Jillian Manning | Author

The Recycling Roller Coaster

July 16, 2022

There’s nothing less appealing than being out on a beautiful northern Michigan beach or trail and coming across empty water bottles, snack wrappers, and other trash scattered along your path. Alas, litter isn’t uncommon in our natural areas during the summer months as usage nu... Read More >>

One Month Later

July 2, 2022

On May 20, 2022, a tornado tore a 16.5-mile path through Gaylord and other parts of Otsego County with 140-mph winds that leveled homes and businesses, caused several deaths, and sent dozens of people to the hospital. Though the news cycle has moved on and the busy summer season is underw... Read More >>

When Blood Runs Cold

June 25, 2022

Cherries are red, waters are blue…and unfortunately, Michigan’s blood supply shortage is nothing new.

“The blood supply in the midst of COVID and earlier this year was at the lowest levels in over a decade,” says Kristin Paltzer, public relations manager f... Read More >>

Bridging Troubled Waters

June 18, 2022

What do Traverse City, Michigan, and Bogotá, Colombia, have in common? More than you might think, especially when it comes to studying and protecting one of our most precious resources: water.

Thanks to a grant from the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund—a... Read More >>

Waste Not, Want Not

June 18, 2022

When you finished this year’s spring cleaning, you probably found a pile of stuff that can’t go in your trash bin, like batteries, paint cans, and last year’s fertilizer. Good news: Both Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties have organized hazardous household waste events... Read More >>

Fairies and Forts

June 18, 2022

The annual tradition of Fairies and Forts returns to Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville on Saturday, June 25, at 10am. Perfect for the kiddos who want to wear the fairy wings from their Halloween costume all year, the event offers a chance to make crowns, build fairy houses, and cr... Read More >>

On the Horizon

June 18, 2022

Summer is a busy season for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB). With the hope of a more normal season following two years of pandemic-related adjustments and cancellations, the LTBB is looking forward to the return of the annual Homecoming Pow Wow, updated summer camp o... Read More >>

Don’t Make a Splash

June 11, 2022

When you think of northern Michigan waterways, you think of crystal blue lakes, sandy beaches, and rivers teeming with fish. You don’t think of Eurasian watermilfoil, stormwater pollution, or the New Zealand mud snail.

But maybe you should. Whether you’re here for a we... Read More >>

Driving Forward

June 11, 2022

A group of car-lovers is making a difference this weekend in Traverse City. Accelerate the Cure—a non-profit devoted to helping the Alzheimer’s community in northern Michigan and supporting Alzheimer’s research—is hosting their 4th annual Drive to Remember. The &ld... Read More >>

Recreation for All

June 11, 2022

Ever wanted to try an adaptive bike or track chair? Want to meet folks with a passion for accessibility in motion? Accessible Recreation Day on June 16 is the day to explore. Powered by Disability Network Northern Michigan, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation, and Norte, the event ... Read More >>

Keeping the Lights On: Energy shortages pose a threat to summertime comfort in northern Michigan

June 4, 2022

What do you get when you combine a hot summer, more folks on the grid, and a shift in energy sources?

Tony Anderson, general manager of Cherryland Electric Cooperative, says the equation could add up to a perfect storm for utility companies in the coming months. In a recent blog p... Read More >>

Growing Good Vibes

June 4, 2022

Grow Benzie is all about finding the balance between healthful food and a rich, meaningful life. The community-forward organization has been around since 2008, and has since become a haven and partner for other local clubs, organizations, and nonprofits. In keeping with their mission of b... Read More >>

How to Recycle an Elementary School

May 28, 2022

What do you do when a school building gets too old or out of date? What about when there aren’t enough students to fill the classrooms? These questions are becoming more common across northern Michigan, and we’ve seen elementary schools have to make major changes to adapt to f... Read More >>

Concert for a Cause

May 28, 2022

This Friday, June 3, Mt. Holiday in Traverse City will be rocking. The popular ski hill and summer adventure zone is hosting The Steel Wheels—a Virginia-based Americana/roots/folk-rock band—in support of Less Cancer Bike Ride America. Less Cancer (also known as the Next Genera... Read More >>

Makers Market Hits the Mark

May 28, 2022

Try saying that title 10 times fast. Or don’t, and instead make your way to the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds in Traverse City June 3-4 for the Red Dresser’s Barn Market, a vintage flea and makers extravaganza. (Complete with live music and food trucks so you can dance, ea... Read More >>

We See Beer and Brats in Your Future

May 21, 2022

The 15th annual Michigan Beer and Brat Festival is making a comeback Saturday, May 28, at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Brews, ciders, wine, and spirits offer a taste for everyone while the heady scent of gourmet brats from NoMi markets fills the air. Go for VIP admission ($75) start... Read More >>

Restaurant Week Is Happening Now in Petoskey

May 21, 2022

Play hooky before the long weekend and make a stop in Petoskey for their spring Restaurant Week, running May 20-27. Three-course menus are offered at $15, $25, and $35 price points with some establishments offering 2-for-1 options. Who’s participating? You have 11 choices with Barre... Read More >>

Traverse City Going Green(er)

May 21, 2022

After years of limbo, Traverse City’s City Commission voted to move forward with allowing retail recreational marijuana in town. Adult-use recreational cannabis was legalized in Michigan in November 2018, and medical marijuana businesses have been permitted in the city since spring ... Read More >>

Into the Wild

May 21, 2022

Many of us trolls—yes, we’re owning the term for those who live below the Mighty Mac—think of the Upper Peninsula as an unspoiled wilderness paradise. There is good beer there, we know, and pasties too. The deer may outnumber the humans. We’re a bit wary of visitin... Read More >>

5 Years of Helpful Beers

May 14, 2022

Restaurants have endured some of the greatest staffing and operational challenges of any industry in the last few years. But through all those ups and downs, a Traverse City movement to give back has kept its wheels turning.

Tina Schuett, co-owner of Rare Bird Brewpub in Traverse ... Read More >>