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Options available to Hancock for library branches

HANCOCK — A February 22, 2024, report from the Michigan Library Association states that for eight years of the Snyder Administration and the sixth year of Gov. Whitmer’s administration, the FY25 State Aid to Libraries budget remains flat. There are also no increases for Library of Michigan programs/staff. Another MLA report says that on average, Michigan Libraries depend on locally dedicated millages for 77% of their funding and this number is increasing nearly 1% each year. Like other libraries across the state, the Hancock School Public Library is seeing financial stresses. But ...

High rate of return

HANCOCK — As contract renewal talks between Hancock Public Schools and the Portage Lake District Library continue, the primary question from the standpoint of the School Board is can Hancock Public Schools financially afford to continue with partnership. In 1994, Michigan legislation ...

Murder case hearing delayed

HOUGHTON — A review hearing in the case of a Wisconsin man charged with fatally shooting his grandfather in his Hancock Township home has been postponed until May 3. Jacob Kempainen, 20, of Hartland, Wisconsin, had a hearing scheduled for Friday in 97th District Court. He is charged with open murder and conspiracy to commit open murder, along with his mother Margaret Kempainen, 50. His grandfather and her father-in-law, Alvin Kempainen, was found dead in his home on Dec. 19 of a gunshot wound to the head. In police interviews, Margaret Kempainen identified Jacob as the shooter; he ...

‘Menace to the UP’ sentenced

MARQUETTE — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Gregory James Knuuttila, of Mohawk, Michigan, was sentenced for his role in distributing methamphetamine throughout Houghton and Keweenaw Counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Honorable Janet T. Neff, U.S. District Court Judge in Grand Rapids, sentenced Knuuttila to 324 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. “Methamphetamine continues to have devastating effects on individuals in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” said U.S. ...

Hancock School Public Library boasts new programs and services

HANCOCK — The Hancock School Public Library has been completely transformed since it received a $212,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Education in August, 2022. That was two years after receiving funding to further develop a new media lab, new technology and new furniture. Library ...

Celebrate Youth Art Month at CCCAC

HANCOCK — Visit the Copper Country Community Arts Center during March to view more than 200 wonderful works of youth art. The Celebrate Youth Arts Month exhibition is on display through March 30 in the Youth Gallery and the Kerredge Gallery at the CCCAC. March is a time to recognize young ...