Al Parker | Author

June 8, 2019

Sitting comfortably in his Interlochen motorcycle shop, Steve Moore explains his passion for antique motorcycles.

“I like old things,” the 76-year-old says with a wry smile.

Inside the store, Cycle-Moore, there’s an impressive collection, a museum rea… Read More >>

Local Aviatrices to Lift Off in Storied National Race

June 8, 2019

Ninety years after Amelia Earhart lit up the skies on a cross-country aerial race, two Northwestern Michigan College student pilots will fly in the Air Race Classic, the oldest air race of its kind — and one that’s exclusively for female pilots.

Jessie Martin of Maple Ci… Read More >>

Lucky Larry Lampton, 75 years after D-Day

June 1, 2019

Leonard “Larry” Lampton isn’t comfortable being called a hero.
        
“We were just doing our job,” said the soft-spoken Traverse City man, referring to his role in the largest invasion of World War II, on J… Read More >>

Above Snakes and Barkin’ Iron

May 25, 2019

Thummper John wipes the dust from his face with his red bandana, takes careful aim down the barrel of his lever-action Winchester ’73, and squeezes the trigger.
           
Boom. Bang!
     … Read More >>

Vanished

May 18, 2019

The sun was high in an azure sky as John Block stubbed out his cigarette, hoisted luggage from the back of the family’s Ford Ranchero, and packed it neatly inside the white and green Cessna 150 at the Macomb Airport, north of Detroit.

It was about 11am on a Monday, and John, a… Read More >>

Pause. Honor. Remember.

May 18, 2019

For many in northern Michigan, Memorial Day weekend means the unofficial kickoff to summer — with cookouts, sports events and, if the weather allows, fun in the water.
 
But lest we not forget the real reason for this three-day weekend: to honor Americans who died in a… Read More >>

Flying Civilians Saving Lives

May 18, 2019

Did you know that a service organization founded to protect America’s shorelines from German submarines lives right here in northern Michigan?

“The Traverse City Civil Air Patrol started in 1955 and has been in continuous service ever since,” said Wayne “B… Read More >>

In the Driver’s Seat

April 27, 2019

An ongoing shortage of qualified truck drivers is having an impact across the nation, including at businesses in northern Michigan.

Industry experts estimate that between 60,000 and 100,000 drivers will be needed over the next decade to meet an already robust and steadily increas… Read More >>

Women-only Adventures

March 2, 2019

Sue Barenholtz has built a business out of two of her favorite activities: travel and fostering great female friendships.

“Over the years, I’ve noticed two major facts,” said Barenholtz, who moved in Boyne City last year. “A lot of women want to travel but… Read More >>

Catch Her If You Can

March 2, 2019

Legs churning, ponytail bobbing, 6-foot-1 Charlevoix hoopster Elise Stuck races down the court, dribbling with her left hand and swerving around two opponents.

She suddenly stops at the foul line, drawing three defenders to her, then whips a pass to a teammate for an easy layup,… Read More >>

Love & Basketball

Feb. 9, 2019

Go to a Boyne City High School basketball game, and you’ll see something rarer than a Detroit Pistons victory parade.

The Ramblers’ Nick and Julie Redman have the distinction of being among a very small number of married couples in Michigan coaching varsity basketball.Read More >>

Beloved Alden Bar Bought, Becoming Torch Lake Beer Co.

Dec. 15, 2018

It’s never easy replacing a local legend.

But that’s the challenge facing Daniel D. Minor and Adam Morris.

In October, Minor bought the Alden Bar and Grille, a Torch Lake landmark where locals have long mingled over drinks and dinners. Minor owns a number… Read More >>