4/30/2026

IRONWOOD - The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees approved several new healthcare related consortium programs at its regular monthly meeting this week. Through the Michigan Workforce Training Collaborative and the Educational Programs in Collaboration (EPiC), a state-wide consortium of community colleges, GCC joins with other colleges to offer sustainable, high-quality education in specialized fields that would otherwise be challenging to maintain.  These programs meet critical community needs while maximizing each college’s resources. The programs approved through this consortium include Radiography, Respiratory Therapy, and Allied Health Certificate programs.  In addition, the board approved the Occupational Studies, associate in applied science degree. This program expands access to credentials for working learners by building on existing occupational and technical coursework.  Meanwhile The Interim President Subcommittee has submitted its recommendation to The Registry, an interim placement firm, to initiate contact with the top candidate for the Interim President position at the college. A special Board meeting will be scheduled at a later date to formally consider and approve the candidate and Ryan Stubbs, of Plymouth, WI was hired as the new Director of the Ski Area Management program that will be vacated by Jim Vander Spoel when he officially retires in October of this year. 

4/30/2026

IRONWOOD - The Lindquist Center on the campus of Gogebic Community College including the gym, walking track, and weight room will be closed beginning tomorrow and will reopen on Monday, May 25th at 8am with summer hours (Mon-Thurs, 8-4pm). The college says they will be setting up for graduation, having events, and resurfacing the gym floor over the next few weeks and they apologize for the inconvenience.

4/30/2026

ASHLAND - At the last meeting of the Ashland City Council, City Administrator Brant Kucera informed the council that city staff has shrunk by around 13%, which prompted him to urge the council to pause new initiatives until vacancies are filled. The Ashland Daily Press reports 12 employees have left, with a 13th pending, impacting the fire, public works, and police departments. Kucera attributed the trend to generational shifts and market conditions—such as higher private-sector wages—rather than to city culture. With roughly 13% of the 97-person workforce gone, Kucera urged the council to "take our foot off the accelerator" until staffing stabilizes.