3/31/2026

IRONWOOD - HOPE Animal Shelter in Ironwood Receives Grant from the Michigan Dept. Of Ag. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded $150,000 in Animal Welfare Fund grants to 24 registered Michigan animal shelters. State Veterinarian Nora Wineland noted that requests for funding continue, and encouraged taxpayers to support the program via the state tax return check-off box. Funded by Michiganders, Ironwood’s own Help Orphaned Pets Everywhere is one of the organizations to receive assistance. Over 85% of projects overall focus on expanding spay/neuter services, with other funds supporting vaccinations, rabbit spay/neuter, and microchip access for pet retention.

3/31/2026

N. WISCONSIN - After three thin years, Vilas and Oneida counties report a successful snowmobile season this winter due to adequate snow. Vilas County's parks and recreation supervisor, Todd Bierman, called their "almost a miracle season" great," crediting early, wet snow for the lasting base before a partial closure on March 26 due to bare ground. Oneida County's 86-day season was deemed "very average" by assistant forest director Eric Rady, noting the pre-Christmas opening was "huge" for tourism despite a thin base. Both counties reported few complaints, though Vilas County noted issues with children's behavior and ditch-banging. Vilas County had a safe season with no fatalities, while Oneida had one, and Iron County had two snowmobile-related fatalities.ilas County's parks and recreation supervisor, Todd Bierman, called their "almost a miracle season" great," crediting early, wet snow for the lasting base before a partial closure on March 26 due to bare ground. Oneida County's 86-day season was deemed "very average" by assistant forest director Eric Rady, noting the pre-Christmas opening was "huge" for tourism despite a thin base. Both counties reported few complaints, though Vilas County noted issues with children's behavior and ditch-banging. Vilas County had a safe season with no fatalities, while Oneida had one, and Iron County had two snowmobile-related fatalities.

3/31/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Advocates for Michigan public schools are urging state leaders to reject a proposed federal voucher-style program they say could divert money away from public education.

The Michigan Education Justice Coalition is asking Governor Gretchen Whitmer to not opt into the federal plan, which would provide tax credits for donations that support private school scholarships. The coalition says the proposal would benefit wealthier families while weakening public education funding. Coalition Director Rachelle Crow-Hercher says in polls, more than 60 percent of Michiganders have said they oppose vouchers.

                    0:10  "Public funds should not go to private schools. Private schools are allowed to pick their students. That means the students who have more needs, disabilities and things like that are not in those spaces."

Supporters of vouchers say they expand school choice, give families more control over their kids' education, and help those who couldn’t otherwise afford private school. The governor says she’s still reviewing the proposal and hasn't committed either way.