As the Fourth of July holiday draws near, residents across the Upper Peninsula and visitors to the region are eagerly awaiting all the festivities that accompany it.American's observance of independence Day is perhaps the biggest celebration in the country, with parades, festivals, picnics and ...

People in the transportation industry, including Michigan Department of Transportation officials, have been telling us for years the state's bridge system is, in many respects, in exceedingly poor condition.Mining Journal readers heard it again Monday in a front page story titled, "Bridge to ...

A recent state audit showed that Michigan improperly spent $160 million over three years caring for Medicaid recipients needing in-home services primarily because it failed to obtain invoices and other required documentation from service providers.That's $160 million that could have been spent ...

As the costs of last winter's deep freeze damages continue to rise to near $20 million, we hope federal and state officials will continue to keep a keen eye cast on the severe impact the last historic winter had on this region.Areas of the Upper Peninsula hit by problems caused by the cold ...

In its June 8 editorial, The Mining Journal encouraged both sides in the Marquette teacher negotiations "to keep an open mind and realize they have similar goals, which are a strong and viable school district." Marquette teachers could not agree more.As employees, parents, taxpayers, and ...

Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. is the federally mandated protection and advocacy agency charged with providing advocacy services to people with disabilities in Michigan. MPAS is disappointed to learn that the Marquette Public Schools is spending tax dollars to build a ...

Every state allows juveniles to be tried as adults for some criminal offenses, this in spite research that suggests that it does little to deter crime or reduce recidivism. Michigan goes a step further and prosecutes all offenders 17 and older as adults. It's a counterproductive practice that ...

Mud runs are becoming more and more popular all over the country. There are all sorts of events that are spreading like wildfire: The Spartan Run; Tough Mudder; Color Blast runs and many others.Marquette will get a taste of the dirt, not literally we hope, today with the Marquette Mountain Mud ...

Many of us might not be awake at the moment summer arrives: 6:51 a.m. EDT Saturday.But we encourage everyone to be aware of the season's arrival because before we are ready, it will be the first day of autumn.Summer in the Upper Peninsula is an amazing time of year. Bright fragrant flowers, ...

Upper Peninsula residents waited longer than usual for the lingering winter of 2013-14 to dissipate and summer-like weather to arrive, but it's finally here.Along with summer, which officially begins Saturday, comes all the things we expect, including picnics, camping, swimming and road ...

Eric Smith, director of broadcasting and audio visual services at Northern Michigan University, is being saluted this summer as one of five Michigan Association of Broadcasters summer award honorees. He will receive the 2014 Professional Pioneer Award, which will be presented in August on ...

Northern Michigan University released its fee schedule for the 2014-15 - fall and winter semesters - school year.NMU has increased tuition by 3.2 percent, meaning resident undergraduates with full-time class loads - 12 credits or more - will pay $9,385 per year in tuition. Tuition is up $291 ...

With the recent closing of the Carmike Royal Cinema 10, area residents can get their popcorn and big screen fix at the new Marquette Cinemas in Marquette Township.That said, we were more than a little surprised to see the Royal 10 shut its doors so quickly following the opening of the newest ...

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh approved selling an option to purchase 120 acres located in the Gwinn Management Unit to GlidePath Power, LLC of Elmhurst, Illinois for $10,000, with a sale price for the land of $171,600 if the option is completed.GlidePath has ...

Lansing, take a bow.The state Senate (recently) approved a package of bills crucial to resolving Detroit's historic bankruptcy, protecting the collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts and shoring up the pensions of city retirees.Approved by the state House nearly two weeks ago, the bills are ...

Marquette County will soon say goodbye to what we believe - and we suspect a great many other people would agree - was an outstanding public servant.Marquette County Clerk Peter Dishnow is set to retire early next month, with his chief deputy clerk, Linda Talsma, already named to fill out the ...

The forecast for Saturday is temperatures in the 60s and little chance of rain. And that makes it a perfect day to take part in Pictured Rocks-Yoopers Ride Free Day in Munising.For the third straight year, Pictured Rocks Cruises will offer its Yoopers Ride Free event as part of Pictured Rocks ...

There are many ways to enjoy the natural wonders of the area, and just about as many modes of transportation to reach those outdoor offerings.Perhaps the most enjoyable - as well as healthiest - way to reach the forests, lakeshores, overlooks, streams and other features that attract residents ...

Veterans' centers have been the subject of a lot of negative press lately, with delayed care for vets a serious problem nationwide. Unfortunately, a recently released federal audit showed Michigan's five medical centers wait three to four weeks on average before getting an appointment.The ...

Now that schools all over the Upper Peninsula are either out for summer, or about to be out for summer, what in the world are parents going to do in order to keep their younger kids occupied?While we think it's important to allow children to enjoy their summer - nothing's wrong with a little ...