5/19/2026

WAKEFIELD - A 41-year-old Wakefield man has been arrested for aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material. The investigation began when The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force says they learned that 41-year-old George Hilty may have accessed and shared illegal content online. Digital evidence was seized following a search of Hilty’s Wakefield Home.  Hilty was arraigned in the 98th District Court in Gogebic County Thursday and charged with three counts of child sexually abusive material - aggravated possession. 

5/19/2026

IRON COUNTY – The Iron County Sheriff’s office says the Medicare phone Scam seems to be increasing in Iron County.  The Sheriff’s office says they have received reports that residents have been receiving calls from spoofed numbers, that look local on caller ID but are not.  Then a caller who has a heavy foreign accent claims to be from your health system tells you that they are updating records and need your Medicare number and other personal information.  Do not give this information out over the phone, simply hang up on them.  You can call your health system at the number on your billing information to verify if they have called you.

5/19/2026

GOGEBIC COUNTY - The Ottawa National Forest started refurbishing infrastructure along the Black River corridor in Ironwood yesterday. Visitors to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area north of Bessemer should expect temporary closures while crews repair and replace viewing platforms, stairways, and trail structures. Officials say the upgrades will improve safety, accessibility, and protection of natural resources. Work at Sandstone Falls starts first, with later closures planned at Potawatomi Falls, Gorge Falls, and Rainbow Falls this summer. The project is part of the United States Forest Service's effort to modernize recreation facilities and reduce maintenance backlogs. For more information, go to fs.usda.gov.