4/08/2026

N. WISCONSIN - A Kids Book on Food Insecurity is being Distributed in Vilas and Oneida Counties. As phase one of Project Lulu, Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) has distributed over 30 copies of the award-winning book “Lulu and the Hunger Monster” to public and elementary school libraries in Vilas and Oneida Counties. The book helps children aged 5 to 9 understand food insecurity. While they may not grasp the "why" of hunger, they can relate to its feeling. Written by Erik Talkin, the book aims to raise awareness of childhood food insecurity, build empathy, and destigmatize hunger for young readers. FORK is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn more at FeedOurRuralKids.org.

4/08/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The USDA and United States Forest Service are undergoing a major restructuring, including the closure of all four Michigan forest research facilities in L'Anse, East Lansing, Houghton, and Wellston, and over 50 USFS R&D sites nationwide, following the USDA's headquarters move to Salt Lake City. The new plan involves 15 state directors, with Wisconsin offices managing Michigan's forest service after the closures. The move affects facilities like the leased L'Anse space at the Ford Alberta Center and the Houghton lab, which served about 20 USFS employees and Michigan Tech students. Transition details will be issued to employees this year.

4/08/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN – The Mackinac Bridge has closed 12 times so far this season, the most closures in the last 30 years.  The high numbers of closures this year are the result of falling from multiple storms this season.  The bridge authority says there were no injuries this year from falling ice.