1/07/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Voting rights supporters warn that a newly finalized rule from the U-S Postal Service could increase missed deadlines for mail-in ballots and other time-sensitive documents in Michigan, especially in rural communities.

 Under the change, postmarks are now applied when mail reaches a regional processing center, not when it’s dropped off locally. The policy stems from cost-cutting reforms launched in 2021, and affects mail pickup at thousands of post offices nationwide. Michael Chameides with the Rural Democracy Initiative explains why rural communities could be hit hardest.

                    0:15  "This change is going to impact about 70% of ZIP codes. People in rural communities are going to be hit twice – our mail is going to take longer to get there, then the documents that need a postmark are going to show the wrong date, and this is going to lead to a whole lot of people having their votes discounted."

The U-S-P-S says it is not changing how postmarks are applied but instead clarifying long-standing practices. It adds that customers who want a postmark matching the day they drop off mail can request a manual postmark at a local post office.

1/07/2026

IRONWOOD – A break today but more freezing rain and freezing fog expected to affect our area starting tomorrow as a weak low-pressure system pushes into the region.  The system will bring a dusting up to an inch of snow along with the potential of freezing rain to northwest Wisconsin Thursday night and early Friday. Roads may become slippery for Friday morning.  Then there is a chance for more accumulating snow on Saturday

1/07/2026

BOULDER HUNCTION - Mahjong after hours at the Boulder Junction library has become a thing. There are even tournaments held around the region at four different libraries. Director Kate Frisk has put together various beginner-friendly, no-registration pop-up type events—like Mahjong, a craft share, a jam session, and a new Winter Wellness meditation class—all aimed at social engagement. Frisk encourages patrons to share interests, noting that a single interest is likely shared by many. Mahjong was suggested by library patrons. Check your local branch website for upcoming events. Mahjong is a tile-based game that has been around for hundreds of hears and has just started to gain popularity in the US.