4/27/2026

N. WISCONSIN / U.P. - Gas prices in Michigan have gone up 19 cents in the past week, topping $4 a gallon again. Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $4.02 per gallon for regular unleaded gas, AAA says. This price is 3 cents less than this time last month but still 97 cents more than this time last year. The cost has been hovering around $4 a gallon, reaching a high of $4.07 a gallon in early April.  The most expensive gas price in the U.P. is in Ontonagon at $4.27, the lowest in Alger County at $3.98.  Around the region this morning Hurley prices at $3.97, Ashland at $3.83, Mellen at $3.69, Minocqua at $3.96.  Ironwood prices at $4.17 a gallon this morning.

4/27/2026

IRONWOOD - The Emberlight Festival's sixth season launches "Art for All" this year, a new educational program created by Creative Producer Cindy Franck, former educators, and Ojibwe consultant Tom Byron. Funded by grants, the initiative started with a lesson plan on Ojibwe culture and history. Students from five area schools created totems for the "Art in the Park" exhibit at Ironwood's Miners Memorial Heritage Park. Franck commended the students' work and the program's respectful approach. Emberlight plans annual outreach, focusing on a different culture each year, alongside community art creation sessions at various locations.

4/27/2026

ASHLAND COUNTY - The South Shore Community Fund recently awarded over $180,000 in spring 2026 grants from Madeline Island to Bad River, supporting initiatives like Indigenous arts, workforce reintegration, aquatics, maritime education, and community meals. The Ashland Daily Press reports the endowment includes the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund for 21 projects, including Lake Superior Tall Ships Inc. and PBS North’s Ojibwe language project, and the Chequamegon Bay Area Community Fund. Key recipients included Positivity Children’s Theatre, NAMI Lake Superior South Shore, and the Ashland Chamber Music Society.