Features

Feature Story A fundraiser for the "Big Annie" statue earlier this year at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock.

'Big Annie' to get her due -- supporters raise money to build a statue to honor the Calumet activist

Big Annie marched to improve wages and working conditions for the miners in Copper Country. Considered one of the notable activists in the nation's early labor movement, Anna Klobuchar Clemenc is about to get her due in Calumet. Plans are in the works to build a statue to honor her legacy.

Feature Story From left to right: Kari Visnaw, superintendent of St. Ignace Area Schools; Nichole Martin, Lasalle High School principal; K9 Team handler Jessica Myjak with Nova.

Nova, a Labrador retriever, is part of the safety team at St. Ignace Area Schools

There's a new face roaming the halls of St. Ignace Area Schools -- it's Nova, a 1-year-old Labrador retriever. Nova is a safety dog offering students emotional support and physical security, thanks to her ability to sniff out firearms and explosives.  

Feature Story chickentrampermodel

The story behind Chicken Tramper, the U.P. outdoor gear company with the unusual name

Preparing for a long hiking trip inspired a pair of college friends from Michigan Technological University to create lighter, more suitable gear. And that led to the creation of their own gear company in Hancock.   

Feature Story opensign

A helping hand for small businesses in the central U.P.

A $3.4 million state grant will help create a small business hub in the central U.P. The Lake Superior Community Partnership aims to provide more coordinated support to the entire small business community, existing and new.

Longform Photos of Indigenous family food traditions submitted to the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan.

Michigan's Indigenous children receive culturally sensitive nutrition education through new program

The 13 Moons Curriculum enriches the lives of children up to age 5 with an academic foundation focused on culturally relevant, healthy eating.

Feature Story innovationweeklogo

Pushing innovation in the U.P.

Innovation Week returns to Michigan Technological University next week, offering budding entrepreneurs and innovators solid advice to launch their businesses.

Feature Story tinyturtlesdaycare

Another daycare opens through Childcare SPARK

Another graduate of Childcare SPARK program has opened a daycare, demonstrating the success of the one-of-a-kind program and helping fill a gap in childcare in the community. 

Feature Story Dan Stoltman moved from Colorado to take the Norway city manager job.

Q & A with Norway's city manager

Norway's city manager -- Dan Stoltman -- talks about his hopes for the Dickinson County community's future and his transition from Colorado to the U.P.

Feature Story The Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

Former Finlandia cultural institutions preserved

Important Finnish American cultural institutions in Hancock have been preserved on the former campus of Finlandia University, thanks to the purchase by a national nonprofit organization. 

Feature Story Finlandia University is always looking to expand its educational offerings.

What's ahead for the former Finlandia campus?

Several months after the closing of Finlandia University, the only private university in the U.P., most of its buildings and properties have been sold, including the culturally important Finnish American Heritage Center. 

Feature Story saunalakesuperiorview

A Finnish sauna with a 'Superior' view

Does the U.P. need another sauna? That answer is yes. Superior Steam has opened along the shores of Lake Superior in Eagle Harbor, providing an authentic experience for visitors and locals alike.

Feature Story munisingwelcomesign

Big projects ahead in downtown Munising

Two-multimillion-dollar projects will bring much-needed housing and commercial development to Munising, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. 

Feature Story Snowboarders at Mont Ripley. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Dupuis

Michigan's oldest ski area plans improvements

Mont Ripley Ski Area, unique among Michigan alpine destinations, has launched a fund-raising campaign to expand its long-standing chalet and make other improvements.

Feature Story windrosetrailer

Menominee's Wind Rose North outfits outdoor enthusiasts

Family trips out West inspired a Menominee couple to open an outdoor equipment store more than two decades ago. Today, their son owns Wind Rose North Outfitters, successfully navigating an ever-changing economic river to provide quality gear and equipment to outdoor enthusiasts. 

Feature Story produce

Farm to School: Lessons in fresh, local food

A new project by the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development aims to bring fresh produce to school children in two intermediate school districts. Farm to School will also expand understanding of and access to fresh, local food through a variety of activities. 

Feature Story gladstone

Gladstone: A hub for outdoor innovation

What is about Gladstone that inspires outdoor innovators? Walleye fishing? Hunting? Wherever that inspiration comes from, this outdoor community in Delta County is home to a multitude of outdoor manufacturers, creating everything from knives to fishing lures. 

Feature Story Wild-Rice-Small

Copper Country initiative emphasizes fresh and local foods

On its reservation in the U.P.'s copper country, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is striving toward the goal of food sovereignty, strengthening the community's ablility to produce more of its own fresh and local food sources. 

Longform Christine Manninen

Working remotely -- and happily -- in the U.P.

This current era of remote work allows professionals across many industries to choose where they want to work. For many, that choice is to work from home. A few professionals share their stories and perspectives of national remote work while living in the U.P.

Feature Story Co-founders of KMI: Troy Morris, Austin Morris, and Adam Kall.

KMI advances space debris removal efforts

A mix of Department of Defense contracts and investments is bolstering Marquette-based Kall Morris Inc's innovative efforts to remove debris in space. KMI’s goal is #KeepingSpaceClearForAll

Partner Content nationalruralhealthday

Celebrate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 16

The Michigan Center for Rural Health encourages residents across the state to mark National Rural Health Day. The annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.