CHIPPEWA COUNTY

The Sault Ste. Marie police and fire departments were called to reports of a house fire at 7:37 a.m. on Tuesday at 3607 Shallows Beach Avenue.

A new scholarship at Lake Superior State University will offer financial assistance to students who contribute to the LGBTQ+ community at LSSU.

The Army Corps of Engineers will receive $479 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to modernize the Soo Locks.

The Michigan DNR has confirmed 10 cougar sightings in 2021, all in the Upper Peninsula, continuing an upward trend in sightings over the last few years.

The Michigan DNR has confirmed six cougar sightings in 2020, all in the Upper Peninsula. Since 2008, the DNR has confirmed 55 cougar sightings, with only one of those coming in the Lower Peninsula, in 2017. Though originally native to Michigan, cougars were driven from the states landscape due to several factors, including habitat loss, around the early 1900s. In 2019, at least 11 cougar sightings were confirmed in the state. There have been periodic reports of cougar sightings since that time from various locations in Michigan.

MARIE, Mich. (AP) – An Upper Peninsula man is accused of illegally killing wolves, eagles and other animals after a monthslong investigation. Kurt Duncan of Pickford is facing 125 wildlife misdemeanor charges in Chippewa County, the Department of Natural Resources said. Duncan, 56, is accused of killing 18 wolves over an 18-month period and killing three bald eagles. He faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for each wolf killed, along with other possible penalties, the state said. Charges against other people are expected, the DNR said.