10/22/2025

LANSING - Changes planned to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could begin affecting beneficiaries in Michigan and across the country as early as November 1st.

 The new federal budget is expanding SNAP work rules and reducing benefits. Public health officials say the cuts could force low-income Michigan families to choose lower-quality groceries due to the cost of healthy food. University of Michigan nutrition professor Kate Bauer says it's one more economic hit on already-stressed families.

                    0:12  "It's critical resources, especially during times like these, where food prices are incredibly high, housing prices are high, families’ budgets are being stretched in ways they never have before."

More than 1-point-4 million Michiganders received SNAP benefits in 2024, but economists say under the new rules, between 200-thousand and 300-thousand Michigan households could see significant reductions in benefits. The cuts were part of the G-O-P-backed budget reconciliation bill that made the 2017 tax cut program permanent.

10/22/2025

MINOCQUA - Minocqua is hosting the IFSS Dryland Mushing World Championships.

A first for the U.S. Lizzie Hill, VP of the United States Federation of Sled Dog Sports, was key in bringing the event to Minocqua Winter Park after a successful bid last year. Racers from 23 countries are competing in various styles, including Canicross, which is a human and a dog on your own two feet; scooterjoring, which is a push scooter and two dogs; and bikejoring, which with IFSS is just a bike with one dog,” . Hill, also USA World Team captain, competes in Canicross. She highlighted the mushers’ dedication, with mushers from all over the world competing. The IFSS Dryland Mushing World Championships run through this weekend at Minocqua Winter Park.

10/21/2025

IRONWOOD – City of Ironwood water main flushing continues in Ironwood.  Area two was flushed overnight which includes all areas south of US-2 from Frederick Street from Norrie Street to North Lake Street, and all areas north of East Ayer Street from Lake Street to Country Club Road. Tonight Area 3 will be flushed including all areas south of the railroad grade, McLeod Ave and Vaughn Street, to the Montreal River to Lake Street and the Jessieville area including Newport Heights Location. During the flushing residents may notice lower than normal water pressure and dirty water.  The city suggests taking a water meter reading, running your cold water until discoloration clears and then taking another water meter reading for a proper credit on your water bill.  Bottled water is available at Ironwood Public Safety for Ironwood residents that feel they need it.