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Q&A with Chris Chabot: Screenwriter explores legacy of Edmund Fitzgerald

by jchampagne | January 20, 2026 | Around the UP, News | 0 Comments

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the legendary freighter that went down in Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975. For nearly five decades, screenwriter Chris Chabot has been immersed in the story — a personal and creative...

Munising native leads team researching bald eagles

by jchampagne | January 17, 2026 | Around the UP, News, Outdoors | 0 Comments

Photo courtesy of William Bowerman Long road to recovery By Joshua Grove Beacon Correspondent Empty nests and vacant territories signal an uncertain road to recovery for Michigan’s bald eagle population. Four years ago, a highly pathogenic strain of avian flu spread...

Think spring? Midway General Store hosts seed swap

by jchampagne | January 13, 2026 | Community, News | 0 Comments

By Nicole Gearhart Beacon Correspondent Visitors to the Midway General Store in Wetmore have a chance to grab some little packets of spring thanks to a seed swap organized by Wetmore resident Daniela Schaefer. “I have a greenhouse at my house and a nice big garden as...

The First 100 Years of Eileen St. Amour

by jchampagne | January 10, 2026 | Local History, News | 0 Comments

Photo courtesy of Bill Savage. Editor’s note: In the Nov. 5 issue, The Beacon launched a series profiling some of Alger County’s centenarians. The series continues with Eileen St. Amour. By Jennifer Champagne Managing Editor For her 100th birthday, Eileen St. Amour’s...

Two friends, one barn, years of tradition

by jchampagne | December 25, 2025 | Community, News | 0 Comments

By Samantha Meyer Beacon Correspondent For more than two decades, Earth Mama Wreath Co. has turned materials from Alger County woods into holiday art. What began as a way for two friends, Mary Jo O’Halloran-Torongo and Julie Begovac, to make extra Christmas money grew...

Ackermans continue long family tradition

by jchampagne | December 24, 2025 | Community, News | 0 Comments

By Jennifer Champagne Managing Editor For Joe Ackerman of Alger County, Christmas lights are more than a seasonal display. They are the continuation of a family tradition that has been growing — literally and figuratively — for more than 16 years. Ackerman, a two-time...

Celebrating centenarians

by jchampagne | December 19, 2025 | Community, Local History, News | 0 Comments

Photo courtsey of Bill Savage By Jennifer Champagne Managing Editor ‘He doesn’t let anything stop him’ When 100-year-old Ed Gage was asked if he wanted a subscription to The Munising Beacon, he didn’t miss a beat. “Do I get it free for being a hundred?” he asked.How...

Calendar spotlights seniors

by jchampagne | December 16, 2025 | Community, Culture & Arts, News | 0 Comments

By Nicole Gearhart Beacon Correspondent The Alger County Commission on Aging has released the 2026 Exceptional Seniors Calendar, now available for purchase at Putvin Drug Store’s pharmacy counter or at the ACCOA office, located at 1604 Sand Point Road in Munising. ...

Bennett remembers time in U.S. Army Reserves

by jchampagne | December 13, 2025 | Community, Local History, News | 0 Comments

By Nicole Gearhart Beacon Correspondent Retired Colonel Normajean Bennett, 93, of Grand Marais says she is enjoying the peacefulness of being back in the Upper Peninsula after a busy life split between the U.S. Army Reserves and teaching college courses. “It’s so nice...

Breaking News: Side-by-side fire contained on Chestnut Street; resident heard explosion

by jchampagne | December 11, 2025 | Breaking News, News | 0 Comments

By Jennifer Champagne Managing Editor Munising Fire Department crews responded Wednesday evening to a report of a fire in the 200 block of Chestnut Street. Firefighters arrived to find a side-by-side on fire next to a garage. The vehicle was extinguished, and the...