3/04/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - A new $16 million Early Childhood Educator Wage Initiative is giving monthly stipends to over 2,500 childcare providers across Northern Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. Administered by MiLEAP and the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District , the effort aims to stabilize the workforce and support families. All 10 of Michigan’s Regional Child Care Coalitions are participating, with each eligible for up to $1.6 million. Stipends, started in November, offer up to $200 for part-time and $300 for full-time educators. The initiative, running through September 2027, seeks to improve compensation, strengthen child outcomes, and boost local economies.

3/04/2026

ASHLAND – More housing coming soon to Ashland.  Vision Inc. started construction of the 151-unit Bay Vue apartment complex on Ashland’s Beaser Avenue.

The Ashland Daily Press reports as of February 23rd, the L-shaped, market-rate complex on the former Chicago Iron brownfield site is 15%-20% complete. It will feature three floors of apartments over heated parking, a fitness center, and a community room. The development, housing about 250 people, is expected to be finished and leased by Fall 2027, meeting high demand for housing on the desirable industrial site.

3/04/2026

LUCE COUNTY - Three people from lower Michigan were arrested following an attempt to smuggle drugs into Newberry Correctional Facility.  The Michigan State Police says on Feb. 28, troopers from the MSP Sault Ste. Marie Post was notified by Newberry Correctional Facility of a possible smuggling attempt.  Troopers surveilled the area and observed suspicious activity involving a car and people near the facility. The release says troopers conducted a traffic stop shortly after.  During the investigation, prison staff found a package inside the prison yard containing roughly 100 grams of methamphetamine and four ounces of THC wax.  The release says two adult men were lodged at the Luce County Jail as a result of the investigation. A 16-year-old juvenile boy was also apprehended in the case.