News

MARQUETTE, MI--   The City of Marquette is offering residents a choice for their garbage and recycling pickup.

City Manager Mike Angeli says carts are now available as an option instead of green city bags. The standard cart package includes a 64-gallon garbage cart and 96-gallon recycling cart.

Angeli says residents can stay with the bag system, which will be about $14 a month on their utility bill, plus the cost of bags. He says the cart system could end up being less expensive for many residents.

ONTONAGON, MI--   An Ontonagon man is jailed for delivering meth.

Detectives from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team arrested the 43-year-old suspect Tuesday on a three-count warrant for delivery of methamphetamine.

Officials say the arrest is the result of a six-month investigation by UPSET, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, and Michigan State Police from the Wakefield Post.

The name of the suspect is not being released at this time.

LANSING, MI--   A bill sponsored by State Senator Tom Casperson would designate part of US-8 in Dickinson County as the Medio J. Bacco Memorial Highway. 

Bacco was a pioneer in concrete highway paving and road building in Michigan. Casperson says it’s about honoring a man who exemplified the hardworking spirit of the U.P.

Former Representative Ed McBroom testified in front of the Senate Transportation Committee last week. He said US-8 was not only Bacco’s first paving project—it was the first section of paved highway in the U.P.

SISTER BAY, WI (AP)--   Authorities have released the name of a woman who died when a car landed in the water at Sister Bay Marina last weekend. 

The Door County Sheriff's Office identifies the victim as 24-year-old Victoria Burger of Sobieski.

A 24-year-old woman from DePere, who also was in the car, survived.

Authorities were called Saturday night about a vehicle that was in the water near the boat launch.

The sheriff's office says the investigation remains open.

LANSING, MI (AP)--   A bill advancing in Michigan's Legislature would eliminate or lengthen the statute of limitations for filing charges in sexual assault cases. 

The legislation approved unanimously by the Senate Tuesday would allow a prosecution at any time for second-degree sexual conduct if the victim was younger than 16. In cases of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, the statute of limitations would rise to 20 years after the offense or the victim's 31st birthday, whichever is later.

That's 10 years longer than now.

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Legislation going to Gov. Rick Snyder would give an income tax break to an estimated 1,000 police and firefighters who are currently at least 65 and who retired before 2013. 

The bill approved unanimously by the Michigan Senate Tuesday would allow the retirees who were not part of Social Security in their government employment to deduct more of their pension income from being taxed. The measure would primarily affect retired Detroit police and firefighters along with state police retirees.

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation aiming to prevent police misconduct from being kept secret when officers leave for a job at another department.

The law signed Tuesday takes effect in 90 days. It will require law enforcement agencies to keep records about the circumstances surrounding any officer's employment separation. The officer will have to sign a waiver allowing a prospective employer to ask for the records, and the department will be unable to hire the officer unless it receives the documents.

IRONWOOD, MI--   Stormy Kromer is collaborating with Upper Peninsula Honor Flight for the second year in a row. 

The company is offering commemorative, limited-edition caps with proceeds benefiting the organization. UP Honor Flight is a non-profit organization that pays tribute to veterans by taking them on a tour of honor to their memorials in Washington, D.C.

Stormy Kromer President Gina Thorsen says it’s an honor to offer her company’s products in a way that also continues the tradition of supporting veterans.

MARQUETTE, MI--   The Marquette Chamber of Commerce is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Ampersand coworking space. 

Located in the Masonic Square, Ampersand will offer independent contractors and remote employees space, equipment, and the energy of working with others. The 5,200 square-foot office will have room for 50 people at one time.

Chamber Executive Director Jason Schneider says 19 have already signed up and 40 others have expressed interest. Construction will start this month and Ampersand is expected to open in January.

NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP, MI--   Two Negaunee Township residents have been arrested in a drug bust by the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team. 

A 23-year-old woman and 22-year-old man were taken into custody at a residence on Midway Drive Tuesday. They were arrested on one count of conspiracy to deliver ecstasy and three counts of delivery of ecstasy.

UPSET detectives started an investigation into the suspects in June, when they received information the two were selling illegal narcotics.