An Interview with Joe Pera

There is a new show on Adult Swim titled, Joe Pera Talks With You. It came to my attention that the show is set in the Upper Peninsula. In the first episode, Joe Pera Shows Your Iron, Joe dutifully talks the viewers through the history of iron mining in the Upper Peninsula and shows the impact it has on the economy. There is a montage of Joe holding copper in one hand, iron in the other, in which he visits the black rocks at Presque Isle, the Superior Dome, the old ore dock, and downtown Marquette. You can even see the UPSCo. building in one shot before we opened its doors.

Every 2018 Winter Olympian with Michigan Connections

There are 2,920 athletes from 92 countries participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Of those, 242 athletes are representing the United States of America across fifteen sports. Thirteen of those athletes were either born in Michigan or went to university in Michigan. And of those, only one was born, raised, and lives in the Upper Peninsula of America.

We put a list together of every 2018 Olympian with a Michigan connection, many whom were born in Michigan.

The Michigan Ice Film and a Q&A with Aaron Peterson

UPDATE: You can now rent and download The Michigan Ice Film. If you like local folklore, adventure, winter, or simply live in Michigan, you need to check it out. Much respect to Aaron and his crew for putting this amazing film together during the coldest winters on record.


Let us introduce you to Aaron Peterson. Aaron is the driving force behind Cold & Clear Cinema. Last year his team brought us Cold Rolled (you can watch Cold Rolled here), a film featuring Marquette’s one of a kind snow biking trails. Now, a new project is underway, The Michigan Ice Film, with the mission of highlighting ice climbing in Alger County.

Marquette County Fair Featured in the New York Times

Marquette County Fair

It seems to be more and more common to see the Upper Peninsula featured in major publications and pop culture. I’m always happy to report when the Upper Peninsula gets some national attention. Though I think it makes most Yoopers nervous, because what makes the Upper Peninsula what it is the lack of people (as Eric mentions), and we don’t want many more moving to the U.P.

Today, the Marquette County Fair was featured in the New York Times. Reporter Dan Barry features a weekly column on Mondays titled This Land where he discovers the “obscure and well-known corners of the United States”. Barry talks about the baking competitions for cupcakes, pies, doughnuts, sweet rolls, cookies, and breads.

U.P. 200 Dog Sled Race Begins

Today marks the 19th annual running of the U.P. 200 Dog Sled Race. The 2008 race will beginning in Marquette at 7:10 pm Friday evening. The Midnight Run begins in Gwinn at 6:00 pm. The race continues over the weekend with several viewing spots for spectators.

Mushers will head to Grand Marais before coming back to Marquette to finish on Sunday afternoon. For more photos, checkpoints, and viewing locations visit UP200.org

Outdoor Life Ranks Marquette 2nd Best Outdoor Town

Last year Outdoor Life ranked the City of Marquette as the 7th best town in the United States.

This year Outdoor Life ranked Marquette as their 2nd best town in the United States to experience the great outdoors.

“Another repeat Top-10 finisher from last year, Marquette jumped five spots from number 7 in our 2008 list. Located on the banks of Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula’s northern shore, Marquette is the ultimate Great Lakes town. Outdoorsmen are blessed with abundant year-round activities, including awesome steelhead and salmon runs; phenomenal smallmouth, walleye and muskie fishing; great grouse gunning; and a whitetail-hunting culture that is second to none. Public access to grouse and woodcock, deer, ducks and turkeys is near at hand on the spacious Hiawatha and Ottawa national forests.”

Comedian John Oliver Recalls Visit to Houghton in Stand-up Routine

In February 2010, British comedian John Oliver (known for his role as Ian Duncan in Community and appearances on The Daily Show), performed at the Rozsa Center at Michigan Tech during Winter Carnival.

In one of his recent stand-up acts he recalls his visit to the Upper Peninsula.

Leave a comment below and share what you think of his remarks and the video.

Mike Rows Says Nice Things About the Upper Peninsula, and You Should Too!

Mike Rowe is no stranger to Mackinac Island, having filmed segments of Dirty Jobs on the Mackinac Bridge and the island (Click here more on climbing the Mackinac Bridge). His latest comes from a little promo for Somebody’s Gotta Do It, his latest show on CNN.

We’ve long used the slogan, “Nice shirts for nice people”. Fact is, we like when people say nice things, especially when it’s about where we’re from, whether that be the Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island, Detroit, or Michigan as a whole. Let’s say more nice things.

Breaking News: Shark Photographed in Lake Superior

Earlier this morning a shark was photographed swimming in Lake Superior near McCarty’s Cove in Marquette.

Larry Beckwith contacted Yooper Steez to give us an exclusive first look at the photos he captured.

I was at McCarty’s Cove early this morning to get some photos of the dawn sunlight on the Marquette Lighthouse. It was about 9 a.m. when I headed back to my truck–I noticed something sticking out of the water out there. I grabbed my big lens. I immediately knew I was looking at a shark! It swam off real quick. – Larry Beckwith

Kid Rock's 'Born Free' music video features Pictured Rocks

You may have heard that Kid Rock’s latest music video was shot in the Upper Peninsula. You can clearly see Picture Rocks, but wondering if the scenes in the field were shot nearby as well.

And in case you like karaoke…

“Born Free” by Kid Rock

Fast on a rough road riding
High thru the mountains climbing
Twistin’, turning, further from my home

Young like a new moon rising
Fierce thru the rain and lightning
Wandering out into this great unknown

2014 U.P. 200, Midnight Run, and Jackpine 30 Dogsled Races

If you were in or around Marquette County this weekend you likely saw some mushers, dog sleds, and a whole lot of cute dogs! The weekend was full of dog sled racing.

The U.P. 200

The longest of the three, the historic U.P. 200 stretches 240 miles. The annual races leaves from Marquette, making a round trip to Grand Marais. The races is limited to no more than 40 teams, each with 12 dogs. To ensure the safety of dogs and mushers there are a series of checkpoints and a required 16 hours of rest time. The inaugural race was in 1990. Annually, as many as 10,000 people will line the streets of Marquette on Friday night to watch the mushers take off.

WLUC TV6 Gets a Facelift: What do you think of the new logo?

Across the Upper Peninsula TV6 is a staple. It is the go-to source for news in the Upper Peninsula, from Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie and from Copper Harbor to Menominee. Their logo (their old logo now, that is) is arguably the most recognizable logo in the Upper Peninsula among local businesses.

However, TV6 is no longer “Someplace special”. They have moved on from their old logo and slogan. Here is an excerpt from their own news story on their website…

History of the Miner's Cup, the Annual MTU/NMU Football Game

Since 2002 Northern Michigan University and Michigan Tech University have battled for the Miner’s Cup Trophy, awarded to the annual winner of the historic Upper Peninsula football rivalry.

Michigan Tech won the inaugural Miner’s Cup in 2002 and currently holds an 9-3 record over Northern Michigan. The traveling trophy has stayed at MTU since 2009 when NMU last won it, the longest winning streak for the annual trophy.

Though the Miner’s Cup has only been awarded since 2002, the rivalry dates back 1920. The two teams have met a total of 87 times since. As of Michigan Tech’s 2013 victory, the series is split even, 41-41-5 record.

Snowboarder Magazine features Houghton

If you’re a regular reader on Yooper Steez you probably know by now that I grew up snowboarding in the Upper Peninsula, namely Mont Ripley in Houghton.

Last winter Houghton, MI was visited by four of the gnarliest “urban snowboarders” in the world: Peter Line (who’s a legend in the history of snowboarding), Eddie Wall, Pat Moore, and Stevie Bell. The boys saw prime Upper Peninsula weather, with temperatures as low -25 degrees. Even more consistent to the U.P. than a cold winter is there story of kind people. From a waitress at Joey’s Seafood helping them find a generator to Scott MacInnes giving them permission to do their thing all over town.

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival Snow Statues 2009

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival
[View full size](https://upsco.imgix.net/upsco/ys/uploads/2009/02/statue-1.jpg)

Michigan Tech University’s annual Winter Carnival wrapped up this weekend. This year’s theme was “A Frigid Place Gets a Blast from Space”.

As always it was another exciting week of events including a beard competition, broomball, crowning of the queen, curling, human dog sled races, ice fishing, ice bowling, snowshoe races, snow volleyball, Stage Revue, tug-o-war in the snow, and of course all the traditional winter festivities. And of course the highlight is always the mammoth snow statues.

2009 Midwest Super Park – Marquette Mountain

2009 Midwest Super Park

1 helicopter. 1 broken snowboard. 1 broken leg. And a whole bunch of whoa.

Every year a few dozens of the Midwest’s best snowboarders and skiers take to Marquette Mountain and showcase some of the best talent around. It’s impressive to see the kind of talent there is locally.

Here are some photos from the big air competition, courtesy of yours truly….

(click the photo for a larger version, and if you competed in the comp or are looking for more photos, get a hold of me and I can set you up with files or prints)

Roller Derby Hits the U.P.

Don’t let the name scare you. Flat-track roller derby team, the Escanaba Rollin Hellcats, is showing the Upper Peninsula what they’re made of. One of many derby teams cropping up in the U.P., the Rollin Hellcats are creating an identity for themselves. According to team coach, Kym “Bella Beatya” Segorski, the Escanaba team is known for being small and fast.

The other teams in the U.P., ranging from Kingsford to Sault Ste. Marie, all have identities unique to the women on the team. The Kingsford Krush are known for being tall and stong. All teams are gaining momentum and names for themselves throughout the region.

MSU Theatre Debuts U.P.

This week the Michigan State University Department of Theatre debuted the play U.P. We might not be great at reviewing plays but we love talking about the Upper Peninsula, so we had to be there.

U.P. tells the story of a man disillusioned by his life in Los Angeles. He sets out on a road trip searching for answers and ultimately finds himself in one of America’s only remaining “Outbacks,” the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This production will be a multi-media production blending theatre and film.

2012 Lake Superior Performance Rally Race

Lake Superior Performance Rally

This is a guest post from our friend and fellow Yooper Ashley Bovin, she’s from Gladstone and you can follow here on Twitter @ashleyruthless.

The 18th running of the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR), the “Oldest, Toughest and Meanest Rally on the Rally Circuit,” is happening this Friday and Saturday, October 26th and 27th, 2012. The LSPR is a sanctioned race by Rally America as one of many national and regional rally races. The 2011 LSPR Champions, Adam Yeoman and Jordan Schulze (#425) of Houghton, are going for a repeat in their home territory. It appears there are 35 entries in this year’s rally, including a handful of teams from the Upper Peninsula.

Biggest April Snowstorm in 10 Years

Upper Peninsula Snowstorm

Friday was a remarkably beautiful day. A friend and I drove to Little Presque Isle in the afternoon and had a wonderful hike to Wetmore Landing. It was 75 degrees, sunny, and Lake Superior was as smooth as glass. There were even people in swimming suits and bikinis. That was Friday.

Early Monday morning the snow started to settle on the ground. By mid afternoon most everything was white. By Tuesday morning everything was covered with snow, the roads were covered with slush. By this afternoon my roommate and I decided to close the blinds so we weren’t reminded of what the weather was like outside. And now, Tuesday evening, the snow continues to come down.

Detroit Red Wings 2008 Stanley Cup Champions!

Dallas Drake and Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Champions

The Detroit Red Wings are 2008 Stanley Cup Champions!

Two weeks ago we featured a blog post about Northern Michigan University alumni Dallas Drake. After over 1,000 games in 16 career seasons in the National Hockey League the NMU alum has won his first Stanley Cup.

As tradition has it the captain, Nick Lidstrom, received the Stanley Cup first. And in case you didn’t watch it, before the cup was handed to any of the all stars, the starting players, the famous names, it was handed to role player Dallas Drake first. It’s a testimony to his presence as a Detroit Red Wing and his dedication to 16 years in the NHL.

The Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing

This is a guest post from our friend Alice Rossignol. She’s a big fan of the great outdoors and her love for the Upper Peninsula is blossoming. You can follow her on Twitter.

When I wake up in the morning, I greet the day with a humongous yawn and then I cling desperately to the blankets for just a few more minutes, and then another few minutes, and then a few more (my “snooze” button is very worn).

Also This Weekend, Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Mackinac Island Harbor

For those of you in the Western Upper Peninsula we suggested checking out the annual Houghton & Hancock Bridgefest this weekend. However, that’s a long drive for those of you on the Eastern end of the Upper Peninsula. So another option is the 59th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.

You better make your plans fast! This weekend will be the end of the 10-day celebration, during Mackinac Island’s biggest festival of the year at the Upper Peninsula’s largest tourist attraction.

Where Soldiers Come From

Keweenaw native Heather Courtney has been hard at work. Her latest work, “Where Soldiers Come From”, documents a group of friends form the Upper Peninsula and throughout their service in the National Guard and serving in Afghanistan. For four consecutive years she filmed, both in the Keweenaw and in Afghanistan. The film looks at just how much change a young soldier goes through and how it affects such a small community, friends, and family.

NMU Closes Again Due to 'Inclement' Weather, Really?

Ore dock
Photo courtesy of [Blondie Yooper](http://www.flickr.com/photos/blondieyooper/3200849152/ "Ore dock by Blondieyooper, on Flickr")

So it’s been a few cold days in the Upper Peninsula, the coldest of the winter so far. But I was shocked to find out that NMU wasn’t only closed yesterday, but that they’re closed again today!

So here I am in Marquette (yes, I know I’m inside where it’s nice and warm, I even have brand new windows to help out a bit), and as I look outside from my desk it’s absolutely beautiful out. The sun is bright, and the sky is clear.

April Fool's Day Snowstorm Was No Joke

According to Wikipedia, April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day is a holiday in its own right, a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, enemies and neighbors, or sending them on fools’ errands, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. We though Karl Bohnak may have been doing just this when he called for one of the biggest snowstorms of the year on April Fool’s Day

Another Beautiful Upper Peninsula Spring, Gotta #LoveDaUP

April Snowstorm Upper Peninsula

A fresh 7 inches of snow fell in Baraga and several other parts of the Upper Peninsula today. A great day to head to the Baraga Drive-In for some ice cream.

Most Yoopers, and especially Trolls, are eager for nice spring weather in April, especially by April 17. Even the Lansing Lugnuts celebrate the Yooper heritage with Yooper Night. They offered attendees of Yooper Night to use their tickets for another game this season if the weather was above 60 degrees. That was on Friday, and I’d be surprised it was even 50 degrees for the opening pitch.

9,000 Year-old Tool Discovered in Hermansville

9000 year old tool
Image from the Michigan State University Museum

This week WKAR reported that this spring a 9000-year-old tool was found by Dale Kennedy while he was in his garden in Hermansville. The tool, pictured above, is not housed at the Michigan State University Museum. Bill Love, the museum’s anthropology curator, spoke with WKAR about the rare find.

Love mentions that the tool is distintive among the early time periods of the Great Lakes Region, known as the Paleo-Indian time period. He says it is one of the earliest pieces found, but very few pieces have been found in the Upper Peninsula. Love goes on to say…

Google Street View Arrives in the Upper Peninsula

Upper Peninsula Google Street View title=

Last September I reported, from this same seat, that I saw a Google Street View car drive by outside my window. At that point I knew that Google Street View was finally coming to the Upper Peninsula. Being the nerd I am, I was very excited. I was also very curious to see what depth of they visit the Upper Peninsula since it is a rural population.

Bill No. 4995 Approved by Michigan House of Representatives

The Upper Peninsula will now be required to be included on all official state maps and publications.

Can you imagine a state where 1/3 of the state is not included on the map in official state documents? We recently mentioned a bill introduced by State Rep. Michael Lahti (D-Hancock) which seeks to fix this problem.

Now it seems silly to me that this has to be an official bill. Some “trolls” have stated that the Yoopers are whining. But the fact that a state isn’t wholly represented within state documents seems absurd. Our legislature shouldn’t have to spend time on petty little bills like this that shouldn’t have been needed in the first time. Apparently the house of representatives agreed.

Putting the Upper Peninsula on the Map

There have been some great discussion on Yooper Steez regarding the map of Michigan and geographic layout of our state. Mainly what constitutes “northern” Michigan, maps without the Upper Peninsula, and why the Upper Peninsula is not part of Wisconsin.

In the last few weeks both the Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6 have published articles on State Rep. Michael Lahti’s (D-Hancock) efforts to have the Upper Peninsula represented Michigan images published by the State of Michigan.

High School Textbook Labels Upper Peninsula Map Incorrectly

High School Textbook Labels Upper Peninsula Map Incorrectly

Back in February we reported on one of the ugliest maps we’ve ever seen of the Upper Peninsula (or Michigan for that matter). We asked all of you if you knew of any maps that were similar. Many times I’ve heard reports of maps that didn’t include the Upper Peninsula, mislabeled it, and various other scenarios.

On November 8th, the Daily Press of Escanaba reported another such story titled, “U.P. loses its identity”.

Unicyclers Arrive in Marquette After 100 Mile Trek from Houghton

100 Miles on a Unicycle
Arriving at Marquette’s Lower Harbor on the last few hundred feet of the 100 mile unicycle trek. From left to right, Jason Cattelino, Ben Bachran, and Bob Evans.

On Wednesay three Yoopers set off from Houghton to Marquette unicycling to raise money for two U.P. kids. They arrived in Marquette this afternoon with a warm welcome.

Jason Cattelino (16), Bob Evans (26), and Ben Bachran (18) raised over $12,000 for David Gockenbach, 10, of Houghton, and Dustin Burkman, 9, of Marquette. The money will help offset the expensive for the boys in the battles with leukemia.

Bridgefest 2008 this Weekend in Houghton & Hancock

Houghton Lift Bridge

Houghton and Hancock will host their annual Bridgefest Festival this weekend, June 13 – 15th.

This weekend the Houghton Waterfront, Hancock Waterfront, and Ray Kestner Waterfront Park will be the busiest weekend of the year as locals and tourists fill the parks to participate in the activities.

Here is a list of this year’s Bridgefest activities so you can plan ahead…

  • Vendor booths and exhibits
  • Seafood fest
  • Parade
  • Beach party and BBQ
  • Flag Day service
  • Fishing derby
  • Beach volleyball tournament
  • International fest
  • NASCAR simulator
  • Kiddy carnival
  • Rubber ducky derby
  • Vollwerth’s hotdog eating contest
  • Boat cruise
  • Fireworks
  • Cardboard boat regatta

For complete schedule, event registration and more information visit the Bridgefest Fun website.

NMU Alum, Dallas Drake, Hopeful for Stanley Cup

As commented in an earlier post about Jeff Finger, Corey suggested that Dallas Drake should be considered an Honorary Yooper. We couldn’t agree more!

Dallas Drake
he will be playing in the Stanley Cup finals.

Drake, who is from Trail, British Comlumbia, played his college hockey at Northern Michigan University from 1988 through 1992. Under longtime coach Rick Comley (another honorary Yooper) Dallas Drake and the Wildcats went on to win the 1991 NCAA National Hockey Championship. It still holds as NMU’s only national hockey championship.

Yooper Scott Murray Wins Gold Medal for Moto X Double Backflip

Scott Murrary from Helps, MI won a gold medal today for his double backflip in the best trick competition at the Moto X Championships. ESPN featured Murrary on the top 10 plays today, landing him the #5 play of the day.

Murray attempted the double backflip during the Summer X games and came up short.

Today was a different story. Also note that the announcers say, “…from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan”. Thanks for representing the U.P. Scott!

President Obama to Visit Marquette

In the history of the Upper Peninsula only two incumbent presidents of the USA have reportedly visited the Upper Peninsula. President William Taft visited in 1911 and President George W. Bush visited in 2004 while on the campaign trail.

For the third time the incumbent United States President will visit the Upper Peninsula. President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Marquette on Thursday, February 10.

Is Tom Izzo the most famous Yooper ever?

Tom Izzo Iron Mountain
is certainly all over the media right now as we wait his decision to stay and coach at Michigan State or go on to the NBA to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers. There’s no doubt that the Iron Mountain native has made a permanent impact on college basketball.

But is he the most famous Yooper ever? He does have some worthy competition with friend and classmate Steve Mariucci and football legend “The Gipper”.

Dwight Helminen, Hancock native, playing for San Jose Sharks

Dwight Helminen
Photo by [sophnsoph9 on Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/sophnsoph9/4573883162/ "2010.05.02 Red Wings at Sharks by sophnsoph9, on Flickr")
It was difficult to see my beloved Red Wings get thumped by the San Jose Sharks in the playoffs this year. During game 2 of the series, however, I found a wonderful consolation prize if the wings weren’t going to pull off the series. That’s when I realized that [Dwight Helminen](http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470131&view=stats "Dwight Helminen San Jose Sharks"), a native of Hancock, was playing for the San Jose Sharks.

In the history of the league there have only been a few native Yoopers to play in the NHL. Currently, there is one other Yooper playing in the NHL, Jeff Finger for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Though Helminen was born in Hancock he spent most of his youth in Metro Detroit.

Yooper, Jeff Finger, Faces the Red Wings in Stanley Cup Playoffs

Jeff Finger, Colorado Avalanche
On the night that my beloved Red Wings could sweep the Colorado Avalanche, the last thing that I want to do is feature a post that’s all about a player on the Avalanche.

Hockey has an enormous presence in the Upper Peninsula, from youth hockey, to adult leagues, and NCAA National Hockey Championships for MTU, NMU, and LSSU. Pretty impressive. And although many players from the universities have gone on to play professionally, and many locals have gone on to successful hockey careers, I only know of one Yooper, born and raised, to play in the NHL.

Annual 12 Hours of Potluck Mountain Bike Race in Marquette

Over 120 mountain bikers came from across the Upper Peninsula, the State of Michigan, and even a few out of staters for the annual 12 Hours of Potluck Mountain Bike Race in Marquette on Saturday, July 19. It’s not a potluck in the traditional sense, however there is still a lot of food, people hanging out, visiting, camping, and enjoy a cold beer.

The name potluck doesn’t come from the food, but Potluck Creek in the area of the bike race. The starting gate is directly across from Wetmore Landing.

2010 NCAA Final Four court made in Amasa

2010 Final Four Court

A truck carries the maple court made for the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament. The floor was made in Connor Sport Court International’s plant in Amasa, Mich., and was en route to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. A banner hung on the truck is signed by employees who worked on the floor in Amasa and in the Milwaukee area. AP Photo/Connor Sports Flooring, Jeff Morton

Nick Baumgartner competes in the Olympic Snowboard Cross

nick-baumgartner
On January 26 it was announced that Yooper **Nick Baumgartner** made the Olympic team for the snowboard cross. Baumgartner hails from Iron River and is making his first Olympic appearance at age 28.

Tune in today (Feb 15) to watch the men’s snowboard cross competition. Check out the complete schedule at Vancouver2010.com.

Nick’s biggest accomplishment to date is winning a bronze medal at the FIS Snowboarding World Championships 2009. He has also competed in the Winter X Games the last few years.

40th Annual Snowman Burning Day at LSSU – March 19th

LSSU Snowman Burning

Between their Banished Words list (current list) and Snowman Burning Day, Lake Superior State University has established two long-standing traditions that few universities can compete with.

Get ready to run snowmen, we’re coming! March 19th is your fateful day.

Since 1971 LSSU has taken to burning a large snowman to mark the end of winter and celebrate the first day of spring. The tradition was started by a public relations legend, Bill Rabe. As someone in marketing and advertising, I hold Bill Rabe in high regards. Not long after being hired at LSSU in 1971 he started the Unicorn Hunters. Between the genius of him and a few colleagues they created both the Banished Words list, Snowman Burning day, and much more.

Congrats to all the Michigan Olympians

Vancouver Olympians

Tonight after someone mentioned all of the guys named Ryan (six of them total) on the USA Olympic hockey team it reminded me of when the team was announced and I was impressed that there were five guys on the roster that were born in Michigan.

So it inspired me tonight to do some research on all the Olympians with Michigan connections. There are a lot of them! It’s great to see so many from Michigan and who have came to Michigan to train, thanks in part to the United States Olympic Education Center in Marquette. We’re fortunate to see some of the best speedskaters come to Marquette to train, many others like Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski have come through Marquette to train.

The genesis of the Kuparisaari Triathlon

Kuparisaari Triathlon

Bob Haase and his wife, Jan, started the Copperman Triathlon in Copper Harbor in 1992 and have since passed along these duties to other organizations. He decided to do his first triathlon at the age of 31 after watching the Ironman (Hawaii) on TV. His most memorable race is the Bud Light USTS Chicago Triathlon in 1986, where he got Dave Scott’s autograph and chatted with him after the race.

President Obama Learns What A Yooper Is

Obama learsn what a Yooper is

Yooper Steez doesn’t involve itself in politics often, but once in a while the President of the United States decides to come at least within a short drive of the Upper Peninsula.

On Thursday, June 11, President Obama didn’t quite make it to the Upper Peninsula. He made it as far as Green Bay though where he held a Town Hall Meeting. From what I know I believe that President George W. Bush is the only incumbent president to come to the Upper Peninsula since William Taft made it here in 1911. Other presidents have been here, though not during the presidency. President Bush was here campaigning in Marquette on July 13th, 2004. My mom even shook his hand.

Outdoor Life Ranks Marquette 7th Best Town in U.S. for Hunters and Anglers

In their April 2008 issue Outdoor Life ranked the top 200 towns in the United States for Hunters and Fishermen to call home. Out of the 200 ranked towns, the Upper Peninsula’s very own Marquette cracked the top ten, ranked 7th in the nation. They labeled it “The undisputed capital of the U.P.” (but we’ll leave that to you to decide). Escanaba also made the list (#136).

No. 7 Marquette, MI

“One of the best salmon and steelhead towns in the nation is hundreds of miles from the ocean. Just outside this thriving college town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, anglers cast to surly chinooks, chrome-bright steelhead and colorful lake-run brown trout.”

Final Four Basketball Floor, Made in the Upper Peninsula

During her weekly radio address Governor Jennifer Granholm made this statement. I was planning to write up a small piece myself, but Governor Granholm already did a much better job than I could have. It’s incredible how many unique products come out of the Upper Peninsula.

2009 Final Four Logo

This is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

This weekend, basketball fans around Michigan and across the country will watch some of the nation’s best college players – including the Michigan State University men and women – continue their march to the NCAA Final Four championships. I think you’ll agree that at a time when the news of the nation’s credit crisis and rising unemployment rates is so painful, the fun and the frenzy of March Madness is a welcome diversion.

Timothy Hunt & Ed Stielstra Represent the Upper Peninsula in 2009 Iditarod

In the words of Hobo Jim, “I did, I did, I did the Iditarod Trail!”

**UPDATE**
Ed Stielstra finished the raced 32nd overall.
Rookie Timothy Hunt finished the race 52nd overall.
The overall winner was Lance Mackey.

As of Sunday afternoon two Yoopers, Ed Stielstra and Timothy Hunt, have completed just over half of the 1,200 mile sled dog race. Ed Stielstra is currently in 41st place with 12 dogs and Timothy Hunt is currently running in 58th place with 13 dogs and 63 mushers still in the race.

In the News: Upper Peninsula Featured in the New York Times

Upper Peninsula's Great Outdoors
Tom Thulen for The New York Times

Last fall I mentioned how the Marquette County Fair was featured in the New York times.

This time around the New York Times has featured a photo story in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

The article is titled, “Snowshoes and S’Mores; Camping in the Cold” by Gustave Axelson.

Teamed up with nature photographer Tom Thulen, you can view a slide show of the photos titled, “Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Snowshoes” posted on the New York Time’s website.

THIS JUST IN! Google Street View Comes to Marquette and the Upper Peninsula

Wow! I can’t believe me eyes. Not five minutes ago I was bumming around my apartment polishing off a bag of M&Ms while looking out the window facing Baraga Avenue here in Marquette. And there it was… a Google Maps street view car!

I’m sure you have all used Google Maps a number of times. I probably explore the country via Google Maps almost once a day to look up where various towns are in the country or world. I’m sure that many of you have also toyed with the amazing feature of Google Maps Street View and if you haven’t I’m sure you’ve heard of it. And if you have not tried it, check out Google Maps today and explore your favorite city via Street View where you can virtually walk down the street of any neighborhood.

Unicyclers Set to Ride 100 Miles to Raise Money for Leukemia Treatment

100 Mils for 2 Big Smiles

Between August 13th and August 17th three Upper Peninsula Unicyclers will hit the road riding their single-wheeled bikes from Houghton to Marquette (100 miles) to raise money for the leukemia treatments of two Upper Peninsula boys.

Jason Cattelino, Bob Evans, and Ben Bachran will be displaying their skills of balance and juggling at several stops between Houghton and Marquette. Along their stops they intend to raise money for David Gockenbach, 10, of Houghton, and Dustin Burkman, 9, of Marquette to assist in their treatments for leukemia.

Marquette Ranked #1 by CNN Money for Best Commute

Marquette Lower Harbor

Marquette continues to be published as one of the top cities to live in among different categories. Earlier this year we reported that Outdoor Life ranked Marquette the 7th best town in the U.S. for hunters and fishers. Not bad.

This time around it’s CNN Money, and they have ranked Marquette the #1 town in the country to save money with a short commute to work, school, or elsewhere in town.

Hilltop Sweetroll #2 Sweet Treat in State of Michigan

Recently the Detroit News readers listed their favorite sweet treat stops in the state of Michigan. An Upper Peninsula favorite made the list at #2.

In Baraga county it’s one of the biggest staples known…

The Hilltop Sweetroll

Hilltop Sweet Roll, L'anse, MI

It’s bigger than a baby’s head…

Cinnamon Rolls

You can find these enormous rolls of sweetness in L’Anse, right next to US 41. If you can’t make the drive you can also find these tasty treats online where you can order a 4-pack.

An Invitation to Andrew Heller Challenging 2 of His Yooper Stereotypes

Andrew Heller, Yooper Steez is inviting you to the Upper Peninsula for a round of golf. Sorry, we won’t cover your gas expenses, but we will surely hook you up with a free Upper Peninsula t-shirt.

You see, Mr. Heller recently wrote an article on his blog at mlive.com for The Flint Journal. The article consists of several bullet points of what’s been going on in the news. But there are two particular bullet points that struck our attention.

Carl Torola of Calumet to Compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee

Carl Torola
. The competition will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel in Washington, D.C.

Each year the Upper Peninsula sends one student to the National Spelling Bee who wins the annual Upper Peninsula Community Education Association Spelling Bee Finals. This year’s Upper Peninsula spelling bee competition took place at the Negaunee High School in March.

A student at Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw Public Schools, Torola is sponsored by Ogden News Publishing, the owner of local newspapers the Houghton Daily Gazette, Escanaba Daily, Mining Journal and Iron Mountain Daily News.

Stephen King Mentions 'Yooper' in Latest Novel, Duma Key

Stephen King released his latest book, Duma Key, this past January. In addition to publishing another best-seller that topped the New York Times Bestseller List, there is another important note that every Yooper should be aware of.

On page 456 of the total 606 pages, Stephen King uses the word “Yooper”.

“Wireman was making crazy what’s-going-on gestures in front of my face. I turned away from him.

‘Panda, he saved your life.’

Upper Peninsula's Biggest YouTube Celebrity

Annette Summersett hits 100,000+ views on YouTube for her tribute to Brett Favre.

Getting 100,000 views on YouTube is no easy task. So until proven otherwise, Annette seems to be the biggest YouTube celebrity to come from the Upper Peninsula.

Annette… good work! If you’re out there somewhere come say hi. We’ll hook you up with a Yooper Steez shirt for your next video.

Check out Annette’s musicon MySpace.

Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008

Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008

It’s not about getting to the other side. It’s about getting as many people wet as possible

Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008

A human walrus?

Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008

The judges may have been biast

Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008

The water was 33 degrees

Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008
Mont Ripley Slush Pit 2008

What’s your favorite photo?

Marquette Redmen Win Co-Championship in Longest Game in History

8 OT hockey game sees no losers and breaks record for longest game in michigan high school hockey history

Michigan 2008 Division 1 State Champions

The Marquette Redmen and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Eagles played in the second longest game in United States high school hockey history. After playing 8 overtimes in the Division 1 state championship game the Michigan High School Athletic Association called the game, and it finished in a 1-1 tie and a shared state championship.

Calumet Copper Kings Win 6th State Championship

Calumet Copper Kings 2008 State Champions
Calumet Copper Kings
With 56 shots on goal the score was still 0-0 between Calumet and Flint Powers in the state championship hockey game. Finally, on the 57th shot of the game, just four minutes into overtime when Logan Rastello scored the championship winning goal, giving the Calumet Copper Kings their 6th state hockey championship at the Compuware Arena in Plymouth.

Rastello’s Championship Winning Goal

“Score! Score! Score! Copper Kings score! Logan Rastello, Oh my God! Oh my God! … Unbelievable!”

2008 Mont Ripley Hot Dog Snocomp

Houghton Snocomp

The sun never stopped shining, the temperature was around 35 degrees, and it was the perfect day for a snowboard and ski slopestyle showdown.

Rhythm Skate Shop in downtown Houghton offered some free gear to the best performers of the day. Mont Ripley offered some grilled hot dogs. And some of the best U.P. talent showed up at the Rhythm Terrain Park for the afternoon showdown.

Congratulations to Houghton native Davey Sarazin on 1st place who walked away with a new Forum snowboard and Rome snowboard bag

Mont Ripley
Rhythm Snwoboard Shop

Ten years ago at Mont Ripley it was an entirely different scene. Back then there were a few bumps for people to learn on, now there are enormous jumps that are pretty well maintained. It has become a training ground for kids who are starting at a very young age. The talent that comes out of Ripley is an original group of kids who have this tiny little ski hill to learn on and it teaches them to get creative with every trick they throw down.