Features

Exploring nature’s wonders through the eyes of a child

April 24, 2025

Article and photos by Allison Scarbrough, News Editor ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP — The Oceana Conservation District’s Knee-High Naturalists program instills in its preschool participants an appreciation of nature and its many wonders. Youngsters enthusiastically explore the beauty of Doolittle County Park at a forest school led by Oceana Conservation District Educator Kari Wilson who the young children affectionately call “Kiki.” During…

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A pathway to peace

January 27, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor PENTWATER TOWNSHIP — Take a break from the stress of daily life and venture into the serene woodlands of the Pentwater Pathways where peace and quiet prevail. The pathways consist of 7.2 different trail miles that form four loops. If you ski each loop — which duplicate in some spots — you can ski over…

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Men(tor) at work

August 16, 2024

By Ron Beeber, Contributing Writer  PENTWATER — When Harry Brodbeck isn’t using his metalworking skills at the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center to construct a stainless steel shroud for the restored Noon Whistle, or a steel pedestal on which to display a sculpture on Pentwater Channel, he can sometimes be found mentoring youth. Other PALC members do, too.    This summer, Harry…

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Living ‘off the grid’

March 8, 2024

Living ‘off the grid’ By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor Kaitlyn VanDerZanden sold everything she owned and moved to a cabin in the woods outside of Fairbanks, Alaska in January — a distance roughly 3,700 miles and four time zones away from her hometown of Hart.  The 25-year-old flew to Fairbanks with her pet dog and cat. Her dad, Kevin, accompanied…

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Learning through teaching

February 19, 2024

Learning through teaching By Ron Beeber, Contributing Writer PENTWATER — Singer Phil Collins once wrote a song lyric that says, “In learning, you will teach … and in teaching, you will learn.” That’s certainly what happens when members of the Pentwater Artisan Learning Center share their skills with students who are working on hands-on projects at the center under the…

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Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks