Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Northern Michigan

Tuesday, March 19, 2013  Meijer is expanding a program that's designed to support small, local businesses.

Monday, January 14, 2013  A Yooper Chook is a hat with "hidden heat" and they are handcrafted in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Cynthia Dorie is the owner of Yooper Chook.

Monday, January 07, 2013  Distant Hugs is a local scarf-making business in Traverse City. Kenny Pheasant, the owner of Distant Hugs, started the business after the loss of his oldest daughter in Sept. 2012. The idea behind Distant Hugs is to send a scarf to loved ones who live far away or for people who just need a hug. Pheasant sent Distant Hugs to the Sandy Hook victims' families. The scarves are made in Traverse City.

Tuesday, December 04, 2012  "We brought the lines to Northern Michigan and we carry lines that nobody else in the area, from Flint north, we're the exclusive," said Michael Canova, Regional Manager at Motif Jewelers.The holiday shopping season is underway and if you're looking for a gift that sparkles and shines well don't delay. Motif Jewelers just opened up shop in the Grand Traverse Mall and they have everything from Tacori Bridal, Belle Etoile, Pandora, Movado and much much more.

Monday, October 29, 2012  The Twisted Fish Art Gallery in Elk Rapids has everything from dancing bears and frolicking ponies, to large twisted fish, twisting twisted fish and much more.The gallery is bursting at the seams with art of various elements.

Monday, October 22, 2012  Brewery Ferment is the new micro-brewery in the Old-Town District of Traverse City. Jones said he wanted to differentiate his business from other breweries. He described it as a more contemporary atmosphere where the lights are not too dim and the music isn’t too loud. He said he hopes people will be able to come in, work from their computer and have a pint of beer.

Monday, October 15, 2012  Words too often fail us when we try to describe a person, a place, or a moment. By the end of our efforts when we realize words just are not doing justice, we often say, “I guess you had to be there.” Luckily, when put in the right hands, a paint brush can go where a pen cannot.“Art can be just about anything, if it has the right direction behind the hand doing it,” Leelanau artist Fred Petroskey said. If anyone can capture personality on paper it’s local artist Fred Petroskey.

Monday, October 08, 2012  Herkner's Homemade Cherry Topping isn't just any old cherry product that is made in Traverse City. This cherry topping recipe has been in the Herkner family for years.

Monday, September 24, 2012  The Traverse City Toffee Company started in January 2012. It has been open for less than one year, but so far it has been a big success.

Monday, September 17, 2012  What started out as just a hobby has turned into a sweet career for Christina Burke. Burke is the owner of SugarKissed in Traverse City. Sugarkissed offers cupcakes, cake pops, frozen yogurt, and other delectable desserts.

Monday, September 10, 2012  Lauren Creighton and her husband were born and raised in Traverse City. But it wasn't until they moved away to the south for 12 years that they realized this was home all along. You can check out Lauren Creighton's merchandise here, or visit her shop in suite 103 in Front Row Center on Front Street (next to Harbor Wear).

Monday, September 03, 2012  They're called Little Circles, but they provide a lot for the Curet family. Erin Curet is a local artist who specializes in quilling. She makes mod paper jewelry and fine art.

Monday, August 27, 2012  MiFarmMarket is a family business that specializes in making gift baskets. Located in Ellsworth, Michigan, MiFarmMarket is owned and operated by the Bruce family.

Monday, August 20, 2012  Altus Brands specializes in manufacturing products for outdoor enthusiasts. The company started in 2008 with three founders who desired to own and grow a company while contributing to the community and industry.

Monday, August 13, 2012  It's not a wolf, and it's not just any old dog. It walks on its hind legs, lashes out when it feels threatened and carries a deadly bacteria. This frightening creature is known as Michigan's Dogman.