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In: Echo, Michigan

Holland, Michigan ranks number one in the state for quality of life in “Best Small Cities in America,” a study published by WalletHub, a personal finance website that tracks financial and other trends. It is one of five measures the study used to rank the desirability of small cities. Quality of life was assessed by measures like average commute time, city walkability and number of bars, restaurants and cultural centers per capita.

The post Holland ranks first in quality of life for Michigan small cities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/19/holland-ranks-first-in-quality-of-life-for-michigan-small-cities/

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In: Echo, Michigan

By Anna Traver, Payton Wells and Hope O’Dell Great Lakes Echo Editor’s note: A recent study evaluated the quality of 1,322 U.S. small cities by five measures. This story is part of a series taking a closer look at one measure as it relates to the 39 Michigan cities in the study. HOLT – It’s […]

The post Some Michigan small cities are more affordable than others first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/18/some-michigan-small-cities-are-more-affordable-than-others/

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In: Echo

Sunday morning strolls to the farmers market could include a few stumbles home if distillers are given permits to sell at them. 

The post Michigan farmers markets look to add local distillery samplings first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/30/michigan-farmers-markets-look-to-add-local-distillery-samplings/

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In: Echo

People charged with neglecting and abusing animals would have to pay for the animals’ shelter expenses during their court proceedings, if recently introduced legislation becomes law.

The post Michigan pet owners mistreating their animals may have to pay shelter costs first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/22/michigan-pet-owners-mistreating-their-animals-may-have-to-pay-shelter-costs/

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In: Echo, history

Researchers are studying a long-vanished village near southern Lake Michigan that a World War II arsenal helped preserve.

The post Great Lakes region WWII armory preserves Indigenous village first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/17/great-lakes-region-wwii-armory-preserves-indigenous-village/

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In: Agriculture, Echo, Farming

Michigan farms that offer agricultural tourism opportunities have seen record-breaking attendance over the past two years.

The post ‘Organic growth’ fuels record-breaking agritourism season, experts say first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/16/organic-growth-fuels-record-breaking-agritourism-season-experts-say/

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In: christmas, Echo

With stores already in the full swing of the Christmas season, many people are already thinking about the centerpiece of decorations: the real Christmas tree.

The post Projections rosy for the upcoming Christmas tree season first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/03/projections-rosy-for-the-upcoming-christmas-tree-season/

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In: Agriculture, Echo

Farmers are known for their ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ mentality. It is rare they’ll admit they’re getting mental health help. 

The post Mental health resources grow for Michigan farmers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/02/mental-health-resources-grow-for-michigan-farmers/

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In: COVID-19, Echo, holidays

By Sammy Schuck Most people may know that festivals attract people to Michigan communities. What most may not know is that festivals and events in the state are an annual $1 billion industry, according to Michigan Festivals and Events Association CEO Mike Szukhent. According to Szukhent, the lack of winter festivals last year “hit hard.” […]

The post Communities welcome return of winter festivals first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/29/communities-welcome-return-of-winter-festivals/

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In: contaminants, Echo, PFAS, toxins

Some lawmakers and environmental advocates want to ban chemicals in food packaging that they say threatens the health of Michiganders. 

The post Advocates push ban of chemicals in food packaging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/26/advocates-push-ban-of-chemicals-in-food-packaging/

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In: COVID-19, Echo, holidays

A beloved German holiday tradition, Christkindlmarket, will return to Chicago this year and celebrate its 25th anniversary after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The post Christkindlmarket returns to Chicago, the wait continues in Milwaukee first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/23/christkindlmarket-returns-to-chicago-the-wait-continues-in-milwaukee/

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In: Catch of the Day, Echo, weather

By Hannah Brock Author Timothy Kneeland was 14 years old when snow piled 20 to 30 feet high over four days in his small town outside of Buffalo, New York. The Great Lakes’ snow belt brought havoc to the Buffalo area on Jan. 28, 1977. The storm was the first to be declared a federal […]

The post The drive for bare pavement shaped winter roads public policy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/22/the-drive-for-bare-pavement-shaped-winter-roads-public-policy/

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In: Catch of the Day, Echo, toxins

A recent study revealed unsafe working conditions in some Michigan nail salons, the consequence of working with hazardous chemicals and not knowing how to handle them properly. 

The post Nail salon working hazards exposed first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/15/nail-salon-working-hazards-exposed/

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In: Art, Echo

Cohen will be at Howe Memorial Library in Breckinridge, Michigan, on Nov. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. presenting “Making Teas, Tinctures and Oils at Home.”

The post New book preserves relationship with plants through at-home herbalism first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/15/new-book-preserves-relationship-with-plants-through-at-home-herbalism/

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In: COVID-19, Echo

The peak of the pandemic brought unfamiliar free time that led many people to adopt a pet. As life returns closer to normal and in-person activities resume, these new owners continue to embrace their pandemic pets. 

The post New owners hold on to pandemic pets first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/10/new-owners-hold-on-to-pandemic-pets/

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In: Echo

Environmental groups say they hope that a new Environmental Protection Agency administrator for the Great Lakes region works to restore infrastructure while revitalizing an agency they say is depleted and demoralized.

The post Great Lakes groups hope EPA regional administrator revitalizes infrastructure, morale first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/09/great-lakes-groups-hope-epa-regional-administrator-revitalizes-infrastructure-morale/

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In: Art, Books, Echo

The book tells the history of the Agatha Biddle Band, a band of primarily Native American women who lived on Michigan’s Mackinac Island in the 1800s.

The post New book spotlights Native American women’s band on Mackinac Island first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/03/new-book-spotlights-native-american-womens-band-on-mackinac-island/

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In: Echo, food sovereignty, indigenous

When Ziibimijwang Farm sells maple sugar at Minongin Market in Mackinaw City, it’s  more than a business transaction – it represents Indigenous food sovereignty.

The post Indigenous entrepreneurs reclaim food system first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/02/indigenous-entrepreneurs-reclaim-food-system/

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In: DNR, Echo

The bill by state Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, would require conservation officers to wear body cameras while working in the field. 

The post Proposed body cameras on Michigan conservation officers draw opposition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/01/proposed-body-cameras-on-michigan-conservation-officers-draw-opposition/

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In: Art, Echo, prairie

“A Backyard Prairie. The Hidden Beauty of Tallgrass and Wildflowers” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $24.50.

The post New book celebrates ‘hidden beauty’ of native prairie through Illinois couple’s journey to turn back time in their own backyard first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/18/new-book-celebrates-hidden-beauty-of-native-prairie-through-illinois-couples-journey-to-turn-back-time-in-their-own-backyard/

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In: Agriculture, Echo

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new regulation of Wisconsin’s hemp program will be beneficial, experts say, but growers remain skeptical.

The post Wisconsin hemp industry switching from state to federal oversight signals changes for growers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/12/wisconsin-hemp-industry-switching-from-state-to-federal-oversight-signals-changes-for-growers/

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In: Echo, food security

A program that gives low-income Michigan residents fresh fruit and vegetables and a path to healthier nutrition recently got a $2 million boost from state lawmakers.

The post Fresh produce more accessible for low-income Michigan residents first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/29/fresh-produce-more-accessible-for-low-income-michigan-residents/

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In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Great Lakes Echo is one of 23 newsrooms in a climate collaborative representing both long-standing and emerging media groups.

The post New project promises to amplify reach of Great Lakes climate reporting first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/27/new-project-promises-to-amplify-reach-of-great-lakes-climate-reporting/

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In: Echo

Proposed state regulation of sand and gravel mining would wrest control from local authorities and could lead to a similar loss of authority over other issues, according to local and environmental officials. 

The post Push for state regulation of sand and gravel mining draws opposition in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/23/push-for-state-regulation-of-sand-and-gravel-mining-draws-opposition-in-michigan/

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Michigan’s hemp industry could get up to $100 million in federal funds to help it compete globally under a proposal pushed by a nationwide growers association.

The post Michigan’s growing hemp industry faces roadblocks first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/21/michigans-growing-hemp-industry-faces-roadblocks/

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In: Echo, Law

A federal grand jury has indicted two business rivals in Western Pennsylvania for alleged interstate trafficking in wild ginseng, a perennial herb whose root is valued for its reputed aphrodisiac and medicinal properties, including as a panacea or cure-all for some diseases. 

The post Business rivals indicted for ginseng trafficking first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/13/business-rivals-indicted-for-ginseng-trafficking/

Eric Freedman

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In: Echo, fire

Michigan’s fire history, as told by its fire-scarred tree stumps, has something to say about the future of fire.

The post Tree-ring research illuminates early fire history of Lower Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/23/tree-ring-research-illuminates-early-fire-history-of-lower-michigan/

Marie Orttenburger

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In: Echo

By McKoy Scribner Capital News Service The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is assessing the state’s water quality, something that’s necessary in a state that’s rich in water resources. The department is conducting its annual surface water sampling to protect human health and aquatic life and to maintain recreational suitability. Water sampling is […]

The post State sampling surface waters to assess quality first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/11/state-sampling-surface-waters-to-assess-quality/

Marie Orttenburger

On:
In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Mosquitoes are out in full force this summer, which also means a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The post Michigan county health department on lookout for mosquito-borne diseases first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/23/michigan-county-health-department-on-lookout-for-mosquito-borne-diseases/

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In: Echo

Since 1988, the Isle Royale Moosewatch Expedition has sought volunteer backpackers for a community science project.

The post Search for Isle Royale’s bone bounty yields environmental clues, new friends, wilderness salvation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/21/search-for-isle-royales-bone-bounty-yields-environmental-clues-new-friends-wilderness-salvation/

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In: Echo, podcasts

Scientists from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station first noticed an invasive population of zebra mussels in Gull Lake in the mid-1990s.

The post Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/08/researchers-find-relationship-between-invasive-zebra-mussels-toxic-algae/

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In: Catch of the Day, contaminants, Echo, Law, pollution

A former supervisor of a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority plant is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge for allegedly ordering employees to discharge sludge into the Allegheny River.

The post Guilty plea expected in Allegheny River pollution case first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/06/guilty-plea-expected-in-allegheny-river-pollution-case/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Echo, native plants, pollinators

In an effort to battle invasive species, Michigan State University is becoming a more welcoming place for bees, butterflies and other native pollinators.

The post Campus works to become more pollinator-friendly first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/02/campus-works-to-become-more-pollinator-friendly/

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On:
In: Echo, Law

Sept. 1, 2019, was a deadly day for a 700-pound black bear illegally shot with a compound bow near a garbage dump on Minnesota’s Red Lake Indian Reservation.

The post Poached black bear lands Minnesota poacher behind bars first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/30/poached-black-bear-lands-minnesota-poacher-behind-bars/

Eric Freedman

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In: Agriculture, Echo, trade

Michigan farmers, especially soybean farmers, could benefit from higher sales to Cuba, state agricultural organizations say. 

The post Michigan farmers could benefit from easing trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba, experts say first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/28/michigan-farmers-could-benefit-from-easing-trade-relations-between-the-u-s-and-cuba-experts-say/

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In: Echo, Law, Lead

Federal authorities have charged the owner and manager of more than 100 buildings in Buffalo with conspiracy for violating laws intended to protect tenants from lead paint poisoning.

The post Feds file conspiracy charges against owner, manager, of Buffalo properties with long-running lead paint violations first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/21/feds-file-conspiracy-charges-against-owner-manager-of-buffalo-properties-with-long-running-lead-paint-violations/

Eric Freedman

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In: Echo, Law

The owner of the Old Cavern Boutique in Montreal has been arrested on charges of illegally trafficking in wildlife parts and sending them from Canada into the United States.

The post Skullduggery at the border: Feds crack skull-smuggling operation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/07/skullduggery-at-the-border-feds-crack-skull-smuggling-operation/

Eric Freedman