The trek northward brings money...and risk MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND--the official "start" to summer in Michigan, a time when thousands of southern Michiganders traditionally make the trek north to the Upper Peninsula. This year, there's all the more reason to do so. The COVID statistics tell the story. In the UP, we've ... Continue Reading
A Different Look for Downtown and Third Street This Summer
More dining and shopping in the fresh air PROBLEM: MARQUETTE'S DOWNTOWN businesses have been devastated this spring because of the economic shutdown. Further, even as the economy opens up, the stores and restaurants will face severe restrictions on the numbers of customers they can serve. And worse, many potential ... Continue Reading
Have We Dodged a Bullet?
The county's medical director offers comfort and caution SO NOW THAT we're starting to open the UP up for business again, where do we stand medically in Marquette County? Officially, we've recorded just over 50 confirmed cases and 10 deaths, although the actual numbers are likely higher. Still those statistics are ... Continue Reading
Post-Pandemic: What Will the Business Community Look Like Here?
NMU professors weigh in IT LOOKS INCREASINGLY likely that Governor Whitmer will start to open up at least parts of Michigan, including the U.P., within the next couple of weeks. The infection rate here remains low, deaths from COVID-19 have flattened out, and UPHS, at last report, didn't have a single COVID-19 ... Continue Reading
The Intoxicating and Punishing Power of Facebook
LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON in the Casa Calabria parking lot. The Mothers Day rush. "It was a nightmare," says Casa owner Jim Johnson. A nightmare because the Casa had only recently reopened only for take-out, and the orders on this special day at one of Marquette's favorite restaurants had arrived like a tsunami. Two ... Continue Reading