9/14/2026

HURLEY - A trial for a Hurley woman accused of burning down a house has been canceled after she reached a plea deal. The jury trial of Annette Francis was set to begin Tuesday. Police say Francis and her sister admitted they started the April 2025 fire with a lighter. A neighbor’s security camera reportedly showed the women acting suspiciously before the fire, and the building had no power. Francis’ sister, Deborah Alexandroni, previously pleaded guilty and agreed to restitution and 160 days in jail. Francis’ plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

9/14/2026

SAXON - The Wisconsin DNR is requesting Enbridge halt construction on a temporary bypass for the Line 5 pipeline construction project after a notice of noncompliance.  The letter sent following an accident near Saxon last month when a semi-truck struck the pipeline causing a leak and spill.  In a letter sent to Enbridge, Wisconsin DNR officials stated their concerns and frustration with Enbridge after repeated requests for necessary permits for the construction of a temporary bypass at the location of the spill. According to the DNR, Enbridge notified them last week that they would be moving forward with construction without the needed authorization. The DNR says they visited the site and observed that project activities violate DNR regulations. Enbridge says they will continue to work with the Wisconsin DNR on relevant permitting and separately on environmental conditions at the incident site. State leaders say they will consider additional enforcement action.

9/14/2026

N. WISCONSIN / U.P - Michigan gasoline prices are up 28 cents from last week and now average $4.31 a gallon.  The price is 6 cents more than a month ago and $1.04 higher than this time last year.  GasBuddy showing the national average price of gas at $4.25, a 15.7-cent increase since last week.  Ironwood prices at $4.44 this morning.  Bergland $4.45, Mellen and Ontonagon at $4.29, Park Falls and Watersmeet $4.19, Lac Du Flambeau $4.26, Minocqua $4.24, The lowest gas prices we could find in our region are in Hurley and Mercer at $4.17, and in Glidden and Ashland $4.16 a gallon.