11/11/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY - Due to a federal funding lapse, the Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency closed its free preschool program in Michigan, affecting 85 students and 30 Early Head Start families. This is the only one of nine impacted Michigan Head Start programs unable to secure alternative funds. Head Start programs, vital for low-income preschoolers, face significant risks, with Gogebic-Ontonagon being Michigan’s only confirmed closure since November 1, though others are at risk. Statewide, 48 Head Start programs serve nearly 30,000 children, with many facing grant expirations, creating widespread uncertainty. Over the weekend eight Democratic senators crossed the aisle and voted to extend government funding through January 2026 which will reopen the government ending the shutdown.  The legislation now heads to the House for approval as early as tomorrow then to President Trump for his signature.  No word on how soon after that funding will be restored to reopen Head Start Programs in Gogebic County.  The Government Shutdown is now in day 41 the longest in History.