Events featured in our newsletter can also be found on the Events Calendar on the main page of our website.

A RESOLUTION THAT NEEDS YOUR VOICE & ONE THAT JUST PASSED

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL NEEDS YOUR VOICE

At our October meeting last fall, we unanimously passed a resolution in favor of conducting a feasibility study focused on the potential for converting an abandoned UP correctional facility into a state psychiatric hospital. The discussion at that meeting included review of a white paper, prepared by Policy & Resolutions Chair Katie LaCosse, on the need for such a hospital in the UP, and why the State should approve the study.

Access to adequate mental health care resources has long been identified as an under-met need in our area. Your voice can help make it possible for the UP to have the local mental health care it deserves. Click on the button below, scan the QR code in the image, or follow the link bit.ly/4maCoHL for suggested wording for your letter to your state representatives, along with contact information. THANK YOU!

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION (ALPR) SYSTEMS (FLOCK CAMERAS)

In the April monthly meeting last week a resolution opposing the implementation of Flock cameras was discussed and unanimously approved. Flock cameras, or automated license plate recognition cameras, have grown to a nationwide presence through under-the-radar sales to local police forces, ostensibly as a means to track criminals through the capture of photos of their license plates as they flee the scene of their crimes.

The presence of what has grown to be “a pervasive, 24/7 surveillance grid” raises a number of issues, as discussed in the resolution. By this resolution we call for a moratorium on such cameras in Houghton County. View a PDF of the full resolution here.

SPRING FLING LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY - GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

HONORING MIKE LAHTI

At this year’s Spring Fling we honor Mike Lahti, whose years of service to our community is an inspiration. One way you can honor Mike’s legacy is by giving back to your community through serving as a Precinct Delegate. We’ve some great news for anyone considering becoming a Precinct Delegate.

EASY FILING FOR PRECINCT DELEGATE

County Clerk Jennifer Kelly has confirmed that she will bring Precinct Delegate Affidavit of Identity forms to the Spring Fling. You can fill a form out right there. She’ll even notarize it for you personally at no charge! If you are unable to attend Spring Fling, you can bring the form to the Clerk’s Office in the Houghton County Building and ask for it to be notarized and submitted (also at no charge). You must complete the form by May 5. Thanks to Clerk Kelly for helping to make the first step in serving as Precinct Delegate much easier.

You can learn more about what it means to be a Precinct Delegate on our website.

BUY ADS OR DONATE AUCTION ITEMS

Would you like to place an ad or memorial in this year’s Spring Fling program? New for 2026 — In addition to the printed program distributed to Spring Fling attendees we will also share a link to an online version of the program in our newsletter. That's a lot of eyes on your message! Quarter page ads start at just $25, half page is $50, or choose a full page ad for $100. Your ad helps cover the cost of providing the printed programs.

Or maybe you have an item or service you can donate for our Silent Auction fundraiser? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to Events Committee Chair Nancy Verive at [email protected] to get the conversation started. THANK YOU!

SUMMER EVENTS SCHEDULE & CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

It might not seem like it right now, but summer really isn’t that far off! That means it’s time to start planning for our annual HCDP summertime events, and the full summer events calendar is now available. - click here to download a PDF to share!

Like everything we do, our summer events are staffed by volunteers, and we can always use more help! If youd like to help by marching in a parade or staffing a table at one of these events we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us a line at [email protected], or reach out directly to our Nancy Verive, our Events Committee Chair at [email protected].

MILLAGES AND BONDS ON MAY BALLOT

On Tuesday, May 5th, polls will open for in person voting. Across the county there are three millage proposals and a school bond proposal at issue. You can find information on the proposals at the County Clerk’s web page here - scroll to the bottom of the page for links to each proposal.

The millage proposal for the Copper Country Intermediate School District is for consideration by all voters in the District, which includes Houghton, Keweenaw and Baraga Counties. The proposal is for a renewal of the existing millage that supports the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?

With an election only a little over a month away, now is a good time to think about your voter status. Are you registered to vote? If you'd like to check your registration, or get information on absentee voting, or find out where your polling place is, or find out more about pretty much anything else to do with voting here in Michigan, then check out the handy one-stop resource at the Secretary of State's Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote.

MDP 2026 LEGACY DINNER & 2026 ENDORSEMENT CONVENTION

The Michigan Democratic Party’s 2026 Endorsement Convention takes place in less than two weeks on April 19th. Party members at the Convention will decide who the Democratic candidate will be for the offices of Secretary of State and Attorney General. Democratic endorsements of candidates for the State Supreme Court, State Board or Education, and major University Boards will also be decided. Learn more about attending the Endorsement Convention in the MDP’s Call to Convention.

This year’s MDP legacy dinner honors Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, with special guest Kentucky governor Andy Beshear. The dinner happens the evening before the Convention, on Saturday, April 18th at Huntington Place in Detroit. RSVP here.

KELLI VAN GINHOVEN CAMPAIGN HOLDS ITALIAN DINNER FUNDRAISER APRIL 11

MAY SPECIAL ELECTION CANDIDATE CHEDRICK GREENE NEEDS OUR SUPPORT

Chedrick Greene is a highly decorated U.S. Marine and Fire Captain with a 30 year career of putting citizens before self. Now, Chedrick is running for State Senate District 35 to make life more affordable and safe in mid-Michigan, and to protect our fundamental freedoms.

The Chedrick Greene campaign is going all out ahead of the May special election for the state Senate seat in the 35th District. This open seat that will decide majority control of the state Senate, and it will take an all-out effort to win. Chedrick needs all of us in this fight now.

SAY NO TO DATA CENTERS, SAY YES TO MICHIGAN PROTEST

This protest, organized by Michigan United, KATO and partners, will take place at Veterans Memorial Park in Houghton this Friday, April 10th starting at 6 PM. Say NO to data centers and demand passage of the Data Center Regulation Act (HB 5594–6).

MOVIE NIGHT / SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

From event organizers at Special Olympics Area 39:

Attend our family-friendly event to support Special Olympics athletes. Watch a movie based on a true story about a girl's journey to self-esteem through Special Olympics. Enjoy food and drinks for purchase and bid on amazing items in the silent auction; winners will be announced after the movie. All funds made through the silent auction will go towards our local athletes to offset the costs of uniforms, equipment, practice facilities, transportation to regional and state games and competitions, and registration fees.

RSVP by calling Michael or Naomi at 231-445-8412, emailing [email protected] or using at our Eventbrite page.

WED APR 08

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda can usually be found in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website ahead of the meeting.

A FULL LISTING OF ALL LOCAL CITY, VILLAGE AND TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENTS, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, AND (WHERE AVAILABLE) TIMING OF LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.