Grand Traverse Herald, Traverse City, MI

Urban splatter threatens forest resource
Forests are a critical resource for many reasons. World history and current consumption clearly illustrate the importance of forests to a nation's survival. I suspect most of us take forests for granted and rarely spend much time wondering what is happening to them today or how they might fare into the future.
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Swimmers now sleeps
Morbid as it sounds, Swimmers no longer lives up to his name. Instead, he sleeps with the fishes. Sadly, our 7-year-old daughter's Betta splendens roommate recently swam off this mortal coil. His passing provided a reflective look at life, death and canceled checks boxes. The circle of life contained in a plastic fish bowl.
Students learn how to make gardens grow
MSU Extension/ 4-H recently started a program at Traverse City West Middle School called "Grow and Learn". The basic idea of this 4-H funded project was to involve middle school students in hands-on learning about gardening and the benefits of proper nutrition to a healthy life.
Words count most on Father's Day
This Sunday, millions of men will receive a tie or tool destined for back-of-the-closet eternity. As a fervent tool guy, I subscribe to the one socket set is not enough mantra. However, the greatest Father's Day gift doesn't come in standard or metric. Fatherhood is a keeper present -- despite the lack of any unconditional manufacturer's lifetime warranty.
News from 100 years ago: 06/17/2009
The hustling concern, the Kelley Lumber and Shingle Company at East Bay, is running full force night and day. One day, four two-masted vessels were loading at the same time with lumber for Chicago. If all goes well, this year's cut will be finished about September 1st. (Plus more news from 1909.)
Summer food safety requires caution
With the warm weather here and summer parties upon us, it is important to remember several important safety practices during the different food preparation stages to ensure a safe, fun summer.
Savor summer break before it's over
Fractionally speaking, summer break is only a half-day away. Even those pulling down a D-minus in math understand that's a greater not a less than sign. Today, children throughout Traverse City can rejoice that school is almost over. Although I'm sure a few educators are ready to turn P.E.-unsanctioned cartwheels.
Tips save money at the grocery store
Can you live on a tight budget and still eat healthy? There are many variables but the answer to the question is "yes." The next question is "how?" Here are some ways to stretch food dollars and still eat healthy.