3/06/2026

N. WISCONSIN  — The Oneida County Snowmobile Trail System closed this morning including all state-funded and club-funded trails due to current weather and trail conditions.  Mercer Area trails are closing Sunday at 6pm.  The Mercer Sno-goers say all grooming efforts have been suspended until the Mercer area receives more snow.  Snow coverage on Northern Iron County Trails is good enough to keep Hurley area trails open for now.  The White Thunder Riders say they use big rollers and Cat tracks to press down the snow which creates an ice layer which becomes the base and is what carries the trail base into the late season.  Hurley area trails are one of a few trails that are still open in the state.

3/06/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN- The Michigan Department of Corrections budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 is now available.  Governor Whitmer’s Executive Budget Recommendation for the MDOC asks for three main additions: $35.6 million for employee economics to cover a previously negotiated 3% pay increase, $1 million for community corrections programs and $4.2 million for healthcare costs.  MDOC Legislative Liaison Kyle Kaminski presented the budget in a House Subcommittee meeting yesterday. He says staffing continues to be a concern at some facilities in the state says the budget does not adequately to address the staffing issues.  The Senate and House must adopt the budget before Governor Whitmer can sign the budget by the Oct. 1 deadline.

3/06/2026

LANSING - A package of five bills introduced in the Michigan House on Tuesday would allow residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit, establishing Michigan as a constitutional carry state.  Under current Michigan law, concealed pistols are prohibited in locations including hospitals, childcare centers, places of worship, bars, and sports arenas. Under the proposed bills, schools would be the only weapon-free zones remaining in the state.  The legislation is in its early stages and that future amendments could be considered, including a potential requirement for schools to offer firearm safety classes.  The bills were referred to the House Judiciary Committee. If passed, Michigan would become the 30th state in the country with constitutional carry laws, joining Texas, Florida, and Indiana.