Iron Mountain/Kingsford

elaborate stonework Dickinson County Courthouse, Iron Mountain, MI

It's hard to tell the two towns apart except for when the high school sports team play each other, but Iron Mountain and Kingsford have storied histories intertwined with the success of the Upper Peninsula. Kingsford Charcoal was founded there when Henry Ford and his relative E.G. Kingsford began selling the byproduct of the Model T plant. In addition, Iron Mountain is the birth place of the U.P.-wide Pine Mountain Music Festival. The Menominee River, which flows nearby, is home to what is considered the most challenging whitewater rafting in the Midwest.

UPside of Life: Remembrance and a dark week for Memorial Day

Sam Eggleston Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Here at U.P. Second Wave, we urge our readers to take the time and observe Memorial Day with safety and in solemn remembrance of those who have fallen for this country as members of the military. In addition, we will be observing our annual dark week and will be back with a new publication come June 6.

Things to Do in the U.P.: Grab a burger at the Thirsty Whale

Things to do in the U.P. Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Things to Do in the U.P. blogger Jesse Land introduces us all to one of the hidden gems of the western U.P. The Thirsty Whale in Norway is the kind of pub you'll keep going back to once you've discovered its charms, including a great burger.

UPside of Life: Happy birthday to us!

Sam Eggleston Wednesday, May 09, 2012

May 10, 2010--a day that will live in infamy around the UP Second Wave offices. That was the day the first publication went live and out into the world. It's been two years of great times, wonderful experiences and a slew of interesting stories since then and we're not planning on slowing down anytime soon.

From Where I Sit: The Civilizing of Indiana Jones

Deb Pascoe Wednesday, May 09, 2012

What do you need to know about award-winning writer and author Deb Pacoe's views on life? She's funny at times, solemn at others and ranges everywhere in between. Her writing is always straight from the heart. She's also U.P. Second Wave's newest ongoing columnist. Enjoy.

Craftworkers create their own new entrepreneurial class

Douglas Trattner Wednesday, May 02, 2012

There is no requirement for a time card or a boss to be part of the working world. Some folks, even here in the U.P., have made a name for themselves, and an income, by being a bit more crafty than the rest.

Michigan communities are dancing to a new beat

MSHDA Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Placemaking is important to the future of the community you live in, even though you may have never really heard of it until now. MSHDA and the Small Business Administration of Michigan are trying to change that.

A three-hour tour? Not if you're using public transportation

Tom Clynes Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A trek around Michigan without a car can be a difficult proposition, as the folks who embarked on the Michigan Transportation Odyssey found out. Our own Tom Clynes followed them along three days and over 350 miles. He reports from the road.

Malone's Lens: A sure sign that spring has sprung

Shawn Malone Wednesday, April 11, 2012

For some folks, seeing the first robin of the year is their sign that spring has finally arrived. For others, it may be that morel mushroom they come across. We here at UP Second Wave like to think that there is another sure sign that the season is upon us, as managing photographer Shawn Malone captured in this photo recently.

Complete Streets: Designing roadways for the benefit of all

K.G. Wassus Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Recently, the Michigan Environmental Council conducted a study with two focus groups. The results showed that state residents are more interested in seeing sidewalks and bike lanes--not just more roads. Amen to that, we say.

The Northern Lights: A slideshow by Shawn Malone

Shawn Malone Wednesday, March 21, 2012

We have the luxury of living in a place where nature's beauty showcases itself on a daily basis. Better yet, we have an amazing photographer in Shawn Malone who is capable of capturing it all. Check out her slideshow this week that captures the beauty of the northern lights.

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