The preliminary investigation indicates that as vehicle driven by a 66-year-old man was traveling southwest on US-41 when a 50-year-old woman entered the roadway on foot. The driver was unable to avoid her, and she was struck.

The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was medically evaluated on site and released.

Both individuals are from L’Anse. This crash remains under investigation.

Because efforts to pump the lift station’s wet well couldn’t keep up, the city discharged raw sewage to Lake Superior for several hours until a repair was made near Sherman Park.

The issue was resolved as of 5:10 p.m.

“Operation Safe Neighborhoods is reducing violence in our communities and helping every Michigander feel safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud of the partnership between state and local law enforcement to get more than 1,000 illegal firearms off of our streets. Our investments in public safety have helped drive violent crime down 11% over the last 5 years. Together, we’re protecting our communities, holding criminals accountable, and building a safer Michigan for all.”

Operation Safe Neighborhoods is a statewide crackdown on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of people who cannot legally possess a gun due to prior criminal history.

“We see real, tangible differences in our communities when we lock in and deploy initiatives like this with our partners at the Michigan Department of Corrections,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “Removing guns from individuals who cannot legally possess them means we are one step closer to ensuring they cannot be used to inflict violence against our neighbors and loved ones.”

“Removing over 1,000 illegally possessed guns from our communities is a testament to the dedication of our parole and probation agents and law enforcement partners across Michigan,” said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. “Every firearm recovered represents a potential act of violence prevented. Operation Safe Neighborhoods is making our communities safer for the families and people we serve.”

Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. This initiative builds on Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that she launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street, and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education, and the justice system.

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) parole and probation agents team up with local law enforcement across the state and conduct enhanced compliance checks on probationers and parolees who are legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

There are roughly 32,000 probationers and 8,600 parolees in the state, many of whom have been convicted previously of a gun crime. These individuals are supervised by more than 1,000 MDOC parole and probation agents. The plan the department devised and implemented focuses on high-risk individuals who have weapons possession in their criminal history that could be used to commit further crime.

Upon arrival, officers were directed down an embankment just south of the path and found the unresponsive male.  Resuscitation efforts were attempted by first responders, but the male was eventually pronounced deceased.  The investigation into this incident is ongoing by MPD.

Assisting with this incident was the Marquette City Fire Department and UPHS-Marquette EMS.

The Evergreen Award honors women and men who actively help women and girls reach their leadership potential while demonstrating excellence, creativity and initiative in their professional or volunteer pursuits and providing exceptional service to others in the community. Nominees must meet all three criteria.

“We all know people who quietly invest their time, experience and encouragement in helping others become stronger leaders,” said Holly Jackson, Chair of the Evergreen Award of Marquette County Committee. “The Evergreen Award is an opportunity to recognize those individuals and tell the story of the difference their mentorship and service have made in our community.”

Community members, colleagues, friends and organizations are encouraged to nominate individuals whose contributions deserve recognition. Strong nominations include specific examples of how the nominee has supported the advancement and leadership development of women and girls, along with information about their professional achievements, volunteer service, organizational involvement, mentoring and community-building efforts.

Nominators are encouraged to provide enough detail to fully represent their nominee’s accomplishments. The Evergreen Selection Committee considers the information provided in the nomination and cannot make assumptions about accomplishments that are not included in the submission.

Nominations must be submitted by September 15, 2026. Nomination forms are available at https://tinyurl.com/EvergreenMqt. Completed nominations can be submitted electronically to hollyjacks906@gmail.com or mailed to the Evergreen Award of Marquette County Committee, Attn: Holly Jackson, P.O. Box 752, Marquette, MI 49855.

The 2026 Evergreen Award recipient will be announced at the Evergreen Luncheon on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Marquette. The annual event brings together previous Evergreen Award recipients, area service organizations and community members to celebrate leadership, mentorship and service in Marquette County.

Those interested in filling the vacant seat should submit a letter of interest to Dr. Sara L. Croney, Superintendent, via US mail (50 West M-35, PO Box 447, Gwinn, MI 49841) or via email (sara.croney@gwinnschools.org).

The deadline for letters of interest will be 12:00 pm on Monday, August 17, 2026.  Candidate interviews will be held at the conclusion of the regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, August 17, 2026.

The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority said ongoing downtown infrastructure and construction delays have made it necessary to push the date back to ensure public safety and provide the best possible experience for shoppers and local businesses.

Also, the paving of Ludington Street from 9th to 16th streets is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 26, creating heavy equipment traffic in the heart of the shopping district during late August. It is expected to take six days to complete depending on weather conditions. Paving of Ludington Street from 6th to 9th streets is expected to be completed within the next week.

Every year, downtown merchants move their storefronts outdoors onto the sidewalks during the summer promotion, offering massive discounts, exclusive clearance items, and unique end-of-season deals. It was originally scheduled for July 24.

“While the construction delays are frustrating, moving the event to September 4 allows our streets to be clear and gives our downtown merchants the perfect opportunity to showcase their end-of-summer clearances and new fall inventory safely,” said Craig Woerpel, Escanaba DDA director.

Sidewalks in some sections of Ludington Street are still not complete and other sections damaged by vandalism and rain are being replaced. Completed paving will also make it easier to walk from sidewalk to the street at the corners.

“In the meantime, our businesses are open and need our support. With more of the sidewalks completed, it is easier to get to businesses in the construction area,” Woerpel said.

Updates regarding participating businesses and event activities will be shared on the Escanaba DDA website, escanabadowntown.com, and social media pages as the new date approaches.

The MDOS Driver Education Unit issued a summary suspension to Northern Michigan University Truck Driving School, located at 1401 Presque Isle Ave., on Wednesday, Aug. 5, after an initial investigation by MDOS found the provider failed to maintain records required by law, failed to maintain required student financial records, did not utilize required student written agreements prior to instruction, kept records somewhere other than its established office location, and allowed students to sign blank instructional documents that were later completed.

This is an ongoing investigation. No classroom or range instruction may be held during the suspension period.

MDOS inspects and investigates driver education providers and instructors to ensure compliance with DEPIA. Any consumers who have concerns regarding Northern Michigan University Truck Driving School or another driver education provider can file a complaint online at mi.gov/driveredcomplaint.

Students or families affected by the suspension may contact the MDOS Driver Education Unit at drivered@michigan.gov or 517-241-6850 for assistance.

The Menominee County Sheriff says the children were missing for an estimated 90 minutes before a searcher spotted them along a woodline.

Thank you to the Menominee City Police Department, Menominee County 911, and the concerned neighbors and passersby who assisted in the search.

We are grateful for a quick find and happy reunion with family members.

PHOTO: Menominee County Sheriff shows kids being taken out of the woods after being reported missing Saturday morning.

After a busy month of parades and community engagement, the committee seeking to bring a Christmas market to downtown Ishpeming is shifting its focus to fundraising.

The Ishpeming Kriskindlmarkt is inspired by traditional European holiday markets and similar events found in other Midwestern cities. It will be the first Christmas market of its kind in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Organizers are hoping to raise $100,000 for the inaugural market and are proud to announce they are halfway to their fundraising goal. Five Christmas market huts have been built, with four more funded.

Sponsorships are needed however to reach the Christmas market’s goal of 15-20 huts for the inaugural market. For a one time donation of $3,000, businesses and individuals can place their name on a hut for lifetime of the structure.

The public got a sneak peak at one of the Christmas market huts during this year’s Fourth of July parades in Ishpeming and Marquette, and during Negaunee’s Pioneer Days parade. One hut was on display in Downtown Ishpeming during the Thursday night concert and farmer’s market for the month of July.

Other sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. Additional information and updates can be found on the event’s website, www.ishkindlmarkt.com