The Issues
Recent Articles
Air travel in Rural America met with more challenges than ever
Sawyer International Airport Manager Duane DuRay illustrates the current landscape of airports in the rural U.P., and the challenges faced by the airports, airlines, and communities.
Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors: July 27, 2020
The UP’s first Marriott hotel, dark store tax reductions, who is Leon Black, and a veteran historical marker goes missing. Read more in this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors.
Dickinson area sees economic growth in multiple sectors
Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Alliance Lois Ellis provides an update on the economic growth being seen in the Iron Mountain Micropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses the area in and around Iron Mountain, Kingsford, and Norway.
Study finds lack of veteran representation among U.P. university leadership
A recent study by Dr. David Haynes and Jesse Sherman looked at veteran representation among the President and Board of Trustee positions at the three public universities in the Upper Peninsula. This is important issue as Governor Gretchen Whitmer has just recently begun considering university board appointees.
Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors: July 20, 2020
Upper Peninsula county is a new National Bellwether County, propane in the UP and Line 5, out-of-state license plates in the UP, and a proposed veteran tribute in the UP. Read more in this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors.
How land banks are transforming rural communities
Marquette County’s Finance Manager Anne Giroux writes about how land banks are proving to be a powerful tool for locally-driven development–transforming communities and improving neighborhoods.
All is not well: UP newspapers endure in era of COVID, cutbacks and social media
Despite immense challenges and an ever-changing landscape, newspapers in the Upper Peninsula have continued to survive. However, the future of print media in the region remains unclear.
Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors: July 13, 2020
Manufacturing and job growth in Dickinson County, new UP veteran service, crowded beaches in Marquette, and parents worry about kids’ return to school. Read more in this week’s Whispers, Noise & Rumors.
CRC: COVID-19 Will Lower State Revenue Sharing Dollars to Local Governments
Jill Roof of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan and Miranda Vetter at the University of Michigan share important insight on COVID-19’s impact on state revenue sharing to local governments.
Rural County Budgeting During a Pandemic
Marquette County Administrator Scott Erbisch provides an update on the County’s fiscal situation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
