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Copper Country Trail National Byway launches website

HANCOCK – The Keweenaw Peninsula has a new tool to help visitors explore its abundant outdoor beauty and rich history thanks to a project of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region (WUPPDR). Last week WUPPDR launched a new website for the Copper Country Trail National Byway (CCTNB), a scenic driving route comprised of US 41 and secondary spur routes north of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. A key feature of the mobile-friendly website is an interactive web map featuring historic and natural attractions along the scenic route, including driving directions. The website ...

Governor Whitmer, MDHHS urge open and honest conversations about suicide as part of National Suicide Prevention Week

LANSING – As part of National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 5 through 11, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are encouraging Michiganders to have open, honest and direct conversations about suicide and how to seek help in times of need. “This Suicide Prevention Month, we recommit ourselves to reducing the number of lives lost to suicide by employing best practices, increasing community involvement, and talking openly and honestly about suicide,” said Governor Whitmer. “Suicide is preventable and mental illness is treatable, ...

Noteworthy is back, welcoming new members

HANCOCK — The women’s barbershop chorus, Noteworthy, is back after a long, COVID-induced break and is welcoming new singers. All local women who enjoy fun music and great company are invited to come to the first practice of the fall, which starts at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. This lively women’s chorus is founded on friendship and the love of barbershop harmonies. There are no auditions; if you can carry a tune, you are welcome. Noteworthy performs annual concerts in the spring and during the holidays, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. ...

DNR postpones full reopening of some facilities until October

Michigan Department of Natural Resources customer service centers and certain field offices will remain on a three-days-per-week open to the public schedule – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – until at least Oct. 4. The three-day schedule for these facilities has been in place since July 20. The offices had been set to reopen to the public five days a week after Labor Day, prior to new coronavirus advisories and recommendations. The affected customer service centers include Baraga, Bay City, Cadillac, Detroit, Escanaba, Gaylord, Lansing, Marquette, Newberry, Plainwell, Sault ...

UIA virtual appointments offer more accessibility for Michiganders

LANSING — The Unemployment Insurance Agency has added a virtual appointment option for customers needing assistance with their claims, including a dedicated link for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing utilizing voice to text closed captioning. In addition to phone and in-person appointments, customers can now also schedule virtual appointments. Virtual appointments provide the personal contact with a customer service agent with the convenience of a remote connection. The 20-minute virtual appointments can be scheduled online up to one week in advance at Michigan.gov/uia. ...

GPS collars inform Isle Royale wolf restoration and monitoring efforts

HOUGHTON – Initial results are in from collaborative efforts to restore the wolf population and predator-prey dynamics on Isle Royale National Park. Over a two-week period in late April and early May, personnel from the National Park Service (NPS), State University of New York College of ...