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Habitat improvement available under DNR initiative

If you’re an avid hunter looking to improve the habitat on your property, there is help available. The application period for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative competitive grant program is now open. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources initiative is a cooperative grant program designed to enhance deer habitat on private lands in the U.P. “There are three primary goals applicants should strive to meet,” said Bill Scullon, DNR field operations manager and administrator for the grant initiative, in a news release. “The projects ...

Don’t miss out on Earned Income Tax Credit

As the tax filing season begins, residents who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit are reminded that Michigan’s EITC was boosted in 2023. Public Act 4 of 2023 expanded the Michigan EITC from 6% of the federal EITC to 30%. This credit expansion is retroactive to the 2022 tax year. Even if you do not owe tax, both the Michigan EITC and the federal EITC could lead to a tax refund. The maximum Michigan EITC is 30% of the federal EITC maximum — which is adjusted yearly for inflation. For 2024, the Michigan maximum credit is $2,349, according to the Michigan Department of ...

Get pumped up for the UP200

Despite the last two years where the UP200 was canceled due to uncooperative weather, all indications are that the 2025 UP200 will be going ahead as scheduled. The UP200 and the two other associated dogsled races are scheduled to get underway Thursday Feb. 13 and will continue throughout the subsequent weekend. The UP200 itself and The Midnight Run will both be kicking off Feb. 13 with the Jack Pine 30 getting underway that Saturday. Starting all the way back in February of 1990, the UP200 has been a staple of the Marquette winter scene since its inception, regularly drawing ...

COVID-19’s long arm continues to touch kids

It appears that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have lingering effects to this day — namely, our youth. America’s children have continued to lose ground on reading skills in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and have made little improvement in math, according to the latest results of an exam known as the nation’s report card, The Associated Press reported. The findings are yet another setback for U.S. schools and reflect the myriad challenges that have upended education, from pandemic school closures to a youth mental health crisis and high rates of chronic absenteeism. The ...

Depression all too common in area

Ever have a downright terrible day? You’re concerned about financial problems at home, and your boss is pushing you to get that project done earlier than expected, then your car breaks down and you’ve got no way to take your kid to her basketball game. Sounds like a day that might make you feel pretty frustrated or helpless. But what if you felt frustrated, or helpless or anxious every day? It could be a sign of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention properly notes that depression is “more than just feeling down or having a bad day.” Instead, the CDC ...

Stay engaged with what’s happening in government

The election is over and Donald Trump was a week ago sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. That’s not the end. Democracy depends on an engaged and involved populace, and we urge every Michigander to stay involved. If you supported Trump, continue to hold him accountable for keeping the promises he made. If you like those promises, work to help him accomplish his goals by volunteering, writing to your congressional representatives, and continuing to vote. If you do not support Trump, get involved with causes that oppose him, volunteer for efforts to slow his ...