junior College Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments and advanced to one Sweet Sixteen appearance.  Helakoski is the son of Hall of Fame basketball coach Ed Helakoski. 

5/21/2026

IRONWOOD - The 2026 Samson Basketball Camp will be held at the Lindquist Student Center gymnasium on the campus of Gogebic Community College. The camp will be led by Samson Basketball coaches, players, and staff, focusing on basketball fundamentals, confidence, and skill development in a fun, competitive environment. Registration is $80, or $60 for additional family members, with a June 1 deadline to guarantee a camp T-shirt. There will be two sessions, the first Monday through Wednesday, June 15th through 17th, in the morning for grades 3 through 6, and the second for grades 7-12 in the afternoon. Contact Coach Denver Sharrow at denvers@gogebic.edu.

5/21/2026

LANSING - As the weather warms, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges residents to avoid foam on the surface of Michigan lakes, rivers, streams and other surface waters.  The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says foam can form on any body of water, and it tends to pile up in bays, eddies, dams or other river barriers. It can be white, off-white or brown, and it may have an earthy or fishy scent.  MDHHS says the foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria, including high levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.  The release says if you touch any foam, rinse off or bathe as soon as possible and recommends keeping your pets away from surface water foam as well.