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Skateboarding lessons and STEM learning at the Houghton Skatepark

HOUGHTON — Free skateboard lessons are coming soon to the Houghton Skatepark. The Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) is launching a new program, Rad Academy, which includes drop-in skateboard instruction and related events at Houghton’s waterfront skatepark. The program capitalizes on 35 years of skateboarding experience between PLDL Library Director Dillon Geshel and Rabbit Island Foundation Director Andrew Ranville, and provides skateboard instruction and project-based STEM activities related to action sports culture. “I’ve been skating since I was a teenager, and the ...

Look for signs of invasive Asian longhorned beetle during Tree Check Month in August

August is Tree Check Month, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking the public to look for and report any signs of the Asian longhorned beetle, an invasive pest that is not native to Michigan and could cause harm to the state’s environment and economy. The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources are joining the USDA in asking people to take just 10 minutes this month to check trees around homes for the beetle or any signs of the damage it causes. In late summer and early fall, adult Asian ...

MDHHS issues updated COVID-19 school guidance to help keep kids and educators healthy

LANSING - Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued updated recommendations for schools designed to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 within school buildings, reduce disruptions to in-person learning and help protect vulnerable individuals and individuals who are not fully vaccinated. The guidance has been updated to reflect the most current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on masking and prevention strategies to help operate schools more safely. It includes guidance on assessing risk levels when making ...

Bergman Bill: Make big tech pay into rural broadband

WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Jack Bergman introduced new legislation called the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act to require Big Tech companies to finance rural broadband programs. The bill also calls for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider other ways to alleviate burdens on consumers without access to broadband services. “Big Tech has been leeching off of key federal connectivity programs which bring more users to their platforms each day. It’s past time for the tech giants to chip in for federal broadband efforts while rural and remote communities in ...

The Lake Effect Bar & Grill presents Lake Fanny Hooe-Down starring Multi-ACM, CMA & American Music Award Nominees BlackHawk

COPPER HARBOR — The all-new Lake Effect Bar & Grill in beautiful Copper Harbor, Michigan proudly announces Lake Fanny Hooe-Down on Sunday, Aug. 15. This exciting new event will feature food, drink, fun, and great music including multi-ACM, CMA, & American Music Award nominated country hit-makers BlackHawk. Chad Borgen & The Collective, Tom Katalin & Highway 41, and Dig Niddy round-out the musical lineup. The festivities take place on the grounds of Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground on 2nd Street in Copper Harbor. The Lake Effect Bar & Grill is the former Pines Restaurant/Ziks Bar. ...

Bereavement support is available

In April, a small group of individuals met to talk about bereavement services being offered in our area. We identified that there are currently two ongoing support groups. One through the Omega House (3rd Thursday, 5 to 6 p.m.) and one through Portage Hospice and Homecare (1st Tuesday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.). Portage also offers Grief Speak, an informative 20to 30 minute opportunity to learn about grief (2nd Tuesday, 7 or 9 p.m. EST). Additionally, Bethany Baptist Church offers a 13-week educational GriefShare program several times a year (next session starts September 2021). All offerings ...