Jillian Manning | Author

The Cost of Road Construction

July 30, 2022

Michigan is known for its four distinct seasons: fall, winter, still winter, and road construction. And while we put up with the delays and detours of construction season for its major perks—blue sky days, green trails, and finally-warm-enough waters—those orange cones herald ... Read More >>

Bad Trends, Broken Systems, and Bold New Programs

July 30, 2022

“Addiction can happen to anybody. It can touch anybody’s life, so likely somebody that [you] know has been affected by addiction.”

So says Lauren Reed, coordinator for the Grand Traverse Drug Free Coalition (GTDFC), a group made up of over 100 community members a... Read More >>

The Return of the Festival

July 23, 2022

It’s back: After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Traverse City Film Festival returns to northern Michigan July 26 through July 31. While much remains the same about the festival we know and love, change is also in the air.

A New Face
We talked to TCFF&r... Read More >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>