Tiny UP island becomes even more remote as ferry access shrinks

On Neebish Island, population 62, residents say ferry service cuts threaten economy, medical care and jobs

Government-subsidized ferry operator that cut runs says ‘the bang just wasn’t worth the buck’

State Sen. John Damoose plans to meet with residents, ferry company to try to resolve dispute

Phyllis Reed moved from Portage to tiny Neebish Island off the eastern coast of the Upper Peninsula in 2020 to get away from it all. But since last year, island life has become more remote than she ever imagined.

The car ferry that serves as the lifeline for the five dozen year-round residents is coming to the island less frequently than in the past, and not on weeknights at all.

And while that isolation may sound appealing to commuters caught in traffic, it is hobbling what little economy exist