FLASH FLOOD WARNING

ASHLAND / BAYFIELD COUNTIES - Flash Flood Warning for...West Central Ashland County and Central Bayfield County along US-2 until 9:30am.  Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area.  Do not attempt to cross flooded roads in hilly terrain. Find an alternate route.

9/09/2025

IRONWOOD – Friday we first announced the decision by Aspirus to end OB/GYN services at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital Now Upper Peninsula legislators have expressed anger and frustration with the decision. Sen. Ed McBroom called it “outrageous,” citing a lack of notice and previous surprises, including the 2023 closure of its Ontonagon facility and the ending of OB/GYN services at a Keweenaw facility. He noted the U.P. is now left with only six places to have a baby. Rep. Greg Markkanen accused Aspirus of lying about the Ontonagon closure and betraying his district. Over $1 million secured to help Ironwood’s OB/GYN services after the Ontonagon closure was apparently never used, leaving residents facing long distances for care. Rep. Dave Prestin called it a “bitter pill,” blaming state neglect and the hospital’s failure to deliver on promises. Rep. Karl Bohnak vowed to find a solution to help the communities recover.

9/09/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY - At its last meeting the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners discussed retaining Ashley Dennis as full-time 4-H coordinator for the MSU Extension Office. District 1 Director Paul Putnam advocated for Dennis after learning the commission’s plans to return her to part-time, citing the increased number of volunteers and projects, as well as the impact of travel time on her hours. However, Commissioner Daniel Wood questioned the need for a full-time position, noting the program’s limited reach beyond Ironwood. Chairman Daniel Siirila and Commissioner James Lorenson requested more information on 4-H outreach. Lorenson also criticized the Extension office’s appointment-only policy and compared Gogebic County’s limited 4-H offerings, mainly livestock-focused, to Iron County’s broader programs. Commissioner Peter Matonich agreed that current activity reports don’t justify full-time status.