Posts

For 20 years, Michael Buhler was co-editor of the Sun. He designed these pages, adeptly arranged advertisements like Tetris blocks, and placed the stories and photos before you. Mike helped turn this rag into an attractive, full-color newsprint magazine with ads and images that pop, and stories that educate—a true asset of our vibrant community. But no longer. Mike died suddenly on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 16. He leaves a void in our hearts the size of the Manitou Passage.

Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MLCV) executive director Lisa Wozniak and Cherry Republic president Bob Sutherland will discuss the current state of Michigan’s waterways, including the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline, in a non-partisan fundraiser at the Cherry Public House in Glen Arbor on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 5-6:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, July 24, the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk & ½ Mile Kids’ Run takes off for its 12th year. What makes a beautiful summer day even better? Spending it with family and friends who take the challenge. You can run or walk the 5K. Runners compete in 10 different age categories from 10-and-under to 80-plus with first and second-place metals and prizes from Cherry Republic and Crystal River Outfitters and the Cyclery. In addition, the ½ Mile Kids’ Run is available for younger runners. They get to run with the Bear and take home a ribbon and a coupon for an ice cream cone from Riverfront Ice Cream. Bring the whole family and enjoy a great day.

By Bob Sutherland Sun contributor Cherry Republic is heading into its 30th year. It amazes me every day that this niche business has survived with me leading it, as I personally have more weaknesses than Popeye without spinach. Every major accomplishment in the past 15 years has been implemented by talented staff like Roni Hazelton, […]

Fun and games always seem to follow Bob Sutherland. The Cherry Republic owner frequently walks around Glen Arbor sans shoes; his weekly “Orchard Report” emails describe sons Colebrook and Hawthorn playing in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and cherry pit spitting contests are an important part of the visit to Cherry Republic’s campus.

Cherry Republic will raise a glass to Michigan’s wine industry throughout the month of May by celebrating its wide selection of cherry wines with special tasting events at each of its retail locations. Special volume pricing on wine (10 percent off quartets and 20 percent off cases) is also available.

A shortage of low-cost housing led Cherry Republic and The Leelanau School to enter into a beneficial partnership in recent days. The Cochran Dormitory on Leelanau School’s campus is being renovated through a $30,000 donation from Cherry Republic which will turn it into a desirable and affordable summer lodging option for employees who work for Cherry Republic and other area businesses.

While our national parks are as popular as ever, many are in need of repairs. Because of aging facilities and unreliable funding, roughly $46 million worth of repairs have accumulated in our state alone. Here in Michigan, investments in our parks would support 452 jobs in planning, road building, construction and carpentry, among other positions.

Just before Christmas, Ian Olmsted and a team from Peninsula Solar completed the installation of 70 rooftop solar panels above the Art’s Annex, the former gas station turned t-shirt shop next to the popular tavern in downtown Glen Arbor. The solar array will generate 30,000 kilowatt hours annually —satisfying 15-20 percent of Art’s energy load.

The Leelanau Conservancy, For Love of Water and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail are three of more than 50 grant recipients that will be named throughout the month of December in what has become a much-anticipated philanthropic drive for Cherry Republic to protect Michigan’s environment and farmland.