
It’s possible! In fact, winter tree identification is easier after all those leaves get out of the way. Bewilderment often greets the dormant season forest visitor in terms of tree identification.

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Charles E. “Chuck” Riley, Sr., age 79, of Shingleton, entered eternal life early Tuesday morning, December 12, 2023 at the Trillium House in Marquette surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 6, 1944 in Manistique, Michigan, and was lovingly adopted by Ernest and Hazel (Simmons) Riley. He grew up on the family farm raising horses and enjoying the outdoors hunting and fishing. Chuck left school early and worked hard at the farm and in the woods. He eventually started working at CCI in the sawmill and became head sawyer. Chuck retired from Timber Products after working there over forty years. In retirement, he obtained his captain’s license and started Riley’s Charter. Chuck guided countless people on Lake Superior and always knew where to find the fish. Chuck had a passion for the outdoors and living from the land. He hunted and fished, picked morels in the spring and berries in the summer, and he worked countless hours in his bountiful garden. He made homemade wine and beer, canned and pickled his vegetables, made sausage and smoked fish in his homemade smoker. And with all of his hard work and creations, he could make the best meals, fresh bread, and delicious apple pancakes. Chuck married Colleen Tyner on June 26, 1982, and they enjoyed spending time together and watching the birds. Chuck also enjoyed snuggling up in his chair with his cat Bubba.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended Wednesday to the Michigan Legislature that 53 recreation development projects and land acquisitions totaling $27,339,100 be funded in 2024. The board this year considered a total of 123 applications seeking over $51.9 million in funding.

Rekindle the Spirit, a program sponsored by the Munising Chamber of Commerce recently held its 12th annual event. The idea behind the program is to help people to shop locally for Christmas. In return, Rekindle the Spirit collected a vast array of prizes won through a drawing which took place on December 15, 2023.
By Dale Hansen The Munising City Commission met Monday evening in a public forum. The meeting opened with a report given by Kathy Reynolds in regards to the various DDA projects which have been active in the past months.
Still short a few presents? Swing by the Gallery Coffee Company between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22 for their Last Stop, Sip and Shop! Local vendors and crafters will help you to find that perfectly unique present.
The Board of Education met in the evening on Monday, December 18, 2023 where they discussed the budget for the second half of 2023, and voted on several resolutions involving staffing, policy, and the acquisition of a new school bus.
Mother Nature is bringing celestial festivities to the final weeks of 2023 with the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers gracing December nights. Stargazers should mark December 13 for the vibrant Geminids and December 21, which hosts the Ursids’ peak alongside the winter solstice.

After a heartbreaking loss to Norway to open the 2023-24 season, Munising was able to pass the pain along to rival Manistique 45-37 on Friday, Dec. 1 in Munising. It was the first win of the year for the Mustangs and the season opener for the Emeralds.