Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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No cause ID’d for multiple Western U.P. fires

WAKEFIELD—The U.S. Forest Service transitioned incident command of the Black River Fire to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Oct. 13, amid days of wildfires burning in or near the Ottawa …

Iron County mental health provider deficit triples state average

CRYSTAL FALLS — Residents of Iron County are diligent with their physical health, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. However, lack of access means many go without mental health …

Alpha Porter Gymnasium masonry rehabilitation project

ALPHA - Alpha Porter Gym, a non-profit organization, is receiving $100,000 to support rehabilitation and activation of the vacant 1914 Alpha Porter Gym, part of the Alpha Public Buildings Historic …

Aspirus Wisdom & Wellness returns

IRON RIVER. – Aspirus Iron River Hospital & Clinics is pleased to announce the return of its popular Wisdom & Wellness community education series with a special Breast Cancer Awareness …

Students learn sustainable forestry

IRON RIVER - More than 500 middle and high school students from Forest Park, West Iron and Iron Mountain school districts gathered at the Cooks Run forest in Iron River for an incredible, hands-on …
Community

Knights of Columbus host 51st Annual Tootsie Roll drive

Sir Knight Louie Willis (left) hands a Tootsie Roll to Family Foods Manager Alex Atanasoff during the Tootsie Roll drive.

IRON RIVER - The Iron River Knights of Columbus Council 2300 recently wrapped up its 51st Annual Tootsie Roll drive with great success. Held over three days during Columbus Day weekend, the …

Spooky stories, medicare help and fee amnesty at CF Library

CRYSTAL FALLS - The Crystal Falls District Community Library will be hosting editor Ted Van Alst Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. for a discussion of part two of Never Whistle at Night: Back for Blood. The …

Nordic Brass live at St. Mark’s

CRYSTAL FALLS - Music lovers are in for a treat this weekend. The Nordic Brass ensemble will perform a free concert Sunday, Oct. 18, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 809 …

Outdoors

Healthy soils, Stronger pastures

IRON RIVER - Michigan State University Extension hosted a pasture walk Oct. 7 at Jon Ahlberg’s farm. The pasture walk focused on management strategies to improve soil health. During drought, …

Northwoods Geology Club to meet

FLORENCE, Wis. - The Northwoods Geology Club will meet Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center. Park in the lower parking lot and enter the back door. This month’s …

Catch the Iron County Farmstand Trail

IRON COUNTY - Before local farm stands pack up for the winter season, Iron County is inviting the community to get out and enjoy the autumn harvest during the Iron County’s Farmstand Trail event …

Opinion

Why Your Vote Matters This November

Dear Reader, On November 3, Wisconsin voters will decide who represents them in Madison and Washington, and who sits on the school boards, county boards, and village councils that shape daily …

Sports
IRON RIVER - With the football team unable to continue its season due to a rash of injuries, the traditional Fall Homecoming game fell to the girls of West Iron. The home team volleyballers did not …
CRYSTAL FALLS - In one of the greatest enigmas of this volleyball season, the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), which had for several weeks ranked the Forest Park Lady Trojans 7th in …
IRON RIVER - The ladies tennis program at West Iron once again showed its competitive spirit, being recognized for myriad individual honors and finishing second in Division 2 in the Upper Peninsula. …
LAKE LINDEN - In one of the most entertaining football games this season, the Forest Park Trojans traveled to Lake Linden to take on the Lakes Oct. 10. When the hard fought contest was settled, the …
Coach Nate Fales and his seventh grade basketball girls from West Iron County won the Michigan Northern Wisconsin Junior High Championship Oct. 6. The team compiled an undefeated season with 12 wins …
West Iron’s Bristol Shamion (#7) tips the ball over the net as Forest Park blockers Evie Anderson (#12) and Aubrey Waara-Shamion (#24) stretch to defend during volleyball action.

Trojans top Wykons

IRON RIVER - The West Iron Wykons and Forest Park Trojans recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The teams schedule two matches, one at each school and through their common …
Obituaries
Norman Shamion
CASPER, Wyo. — Norman Shamion passed away Oct. 10, 2026 at the age of 95, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family whose lives were forever shaped by his love, gift of laughter and kindness to others. Services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Casper Thursday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at the C’mon Inn. In lieu of flowers please donate to Natrona County Meals on Wheels in memory of Norman Shamion.
Michelle Peterson
IRON RIVER — Michelle Jonette (McCarthy) Peterson, 42, of Iron River, passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. She was born Oct. 26, 1983, and attended West Iron County High School. A visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 – 11 a.m. at the U.P. River Church in Iron River. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor James Pellizzer and Pastor Ron Taylor to officiate. A luncheon and continued time of sharing will follow at the VFW Ottawa Post 3134. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Michelle Jonette Peterson online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
Daniel Hinch
MARQUETTE — Daniel Charles Hinch, 73, formerly of Iron River, passed away Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at his home in Marquette. Visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. CST at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Liebenow to officiate. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Daniel C. Hinch online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
John Roberts
IRON RIVER — John W. Roberts, 70, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Private family services were held. Condolences may be expressed to the family of John W. Roberts online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
Anthony McGeshick
IRON RIVER — Anthony G. McGeshick, 61, passed away Monday, Sept.  28, 2026, in Boyne City. A visitation was held Oct. 2 at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.  Funeral services followed with Minister Jill Albanys having officiated. Interment in Resthaven Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Anthony G. McGeshick online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
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10 best cities to rent rather than own a house in 2026
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6 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Bathroom
(Feature Impact) Conserving water, energy and resources is key to running an environmentally friendly household, and one of the best places to start is your bathroom. As one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, it's a small space that makes a big difference. Every flush, shower, twist of the tap and restock of restroom essentials is an opportunity to manage your ecological footprint.
Instacart's Halloween report: Reese's is No.1, regional candy quirks and the iconic banana costume
Instacart reports that Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the top Halloween candy in 40 states, with regional quirks like HI-CHEW in Montana.