4/15/2026

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP - The Bessemer Township Fire Department, sharing on social media that they were awarded a 50/50 grant through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Fire Assistance Program.  Following the award, department members voted to utilize the funding toward enhancing their wildland firefighting capabilities. As a result, the department selected new wildland turnout gear to better equip firefighters for brush and wildland fire responses. A total of 12 members were professionally fitted for new gear and have selected Lakeland Fire and Safety dual-certified wildland turnout gear. This gear meets both wildland and USAR environments, improving safety, comfort, and operational effectiveness in the field. The Bessemer Township Fire Department also says this investment represents their continued commitment to firefighter safety and to providing the highest level of service to the Bessemer Township community.

4/15/2026

ONTONAGON COUNTY – Be Aware the Agate Falls Trestle Bridge and viewing lookout is closed for repairs until November 1, 2026. The bridge is located on the DNR Multi-use SB Route (Sidnaw to Bergland) All ORV traffic will use a detour route on MI-TRALE's CW Route (Calderwood Rd.) to the LL Route.  We have a map on our Facebook page showing the reroute. 

4/15/2026

MINOCQUA - Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad pleading guilty to a minor disorderly conduct charge in Oneida County, stemming from an incident last June, in which he yelled profanities and displayed a lewd depiction of Lakeland Times owner Gregg Walker outside his business. The original charges—harassment, bail jumping, and disorderly conduct—were dropped to a disorderly conduct conviction. Bangstad accepted the plea deal, telling Judge Martha Milanowski he pleaded guilty despite viewing his actions as "political speech". The court ordered Bangstad to pay a $1,083 fine. Bangstad is also currently suing the Oneida County Planning and Development Committee over a denied permit.