11/17/2025

MICHIGAN (AP) - The Michigan State Board of Education has approved revised health education standards that include recommendations that students be taught about gender identity and sexual orientation. The board voted 6-2 Thursday after nearly three hours of public comments, which were split between those in favor of the guidelines and those opposed to them.  Proponents of the standards say they are age-appropriate and will help LGBTQ+ students understand themselves. Opponents say the standards undermine parental choice and religious liberties protections.

11/17/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Fuelwood permits to collect firewood from select dead or downed trees in state forests in the Upper and northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Permits, valid through Dec. 31, allow up to five standard cords (10 cords in the 12-county ice storm area) of personal-use wood from dead and downed trees within 200 feet of the road. Obtain a permit online at mdnr-elicense.com, in person at DNR customer service centers/some forestry field offices (call first), or by mailing an application to the managing DNR office.For more information and FAQs, visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood

11/17/2025

N. WISCONSIN - The Arbor Vitae-Woodruff school board has decided to launch a search for a new principal to replace Rich Fortier, who will retire at the end of the school year.

Board member Judi Nelson announced nine applicants were received. The personnel committee selected four for interviews to be held on Tuesday, including the district’s school psychologist Katie Bachman, but Bachman declined. The committee (including board members, a parent, two teachers, Hardy, and Fortier) will select the principal or re-post the position. Nelson urged parents to run for Randy Quade’s seat in the April 7, 2026 election, as she, the Woodruff town chair, will not seek re-election.