10/06/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY - Despite losing $50 million in state funding for infrastructure, InvestUP and Western U.P. leaders remain committed to the Copperwood Mine project. Senator Ed McBroom noted growing support due to environmental safeguards and economic benefits. Local officials, including Wakefield Township supervisor Mandy Lake and Rep. Prestin, expressed disappointment but affirmed the project’s long-term benefits and the region’s resilience. The fully permitted project, supported by 21 government units and numerous local officials, meets Michigan’s strict environmental standards. Highland Copper CEO Barry O’Shea, though disappointed, cited a $250 million federal backing letter of interest and reaffirmed the company’s dedication to the project for its economic potential and responsible mining. Those opposed to the proposed mine say the project will cause irreparable damage to the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior. 

10/06/2025

IRONWOOD - Drivers could see a slightly higher price of gas this week. The state average is up 6 cents from a week ago.  Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.09 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas, according to AAA- The Auto Club Group. That price is still 13 cents lower than this time last month and 27 cents lower than this time last year.  Despite the latest increase in price, Michigan still sits lower than the national average, which is $3.13 per gallon.  In Upper Michigan, Dickinson County has the lowest rate at $2.80 per gallon. Mackinac County still has the highest average at $3.34.  Ironwood prices at $2.83 per gallon this morning.

10/06/2025

ARBOR VITAE - Arbor Vitae ambulance service managers discuss rising EMS costs, following an August 28 meeting where Vilas County board members discussed aid for towns like Eagle River. Triggered by increased costs in Lac du Flambeau and Arbor Vitae which are served by Oneida County, both meetings included James Small of the UW School of Medicine and Sherri Congleton of Vilas County emergency management. Small, leading Monday’s “working group,” stressed reliable, sustainable, and well-funded rural EMS. He suggested a countywide EMS levy, a practice in 14 other Wisconsin counties. Congleton called the working group a “productive first step” with valuable feedback and said that although the process to solving the problem will take some work she said the meetings were a strong start.