UPword Michigan

07/20/2025

Construction has begun on a new state-of-the-art building at the Marine Trades Institute, formerly the Great Lakes Boat Building School, that will house its Marine Technology School. Read more at

07/19/2025

“The funding from the Michigan Innovation Fund is recognition that rural regions like the Upper Peninsula have the sophistication and capability to be meaningful partners in innovation and entrepreneurship. This distinction is critical given growth follows a culture of innovation,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP. Learn more at

07/17/2025

Louisiana Pacific’s Newberry mill, which produces engineered wood products, marks 40 years of operation in the Luce County. The anniversary is being celebrated this week with community events, including public tours of the mill. Learn more at

07/17/2025

Downtown Gladstone is buzzing with energy, thanks to the opening of new businesses, building renovations, and other improvements. Read more below.

Downtown Gladstone is buzzing with energy, thanks to the opening of new businesses, building renovations, and other improvements.

07/16/2025

What if the first step toward educational success started before birth?

Michigan’s Rx Kids program is doing just that — offering no-strings-attached cash support to new parents from pregnancy through their baby’s first year.

From Flint to Kalamazoo to the Eastern U.P., this universal program is reshaping how communities support families — and how we define early education.

Read how it’s working, and what’s next ⬇️
🔗 bit.ly/RxKidsFinancialSupport

07/12/2025

The St. Ignace Saints are part of a four-team expansion that will create a new division in the league and provide a unique “big sports” entertainment to the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Read more at

07/11/2025

The Hancock Trails Club (HTC) is developing a new bike park and trailhead at the Hancock Recreation Area, aiming to enhance access to the region’s growing trail network. Read more at

07/11/2025

“Each overnight stay in the Keweenaw helps make this region better,” said Brad Barnett, who is executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “Tourism doesn’t just support businesses – it supports trail access, land stewardship, and spaces our communities use every day. This program infuses tourism dollars into our community which benefits locals and visitors alike.” To read more, visit

07/09/2025

The new Daniel J. Kobasic Memorial Welding Center brings back trades skills instruction in the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. The new state-of-the-art welding center is also expected to bolster the local economy. Learn more at

The new Daniel J. Kobasic Memorial Welding Center brings back trades skills instruction in the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. The new state-of-the-art welding center is also expected to bolster the local economy.

06/26/2025

“I am honored to join Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and lead an organization that is deeply dedicated to its patients and the community,” Mach said. “I look forward to collaborating with the hospital’s talented staff, stakeholders and community to drive innovation, improve accessibility, and further enhance the exceptional care provided to our patients.” Read more at

06/26/2025

The first graduates of Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine PA program are working across the state -- some in medically underserved communities or in rural areas like the U.P., where there is a health care provider shortage. Read more at

06/24/2025

The America 250MI Committee has awarded $50,000 to the Big Annie Statue Project in Calumet. The money will help build a statue to honor Anna “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenec, a prominent labor activist during the early 20th century.
Keweenaw Community Foundation
Learn more at

The America 250MI Committee has awarded $50,000 to the Big Annie Statue Project in Calumet. The money will help build a statue to honor Anna “Big Annie” Klobuchar Clemenec, a prominent labor activist during the early 20th century.