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Show support for region’s county fairs by attending

Residents in the region can enjoy a full county fair experience to their heart’s content over the next couple weeks, both in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. This weekend has three such events, all within easy driving distance. Iron County’s 134th-annual fair — yes, since 1892 — kicks off Thursday in Iron River with a new carnival and petting zoo to go along with the usual livestock, exhibits and grandstand activities through Sunday. In Wisconsin, the 98th-annual Marinette County Fair starts Thursday in Wausaukee and the Florence County Fair opens Friday at the ...

Students warned against relying on energy drinks

While it’s still too early to pull all-nighters for studying, students heading back to classes at all levels may be tempted to seek an “energy drink” to manage the shift to early mornings, homework, athletics and busy afterschool schedules. But experts with Aspirus Health caution that energy drinks are not a safe or healthy way for children and teens to stay alert. Energy drinks often contain high levels of caffeine, added sugars and other stimulants that can affect sleep, mood, hydration and heart health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends adolescents avoid energy ...

States stress need for vaccines as children return to schools

As several area school districts start classes this week, there’s been some recent disquieting developments concerning childhood vaccinations. The Associated Press reported a week ago that U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates inched down again last year and the share of children with exemptions rose to an all-time high, according to federal data. The fraction of kids exempted from vaccine requirements reached 4.2%, up from 3.6% the year before. That’s an estimated 155,000 children nationally during the 2025-2026 school year, according to AP. It’s the fourth consecutive year ...