4/15/2026

GOGEBIC COUNTY - Fourteen UP applicants will receive funding for 17 new state-approved CTE programs to help meet rising student demand and regional labor needs, including funding going to the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District thanks to a share of the $24.2 million in Career and Technical Education (CTE) expansion grants allocated by the Michigan Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).  Historically, CTE programs have been reserved for high school students. However, the latest funding opens the door to middle school CTE exposure in Michigan for the first time.  Districts will be incorporating middle school learning labs with hands-on, industry-aligned experiences. The Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District will receive $400,000 for High School Construction Trades as part of this round of funding. 

4/15/2026

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP - The Bessemer Township Fire Department, sharing on social media that they were awarded a 50/50 grant through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Fire Assistance Program.  Following the award, department members voted to utilize the funding toward enhancing their wildland firefighting capabilities. As a result, the department selected new wildland turnout gear to better equip firefighters for brush and wildland fire responses. A total of 12 members were professionally fitted for new gear and have selected Lakeland Fire and Safety dual-certified wildland turnout gear. This gear meets both wildland and USAR environments, improving safety, comfort, and operational effectiveness in the field. The Bessemer Township Fire Department also says this investment represents their continued commitment to firefighter safety and to providing the highest level of service to the Bessemer Township community.

4/15/2026

ONTONAGON COUNTY – Be Aware the Agate Falls Trestle Bridge and viewing lookout is closed for repairs until November 1, 2026. The bridge is located on the DNR Multi-use SB Route (Sidnaw to Bergland) All ORV traffic will use a detour route on MI-TRALE's CW Route (Calderwood Rd.) to the LL Route.  We have a map on our Facebook page showing the reroute.