12/31/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Lifelong Hancock resident and former 110th District Representative Michael ‘Mike’ Lahti has died at age 80. His official obituary states he suffered an apparent heart attack and died at UP Health System - Portage, surrounded by family.  A funeral service is scheduled for noon on Saturday in Hancock.

12/31/2025

N. WISCONSIN / UP – With the new year some new changes that may add some money to your wallet.  Starting tomorrow the Enhanced Child Tax Credit will go into effect.  Families will see a modest boost, with the Child Tax Credit increasing from $2,000 to $2,200 per qualifying child for 2025.  Also in the new year you will be able to deduct the interest paid on your Auto Loan.  In the new year you will be able to deduct up to $10,000 in interest paid on your car loan. The vehicle must weigh less than 14,000 pounds and have its final assembly in the U.S., and it must be for personal use and No Tax on Tips and Overtime starting in the new year. Service workers can now deduct up to $25,000 in tip income, while overtime workers can deduct up to $12,500.  The minimum wage will rise from $12.48 to $13.73 an hour starting tomorrow in Michigan under the state’s Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act. The tipped wage will increase to $5.49 an hour, if workers earn at least $8.24 in tips, while the training wage for workers under 20 will remain at $4.25 for their first 90 days.

12/31/2025

MINOCQUA - Minocqua Winter Park’s new tubing hill, “The Flying Squirrel,” opened Monday. The 630-foot run boasts a 70-foot vertical drop. Winter Park Board Secretary Joe Handrick noted that after receiving a foot of new snow, the park was having a “great day.” The hill was moved to improve safety and ease of operation. The fresh snow slowed the tubes, but the run will speed up as the snow packs down. “The Flying Squirrel” is open daily during the holiday break and then on weekends. Pre-registration is strongly recommended due to potential sell-outs; go to minocquawinterpark.org for more information.