One of the state’s signature crops is facing its second year of decline. Growers weighed whether the work of the small harvest would be worth it and experts are wondering what it means for the industry.
Rural Michigan
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Northern Michigan pushback to clean needle programs for drug users
Some officials in Kalkaska and Grand Traverse counties have denied funding for needle exchange programs, arguing they encourage drug use. Such fears have been refuted by decades of research showing exchanges reduce HIV and other health problems and encourage more people to seek treatment.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan rethinks target shooting in game areas amid hail of AR-15 fire
State game areas — hunting lands typically open to target shooting — have become increasingly popular with handgun and AR-15 enthusiasts. But the noise, trash and wayward bullets worry neighbors, hikers and others.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Halted vaccine was key to reaching hard-to-reach Michigan. Now what?
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine helped health workers reach rural and island residents, the homeless, agricultural workers and freighter crews — people more likely to need a single-dose vaccine. The vaccine’s halt Tuesday complicates the state’s path to herd immunity.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan tops U.S. in new COVID cases. Is it variants or just our turn?
Coronavirus cases in Michigan are increasing faster than in any other state, leaving many to wonder what’s driving the surge.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Small towns like Ishpeming put off water upgrades. The bill is now due.
Rural Michigan is trying to balance the urgent need for updated sewer and water infrastructure with the financial constraints faced by towns with aging and shrinking populations.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
One plane, one island and 50 vaccines, a year after COVID struck Michigan
The residents of Bois Blanc, in the Straits of Mackinac, were ready when a small, single-engine plane landed Tuesday with an island’s worth of doses.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Should Michigan hunt wolves, cranes, moose? Republican lawmakers think so.
State and federal parks and species managers said they don’t plan to act on a flurry of legislative resolutions calling for new hunting seasons targeting gray wolves, sandhill cranes and Isle Royale moose.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Recreational pot is nestling comfortably into small-town Michigan
Town managers say the businesses are poised to boost strained budgets. And school and law enforcement officials contend there is little evidence to date the marijuana economy is bringing more crime or drug abuse to main street.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Hugging stations: How some Michigan nursing homes fight despair amid COVID
Senior care facilities across much of Michigan can now resume indoor visits, yet few appear to be doing so. We highlight places applying DIY creativity to bring lonely residents face to face with those they love.