Michigan has seen explosive growth in hydraulic fracturing, bringing a mix of high-paying jobs and environmental and health concerns to rural communities.
Jacob Wheeler
Jacob Wheeler lives in Leelanau County. He edits and publishes the Glen Arbor Sun and Betsie Current newspapers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Oil and gas is big business for Kalkaska County
Oil and gas field workers average $64,000 in Kalkaska County, a region where unemployment still tops 10 percent.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Fracking's Hollywood problem
One indelible image related to hydraulic fracturing – that of a homeowner setting his own water on fire – has dogged the fracking industry since the release of "Gasland," a documentary.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A divisive practice's pros and cons
Fracking’s economic benefits are weighed against the potential risks to Michigan’s environment and public health.
Posted inQuality of Life
Downhill run for Sugar Loaf: Property decays and owners dither
Since its closing in 2000, the iconic Leelanau ski resort has been a case study on how to turn a magnificent property into a rotting, unsellable eyesore.
Posted inQuality of Life
Community groups try, and fail, to reopen Sugar Loaf
Hearts are in the right place, but missteps dog efforts to sell the scenic resort.
Posted inQuality of Life
How to run a profitable ski resort? Think summer, too
A beautiful mountain is no longer enough to keep a ski resort in business in Michigan. Successful resorts include facilities and attractions to keep tourists coming year-round.
Posted inQuality of Life
Traverse City splits over festival fatigue
With its hip film festival, music and culinary scene, Traverse City is attracting the kind of young creative class that other cities would kill for. But as it basks in its moment, some locals cite ‘festival fatigue.’ How much is too much for Up North tourism? (photo by Joel Williams) On a cold night […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Michael Moore: Traverse City and the Next Cool Thing
Filmmaker Michael Moore is bullish on Traverse City’s festival boom. (courtesy photo) Bridge recently asked Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore, founder of the nonprofit Traverse City Film Festival, to talk about the city’s thriving arts scene, some local complaints of festival fatigue, and what the region needs next. Bridge Magazine: When you look around Traverse City […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Sleeping Bear goes from 'most beautiful' to 'most crowded'
The park’s designation by “Good Morning, America” as the most beautiful place in the nation led to tourist boom, with mixed results (photo by Andy McFarlane) The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was honored by Good Morning America as the “Most beautiful place in America” in the fall of 2011. The results for nearby […]
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