Al Parker | Author

Remember this Titan: Traverse City West tight end Ryan Hayes

Sept. 9, 2017

Traverse City West tight end Ryan Hayes has committed to the University of Michigan, and he’s aiming for the pros. Before he goes, local football fans are anxiously awaiting what promises to be the senior's unforgettable final season.

Watching videos of Traverse… Read More >>

Traverse City Athletes Tackle One of Fall’s Fiercest Sports

Sept. 9, 2017

The Traverse City sky alternates between sunshine and a steady light rain as a dozen or so young women gather on a field along Franke Road.

The liquid sunshine does nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the Traverse City Girls Rugby Team as the players work on an intricate 8-player pa… Read More >>

The Great Lakes’ Longtime Nemesis is Going Down

Aug. 26, 2017

When it comes to invasive species in the Great Lakes, efforts to halt the spread of the Asian Carp have generated a lot of buzz.

But there’s been an ongoing, persistent, under-the-radar effort to control an old nemesis — the fish-killing sea lamprey — that’s … Read More >>

Northport’s Tibetan Yak

Aug. 12, 2017

Chris Butz has some advice to beef lovers: “Try yak, you’ll never go back.”

Butz, who raises Tibetan yaks at Gill’s Pier Ranch, just outside Northport, contends that yak meat is where the next culinary movement is at.

“It’s grass-fed and e… Read More >>

Femme Phenom Angel Schauer, Mancelona High’s first female wrestler

Aug. 5, 2017

When the two wrestlers met at the center of the mat, the Pine River grappler smirked, then openly snickered at his opponent, who glared back with steely determination.

Within seconds, the Mancelona wrestler — a relatively inexperienced sophomore — went for a favorite mov… Read More >>

Going Solar

June 17, 2017

 

Everything seems to be all sunbeams and big sales for the U.S. solar energy market, but what about the great white northern Michigan?

Turns out, snowy winters and gray spring skies aren’t stopping our solar-seeking residents.

“The growth of solar h… Read More >>

The Art of Summer

June 10, 2017

If you’re an art lover looking for a unique piece of jewelry, that one-of-a-kind sculpture, or special painting, you’ll want to check out the variety of art shows held from now until Labor Day across northern Michigan.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the region’s… Read More >>