Features

Feature Story Courtesy of Northern Michigan University

Maine firm brings cybersecurity know-how to Marquette

A Maine-based cybersecurity firm has set up shop in the U.P., working with Northern Michigan University and its Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute to develop cybersecurity, computer science and risk management capabilities for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

Feature Story munisingwelcomesign

Munising: Ready for future investment

Munising, the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is among the latest Michigan communities to earn the state's Redevelopment Ready designation. Streamlining the development process and other city matters, Munising is poised for new investment.

Partner Content “Last year, we onboarded primary care providers at many of our hospitals across the state,” says Kalchik. “So, we would expect that in another few years, the Sault will be in the same situation.”

Despite nationwide provider shortage, MyMichigan Health remains committed to Sault community

Michigan is one of the five states experiencing the most critical staffing shortages among healthcare workers, including physicians. Despite the shortage, MyMichigan Health is showing it is committed to the Sault community in a variety of ways including: ensuring residents have access to the services they need to keep their care close to home, supporting providers who are already in the community, and recruiting new providers to the community.  

Feature Story spirithousead

Raising spirits: Couple opens distillery in former Menominee funeral home

An entrepreneurial couple has turned a former funeral home in Menominee into a distillery and tasting room, adding to the downtown's roster of new businesses. The aptly named Spirit House plays up its interesting past. 

Feature Story Recent graduates, from left to right, Theresa Higdon, Lysa Stockwell, Ashley Jarvi .

Childcare SPARK finds unique solutions to pressing issue

A collaborative effort of several organizations under the umbrella of the Lake Superior Community Partnership is addressing the childcare issue in the U.P. Childcare SPARK trains prospective home childcare providers and also encourages graduates to develop their own in-home businesses. 

Feature Story The campus of Northern Michigan University.

New NMU fellowship promotes economic development in the U.P.The goal is retain talent and help communities

A first-of-its-kind fellowship program in the state will provide Northern Michigan University students with hands-on experience in economic and community development in the Upper Peninsula, while also encouraging them to pursue careers in those fields and make the U.P. their home.

Feature Story Keweenaw Area Community Foundation board members and staff, sitting with PLDL director in the KCF sponsored meeting room, “Big Trailside Meeting Room.”

Fulfilling a community need on the Keweenaw

Responding to the demand for public meeting space, the Keweenaw Community Foundation has created free community-accessible meeting spaces at the Portage Lake District Library and at its own offices in Hancock.

Feature Story This vacant building will be redeveloped as Marquette's cultural center.

Creating a cultural hub in Marquette

Marquette has big plans for the future of culture in the city. A vacant building will be transformed into the city's cultural center, drawing more residents and visitors alike downtown. The site also will include a trailhead, connecting the local, state and national trails in the region. 

Feature Story A rendering of the redeveloped stretch of Ludington Street in downtown Escanaba.

'Longest small town downtown’ gets a faceliftOne of many development projects in Escanaba

With a state grant in hand, Escanaba is moving forward on the redevelopment of five blocks of Ludington Street. The project is one of many developments sprouting up in Escanaba.

Feature Story Pine Mountain has three ski lifts.

Pine Mountain expands, further connects to community

The new owner of Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort in Iron Mountain aims to build on the property's storied past and its ties to the community, while adding bike trails and improving amenities. 

Feature Story The Vault Hotel opened in Houghton in 2019.

Vault Marquette project set to begin construction

A $4.6 million state grant is helping the much-anticipated Vault Marquette project move forward with construction. The downtown redevelopment project will transform an historic bank building into a boutique hotel and add a much-needed downtown parking structure.

Feature Story The intuitive light system replaces outdated flags to show swim risk forecasting for swimmers, paddleboarders, and surfers. 

Rec-tech startups taking root in the U.P.

With millions of acres of forests and thousands of miles of trails -- not to mention many other outdoor assets -- the Upper Peninsula is an ideal locale for innovation in recreation technology. Entrepreneurs, startups and others are helping this industry bud and grow in the U.P.

Feature Story kinrosslodgeworkers

Temporary housing created for hundreds of Soo Locks workers

How do you house hundreds of workers coming to Sault Ste. Marie for a major expansion project at the Soo Locks? Chippewa County found a solution. A turn-key, mobile housing development outside of Sault Ste. Marie provides accommodations and other amenities for workers.

Feature Story A wild mushroom on the North Country Trail. Photo: Chuck Marshall

Myconaut: Voyagers in the uncharted world of Fungi

A pair of wild mushroom foragers have transformed their passion into a startup in Marquette. Myconaut not only provides tasty mushrooms to local eateries but also is working to develop technologies that use fungi for toxin remediation. 

Longform Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Home-based early childhood educators weigh in on PreK for All

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Partner Content Mobile Health Unit

Autism Alliance of Michigan trip to the U.P. shared training and health care opportunities

The Autism Alliance of Michigan team traveled to Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula to provide free trainings and health care services for people living with autism, their families, and the communities where they live. 

Feature Story brasswirecampgroundsign

Ishpeming campground pays homage to local historyBrasswire expected to attract mountain bikers

Ishpeming is home to a new rustic campground. Named after a once-famous ski jump, Brasswire Campground also taps into the local mountain biking phenomenon. Campground trails connect to others in the region and are expected to attract bikers on overnight trips. 

Feature Story Negaunee native Rachael Grossman is captivating diners with her Italian cuisine at Strega Nonna.

Buono! Strega Nonna's Italian fare enchants diners in Negaunee

With a love for snow and affection for her hometown, 34-year-old Rachael Grossman returned to her roots to open an Italian bar -- Strega Nonna. She's winning over foodies and visitors with her authentic cuisine and also creating a destination in Negaunee's downtown.

Feature Story The entrance to Lake State University in Sault Ste. Marie.

New space program lifts off at LSSU

The growing aerospace industry in the U.P. prompted Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie to add the Space Missions and Operations Certification program this fall. The one-year program will prepare students to obtain high-paying jobs and careers in U.P. space businesses.

Feature Story brickmortarexterior

Iron Mountain couple creates their own path

An entrepreneurial Iron Mountain couple has successfully created a pair of distinct businesses in the city's downtown. Their efforts have added vibrancy to the community and enabled them to pursue their own dreams.