3/03/2026

GOGEBIC / ONTONAGON COUNTIES - Michigan State University’s ‘Rx Kids’ program, which provides cash prescriptions to expecting mothers, has expanded across the entire Upper Peninsula to include Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. Enrolled families receive a $1,500 one-time payment mid-pregnancy and $500 monthly for the baby’s first six months, officially launched in Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, and Ontonagon counties on Monday. Luce, Mackinaw, Alger and Schoolcraft District Health Department Director Nick Derusha noted the program has already helped families in five eastern U.P. counties. Application takes about 30 minutes via cell phone. To learn more visit rxkids.org.

3/03/2026

GOGEBIC / ONTONAGON COUNTIES - Michigan is investing $2.4 million in its Invasive Species Grant Program for 27 new projects, adding to over $42 million previously awarded. The program works to prevent, detect, limit the spread of, and manage invasive species. This year, $1.7 million will support all 22 regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) across all 83 counties. Each CISMA receives $70,000 for education and technical assistance, with 12 CISMAs receiving additional funds to survey and treat high-priority species like red swamp crayfish, water-primrose, and kudzu. In Iron, Gogebic, and Ontonagon WePIC CWMA will receive the grant. For more on that program, go to ironbragaacd.org.

3/03/2026

N. WISCONSIN - A bill moving through the Wisconsin Legislature could change what some SNAP users are allowed to put in their grocery carts.  The Wisconsin assembly passed a bill that bans SNAP recipients from being able to buy soda and candy with their benefits.  The bill is on its way to the Senate for consideration.