10/27/2025

MERCER - The annual meeting of the Friends of the Mercer Senior Center is scheduled for this morning at 9 at the Senior Center. All current members and community members interested in joining the Friends are cordially invited to attend. The meeting will include a presentation of key achievements in 2025 by the board and discussion of upcoming initiatives for the new year. The meeting is expected to take around an hour. The Mercer Senior Center Friends operates as a volunteer-driven 501c 3 nonprofit organization committed to the benefit of the Senior Center by supporting expenditures exceeding the Senior Center’s operating budget. The Friends group meets on a monthly basis to review funding requisitions and strategize activities. For more information or membership inquiries, go to MercerSeniorCenter.com.

10/24/2025

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield Chamber of Commerce faces disbandment by year-end due to a severe volunteer shortage and aging leadership, despite high membership. Treasurer Dennis Ferson noted poor attendance and a lack of new officers after an October 17 meeting. President Loraine Mussatti, 68, suggests a broader Western Gogebic County Chamber, citing the Ironwood Chamber’s success with younger members. Ironwood’s executive director, Michael Meyer, is open to the idea but is concerned regarding funding challenges. Secretary Donna Ferson attributes the crisis to a widespread volunteer shortage. A final meeting on November 20 will address disbandment and fund management. Dennis Ferson stressed that continued operation requires active officers.

10/24/2025

ASHLAND - Tamarack Health is investing $14 million to expand its Ashland Medical Center by 28,000 square feet, adding 21 exam rooms and 10 provider offices. The Daily Press reports the expansion, solely funded by Tamarack, addresses a critical shortage of primary care providers and will more than double the clinic’s capacity by summer 2026. Hiring is underway, including a new family medicine physician specializing in obstetrics care. The project also supports other specialties and accommodates patients from the closed Aspirus Ironwood Hospital delivery unit. Since 2020, Tamarack has grown in the area, with locations in Ashland, Hayward, Cable, and Superior. Construction updates are available at Tamarackhealth.org.