July 2024

Part 5: Community Perspectives and Future Outlook

Tourism and the service industry have emerged as significant economic drivers in Munising, leading to substantial growth, especially in the downtown area, according to Katherine Reynolds, the CEO of Greater Munising Bay Partnership/ Alger Co. Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director of Munising Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “Tourism has been what has led to most of the growth, if not the majority of the growth, in the downtown as far as businesses opening,” said Reynolds. “This growth has created numerous job opportunities, benefiting both young residents and newcomers who have relocated to the area.” She emphasized the community’s fortune in having natural resources that support tourism and economic activities. However, she acknowledged the challenge of balancing the needs of local residents with the demands of the tourism economy. “There’s always a balance that you want to have between living here and the tourism economy,” states Reynolds. She expressed the desire for businesses to remain open year-round, recognizing the difficulties posed by factors such as online shopping and big-box stores impacting traffic.
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Loonapalooza 2024: Celebrating Common Loons and Migratory Birds in Curtis, MI

Loonapalooza 2024, hosted by the Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge, takes place on August 9th at the Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis, MI. This event celebrates Common Loons and migratory birds with an afternoon symposium featuring expert lectures on bird research and conservation. The festivities continue with a celebration that includes a photo booth, loon calling contest, live and silent auctions, and local treats such as specially brewed beer, wine, spirits, and appetizers from Upper Crust Deli.
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Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park Named Best in the U.S. by Wall Street Journal

Isle Royale National Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been ranked the best national park in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal, surpassing parks like Denali, Yellowstone, and Big Bend. This secluded park, accessible only by ferry or seaplane, boasts over 165 miles of hiking trails and minimal crowd sizes, contributing to its top ranking. Isle Royale is noted for its wilderness, featuring moose, wolves, and over 400 small islands.
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Camp 911 drumming up interest in first responder career paths

Antonio Verrelli For nine Munising-area teens, school ended with the obvious bump to the next grade, followed by a three-day long camp experiencing the exciting lives of first responders. Earlier this June, Mathers Elementary hosted Camp 911, a state recognized youth camp with the aim to stoke interest in law enforcement, criminal justice, and first responder career paths.
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Rodger Clarence Swanson

Rodger Clarence Swanson, most recently of Munising, died on Friday, May 24, 2024, following a fall. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in Munising. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home. Rodger’s memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Munising at 2:00 p.m. bowermanfuneralhome.net
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HAPPY’S PLACE, continued

Bradway ownership and kept score for leagues by pen and paper. “I used to mark for leagues when they didn’t have automated scoring,” recalled Delisle. “These two gentlemen showed up out of the blue, heard I was having trouble with the system, and within an hour, they had it up and running. Their generosity and expertise were incredible. They even said they’d come back in a few weeks to tweak the system a little more. It’s just amazing how people are willing to step up and help.”
Read MoreHAPPY’S PLACE, continued