Support groups, web series production, construction progress, and more
Front Page, week of Aug. 14, 2021
Relying on One Another
People needing support, either in their own struggle with mental illness or with helping a loved one, turn to the Mental Health Support Group of the Keweenaw Area
Part three in my mental health support series has been a long time coming, but I’m hoping the series will move along a little more regularly from here on out.
Also, I think it was worth the wait.
Is television production 'Northbound'?
For those tired of the Hollywood scene, one web series has been filmed in the Upper Peninsula for years and has pushed through the pandemic to continue production

I spoke with Seth Anderson and Jason Hagen, two of the creators of The Northstar Saga, about the web series they’ve been producing in the Upper Peninsula, and how they’ve weathered the pandemic.
Wind turbine plans, election audits, and insurrectionists on stage
And a photo of my cat
This is The Inside Scoop, the only paid portion of Late Edition. It’s written in a more editorial/opinion style than the rest of Late Edition and includes tidbits of information I’m unable to build into full stories (and a photo of one of my cats).
I give away the majority of my work in hopes that people who see its value and appreciate my effort will voluntarily support me by subscribing to this paid weekly column.
For those of you who already support me, THANK YOU!
Sharon Avenue reopens, PLLB work continues to snarl traffic, councilor comments on social media posts
Houghton City Council, Aug. 11, 2021
Sharon Avenue reopening is a relief, I’m sure we can all agree.
Most of the social media comments were from Councilor Mike Needham, though some others did chime in, too. Whether or not you’re interested in the topic the comments were on (parking deck demolition), seeing the dysfunctional dynamic between self-government and social media is pretty interesting. I think people have a tendency to think that if they post things publicly, the right people will see them, however, that seldom happens.
Really a microcosm of our national situation, I think.
Annexation initialized, permit application expense increased, and election audit effort introduced
Houghton County Board, Aug. 10, 2021
I can’t say the Houghton County Board was particularly interesting this week, but they did approve the purchase of an excavator for the transfer station, pass a resolution requesting the city annex a piece of property, raise fees with the building department, and move forward with establishing the county’s Enduring Gift Fund.
Boat tours are officially open and booking
This is a “rerun” from last week, but with a little update (below the video).
I got an email from Dominic saying that he’s officially open as of today! If you’re looking for a new tour experience, check out his website.
Other News (aggregated, not sponsored)
//Click on the headlines to read the full story.
4 of 5 WUPHD counties now classified as ‘substantial’ or ‘high transmission’ for COVID-19
By WUPHD, Upper Michigan Source
The health department is advising the public to increase coronavirus measures, like masking indoors and avoiding large gatherings.
Census: Big population drops in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
By Corey Williams, Associated Press
“Figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau showed some of Michigan’s largest percentage population losses were in the state’s Upper Peninsula, while three of the state’s four most populous counties gained people.”
Man rescued after spending 4 days on Lake Superior along Keweenaw Peninsula
By Jesse Wiederhold, Upper Michigan Source
Quite the survival story here, I’m hoping to be able to do a follow-up of my own, but we’ll have to see how interested in talking the survivor is.
Tanker spill insurance claims sought
By Lisa Bowers, ABC10
People can now file claims against the insurance of the truck that overturned on Santori’s curve in June. If you were impacted, make sure you take a look!
Flooding, power outages hit Michigan as storms rake Midwest
By The Associated Press
Downstate has been getting hit pretty hard this summer, while here it’s been uncharacteristically dry.