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Preparing families for immigration enforcement as federal crackdown fears grow
Investigative Article, Letter to editor/OpinionThe Trump administration, which takes power on Jan. 20, has threatened to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States. Some of them have lived in our communities for decades and form the backbone of our workforce. Here in northern Michigan, they are integral to our farms and food production. To stand with them, the Glen Arbor Sun is publishing part of the handbook, “Preparing Your Family for Immigration Enforcement,” which was compiled by the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) and reprinted in our Jan. 16 print edition, with MIRC’s permission, both in English y en Español.
Up North Pride, ACLU present “Know Your Rights”
Upcoming EventUp North Pride, ACLU of Michigan and local legal experts will host a legal question and answer session, Know Your RIghts: An LGBTQ+ Legal Q&A at the Traverse Area District Library at 6 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The evening will include discussion on a variety of issues, especially with the incoming administration and possible changes that may impact the 2SLGBTQ+ community, led by Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Project. “Based on the policy positions of the Trump campaign, we can anticipate that these will be challenging times for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s important to know about the issues, the current laws, and how all of us can play a role in ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are afforded full equality and fairness,” said Kaplan.
Empire pillar, historian Dave Taghon stood in a class by himself
Historical Feature, Local PersonalityThe sudden death of Dave Taghon on Jan. 3 struck family and friends from far and wide. Despite the fact he spent most of his life in Empire, Taghon’s influence spread far beyond the little village. He was a ready source of information about the area’s history, but more importantly, a vital part of its present and presence through his work on the village council, at his church, with the local Lions Club, and at his family’s gas station for nearly 40 years.
Leelanau’s influencers of 2024
Business Feature, Local Personality, NewsWith 2024 in the rearview mirror and 2025 upon us, we’re recognizing 25 “influencers” we covered in the Glen Arbor Sun this past year who are making a meaningful impact on Leelanau County communities, commerce, and culture. Read below about those 25 local influencers, who include everyone from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, to Leelanau Investing for Teens, to Empire’s polar dippers, to popular new destinations River Club Glen Arbor, the Sleeping Bear Inn, and the Lively’s NeighborFood Market.
Sleeping Bear manhunt, Empire sugar bear, Pop-tart man Bill Post, Twin Flames wedding: Glen Arbor Sun’s top-viewed stories of 2024
NewsOur coverage in 2024 featured crimes, celebrities, cool new businesses, and an homage to the now removed Crystal River culverts. Our top 10 most-read stories included: a manhunt in the National Lakeshore; the search for a black bear that broke into Grocers Daughter Chocolate and devoured a 50-pound bag of sugar; Jerry Seinfeld’s movie “Unfrosted” about Pop-Tart man Bill Post, and the Twin Flames Universe cult’s secretive wedding in Traverse City. Thanks for your readership. We look forward to sharing more stories of Leelanau County events, characters, businesses, and the arts in 2025. Here’s the list of our Top 10 stories by online views in 2024.
Read our 2025 editions
NewsClick here to read digital versions of our 2025 editions of the Glen Arbor Sun. We’ll publish monthly during the shoulders seasons and every other week between May and Labor Day.
Trump’s local impact
Investigative Article, NewsThis list of stories chronicles the impacts of the Trump administration’s policies on Leelanau County residents, businesses, tourism, agriculture and discourse—from tariffs to cuts to threats against immigrants.
Grand Traverse Band, New Community Vision, re-acquire Mashkiigaki on former Timber Shores property
Historical Feature, Investigative Article, NewsThe Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the New Community Vision (NCV) nonprofit have reacquired land historically known as “Mashkiigaki” (formerly called Timber Shores)—which totals more than 200 acres along West Grand Traverse Bay between Suttons Bay and Northport. The Band gets more than 188 acres, including 1,800 feet of pristine shoreline; NCV gets 24 acres along M-22. The transfer deed was recorded on Dec. 26. New Community Vision has worked for two years to acquire and preserve the former Timber Shores property, which developers unsuccessfully tried to turn into an RV park until they were stopped by a ballot referendum in 2022. NCV is collaborating with Peninsula Housing to develop attainable housing on its portion of the land. Mashkiigaki is one of the largest undeveloped coastal properties in the Grand Traverse region.
Lively NeighborFood Market offers Christmas trees to families in need
Business Feature, Recreation GuidesThe Lively NeighborFood Market, located on M-72 east of Empire, is offering Christmas trees to five families who are in need of a little boost of holiday spirit. The trees come in various sizes between 6 and 11 feet tall. If you need to fill your house with a beautiful bit of northern Michigan’s finest, stop by the market at 3805 W Empire Hwy, or contact Jim Lively at 231-994-9339 or email jim@livelyneighborfood.com. Hurry, Santa Claus is coming to town!
So God made a farmer
Historical FeatureAward-winning radio broadcasting icon Paul Harvey delivered the impactful words of this speech, “So God made a Farmer,” to the Future Farmers of America convention in Kansas City, Missouri in 1978. This extraordinary speech made the listener pause while underscoring the collective importance of nurturing and embracing our farming communities across America. While it served as a gentle reminder during the Carter-Era to appreciate our “caretaking” farmers, in 2024 this can no longer be just a temperate reminder; the need to protect and prevent the extinction of the American Farmer is paramount—including here in Leelanau County.