Features

Anxiety, Screens, and Self-Esteem

Northern Michigan therapists weigh in on youth mental health

By Kierstin Gunsberg | Nov. 8, 2025

If adulting feels hard sometimes, let it be a reminder that growing up can be, too. Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that one in six Michigan adolescents ages 12-17 experience a depressive episode each year, while the University of Michigan Medicine’s psychology department reports that before they’ve even hit their teen years, 70 percent of grade schoolers fret over grades, friendships, and fitting in. But what happens when … Read More >>

Gaming That’s Out of This World

Owner credits “contagious nostalgia” for growth at this Petoskey arcade

By Eric Cox | Nov. 8, 2025

Anyone with an appreciation for the late 1970s and 1980s might enjoy the sound of vintage video games and their incredible light displays. When you walk through the front door of Out of This World Arcade and Game in Petoskey, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Entering feels like you’ve passed through some kind of time portal and into another era, when the hair was big, the colors bright, and the entertainment was … Read More >>

Love in Action at Otsego County Food Pantry

Executive director Rebecca Brown calls the program “a community hug”

By Lourin Sprenger | Nov. 8, 2025

On an early morning in Gaylord, it isn’t unusual to see Rebecca Brown already moving between volunteers, checking lists, and loading boxes into cars. To her, the work of the Otsego County Food Pantry isn’t about food—it’s love in action. “My parents taught me from childhood that if you had extra, you shared,” Brown says, her voice catching with emotion. “I think of volunteering here as a way to honor them. Love … Read More >>

Slowing Down: How to Destress in a World Full of Demands

Up North therapists share how to disconnect, reconnect, and restore

By Lourin Sprenger | Nov. 8, 2025

In our constantly connected, ever-moving lives, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the waves of work, news, schedules and obligations. We rarely carve space for ourselves—and that’s when stress, anxiety, and burnout creep in. Northern Express spoke with three therapists from northern Michigan about how they help clients slow down, reconnect with themselves, others, and nature, and build routines that support mental wellness. Nicole Ball: Owner & Therapist, Mental … Read More >>

Spend Some Bucks

Nov. 8, 2025

While the hunters are away, the rest of us will play. In Gaylord, catch the Elks Ladies Night Out on Nov. 13 from 5-10pm, put on by the Gaylord Elks Lodge. The $20 ticket includes apps, dinner, and a “grand prize” entry. You’ll also be able to participate in auctions and raffles, with proceeds to go to nonprofit Christmas for Kids. (elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodge=2544) Saturday, Nov. 15, Harbor Springs has their take on the … Read More >>

Veterans Day Observations 2025

Stuff We Love

Nov. 8, 2025

Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, and Northwestern Michigan College will be marking the holiday with their 50th annual Mariners Memorial service at noon on Monday, Nov. 10. The event will be held in the courtyard of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy—715 E. Front Street, Traverse City, at the NMC Great Lakes Campus—and aims “to remember and honor mariners who have perished on the Great Lakes and oceans.” NMC will also host … Read More >>

Racing into Winter

Send your race event info in for our annual calendar!

Nov. 8, 2025

Cold-weather race organizers, do you want to see your upcoming race included in Northern Express’ winter race calendar? If you’re putting on an event between Dec. 21 and March 20, 2026, for runners, bikers, skiers, snowshoers, or other outdoor enthusiasts, we want to share the news! Here’s how to get your race in the paper: Email events [at] traverseticker [dot] com with the race name, date, location, and website. The race roundup … Read More >>

Hope for the Holidays

Nov. 8, 2025

This time of year isn’t always the easiest for many folks in our community, especially when they’re grieving the recent loss of a loved one. So Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Michael’s Place, and Heartland Hospice are coming together to put on “Hope for the Holidays,” an event on Thursday, Nov. 13, geared toward grief support—including speakers, resources, activities, and a special remembrance gift. The organizers describe the event as a “compassionate space … Read More >>

Dinner in Petoskey? Yes, Please!

By Jamie Kauffold | Nov. 8, 2025

Petoskey’s Fall Restaurant Week is here! Visit your favorite restaurants and check out new ones in and around Petoskey, Nov. 7-16. Mix it up with unique menus and deals at spots like Barrel Back Restaurant, City Park Grill, Roast & Toast, Vintage Chophouse & Wine Bar, and more. Restaurant Week menus will be posted as they are available at petoskeychamber.com/petoskey-restaurant-week, or check each restaurant’s website/social media for more details. Pictured: City Park … Read More >>

Finding True North

Former military lawyer embraces community practice

By Ross Boissoneau | Nov. 8, 2025

For most, the next step after graduating from law school and passing the bar exam is to join an established law firm. That’s not the script Josh Traeger followed. He instead entered the United States Air Force and for a decade served as a military prosecutor. Traeger believes that military experience has stood him in good stead as a civilian attorney in a number of ways. “With a military background, [you] keep … Read More >>