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Hitched calls Traverse City a hidden gem

Hitched Magazine Tuesday, May 21, 2013
A pretty complete list of what to see around Traverse City might steer some newlyweds this direction from Hitched magazine, which talks about everything romantic the area offers, from wine to lighthouses.

Excerpt: The upper left edge of the Michigan "mitten" holds many treasures. Stately pine forests, windswept peninsulas, sugar sand beaches, towering dunes, crystal blue lakes, acres upon acres of cherry orchards, and thriving vineyards.

At the heart of all of this sits Traverse City, a gem of a town just waiting to be discovered.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: Hitched Magazine

TC Pub Pedaler will change to Cycle Pub

MyNorth.com Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Bicycle bar TC Pub Pedaler is getting a new name, as it becomes part of a nationwide operation called Cycle Pub.

Excerpt: The TC Pub Pedaler announces its new name – the TC Cycle Pub! Joining a fleet of 14-passenger bike bars headquartered in Bend, Oregon, the TC Cycle Pub in Traverse City accompanies similar operations under the same Cycle Pub name in Boise, Las Vegas and Bend, Oregon.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Columnist's writings collected for Beaver Island book

South Bend Tribune Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Beaver Island is kind of a land of its own, and a new book of columns on the subject comes from the late columnist David Broder.

Excerpt: Columns by Pulitzer-prize-winning Washington Post columnist David S. Broder have been compiled for a book on Lake Michigan's Beaver Island.

Broder visited the 54-square-mile island many times between his 1951 honeymoon and his death in 2011, according to a report in the Lansing State Journal.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: South Bend Tribune

Food truck rules hammered out in Traverse City

Mlive.com Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The news on food trucks in TC: They're here for the summer, with some rules and regulations.

Excerpt: Despite some opposition by downtown restaurant owners, commissioners at their regular meeting on Monday, May 6 agreed to allow food trucks to operate on city property in select areas following a year of study and debate over the issue.

The new "trial basis" ordinance allows up to two mobile food vendors to operate on city property from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. in four different city parking lots.

The whole story is online here.

Source: Mlive.com

Northern Michigan author launches new book

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Traverse City author Elizabeth Buzzelli has a new book out and Brilliant Books has everything you need to celebrate. Click through to find out the details.
 
Excerpt: Bestselling local author Elizabeth Buzzelli will be launching “Dead Little Dolly,” the latest book in her acclaimed Emily Kincaid Mystery Series, at a reading and book signing from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Brilliant Books, in Traverse City. All are invited to meet the author and enjoy refreshments.
 
For the whole story, go here.
 
Source: Grand Traverse Insider

Traverse City offers quiet place for championship boxers to train

The Ticker Tuesday, May 07, 2013
If there's one thing Traverse City is known for, it's boxing. Wait… Ok, no. But maybe someday if a local gym owner's vision plays out.

Excerpt: You’ve heard “foodie town” and a great place to retire, but might Traverse City someday be a destination for elite athletes in training? Bill Bustance hopes so. Bustance owns Trigger Boxing on Woodmere, which is serving as training HQ for two boxers preparing for upcoming world championship bouts.

The whole story is online here.

Source: The Ticker

TC student named as one of U.S. Presidential Scholars

eNews Press Release Tuesday, May 07, 2013
A Traverse City Central High School student, Nicole Tubacki, was named one of the national Presidential Scholars for 2013.

Excerpt:  U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the 49th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 141 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics or the arts.

"Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence," Duncan said.

For the whole listing, go here.

Source: eNews Press Release

Old Mission wineries get environmental certification

MyNorth.com Tuesday, May 07, 2013
As the spring and summer tourism season begins, the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula have a new credential to assure visitors of their environmental commitment.

Excerpt: It was a big day on Old Mission Peninsula last Friday, April 26. The seven wineries of the Old Mission Wine Trail received official MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) certification, complete with an address from Governor Snyder.

The whole article can be found here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Northwest Michigan entrepreneurs part of NY Times article

The New York Times Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The New York Times included the small business certificate program at Northwestern Michigan College in a recent look at a new kind of business education.

Excerpt: They're called entrepreneurship or small-business certificates, and they don’t carry the cachet or the credit of an M.B.A. But they take far less time to obtain, and they cost less, too. More colleges are offering them as a way to help people get their businesses off the ground…

In Traverse City, Mich., the small-business/entrepreneur certificate program at Northwestern Michigan College costs just $400 to $500.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: New York Times

Wall Street Journal recommends Interlochen summer camps for adults

The Wall Street Journal Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Interlochen may be famous for its youth summer programs and top-notch year-round school, but it also offers its special brand of music education to adults, in a revisiting of summer camp.

Excerpt: Forget the kids. It's your turn to go to summer camp.

A growing number of travel groups are offering adults an opportunity to relive an experience that many regard as one of the best parts of childhood. Camps for adults have grown an estimated 10% a year over the past decade, to about 800 in all, says Internet Brands, owner of Grownupcamps.com.

For the whole list, go here.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Michigan ranks No. 5 on top craft brew states

USA Today Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Not too shabby, Michigan. Our beloved home state sits squarely in the middle of USA Today's list of the ten best states for craft brewing.

Excerpt: The craft beer movement continues to boom across the USA. 10Best editors have compiled this state-by-state guide so you can plan your next beer pilgrimage.

The whole list is online here.

Source: USA Today

Traverse Magazine explains how downtown TC resisted the recession

MyNorth.com Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Over at MyNorth.com, Traverse Magazine interviewed Traverse City downtown development leader Bryan Crough to tell the story of how Traverse City managed to grow through the state's recession.

Excerpt: River’s Edge rises along the Boardman River. The Milliken Building transforms into a smart and handsome echo of its original self. The State Theatre re-opens as a spectacular renovation, as does its next-door neighbor, now home to Red Ginger. Radio Center emerges at Park and Front. Midtown sprouts upriver from River’s Edge. The Bank of Northern Michigan building amps up Union Street. 101 North Park takes the place of a big hole. Two surprisingly nice-looking parking decks are born.

The whole article can be found here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Red Ginger is on top 100 hot spots in U.S.

Open Table Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Traverse City's Red Ginger was the only restaurant in Michigan to land a spot on OpenTable's Top 100 Hot Spots list, compiled by online diner reviews.

Excerpt: When looking for a place to dine out, why not snag a spot at the hottest place in town? Our Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurant list highlights hip (new) restaurants, celebrity chefs and avant-garde restaurateurs.

The list of winners is based on more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 15,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For the whole list, click here.

Source: OpenTable

Family Fun names Traverse City to its list of tourist towns

MyNorth.com Tuesday, April 09, 2013
It's that time again, when magazines make lists of places their readers should travel to this summer. Traverse City is already hitting big with Family Fun magazine, due to its family-friendliness and natural beauty.
 
Excerpt: Readers of Family Fun Magazine have named Traverse City one of America’s Top 10 Tourist Towns. They also voted the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as one of America’s 10 Best Vacation Spots and as one of its Top 10 Nature Escapes.
 
A publication of the Meredith Parents Network, Family Fun has a national circulation of over 2 million. For its April issue, it asked 2,000 moms with children from ages 8-12 to rate 360 popular destinations in four regions of the U.S. 
 
For the whole story, go here.
 
Source: MyNorth.com

Smithsonian Magazine says Petoskey is among best small towns

Mlive.com Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Petoskey has charmed its way onto the Smithsonian Magazine's list of the best small towns to visit this summer, coming in at No. 6.

Excerpt: With its small-town charm and historical significance, Petoskey is one of the best small towns to visit in America, according to Smithsonian Magazine's April 2013 issue.

Tucked away on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey was sixth on Smithsonian’s list out of 20 American towns with a population less than 15,000, including Gettysburg, Penn.; Astoria, Ore.; Lexington, Va., and Lihue, Hawaii.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Film festival proposes turning museum into second theater

Interlochen Public Radio Tuesday, April 09, 2013
The Traverse City Film Festival is certainly growing--so much so that organizers are seeking a deal with the city to turn the Con Foster Museum into a second movie theater downtown.

Excerpt: The Traverse City Film Festival is asking the city to take over the Con Foster Museum in Clinch Park. Festival organizers want to use the building as an adjunct to the State Theatre.

If the city agrees, the Traverse City Film Festival would call the theater "Bijou on the Bay" since it's so close to the beach.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Interlochen Public Radio

Horse Shows by the Bay look at building into a major festival

The Ticker Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Horse Shows by the Bay are a local economic booster, but they could be an even bigger one if organizers adopt the model of some nationally-successful equestrian events.

Excerpt: Could Traverse City’s own Horse Shows by the Bay eventually grow into a $100 million annual economic engine? There is a precedent, one that some observers say could be a model for the summer festival here in northern Michigan.

Consider Exhibit A: Wellington, Fla., located in tony Palm Beach County.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: The Ticker

Village at Grand Traverse Commons before-and-after photos get HuffPost's attention

Huffington Post Detroit Tuesday, March 26, 2013
A nice set of comparison before and after photos of the renovation work done at the former Traverse City State Hospital, now the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, is interesting to flip through on the Huffington Post's new Detroit-based news site.

Excerpt: Almost every home comes with a little bit of history (sometimes charming, other times a little eerie), but would you willingly move into a former insane asylum?

One bygone institution in Traverse City, Michigan is now making that option readily available. The Traverse City State Hospital, which opened in 1885 and finally shuttered its doors in 1989, has been the site of a massive mixed-use renovation.

For the whole slideshow, click here.

Source: Huffington Post Detroit

Little Traverse bands legalize same-sex marriage

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians became the third tribe to legalize gay marriage in the U.S. this week, and two tribal members were the first to marry under the new law.

Excerpt:  With an exchange of rings and a kiss, two men became spouses Friday during a ceremony at a northern Michigan Indian reservation after the tribal chairman signed a measure approving same-sex marriage in a state where it's officially banned.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Fodor travel site says TC is one of 10 best small towns

Fodors.com Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Traverse City made Fodor Travel's list of the top 10 small towns in the U.S. for its arts, culture, food and tourism attractions. Read the whole list to see how it stacked up.

Excerpt: America's big cities may get all the splashy buzz, but for savvy travelers, our small towns are our best-kept secrets. In a time when "authentic" is a travel buzzword, these hamlets are attracting visitors with an often unexpected—and surprisingly sophisticated—array of independent and locally-minded cultural, outdoor, and culinary offerings, all minus the urban price tags.

The only downside to all this small town regeneration? Narrowing down this list to just 10 favorites.

The whole list is online here.

Source: Fodors.com

Petoskey photographer hopes to create Cross Harbor retreat with Kickstarter

Petoskey News Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Kickstarter has proven to be a successful route to funding passion projects for many folks in northern Michigan, and a local photographer is turning to the crowd-funded site for one such project. Check it out and support if you can, and spread the word.
 
Excerpt: Photographer Bill Schwab has a dream for his 10 acres of land near Cross Village: to construct a photographic artists' facility, the first of its kind in the Midwest.

And now, with the help of project-funding website Kickstarter, he may see his dream come true.
 
For the whole story, go here.
 
Source: Petoskey News

Northern Michigan cottage market up

The Detroit News Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Detroit News talked to realtors who say that although the last few years haven't been kind to vacation homes in the area, the market is improving, with more buyers looking for camps and cottages up north.

Excerpt: Michigan's vacation home market is warming up, with sales across northern Michigan higher than they've been in years, according to real estate agents.

More home buyers from downstate and beyond Michigan are purchasing vacation homes. Prices have dropped about 15-20 percent from where they were in 2005, real estate agents say.

The entire article is online here.

Source: Detroit News

Historic Lake Michigan shipwreck story told

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A local diver has found the wreck of the Westmoreland, which has been the subject of treasure hunters for years. He'll present his findings at a local event.

Excerpt: On Dec. 7, 1854, the passenger ship Westmoreland, caught in a fierce winter storm, foundered in deep waters off South Manitou Island and sank to the bottom of Lake Michigan. Seventeen crewmembers and passengers were lost that day, while another 17 survived, reaching the shore of Platte Bay in lifeboats.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

Petoskey breweries look forward to summer season

Petoskey News Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Two new additions to the northern Michigan craft brewing scene put down roots in Petoskey last year, and have had a successful year so far, with eyes on the summer season to come.

Excerpt: In mid-2012, Petoskey welcomed two separate breweries to the community: Beard’s Brewery and Petoskey Brewing.

They saw early success during the summer and fall months, but how have they fared over the winter?

For the rest of the article, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

Ticker profiles three up-and-coming musicians with local roots

The Ticker Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Northern Michigan may not be the first place people think of when they're talking about the music industry, but that hasn't stopped a few musicians living here from setting out to build big careers.
 
Excerpt: Until recently, common wisdom had it that to make an impact in the music world, artists needed to live in one of a handful of industry epicenters: Los Angeles. Nashville. New York. Austin.

But increasingly, technology is making it possible for musicians to make their home wherever they choose, using the Internet, Skype and occasional travel to maintain and develop industry connections. The Ticker spoke with three local artists who are making waves on the national music scene – all while holding down roots in Northern Michigan.
 
For the whole story, click here.
 
Source: The Ticker

Changes to beer, wine regulations proposed in state legislation

Mlive.com Tuesday, February 26, 2013
New relaxations in restrictions on selling beer and wine are certainly of interest to local retailers, liquor license holders and those interested in craft brewing.

Excerpt: Legislation introduced this week would loosen the state’s craft brewery restrictions, allow more gas stations to sell beer and wine, and make several other changes to Michigan’s liquor control regulations.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Howard Walker, incorporates many of the recommendations made in a June report from the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Ludington cottage featured in Coastal Living magazine

Ludington Daily News Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Usually, "coastal" living refers to one of the beautiful ocean shorelines in our country, but here on the shores of the Great Lakes, we do it pretty well too. A Lake Michigan beach cottage highlights just how in the latest issue of Coastal Living.

Excerpt: A slice of Ludington is featured in the March edition of Coastal Living magazine.

Epworth Heights cottage Woodlea was rebuilt and its decor fit right in with this month’s theme of Sunny Color: Transform Your Home with Fun Patterns and New Hues.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: Ludington Daily News

Mountain biking club sees growth

Petoskey News Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Bicycles are welcome all over northwest Michigan, and mountain biking clubs like North Country Cycle Sport are seeing the effects.

Excerpt: A little over a dozen years ago, the North Country Cycle Sport mountain biking club began with about a half-dozen riders.  

With the ever increasing popularity of the sport and last year’s merger with another local mountain biking group known as the Derailed Team, the club has grown to almost 40 Northern Michigan biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

For the entire story, go here.

Source: Petoskey News

Frankfort musician takes home Grammys

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The Grammys was the TV show to watch this week, and it was also a huge night for a northwest Michigan musician who won two of the awards.

Excerpt: Two out of six isn’t bad.

That’s how many Grammys Fun. took home from among its half dozen nominations at the Grammy Awards Sunday night. Members, who include Frankfort High School graduate Andrew Dost, won Song of the Year for “We Are Young” from their “Some Nights” album. They also took the top prize for Best New Artist.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: Traverse City Record Eagle

Petoskey-made jam wins food award

MyNorth.com Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Every time that American Spoon catalog comes in the mail, it looks super tempting, and while we haven't personally tried their version of the northern Michigan classic, thimbleberry jam, it's great to hear the company won a 2013 Good Food Award for it.

Excerpt: American Spoon, the artisanal fruit-preserving company founded in 1982, has been named a winner for the 2013 Good Food Awards. For the second year in a row, judges selected the Petoskey, Michigan-based company's Wild Thimbleberry Jam for this prestigious award honoring craftsmanship and sustainability.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Traverse City redevelopment noted in story on big-box stores

The Detroit Free Press Tuesday, February 12, 2013
In the last few years, big-box stores have been struggling, and closing locations in some cases. What do cities do with the huge retail spaces left behind? This Detroit Free Press story explores some things that have worked.

Excerpt: Tucked behind the Oakland Mall in Troy is a big box of nostalgia.

With its familiar maroon stripe, the outside of the store looks much as it did when it housed a Circuit City, the electronics retailer that went bankrupt in 2009. Only the name on the sign is different. The interior has the same carpeting and automatic doors.

But the sales floor, once aglow with rows of flat-panel TVs, now bears the weight of four dozen antique cars and roadsters, including a baby blue 1957 Ford T-Bird.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Concord Academy to become a STEAM school

Petoskey News Tuesday, February 12, 2013
In the rush to boost STEM fields, where do the arts get left? Concord Academy officials are rethinking their mission to include arts in the familiar acronym to create a STEAM school instead. Which we are all about, because what good is all the rest of it without the arts?

Excerpt: In his first year at Concord Academy Petoskey, principal Bob Ollar has hit the ground running by researching the Petoskey area and needs that Concord Academy can fill.

He and the Concord Academy Board have recently modified the vision of Concord Academy for the 2013-2014 school year. The kindergarten through eighth grade will become a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics school.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

Away.com lists Traverse City among best 4-day vacations

Away.com Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Come for four days, by all means. Come for two, or six, or thirty! We're glad to see Away.com recognizes the charms of northern Michigan by adding Traverse City to its list.

Excerpt: Long a favorite vacation spot for Michiganders, Traverse City is making its way onto the national radar: In just the past year, out-of-state visitation has jumped 30 percent.

For the whole list, click here.

Source: Away.com

Oval Office desk includes Petoskey stone

UpNorthLive.com Tuesday, January 29, 2013
We're not sure how it got there (maybe from one of the president's trips to Michigan in recent years) but it's cool to see one of our native stones sitting on President Obama's desk.

Excerpt:  President Obama keeps a little Michigan memento on his desk in the Oval Office.

White House photographer Pete Souza shared the photo, which shows the president fidgeting with a Petoskey stone as he talks on the phone.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Sleeping Bear Dunes younger than previously thought

Battle Creek Enquirer Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Michigan scientists studying dune formation and climate variance are revising their beliefs on the age of our northern Michigan lakeshore dunes. The new theory could have impact for dune management.

Excerpt: The dunes of Michigan's northwest Lower Peninsula are relative youngsters compared to their brethren along the state's more southerly shores. According to recently published work by Michigan State University researchers, they are thousands of years younger than previously believed.

"This old traditional view of these dunes was that they had pretty much formed at one time about 5,000 years ago during the Nipissing phase of ancestral Lake Michigan," said Alan Arbogast, chairman of the university's Department of Geography.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Battle Creek Enquirer

Petoskey car dealer adds Hertz auto rentals to services

Petoskey News Tuesday, January 29, 2013
It's the mark of a good business owner to look for niche ways to expand your business that fit well with your current business model, which is just what one Petoskey couple has been doing.

Excerpt: It is possible for a business to thrive in Northern Michigan so much that it expands --twice.

Tailored Enterprises, Inc., owned by Rob and Kay Taylor, has been a used car lot that finances cars for customers with credit problems since 1987. They added Penske truck rentals for moving and hauling needs in 2007, and last summer became an agency for Hertz car rentals.

For the entire article, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

Little Traverse Conservancy debuts smartphone app

Petoskey News Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Local residents as well as visitors looking for the best of northern Michigan outdoor recreation will find a new mobile phone app useful.

Excerpt: Have a must-get-outdoors emergency and need desperately to find your nearest nature preserve?

There's an app for that.

At least now there is.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

New Dennos exhibit explores inequality, discrimination

The Ticker Tuesday, January 15, 2013
In remembrance of Martin Luther King Jt. Day, the Dennos Museum has a new exhibit detailing the history and culture of inequality, racial and other discrimination in the U.S.  

Excerpt: The exhibition, “THEM: Images of Separation,” comes to Traverse City from the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University and runs through March 3. It showcases pop culture items – from postcards and license plates to games and souvenirs – with images promoting hate and perpetuating stereotypes against groups including Asian Americans, Hispanics, Jews and poor whites, as well as those who are “other” in terms of body type or sexual orientation.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: The Ticker

Boomerang generation returns to Traverse City

Crain's Detroit Business Tuesday, January 15, 2013
This article in Crain's Detroit Business profiles a growing group of young people who are returning to Traverse City to work and create their own businesses after working elsewhere--including some names familiar to Second Wave readers.

Excerpt: They call them "boomerangs." They're primarily 20- or 30-somethings who grew up in Traverse City, then ran away to seek their fortunes elsewhere as soon as they could. After all, unless they owned or worked in a hospitality business, there was just no place for them in a resort town.

Now, those boomerangs are coming back.
 
For the rest of the article, click here.

Source: Crain's Detroit Business

Glen Lake student redefines "student-athlete"

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, January 15, 2013
With accomplishments like this while he's still in high school, one local student seems poised to do even greater things in the coming years.

Excerpt: When Mike O'Brien graduates from Glen Lake this spring, he'll do so with 12 varsity letters.

Four apiece in football, basketball and golf.

It's been a long and illustrious career for O'Brien, but his mark on the school goes well beyond the playing fields.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Charlevoix theater has new owners, soon new upgrades

Petoskey News Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Charlevoix Cinema III theater is now owned by a local couple, and will see some changes in the upcoming months, like new seating and digital screens.

Excerpt: Downtown Charlevoix got something of an early Christmas present Nov. 30, when a husband and wife team with deep roots in the community purchased the Charlevoix Cinema III movie theater on Antrim Street.

Luther and Mary Kurtz bought the cinema from Charlevoix State Bank which has owned and operated the business since mid-July 2012 when its prior long-time owner Bill Supernaw defaulted on his mortgage after struggling for years with declining business.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Petoskey's Twisted Olive adding dinner service

Petoskey News Tuesday, December 18, 2012
For fans of the restaurant Twisted Olive in downtown Petoskey, it's good news: the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine on offer there now includes a dinner menu, which goes along with a new liquor license.

Excerpt: Expanded hours and an evening menu recently became part of the offerings at downtown Petoskey restaurant Twisted Olive.

Twisted Olive, 319 Bay St., will celebrate its new offerings with a grand opening on Tuesday, Dec. 18, although evening menu service is now available 5-10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

For the rest of the article, click here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Traverse City named top winter vacation destination

Livability.com Tuesday, December 18, 2012
We all know how great northern Michigan is in the winter, but it's good to hear it from other people, too.

Excerpt: Many travelers see a winter vacation as a trip to a warm and sunny land, yet a city covered in snow and ice can be paradise for those looking for discounts, fewer tourists and rugged adventures.

To discover the best winter vacation destinations, we analyzed our 500 Livability.com cities and identified the hottest winter scenes based on advice from experts including travel writers and tourism marketing professionals.

For the whole list, click here.

Source: Livability.com

Micro-distilleries next trend among drink crafters

The Ticker Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Microbrewing isn't the latest thing on the locally-crafted drinks scene anymore, according to this roundup of the new craft distilleries opening in northwest Michigan.

Excerpt: You're aware of the established wineries and recent explosion of local microbreweries, but now there's a new alcohol player in town.

Micro distillers– artisans who own craft distilleries producing less than 100,000 gallons of spirits a year – are popping up throughout the region.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: The Ticker

Upper Michigan love in Vanity Fair

CBS Detroit Tuesday, December 04, 2012
It's always clear how chef Mario Batali feels about northern Michigan in interviews; his adopted vacation home certainly feels the same about him.

Excerpt: A Christmas season spent Up North can look like a Norman Rockwell painting — snowy roads, icy tree boughs, quaint downtowns with mom and pop stores, even horse-drawn sleighs.

And no one knows that better than world-famous chef Mario Batali.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: CBS Detroit

Trails in northern Michigan are a priority for Gov. Snyder

Petoskey News Tuesday, December 04, 2012
The governor has been talking lately about how to connect the whole state through trail systems, and that, of course, includes a lot of northern Michigan.

Excerpt: Part of Governor Rick Snyder's energy address, delivered Wednesday at the Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, called for Michigan to become a leader in recreation trails.

"Michigan has more total trail miles than just about any other sate," said Snyder in the prepared version of his speech.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Food hub to be funded with grant

UpNorthLive.com Tuesday, December 04, 2012
The Grand Traverse Commons is seeing its share of revitalization and reuse, and it looks like the latest of those uses is a community food hub for the northern Michigan region.

Excerpt: The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has received a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a regional food hub in Traverse City.

The Grand Traverse Regional Food Market Committee is working on developing the hub in the hold state hospital commissary building at the Grand Traverse Commons.

The entire article can be found here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Charlevoix recognized as "Connected Community"

Farmers Advance.com Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Technology is what ties together businesses, community and the world, so it's important that northern Michigan puts effort into improving it, like Charlevoix has done.

Excerpt: Charlevoix County was recently recognized by Connected Nation with the first Connected Community certification awarded in the United States.

The Connected Community Engagement Program, managed in Michigan by Connect Michigan, supports the building of a comprehensive action plan for a “connected” community by reviewing the technology landscape, developing regional partnerships, establishing local teams, and conducting a thorough community assessment of broadband access, adoption and use.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Farmers Advance.com

New TV show filming in Traverse City

MyNorth.com Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Traverse City is the location for the pilot episode of a reality TV show called "Blood Brothers," which will be taping at the end of the month around town.

Excerpt: This month, keep your eye out for the cameras. Traverse City’s own Bihlman Bros. have been given the green light to film the pilot episode of a new reality TV show tentatively titled “Blood Brothers” for a Hollywood production company.

The Bihlman Bros. and production team will be filming in and around Traverse City the week of November 27, culminating with a live performance at Union Street Station on Saturday, December 1.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Local food week gets discussions started on agriculture, economy issues

Harbor Light Tuesday, November 06, 2012
This piece on the recent Local Food Week and the issues behind it is long, but well worth setting aside a few minutes to read and think about.

Excerpt: Small farmers markets and locally sourced products have been a growing trend over recent years. Many people are beginning to take note of where their food comes from and how it is produced. This has led to a demand for locally produced food not only on a small, regional scale, but in the global food economy, too.

Food Factor: How Local Tastes are Changing Global Ways, was the topic of a recent lecture given by Regional Food Solutions founder Patty Cantrell, part of North Central Michigan College’s Local Food Week.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Harbor Light

Ribbon cut on new housing at Grand Traverse Commons

Mlive.com Tuesday, November 06, 2012
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is welcoming new residents with its most recently renovated apartment building, Cottage 36.

Excerpt: Grand opening ceremonies were held Friday, Nov. 2 for the latest renovation project at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a former state mental asylum undergoing a transformation into a mixed-use development complex.

Kentwood general contractor Wolverine Building Group and architect Concept Design Studio collaborated on the renovations to Cottage 36…

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Chef blogs about Northern Michigan delicacies

Ruhlman.com Tuesday, November 06, 2012
There are certainly delicious things to be found and eaten in northern Michigan that you just don't see many other places--we're glad to see chef Michael Ruhlman got a chance to try some of the regional products out on a recent visit.

Excerpt: I’ve recently returned from inspiring days at Pigstock, in Traverse City, Michigan, where I and my partner in Salumi, Brian Polcyn, were invited to participate in a celebration of the pig. But we also got to sample wines and spirits made from the abundant fruit that grows in this unique climate.

I have, since I first imbibed the crystal elixir, bowed before eau de vie, the aptly named water of life. My first vision of it was in the 1970s when my Uncle Lars arrived at our house with a gift of Poire Williams for my father; astonishingly, there was a pear inside the bottle.

For the entire blog post, click here.

Source: Ruhlman.com

State Theatre gets big donation from Consumers Energy

The Republic of Columbus, Indiana Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Consumers Energy keeps the lights on in a lot of places -- and with their giant contribution to the Traverse City State Theatre, that now includes the theatre's exterior.

Excerpt: A foundation linked to CMS Energy Corp. awarded $125,000 on Wednesday for renovations to Traverse City's State Theatre, home of Michael Moore's annual film festival.

The Consumers Energy Foundation presented the grant to the Traverse City Film Festival at an evening ceremony. The foundation's grant is for the cost of the now-completed restoration of the exterior of the downtown movie house.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: The Republic of Columbus, Indiana

Record-breaking muskie caught near Bellaire

The Republic of Columbus, Indiana Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Of course, there's really no such thing as a small muskie, at least not one you can take home. But the one caught on Lake Bellaire recently was on the far end of the scale, breaking records at 58 pounds.

Excerpt: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says a record-setting muskellunge has been caught in Antrim County.

The DNR said Friday that Joseph Seeberger of Portage landed the fish Oct. 13 on Lake Bellaire.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: The Republic of Columbus, Indiana

NWMCOG earns placemaking award

NWMCOG Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Placemaking has been a buzz word on the lips of many in northern Michigan, and that's certainly due to the help of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments' efforts to help local communities work on placemaking. Recently, the council was recognized nationally for its resources on the issue.

Excerpt: The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) has received a 2012 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation for the Northern Michigan Community Placemaking Guidebook.

NWMCOG released the Guidebook earlier this year to provide information and resources to help communities implement placemaking. It includes case studies of placemaking projects in six northern Michigan communities.

For the whole news release, go here.

Source: NWMCOG

Chicago butcher finds the history of meat on Leelanau farm

Chicago Reader Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Bare Knuckle Farm on the Leelanau Peninsula embodies the farm-to-table aesthetic, with its hand-raised animals. One of their customers, a Chicago butcher, writes about the experience of his part of the process first-hand.

Excerpt: I approached Jess as he was loading his rifle. I put my arm around him and thanked him again for what he was about to do for me. And for what he had already done for me. He and our friend Abra raised a hog for us on their farm in Northport, Michigan. A Duroc-Old Spot cross, it lived a happy life rooting in the dirt and eating whey from the nearby Leelanau Cheese Company along with the apples, cherries and chestnuts dropped from the trees in their neighbor’s organic orchard.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Chicago Reader

Water bottle ban at festivals discussed

The Detroit News Tuesday, October 09, 2012
It's not too early to talk about festival planning for next summer--goodness knows organizers are already working on it. Should reusable water bottles be mandatory to keep plastic trash down? It's under discussion for future festivals.

Excerpt: In Traverse City, Mayor Michael Estes is proposing a ban on disposable bottles. He wants any city festival sponsor to provide reusable bottles that could be filled for free at water stations.
 
For the whole article, click here.

Source: Detroit News

Trattoria Stella gets write-up in the New York Times

The New York Times Tuesday, October 09, 2012
It's been a good year in the press for Trattoria Stella, with (well-deserved) public acclaim from many travel writers, and now a very flattering review in the New York Times. Read on to see what was said.

Excerpt: The weather in Northern Michigan is considerably cooler this time of year, and everyone is pretty chilled out.

Perfect encapsulation of that mood: the bar at Trattoria Stella, a well-regarded Italian restaurant in town.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: New York Times

Indian River boy is 9-year-old stock car driver

Mlive.com Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Wow, we're not brave enough to try stock car racing, and this kid is only nine. Record-setting Braden Dubois is getting some attention for his accomplishments in Indian River.

Excerpt: A 9-year-old boy in northern Michigan is the world's youngest stock car driver.

Braden Dubois, a student at Inland Lakes Elementary, set a new world record this summer as the youngest stock car driver on the planet.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Mlive.com

Traverse magazine compiles list of 10 fall must-dos

Tuesday, October 09, 2012
One of the great things about living in northern Michigan is that contrary to some beliefs, life just gets better when the summer's over. Winter will slow us down soon enough, but in the meantime fall has plenty to offer in these few all-too-short weeks.

Excerpt: Let's be honest, the annual farewell to summer is no easy feat. Suddenly smothered with back-to-school specials, last winter's jeans, and the occasional Christmas advertisement, the fall season's got a lot going on. But in Northern Michigan, that first glowing leaf welcomes a whole slew of festive fair. From the plentiful orchards to winding nature trails, these few months are favorites for exploring Northern Michigan's most colorful canvas.

For the whole list, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Made in Michigan festival to be held in Traverse City

MyNorth.com Tuesday, September 25, 2012
We can't think of a better thing to have a festival about than all the great local and handmade products that the Mitten State can boast of. That's happening in TC in October, so go & support Michigan businesses.

Excerpt: Porterhouse Productions is at it again, bringing another awesome festival to Traverse City! This summer we soaked up the sun at the Great Wakes Festival, dined and danced at Paella in the Park, and rocked it out at the Traverse City Summer Microbrew and Music Festival. Now that fall is here it's time to live it up at the "Made in Michigan" October Festival!

For more on the event, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Kalkaska looks to downtown's future

Escanaba Daily Press Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Kalkaska community members and leaders are getting together to reinvent the town's downtown and business district with visioning and placemaking strategies.

Excerpt: Leaders of the northern Michigan village of Kalkaska are looking for ways to bring new life to the community’s aging downtown.

Officials and business owners would like to see a vibrant shopping district with a movie theater, brew pub, boutique shops and farmer’s market, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported Sunday.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Escanaba Daily Press

Petoskey cleaning business celebrates 30 years

Petoskey News Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Congratulations are definitely deserved by anyone who stays in business for 30 years, which is what a local Petoskey businessman get to celebrate this year.

Excerpt: In 1982 Bill Price decided to start washing windows for a living and started Sunshine Window Cleaning and Pressure Washing.

Thirty years later, he's still washing windows. 

For the article, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

NPR covers Michigan Russian pigs debate

NPR Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Northwest Michigan small farmer Mark Baker has become the face of a statewide issue with the state DNR's ruling that Russian pigs are an invasive species. NPR does a thorough job with the story.

Excerpt: It's estimated that as many as 3,000 wild pigs are on the loose in Michigan. Nationwide, they cause more than $1.8 billion in damage to farms each year. So recently, the state's Department of Natural Resources put Russian boar on the state's invasive species list.

Mark Baker left the military eight years ago to start Baker's Green Acres, a small farm in Marion, Mich., with his wife and kids. Since then, he's put a whole lot of love, money and time into developing tasty charcuterie: salted and cured pork, derived from his hybrids of Russian boar and the heritage breed Mangalitsa.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: National Public Radio

Traverse City Opera House announces new season including Lily Tomlin

MyNorth.com Tuesday, September 11, 2012
After 120 years, the Traverse City Opera House is still going strong, and is starting off the new season with Lily Tomlin. Other dates booked include the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and the Voca People.

Excerpt: The historic City Opera House celebrates 120 years downtown in 2012–13, kicking off the anniversary season September 15 with comedian and Detroit native Lily Tomlin. It’s the third year for the Auto-Owners Insurance Performing Arts Series at the Opera House.

For the whole listing, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

M-22 logo becomes part of trademark debate

The Wall Street Journal Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Myers brothers have had a pretty successful year with their M-22 apparel, but this exploration of the use of highway signs as trademarked logos in the Wall Street Journal gets into a possible legal issue.

Excerpt: Matt and Keegan Myers built their apparel company on the idea that Michigan's scenic State Highway M-22 isn't just a road, but a way of life.

But the brothers insist it is also their intellectual property. Now they are scrambling to hold on to it.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Great Lakes water quality pact signed

WLFI.com Tuesday, September 11, 2012
It's possibly even more important now than in the 1970s when the first Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement was signed. The latest version has some important updates.

Excerpt: The U.S. and Canada have approved an updated version of a 40-year-old pact that commits both nations to protecting the Great Lakes.

Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson and Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement on Friday in Washington, D.C.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: WLFI.com

Traverse magazine lists local artists to keep an eye on

MyNorth.com Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The beauty of northern Michigan has drawn artists of all stripes over the years, whether for a temporary visit or to stay. Here are a few of the recent additions to our local art community.

Excerpt: Take a closer look at these Northern Michigan artists and painters.

 "I get a lot of inspiration from the rolling hills and farms where we live," says Citraro, who recently moved his young family to Petoskey from Chicago.

For the entire list, click here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Zagat blogs about TC & Leelanau

Zagat Tuesday, August 28, 2012
These ten picks from Zagat.com's blog are a pretty sweet representation of the foodie delights available to locals and visitors.

Excerpt: If this burgeoning foodie destination is good enough for Mario Batali, who owns a home there, then it’s good enough for us. Just a five and a half hour drive from Chicago, it’s time to plan one last summer vacay with 10 can’t-miss picks for dining and playing in the mitten’s pinkie.

For the whole post, click here.

Source: Zagat

Small breweries boom in northern Michigan

Petoskey News Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Northwest Michigan is racking up the craft breweries, with the latest being Petoskey Brewing, soon to open.

Excerpt: Times are hopping for brewers of craft beers in Michigan.

While beers produced by international companies such as Anheuser-Busch Inbev, SABMiller and Molson Coors still hold a major share of the Michigan market, smaller brewers based within the state are establishing a greater presence, touting the distinctive flavors their beverages offer.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

New record inspired by Leelanau Peninsula

Plug In Music Tuesday, August 28, 2012
California folk musician Dana Falconberry took the name of her latest record, as well as the inspiration behind it, from the surroundings of the Leelanau Peninsula.

Excerpt: Dana Falconberry suffuses the majesty of nature in the orchestral pop-folk she elegantly crafts in Leelanau, her inaugural release on Oakland, CA's Antenna Farm Records.  Citing influences ranging from the prints of artist Gwen Frostic, the books of Willa Cather, and the stark, childs-eye beauty of the Swedish film Let The Right One In, Falconberry finds lyrical inspiration in her idyllic childhood retreats to the Great Lakes State's Leelanau peninsula.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Plug In Music

Mario Batali writes love letter to Traverse City on HuffPost

Huffington Post Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Huffington Post travel section has a collection of "Love Letters," all written to different places. The latest missive comes from none other than Mario Batali.

Excerpt: Dear Traverse City,

I first laid eyes on you over a decade ago. My wife, Susi, and I rented a house on a little beach for a week. The next year it was two weeks, the next year three, then four. I couldn't resist. I was hooked.

For the full letter, go here.

Source: Huffington Post

MDOT launches YouTube campaign on highway deaths

MINewswire Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Take a minute to check out MDOT's newest video on YouTube. It kicks off a campaign to reach zero traffic deaths in the state, a worthy goal for all of us.

Excerpt: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has posted a new video to its YouTube channel on www.youtube.com/michigandot. The three-minute video reinforces MDOT's goal of zero highway deaths by interviewing Michigan residents.

For the story and video, go here.

Source: MiNewswire

Susan Sarandon among those lined up to visit for TC Film Festival

Detroit News Tuesday, July 31, 2012
It's Traverse City Film Festival time, and that means a busy town, packed with film fans, filmmakers and yes, a few celebrities, including Susan Saradon, who will accept the festival's lifetime achievement award.

Excerpt: Susan Sarandon will appear at this week's Traverse City Film Festival to promote the soon-to-be-released movie "Robot & Frank" and talk shop with fellow Oscar winner Michael Moore.

Sarandon will add star power to the summer festival, which runs from Tuesday through Sunday and attracts large crowds to the Lake Michigan resort town.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Detroit News

TC gets recognition for wine... wait, no, beer!

Mlive.com Tuesday, July 31, 2012
We love the breweries in and around Traverse City, so we're glad to see the Travel Channel picked up on the amazingness of the craft brews in the region, too.

Excerpt: Traverse City is full of well-known local goodies, from famous cherry pies and award-winning ice cream to an established wine region.

Now, it looks like craft beer is the next big indulgence to come from the Cherry Capital.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Mlive.com

New York Post writer catches the Northern Michigan bug

New York Post Tuesday, July 31, 2012
It's hard not to like NY Post writer David Landsel's unbounded enthusiasm for our area after a recent visit. You're welcome back anytime, David.

Excerpt: If you ever wanted to understand how Michigan’s mighty economy crashed down to earth so spectacularly, you should probably just go hang out in the northern part of the state, where pristine lakes and quiet rivers are filled with happy people in boats, dragged up from the industrial flatlands, mostly behind giant, American-made pickup trucks.

Work? Who needs it. When you’re here, it’s hard to see anything wrong with the picture.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: New York Post

Boots-n-All says TC is great foodie stop

Boots-n-All Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Farm-to-table certainly does not have to mean New York City or Los Angeles, as Traverse City fans of good food already know. Travel blog Boots-n-All makes note of it in this list of small towns serving up big-city cuisine.

Excerpt: Globally inspired cuisines, creative chefs, critical acclaim, adventurous palates, and a spurt of farm-to-fork restaurants have contributed to making cities like New York and Los Angeles popular with foodies. But away from the spotlight, many small towns in America have slowly risen to the status of culinary destinations. And more often than not the food there is fresh from the local farm and cheaper than what you’d find in a big city counterpart.

For the entire post, go here.

Source: Boots-n-All

Traverse City & Petoskey both named coolest Midwest vacation spots

Midwest Living Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Midwest Living rounded up quite an assortment of the coolest summer vacation spots in the Midwest, and northwest Michigan was home to two of the list's choices, Traverse City and Petoskey.

Excerpt: During the summertime National Cherry Festival, Traverse City's population swells from 14,000 to more than 500,000. What's amazing, though, is that this gentrified vacation spot (140 miles north of Grand Rapids) feels even more like a small town during the fest.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Source: Midwest Living

Petoskey offers something most lake getaways don't, says Chicago Trib

The Chicago Tribune Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The charm of Petoskey, says this writer, is that it hasn’t really changed all that much over the years, staying on "lake time," unaffected by trends and tourists.

Excerpt: If Ernest Hemingway returned to modern-day Petoskey, he'd probably say, "Yes — just as I left it." Then he'd shoot a bear, wrestle you to the ground and pour himself a dram of rum. A fine rum fit for a man.

We'll never know, of course, but odds are good that old Hem would approve. This summer getaway, tucked in Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, between Traverse City and the Upper Peninsula, remains frozen in Midwestern lake time.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: Chicago Tribune

TC's State Theater called one of the 10 greatest places to see a movie

Mlive.com Tuesday, July 17, 2012
There's no doubt the State Theatre in Traverse City is gorgeous, but according to USA Today's travel site, it's also one of the best places to see a movie in historic splendor.

Excerpt: The historic State Theatre in Traverse City is one of the nation's "10 greatest places to see a movie in splendor," according to USA Today Travel.

The website, in a list curated by DailyCandy senior editor Karen Palmer, paired the theater alongside classic movie houses in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and other major cities.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Mlive.com

TC's State Theater called one of the 10 greatest places to see a movie

Mlive.com Tuesday, July 17, 2012
There's no doubt the State Theatre in Traverse City is gorgeous, but according to USA Today's travel site, it's also one of the best places to see a movie in historic splendor.

Excerpt: The historic State Theatre in Traverse City is one of the nation's "10 greatest places to see a movie in splendor," according to USA Today Travel.

The website, in a list curated by DailyCandy senior editor Karen Palmer, paired the theater alongside classic movie houses in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and other major cities.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Mlive.com

Sleeping Bear Dunes gets trail grant

Tuesday, June 19, 2012
If it seems like we're hitting the theme of Traverse City lakeshore trails hard, it's because we really believe that's an important part of making our area healthy, safe and attractive to visitors and new residents.

Excerpt: National measures are being taken to help maintain the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore area, a local paradise not far from Traverse City. Recently the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes have been selected to receive a 2012 Active Trails Grant from the National Park Foundation, which is the official charity of America's national parks.

For the rest of the article, click here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Oil and gas acquisition in northern Michigan finalized

Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Oil and natural gas rights have been something of a debated topic in northern Michigan in the last few years. Here's the latest development from a company purchasing northern Michigan rights.

Excerpt: American Energy Development Corp. (AED) has finalized the agreement to acquire oil and gas rights to approximately 4,000 additional acres in Northern Michigan, known as the White-tail Prospect.

The White-tail Prospect considerably expands AED's presence within the state's prolific Niagaran reef proven reef play, and brings the company's total Michigan acreage to more than 5,300 acres.

For the whole press release, go here.

Source: Marketwatch.com

Local business among those recognized by Red Hot awards

Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Traverse magazine has announced its selections, voted on by readers, for the "Red Hot Best of Northern Michigan 2012" awards. One of those is Fit For You in Traverse City.

Excerpt: Fit For You of Traverse City, Mich., has been honored with a recognition by Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine in its selection of "Red Hot Best Of Northern Michigan 2012."

For the rest of the press release, click here.

Source: Marketwatch.com

Charlevoix bacon jam burger recipe recreated

Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Bacon-and-onion jam, toasted Brie and a grass-fed beef burger? Sounds like heaven to us, and apparently to this Ann Arbor writer, too. Don't miss the recipe at the end!

Excerpt: What inspires many of us of down-state Michiganders to pack our backs and head north each summer? The scratch of sand through toes as we traverse dunes and traipse along water’s edge...endless days evaporating into a purple-pink patina, as the sun sinks into the lake. Yes — certainly — but a few weeks back, Richard and I packed our bags and headed north in pursuit of a hamburger.

To read the rest of the story, go here.

Source: AnnArbor.com

Freep says look to Northwest Michigan for cheap vacation housing

The Detroit Free Press Monday, June 04, 2012
A house on the lake is a dream for a lot of folks; we're lucky enough in these parts to have it in many cases. Now an exploration from the Free Press as part of a series on real estate prices in Michigan says it's a good time to buy that one you've been dreaming of.

Excerpt: Home sales and prices are on the rise in parts of northwestern Michigan as baby boomers scoop up second homes and cottages sometimes years before they plan to retire to get today's discounted prices on lakefront property.

Realtors in the area say they've seen heightened activity this year as more buyers are finding the low prices, low interest rates and the scenic area on Lake Michigan too good to pass up.

Read the rest of the story here.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Wall Street Journal looks at Michigan fruit crop damage

The Wall Street Journal Monday, June 04, 2012
No cherries is bad for a lot of people, not just here. The WSJ explores the economic impact of the cherry crop damage this spring.

Excerpt: Up north, lousy spring weather has left Michigan's cherry crop in the pits.

The freakish meteorological events of March—two weeks of midsummer temperatures, followed by successive nights of hard freeze—likely ruined nearly all the 185 million pounds of the Montmorency cherries harvested in Michigan each summer, according to farmers and state officials.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Northern Michigan placemaking summit praised

Petoskey News Monday, June 04, 2012
The Petoskey News-Review editors aren't the only ones pleased about the recent placemaking summit in TC. We heartily agree it's a good thing for the region.

Excerpt: We’re pleased to see the attention that’s recently been given to placemaking in Northern Michigan, and believe this concept offers some potential to help local communities thrive.

North Central Michigan College hosted area business, local government, educational and nonprofit leaders for a placemaking summit on May 21, drawing more than 100 people.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Eat local restaurant challenge begins

MyNorth.com Monday, June 04, 2012
Local food can be interpreted two ways: Buying and cooking from local ingredients, or supporting local food industry. If you're into the latter, or just prefer to eat out rather than cook (like us), local restaurants are challenging you to keep it, well local.

Excerpt: Local restaurants are giving a thumbs up for the mitten state's "Eat Local to Support Local" campaign. The third annual Eat Local Challenge was started by locally-based Michigan restaurant owner, Jeff Lobdell. The name is the idea behind it—support local restaurants.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Source: MyNorth.com

A roundup of some 2012 Northwest Michigan wines you should try

MyNorth.com Tuesday, May 22, 2012
It's hard to know what to try out of each year's bountiful releases from Northwest Michigan wineries -- there are just so many good ones. Here's one writer's recommendations.

Excerpt: Northern Michigan Wine: May is the penultimate month for wine releases in Northern Michigan tasting rooms. Michigan oenophiles are ecstatic at the prospect of two of the best vintages in recent memory existing simultaneously.

For the whole list, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Charlevoix tour boat captain profiled

The Graphic Tuesday, May 22, 2012
We're not sure what could be more relaxing than a boat cruise on the Great Lakes on a hot summer day. Here's a look at one of the captains who makes that possible.

Excerpt: Steering a vessel may be one of the most widely recognized duties of a boat captain, but Kraig Funkey can list quite a few others along with it.

Funkey, 40, co-owns Keewenaw Excursions, a Charlevoix-based provider of sightseeing boat cruises, with his father, Fred, and brother, Jason. Kraig Funkey typically serves as captain for the company's 105-foot passenger boat, the Keweenaw Star.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: The Graphic

The Ticker comes up with a list of the best ethnic food in TC

The Ticker Tuesday, May 22, 2012
There's no shortage of food choices in Traverse City, but what about when you really crave something specific, like authentic Middle Eastern or Mexican food? The Ticker has a list that should help you out.

Excerpt: The recent news of two new Mexican eateries opening this month excited a lot of Ticker readers hungry for authentic ethnic eats. It also drummed up some banter about a few well-loved favorites already in existence -- Zakey Middle Eastern Cuisine on TC’s Front St., Silver Swan Homemade Foods on TC’s West Bay Shore Dr., and 22 Vines on Suttons Bay's SW Bay Dr. to name just a few. But what about the smattering of smaller, lesser-known operations cranking out awesome ethnic eats?

For the entire article, go here.

Source: The Ticker

Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes on National Geographic's top 10 list for 2012

Mlive.com Tuesday, May 22, 2012
We always love seeing visitors to the area, whether its summer or winter, but National Geographic says the Traverse City area shouldn't be missed by summer vacationers.

Excerpt: The Traverse City area has been named one of National Geographic’s 10 Best Summer Trips 2012 for nature lovers and urban explorers.

"The region’s 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline basically trace the upper left edge of Michigan’s 'mitten,'" National Geographic said.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Mlive.com

Northwest Michigan offers more than fishing and sporting

Tuesday, May 08, 2012
First famous for fishing and sporting, now famous for tourism, food and art. But Northwest Michigan has a lot to offer on all counts for today's visitors and residents.

Excerpt: "Absolutely the best trout fishing in the country . . . good northern atmosphere, no summer resort stuff," Ernest Hemingway wrote about Northern Michigan in 1919.

The prosaic, hard-drinking hunter and fisherman might not recognize the region today. Summer resorts, fine restaurants, arts and cultural festivals, eclectic galleries and cafes now populate the towns and marinas.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Shore Magazine

Michigan cherry growers facing tough spring

Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Northwest Michigan is known for fruit growing, but that has not been as reliable this year as it usually is, with the strange weather making all the wrong moves for farmers.

Excerpt: A disaster is unfolding in Michigan orchards as erratic spring weather causes some of the biggest losses in decades of cherries, apples and other fruits, growers said Thursday.

A rare extended period of summerlike temperatures in March caused trees to blossom early, only to be zapped by an unrelenting series of April frosts and freezes.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Washington Post

Cheboygan Memorial Hospital gets new name

Tuesday, May 08, 2012
McLaren Health is adding yet another Northwest Michigan hospital into its fold, with the former Cheboygan Memorial Hospital coming on board.

Excerpt: While officials work to restore some services at the former Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, the name of the hospital has been changed.

The hospital will now be known as McLaren -- Northern Michigan, Cheboygan Campus. It will functionally be a department of McLaren -- Northern Michigan, the 202-bed hospital in Petoskey.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: The Petoskey News

Academy students try out aquaculture

Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Conservation, agriculture, science and learning are all part of the greenhouse project at Grand Traverse Academy. Read on for more about the innovative idea.

Excerpt: Students, staff, and parent volunteers at Grand Traverse Academy have constructed a 33-foot geodesic dome greenhouse located just outside the school's science classrooms.

The idea was put forth by GTA science teacher, Matt Drost, and funded by the academy and grants from GTSI with the Conservation District and Trout Unlimited.

For the full article, click here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

TC Chamber names top 10 businesses

UpNorthLive.com Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The top 10 businesses in Traverse City? We're glad we didn't have to pick a list like that, there are just too many amazing businesses. Here's the Chamber of Commerce's list.

Excerpt: The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce released its list of the top ten businesses. Each of the small businesses listed is vying for the Chamber's 2012 Small Business of the Year Award.

The Chamber said there were more than 200 nominees for the Chamber's 2012 Small Business Celebration and Small Business of the Year Award.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Century Extrusion extends reach in China

Plastics News Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Century Extrusion of Traverse City is making news in its field for its work in China. A new acquisition should broaden its market.

Excerpt: Century Extrusion, a U.S. maker of twin-screw extruders, is finding a fertile market in far-flung places.

And, given that Century’s parent, CPM Holdings Inc., broadened its scope when it bought one of China’s largest extruder makers, Nanjing Ruiya Polymer Processing Equipment Co. Ltd., in 2007, Century’s leadership is particularly comfortable in China.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Plastics News

Northwest Michigan tree clone leader Milarch is topic of new book

NPR Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Our readers may already be familiar with Archangel Ancient Tree Archive's David Milarch and his work preserving the genetics of ancient trees right down the road in Copemish. They'll be joined by many more with the release of a book about him.

Excerpt: There’s a new book out today about an unusual conservation project based in northern Michigan. For most of the last two decades, a man from Copemish has been cloning old trees around the world. David Milarch believes the genetics of these trees are superior and could be useful in the era of climate change. The author of the book says he might have a point.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: NPR

Short's Brewery adds Wixom warehouse to its operating locations

Crain's Detroit Business Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The latest news from Short's Brewing is that some of its merchandising operations are moving to a warehouse in Oakland County. That's not bad news for northern Michigan, though; at the same time, they're expanding locally.

Excerpt: Elk Rapids based Short's Brewing Co. is moving some of its operations into a 12,000-square-foot-building in Wixom, a suburb of Detroit.

The building, at 28011 Grand Oaks Court, will house Short's administrative offices and merchandising warehouse.

For the rest of the article, click here.

Source: Crain's Detroit Business

Gator farm coming to Traverse City area?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
We've always known there are a few strange businesses in Northwest Michigan, but the Detroit Free Press and columnist Eric Sharp did their best to convince folks that a really, really odd entrepreneurial idea was getting the green light in a recent April Fool's article.
 
Excerpt: Saying that the unusually warm winter was only a hint of future climate change, the Obama administration has given Michigan $136 million for pilot programs to establish an alligator ranch on the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay and a banana plantation on the Leelanau Peninsula.
 
The alligator ranch began last fall but was kept secret until residents along the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay launched their boats in March and began noticing big "logs" that disappeared under the surface whenever they were approached.
 
Read the rest of the article here.
 
Source: Kansas City Star

It's the confusing name game!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Things can get a bit confusion when you're trying to hunt down a business with a similar name as another--just ask the folks who were trying to decipher which "Village at Grand Traverse" was which. Thankfully, one of the two development projects decided to change its name.

Excerpt: Similar names for two very different development projects in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula created a bit of confusion.

So the project called The Village at Grand Traverse LLC that includes a planned Meijer Inc. store in Grand Traverse County's Acme Township is changing its name.

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Development LLC, which is redeveloping a historic former state hospital site in Traverse City, will keep its name.

Read more of the article here.

Source: newstimes.com

To wind farm or not to wind farm?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
There seems to be a lot of debate over the benefit versus the cons of having a wind farm in Northwest Michigan. The Pioneer Press in Minneapolis recently ran a story written by the Associated Press that indicates clear lines are being drawn on the subject.

Excerpt: The Obama administration and five states announced an agreement Friday to speed up consideration of plans for offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes, which have been delayed by cost concerns and public opposition.

Under the deal, state and federal agencies will craft a blueprint for speeding regulatory review of proposed wind farms without sacrificing environmental and safety standards. The Great Lakes have no offshore wind turbines, although a Cleveland partnership announced plans last year for a demonstration project that would place five to seven turbines in Lake Erie about 7 miles north of the city, generating 20-30 megawatts of electricity.

For the rest of the article, visit this link.

Source: Pioneer Press

Great Wolf Lodge to consider newest purchase offer

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
When a company offers up a substantial sum to buy another business and that business accepts the offer, it seems like it should be a done deal, right? Well, not if you're Great Wolf Lodge and not if the latest offer is much sweeter than the one you previously accepted.

Excerpt: Based on Great Wolf’s 32.91 million outstanding shares, KSL’s bid is now worth about $230.4 million.

The offer also tops a bid by Apollo Global Management of $6.75 per share, or $222.1 million.

Great Wolf’s board has already has accepted Apollo Global’s offer, but said Sunday that it would "consider and evaluate" KSL’s latest offer.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Former Gov. Milliken turns 90

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, March 27, 2012
William Milliken is one of the most beloved governors to serve Michigan, and certainly so in the Traverse City area, where he now resides. His 90th birthday is this week.

Excerpt: Former Gov. William Milliken is the longest-serving governor in Michigan history (1969-83) -- and if there isn't a repeal of term limits, he will remain so.

But in the context of his life and career, it wasn't really all that long.

For the whole story, go here.

Source; Detroit Free Press

Pure Michigan and Coke are giving away a TC vacation

Marketwatch.com Tuesday, March 27, 2012
It's pretty cool that we get to live in a place where other people dream of vacationing--and hopefully, a new campaign from Coca-Cola will inspire even more of those dreams, as the soft drink company gives away a trip to Traverse City, among other places.

Excerpt: Images of Michigan’s sparkling waters, white sandy beaches and exciting destinations will soon be featured alongside the Coca-Cola logo in numerous places to inspire people to experience Pure Michigan. The collaborative effort will feature co-branding on billboards, Coca-Cola delivery trucks, vending machines and in-store signage statewide.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Marketwatch.com

Treaty Fish Co. going strong as small family business

MyNorth.com Tuesday, March 27, 2012
One of our favorite things in the world is small family-owned businesses, and Ed and Cindi Perry of Peshawbestown are one such family that it's a delight to meet in this MyNorth article.

Excerpt: The Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI) invites Northern Michigan to meet Ed and Cindi Perry, owners of Treaty Fish Company in Peshawbestown, MI, as part of their Taste the Local Difference "Know Your Farmer" project.

When Ed and Cindi John talk about their business, they wear quiet smiles. The two have been fishing since the late 1970s, and it’s clear that they love what they do.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Northern Michigan farmers balance on edge of early spring

Daily American Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The unseasonably warm temperatures mean buds and blossoms, although we all know in northern Michigan, frost danger has not retreated from the realm of possibility yet. Farmers are trying to balance the weather with their needs.

Excerpt: Take a drive south from Petoskey on U.S. 31, through Charlevoix and into Atwood: you're guaranteed, today, to see the fuzz of blossoms on pussy willows, birches and cottonwood trees -- a precursor to leaves.

Lilacs, too, are already showing green buds.

For the whole article, click here.

Source: Daily American

Art Van Furniture aims at smaller markets

Furniture Today Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Art Van Furniture is a familiar name to many in Northwest Michigan, but the furniture store wants even more to say that as it makes plans to expand to smaller markets.

Excerpt: Art Van Furniture, which announced plans last year to franchise its PureSleep bedding store concept, now also plans to franchise the full-line Art Van stores in small markets throughout Michigan.

Late last year, the Top 100 company hired David Braun as director of franchise development and operations. He has been working on putting together the needed documentation and operation manuals to franchise Art Van, Pure Sleep and "potentially Mattress World in the state of Michigan," said Art Van CEO Kim Yost.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Furniture Today

Versus announces 1Q results

HealthCare Global Tuesday, March 13, 2012
First quarter results already? Some companies are speedier than others at getting the financials out, and apparently Versus Technology is one of the ones on the prompt side. The results are in and they look good, with record revenues.

Excerpt: Versus Technology, Inc. announced record first quarter revenues of $2,138,000 for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2012, an 85.5 percent increase over revenues of $1,153,000 for the same period in 2011.

For the whole results, go here.

Source: HealthCare Press Release

Natural gas prospects explored in northern Michigan

Marketwatch Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Natural gas prospecting has been a mixed bag for some residents of Northwest Michigan, but it was inevitable with our local resources that more exploration would take place, including from American Energy Development.

Excerpt: American Energy Development Corp. is pleased to report that the company is expanding its presence in Michigan by entering into an agreement to add approximately 4,200 acres to its asset portfolio.

For the whole news release, click here.

Source: Marketwatch

A storm roundup from the people who know: emergency and utility workers

Petoskey News Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Petoskey News-Review has a two-part series reflecting on the recent winter storm, starting with this story with the perspectives of police and power line workers, some of whom worked long days to handle the fallout.

Excerpt: Just when it seemed like Northern Michigan might sneak past winter and into spring, a massive storm brought as much as 18 inches of snow to some areas and caused tens of thousands to lose power, some for days.

"This impacted all of Northern Michigan from Alpena to Leelanau and everyone in between," said Greg Williams, director of emergency management for Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

TC on Coolest Winter Destinations list

MSNBC Tuesday, February 28, 2012
MSNBC picked eleven of the coolest places to go in the winter, and Traverse City was rightfully on the list. See who else made the list below.

Excerpt: Snowstorms used to mean long days spent making snow angels and having snowball fights followed by big mugs of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. Alas, we're not kids anymore. But that doesn't mean we can't still get outside and play. There are lots of grownup winter activities, like, say, leading a pack of sled dogs across the Maine wilderness or snowshoeing over pathways carved back in the Ice Age (when it was considerably chillier).

For the whole list, click here.

Source: MSNBC

Tall Ship finds new home at TCL&P

Promote Michigan News Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The excerpt below sounds bleak, but there's a happy ending to the tall ship story in Traverse City. Read the whole story to find out.

Excerpt: After 25 years of tall ship sailing in Traverse City, it looked like the end of the line for Traverse Tall Ship Company and the schooner Manitou, yet another victim of the wave of foreclosures plaguing the nation. As tenants of the dock and property owned by failed developer Westbay Partners, LLC, the Tall Ship Co. -- along with two other commercial tenants -- was served with an eviction notice in July 2011.

For more of the story, go here.

Source: Promote Michigan News

Petoskey business marks 60 years

Petoskey News Tuesday, February 28, 2012
It's rare for any business to make it 20 years these days, let alone fifty. Ballard's Plumbing and Heating in Petoskey has made it to 60 years, which is pretty celebration-worthy.

Excerpt: At age 94, Don Ballard still feels a sense of pride when he passes through the intersection of Division and Mitchell Roads, and sees the brightly-colored sign for the plumbing and heating business he founded 60 years ago this year.

Ballard’s Plumbing and Heating has been a Petoskey mainstay since April 1952, when it began operating out of a house on Emmet Street.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Meijer's store plans near Traverse City move forward

Mlive.com Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Associated Press reports that the proposed Meijer's store in Acme is going forward, with board approval of the development project that includes Meijer's.

Excerpt: A township board has approved Meijer Inc.'s plans to open a store in a Traverse City-area community where the retailer funded a recall campaign in a zoning dispute several years ago.

For the rest of the article, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Tribe explores small business funding with GVSU

Mlive.com Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A new partnership with the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center might soon be benefiting Grand Traverse tribal members who own their own business or who have a great idea to start one.

Excerpt: Derek Bailey, tribal chair of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, knows the challenges members of his tribe face when it comes to running a business.

A lack of high-speed Internet, challenges transporting and creating awareness of their products, and difficulties finding experts to help craft a marketing or business plan all are among the obstacles faced by members of his tribe, which spans six counties in the northwestern corner of the Lower Peninsula.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Local group takes activist running to Palestine

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Olive farmers in Palestine are the latest beneficiary of the efforts of On The Ground, a group headed up locally that brings awareness to sustainable farming on an international scale.

Excerpt: This week a Traverse City businessman and eight others are putting their feet on the ground for peace, understanding and sustainable fair trade farming.

Chris Treter, vice president of Higher Grounds Trading is the founder of On The Ground (OTG), a nonprofit group with a mission of, “supporting sustainable community development in farming regions across the world," as stated on their website by partnering with other philanthropic agencies, donors and communities.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

TC businessman named Young Professional chair

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Young professionals in the Traverse City area have a new leader, as announced in the Detroit Free Press and local news recently.

Excerpt: The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce announced that its new Traverse City Young Professional Chair for 2012 is Brett McGreaham. He is the supply chain manager for the Northwest Michigan Surgery Center in Copper Ridge.

For all the details, go here.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Marquette Rail acquired by national railroad

Progressive Railroading Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Good commercial transportation is key to many businesses' growth, and that may soon be getting a little easier for rural northwest Michigan companies, as Marquette Rail has been bought by a national company with designs on rail expansion in the state.

Excerpt: Yesterday, RailAmerica Inc. announced it signed separate agreements to acquire employee-owned Marquette Rail L.L.C. for $40 million, and acquire a 70 percent interest in the Wellsboro and Corning Railroad (WCOR) and Industrial Waste Group (IWG) from Myles Group L.L.C. for $18 million.

The Marquette Rail acquisition is subject to final adjustments for working capital, customary closing conditions and Surface Transportation Board approval. Marquette Rail operates 126 miles of track from Grand Rapids to Ludington and Manistee, Mich.

For the full story, click here.

Source: Progressive Railroading

Tech firm acquires Petoskey computer business

Petoskey News Tuesday, January 31, 2012
AlphaGeek Web Design in Petoskey attracted the attention of a big IT firm, and became part of it recently.

Excerpt: Chesley Consulting, a growing information technology firm with offices in Michigan and Georgia, recently announced its acquisition of Petoskey Web development firm AlphaGeek Web Design.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

Energy-saving project highlighted in TC

Chicago Tribune Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Winter means energy efficiency is more important than ever in northern Michigan, and some folks are getting help with that through a local program.

Excerpt: Soon after they moved into their drafty old Victorian on Washington Street, Ty and Johanna Schmidt knew they needed to work toward a more energy-efficient home. But coming up with the money for an energy audit and improvements was another matter.

For the whole article, go here.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Wine Enthusiast recommends Chateau Chantal

Wine Enthusiast Tuesday, January 31, 2012
We usually think of vacation as something you do far from home, but according to Wine Enthusiast magazine, one of the best wine vacations is right here, at Chateau Chantal.

Excerpt: A good vacation should always entail copious amounts of fine food and wine, but bed-and-breakfasts across the country are now offering more than just a menu. Travelers can now hone their chef skills and learn wine pairing techniques on these culinary learning getaways. W.E. gives you our top picks for places to plan your next wine and food-focused escape.

For more of the story, go here.

Source: Wine Enthusiast

Report shows value of investing in arts and culture

Crain's Detroit Business Tuesday, January 31, 2012
It's not always the most obvious connection in the world, but arts and culture actually do have significant economic impact on communities, as a recent ArtServe report shows.

Excerpt: The intrinsic value of arts and cultural organizations has long been recognized, but a new report reinforces what the sector has long trumpeted: They have significant economic impact, as well.

For every $1 the state invested in nonprofit arts and cultural groups in 2009, those organizations pumped more than $51 into Michigan's economy through spending on rent, programs, travel and salaries.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Crain's Detroit Business

Solar startup moves to northwest Michigan

Crain's Detroit Business Tuesday, January 17, 2012
GlobalWatt is going to be a resident of Copemish instead of Saginaw, as the solar company seeks to cut its location costs but stay in Michigan. It's the next tale in a complicated solar-industry story across the state.

Excerpt: A solar manufacturing company that originally planned to bring 500 jobs and a $177 million production plant to Saginaw announced this week that it will relocate in northern Michigan next month, citing a need to reduce costs.

For more of the article, go here.

Source: Crain's Detroit Business

Ice wine stocks down because of late cold

Rochester Post Bulletin Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Northern Michigan makes some of the best ice wine in the world, but that specialized wine won't be on shelves as much as usual this year, due to the mildness and lateness of the cold weather we usually expect.

Excerpt: Along with ski resort operators and snowmobile vendors, the unusually mild winter has been rough on makers of a cold-climate delicacy called ice wine.

The pricey dessert beverage, produced by wineries stretching from Minnesota through New York and in parts of Canada, is revered for its sweetness and often-syrupy texture.

For the whole AP story, click here.

Source: Rochester (Minnesota) Post Bulletin

McLaren Health Care buys Petoskey hospital

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Petoskey's hospital has a new owner, McLaren Health Care, after a deal went through recently. Read on for the impact that'll have locally.

Excerpt: McLaren Health Care Corp. has acquired Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey, effective immediately, the hospitals announced Wednesday.

This past July, Flint-based McLaren and the 202-bed Petoskey hospital inked a letter of intent to negotiate an acquisition.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: The Detroit News

Northern Michigan land deals illuminate shell company debate

The Chicago Tribune Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Chesapeake Energy Co. and other major companies are the subject of a debate about the ethics and dealings of shell companies. Northwest Michigan is familiar with the issue, after a series of 2010 land rights deals.

Excerpt: Late in the summer of 2010, hundreds of farmers in northern Michigan were fuming.

All had signed leases with local brokers permitting drillers to tap natural gas and oil beneath their land. All were demanding thousands of dollars in bonuses they had been promised in exchange. But none knew for certain whom to go after.

The whole article can be found here.

Source: The Chicago Tribune

Dogman director interviewed

Absolute Michigan Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The new movie about the Michigan Dogman is set to be released this week, with a premiere at Traverse City's State Theatre. The director talks about the film in this interview.

Excerpt: Michigan-based Brauer Productions is releasing the new feature film Dogman next Wednesday (December 14) at the State Theatre in Traverse City.

We caught up with filmmaker & director Rich Brauer to talk about his new movie and the Dogman legend.

For the whole interview and video, go here.

Source: Absolute Michigan

TC company finalist in national green business awards

Mlive.com Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Local company Hazelnut Kids made it to the finals of the Green Business of the Year award competition, although it lost out to final winner Sustainable NYC.

Excerpt: Hazelnut Kids, a Traverse City business, is the only Michigan company to be a finalist for 2011 People’s Choice Award for the Green Business of the Year handed out by the nonprofit Green America’s Green Business Network.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

TC one of best places to retire

U.S. News Monday, November 28, 2011
Traverse City has the best water views on a budget for retirees, according to U.S. News. They've listed it as one of the best places to retire.

Excerpt: Better weather, affordable housing, and plenty of interesting things to do are just a few reasons people move to a new place when they retire. Whether you want to spend your golden years watching the sun set over the water or taking on a second career, we've identified an ideal place.

For more on the list, click here.

Source: U.S. News.com

State Theatre draws national fundraising attention

MovieCityNews.com Monday, November 28, 2011
TC's downtown State Theatre is the target of  fundraising with some big names attached, although that's becoming commonplace for the historic theater.

Excerpt: The Traverse City Film Festival has surged past the halfway point to mark $317,000 in progress just days after launching a year-end capital and community fund campaign called "Another Hundred Years!" that aims to raise $500,000 by Dec. 31.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: MovieCityNews.com

New assisted living center opens in Petoskey

Petoskey News Monday, November 28, 2011
Elderly residents and their families near Petoskey have a new option for assisted living; the new Mallard Cove facility is now open.

Excerpt: Mallard Cove, a residential assisted living facility, recently opened in the Petoskey area and is now offering short- and long-term care options.

The new facility, located at 2801 U.S. 31 South, is the largest assisted-living facility in Emmet County that’s licensed to care for residents with its own in-house staff.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

Charlevoix challenges residents to meet carton recycling mark

Petoskey News Monday, November 28, 2011
We all want to recycle as best we can -- but we could do better in some areas than others. One of those is coated paper cups and cartons, which don't get recycled like they should; the Emmet County Recycling Center is hoping to change that.

Excerpt: Residents of Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties have been able to recycle coated paper cups and cartons -- such as milk cartons and juice boxes -- for more than a year.

But at the Emmet County Recycling Center, where the recyclables are sorted in preparation for their use by factories in the region, staff say they aren't seeing many cartons in the bins.

To read the whole article, go here.

Source: Petoskey News

Traverse City company expands in Illinois

Belleville News-Democrat Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Fruit from Traverse City will be traveling a lot farther soon, as North Bay Produce expands with a cold-storage facility in Illinois, allowing its produce to stay fresh and reach markets all over the Midwest.

Excerpt: The St. Clair County Public Building Commission approved a 15-year deal Thursday to build a $5.7 million refrigerated warehouse at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah that could employ about 80 people.

North Bay Produce Inc., of Traverse City, Mich., plans to begin construction on the 36,448-square-foot warehouse immediately, with plans calling for it to open by June.

For more details, read the article here.

Source: Belleville News-Democrat

Dogman subject of upcoming movie

The Detroit Free Press Tuesday, November 08, 2011
The Michigan Dogman -- if you haven't heard at least one story of him, you're probably not from around here. It's northern Michigan's very own legend, and it's finally getting its own movie.

To read the whole story, go here.

Source: The Detroit Free Press

Dancin' Dogg Golf launches instructional series on Golf Channel

World Golf Tuesday, October 25, 2011
It's always nice when a local company gets big-time national exposure. For Dancin' Dogg Golf, that exposure is coming in the form of the company's own television show on the Golf Channel.

Excerpt: Dancin' Dogg Golf - maker of the OptiShot Infrared Simulator, the ultimate in-home virtual golf system - announces it has launched a series of instructional vignettes on Golf Channel featuring Tour star / TV analyst Roger Maltbie and PGA Teacher of the Year Mike Malaska that the network will begin airing this week.

Showcasing tips and drills that are perfect for players of all abilities, the segments address some of the most common areas for game improvement. Lessons include increasing clubhead speed, managing distance on shots, establishing a pre-shot routine, controlling the clubface and preventing a slice.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: World Golf

$2 million challenge spurs YMCA effort

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Fundraising isn't an easy chore--just ask anyone who has had to do it, especially for any large sum of money. Sometimes, the best help comes in the form of a large donation, which tends to spur others to give a little more, just like what is happening for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA right now.

Excerpt: An anonymous donor is staking $2 million on a vision: a groundbreaking ceremony in January for the new Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. Within 18-24 months of that date, the community will begin enjoying a new 104,000-square-foot facility on Silver Lake Road in Garfield Township.

The multimillion dollar gauntlet is geared to spur donations toward the facility's capital campaign, which had slowed about halfway toward the $12 million goal for the Y Essential Phase.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

TC profiled by Outside magazine

Outside Tuesday, October 11, 2011
It's the natural beauty, outdoors opportunities, and lakes that make northern Michigan a great place to live and visit, so it's appropriate that an outdoors magazine wrote a piece on the region.

Excerpt: Northern Michigan’s nickname, God’s Country, may be a slight exaggeration. But not by much.

The area includes million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forest (hiking, mountain biking), the 22-mile-long Old Mission Peninsula (kayaking, cycling), and hundreds of miles of Blue Ribbon trout streams.

To read the whole thing, go here.

Source: Outside

How Traverse City saved its urban core

Mlive.com Tuesday, October 11, 2011
For struggling Michigan cities, some of the answers they seek might be found right here in Traverse City, which has been through a downtown revival in the last decade or two.

Excerpt: The drive to revive Michigan runs through its downtowns, large and small, officials say. Here's a look at one city's success in following the pattern.

Bryan Crough is delighted, ticking off the occupants of Front Street, this resort city’s main drag. He can count only two national retailers and one chain sandwich shop.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Freep praises area's fall colors

The Detroit Free Press Tuesday, October 11, 2011
It's one of the amazing benefits of living in northern Michigan, and each year it's different, but always spectacular: the fall color change. It brings visitors from near and far, but all we have to do is drive down the road.

Excerpt: Fall color is in full swing in northern Michigan, especially in the Gaylord-West Branch-Boyne region. It was only 43 degrees this afternoon in Gaylord and the skies were spitting rain -- but Mother Nature was still putting on a show.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Traverse City is full of scaredy-cats, says Redbox

Marketwire Tuesday, October 11, 2011
The Redbox movie rental service put out a Halloween list on which cities rent the most horror flicks, and apparently in northern Michigan, horror isn't the way to go for an evening's entertainment. Marquette and Traverse City topped the national list as the places renting the fewest.

Excerpt: Renting more horror movies from redbox than any other city in 2011, Columbus, Mississippi is America's hot spot for horror.

Conversely, Marquette, Michigan tops the list of the most scared American city in 2011 -- renting fewer horror movies from redbox than any other city.

For the whole list, go here.

Source: Marketwire

Fishing show filmed in Traverse City

South Bend Tribune Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Northwest Michigan was the setting for a recent "Hook n' Look" fishing show episode, and one local found out it's hard work making all that fishing look good on TV.

Excerpt: I netted Kim Stricker's big smallmouth, handed him the fish and picked up my rod to make a cast into the same area.

"Whoa," the host of "Hook n' Look" said, grabbing my rod to stop the cast. "No fishing. We have to film this again."

To read more, go here.

Source: South Bend Tribune

Dwell magazine features Northwest Michigan

MyNorth.com Tuesday, September 27, 2011
There are quite a few notable architecture and design sites in Northwest Michigan, and it seemed to be the season to feature that in the October issue of Dwell Magazine.

Excerpt: The cover story of Dwell's October issue is the Douglas House, designed in the 1970's by starchitect Richard Meier (Getty Center in L.A. and many more buildings). The house is tucked away in the woods around Harbor Springs, which puts it smack in Northern Home & Cottage territory.

Read the whole article here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Boyne revamps resorts for upcoming ski season

First Tracks Tuesday, September 27, 2011
It’s almost time again to dream of skiing, whether you love downhill, cross-country, ski jumping, racing, backcountry or even snowboarding or snowshoeing. The Boyne resorts are making some changes for this winter that enthusiasts of all of the above will want to keep up with.

Excerpt: At Michigan’s two largest ski areas, Boyne Highlands Resort and Boyne Mountain Resort, the 2011-12 ski and snowboard season will bring with it new groomers and snow guns, an extensive hotel renovation, a fleet of new rental skis and terrain park enhancements.

In addition, Boyne Mountain is rolling out a new in-room recycling program and Boyne Highlands will expand upon its racing program.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: First Tracks

Petoskey high schooler looks toward rodeo career

Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Rodeo riding isn’t something Michigan is generally known for, but a young man from Petoskey might be changing that, as he competes in rodeos around the state after getting on a bull for the first time last year.

Excerpt: Petoskey high school senior Dan Nowicki learned how to ride a bull on a picnic table.

Just two hours later, he was on an actual bull, in an actual competition.

This was on June 19, 2010, when Nowicki first competed in the Great Lakes Rodeo in Marquette.

For more, click here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Petoskey home to better book culture than Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor Chronicle Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Ann Arbor was home base for one of the biggest bookstore chains, Borders, but this column lets out the secret that Petoskey might be an even more book-friendly town nowadays.

Excerpt: Pohrt warns, with a laugh, that opening a bookstore is like setting up shop "on the boulevard of broken dreams." More seriously, and out of respect for his "brother and sister booksellers," he says that "people need to know how hard this is and what’s at stake."

Taylor says Petoskey now easily outclasses Ann Arbor as a book-buyer’s town.

To read more, go here.

Source: Ann Arbor Chronicle

Lakeshore grows in popularity

Leelanau Enterprise Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The shores of Lake Michigan have gotten a lot of national media attention lately, and while many are welcoming the new visitors, some wish the word wasn’t out about northwest Michigan quite so well.

Excerpt: Being No. 1 has its privileges, but one of them is not standing in line.

That’s what throngs of visitors to the most popular areas of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore did Saturday, less than two weeks after the park won a contest sponsored by the Good Morning America (GMA) television show to select the most beautiful place in the United States.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: The Leelanau Enterprise

Northern Michigan inspires focus on what really matters

Mlive.com Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Beautiful, our area certainly is. It didn’t come as a shock to anyone when Good Morning America viewers voted it the most beautiful place in the country. But more than that, it offers a perspective on values, priorities and time well spent, for this columnist.

Excerpt: When we headed up north on a recent Sunday afternoon for a week’s vacation in what my family believes is the most beautiful and relaxing place we have ever been, little did we know it was about to be declared the most beautiful place in America.

To read more, click here.

Source: Mlive.com

Traverse City racer locks in rookie of the year awards at Mt. Pleasant

The Morning Sun Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Car racing isn’t an easy pastime to pursue, but with a lot of dedication, and weekly drives from Traverse City down to Mt. Pleasant, 21-year-old rookie Collin Thirlby is not only racing, he’s excelling.

Excerpt: For a 21-year-old rookie, Collin Thirlby has a lot of impressive supporters.

A native of Traverse City, Thirlby is the younger brother of Brandon Thirlby, who currently is fifth in the UMP DirtCar Late Model National Championship race, and is the driver of the No. 63 UMP Modified owned by Michigan Motorsports Hall of Famer Donnie Roberts.

For the full story, go here.

Source: The Morning Sun

Suttons Bay woodworker inspired by past

Creative Impact Michigan Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Some really interesting and original woodworking is done by Fred Rehak of Suttons Bay, highlighted in this article from ArtsServe Creative Impact Michigan.

Excerpt: With today's mass production of furniture and the increasing popularity of "big box" stores, quality craftsmanship seems to be a lost art. In an effort to pay tribute to the craftsmen of the past, Michigan's Fred Rehak creates one-of-a-kind furniture using recycled machinery and wood from the late 1800s-1900s – a time when artisan and engineer were one in the same.

For the whole story, go here.

Source: Creative Impact Michigan

Visitors write about Traverse City wine & food

The Indianapolis Star Tuesday, August 23, 2011
From the look of this column in the Indianapolis Star, Traverse City's wine and food scene is well worth the trip from Indiana--but we could have told them that.

Excerpt: We went to Traverse City for the food.
We went back for the wine.

The first time there was no specific plan, just a loose schedule for a road trip that would be easy on the budget. When a friend raved about a restaurant in Traverse City, we put it on the itinerary.

For more of the article, click here.

Source: Indianapolis Star

NYT showcases Traverse City in travel slideshow

The New York Times Tuesday, August 09, 2011
What better way to show off Traverse City than in pictures? That was the subject of a recent New York Times photo slideshow on the town as a travel destination.

Excerpt: The city's downtown, only blocks from where the Boardman River empties into the bay, offers plenty of opportunities to shop for cherry products and wine. But the growing culinary and arts scenes show there's more to the region than orchards and vines.

To see the photos, click here.

Source: The New York Times

Lansing City Pulse discusses Northwest Michigan wines

Lansing City Pulse Tuesday, August 09, 2011
A wine columnist for Lansing City Pulse wrote up the Leland Wine & Food Festival, with inside looks at many area wineries' current offerings, if there are some you've been wondering about.

Excerpt: Cool weather and occasional drizzle couldn't dampen the spirits of the thousands who came out to the 2011 Leland Wine and Food Festival to sample northwest Michigan cuisine and new releases from Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.

The highly vaunted 2010 vintage continued to strut its stuff, but good juice from various vintages was well represented by 16 northwest Michigan wineries, with proprietors or wine makers at most of the tables.

To read the whole review, go here.

Source: Lansing City Pulse

Traverse Bay offers trifecta of film, golf and wine to connoisseurs

Michigan Golf Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Traverse City is known for film, golf and wine; few other spots in the country can claim credentials in all three. This golf magazine piece directs those who enjoy all three pastimes to northwest Michigan.

Excerpt: Let's say you're a links lover, oenophile and movie buff. Where would you go to get your fill of all three?

Napa seems the logical choice. The golf isn't great, but it's good, what with Chardonnay Golf Club and Silverado Resort among the options. It's clearly the Vino Capital of America. And starting November 2011, it's home to a film festival.

But until then, only one destination in North America fits the bill: Traverse City, in northern Michigan.

To read the whole story, go here.

Source: Michigan Golf

City-wide lip dub is an online hit

The Huffington Post Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Traverse City not only hosted independent films at this year's Film Festival, it also inspired the creation of an eight-minute lip dub film using the streets and people of TC. It's been a big hit on YouTube, drawing the attention of the Huffington Post and others.

Excerpt: Many of us wish life was more like a movie, but the residents of Traverse City, Mich., made that wish a reality at least for a day. In an impressive city-wide team effort, the Traverse City Film Festival and FishSoup Films filmed an 8 minute lip dub to Paul Simon's "You can Call Me Al" and Van Halen's "Jump."

To see the video and read more about it, click here.

Source: The Huffington Post

Brewery tour included NW Michigan stops

Chicago Tribune Tuesday, July 26, 2011
It's always nice to take a tour, isn't it? Perhaps at a museum, or a factory or maybe even a sports stadium. Oh, who are we kidding? This is northern Michigan. The best kind of tours are at breweries, and especially those that include some of our own regional locations. One Chicago Tribune writer took a trip around Lake Michigan and found out what brewing is all about.

Excerpt: On a thirsty four-day drive around Lake Michigan, we drank well, met fine people and learned about the Midwest--its proud heritage, its passions and the beer that makes us raise our glasses. It's a highly recommended trip; just pace yourself or take along a designated driver.

We got down to business quickly, just 36 miles into Michigan, at The Livery (190 Fifth St., Benton Harbor; 269-925-8760; liverybrew.com). It's a brew pub (that also plans to can its wares) in a former livery in Benton Harbor's low-slung brick downtown.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Leelenau gets shout out from Mario Batali

Bon Appetit Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Anyone who has ever visited the Northwest Michigan area has quickly discovered that food and drink are some of the things we do best. But it's always nice when one of our country's top chefs, like Mario Batali, can't say enough about our region.

Excerpt: The food scene has really exploded in the region. There are farmers' markets and hip-looking people farming and butchering. It's very cool. Even in Northport, our town of less than 1,000 people, there's a great weekly farmers' market in the summer. The chefs involved in the scene celebrate what's here; they're not trying to be anything they're not. Now people are coming for gastronomic tourism.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Bon Appetit

Leelanau redistricted back to U.P.

Leelanaunews.com Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Another political districting change is in the wind for Leelanau County, which seems likely to return to its former Congressional district, the First District, which is mostly made up of the U.P. That comes from the new district map working its way through Michigan's legislature now.

Excerpt: Another decade, another Congressman.

For the third straight reapportionment process, it appears that Leelanau County will change Congressional districts. This time Leelanau representation seems certain to be headed to the Upper Peninsula to rejoin District No. 1, now represented by Dan Benishek (R-Crystal River).

To read the whole story, click here.

Source: Leelanaunews.com

IPR expands to Straits area

The Cheboygan News Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Mackinac Straits side of Northwest Michigan is getting a better signal from Interlochen Public Radio after a new Harbor Springs affiliate has been added.

Excerpt: Interlochen Public Radio has expanded its news service to Little Traverse Bay and the Straits with the addition of WHBP 90.1 FM, now broadcasting from Harbor Springs.

To read the whole article, go here.

Source: The Cheboygan News

Northern Michigan blogger goes 10 places she's never been

ExpertClick.com Tuesday, July 12, 2011
There are probably at least 10 local businesses you've never been in, right? Traverse City's Brandy Wheeler is aiming to fix that through her blog with a pretty interesting goal. Check out what she's doing to boost local businesses.

Excerpt: One Northern Michigan travel expert is on a mission to improve the state's economy by visiting 10 places she's never been before.

Brandy Wheeler, owner of Mealtickets & Unusual Ideas and creator of the Traverse Traveler iPhone app, has lived in Traverse City for over 20 years and yet she is the first to admit there are dozens of businesses she's never been in. So Wheeler has created a summer to-do list filled with stops along her travel route that many people have probably missed.

For the list, go here.

Source: ExpertClick.com

HVAC wholesaler moving to Petoskey site

The Petoskey News Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A HVAC business with a store in Traverse City has its eye on Petoskey as the next big Northwest Michigan place to be.

Excerpt: A wholesale vendor of heating, ventilation and air conditioning products plans to open an outlet this summer in part of Petoskey's former Continental Structural Plastics manufacturing complex.

Mike Lovlien, who will be branch manager for the new shop, said it will be affiliated with the nationwide Johnstone Supply cooperative.

For the full story, go here.

Source: The Petoskey News

Summer road trip should include Lake Michigan circle tour

Chicago Sun-Times Tuesday, June 28, 2011
One Chicago Sun-Times reporter discussed in his column recently what many of us have known for quite sometime--a summer road trip can only be better if it includes the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Excerpt: 'The road is life." Jack Kerouac wrote that.

For me, it's more like: The road is vacation. I find peace on the highway.

Ever since my ex-hippie neighbor goaded me into buying a Harley-Davidson during the height of my midlife crisis, I've taken to the road on the biggest two-wheeled rolling couch Milwaukee could muster -- a 2007 metallic blue Ultra Classic.

During a week of perfect July weather -- with packed saddlebags and a brunette holding on for dear life-- we headed east, planning to make only left turns in a complete circumnavigation of Lake Michigan.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Traverse City film fest brings a world of views to Michigan

Columbia Tribune Tuesday, June 28, 2011
We here in Northwest Michigan have long understood the value that our own Traverse City Film Festival offers us, but now and again its nice to hear someone who visits during the festival to give their own positive opinion.

Excerpt:

During our month of bouncing around Michigan last summer, we entered Traverse City to discover signs advertising its sixth annual film festival. Despite our coming in late, we managed to get tickets for five movies and stayed several days. As at our own True/False Film Fest, we were shown great films one is not likely to find in most cities' mainstream theaters.

This year, the Traverse City Film Festival will run from July 26 through 31. The film schedule will be released July 8, and online ticket sales will start at 6 p.m. July 16.

For the rest of the article, visit this link.

Source: Columbia Tribune

New flight added at Pellston airport

Chicago Tribune Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Looks like getting to Northwest Michigan is going to be a bit easier now thanks to Lakeshore Express' decision to take a few trips up north a week.

Excerpt: Launching July 1, Lakeshore Express airline will fly a handful of times a week from Midway Airport to Pellston Regional Airport, just below Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Contracting with Pentastar Aviation, which is largely known as a charter jet company, Lakeshore will fly a Saab 340b from Chicago with 30 seats (six have been removed for extra leg room) on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return flights are Fridays, Sundays and Monday.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Local dad's essay included in NPR compilation

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Fatherhood has a way of shaking the foundations of life, no matter how sturdy they are or how well-grounded you think you are. That's what one Northwest Michigan man discovered, and his essay about it earned a spot in a book by NPR.

Excerpt: Andrew Riutta thought he knew what it meant to be a man. Then his daughter was born. That event challenged him to redefine everything he knew about masculinity.

Over the years, Riutta used words to help express his discovery. "The Myths of Manhood," his personal essay about fatherhood, recently found an audience with National Public Radio (NPR) in its newest book, "This I Believe: On Fatherhood."

For the rest of the piece, go here.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

DNR says rustic campgrounds will stay open

9 &10 News Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The state Department of Natural Resources had planned to close down 23 rustic campgrounds to save money this year, but now the state director says they'll stay open, including several in Northwest Michigan.

Excerpt: Tourism is essential to northern Michigan, but budgets cuts almost shut down the one, last state forest campground in the Baldwin area. Business owners say that it would have been devastating.

To read the whole story, go here.

Source: 9 &10 News

Grandpa Shorter's in Petoskey celebrates 65 years in business

Traverse Magazine Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Some of the most beloved local businesses are those founded and run by locals, and Grandpa Shorter's in Petoskey is no exception. The souvenir shop is marking 65 years this summer.

Excerpt: Grandpa Shorter's Souvenir Shop has provided Northern Michigan visitors with knick-knacks since 1946. This week, the historic storefront in downtown Petoskey celebrates its 65th birthday.

For the whole story, click here.

Source: Traverse Magazine

National Geographic profiles TC as an "adventure town"

National Geographic Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Kayaking, hiking, great food and wine; all combine in this National Geographic profile that highlights Traverse City as one of the magazine's adventure towns to check out this summer.

Excerpt: Take a slice of the rural Midwest and plop it onto a beach-bum location, and you've got Traverse City. The resort town is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) away from a nice stretch of sand along Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in the state's northwest corner.

For the whole profile, click here.

Source: National Geographic

Summer tourist season off to a fast start

Mlive.com Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Northwest Michigan's tourism outlook is much better this year than it has been in recent years, due to increased consumer spending and based on the reservations made so far. These numbers are from Muskegon, but they certainly augur hope for the top of the mitten too.

Excerpt: When it comes to the 2011 tourist season, the community should buckle up for a fast start in June and expect a trophy finish by Labor Day, tourism officials say.

To read the whole story, go here.

Source: Mlive.com

Northern Michigan tech companies profiled in series from Detroit CBS station

CBS Detroit Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Technology, marketing and all the new industries driven by the Internet are definitely finding a niche in Traverse City, as businesses and residents embrace online media, applications and networking. That culture is profiled in this look at Michigan's bright spots for the tech industry.

Excerpt: After driving Up North Sunday through the rain and fog, it was great to see some blue skies in Traverse City.

And after a day along both Grand Traverse Bays, it's hard not to think that blue skies are returning for Michigan's economic fortunes.

To read the whole roundup, go here.

Source: CBS Detroit

Author walked whole shoreline of Lake Michigan for book

Crain's Detroit Business Journal Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A walk along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in our area is always lovely, but have you ever wanted to just keep walking the whole way around the lake? A Michigan author did just that, and wrote a book about it afterward. She's got interesting observations on exactly what the lake offers.

Excerpt: In her new book, A 1,000 Mile Walk on the Beach: One Woman's Trek of the Perimeter of Lake Michigan, Loreen Niewenhuis experienced the entire coastline of one of the Great Lakes' treasured bodies of water in a way that most people never will.

To read the whole story, click here.

Source: Crain's Detroit Business Journal

TC, Mackinac tourism bureaus go all in on Pure Michigan campaign

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, May 31, 2011
If you see familiar faces and places on national advertising this summer, that's no accident. Northern Michigan tourism bureaus have teamed up with the Pure Michigan ad campaign to highlight the area to the whole country.

Excerpt: The Traverse City and Mackinac Island convention and visitors bureaus decided to invest in a big way in the state's award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign.

Each will put up $500,000 to join Travel Michigan in a national Pure Michigan advertising blitz to show off their communities to a coast-to-coast cable television audience.

To read more of the story, go here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Northwest Michigan film studios among those pinched

The Detroit News Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Manistee's 10 West film studio is part of this Detroit News story on the impact canceling Michigan's film industry tax incentive is having on Michigan film companies. The studio doesn't plan to close, but has lost business, according to the article.

Excerpt: Michigan's fledgling film studio infrastructure is crumbling as the number of productions declines in the wake of a $25 million limit on state cash incentives for movies, television shows and digital media.

Livonia-based Maxsar Digital Studios, which opened a week before Gov. Rick Snyder announced in mid-February that he wanted to cut and cap the nation's most generous film and television industry tax incentives, has laid off its 50 employees and idled all productions.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: The Detroit News

Endangered species travel recommendations include Sleeping Bear Dunes

The New York Times Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The New York Times has put together a travel section highlighting places in the U.S. where endangered species can be viewed, and northwest Michigan is among them, particularly at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Excerpt: The whoosh of a surfacing orca and the glower of a mother grizzly still have the power to raise goose bumps; a soaring California condor can yet astonish.

But chances to admire many of our wildlife neighbors are becoming increasingly uncommon.

To read the whole travel package, go here.

Source: The New York Times

New antique store opens in Boyne City

The Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, May 17, 2011

If you subscribe to the philosophy that no town is complete without an antique store, you have good company in Boyne City's Michael Sehr, who recently opened one up there.

Excerpt: Wanting to add to the interesting businesses in the SOBO district of Boyne City, Michael Sehr opened Dunagain's Antiques and Collectibles on May 1.

"I think when you see a town without an antique shop, there is just something missing. It's a great draw for Boyne City and a wonderful draw for this neighborhood. An antique shop was needed in the SOBO district," said Sehr.

To read the whole story, click here.

Source: The Petoskey News-Review

Petoskey Batman makes international headlines

Reuters Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Since a would-be caped crusader was arrested last week in Petoskey, the story of the Petoskey Batman has hit news outlets not only from U.S. coast to U.S. coast, but also plenty of overseas media as well. We hear there are some related antics on Facebook and Twitter to check out, if you're so inclined.

Excerpt: A man dressed as Batman was arrested on Wednesday after police in a small Michigan town found him hanging off the side of a building and carrying concealed weapons including a baton and a can of chemical irritant spray.

To read the full article, go here.

Source: Reuters

Grand Traverse County service sharing with Traverse City highlighted in article

Metromode Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Shared governmental services is a big topic of conversation, from the federal to local levels, and one Michigan company is helping governments find solutions to share services. Grand Traverse County and Traverse City are among their clients.

Excerpt: As officials at all levels of government look at sharing services to save money, companies such as ImageSoft, Inc. in Southfield have the goods to show them how.

ImageSoft is hosting a summit on the topic of shared services June 8 in Lansing.

To read the whole story, go here.

Source: Metromode

Landscaping firm moves from Charlevoix to Petoskey

Petoskey News Tuesday, May 03, 2011
A second-generation landscaping business is making some new plans, with a move from Charlevoix to Petoskey.

Excerpt: Following its launch in Charlevoix last year, landscaping firm Vidosh North moved this spring to new quarters in Petoskey. Owner Donn Vidosh, Jr. has been working in landscape design and construction for most of his life. His father began Vidosh Landscaping in Pontiac, and was involved with many projects in the Bay Harbor development.

To read the whole article, click here.

Source: Petoskey News

Astronaut on Endeavour's last mission has Traverse City ties

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, May 03, 2011
NASA is making history with the last launch of the space shuttle Endeavour, and one of the astronauts on board has some pretty close ties to northern Michigan.

Excerpt: When Space Shuttle Endeavour blasts off on its last voyage this Friday, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson's sister, Robin, will be looking up, heart pounding as the earth shakes beneath her.

"It's complete, solid adrenaline unlike anything I've ever experienced," said the Empire resident.

To read the full story, go here.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

TC environmentalist Stephanie Mills profiled

Traverse Magazine Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Stephanie Mills made a name for herself as an environmental thinker and writer, and now lives near Traverse City. In this profile she talks about local action.

Excerpt: As another Earth Day nears, nationally renowned environmentalist, author and Stephanie Mills, who lives in Northern Michigan near Traverse City, shares thoughts on where we're headed here on spaceship Earth and why local economies such as, Traverse City, should fuel the journey.

To learn more about her, go here.

Source: Traverse Magazine

Farm-to-fork movement brought up to date in Petoskey

The Petoskey News Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Farm-to-table or farm-to-fork; whatever you call it, it's big with foodies, farmers and chefs alike. This article explores where it's going now, and how to make local food affordable for everyone.

Excerpt: There's just something about rural agriculture and supporting local farmers that inspires Ann Dougherty.
Seven years ago, Dougherty wanted to go on a culinary adventure and she was determined to take others along for the ride.

To read more, go here.

Source: The Petoskey News

Barn tours, trails spur tourism activity

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Old Mission quilt barns are definitely one thing that brings tourists to the Traverse City area, but they also are part of a trend that's bringing tourists to Michigan as a whole--barn tours, trails and preservation.

Excerpt: Preserving historic barns does more than maintain the beauty of the state's rural landscape--it has economic benefits as well, preservation experts say.

Steve Stier, president of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, a Mount Pleasant-based advocacy group, said barn preservation adds to the economy because it often creates new businesses, agritourism destinations and jobs.

For more on this story, click here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Milliken's Bottle Bill but one of governor's forward-looking environmental policies

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Former governor William Milliken, a Traverse City resident, is profiled in this look back from the Detroit Free Press, which notes his environmentalist policies.

Excerpt: In the mid-1970s, then-Gov. William G. Milliken was trying to convince his staffers to push for a deposit on bottles and cans as a way to curb litter.

So he had them walk a mile of freeway outside of Lansing bagging the bottles and cans they found.

To read the whole profile, go here.

Source: The Detroit Free Press

‘Spring Sip & Savor’

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association is celebrating the arrival of spring with a wine tour event at the end of April. If for some reason you are a wine drinker and haven't been along the Leelanau's well-organized and friendly wine trail, this might be the time to try it out. They'll certainly be welcoming old friends as well as new faces, too.

Excerpt: April is "Michigan Wine Month," and the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (LPVA) is capping the celebration with its annual "Spring Sip & Savor Wine Tour" scheduled for the weekend of April 30 and May 1.

For more of the story, go here.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

Hagerty breaks ground for expansion, more jobs to Traverse City

9and10news.com Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Hagerty Insurance is already pretty hard to miss in Traverse City, but with a recent expansion, the classic car insurance agency is heightening its profile even more.

Excerpt: The first shovels just started digging what should be a big boost to the Traverse City area.

Hagerty Insurance is expanding in Old Town, and that means a few hundred more jobs.

To read the full story, go here.

Source: 9&10 News

New area economic development projects

WLUC-TV6 Tuesday, April 05, 2011
The Traverse City chamber of commerce is really busy these days, and there are few better ways to spread the word of what projects are currently being undertaken than a television interview.

Excerpt: Tino Breithaupt, Traverse City Area Chamber Senior Vice President of Economic Development breaks down what the chamber is working on with local employers and new economic development projects.

The chamber is working on 43 projects right now in four counties. These projects represent $83 million in private investment in our economy. They also represent 1150 retained jobs in our area and 830 new jobs.

For the full interview and a video, go here.

Source: WLUC-TV6

Inaugural Leelanau Peninsula BirdFest coming to northern Michigan

The Grand Rapids Press Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Bird watching is one of those outdoor activities that either you get, or you don't. Those who don't get it will likely never understand the draw, while those who do get it--a growing faction--may just end up in Northwest Michigan this summer.

Excerpt: Each year, hundreds of birdwatchers migrate to the dunelands of northern Michigan with their binoculars and notebooks to enjoy the region's many birding opportunities.

This spring, they'll get a little extra help from their fellow birders on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, who are organizing a five-day festival of lectures and guided excursions to some of the area's birding hotspots. The inaugural Leelanau Peninsula BirdFest is slated June 1-5, and is sponsored by a coalition of the region's community groups who want to draw more attention to the area's wealth of bird species.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: Grand Rapids Press

Tax benefits lure visual effects studio to Northwest Michigan

The Chicago Tribune Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Movie incentives or not, Michigan is going to have a hand in working on some top-budget films thanks to tax breaks that helped an effects studio make its permanent home in Traverse City.

Excerpt: Could "Apollo 18"or "Spy Kids 4" be among the projects of I.E. Effects' new Traverse City studio?

The Los Angeles-area based group -- known for work on films including "Spiderman II" and Michael Jackson's "This Is It" -- recently moved into new digs at the corner of Division and Randolph. Even as the boxes were being unpacked, artists were working on 3-D and special effects for "some major motion picture studios," said Director of Regional Operations Clover Roy.

For the rest of the article, click this link.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Michigan's west, northwest see modest growth

Detroit News Tuesday, April 05, 2011
The Census numbers for Michigan, as a whole, weren't as positive as most would have liked to have seen. But, northwest Michigan was a bright spot in those numbers, showing growth in several counties.

Excerpt: Patches of growth emerged in Michigan's northwestern and western counties since 2000, even though the overall state population declined, according to census figures released Tuesday.

Grand Traverse County led the population surge in the northwest, increasing 12 percent from 2000-10 to 86,986 people. Emmet County grew 4 percent to 32,694 people, and Leelanau County 2.8 rose percent to 21,708 people.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Detroit News

“Frontier Boys” film shot in Charlevoix

Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Since we're talking about the Michigan film incentive this week, here's a great example of a Michigan-made movie, which made its debut last weekend and was filmed in and around Charlevoix.

Excerpt: It isn't every day that patrons at the Charlevoix Cinema III can look around inside the theater and see some of the same people who are on the screen sitting next to them in the audience.

But that's exactly the experience several hundred people had over the weekend as the full-length feature film "The Frontier Boys" made its Charlevoix debut.

In fact, there was so much interest in seeing the show for its debut Friday, that the 8 p.m. debut show sold out a day in advance, prompting the cinema to add two more showings.

To read more, go here.

Source: The Petoskey News-Review

Traverse City mom invents, markets new breakfast choice

The Chicago Tribune Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Traverse City working mom's food invention was a while in the making, but the caffeinated oatmeal is now available in stores, and seems to have been worth the wait.

Excerpt: Like any busy working mother, Marcia Wittig wanted shortcuts. So one morning, she poured her coffee into her oatmeal. Seven years later, BolaJoe was born. (Get it? Bowl of Joe.)

The locally produced "Hearty Oatmeal with a Coffee Kick" is now for sale around the state, but it didn't come without some labor pains.

To read the full-length article, go here.

Source: The Chicago Tribune

Ludington’s Stielstra profiled along Iditarod trail

Miami Herald Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Ludington native Ed Stielstra was busy running the Iditarod this week, and finished in 27th place, a few places up from his average running. It's the sixth time Stielstra, now living in the U.P., has run the sled dog race. Along the way, he was the feature of this profile from McClatchy Newspapers.

Excerpt: Vegetarian Ed Stielstra buys beef in bulk.

The Michigan musher's kennel of roughly 150 dogs have to eat, after all. But Stielstra - a former foundry worker who once opposed mushing as cruel to dogs - swore off meat in the 1980s.

Except in the Iditarod checkpoint of Takotna.

When a chef in the wood-paneled kitchen asked the musher what he wanted for lunch, Stielstra paused only a moment before ordering a cheeseburger. No onions and a quarter-pound patty from Mr. Prime Beef in Anchorage.

To read more, click here for the whole story.

Source: The Miami Herald

Traverse City to be featured in new “Pure Michigan” ads

UpNorthLive.com Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The successful "Pure Michigan" tourism marketing campaign has focused on Detroit, the U.P., and all kinds of places in between in the past few years. This year, it's Traverse City's turn to reach out to national audiences as it will be the subject of the latest TV commercial in the campaign.

Excerpt: This summer television audiences across the US will get to learn about the treasures of Traverse City in a new "Pure Michigan" commercial.

The Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau is joining Travel Michigan for a national partnership program. This means providing four weeks of nationally-aired commercials specifically about Traverse City

To read more about the commercial, go here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Traverse City earns recognition on list of Top 10 Cities to Defy Death

Livability.com Tuesday, March 08, 2011
There is no doubt Traverse City gets plenty of attention when lists for the best places to live are being compiled, but who knew we'd be getting named for one of the top 10 locations to defy death? Guess we're just a great place for everything.

Excerpt: Need to kick up your adrenaline a bit? Livability.com scoured the U.S. for the best adventure cities we could find: extreme sports cities, surf cities, rock-climbing cities, even haunted cities. While we can't promise they'll kill you, all these places can at least give it a good try.

For the rest of the article, including the top 10 list, go here.

Source: Livability.com

Sleeping Bear Dunes inspired Nautica fashion design

Kenton Magazine Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Interested in fashion? Well, you might like to know that fashion, it seems, is interested in Northwest Michigan, too. Nautica recently released a line of clothes inspired by our beautiful little part of the world.

Excerpt: Inspired by the maritime heritage of the Sleeping Bear Dunes region of Lake Michigan, Nautica's Fall 2011 Collection was all about a man's adventures in work and recreation. Using deep navy and khaki as the principal palette, the collection provided a literal interpretation of the sand and waters surrounding the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

For the rest of the line description and a photo, go to this link.

Source: Kenton Magazine

Chickens can now find homes in the city of Petoskey

Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, March 08, 2011
If you've always wanted some chickens in your yard and you live in Petoskey, you're in luck. A recent decision by the city council is allowing just that, though a permit will be required.

Excerpt: By a 3-2 vote, Petoskey City Council members cleared the way Monday for chickens to be kept in single-family residential areas of the city.

The council approved a change to the city's zoning ordinance allowing residents to keep up to four hens per property, with some restrictions.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Tasty treats being sliced up right here in Northwest Michigan

Up North Live Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Who isn't for buying locally-made goodies? Well, if you're into apples and you think local is the way to go, then you need to make sure to pick up some snacks from Nature Treats, made right here in Northwest Michigan.

Excerpt: One Traverse City man is serving up savory slices of nature with his northern Michigan gourmet apple slice business. 7&4's Kate Fox introduces us to the man behind Nature Treats LLC with this week's Made with Michigan Hands Report.

Owner of Nature Treats LLC Kevin Greene says, "If I'm at the farmers market and they sample them, they kind of way away while their trying them and they stop in their tracks and turn around with a smile on their face and say these are good."

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Up North Live

Traverse City bank has bought Petoskey Pointe project

The Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Petoskey Pointe project in downtown Petoskey has had its share of trouble in the last few years, but its new owner, a Traverse City-based bank, has now announced its intentions to explore future development of the site.

Excerpt: When a holding company acquired the stalled Petoskey Pointe project's downtown site in late 2010, few details emerged early on about the new owner's background.

As it turns out, the company's owner has a prominent presence in banking around Northwest Michigan.

On Thursday, Traverse City-based Northwestern Bank announced that it was the owner of Downtown Petoskey LLC, which holds the site at Mitchell Street and U.S. 31.

For more information, read the story here.

Source: The Petoskey News-Review

Northern winemakers’ small-batch vintages highlighted

Detroit News Tuesday, February 22, 2011
You can find Chateau Grand Traverse wines all over the state, and any wine store worth its salt in Michigan carries a wide variety of Old Mission and other northern wines. But there are some wines that can't be had from store shelves or even restaurant wine lists. For these small, select batches, head straight to the wineries.

Excerpt: Whether it's luxury items, small-batch products, unusual blends or a winemaker's experiment, some unique items await visitors to Michigan tasting rooms--even in the winter.

Oftentimes, these obscure wines are saved as plums for subscribers to the vintner's wine club, or special events, or simply to raise eyebrows.

"These are items we are doing that are of interest to us, where we don't have sufficient quantities for large production, like our Sirius Maple Dessert Wine," said Lee Lutes, winemaker at Black Star Farms. "And that's because the maple syrup is so limited."

To read more and find out how to get a taste, here's the full article.

Source: The Detroit News

Michael Moore seeds Manistee’s Vogue Theater restoration with $10,000

Mlive.com Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Northern Michigan's favorite filmmaker, Michael Moore, has been a longtime supporter of local and historic movie theaters, including Traverse City's own State Theater. Now he's backing a new effort to help restore Manistee's Vogue Theatre in its turn.

Excerpt: A fund for the restoration of the historic Vogue Theatre in Manistee has been created with the help of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore, who dropped the first $10,000 donation into the project.

The fund is being managed by the Manistee County Community Foundation.

For more details, read the article here.

Source: Mlive.com

Grand Traverse Pie expands in Lansing

Lansing City Pulse Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Grand Traverse Pie Co. is a beloved name in Northwest Michigan, and now is bringing its signature baked goods and a full menu to downtown Lansing as well. Lansing City Pulse writes up the latest location.

Excerpt: Grand Traverse Pie opened its 19th location in downtown Lansing three weeks ago -- its first in a dense urban setting -- providing crack-of-dawn breakfasts, whirlwind lunches, light dinners and renowned desserts.

General manager Jaime Jones says the downtown location is the third restaurant style since the company bubbled into existence in Traverse City 15 years ago.

To find out more, read on.

Source: Lansing City Pulse

Northern Michigan V-Day ideas: Traverse City hotels and Michigan wine!

MyNorth.com Tuesday, February 08, 2011
It's one of those holidays where some guys are just never sure what to do that would make it special. Well, Valentine's Day can be about much more than just flowers and chocolates, especially in Northwest Michigan.

Excerpt: Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Warm up your Northern Michigan February with these great Traverse City events and attractions that run the gamut from sexy Michigan wine to romantic Northern Michigan hotels.

For the complete list, go here.

Source: MyNorth.com

Military trucks weighed down by ‘yesteryear’s technology’

National Defense Magazine Tuesday, February 08, 2011
One of the true challenges in the world of military vehicles is to find new ways to keep them up-to-date without sacrificing mobility and defensibility. Century, Inc., based in Traverse City, was charged with that task recently.

Excerpt: Most small businesses would cherish a chance to work directly with the Army to develop new solutions for the military.

Century Inc. is no different.

The Michigan-based company worked hand in hand with Army researchers to produce an aluminum brake drum that weighs about half as much as its cast-iron equivalent. Tests have determined that the new drum could shave as much as 400 pounds from certain tactical vehicles. The breakthrough seems readymade for a military looking to upgrade its aging fleet of trucks without adding extra weight.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: National Defense Magazine

Cafe Sante earns magazine ranking

Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, February 08, 2011
If you've been wondering where you should grab a bite to eat while in Boyne City, Midwest Living magazine may help you make that decision.

Excerpt: Midwest Living, a magazine focusing on homes, food and travel, recently gave Boyne City's Cafe Sante restaurant the No. 4 ranking on a list of 10 top new restaurants in the Midwest.

The list was part of the "Best New Midwest Places to Play, Eat and Stay" rankings in Midwest Living's January/February issue.

The magazine's travel team visited 100 restaurants all over the Midwest, including Chicago, Indianapolis, & St. Paul, Minn., before narrowing the list to 10 top picks.

For the rest of the article, and what was said about Cafe Sante, go to this link.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

Troubled students drawn to school's beacon of hope

Sarasota Herald-Tribune Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Alternative high schools are a blessing for students who just couldn't seem to find their way in traditional learning environments. One in Northern Michigan, however, is getting some much-deserved attention.

Excerpt: The school on Beaver Island, Mich., is not a place you end up by accident.

A flight on a small plane or a two-hour ride on a ferry into the northern reaches of Lake Michigan gets you as far as St. James, the northern hub of Beaver Island. It takes another half hour by car, down bumpy gravel roads, to get to the south tip of the island and the small cluster of classroom buildings and log cabins, shadowed by the historic lighthouse for which this secluded alternative high school is named.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Industry: Great Lakes cargo shipping way up in '10

Wall Street Journal Tuesday, January 25, 2011
In a time when everyone is talking about the need to increase business, one industry quietly saw an increase last year.

Excerpt: Shipments of bulk cargo such as iron ore on the Great Lakes jumped by one-third last year, a hopeful sign for a region battered by the recession, an industry spokesman said Wednesday.

The Lake Carriers Association credited a gradually healing economy for the increase in waterborne transport of coal, limestone, sand and other raw materials. But the dramatic statistical improvement in 2010 also reflects the industry's dismal showing the previous year.

"We obviously have a ways to go," said Glen Nekvasil, spokesman for the association, which represents 18 companies that operate 55 U.S.-flagged vessels on the Great Lakes.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Made with Michigan hands: Big demand for Snow Bully invention

UpNorthLive.com Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Snow removal is always a pain--be it to your wallet or your back. But, it's something that has to be done, and with huge snowfalls across the country, it's no surprise one local invention is getting some attention.

Excerpt: Sales are exploding for an eco-friendly snow plow, invented by a Traverse City man.

The green machine was first showcased last spring in a Made with Michigan Hands report and now in the heart of winter its demand is peaking.

7&4's Kate Fox caught up with the masterminds of the Snow bully to find out how business is going.

Snow Plow Plus Managing Member Paul Starner says, "The weather outside is frightful, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

For the rest of the article and a video, go here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Charlevoix quilt shop to be featured by Better Homes & Gardens specialty publication

Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Homegrown Charlevoix quilt shop Hearts to Holly is about to get a national showcase when it's featured in the May issue of Quilt Sampler, published by Better Homes and Gardens.

Excerpt: Quilting is a family affair for Charlevoix residents Sue and Mike Miller, owners of Hearts to Holly Quilt & Gift Shop.

In May 2011, Hearts to Holly will join nine other new quilt shops across the country in the Quilt Sampler, which is published by Better Homes & Gardens twice a year.

For the past 14 years, the magazine has been profiling North America's top quilt shops. As part of this selection, they will introduce their quilt, "Charlevoix Breezes," which was designed by their daughter, Charlevoix resident Leslie Knoop.

To read the full story, go here.

Source: Petoskey News-Review

National dental magazine features local clinic

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Traverse Health Dental Program got some national-level recognition thanks to an article in an industry publication. Now who's showing off those pearly whites?

Excerpt: The December issue of Dental Products Report brought high praise for a local health clinic and its dental director.

Noting that a lot of great people and organizations go out of their way to help make sure those in need get proper oral health care, the magazine took an opportunity to showcase five such special individuals and the programs they work with to provide much needed services: one being right here in Traverse City.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

Pinewood derbies grow up

New York Times Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Traverse City's Right Brain Brewery is best known in the area for its awesome local brews, but it got some national props recently for owner Russ Springsteen's annual Pintwood Derby. The New York Times automobiles blog explores the resurrection of pinewood derbies among adults.

Excerpt: At Cub Scouts Pinewood Derbies, there are always small jalopies hacked together by earnest children and their tool-challenged parents, the misshapen wooden blocks scraping slowly down an angled plastic track and, perhaps, across a finish line…

But sometimes children are removed from the equation, and tinkerers and craftsmen can then compete against each other and the laws of physics. These grown-up races are sprouting across the country.

For the rest of the article and some comments from Russ, read on.

Source: The New York Times

Quirky cottages in Charlevoix are winter delights

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Charlevoix's stone houses by artist-builder Ed Young are receiving attention nationwide for the quirkiness and odd beauty that dots historic Charlevoix. The Detroit Free Press explores the phenomenon in a travel article recently.

Excerpt: Last summer, 760 lucky people got to walk through eight Earl Young houses. It was the first tour of interiors ever offered…

Earl Young tourism is a Charlevoix specialty. The quirky builder erected 30 stone homes in town between 1918 and the 1950s, all so unusual they are often compared to works of art. Some look like mushroom houses, with undulating roofs capping boulder walls. Some are tiny. Some are enormous. Most have incredible detail -- doorways of stone, window frames made of boulders, chimneys that look frosted by a giddy cake decorator.

To see the rest of the article and hear what people across the country have to say about Charlevoix, read it here.

Source: The Detroit Free Press

Michael Moore talks about the future of Traverse City, jobs, nightlife, Web

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Michael Moore is known for letting his opinions be heard, so it's no surprise when he was happy to sit down recently and chat with newspaper reporters about Traverse City.

Excerpt: Michael Moore wants Traverse City to be more.

More wireless Internet. More nightlife. More college students. More middle-class jobs.

The Academy Award winner, founder of the Traverse City Film Festival and political provocateur, sat down with the Record-Eagle for an interview last week and talked about what Traverse City needs to do to be more successful. Moore was instrumental in reopening the downtown State Theatre in 2007, a move that brought crowds and energy to Front Street.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Northern Michigan aging faster than rest of state

Detroit News Tuesday, January 11, 2011
They say time flies when you're having fun. According to a recent study, folks in Northern Michigan must be having a blast since they are, apparently, aging quicker than the rest of the state.

Excerpt: Across much of northern Michigan, the morticians are busier than the pediatricians, the moving vans continue to head south and jobs are increasingly hard to find. With fewer natives choosing to return, the population is aging far more rapidly than the rest of the state.

The graying of the north is raising questions about the long-term vitality of a region where the percentage of people between ages 20 and 40 is typically half what it is elsewhere in the state. And as politicians and community leaders work to lure young people back, residents are encouraging their own children to leave, perhaps forever.

For the rest of the article, visit this link.

Source: Detroit News

Four honored by visitors bureau

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, December 14, 2010
It's important to recognize the contributions of others, and the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau did just that recently as they highlighted the efforts of four individuals recently.

Excerpt: Four local residents were recognized as "Community Champions" by the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau for helping bring group events to the area.

The bureau created the awards program in 2006 to recognize area residents for helping bring professional, social, athletic and other organizations to the Traverse City area for meetings, retreats, conventions and related events.

For the rest of the article, and to see who won, visit this link.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Help a Traverse City Boy Scout help northern Michigan raptors

MyNorth.com Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Were you ever a Boy Scout? Well, if you were or if you weren't, here's your opportunity to lend a hand to a boy who is.

Excerpt: Hi, My name is Joshua Olsen. I am a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 27 from Traverse City. To achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, I need to plan, develop and lead my fellow Scouts in a service project to benefit the community. I chose working with Rebecca Lessard's Wings of Wonder (WOW) near Traverse City to build nesting boxes to help Northern Michigan raptor populations which have been impacted by habitat loss.

For the rest of the write-up, check out this site.

Source: MyNorth.com

Mike Husby named GM of LochenHeath Golf Club

World Golf Tuesday, December 14, 2010
When you've earned a rep as a person who can head into a business that is struggling and turn it into a successful one, then you've likely earned yourself plenty of work. Mike Husby is one of those types of people, and his newest position is at the head of the LochenHeath Golf Club, which has fallen from its former glory.

Excerpt: One of Michigan's most versatile golf professionals, Mike Husby, has been tapped by a group of investors from Traverse City to revive the defunct LochenHeath Golf Club, once among the top ten new courses in the country when it opened in 2001.

Husby, a 36-year veteran PGA professional, is also an accomplished course designer and contractor, industry consultant, and resourceful club owner and executive. He earned a reputation in Northern Michigan as a turn-around specialist for troubled golf properties.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: World Golf

Surfers catch winter waves on West Grand Traverse Bay

Up North Live Tuesday, December 14, 2010
When you think about surfing, you tend to think the ocean and, if you're like us, warm weather and sandy beaches. That's not the surfing that takes place in December in the Grand Traverse Bay, though. That type of surfing is all about waves and watching out for icebergs.

Excerpt: While drivers were heeding caution on the slippery roads across Northern Michigan, Micah Appel and Ryan Keenan spent the day riding the waves of West Grand Traverse Bay!

The surfers say the ocean is better but they will take what they can get when the waves kick up in Traverse City. Both men say they are dressed right for the winter sport and have been doing this type of surfing for years.

For the rest of the article, and a video, visit this site.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Fortune 500 company proposes wind project in Benzie

Up North Live Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Michigan is getting a bit of a reputation for its drive to bring alternative energy to the population. A Fortune 500 company is looking to bring wind power--which is becoming popular in northern Michigan--to the area.

Excerpt: One of the largest energy companies in the country has plans for a new wind project in Benzie and Manistee Counties.

Duke Energy is moving forward with what they are calling the Gail Windpower Project. The plan is to build more than 100 wind turbines over 12,000-16,000 acres.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: UpNorthLive.com

Traverse City state hospital becomes a mixed-use hub

New York Times Tuesday, November 30, 2010
There's been a transformation in Traverse City, and while locals are well aware of it, those outside of the area are just really beginning to sit up and take note. The Village at Grand Traverse has a storied past, and the New York Times took note as they highlighted it recently.

Excerpt: Until it closed in 1989, the Traverse City State Hospital was among the largest employers in this small city in northern Michigan. Two new commercial and residential construction projects are bringing the old asylum, renamed the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, closer to regaining that distinction.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: New York Times

Michigan competing for winter sports enthusiasts

The Oklahoman Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Michigan is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in winter, and folks around these parts and throughout the Midwest have known that for a very long time. The rest of the country, however, is starting to notice, too.

Excerpt: When Oklahoma's oppressive heat finally gives way to cooler weather, winter sports enthusiasts start thinking about snow accumulations and weather conditions. Which ski resort has the most to offer?

Given Oklahoma's proximity to Colorado, many ski enthusiasts rarely venture to more distant parts of the United States. In recent years, however, Michigan has lured more and more visitors to its northern slopes. What they may lack in elevation, they more than make up for in amenities.

For the rest of the article, go to this page.

Source: The Oklahoman

Give gifts from northern Michigan

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, November 30, 2010
We're never going to stop saying it: Buy local, local, local! It's because we love Michigan, and we want to see everyone keep their jobs and the economy to continue to improve. And we're not the only ones.

Excerpt: Wrap up the Christmas shopping early with locally made gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

The Traverse City region is rich with local craftsman, authors, foodies and entrepreneurs with products to please adults, children and even pets. Here, a guide full of fun and unique gift-giving ideas.

For the list of gift-giving ideas, read on.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Chicago Mag recommends visiting Traverse City this weekend

Chicago Mag Tuesday, November 09, 2010
If you were in Chicago right now asking yourself what you should do this weekend, a local magazine would be telling you to head north to that wonderful town on the lake: Traverse City. They name a few fun things to do, and even mention Suttons Bay as a possible destination.

Excerpt: The Dennos Museum Center hosts three female-centric exhibits this month: Paola Gianturco's collection of color images honors women's roles, rites of passage, accomplishments, and spiritual lives through photos from events around the world, including Swaziland's Reed Dance, Brazil's Festival of the Boa Morte, and Poland's Noc Šwietojansk Festival; Anita Luvera Mayer's "One Woman's Creative Journey" features clothing designed and made by Mayer, with a nod toward both historic garments and contemporary wear; and "Stitching Stories of Miracles and Memories," a fiber arts exhibit of cuadros--embroidered and appliquéd fabric pictures--created by women of art cooperatives from the shantytowns of Lima, Peru.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Chicagomag.com

St. Francis school on top 50 list--again

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Traverse City St. Francis is known state wide as one of the best schools in Michigan. That has been reinforced thanks to the school, once again, being named on a best-of list.

Excerpt: St. Francis High School was named one of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the United States for the second consecutive time.

The list, known as the Catholic High School Honor Roll, is compiled by the Acton Institute.

St. Francis, part of Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, is one of four high schools from Michigan on the list. The others are from Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Petoskey breakwater reopens after four years

9and10news.com Tuesday, November 09, 2010
It's hard to believe that beautiful harbor in Petoskey has had to suffer through four years of being unsafe while the breakwater was being reassembled by the Army Corps of Engineers. Thankfully, those days are officially behind us now and the breakwater is back in operational shape and the harbor is safe once again.

Excerpt: Saturday was the grand reopening ceremony of the Little Traverse Bay wall with local politicians in Petoskey in Emmet County.

You can see where the newer lighter colored boulders mark the new sections of the breakwater.

For a short article and a video, go here.

Source: 9and10news.com

Technology a blessing, a curse for remote Beaver Island

NPR Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Is technology a blessing or a curse? It depends on what you're looking at and what your lifestyle calls for, no doubt. On Beaver Island, reports NPR, it's both.

Excerpt: Muggs Bass doesn't own a computer. She's pretty much dead set against e-mail. Anyone who calls her home on Michigan's remote Beaver Island should be prepared for a busy signal, if she's on her land-line phone. She has no cell.

"When you don't have it, you don't miss it. That's what I say," says the spunky 70-year-old grandmother, who's as comfortable telling jokes at the local pub as she is attending Mass each morning.

Technology isn't really her thing. So, it's a small miracle when Bass drives, once a month, to her island's rural health center to sit down in front of a wide-screen television. There, she and a handful of other islanders connect by video conference with a similar group in Charlevoix, Mich., a two-hour ferry ride to the south and east.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: NPR

Traverse City named to USA Today top places to find good wine list

USA Today Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Folks around these parts are well aware that Traverse City has become home to some outstanding wine making. It looks like people outside of the area and Michigan are starting to sit up and take note, too.

Excerpt: While Napa Valley gets the most attention, winemakers are busier than ever around the nation, says blogger Jeff Siegel, who founded DrinkLocalWine.com with Dave McIntyre, wine critic for The Washington Post. Siegel says the regional wine movement, which began in the late 1970s, has blossomed, thanks to better farming techniques and a growing interest in locally sourced products. Next week marks Regional Wine Week, and the two wine experts share with Larry Bleiberg for USA Today some of their favorite areas for visiting and tasting.

For the rest of the article and to see what they had to say about Traverse City, read on.

Source: USA Today

Petoskey hunter attacked by bear not at fault, says Freep

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wild animals are unpredictable by nature (hence the term 'wild'), so when a hunter gets attacked, there are always questions about who was at fault. After a recent black bear attack on a hunter from Petoskey, the Detroit Free Press states that it wasn't his fault at all.

Excerpt: Chad Fortune, 21, of Petoskey was sitting in a tree stand Saturday evening, hoping to shoot a deer, when he got proof positive of something that he and most other hunters already knew -- bears are nasty, dangerous and unpredictable and don't act like the cuddly, fuzzy critters people see in cartoons and fake nature programs on TV.

Fortune saw the sow bear and three cubs walk into a clearing in front of him. He did nothing to antagonize them, and despite what some people say, he insists he wasn't wearing clothing that was impregnated with fumes from a barbecue he attended earlier that day.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Right Brain Brewery joins two others for 420th brew celebration

Kalamazoo Gazette Tuesday, October 19, 2010
There's always a reason to celebrate when good brews are being made. That's why it's nice to hear that several Michigan breweries are taking a moment to do just that. The trio of brewers, including Traverse City's own Right Brain Brewery, are celebrating the making of good brews by, well, making some brews.

Excerpt: A trio of Michigan brewers will commemorate their 420th batch of beer as part of a series of collaborative brews.

Although, the math might be a bit fuzzy.

Steve Berthel, brewmaster at The Livery in Benton Harbor, and Corey Wentworth, head brewer at Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, are approaching their 420th batch and will use the milestone for the special collaboration.

They will team up with Aaron Morse, head brewer/owner of Dark Horse Brewing Co. in Marshall, to create one batch at each brewery, beginning at Right Brain today.

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Leland school rallies around fifth grader stricken with brain tumor, raises over $10K for treatment

Leelanau Enterprise Tuesday, October 19, 2010
It's always tough to hear that a young member of the community is ill, especially when that illness is a brain tumor and the community member is just in fifth grade. And, yet, on the other side of that coin it is heart warming to see how a community rallies around that fifth grader and her family.

Excerpt: To show the school and community support Gross and her family, the Leland volleyball team hosted what they called a "Dig Abby" night Tuesday. Pink T-shirts with a picture of Abby on the front and saying "Dig Abby" were sold throughout the night. Coach Laurie Glass, along with assistant coaches Beth Osorio, Jane Lang and Travis Baker, organized the raffle of prizes ranging from items donated by local businesses to a volleyball signed by all of the current members of the U.S. Women's National Volleyball team, including Alisha Glass, a Leland alumnus and daughter of Coach Glass.

"The community raised over $10,000 last night. The response we got from the community, from the businesses, was wonderful," Glass said.

For the rest of the article, visit this link.

Source: Leelanau Enterprise

Hunters flock to Northern Michigan for duck and goose season openers

Mlive.com Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hunting is a way of life in our state, there can be no doubt about it. What's nice is when that way of life brings hunters and, ultimately, money to our area here in Northwest Michigan. Duck and goose hunting seasons opened recently, and hunters are flocking to the best hunting in the state.

Excerpt: Drake Wright, 14, said he was "happy anytime we get a duck in the boat."

The Wrights were among thousands who headed to northern potholes, lakes and marshes for the combined season opener. Duck and goose hunting opened in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.

The two openers were combined this year. The U.P. season opened one week earlier in 2009.

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: Mlive.com

Traverse City restaurants: Local and Fresh

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, October 12, 2010
There's no doubt that the best place a restaurant can look for items to use in its recipes is in the local area. An increasing number of Traverse City restaurants are doing just that, reports the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Excerpt: Variety is the spice of life, and all the better if it's local.

A growing number of northern Michigan restaurants are spicing up their menus by raising their own herbs, spices, vegetables and other products, or by purchasing them from nearby farms or Community Supported Agriculture operations.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Holland Sentinel knows a good color tour when it sees one

Holland Sentinel Tuesday, October 12, 2010
If you don't want to miss the fall colors this year, you better get out and start enjoying them as they are going to begin fading fast. The Holland Sentinel notes that there are several great places to visit, but names two Northwest Michigan routes as some of the best in a recent article.

Excerpt: Manistee, Cadillac, Ludington. Just to our north, these towns offer everything including great restaurants and brew pubs, shopping, a casino and a lot of lakes and rivers. Don't be afraid to take a two-track and really experience the wonders of the north.

For the rest of the article, click this link.

Source: Holland Sentinel

Gotts family adds third business: Uncle Frank's Apple Town

Petoskey News Review Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Some people just don't like to sit around too much, so they find ways to stay busy. The Gotts family in Petoskey take that to a whole new level, staying busy with businesses to run. They recently took on the responsibility of their third business.

Excerpt: If the thought of owning two businesses wasn't enough, Barb and Frank Gotts decided to add third to their list, Uncle Frank's Apple Town in Alanson.

Currently the owners of the Side Door Saloon and Mim's Mediterranean Grill, both in Petoskey, the Gotts opened Uncle Frank's business on Sept. 19. Since it is a seasonal venture, Uncle Frank's will close the end of October.

Barb laughed, "We don't like to be bored so, we had ideas about opening another business when we purchased this property four years ago."

For the rest of the article, read on.

Source: The Petoskey News-Review

Anglers looking to get late-season salmon should head up north

Mlive.com Tuesday, September 28, 2010
There's no doubt that one of the biggest draws to our area is the nature that surrounds us. Mlive.com recently noted that anglers should head our way to hit the great outdoors and snag some salmon that are hitting our rivers and tributaries up here right now.

Excerpt: Salmon are a big draw for Lake Michigan tributary communities. Anglers hit the streams hard each fall once the big fish start to run. In Grand Rapids, they congregate along the walls downtown and in the river below the Fourth Street dam. Good fishing also is found upstream as far as Lansing and on tributaries such as the Rogue River.

The fall salmon runs typically start earlier on northern streams where the temperatures and waters are cooler. Coho salmon also appear often before the Chinooks.

For the rest of the story, check out this page.

Source: Mlive.com

New Michigan park funding starts Friday

Royal Oak Daily Tribune Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It's no secret that the state's parks are in bad shape, and that's as true here in Northwest Michigan as it is anywhere else. The problem is funding and that people just aren't using the parks for the current costs of $6 per day or $24 for an annual pass.

The Royal Oak Daily Tribune ran a story noting that a new funding system is going into play this week with hopes that it will change the emptiness of the park system's coffers.

Excerpt: Desperate for money to fix Michigan's crumbling state parks, officials are gambling that motorists will chip in a little extra cash when renewing their car and truck licenses.

A new system for funding the parks begins Friday, when residents will have the option of paying $10 for a "recreation passport" in addition to their vehicle registration fee. Good for a year, the passport will grant access to all 98 state parks and recreation areas, plus boat launches.

Presently, park visitors are charged $6 per day or $24 for an annual pass.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Royal Oak Daily Tribune

Non-profit company may buy area hospital

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It looks like there may be someone new looking to get into the region's hospital business and their first step appears to be a big one by buying Cheboygan Memorial Hospital, indicates a report by the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

Excerpt: A non-profit group based in Sanilac County wants to buy Cheboygan Memorial Hospital.

Michigan Rural Healthcare Preservation Inc. of Deckerville signed an asset purchase agreement last week with the Cheboygan Memorial Hospital's board of trustees to purchase the 25-bed Cheboygan hospital.

The deal is subject to approval from the state Department of Community Health, and specifics of the transaction were not disclosed.

It includes all hospital assets and operations, buildings, accounts receivables and liabilities.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle

Chamber of Commerce plans to host small business conference

Petoskey News Review Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Small businesses are the key to a region that depends heavily on tourism, as ours does. It's always nice to see organizations taking the strides to ensure those small businesses have every chance to succeed, as the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce is doing with an upcoming small business conference.

Excerpt: The Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an upcoming Small Business Conference intended to give businesses tools to succeed.

This new conference, which the chamber intends to offer annually, is planned for 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Oct. 5, at The Inn at Bay Harbor. Registration, breakfast and networking will take place from 8-9 a.m.

The theme for this year's seminar is "Your Success in the New Economy."

For the whole article, read on.

Source: Petoskey News Review

Second Wave's parent company named to Inc. Magazine's top 5,000 list

Columbia Journalism Review Tuesday, September 14, 2010
It's always nice to know you're working for a company that's on the leading edge of its industry. Issue Media Group, the parent company of Northwest Michigan Second Wave, was recently identified by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country, as noted recently in the Columbia Journalism Review.

Excerpt: Issue Media Group, number 1,672 on Inc.'s list, has developed many community websites, for places like Detroit and Cincinnati. The sites have original features and contributors' blogs, as well as the neighborhood profiles and event listings you would expect from a community website.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: Columbia Journalism Review

Two area communities work together toward master plan project

Up North Live Tuesday, September 14, 2010
In this day and age of tough times and communities being forced to cinch their belts tighter, it's nice to see groups working together for a common goal. Up North Live recently reported that two communities are joining forces to help with a master plan project.

Excerpt: The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday that they will provide technical assistance to the Village of Kalkaska as part of its Community Growth Grants program for the purpose of developing an new Master Plan.

Village Manager, Penny Hill said, "We are very excited to be working with the NWMCOG to update our Master Plan, including the development of a new Five Year Recreation Plan that will allow the Village of Kalkaska to be eligible to apply for MDNRE Recreation Grants that may become available."

For the rest of the article, go here.

Source: Up North Live

Don't miss out on visiting Petoskey's underwater crucifix

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Detroit Free Press wants you to know that you aren't a true Michigander unless you know all the sites to see in your area. Even those, apparently, that aren't able to be seen without diving gear or gills.

The Freep recently highlighted Petoskey's underwater crucifix, noting its history and the best ways to view it.

Excerpt: Underwater? Yes. The 1,850-pound cross made of white Italian marble is 24 feet down, about 600 yards off Sunset Park in Petoskey, according to Dennis Jessick, a diver who has researched the crucifix. It's 11 feet long and 2.5 feet thick with a 5-foot-5 figure, all attached to a metal pedestal at the bottom of Little Traverse Bay.

For the rest of the story, visit this link.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Talented photographer in Grand Traverse area is completely self taught

Grand Traverse Insider Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Keenan May is a talented photographer. One glance at his work and that much is clear. What is impressive is that May, who was recently highlighted in an article by the Grand Traverse Insider, has no formal trailing whatsoever.

Excerpt: As surprising as it may seem, May never took lessons in photography. Instead, he found answers to his questions online.

"I didn't know anyone who was even slightly interested in photography," he said. "My expertise came from dedicating thousands of hours to exploring the functionality and capabilities of my cameras and how they can inform the capturing of subjects and landscape."

For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Grand Traverse Insider

Shipwreck from 19th century discovered in Lake Michigan

The Daily Citizen Tuesday, August 24, 2010
There's no doubt that this area is chock full of historic sites. Some of them, however, you have to be not only determined, but underwater, in order to find.

Just ask Ross Richardson, who discovered a 150-year-old shipwreck recently in Lake Michigan, adding to this impressive list.

Excerpt: Ross Richardson set out to find one of the Great Lakes' noted shipwrecks.

For years he had searched for the elusive Westmoreland — a vessel that foundered near South Manitou Island in a Lake Michigan winter storm on Dec. 7, 1854.

"I didn't know if I was going to find it this year, next year, or never find it at all," said Richardson, who began his search in 2004.

His search is over.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: The Daily Citizen

Work on Petoskey's breakwater expected to conclude in September

Dredging Today Tuesday, August 24, 2010
According to Dredging Today, the work that's being done on Petoskey's breakwater is slated to be finished in September. The magazine reported that there have been some delays in the project, which is being funded by federal stimulus money.

Excerpt: Jim Hop, a construction representative for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the project site, said the work had been sticking largely to schedule until about a week ago.

A crane-equipped construction barge used by a project subcontractor recently was moved out of Petoskey. Hop noted that the subcontractor, Durocher Dock & Dredge of Cheboygan, needed the crane at another project site, and would be returning to Petoskey with a smaller crane on the barge to continue with the breakwater work.

But Hop said conditions on area waters presented travel delays for the barge, and also some challenges for the installation of new concrete along the breakwater. On Thursday, Hop expected the barge would be returning to the construction site by the end of this week.For the rest of the story, go here.

Source: Dredging Today

Northwest Michigan was Hemingway's first and forever love

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It's no secret that Ernest Hemingway made his mark on Michigan, but a recent article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes that Michigan, in turn, made it's mark on Hemingway, especially the northern Lower Peninsula.

Excerpt: Hemingway's footprints are gone from here, yet there are trace metals in the landscape and in the towns around northern Michigan that marked his prose.

In Petoskey's City Park Grill, where legend dictates that he sat at the second seat from the end of the 32-foot bar, there hangs a picture of a happy Hemingway, his smile making him look curiously like a large-mouth bass. At the Walloon Lake Lodge, down the shore from Windemere, you can order the Salmon Trout Hemingway, pan sautéed with cognac, mushrooms and shallots. The landmark McLean and Eakin bookstore in Petoskey's Gaslight District has a full section devoted to Hemingway.

For the rest of the story, visit the paper's website.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Grand Traverse Bay: A cool place for some hot fishing

Royal Oak Daily Tribune Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It's been a strange year for fishing: It's either been the temperature, the weather or the fickle fish keeping them in the lakes and rivers instead of on the stove for dinner. According to the Royal Oak Daily Tribune, however, Grand Traverse Bay is still a great place to land the one that didn't get away.

Excerpt: Fishing in Traverse Bay, you need to know the regulations south of the 45th parallel; you can't take any lakers smaller than 20 inches nor larger than 24 inches. It doesn't leave too big of a margin, but Piscator was with us and the first fish was measured in at 23 inches. Into the box he went and we reset the rigger.

It had been several years since I was on a boat in the bay fishing for lakers and salmon, and I had forgotten how much work it could be especially when the boat bobs up and down over waves you wouldn't want to meet in a small outboard.

For the rest of the story, read on.

Source: Royal Oak Daily Tribune

Big wins for Black Star Farms in Michigan wine competition

The Detroit News Tuesday, August 10, 2010
At last week's 2010 Michigan Wine Competition, Suttons Bay's Black Star Farms winery won four major awards for its wines -- Best of Class Dry White, 2009 Arcturos Pinot Gris; Best of Class Semi-Dry White, 2009 Arcturos Riesling; Best of Class Sparkling Wine, 2008 Sparkling Wine; Double Gold, 2007 A Capella Pinot Noir.

Here's an excerpt:

Black Star Farms winemaker Lee Lutes is ecstatic today after learning the winery won three Best of Show awards in the 2010 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition.

"It's one of those things," Lutes said. "You smile a little bit on the inside when you see all this hard work is paying off, and it's a difference people can taste."


To read the entire story, please click here.


Moratorium on natural gas 'fracking' ok'd by NY Senate

The New York Times Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Amid growing concerns about the environmental impact that a method used to extract natural gas might have on Upstate New York, the State Senate called for a halt until mid-May 2011.

Here's an excerpt:

The New York State Senate voted 48 to 9 Tuesday night to issue a temporary moratorium on a type of natural gas exploration that combines hydraulic fracturing with horizontal drilling and the injection of millions of gallons of chemically treated water underground. The aim of the measure is to ensure an adequate review of safety and environmental concerns.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is currently reviewing the environmental impact of drilling in upstate New York, where natural gas companies are buying up leases and applying for permits to tap the Marcellus Shale, one of the largest natural gas fields in North America.

The moratorium proposed in the bill would prevent new drilling permits from being issued for the Marcellus Shale until May 15, 2011.

To read the entire story, please click here.

Michigan spill points to cost-cutting and oversight lapses

The Washington Post Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Striking similarities to the Gulf Coast oil spill are turning up in the investigation of the broken pipeline that leaked into Michigan's Kalamazoo River.

Here's an excerpt:

n the Summer of the Spill, history is already repeating itself, this time in Michigan.

An oil spill in the Kalamazoo River has set off a small-scale reenactment of the Gulf of Mexico's drama in farm country 100 miles west of Detroit. The villain is different: a broken pipeline, not a blown-out well. The oily birds are Canada geese, not pelicans.

But other plot points are eerily similar: A large company with safety violations. Regulators who didn't act fast enough. Claims centers. Containment boom. Broken equipment that everybody's waiting to examine.

And now, questions about how much of the oil is gone and how much is just unaccounted for.

"The pattern that we see here is a pattern of inadequate oversight and supervision [in government] and an industry that appears to cut corners," said the National Wildlife Federation's Tim Warman, who helped write a report documenting hundreds of accidents in the oil and gas industry in the past decade.

It went to the printer last month, two days before the Michigan spill began.

To read the entire story, please click here.

World's largest solar thermal plant in California's Mojave Desert wins major approval

San Jose Mercury News Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Three solar thermal plants in California's San Bernardino County are closer to fruition -- enough to power 140,00 homes, create 1,000 jobs, and perhaps lead the way to more.

Here's an excerpt:

An Oakland company's plans to build the world's largest solar thermal power plant in California's portion of the Mojave Desert cleared a major hurdle by winning approval of a key state energy commissioner.

California Energy Commissioner Jeffrey Bryon late Tuesday issued a 576-page report recommending that the project be approved. His recommendation will go to the full five-member commission after 30 days of public comment.

BrightSource Energy has proposed building three solar thermal plants, which heat water to produce steam to drive turbines, near the Ivanpah Dry Lake in San Bernardino County. The three plants would produce 392 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 140,000 homes, making it the largest solar thermal project in the world.

It is expected to create nearly 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction, which could begin by the end of this year.

"The pattern suggests that we're going to see more of them," Warman said.

To read the entire story, please click here.

Petoskey's Northern Michigan Healthcare ends talks with Spectrum

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Fearing the loss of jobs and local control, Petoskey's Northern Michigan Regional Health System put an end to its talks with Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health. The latter company is still negotiating a partnership with Traverse City-based Munson Healthcare.

Here's an excerpt:

Planning for future health care services and local control were the key issues that prevented Northern Michigan Regional Health System from becoming part of Spectrum Health.

Citing "significant differences" that arose during negotiations, and wanting to complete discussions this summer to avoid a prolonged negotiation, trustees at the Petoskey-based Northern Michigan Health System decided to terminate talks with Spectrum.

To read the entire story, please click here.


Michael Moore's Movie Mission

Tuesday, August 03, 2010
IndieWIRE interviews filmmaker and Northwest Michigan resident Michael Moore about his mission to save movie theaters in the age of digital downloads.

Here's an excerpt:

"There's a communal aspect to film. The way we (filmmakers) are constructing (stories) - whether you laugh or cry or (get) mad or ponder something or escape -- the feeling of doing that collectively is so much different than doing it alone. That's why the movies will never die no matter how many devices are invented. People still want to get out of the house and go to the movies."

To read the entire story, go here.

Traverse City Film Festival greens up for 2010

Absolute Michigan Blog Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Baby, it's boiling outside! And because of that, the folks who plan to make the Traverse City Film Festival as close to zero waste as possible have been dealing with a conundrum as they've investigated how to replace plastic with compostable alternatives.

Here's an excerpt:

I had an opportunity to sit down with Jessica Abfalter, 2010 TCFF Water Manager, and learned how she is helping Traverse City Film Festival reach their green goals. It was a chance meeting, in a local coffee shop, where Jessica was on the phone trying to secure compostable drinking cups for this year's events (just one part of her plan). The issue was not finding the cups, but making sure that they arrive safely during one of the hottest summers that this Northern Michigan city has seen in while. The cups that the Traverse City Film Festival will be using begin to decompose, according to the suppliers website, at 110 degrees.

In an effort to put less waste in landfills, the Traverse City Film Festival will go green by ditching bottled water for filtered water with two choices for containers: Compostable cups and reusable sports bottles. The four venues for this green project include: The Traverse City State Theatre, Old Town Playhouse, City Opera House, and Lars Hockstad Auditorium.

To read the entire story, please click here.


Consumers Energy buys 240 megawatts of Michigan's renewable energy

Green Coast Tuesday, July 27, 2010
As part of a 20-year goal to balance its supplies with renewable power, Jackson-based utility Consumers Energy has reached power purchase agreements with wind-farm developers for Michigan-based renewable energy capacity.

Here's an excerpt:

The agreements support Consumers Energy's Balanced Energy Initiative which is a comprehensive 20-year plan to meet the needs of its 1.8 million electric customers with a balanced energy portfolio, including energy efficiency, renewable energy and customer demand management.

"Consumers Energy's agreements to purchase power from four new renewable energy projects in Michigan are another step forward to a clean energy economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "These projects will help power Michigan homes and businesses, build markets for our growing wind manufacturing industry and create jobs."

The power purchase agreements are for 20 years and have been submitted for approval to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The new renewable energy projects are:

To read the entire story, please click here.

Forum on rail transpo will help create new routes

The Grand Vision Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Last week's Michigan By Rail Forum at Traverse City's  Civic Center, sponsored by The Grand Vision, wasn't your average community meeting. It was hands-on, passionate, purposeful -- one organizer called it a Rail Revival.

 Here's an excerpt:

Roughly 130 people attended and they certainly did not sit around listening to a series of experts talk about rail. Instead, everyone broke off into groups around large sized Michigan maps. And with a variety of stickers, they got to point out where their hometowns were and where they felt are special places in the State they would like to travel to. Then with rulers and pencils they drew out where they felt the rail lines should go.

Each group then got to show off their map with their ideas about the future of rail to the entire crowd. What is special about this, is that the maps are now going to go to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to aid in the creation of of a statewide rail transportation plan.

"This is the Grand Vision in action," said Hans Voss, Executive Director of the Michigan Land Use Institute. "I think this is a rail revival we are about to participate in."

To read the entire story, please click here.

 

Asian carp update for Great Lakes states

The Grand Vision Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Asian Carp have broken into Lake Calumet on Chicago's South Side -- and the final barrier into the waters of the Great Lakes has been breached. It's being called a "game changer."

Here's an excerpt:

Environmentalists have warned for years that it was just a matter of time before the invasive Asian carp broke through an electrical barrier meant to keep it from moving beyond Chicago-area shipping canals. But now that it's happened, efforts to keep the voracious fish out of the Great Lakes are taking on new urgency.

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said Friday that he and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, of Michigan, will introduce a bill next week to speed up research on ways to permanently prevent the transfer of invasive species between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes watersheds.

The legislation would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete research on so-called "hydrological separation" within 18 months, Durbin said. The Army Corps has said research could take up to five years.

 "This could be a game changer, and we have to take it very seriously," Durbin said Friday.

To read the entire story please click here:

Manistee and Benzie counties could be home to 56-turbine wind farm and nearly 300 new jobs

greeningdetroit.com Tuesday, July 20, 2010
North Carolina's Duke Energy Co. hopes to lease enough farmland for its proposed Gail Windpower Project, which would mean green power and greenbacks for these recession-ravaged counties south of Traverse City.

Here's an excerpt:

Huge wind turbines could pop up in Manistee farmlands in 2012, generating enough electricity to power 30,000 homes, while employing nearly 300 workers in a rural county hard hit by the recession.

Duke Energy of Charlotte, North Carolina, has been quietly contacting farmers in Manistee and Benzie counties to see if they would be willing to lease land for the Gail Windpower Project, which would consist of 56 wind turbines capable of generating 101 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity. The first phase of the project will encompass approximately 8,000 acres of land in Manistee County, primarily around Arcadia and Pleasanton.

"We hear a lot of talk out there by all the pundits about creating jobs in Michigan," said Manistee County Commission Chairman Allan O'Shea who is working with Duke Energy to make the proposed wind farm become reality.

"Well this is going to produce 280 jobs for 18 months, and produce revenues for the counties that aren't going to be tied to people moving into the counties or increasing or improving infrastructure because these are systems that operate themselves. The benefactors will be the community."

To read the entire story, click here.

Tech Boot Camp ready to make your big idea happen

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Two downstate Michigan business leaders want to jump start your new-tech company with a unique for-profit plan called Next Wave.

Here's an excerpt:

Got an idea for a technology company but need some help?

Or have you started a firm but aren't sure how to grow it? Amjad Hussain and Dick Blouse want to help.

The two men are searching for serious startup and second-stage high-tech firms to be part of NextWave, their for-profit business accelerator-incubator to be unveiled this week in Troy.

To read the entire story, please click here.

After northwest Michigan's big gas and mineral rights buy up, some worry about water and wells

Interlochen Public Radio Tuesday, July 20, 2010
First, the concern was all about getting enough per acre from the natural gas drilling companies. But recent news stories have some landowners in bucolic Leelanau County fearing fracking – a process that pumps millions of gallons of water and chemicals underground – not to mention the coming and going of huge, heavy trucks on county roads.

Here's an excerpt:

"I have four contracts sitting on my office desk right now. All look very similar," says Ed Krupka.

He grew up on his 80-acre farm in Leelanau County. As sheets of mist blow through the tops of trees on high hilly ground, Krupka waits for the weather to clear so he can harvest his cherries.

And he's weighing the pros and cons of leasing mineral rights. If a gas well were to be drilled on his land, he says it would mean scraping away the topsoil and removing fruit trees from about seven acres.

"They have to take care of my fears about this is a working farm and they say they're going to put things back to working status. And I'm very skeptical that that's possible even," he says.

To read the entire story or download an mp3, please click here.

Munson-Spectrum merger may turn Petoskey competitor into partner

Traverse City Record-Eagle Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Longtime rivals Munson Healthcare of Traverse City and Petoskey's Northern Regional Health System could consolidate duplicate services, facilities and administrative operations when the ongoing merger talks with Spectrum Health reach fruition.

Here's an excerpt:

A proposed merger between Munson Healthcare and Spectrum Health of Grand Rapids may bring the Traverse City hospital into the same system as its oldest rival.

Northern Michigan Regional Health System in Petoskey began affiliation talks with Spectrum over two years ago and it's likely they'll eventually merge, a board member said. Now each organization must weigh the impact of the other's decision to determine how a new northern Michigan division of Spectrum would govern both systems.

"Those two hospitals have been traditionally competitors so there is some element of duplication, and if the mergers come to pass, there will be some form of consolidation," said Michael La Penna of Grand Rapids, whose firm provides strategic and financial consulting to the health care industry. "It's just a matter of common sense that would occur."

To read the entire story, please click here.

Forget Maine lobsters; this Pittsburgh writer's new fave rave is whitefish from Scalawags

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Is Great Lakes whitefish better than lobster? This Eastern Shore native thinks so -- and downed four huge whitefish sandwiches during a week's vacation in Petoskey. He wanted more.

Here's an excerpt:

It's a tiny place, tucked in the Clock Tower Plaza on Michigan Route 119, just a mile north of U.S. 31 in Petoskey, Mich., not far from the Upper Peninsula. In a week's visit there on the shore of Lake Michigan, we ate at Scalawags four times. It would have been seven had it not been for my wife's insistence that we eat something other than whitefish and that on her vacation she see something besides a parking lot at the dinner hour.

But that's nothing. Pat Treado, a Pittsburgh chemist, told me his father-in-law goes to Scalawags every day on holiday. One day Mr. Treado tagged along and was, to employ a fishing term, hooked. "Look," he explained, "the food is simple but great and a place this good has a special charm." So you see: I'm not the only one.

And that's not the only Scalawags, which has two other locations: Traverse City and Mackinac City. The fish is brought in four times a week from Big Stone Bay.

To read the entire story, please click here.

Traverse City named one of top 10 beach towns in U.S.

AOL Travel Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Cited as a town whose classic Americana coolness intermingles with on- and apres-beach activities, Traverse City makes the top 10 once again.

Here's an excerpt:

Traverse City's tawny beaches and towering dunes merit the moniker Malibu of Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features wilderness islands, trails through diverse ecosystems, and preserved historic farmsteads. This part of Michigan has a deep history and South Manitou Island, reachable by ferry, recreates pioneer days from old schoolhouse to 1871 lighthouse while area museums celebrate everything from steam railroads to Scandinavian heritage. Traverse City's Victorian downtown boasts hundreds of galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

To read the entire story, please click here.

Second homes, summer and winter sports are Petoskey's huge draws

USA Today Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The water, the year-round recreation, the stately Victorians are some of the reasons USA Today Travel says Petoskey's Little Traverse Bay is a fine place for a second home.

Here's an excerpt:

Like Sun Valley in Idaho, Canada's Banff Springs in Alberta and other remote resort areas, tourism to Little Traverse Bay was launched to create rail passenger demand. Among the first to arrive was a Methodist community, which founded the Bay View Association, a communal cottage colony and National Historic Landmark with 440 Victorian cottages, still owned by worshipers. Several religious vacation enclaves called "associations" sprouted around Little Traverse Bay.

The bay is the northwesternmost inlet of Lake Michigan on the Lower Peninsula. In the center is the waterfront city of Petoskey, which is filled with shops and restaurants — but is not as popular for vacation homes. There also are large inland lakes close to Lake Michigan, including Charlevoix, the state's third largest, creating an abundance of waterfront property. Water is a big draw, as are golf and skiing. The first ski lift was built at Boyne Mountain in 1948. There are now three large ski resorts, as well as six golf courses for summer visitors. A big golf draw is Bay Harbor, with a 27-hole course considered one of the greatest achievements of acclaimed architect Arthur Hills. It anchors a luxury waterfront, marina and equestrian community on the shores of Lake Michigan.

To read the entire story, click here.

Hemingway's Up North, as he knew it

Metro Times Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Ernest Hemingway's early life was shaped by hunting, fishing and the wisdom of his Ottawa and Ojibwa neighbors who lived near his Walloon Lake family cottage, as the author details in Last Good Country.

Here's an excerpt:

Like numerous others of the upper class living in Oak Park, near Chicago, physician Clarence "Ed" Hemingway and his music teacher wife Grace were drawn to the northwest area of Michigan's lower peninsula, the Charlevoix-Petoskey region -- advertised as a haven of summer outdoor activity whose temperate weather was conducive to good health and an escape from hay fever. Ed and Grace first came to the area in 1898 with their first-born infant daughter Marcelline, staying with Grace's cousin, Madelaine Randall Board, on Bear Lake, today's Walloon Lake. Impressed, the couple purchased land for a cottage.

To read the entire story, please click here.

New study puts Spectrum among nation's top 10 health-care systems

Thomson Reuters Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Grand Rapids-based Spectrum Health, currently in partnering talks with Traverse City's Munson Healthcare and an affiliate of Petoskey's Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, made ninth place among the nation's best health systems in the second annual study by Thomson Reuters of Ann Arbor.

The Thomson Reuters "100 Top Hospitals: Health System Benchmarks" analyzed 255 systems around the country with at least two short-term, general acute-care hospitals.

Here's an excerpt:

The winners of this award outperformed their peers — they provided better care, followed standards of care more closely, saved more lives, had fewer patient complications, made fewer patient safety errors, and had better overall patient satisfaction scores.

Although the winning health systems have excellence in quality and efficiency in common, they differ in many ways — including their ownership, religious affiliation, size, and the geographic distribution of their member hospitals. These health systems tend to be headquartered in the Midwest, similar to the concentration of the 100 Top Hospitals: National Benchmarks award winners. Highlighting the top-performing health systems is the first step in understanding what practices lead to better outcomes and more successful performance improvement.

To read the entire report, please click here.

Michigan gets three new wind farms, $20-million in clean-energy manufacturing grants

Detroit Free Press Tuesday, June 29, 2010
At the Michigan Energy Fair last week in Novi, John Deere Wind Energy announced it is building three wind farms that will go online in 2012, Waste Management is developing a landfill gas-electric generator and Governor Jennifer Granholm said nine Michigan companies, including one in Manistee, won clean energy manufacturing grants.

Here's an excerpt:

John Deere Wind Energy said Friday that it plans to open three new wind farms, two of which will be the largest in the state. The announcement is a major boost for the future of wind energy in Michigan.

The new projects -- in Lenawee County and Michigan's Thumb -- are expected to increase the state's wind power capacity by 61% to 374 megawatts. That would generate electricity for more than 84,000 households.

To read the entire story, please click here.



Celebrating produce all over the country, one food festival at a time

Chicago Tribune Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Traverse City's National Cherry Festival, which runs July 3 through 10, and the Humungus Fungus Fest August 12 through 15 in the Upper Peninsula's Crystal Falls are among this Texas writer's picks for the nation's prime produce fests.

Here's an excerpt:

The United States is no longer an agricultural nation, but you wouldn't know it from the way we like to celebrate produce. From sea to shining sea during the summer, we're awash in festivals celebrating the fat of the land.??Garlic, watermelon, lentils, cherries, even the world's biggest mushroom — if you can grow it, someone has decided to build a party around it. So pack your eatin' pants, and plan a trip to one of our favorite foodie festivals this summer.

To read the entire story, please click here:


Big spill doesn't mean big chill for BP stations in Petoskey area -- yet

Petoskey News-Review Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Read this ongoing report on the ways that British Petroleum's catastrophic oil leak is affecting businesses in Charlevoix and Emmett counties – and in surprising ways it is not.

Here's an excerpt:

"I just looked at the April and May numbers, and we haven't been impacted yet," he said. "I think the customers are pretty smart and understand that we're locally owned, and that we provide local paychecks ... to take the BP anger out on that local business is just hurting your friends and neighbors.

"When you see a BP flag, that's so far removed from the disaster in the Gulf ... but as this thing goes on and on, and people's patience starts to wear thin — what's the breaking point?"

To read the entire story, please click here.

Scandia Wind switches strategy for $4-billion Lake Michigan wind farm

Muskegon Chronicle Tuesday, June 22, 2010
After Scandia Wind Energy's Lake Michigan wind-farm proposal's rejection by Mason and Oceana county commissions, the company took a different tack: Written questions, no emotion, just the facts about the 50 to 100, 450-foot turbines that would be built six miles off the Grand Haven pierheads.

An excerpt:

Scandia Wind Offshore has pulled back from asking for county board votes on its plans to build wind farms off the West Michigan coast of Lake Michigan.

That strategy, and a tightly controlled "public information meeting" by the city of Grand Haven, turned down the volume on the opposition as the wind farm developers took their plans to Tri-Cities residents at Grand Haven High School Wednesday night.

The Grand Haven meeting was in stark contrast to the emotional opposition at a December meeting to two wind turbines proposed by the city of Grand Rapids at its water filtration plant along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Grand Haven Township.

To read the entire story, please click here


Cruise northwest Michigan's coast by bicycle for stellar scenery

Chicago Tribune Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Want to see the real beauty along Michigan's Northwest coast? This Chicago traveler says to do it by bicycle, take your time, and don't miss M119's Tunnel of Trees.

An excerpt:

In the mitten-shaped state of Michigan, there is perhaps no prettier roadway than the squiggly one up north bordering the outer tip of the state's ring finger. That's state Route 119.

It's formally known as the Tunnel of Trees, and as charming as that may sound, the moniker does not adequately describe the beauty of this narrow, twisting stretch of highway that lovingly hugs the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan, starting in the one-time lumber hamlet of Cross Village and ending all too soon in the fashionable Gatsbyesque land of Harbor Springs.

To read the entire article, please click here.

Pie, oh my at the National Cherry Festival

Dallas Morning News Tuesday, June 22, 2010
California writer Anne Z. Cooke is wowed by all things cherry at Traverse City's annual weeklong ode to the fruit -- but laments her round-one Pit Spit washout. A summer fave since 1926, this year's fest runs July 3-10.

An excerpt:

Two parades wind through downtown Traverse City. The headliner Cherry Royale Parade, with 150 marching bands and elaborately decorated floats, takes place on the festival's final day. The Junior Royale Parade, staged by local schoolchildren, is midweek.

Cherries, of course, are always present. Buy your lunch at the Pavilion Food Court, a group of booths manned by a dozen local eateries offering different menus. You'll be amazed at the ways fresh and dried cherries are used in desserts, chicken and pork dishes, pancakes, pickles, jam and salads.

To read the entire story, please click here


USA Today likes Michigan's lakes, culture, recreation, natural beauty and Traverse City's dining

USA Today Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Michigan's supremo vacation possibilities are spelled out in a USA Today travel story, and Traverse City's once again lauded as a great destination for regional culinary pleasures. From coast to coast, the word is spreading about all the wondrous food and drink options in Northwest Michigan.

An excerpt:

Traverse City was rated by Midwest Living magazine as one of the region's best food towns and named a "new foodie haven" by the Huffington Post. The reason? Its local farm-to-table cuisine and the talented chefs who have settled in the city create culinary works of art for the palate. Both guided and self-guided "foodie" tours are available. Visitors can tour the vineyards and wineries on Traverse's Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula. While Michigan's other regions are not called foodie havens, many have independent restaurants that can hold their own with Traverse City eateries, such as New Buffalo's Brewster's restaurant and nearby Tabor Hill winery and restaurant.

To read the entire story, please click here.

Traverse City Riesling makers heading to international show

Traverse City Record-Eagle Thursday, June 17, 2010
Nine Traverse City-area wineries are taking part in the 2010 Riesling Rendezvous, an international wine event July 11-13 hosted by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash. They're among the nation's top Riesling producers.

Here's an excerpt:

Local wineries created a new logo called "State of the Riesling Northern Michigan" and are among event co-sponsors, giving them a chance to serve wines at a luncheons to more than 250 participants. Organizers said it will give them a chance to showcase their products to other world producers, trade professionals, media and consumers, and see how local brands stack up with premier Rieslings from places like Germany and Austria.

To read the entire story, please click here

New Up North eateries dazzle Detroit critic

Detroit Free Press Thursday, June 17, 2010
On a recent visit Up North, Detroit Free Press Restaurant Critic Sylvia Rector finds fabulous eats in cafes, specialty shops, bakeries and fine-food restaurants all over Northwest Michigan.

Here's an excerpt:

It's true what you've heard about Up North's burgeoning food scene: Farmers, foragers, winemakers, bakers, cheese makers, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, poultry keepers, fruit growers, fishermen and more have turned the Traverse City area into Michigan's tastiest vacation destination.

And with so many excellent ingredients at their fingertips, a new crop of ambitious, creative chefs have expanded the area's restaurant options like never before.

To read the entire story, please click here

Bel Canto author Anne Patchett loves Petoskey

New York Times T magazine Thursday, June 17, 2010
Best-selling author Anne Patchett praises the Petoskey area for its independent bookstore, McLean & Eakin, its hotels, dining, artisan food purveyors and  cherry pie.

An excerpt:

I drove my rental car down two-lane highways that were riddled with fruit stands, vegetable stands, pie stands, all of them nestled in orchards. Maybe I could have driven past one offer of homemade cherry pie, maybe even three or four, but the fifth time I saw the sign I pulled over. I gobbled down my slice by the side of the road: tart cherries, flaky crust, none of that viscous red slime that gave the pie a bad name in the first place. I can't tell you where that particular stand was, and it wouldn't matter anyway. In the intervening years I've eaten a great deal of pie while standing by the side of the road in Michigan. It's all been good. This was only the beginning.

That first afternoon when I pulled into town I was short on time and sticky from pie. I was tired and distracted. I had work to do and still another plane to catch. But that didn't mean I was blind. There I was in Petoskey. The houses were wide of porch and steep of gable, many of them painted in the colors favored by seventh-grade girls. Petunias dangled from window boxes. Below the town the sun spread its diamond light over Lake Michigan, over the boats and the swimmers and the shore. The small downtown was a throwback to some simpler idea of American vacations, a couple of ice cream stores that sold taffy and fudge, a gift shop with T-shirts in the window that said lake. Imagine the cast of "Mad Men" driving out to Michigan in wood-paneled station wagons for the summer. Frank Sinatra playing in the hotel bar. Sophisticated restaurants commingling with pie shops. The world was leafy and dappled, quiet and cool. Within 10 minutes I started to wonder how I could spend the rest of my life in Petoskey.


Please click here to read the entire story.

Mason County rejects Scandia industrial wind farm

Muskegon Chronicle Thursday, June 17, 2010
Based on residents' complaints and petitions, Scandia Wind Offshore's proposal to erect 100 industrial wind turbines off the Mason-Oceana County shoreline between Pentwater and Ludington was roundly rejected by the Mason County Board of Commissioners.

Here's an excerpt:

Scandia had asked the county board to come to such a determination by Sept. 1. If the visual issue was not a "deal breaker" for county boards along the West Michigan coast, the company would move forward with a three-year, multimillion-dollar economic and environmental study of its $4 billion wind farm plan.

The county boards in Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties are being asked to weigh in on the same issue, but have not yet done so. Besides the wind farm 4 miles off the Mason-Oceana coast, Scandia proposes a similar wind farm 6 miles off the Ottawa-Muskegon county line near Grand Haven, plus a 50-turbine land-based installation at the Muskegon County Wastewater Management System.


To read the entire story, please click here


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