11/20/2025

GOGEBIC / ONTONAGON COUNTIES – The 2025 Firearm Deer Season in Michigan started Saturday.  Since yesterday morning there were only 6 deer harvested in Gogebic County for a total of 207 so far this season according to the DNR website just before sunrise this morning.  In Ontonagon County numbers show 51 antlered total deer harvested since yesterday morning for a total of 320.  The Michigan gun deer season runs until the end of the month; hunters are reminded to report deer kills to the DNR on their website or through the DNR app.  Wisconsin gun deer season starts on Saturday. 

11/20/2025

HOUGHTON - A hearing was held yesterday involving one of two suspects in a Houghton County murder two years ago.  Houghton County Circuit Court Judge Brittany Bulleit ruled on two defendant motions raised in Margaret Kempainen’s pre-trial hearing in September. The first motion was for the discovery of privileged information and the other, a motion to suppress statements. Both were denied by Judge Bulleit. Kempainen is charged with two counts of murder for the shooting death of her 87-year-old father-in-law Alvin Kempainen on Dec. 18, 2023. She was identified as a suspect for Alvin’s death alongside two others, her adult son Jacob Kempainen and a then-16-year-old whose name was withheld.  Kempainen’s defense attorney will most likely appeal the judge’s rulings. Margaret’s jury trial is scheduled for Jan. 26.

11/20/2025

ASHLAND - Family-owned TopSide Marinas has acquired Pikes Bay Marina on Lake Superior in Bayfield, expanding its presence into the upper Midwest’s sought-after boating region. The Daily Press reports Pikes Bay Marina accommodates over 200 boats and features heated indoor and outdoor storage, a service center, ship store, fuel dock, clubhouse, and floating docks. TopSide Marinas plans to invest by increasing capacity, adding technicians, acquiring better equipment, and offering winter service for snowmobiles and tractors. Former owner Kevin DeCook said the new owners understand the marina is a “community on the water” and praised their focus on service and stewardship.