9/17/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan DNR is looking for volunteers for the Eastern and Western U.P. Citizens’ Advisory Council.  The council’s western U.P. counterpart represents Gogebic, Ontonagon, Marquette, Delta, Dickinson, Menominee, Baraga, Iron, Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. The council advises the DNR and offers suggestions on how the department can be more effective. Members represent a wide spectrum of natural resource and recreation interests from hunters, boaters and off-road vehicle riders, to foresters, birdwatchers and skiers.  The council has passed more than 140 resolutions since forming in 2008.  Members are encouraged to share information from the advisory meetings with their communities.  We have a link on our website and on the WUPM Facebook page on how to get more information and on how to volunteer.  https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/boards/up-citizens

9/17/2026

MICHIGAN (AP) - Michigan is seeing a rise in school-aged children skipping vaccines, reaching the highest exemption rate in a decade. Last year, 7.1% of students received waivers, up from 6.2% in 2024. This trend follows the onset of COVID-19 and conflicting federal guidelines. Kindergarten students are leading this trend, with 7.7% receiving waivers. Michigan's exemption rate is above the national average, which also increased.

9/16/2026

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP - The mother of a two-year-old Ironwood boy killed by a vehicle in March is speaking out to a Duluth TV station after the case was closed without criminal charges being filed. Darwin Olson was struck and killed March 19 near Lake and Sunset roads. Investigators identified the driver, but the Gogebic County prosecutor declined to file charges after reviewing the evidence with investigators, including the circumstances that left Darwin unattended. Officials determined the evidence did not warrant criminal charges. Darwin’s mother, Jessica Fernandez, disputes that decision and says she may pursue private legal action.