Technology and Innovation

Keep an eye on these outdoor rec startups

Jennifer Donovan | UPword StaffWednesday, April 24, 2024

Outdoor recreation is big business -- in Michigan and across the country. And advances in technology and good old ingenuity are changing the landscape of outdoor recreation. Check out these startups and see if you don't want to get back outdoors and explore nature.

Feature Story

The photographer's jeep parked at the top of the Cliff mine.

Sustainability

Starry, starry night: U.P.'s second annual Dark Sky Festival embraces the night skies

Joel Marotti | UPword StaffWednesday, April 24, 2024

The second annual Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival drew a significant number of people interested in celestial activities and bright stars. The festival is part of the growing astro tourism in Michigan and across the country.

Longform

Leaders from Mackinac Straits Health System and the public health departments implemented the assessment in the communities of Mackinac County.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Community health needs assessments drive priorities for local health departments and hospitals

Leslie CieplechowiczTuesday, April 23, 2024

To better serve their communities, many health departments and hospitals undertake community health needs assessments (CHNA) by surveying the people they serve.

Feature Story

Technology and Innovation

Road boss: Iron Mountain snowplow company continues to push through low-blizzard winters

Michelle MironWednesday, April 17, 2024

Iron Mountain manufacturer of snowplows and other snow removal equipment plods through the ever-changing conditions of winter with a constant on weather forecasts.

Feature Story

Kids and Education

The 906 Adventure Team program teaches life skills with mountain bikes and more

Ann DallmanWednesday, April 17, 2024

Marquette's 906 Adventure program helps teach children the skills they need for life -- on and off mountain bikes. The program’s focus is on developing and nurturing life skills and working together.

Longform

Dr. Theresa Hastert (right) helped develop the Michigan Community Outreach to Address Financial Toxicity (MI-COST). Ali Fakih (left) is a research assistant with MI-COST, and Cornelius Wilson (center) sits on its Community Advisory Board.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Here's how Michigan organizations are working to reduce cancer treatment's crushing financial burden

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, April 11, 2024

In Michigan, several efforts are underway to help cancer patients prepare for, manage, and alleviate the financial struggles associated with treatment.

Feature Story

NPLSF and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore staff and leadership gathered in October to test new equipment from Husqvarna’s Professional Battery Products line.

Sustainability

U.P.'s national parks push green initiatives

Rosemary ParkerWednesday, April 10, 2024

The U.P.'s three national parks along Lake Superior are part of broader effort to use greener energy sources to help reduce the effects of climate change.

Feature Story

The Polaris charging station at Hamilton's North Coast Adventures.

Technology and Innovation

It's electrifying: The U.P. is home to first of its kind electric off-road vehicle charging network

UPword StaffWednesday, April 10, 2024

The first electric off-road vehicle charging network is open in the western U.P. Polaris, Inc., a global leader in power sports, has installed four electric chargers along a network of trails. The initiative is part of Michigan's efforts to lead the country in outdoor recreation innovation, vehicle technology and sustainability.

Longform

Kimberly Singh (right), Michigan Oral Health Coalition board member and chief community and governmental affairs officer for My Community Dental Centers, chats with Dental Assistant Kortney Jones.

Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Oral health care is inaccessible to many Michiganders. This coalition is working to change that.

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, April 4, 2024

The Michigan Oral Health Coalition brings together a multitude of Michigan oral and general health partners to collaborate on improving oral health for all Michiganders, especially those who have barriers to access.

Feature Story

Economic Development

March Madness: NCAA tournament courts built in the U.P.

Rosemary Parker Wednesday, March 27, 2024

The real star of March Madness is not the winning college basketball team -- or an individual player -- but the custom-built center court. The floors are made out of maple by Connor Sports in Iron County and shipped to arenas, where the company's agile team pieces the court together.

Longform

Teacher helping child at NEST Child Care and Parent Institute in Detroit

Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

PreK For All Roadmap takes a holistic approach to rolling out PreK For All

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaWednesday, March 27, 2024

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has released the PreK for All Roadmap plan with recommendations on how the state can achieve universal pre-K for all 4-year-olds in Michigan.

Feature Story

Luis Benitez spoke about the future and importance of outdoor recreation at a recent Friends of Grand Rapids Parks event.

Arts and Culture

Outdoor industry thought leader Luis Benitez sees economic potential in rural Michigan

Shandra MartinezWednesday, March 27, 2024

Luis Benitez, author of “Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World,'' has some ideas on how rural communities across Michigan can find success beyond the tourism economy.

Feature Story

Technology and Innovation

Mapping a better future for broadband in Michigan

UPword StaffWednesday, March 27, 2024

State and nonprofit officials are encouraging local governments and residents across Michigan to review a map of internet coverage. The goal is to prioritize underserved areas and use federal dollars to expand and improve internet infrastructure.

Feature Story

Kids and Education

Bucking college enrollment trends in the U.P.

Jennifer DonovanWednesday, March 13, 2024

Two U.P. universities -- Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech -- are drawing more students, bucking a downward trend elsewhere in Michigan and across the country. What's drawing students? Preparation for well-paying jobs and the appeal of outdoor activities seem to be two of the most important attractions.

Feature Story

Grants are available to help U.P. farmers build hoop houses to extend the growing season.

Sustainability

Helping U.P. farmers extend the growing season

Rosemary Parker Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The U.P. Food Exchange has grants available to help farmers build hoop houses or similar structures to expand the growing season and offer fresh produce to residents in the Upper Peninsula.

Feature Story

Contrast Coffee has locations in Iron River, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Marquette and Negaunee.

Entrepreneurship

Brewing a difference in the U.P.

Brice BurgeWednesday, March 6, 2024

Contrast Coffee Co. began as a coffee wholesaler and a way for a trio to make a difference in the community. Success has brought retail locations in the central U.P. and a difference in its circle of business and the community.

Feature Story

Arts and Culture

Calling all creators: Superior Fab Lab hosts MakerFest 2024

Rosemary ParkerWednesday, March 6, 2024

MakerFest 2024 celebrates ingenuity while also educating and enabling creative people of all ages with access to tools, mentoring, and educational resources.

Feature Story

Courtesy of Lake Superior State University

Technology and Innovation

The robots are coming — no, they’re here

Jennifer Donovan Wednesday, February 28, 2024

High school students from all over Michigan return to Lake Superior State University next month for the annual robotics competition. The competition is designed to inspire interest in the field of robotics and to introduce students to the robotics degree opportunities at LSSU.

Partner Content

Healthy Communities

MyMichigan Medical Center Sault celebrates 100 years serving community

Gabrielle HaidererWednesday, February 28, 2024

MyMichigan Medical Center Sault is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Over the years, the hospital has grown to meet the needs of the community, evolving from a small hospital to a medical center capable of providing top-tier care.

Longform

Second Wave - MichiganBuilding Communities

Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Sarah SpohnTuesday, February 27, 2024

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.

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