5/15/2026

GOGEBIC COUNTY - Environmental groups are urging Michigan regulators to take a closer look at how wastewater from the proposed Copperwood Mine could affect endangered redside dace fish in Gogebic County. The state has extended public comment on the mine’s wastewater permit due to strong public interest. Opponents, like Protect the Porkies, say up to 500-thousand gallons of treated wastewater a day could harm fish habitat downstream, while Highland Copper says studies show the project will not impact the species. State regulators maintain the permit meets water quality standards and say the fish population is found upstream from the discharge site. Public copies of the environmental study regarding the fish have not been made readily available.

5/15/2026

ASHLAND - As Northland College in Ashland continues winding down operations nearly a year after closing, the school’s library has held its final book sale to help find homes for thousands of remaining books. College officials say much of the library collection and artwork has already been donated or auctioned, while a small staff maintains the 70-acre campus during the closure process. The college continues to seek a buyer for the property, listed at 12 million, and officials say there are no plans to house Line 5 pipeline workers on campus.

5/15/2026

IRONWOOD - On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Memorial Building auditorium, the City of Ironwood will host a public information meeting to update the public on the new water treatment project. The project is scheduled to come online starting mid-June 2026. Engineers, State officials, Western UP Health Department, and other experts will be present to explain the new water treatment process and what this will mean to the residents of Ironwood. During the informational meeting, experts will discuss the water filtration process to remove Iron and Manganese. They will also go over the change to add fluoride into the water system, beyond what is already naturally occurring in the water today. The Ironwood City Commission made this decision to add fluoride to the new drinking water treatment plant in 2021.  A Q&A session will take place after the meeting giving the public a chance to ask questions.