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10th Annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest announced

HANCOCK — Kent District Library, Hancock School Public Library, Schuler Books and three other libraries from across Michigan announce the 10th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest, which drew almost 1,000 Michigan writers last year. Writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens, adults and Spanish language (12 and younger). Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes. “Writing is powerful for storytelling and artistic expression, but also has healing power,” said Katie Zuidema, marketing communications specialist at ...

$3.6 million in grants available to target invasive species in Michigan

Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2021 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants. The program – a joint effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development – is part of a statewide initiative launched in 2014 to help prevent, detect and control invasive species in Michigan. An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan's environment, economy or human ...

Updated court appearances set for the Base members

LANSING – New court dates have been set in one of the cases currently pending against members of The Base, a national white supremacist group with violent inclinations. Last month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against Justen Watkins, Thomas Denton, and Tristan Webb after the men allegedly entered two former and vacant Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) sites in the city of Caro on Oct. 3, 2020 and assessed them as potential future training grounds for “hate camps”, which is what the group named their paramilitary firearms training exercises. ...

Bear-proof your campsite

The Labor Day weekend is an excellent time to squeeze in an end-of-summer camping trip before kids head back to school and the bustling fall begins. While packing for your trip, consider adding a few items to make sure your campsite doesn’t accidentally attract bears or other curious wildlife. Here are a few items to add to your campsite to prevent critters from crashing your weekend: — Airtight containers and storage bags – Food and toiletries should never be kept in tents. Store food and toiletries in airtight containers in a vehicle trunk or suspend food from trees in ...

Keweenaw Co-op preparing for a big move

HANCOCK — Since it started as a buying club in 1973, the Keweenaw Co-op has a history of growth and change. As a local, community-owned institution it works to meet the evolving needs of its community while also responding to a continually changing grocery industry. Its next step is focusing on a move to a new location in downtown Hancock. The Co-op has entered into a purchase agreement for 612 Quincy Street, the former Keweenaw Buick GMC site. The relocation will provide a more accessible and efficient space, wider aisles, and ample parking. It sets the Co-op up for more growth ...

Michigan Trails Week Challenge: Run, hike, ride or paddle

Every mile counts! Michigan Trails Week is the perfect time to hit your favorite trail or find an all-new adventure. During Michigan Trails Week (Sept. 19 to 26), join us to collectively travel 100,000 miles on trails across the state and earn badges (and maybe some prizes) along the way. How to register The 2021 Michigan Trails Week Challenge is open to trail veterans and newcomers alike – and it's free! Simply log your miles spent on any local, county, state or federally managed trail. For each badge earned, you'll be entered in a drawing for cool outdoor gear and Michigan-branded ...