Copper Country Today

Horst Schmidt and Ginny Hemmer stop by to help you figure out how to responsibly get rid of your extra Christmas waste. From the tree to packaging, there is an option for all of it.

Houghton High School senior Maria Velat talks about coping with transverse myelitis, and learning to still compete athletically with the help of a wheelchair. She is working with Athletic Director John Sanregret to petition the MHSAA to allow adaptive athletes to take part in track and field, among other sports. 

Learn more about the Elaine Bacon Literacy Project, which helps families of foreign students and faculty improve their English. Beth Flynn and Denise Heikinen discuss the joys of cultural exchange, the longlasting bonds formed, and some of the more humorous aspects of the experience.

Learn more about the project here.

Houghton County Commissioners Tom Tikkanen and Glenn Anderson discuss the efforts of the Recreation Authority and what the news surrounding the Houghton-Douglass Falls will mean for one of the area's most prominent natural attractions. They also talk about the serious efforts underway to put a second span across the Portage Canal.

Hancock native Shannon Perkins talks about her experience as a survivor of a traumatic car crash, and the consequences she is seeing related to Michigan's auto insurance reform. The UP is losing facilities who specialize in treating those with neurological and other brain injuries.

State Senator Ed McBroom and State Representative Greg Markkanen discuss a range of issues from education and school safety to reciprocity agreements for the lumber industry operating between Michigan and Wisconsin.

Judy Evert from the Chassell Improvement Association stops by to talk Old-Fashioned Christmas happening this Friday and Saturday. Families will love the community tree lighting and a visit from Santa Claus. The next day there is lots of events at the Chassell Heritage Center, a home tour, breakfast with Chassell Schools, and a craft bazaar featuring over 80 vendors.

Founders Laurel and Melissa Maki discuss 31 Backpacks, an organization dedicated to ensuring nutritious meals for less fortunate students when they are not at school. There are volunteer opportunities for their weekly packs, providing food over each weekend, and for The Big Pack, designed to handle needs during the holiday break.

Sherry Middlemis-Brown discusses the Winter Coat Drive and Angel Tree program, both happening now at the Copper Country Angel Mission based in Calumet.

Youthwork UP is known for its summer projects, but this year they will have a crew going throughout the winter in the Calumet area. Crew Leader Kevin Weir discusses.