Community
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Expands Veteran Care with New Specialists and Improved Access
The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is expanding access to healthcare for Veterans by hiring new specialists, including its first gynecologist and gastroenterologist, and implementing gap and surrogate providers to reduce wait times.
Read MoreShrinking Population: Why It Matters
Michael Broadway explores the implications of population decline in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, using Cairo, Illinois as a case study to highlight the economic and social challenges faced by communities with shrinking populations–particularly the impact on local businesses, schools, housing values, and government pensions.
Read MoreBig Pinwheels in the Sky
According to survey data, a significant majority of UP officials oppose large-scale wind projects within their own jurisdictions. Check out this second article in the “CLOSE UP on the UP” project, a collaboration between CLOSUP, U-M’s UP Scholars Program, and Rural Insights.
Read MoreLocal Government Officials’ Assessments of Community Poverty in the Upper Peninsula
In her recent article, UofM Research Assistant Mia Brodeur explores the issue of poverty in the Upper Peninsula and how local government leaders perceive and address this challenge. This is the first in a series from the “CLOSE UP on the UP” project, a collaboration between the UofM Ford School of Public Policy’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP), UofM’s UP Scholars Program, and Rural Insights.
Read MoreFarming? Yes!
Dr. Russell Magnaghi’s latest article explores the rich history of farming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, highlighting its significance from Native American agriculture to modern-day farming practices, and celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Michigan State University Research and Extension Center at Chatham.
Read MoreAddressing Rural Challenges: A Conversation with Scott Erbisch
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, seasoned public administrator Scott Erbisch joins David Haynes to discuss the unique challenges faced by rural areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Read MoreSolar Energy at the Former Groveland Mine Site: A Conversation with Lois Ellis & Elise Matz
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Lois Ellis, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, and Elise Matz, Vice President of Circle Power Renewables, to discuss the transformative solar energy project at the former Groveland Mine site in Dickinson County.
Read More‘UPVETS Served’ Program Provides Recreational Events and Connection to UP Veterans and Their Families
Learn about the UPVETS Served program created by SAIL and how it benefits local veterans and their families.
Read MoreGoing Northbound: Filmmakers Investing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Iron Mountain natives Seth and Nathan Anderson developed the web series Northbound in their hometown with producer Jason Hagen, adapting from their original film concept due to Michigan’s film incentives and digital industry shifts. The series, which premiered in 2015, has highlighted local talent and production, contributing to efforts like the Multimedia Jobs Act to boost Michigan’s creative economy.
Read MoreVajda: Community Resilience, Generational Transitions, and the Future of Charitable Endeavors in Marquette
In his latest piece for Rural Insights, Bill Vajda highlights Marquette’s challenges in transitioning community responsibilities to younger generations, emphasizing the need for balanced charity and civic engagement in a changing economic landscape.
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