Ice Storm Troubles Linger

May 24, 2025

Six weeks ago, we shared the news that the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, and Venture North had teamed up to fund emergency mini-grants in response to the devastating March ice storm. Well, a month and change later, and $80,000 has been awarded to small businesses in our region: 45 in Emmet County and 16 in Charlevoix County. But just because spring is here doesn’t mean the aftermath of the storm is in the rearview. For those still struggling, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, Crosshatch Center for Art and Ecology, and the Local Food Alliance have partnered to launch the Ice Storm Relief Fund, a GoFundMe specifically aimed at helping northern Michigan farmers rebuild. At the time of this printing, they had raised $16,000+ of their $200,000 goal. See more at gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-northern-michigan-farms-impacted-by-ice-storm.