2/23/2026

VILAS COUNTY - The Northwoods Children’s Museum in Eagle River, has formed a collaboration with Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) to operate a free, 24/7, “no questions asked” food and hygiene pantry. A new refrigerator allows for perishables. The museum’s pantry is the only 24/7 option among 12 FORK sites spanning three school districts. The pantries rely on community support, following a “take what you need, give what you can” model for unexpired food and monetary donations. Find out more at feedourruralkids.org.

2/23/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The UP Regional Blood Center (UPRBC) is facing a critical blood shortage of all types across the Upper Peninsula. The UPRBC, with collection sites in Marquette, Hancock, and Escanaba, is the primary supplier to UP hospitals. They also host community drives. All donations stay in the UP, enabling local patient treatment. A single, hour-long donation can save up to three lives. Help by scheduling an appointment or finding a drive, go to uphealthsystem.com for more information and to make an appointment.

2/23/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - The Michigan DNR now has data from the first year of a five-year study on moose in Upper Michigan.  One year ago, the DNR began collaring moose from the core moose population in the central and western Upper Peninsula.  This first year, they were able to collar 20 moose, with plans to collar more in the coming years. Now, data shows the moose population has declined to about 300, down from 426 in 2023.  But, the DNR said the numbers are down partly because the moose seem to be moving south and west.  The study is a partnership between the DNR, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Northern Michigan University. Grant money for the next few years of the study has been secured. In total, the DNR hopes to collar about 60 moose during the study.