Author

Brice Burge

Brice Burge's Latest Articles

A skier hops on the urban rail jam at the 2022 Heikki Lunta festival in Negaunee.
U.P. ramping up for winter events

“Coming here during the wintertime is a reward unto itself,” Travel Marquette CEO Susan Estler said.

Marquette's Blackrocks Brewery made the list of the 25 best breweries in the country.
Marquette brewery gets national recognition

“There’s a ton of great beer coming out of the U.P., but the guys at Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette have been doing something special for a while now," says Justin Pollock, HopCat beverage manager.

Rabbit Island's artist residency program will be limited this year.
U.P. artist residencies seek potential talent

Prominent artist residency programs in the U.P., including one at Isle Royale National Park, are seeking applications. 

Land like this in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula will be conserved after a massive sale.
TNC completes land acquisition in Keweenaw

“Protecting the Keweenaw Heartlands is a global priority for The Nature Conservancy, and I am thrilled we finalized this purchase so everyone can enjoy and appreciate these iconic lands and waters forever,” said Helen Taylor, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan.

Snowmobiling is big business in the U.P. and the DNR is promoting rider safety with its Ride Right campaign.
DNR promotes Ride Right campaign

"It’s definitely snowmobile season in Alger County and the U.P.,” Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock said. “We have some of the best trails in the state up here and we have dedicated volunteers to make sure the trails are clear, but that doesn’t mean you can disregard safe riding.” 

An artist rendition of a new creative hub designed to find new ways to explore the outdoors. 
Marquette outdoor innovation hub gets more money — $3 million

“By aligning its natural resources and assets with this economic moment, Michigan has a chance to lead the nation and establish the U.P. and Michigan as the center of excellence in outdoor recreation and mobility innovation,” said developer David Ollila. 

Winter maintenance crews at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan work on chipping ice from the Poe Lock miter gate and using steam lines to melt the ice. This is needed so the gates can fully close.
Soo Locks heading into winter maintenance

"The 800-foot-long MacArthur Lock, built in 1943, is 79 years old; the maintenance period is critical to keeping the lock in operation during the shipping season,” said Nicholas (Nick) Pettit, maintenance branch chief.

NMU is among top social media schools

“I think it helps us recognize that what we’re doing is deemed effective,” said Derek Hall, NMU chief marketing officer. “Leading that many schools in these categories is impressive. We’ve been really thoughtful on how we tackle social media and it’s nice to be recognized for that.”

Major snowmobile trails in the western U.P. are connected again after rerouting around a private business.
Crucial snowmobile stretch reopens after new agreement

"This is great news for snowmobiling and the communities that rely on its economic lifeblood in the western Upper Peninsula,” said Ron Yesney, U.P. trails coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division.

Core Reynolds Anderson
U.P. post office renamed for trailblazing representative

“Cora Reynolds Anderson is such an important part of Michigan’s history. As the first woman elected to the Michigan House of Representatives – and the first Native American woman to serve in any state legislature – she paved the way for so many women, including me, to hold public office,” Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow said.   

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