Beaver Island

The sinking of the Carl D. Bradley is one of the largest on Lake Michigan.

On Wednesday, September 18th at 10:36 A.M. the Moon will rival the Sun for a few dramatic moments at the horizon.

This week: Big plans for Cheboygan after September's devastating fire. How do we coexist with bears? And can waves provide electricity on Beaver Island?

Wave energy converters use the movement of the water to generate electricity. A research team from the University of Michigan will spend the next couple years developing a prototype to install in the waters off the island.

Last month, the Beaver Island Boat Company announced it would be delaying its seasonal opening due to its vessels needing maintenance.

This week, the Up North Lowdown is all about where you look: at a dark patch of sky, upward from the path of totality, in a vernal pool deep in the woods, or into yourself for exactly the right words.

Beaver Island joins the likes of the Pitcairn Islands, New Zealand and Montana’s Medicine Rocks as one of the best places in the world to see the stars.

Michigan has been awarded $10 million in federal funding to help construct the vessel. That’s on top of the nearly $6.6 million announced for the project in January.

Two ferries currently service the island. One vessel is more than 60 years old. The other was built in 1997.