Staff Reports

Region Watch Staff Reports Benefit for Tim Harrington‘s children
Volunteering in the South Pacific

Johnny Walker, a bartender at Leo‘s Lounge in Petoskey, says the thing he remembers most about Tim Harrington was his sense of humor.
“He was a really good person, really funny and open,“ Walker says.
“He was a pretty interesting character,“ he adds. “Really animated and a big pool player. He used to come in and play pool with his brother and if he won he used to make his brother get down and do push-ups. He always made us laugh.“
Walker and Leo‘s Lounge are hosting a benefit this Wednesday, March 19 for the three children Tim Harrington left behind in the wake of his murder on the evening of Jan. 17. His roommate, Bradford Carl Ross, 35, has been charged in 90th District Court with first degree murder for allegedly beating Mr. Harrington to death with a baseball bat during a fight at their home on Sheridan Street in Petoskey. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
A pit boss in charge of supervising gaming tables at Victories Casino, Mr. Harrington is survived by two sons and a daughter. Walker says the mother of Mr. Harrington‘s daughter died of a brain tumor, so the need for funds is especially pressing.
To lend a hand, Leo‘s Lounge is hosting a Chuck Barris-style “Gong Show“ karaoke night on Wednesday with a $3 cover to benefit the children. “The highest bidder will also be able to gong someone out,“ Walker adds. A professional
karaoke team called Kick-Ass Karaoke will be on hand to rev up the crowd.
Walker says he hopes Tim Harrington‘s memory will turn out the town in support of his children. “He had a really big funeral here,“ he says. “Tim knew everyone.“

Region Watch Staff Reports New air terminal has cherry flavor
The new $45 million terminal at Cherry Capital Airport got its wings this week, opening to the public on Wednesday with a 115,000-square-foot complex that incorporates the flavors of Northern Michigan in its design and landscaping. Close-in parking, electronic check-in computers, advanced baggage screening and an outdoor garden for ticketed passengers are among the perks of the new terminal. And check out the 14 new cherry-wood check-in counters for a touch of local class.
Designed by Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida, the terminal is Arts and Crafts/Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired and encompasses the openness and natural setting of the Grand Traverse region.

Region Watch Staff Reports Medical marijuana meeting
Laura and Matthew Barber, who are at the center of a medical marijuana case in Traverse City, are planning an informational meeting/fundraiser at their home this Sunday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. to share their story with the public.

Region Watch Staff Reports Two Wheelin‘
NoMich cyclists leaving tracks all over...
Maybe it‘s the Lance Armstrong effect, but the wheels are in spin on a number of bicycle-powered endeavors this week, going far beyond the borders of Northern Michigan:

Region Watch Staff Reports New CD aims to “Beat Bush”

... but even the President might enjoy this polite CD

President George W. Bush doesn’t seem to be too popular with local musicians. Scores of top acoustic artists in the region have joined forces to record a new CD as part of the effort to dump Bush from office this November.

Region Watch Staff Reports Taster’s choice this Saturday when Goodwill Industries Volunteers Services ( GIVS ) hosts “The Party” pigroast and dance to benefit a the homeless shelter in Traverse City.
“We just wanted a fundraising party that people can have fun at and dance their tails off -- there’s no silent auction or anything like that -- the idea is to have a great time and a big party,” says Heidi Hallett-Treece, a GIVS volunteer who is organizing the event with co-chair Mary Stanton.

Region Watch Staff Reports Acme’s Village goes back to drawing board

A proposed “big box”-style shopping center masquerading as a downtown was scuttled in Circuit Court last week by Judge Thomas Power in a decision hailed by opponents of the project.

Region Watch Staff Reports Guess Who‘s Coming to Dinner?

Dominic Fortuna, voted “Best Entertainer“ by Express readers, is backing a new dinner theater in Acme, expected be up and running this summer.

Region Watch Staff Reports War protests planned

Northern Michigan‘s antiwar movement started with a bang over a year ago, with hundreds of people waving signs protesting the invasion of Iraq along major highways in Petoskey and Traverse City. But the marches gradually dwindled in size and volume after the U.S./British blitzkrieg swept through Iraq in a matter of days. By mid-year, protests attracted only a handful of marchers in the region.

Region Watch Staff Reports Public to get a peek at City Opera House

The glory days of a lumber-era opera house are being recast in downtown Traverse City, where a $4.3 million restoration project has reached completion of its first major stage.
This weekend, the public will have an opportunity to see the fruits of that effort when the City Opera House Heritage Association hosts an open house at the renovated facility on Front Street.