March 2023

Regional Michigan unemployment rates rise in January

Not seasonally adjusted jobless rates rose in all 17 Michigan labor market areas over the month, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. “Michigan’s regional labor markets experienced typical increases in unemployment rates in January,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director of the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.
Read MoreRegional Michigan unemployment rates rise in January

Briefs

County to buy new cruisers The Alger County Commission approved two new Dodge Durangos for the Alger County Sheriff’s Department at its Monday, March 20 meeting. The cruisers will be paid with $40,000 from the Sheriff’s budget and another approximately $90,000 from the capital improvements fund.
Read MoreBriefs

Citizens respond to gun resolutions

The Alger County Commission did not revisit two controversial resolution regarding Second Amendment rights, but local citizens were ready to continue discussion. At the county commission meeting on Monday, March 20, approximately 40 people attended — roughly three times the audience at a regular meeting.
Read MoreCitizens respond to gun resolutions

Munising heads to Spring Break early

The Munising Public Schools will head to Spring Break early, as a number of families are heading downstate to support the Mustangs. According to a post by Munising Superintendent Mike Travis, both Mather Elementary and the middle/ high school are already facing attendance issues even before plans drastically changed late Tuesday night.
Read MoreMunising heads to Spring Break early

DNR decreases bear tags

Michigan wildlife regulators have set the number of black bear hunting tags for the next two years, resulting in a decrease in available licenses. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission has voted to establish the number of kill tags for hunters participating in the annual bear hunt lottery. The state will sell several hundred fewer licenses than last year. However, wildlife officials expect the number of bears killed in the seasonal hunt to increase.
Read MoreDNR decreases bear tags

CURSED NO MORE

Munising player Kane Nebel and alumnus Chuck Nebel change a sign from “The curse will be broken” to “The curse is broken” in the celebrations after the regional championship in the Newberry High School gym. The Munising Mustangs are regional champions for the first time in 69 years after defeating the Mackinaw City Comets 60-32 in Newberry on Wednesday, March 15. The trophy was presented by Newberry Athletic Director Kenn Depew to Chuck Nebel, who was teammates with Depew’s father when their 1954 squad last won a MHSAA regional championship for Munising. Nebel then presented the trophy to his grandson Kane, who scored 17 points in the victory against the Comets, before the senior celebrated with the 2022-23 team. Read more about the historic victory on Page 7.
Read MoreCURSED NO MORE

14U wins Puck of the Irish

The Puck of the Irish Tournament is an annual tradition that’s spanned nearly three decades to date, and generations of hockey players. Current and former coaches and players describe it as a favorite weekend of the youth hockey season and a perfect way to wrap up the long, cold, hectic winter of hockey. Last weekend, the 26th Annual Puck of the Irish Tournament was held in Bay City.
Read More14U wins Puck of the Irish

Thank You

Diane Hoover’s family would like to thank all who supported us around the time of her passing, in all ways, big and small. Thank you to those who visited, sent food, cards, flowers; to those who came to her services and comforted us with your presence and memories of her. Your thoughts and prayers, donations and smiles, hugs and calls were proof that we have all witnessed a life welllived. We want to publicly acknowledge the Bowerman Funeral Home for their warmth and professionalism, the Moose Lodge for their hospitality, the Carberry sisters for enabling us to provide delicious food to all that attended Diane’s celebration of life and Pastor Jim for his “field of flowers” eulogy. The generosity and kindness shown to our family by our community will not be forgotten.
Read MoreThank You