Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

UPPER PENINSULA -- The last decade was tough for Michigan's economy and especially its employment rate.

Major losses in manufacturing caused larger companies to downsize operations, and rely on technology instead of manpower.

Here in the U.P., the closures of Terex in Baraga, and Smurfit-Stone in Ontonagon, could be the reason why those two counties continue to see some of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

"Rural Michigan really got hurt through the recession," says Dennis West, president of Northern Initiatives.  West also says although the U.P.'s unemployment rate is still almost double what it was four years ago, at 13%, many U.P. counties' rates are actually decreasing.

Delta, Menominee, Marquette, and Mackinac counties, all saw significant positive changes in the last year.

"Those in the tourism business this summer felt like they saw improvements.  The traffic was up in many parts of the U.P," West adds.  "Even as the economy improves, we're probably not going to see big job gains in many large companies. That said, I think we're hoping the number of small businesses that are getting started - and given some momentum and time - I think we'll see some nice progress in terms of their addition to the economy."

Just ask Michelle Hebner, who three months ago opened her law practice in Escanaba, with the help of a loan from Northern Initiatives.

"I was very concerned about timing.  Timing is everything."

Hebner says she considered opening her practice last year, but is glad she waited.

"Business has been steady and actually, at times, booming.  It's been very exciting."

So what kind of progress can we expect in unemployment for the next year?

West emphasizes that both small businesses, and those who are self-employed, should be the key to bringing the local economy back.