Ross Boissoneau | Author

Nov. 25, 2023

How long does it take to create a cultural center? As few as three years, or as many as 170. Sometimes both.

The organizations that comprise the Leland Cultural Campus have been around for varying lengths of time. The Leelanau Historical Society dates back to 1957, the Leland Townsh… Read More >>

A Swashbuckling Society

Nov. 11, 2023

Who doesn’t love a good sword fight? Whether it’s Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride, Brad Pitt’s Achilles in Troy, or Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, such conflagrations provide plenty of thrills and chills.

But sword fighting in real… Read More >>

All's Well for All Hallows' Eve

Oct. 21, 2023

Halloween can be a frightening time, what with ghosts and goblins, Freddy and Jason. But as long as the kids are safe and criminal mischief is kept to a minimum, it should be a happy holiday.

That’s the hope for folks around the region, from law enforcement to those hosting co… Read More >>

Playing a New Tune with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra

Oct. 7, 2023

It’s a season of change for the Traverse Symphony Orchestra (TSO).

First and foremost, the organization will soon be moving from Radio Centre in downtown TC to the former Kmart building at the Cherryland Center, leasing space from the Traverse City Curling Club. “It is s… Read More >>

Taking on the Next Big Adventure

Oct. 7, 2023

Ah yes, the golden years. That time when you qualify for an AARP membership and there’s nothing better to do than sit in the rocker on the front porch and sip lemonade while the days drift by.

Or not.

These three adventurers certainly chose the “or not” rou… Read More >>

The Land of Opportunity

Sept. 23, 2023

Be brave. Take a big swing. Go big or go home.

Randy Mann has a better idea: Go big and go home. The owner and developer at Great Lakes Land Company sells estate-size parcels, perfect for those who want to build a home that provides them with some space and privacy, while r… Read More >>

Employees Are Calling the Shots

Sept. 9, 2023

The field of human resources is ever-evolving, and that’s never been more true than in the years following the onset of the pandemic. Remote and/or hybrid work has become more prevalent and accepted than ever before, and the last three-plus years have seen increases in pay and greater… Read More >>

Waterfront Field of Dreams

Sept. 2, 2023

If you rebuild it, they will come back. That’s the plan in Boyne City, where a group of dedicated volunteers are working hard to refurbish the Little League baseball field on the shores of Lake Charlevoix dubbed the Waterfront Field of Dreams.

“The goal is to maintain th… Read More >>

Welcome to the Childcare Desert

Aug. 26, 2023

While it may be home to dozens of lakes, bays, and rivers, much of northern Michigan is a desert. No, not the kind with cacti and camels—a childcare desert.

Lest that sound overly dramatic, that is exactly how the situation is described by those in the industry. In fact, Michi… Read More >>

Capturing the Magic of Live Music

Aug. 5, 2023

When guitarist Rick Kiehle and pianist David Chown met through the Northwestern Michigan College jazz program, they forged a musical connection. Chown’s friend and longtime cohort Charlie Tomlin had passed away, and he was looking for another guitarist for his variety band, The Lookou… Read More >>

Extending a Hand to the Community

July 29, 2023

It’s 193 miles from Suttons Bay to East Lansing. Frankfort is 184 miles away, Gaylord is 171, and Traverse City clocks in at 180.

Yet the resources and expertise of Michigan State University are here in our communities, thanks to MSU Extension.

MSU Extension dates back… Read More >>

Culinary Rookies of the Year

July 22, 2023

When new owners take over established restaurants, things change. Sometimes it’s décor, other times it’s a completely new menu or concept. Perhaps it just means reopening a shuttered establishment. Or maybe the new owner respects the restaurant and clientele so much that … Read More >>