World’s Largest Trapping Event in U.P. this weekend

The National Trappers Convention is at the U.P. State Fairgrounds, from July 27-29. The event will host trappers from all across North America, including those featured on various cable programming. The show is expected to host 8,000-10,000 people, or roughly the entire population of Alger County.

UPVFA Firefighters Tournament this weekend

The Upper Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Association is hosting the 128th Annual Firefighters Tournament in Negaunee this weekend. The event features numerous volunteer fire departments from across the region for parades, competitions and more. The event is open to the public for the dress parade on Friday night, races on Saturday and commercial parade on Sunday.

U.P. Regional Blood Center low

The UP Regional Blood Center (UPRBC) is experiencing a critical need for A positive, A negative and O negative blood types. The UPRBC has collection sites in Marquette, Hancock and Escanaba and is the primary supplier of blood products to 13 Upper Peninsula hospitals. This blood supply allows healthcare providers to treat patients with a wide variety of conditions. All blood donations stay in the Upper Peninsula; a single donation could save up to three lives.

Korean War soldier identified as U.P. man

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced on Wednesday, July 26, that the remains of Army Cpl. Gordon D. McCarthy, 20, of Palmer, killed during the Korean War, has been identified. His remains were turned over to the U.S. government in 2018 by the North Korean government and later identified through DNA testing.

Mackinac Bridge to no longer accept Canadian cash

The Mackinac Bridge Authority announced that the bridge tolls will no longer take Canadian currency as a form of payment, effective October 1, 2023. The decision was made after the decrease in Canadian currency at the toll booths and administrative challenges with exchange rates.

Michigan #1 in chip potato production

The state of Michigan has slid by Maine, Idaho and Washington as the number one state in the nation for supplying potatoes to chip manufacturers, according to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. While the state is ranked ninth for overall potato production, connections with Frito Lay and multiple regional companies means more local potatoes are going into bags of chips instead of fast food french fries or bags in grocery stores.