12/24/2025

BESSEMER - The Bessemer Area Schools Board of Education has reaffirmed its decision to decline the state’s 31aa funding unless the language is significantly altered by the December 30 deadline. School aid act funding supports essential services like staffing and safety measures. However, to receive it, schools must waive attorney-client privilege during investigations related to mass casualty events. Superintendent Richard Matrella reported the decision following the board’s December 19 meeting, when no indicated changes to the language were seen as of December 18. Matrella also stated that the waiver has caused widespread discontent, leading over 30 districts to file a lawsuit challenging the provision.

12/24/2025

BESSEMER — The Michigan Department of Transportation announced $133 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant Program and Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program, along with matching state funds, to help transit agencies upgrade vehicles and facilities.  The money shared among 9 different agencies across the state including $1.5 million dollars to Gogebic County Transit ($1,200,000 federal and $300,000 state match) for garage expansion and construction and installation of a bus wash bay.

12/24/2025

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please the fictional Slender Man has been ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital after she escaped from her group home last month. A judge yesterday granted state officials' request to revoke her release privileges. Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier attacked their classmate in 2014, hoping to impress Slender Man. Both were then committed to mental health facilities.  Geyser was conditionally released in September but fled with a companion. Police arrested them outside Chicago. Geyser's companion said they became friends at church and saw each other daily.