Community

Heating with wood is not only a passion, for some, but also environmentally smart and helps keep dollars local. Down to only a single winter’s worth of seasoned firewood, it was time to buy another truckload, which is around ten to twelve cords.

The 2024 Great Lakes Endurance trail running events in Munsing are now open for online registration (www.greatlakesendurance. com). The Rock River Canyon Trail Run will take place on Saturday, June 8. This event includes both 27K and 50K distances. The course features abundant single track on the North Country Trail in the Hiawatha National Forest south of Munising. Races start and finish at the Valley Spur Lodge. The 50K course travels westward to the Rock River Wilderness and back. The race had its inaugural in 2019 and has received top reviews from ultra runners from throughout the Midwest. “This course features highly runable single track through quiet, pristine forests - this is what runners tell us they like about the event,” noted race director Jeff Crumbaugh. The Grand Island Trail Run will take place on July 27. Now in its 24th year, the event features a 50K, a marathon and a half marathon. Every summer it attracts runners from nearly 40 states, Canada and Europe. The course treats runners to world class vistas from Grand Island’s cliffs and beaches. “The 50K has been growing and this year may become the most popular of the three distances, but what all runners enjoy is a swim in Lake Superior after finishing. Runners keep running the extra 50 yards to the beach and into the lake,” said Crumbaugh. Registration for the Grand Island Trail Run usually reaches its capacity in early May. Registration is available on the Great Lakes Endurance website: https:// greatlakesendurance.com.

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Julie Highlen, an artist from Deerton, has been selected to receive a $1,250 grant from the State of Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) for her upcoming artist-in-residency at Isle Royale National Park. Highlen, known for her artwork focusing on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior shorelines, aims to incorporate scenes from Isle Royale, based on her personal experiences on the island. This grant, a part of the MACC’s fiscal year 2024 funding, was awarded through a competitive peer review process. Highlen was among 711 applicants vying for the funds. The grant will enable her to spend approximately two weeks on Isle Royale in August 2024, where she plans to create a series of paintings on small wood block panels. These “mini moments” will capture various aspects of life on the island, from its natural beauty to its wildlife and historical landmarks, including the Edisen Fishery and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse. Highlen expressed her gratitude for the award, stating her commitment to making the most of this opportunity.

The Delta Chapter of the National Honor Society at Munising High School added 16 new members to its ranks at an induction ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10 at Mather Auditorium. Joining the NHS were Jolie Ake, Dayne Behning, Samantha Cain, Bailey Corcoran, Alexandra Goss, Daniel Goss, Carson Kienitz, Savannah Lassila, Zachary Lindquist, Kate Mattson, Natalie Holmes-Niven, Trevor Nolan, Nathan Petersen, Tessa Salo, Jacob Vanlandschoot and Elizabeth Wing.