Surviving the Snow of the Decade, New Big Bay Environmental Center, Access to Higher Education, UP Gas Prices, Millages, & NCAA Playoff Representation

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– INFORMED BREVITY –

Surviving the Snow of the Decade

Here is hoping and praying that everyone is surviving and sheltered. Have been reading lots of updates on the storm around the Upper Peninsula. Let us know what has happened in your neck of the woods.

Be safe!! Send pictures.

New Environmental Center in Big Bay

Big Bay’s Thunder Bay Inn is partnering with Northern Michigan University to create an Environmental and Outdoor Education Center on the hotel property. The Thunder Bay Inn constructed a building next to the hotel to house this program.

The owners of the hotel, Mark and Sue Bevins, want to “expand access to outdoor recreation and educate people about the local culture and history.” Mark and Sue have invested a lot of time and money to bring this effort to life and Northern Michigan University is contributing the efforts and staff at the university’s Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management program.

A big shout out to the Bevins family and to NMU!

Michigan Students and Access to Higher Education

State government is trying to increase the number of people seeking a post-secondary education degree to 60% by 2030.  Currently 47.5% of Michigan adults have a college degree (2 or 4 years) or a certificate. In 2019 that number was 44.8% (Michigan College Access Network).

Michigan has a Michigan Achievement Scholarship. It provides free tuition for an in district community college for qualifying Michigan high school graduates and adults 25 and older.

Prices of Gasoline in the Upper Peninsula

A recent report sent to us had gas at $3.39 a gallon in Marquette. That is about a week old news. What is it in your community for a gallon of regular gas and for high test gas? Send us the numbers and we will let our readers know.

Regional School Districts Millages

Credit: Marquette Area Public Schools

This is a look at one region of the Upper Peninsula. More to come about rates around the Upper Peninsula.

Upper Peninsula Represented at NCAA Playoffs

Yup, it’s true. Connor Sports, which is based in the Upper Peninsula, makes the basketball courts used during the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments. Connor Sports manufacturing facility is in Crystal Falls in Iron County.

No basketball courts, no basketball. Without the Upper Peninsula, no NCAA tournaments.

Quotes

“In the world of politics, you got to be a better listener than you are a talker.”  Willie Brown.

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”  Vince Lombardi.

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David Haynes

David Haynes has served as a professor of public administration and public policy. He previously has served as President of Northern Michigan University. David has been involved in the public administration and political science field for over 45 years.

1 Comment

  1. Eric J Defenderfer on March 17, 2026 at 7:21 am

    Seems odd we are still talking about more college. Trades is where the jobs and money are.

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