Man on a mission: Teaching kids to fish for life

Jan 27, 2026 | Features

By Carol Stiffler Germfask resident Joe Smith is a man on a mission. He wants kids to learn how to fish. Period. He comes by it naturally. Smith got his first fly fishing rod when he was 10 years old, and he fished with his father and grandfather. He caught a 12-inch...

Stas Venglevski brings accordion music to Curtis

Jan 17, 2026 | Features

By Carol Stiffler Last week, 18 accordion players arrived to Curtis for a week-long rehearsal and recording event under the direction of world-renowned accordionist Stas Venglevski. Venglevski had already been to Curtis a handful of times, performing at the Erickson...

‘Meteorological bomb’ shocks, awes U.P

Dec 31, 2025 | Features

By Sterling McGinn Luce County, like the entire Upper Peninsula, was hit with a historic winter snowstorm beginning on Sunday, December 28 lasting through the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 30. Weather alerts began more than a day in advance, but the storm...

Lifestyle choices, not just technology, impact US life expectancy

Dec 26, 2025 | Features

By Michael G. Beaulieu, MD Medical Director LMASDHD I was recently asked why, with all of the technology present today, is life expectancy going down instead of up. Well, the good news is that life expectancy is not decreasing—it’s actually increasing. Life expectancy...

Newberry Christmas under the lights cold but enjoyable

Dec 23, 2025 | Features

By Sterling McGinn Despite frigid temperatures on Saturday, Newberry’s Christmas Under the Lights event was a big success with a large number of adults and children bundled up but enjoying the holiday spirit. Newberry’s annual Christmas celebration, now organized by a...

Columbus Township faces uncertain future as clerk resigns

Dec 14, 2025 | Features

By Sterling McGinn Columbus Township is again facing an uncertain future. A crucial member of the township team is stepping down on December 31. Clerk Jeff Anderson recently announced his resignation for health reasons and so far, there hasn’t been any serious...