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Look out the window
Editor:
Turn off the TV news for a minute and look out the window. Copper Country has changed since April 2025, and you don't need a commentator to see it.
Start at the gas pump. In the spring of 2025, Houghton County had the lowest gas prices in the U.P., at about $3 a gallon. This week the old Holiday gas station in Hancock posts $4.36.
Look at who is hungry. Since April 2025, about 430 fewer Houghton County residents, including about 110 children, receive food assistance. That's about $93,000 a month no longer spent at our local grocery stores. Meanwhile, about 250 children still take home a sack of food each weekend.
Look at the "For Sale" signs. A 30-year mortgage now runs about 7.4%, up from about 6.3% a year ago. On a $250,000 loan, that's about $180 more every month. For a young family hoping for a home of its own, that can be the difference between buying and waiting.
Not everything is down. Visit Keweenaw reported lodging occupancy at remarkable highs this June. People still come for our trails, our lake and our towns. Not every change has a single cause, and not every number points the same way. That is reason enough to look for yourself.
On November 3, vote. Then we keep on voting with our wallet: with the dollars we still have, and where we choose to spend them.
Look up from your phone, and out the window.
Brendhan Givens
Houghton
Thanks from Fire Department
Editor:
“The Quincy, Franklin, Hancock Township Fire Department would like to thank all who patronized our Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser held on October 3rd . It was a good day and a huge success! A special thanks for the support of sponsors as well: McGann Building Supply, Vollwerth & Co., and Campioni Markets. We certainly appreciate the public service messages provided by the "WOLF" and "WMPL" radio stations, WLUC-TV and Dave's BP. The 50/50 winner donated their winning's back to the fire department. The event was a sellout and all proceeds will help fund our emergency equipment "when responding to the needs of our area!” If you feel the need to "respond" to your community by being associated with our team of firefighters or EMS squads, please contact our chief, Dan Dulong on face book or by phone, 906 482-1187. We are always looking for inspired talent!"
Submitted by,
Michael Lorence
EMT/Firefighter/Secretary
Quincy, Franklin Hancock Townships Fire Department