General

Barbara Bull, owner of Cherry Point Farm & Market, works along a strip of lavender plants on her farm.

Lavender farms on the rise across Michigan

Lavender farms are on the rise in Michigan, because of their suitable growing conditions, and a rise in agritourism across the state. There are few in the Upper Peninsula as well.   

Latest in General
MI Impact grant, Superior Watershed Partnership help with summer utility expenses

“Costs for everything keep increasing — food, fuel, utilities, you name it,” said Kasey Grieco, program manager. “But wages aren’t increasing at anywhere near the same rates, and families who have previously been able to get by are now finding themselves unable to stretch their paychecks far enough."

Island Resort & Casino expands to include more golf, venue options

“The new facility is designed to better accommodate larger events, including business conventions,” says Tony Mancilla, general manager for Island Resort & Casino. “By offering expanded meeting space conveniently located between Lower Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, we will meet the increased demand from regional groups."

An early education teacher with students.
NMU revises elementary education endorsements

“The schools that employ our graduates said it was critical that NMU offers both PK-3 and 3-6 together,” Joe Lubig, associate dean of Teacher Education, told the NMU Board of Trustees before securing approval.

Michigan DNR seeks volunteers for U.P. State Fair experiences

"Youth enjoy a fun experience, parents get to introduce their kids to potentially new activities, with the help of others, and the volunteers gain the satisfaction of knowing they are helping guide youth in recreation activities that may help shape their future interests," says Jo Ann Alexander, a volunteer organizer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Timberland Forestry adds 51,000 trees in Houghton County

“Our forests are critical habitats for wildlife, help filter water and moderate our climate. This project will help restore tree cover in areas that are vital to cold water trout that are threatened by warming waters,” said Mindy Kantola, forest partnerships project manager at The Nature Conservancy.

Star Line Ferry to Mackinac Island.
Hoffmann buys Mackinac Island Ferry Company

“Joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies heralds a new era for Mackinac Island Ferry Company,” Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company, said in a news release. 

Pedal trolley debuts in Houghton

“People are looking for things to do and people want to be outdoors and exercise, so this encourages both of those things,” said Jason Swain of Keweenaw Boat Tours -- the operator of the pedal trolley. “With (the trolley), it’s something different for everyone to do what they want to do.”

SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley (left) presents the Small Business Association of Michigan 2024 Advocate Award to Stormy Kromer CEO Gina Thorsen at the SBAM annual meeting on June 13 in Lansing.
Stormy Kromer CEO wins SBAM award

“Gina (Thorsen) has been and continues to be a strong advocate in the Upper Peninsula, recruiting more small businesses to get involved in efforts to make Michigan a great place to operate a small business,” said SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley.

The Bay College Iron Mountain Welding Lab has been relocated to 1900 North Stephenson Avenue.
Bay College creates new welding lab

“The new welding lab is in close proximity to the Bay College Iron Mountain Campus, which makes it very convenient for students to still access campus facilities and resources that are available to them,” said Cindy Gallagher, Bay College's vice president of Business, Technology, Allied Health, and Workforce.

Our Partners

Enbridge logo

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Upper Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.