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Alpha, MI · Municipal
WLUC
Marquette Regional History Center hosts ‘Uncovering the Truths About the Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster’
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - The 100-year anniversary of Michigan’s largest mining disaster is less than two weeks away. On Wednesday night, more than 130 people attended a presentation about what a historian says really happened at the Barnes-Hecker mine. On November 3, 1926, 51 men died in the Barnes-Hecker mine when a deluge of mud and water flooded the shaft, trapping them underground. Only 10 bodies were recovered; 41 remain underground to this day.
WLUC
Norway City Council hears WPPI Energy contract extension proposal
NORWAY, Mich. — The main agenda item at Wednesday night’s Norway City Council meeting was a presentation on the benefits of extending a contract with WPPI Energy. The city of Norway is a member of WPPI Energy, which provides and generates wholesale electricity to its members. Norway is currently under contract with WPPI through 2055, but the ask is to extend the agreement through 2073.
wzmq19.com
Barnes-Hecker Memorial Site now open to the public
ELY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Barnes-Hecker Mining Disaster Memorial site is now open to the public, after holding an opening ceremony this weekend. Near the mine shaft, where previously a single honorary plaque used to sit for decades, now features a public learning and recreational space that will hold its story for generations. For board members Annie Tippett and Glenn Wing, who both lost relatives that day in 1926, the site more notably serves as a resting place.
broadcast-everywhere.net
City of Marquette – Halloween Trick Or Treat Schedule 2026
HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT SCHEDULE FOR THE CITY OF MARQUETTE. Halloween Trick-or-Treating in the city of Marquette is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026. The recommended hours to be observed for Trick-or-Treating are from 4:00 p.m. – 7 p.m. Motorist, please anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic during this time; be extra cautious when entering and exiting driveways. We recommend turning on headlights earlier in the day and driving slowly through neighborhoods.
WLUC
‘They’re smiling at us’: Ely Township reveals Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster Memorial Park
Nearly a century after the Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster on November 3, 1926, an Ely Township park now honors the memory of 51 men. The township and held a ribbon cutting for the new memorial park.
myupnow.com
Negaunee city manager, suspended treasurer dispute dominates council meeting
The ongoing clash between Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron and suspended Treasurer Brian Downing dominated Thursday's city council meeting. Downing, who was suspended over alleged performance issues, has accused Heffron of fraud. Council members debated the situation and criticized details being released to the media, though Heffron strongly denied leaking any information. The council also reviewed a 2025 budget audit and a third-party evaluation of the city manager.
My UP Now
Treasurer suspended for ‘performance’ accuses Negaunee city manager of ‘fraud’
NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WJMN/WBUP) — The city treasurer in Negaunee has been suspended for nearly two weeks due to “performance issues.” But, the treasurer says the real reason is because he tried to call out wrongdoing by the city manager. LATEST: Negaunee city manager gets performance review amid dispute with treasurer On Thursday, an article from the Mining Journal stated Negaunee Treasurer Brian Downing had been placed on unpaid leave and banned from city hall since Oct. 2, attributing the information to City Manager Nate Heffron. According to the article, Heffron said the suspension was due to a series of “job performance issues,” but did not explain further. My UP News reached out to Heffron for comment by phone and email, but received no response Thursday afternoon. My UP News also submitted a FOIA request, seeking: Any documents related to the suspension of Brian DowningAny communications/email between city staff and Brian Downing regarding improper conduct and/or performance issuesAny formal complaints received by the City pertaining to Nate Heffron or Brian Downing (during 2025 or 2026). Additionally, we asked that each bullet be considered a separate request, in the event that some documents can be produced sooner than others. Our request received
wnmufm.org
Make It In Michigan awards funding to Marquette, L'Anse projects
MARQUETTE AND L'ANSE, MI— Two Upper Peninsula projects will receive a portion of $23 million in state funding to advance aerospace technology and improve port infrastructure. The money comes from the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. It’s designed to give projects the matching dollars they need to secure...