5/27/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - Gas prices are held steady for the Memorial Day holiday as tens of millions of Americans hit the roads.  As of yesterday, the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded in the United States was $3.18, according to AAA, which is the lowest over a Memorial Day weekend since 2021.  Gas prices are also sharply lower compared with this time last year when the national average was roughly $3.59.  Gas prices in Michigan are up 3 cents from last week. Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded.  Prices are far lower than in 2022 when the average was $4.60. In the U.P the lowest gas prices are in Chippewa County at $3.00 the highest in Mackinac County at $3.37.  Ironwood prices at $3.23 a gallon as of this morning. 

5/27/2025

IRON COUNTY, MICHIGAN – The Iron County, Michigan Board of Supervisors voted to seek proposals to have 911 services handled by outside sources.The county has been having issues with staff shortages at central dispatch, with Iron County Central Dispatch Director Ashley Schmidt telling the board that there are currently four full time openings at the center and two have resigned within the past couple of weeks, leaving for jobs with better hours and pay. Schmidt also noted that even with the most recent wage increase, the pay is not enough to keep dispatchers, adding that Iron County has the lowest paid dispatchers in the U.P. There was some discussion about other options, but Civil Counsel Steven Tinti halted that, pointing out that the county has a union contract with the dispatchers and any other conversation could be misconstrued. Board Chairman Mark Stauber said he’d like to entertain all options, including putting out a request for proposals for an outside service to handle dispatch. Negaunee provides 911 Dispatch for Gogebic County and for much of the Central and Western U.P.

5/27/2025

UPPER MICHIGAN - The 2025 northern zone muskie season started this weekend and runs through Dec. 31. During the open season, anglers may target muskie on open waters within the northern muskellunge management zone. Before heading to the launch, anglers are encouraged to check the 2025-2026 hook and line fishing regulations for daily bag and size limits, and any special county regulations for the lakes they plan to fish. All regulations and license requirements apply. Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Go Wild system or from a license agent. Learn more about Wisconsin’s official state fish on the DNR’s muskie webpage at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/musky.