5/2/2025

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Josh Schoemann, the top elected official in a suburban Milwaukee county, has created a committee to run for Wisconsin governor in 2026. It makes him the first candidate from either major party to get into the race. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. Evers has repeatedly said he will announce his intentions after the state budget is passed and signed into law, which typically happens around early July. A spokesperson for Evers had no immediate comment. Schoemann filed to create a campaign committee on Wednesday. He is the Washington County executive and is unlikely to be the only Republican candidate in the election.

5/1/2025

IRONWOOD - Tuition rates were approved at the regular monthly meeting of the Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition for students living in Gogebic County will see an increase of $5 per credit hour to $149, out-of-district and Wisconsin reciprocity areas will increase by $8 per credit hour to $213, and out-of-state residency will increase by $9 per credit hour to $244 along with international tuition rates increasing by $10 to $284 per credit hour.  The cost increase is due to the increasing costs of operating many of the programs the college offers. The Trustees approved an increase of on campus housing from $1,900 to $2,000 for a double room. Also be aware that with the 2025 Commencement Ceremony fast approaching, the college has closed the LSCC facilities (including the gym, walking track, and weight room) as of today through Monday, May 12th in preparation for the event. The College says the facilities will reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:30am.

5/1/2025

GOGEBIC COUNTY - The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners, voted to reiterate support for the Copperwood Mine, which is currently in early stages of development by the Highland Copper Company. The vote came after a presentation by Tom Grotewohl, founder of Protect the Porkies, a volunteer group opposed to the mining project. Besides the disruption of the peace and quiet beauty of the area, Grotewohl pointed out that the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has the largest old-growth forest in Michigan, and that the risks that Highland Copper minimized as acceptable were bound to be problematic. After Grotewohl’s presentation and after public comments by at least a dozen people, the board voted unanimously to continue its support of the mine.