8/28/2024

GOGEBIC / ONTONAGON COUNTIES - Despite disagreements on whether to allow the Highland Copper Company to open a mine in the area, the state of Michigan is moving ahead with support for the project, to the tune of $50 million. The vote was taken after the state heard speakers and two committee reports and was made without comment on the financial funding. The Canadian company will only receive the funding if it can present proof that the company has secured funding worth three times the state’s investment. Highland’s overall investment is expected to be $425 million. Quentin Messer Jr., President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation said the decision to allow mining could bring $15 million in annual municipal and state tax revenue. Highland Copper has until December 31, 2025, to show the state that it has at least $150 million in capital toward the project.

8/28/2024

N. WISCONSIN / UP - AT&T Wireless routing issues that affected the ability for subscribers to call 911 have been resolved.  Verizon service was down for most of the Western Half of the U.P. yesterday because of storms that pushed through the region Monday night.  Verizon service came back at around 12:30 yesterday afternoon.      

8/28/2024

N. WISCONSIN / UP - Kids in the area are going back to school, and many students are not getting vaccinated. In the last couple of years, 10% of kids K thru 12 are not meeting minimum immunization requirements. The drop in immunizations corresponds to a rise in vaccine preventable diseases coming back. Because of the drop, there are some changes to school immunization requirements this year. New 7th graders need the meningococcal vaccine and 12th graders need to be sure to have the booster. Also, students will need to have the chicken pox vaccine or a diagnosis of chickenpox from a qualified healthcare provider to receive the vaccine exemption. Flu and COVID shots are not required but are recommended. More information about vaccines and where to get them is available by calling 211.