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.

1/06/2026

MARQUETTE COUNTY – One man is in jail and more than 28 dogs are in a Marquette area animal shelter after a standoff in Marquette County over the weekend.  On Saturday around 8:50 PM, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police responded to a Marquette County residence for an animal-on-animal bite complaint.  A neighbor of Kyle Beauchemin reported that his donkey was attacked by one of Beauchemin’s dog.  The Sheriff’s Office deputy and MSP trooper were unable to make contact with Beauchemin and cleared the scene only to be called back an hour later to a call of a domestic/hostage situation.  It was reported that Beauchemin was in the residence with four children, his girlfriend, and an estimated 28 pit bull mix dogs which lead to a standoff situation for another 13 hours until just before 11am the next morning when   Beauchemin was taken into custody.  The girlfriend and children were uninjured.  Beauchemin was lodged in the Marquette County Jail.  He was arraigned this afternoon in the 96th District Court charged with Unlawful Imprisonment, on a $500,000 bond and Domestic Violence, on 10% of 500,000 bond. 

1/06/2026

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield City Council unanimously passed a short-term rental ordinance. The ordinance mandates residential-zone rentals, limits parking/occupancy, requires tiered licensing fees (owner-occupied vs. not), initial/periodic safety inspections, and a 24/7 maintenance contact available within 60 minutes.