Entries by editor

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Food trucks, grab & go choices diversify Glen Arbor eating scene

Fried, the new food truck in the Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, diversifies the Glen Arbor eating scene, as hundreds of thousands of hungry tourists begin arriving to soak up the summer. “Food trucks offer variety and a different, fun atmosphere,” said Raupp. “You get to interface with the guests, which doesn’t happen when you’re a chef in a restaurant. There’s a symbiotic relationship and a more experiential dining experience. With so much tourism up here in Northern Michigan, and lots of little pockets that could use food, snacks and refreshments, there’s room in our industry to grow.”

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Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes holds annual volunteer training

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is offering a general training session for new and returning volunteers June 11 at the Empire Town Hall. Join more than 700 dedicated Friends members who protect the resources and enhance visitor experiences at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore each year.

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Empire Asparagus Fest returns, June 4

The Empire Asparagus Festival returns following a two-year COVID hiatus. This scaled-back event on Saturday, June 4, features a 5K Kick Yer Ass-paragus Fun Run/ Walk at 10 a.m. at the public beach, a Recipe Contest and Cook-off at noon at the Town Hall, an open house at the Empire Museum from 1-4 p.m., an “Ode to Asparagus” poetry contest at 2 p.m. at the Glen Lake Library, and Asparagus Eats, Wine and Beer Tasting from noon until 6 p.m. under a tent on Main Street.

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Revitalized Glen Lake School band performs iconic music of John Williams

The revitalized Glen Lake band has expanded dramatically and has been working for the past months on its big final concert of the school year. The theme is “An Evening with John Williams,” featuring the iconic music of Williams: the famous Star Wars soundtrack, Indiana Jones, E.T., Jaws and more. The concert will be held on Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m. at Glen Lake School.

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Fishing Day for Veterans, June 7

Scott McDaid of Reel Tales Charter Fishing and Captain Bill of Watta Bite Charter Fishing will host their annual Fishing Day for local Veterans on Tuesday, June 7, at 10 a.m. They plan to take four boats out to host about 20 veterans on Lake Michigan for a fun day of fishing on the big water.

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Leelanau Cheese celebrates National Cheese Day, June 4

Saturday, June 4, is National Cheese Day and the anniversary of the bittersweet transition of ownership from John and Anne Hoyt to the new owner-operators of Leelanau Cheese, Josh Hall and Gary Smith. All Michigan-made cheeses are being celebrated at Leelanau Cheese. The shop will host free events for all ages throughout the day, with a few special events with reserved seating.

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How Leelanau locals equipped Guatemalan first responders

There is no real government support for Guatemala’s first responders. When they’re not on a fire or ambulance call, they are out in the streets getting donations in coffee cans from passing drivers to fund their meager salaries and minimal equipment. Most of them have to fight fires in jeans and t-shirts. Serious injuries are endemic to their work. When Guatemalan Fredy Maldonado showed Burdickville’s Mike Binsfeld the situation, Binsfeld stepped up the Buckets of Rain commitment to include money for fixing fire station roofs and ambulances, and to provide medicine for the community. Through his efforts and those of Leelanau County resident Kathy Fordyce and her outreach to local firefighters at the Cedar Fire Dept., desperately needed gear is now making its way to Guatemala.

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On Memorial Day: Gaining Recognition for a Fallen Brother

Specialist William Gabrielsen who died on March 10, 1970, from injuries sustained during the Vietnam War. Gabrielsen’s name was added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 2014. By Michael Papa Sun contributor In the early morning hours of August 12, 1968, Specialist William Gabrielsen and Lieutenant James O’Connor prepared for a reconnaissance mission to track enemy […]

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Foothills Cafe embraces Harm Reduction, stocks Naloxone

“We at The Foothills take issues of dependency and overdose very seriously,” says co-owner Shari Bernstein. Now, out in front of the café, is a white metal box that looks comparable to a newspaper carrier, and in it is the naloxone nasal spray. It is there for anyone who may need it, no questions asked.

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Lady of Guadalupe benefit returns to Empire

The Guadalupan Torch Committee returns on Sunday, May 29, for the first time since 2018 with a full menu of authentic, homemade Mexican food, which will be for sale from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at St Philip Neri Catholic Church, located at 11411 S. La Core Rd. in Empire. There will be dining in as well as take out.

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