Here are the most important news stories from across Michigan's Upper Peninsula for the week of July 4 to July 11, 2025.
Across the Upper Peninsula
Economic Development: Twenty-two businesses across the Upper Peninsula were awarded a total of $661,366 in grants from the state's Going PRO Talent Fund to support employee training and development.
State Park Improvements: Thanks to federal funding, numerous improvement projects are underway or completed at state parks throughout the U.P., including Fayette Historic State Park.
Marquette
Congressional Race: Four candidates have officially announced they are running for Michigan's First Congressional District seat.
Tragedy at NMU: A Northern Michigan University student died in an accident. The university announced it will lower its flags to honor him.
Holiday Recap: The city saw a busy Fourth of July weekend with a parade, community festival, and a new laser light show on the Lower Harbor Ore Dock.
Sault Ste. Marie
Frog Fest: The 25th annual Frog Fest, a popular nature and science festival, is taking place this weekend in the nearby Les Cheneaux Islands.
Pow Wow: The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians held its 43rd Annual Baaweting Homecoming Pow Wow over the July 4th weekend, a major cultural event for the community.
Escanaba
Fireworks Postponed Again: The city's annual Fourth of July fireworks display, scheduled for Ludington Park, was postponed for a second time due to forecasts of bad weather.
Trapper's Convention: The U.P. State Fairgrounds is hosting the 63rd Annual Trapper's Convention/Outdoor Expo this Friday and Saturday, drawing vendors and outdoors enthusiasts to the area.
Menominee
Public Safety: The Menominee County Sheriff's Department reported an arrest of a 61-year-old man for domestic violence and resisting and obstructing officers.
Houghton
Storm Recovery: The City of Houghton is continuing its recovery efforts after a severe storm last month caused significant damage, washing out road shoulders and forcing closures. The City Council is actively working on repair plans.
Ammonia Leak at Dee Stadium: Dee Stadium was evacuated Monday afternoon following a leak in the ammonia system in the compressor room. The situation was secured by police and fire departments.
Public Safety Day: The 8th annual Keweenaw Public Safety Day is scheduled for this Saturday in nearby Mohawk, bringing together various emergency services for the community.
Iron Mountain & Kingsford
Independence Day Celebrations: The two cities successfully hosted their joint Independence Day parade on the morning of July 4th, followed by a community fireworks display at dusk from Millie Hill.
New County Prosecutor: The position for Dickinson County's prosecuting attorney has been filled.
Ishpeming
Honoring a Legacy: As part of its Fourth of July celebrations, the city inducted the 1995 Ishpeming High School Boys Basketball State Championship team into the Ishpeming Halls of Excellence, marking the 30th anniversary of their title.
Gladstone
Major Fishing Tournament: The city will host a qualifying event for the prestigious Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit, a major event expected to draw anglers from around the region.
Parade Grand Marshals: The grand marshals for the city's Fourth of July parade were honored for their long-standing contributions to the community.
Ironwood
Festival Ironwood: The city is preparing for Festival Ironwood, a major annual celebration, which is set to kick off next week with a wide range of activities at the Historic Ironwood Depot Park.
Local Government News: In nearby Wakefield, the City Council approved a modified budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. In Bessemer, the council established a new timeline for construction on residential lots on Tilden Road.
Share this post