10/28/2025

IRONWOOD, MI — The Lingering Government Shutdown will affect early childhood education services in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties starting next month.  As a result, The Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) is urging state policymakers to restore funding for Section 32p, which is a critical component of funding for Michigan’s early childhood education infrastructure. The GOISD says the funds are essential in helping local education agencies and community partners coordinate services, connect families with support, and prepare young children for kindergarten.  Without the funding, Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD will end all Great Start Collaborative programming including GOCAA Headstart in Ironwood, Bessemer and Ontonagon and all services effective November 1^st and staff will be laid off saying they will reopen once the Government Shutdown ends and funding is restored.

10/28/2025

BESSEMER - The City of Bessemer's Department of Public Works has finished winterizing parks in Bessemer.  Residents are still welcome to use the parks, however the restrooms have been shut down for the winter and the water turned off.

10/28/2025

VILAS COUNTY - Vilas County Sheriff Joe Fath received the 2025 “First Responder of the Year” award at the Wisconsin State Capitol from State Rep. Rob Swearingen and State Sen. Mary Felzkowski. Sheriff Fath, who joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1981 and has been sheriff since 2013, plans to retire in December after 44 years of service. Established in 2019, the award recognizes Wisconsin’s firefighters, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and EMS personnel for their exceptional service and selflessness. Each state representative selects one honoree from their district based on community nominations, highlighting those who go above and beyond in their duties. Fath was nominated by citizens for his contributions to public safety and his legacy of service.