Leelanau Essentials—the workers who keep us safe during the pandemic. Meet doctor Cyrus Ghaemi
“Being able to continue to care for members of our community in such a tumultuous and challenging time is a real privilege,” says doctor Cyrus Ghaemi.
Entries by editor
Sleeping Bear Dunes may close popular trails if visitors don’t obey social distancing
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore superintendent Scott Tucker is considering temporarily closing popular trails to the public, including Empire Bluffs and Pyramid Point, to limit large crowds from gathering on warm spring days during the coronavirus pandemic.
Leelanau Essentials—the workers who keep us safe during the pandemic. Meet cashier Sarah Allis
Even as our communities, our society, shut down, as we stay at home and socially distance ourselves, these essential workers of Leelanau County show up every day and walk to the front lines—to fight for us in this world war against a murderous pandemic. We honor them, our Leelanau Essentials.
Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department declares emergency order
The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department is declaring an Emergency Order requiring screening and social distancing measures at open businesses and operations subject to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21. The emergency order goes into effect today, Monday, April 6 at noon.
Northwoods Hardware, an essential business, sells local hand sanitizer, offers local delivery
Northwoods Hardware, Home and Garden, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in Glen Arbor this year, is offering curbside pick-up and free local delivery to the Glen Arbor, Empire and Maple City area during the coronavirus stay-at-home order.
Social distancing is working, Health Department of Northwest Michigan says
Social distancing in northwest Michigan during the coronavirus pandemic appears to be working, Lisa Peacock, health officer with the Benzie Leelanau District Health Department and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, told community health partners and journalists during a conference call on Wednesday, April 1.
Empire Asparagus Festival canceled. Other events may follow suit
The Empire Asparagus Festival—originally scheduled for May 15-16 in downtown Empire—has been canceled, festival organizer Paul Skinner told the Glen Arbor Sun. Other popular Leelanau County events have postponed until the fall. The Cedar Polka Festival will be moved from mid-June to September 17-20, 2020.
Preparing for a Summer of Social Distancing
The paint on the parking lot was barely dry when the first car pulled up to Empire’s public beach to check out the innovative new grid that keeps vehicles, and people, more than 10 feet apart at all times. Two miles south on M-22, Harry Norconk was replanting his asparagus seeds six feet apart so the green spears won’t spread pathogens once they shoot out of the ground in mid-May.
Grand Traverse County reports first case of community acquired COVID-19 transmission
The Grand Traverse County Health Department announces two additional positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the countywide total to seven. Among the two latest cases, community acquired transmission was determined to be a factor in one case.
Where to eat in Leelanau during coronavirus shelter-in-place shutdown
Here’s a useful map of all restaurants, eateries, and grocery stores in Leelanau County that are open for takeout, curbside pickup or delivery during Michigan’s coronavirus shelter in place crisis: