1/23/2026

GOGEBIC COUNTY - The Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team says an Ontonagon County man has been arrested on drug charges in Eastern Gogebic County.  UPSET says 50-year-old Justin Diem, transported large amounts of crystal meth to the area from Florida.  Detectives working with the Michigan State Police found the suspect vehicle traveling through Gogebic County and did a traffic stop near Watersmeet. Detectives say Diem was arrested after he became combative during the stop.  According to UPSET, troopers found a .45 caliber handgun, around 11 ounces of crystal meth and evidence of drug distribution. Police say the drugs had a street value of around $11,000.  Diem was lodged in the Gogebic County Jail on charges relating to resisting and obstructing police, felony firearms possession and possession with intent to distribute crystal meth.

1/23/2026

HURLEY - The Hurley City Council fielded resident complaints about repeated issues with an AirBNB 1st Ave in Hurley.  The Ironwood Globe reports complaints of trespassing, late-night noise, dogs fouling lawns, tree damage, and the removal of “No Trespassing” signs. They also cited consistent alley parking that impedes snow removal. Mass noted the property is not being used as the Hueckman Auction office as initially stated, with the AirBNB permit application being submitted two years ago, but as of now, the location is not listed on the Auction company’s website. Law enforcement warned the owner about the alley parking, and Councilman Jamey Francis indicated the Licensing Committee would consider revoking the AirBNB license after three violations.

1/23/2026

BAYFIELD COUNTY - A Bayfield County man convicted of his 12th drunk driving offense received the state’s maximum sentence on Wednesday.  77-year-old James Knuuttila Sr., of Iron River, was sentenced to 15 years in prison with a chance for supervised release after 10 years.  Knuuttila rolled his car in September 2024 when he was more than 10 times his own personal legal limit to drive, which the court had previously set at 0.02.  The Bayfield County District Attorney said that as a repeat offender to this degree, he poses a serious danger to the public, which was the reason behind the maximum sentence being imposed.