One of three duplex units at Maple City Crossings—Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing project in the middle of Leelanau County—is complete and will welcome homeowners within the next few months. All homes at Maple City Crossings boast energy efficient electric heating and cooling systems, thanks in part to a $5,000 Energize Challenge grant that Habitat for Humanity received in November 2022 from Leelanau Energy.
Frank Siepker, Jr., has launched his floating Christmas tree on Big Glen Lake for the fifth year in a row. The tree’s lights are solar powered. Photo by Taro Yamasaki
For the second year in a row, Frank Siepker, Jr., launched a Christmas Tree Boat approximately 550 feet from the family property on the south shore of Big Glen Lake, near the Narrows. The Douglas Fir tree sits on a raft which is held in place by an anchor. Siepker uses a solar battery and timer to light the tree every evening between 5:30 and 10:30 p.m.