7/14/2026

BOULDER JUNCTION - Drivers entering Boulder Junction are once again being welcomed by a refreshed Marty the Musky. The iconic fiberglass landmark, symbolizing the community’s title as the Musky Capital of the World, was recently refreshed with a new paint job courtesy of Northwoods artist Natalie Watland. After years of fading from the elements, Watland gave Marty the look of a tiger musky with vibrant green, yellow, and red colors. The project took about three days to complete, and she expects the new paint to last at least 10 years.

7/14/2026

IRONWOOD - The Red Alert: Save Our Hospitals Tour travels to Ironwood this Saturday, from 11 am to 3 pm as part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about upcoming Medicaid changes. National Nurses United says the event will focus on new work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews set to begin in 2027. Nurses warn the changes could reduce access to care and increase pressure on emergency rooms, especially for mental health patients. Organizers say the family-friendly event will also offer free wellness checks, free food, live music, and kids' activities while educating the public about the changes. The event is being held at 123 W. McLeod Avenue in Ironwood. For more information, go to act.nnu.org.

7/14/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Legislation advancing in the Michigan Senate would provide universal free breakfast and lunch to all public-school students. Supporters say the program helps reduce food insecurity while saving families hundreds of dollars a year. Senator Dayna Polehanki, who sponsored the bill, says making the program permanent would give parents peace of mind, and it could save them between 800 and a thousand dollars in yearly expenses per child.

                    0:11  "Parents like it too because it's one less thing to have to concern yourself with. I think it's a big win for everybody, and it's why it's so wildly popular."

However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about making free school meals permanent, arguing the money could instead be directed toward other education priorities such as improving reading and math scores or increasing funding for classrooms. Polehanki contends the program would cost less than one percent of Michigan's school aid budget.