Mia Kerner
- Intern Reporter, Traverse City Record-Eagle
- Newsroom Intern, WCMU-FM (Mount Pleasant, MI)
Mount Pleasant
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Articles by Mia Kerner
Merges and modulars: Northern Habitat for Humanity group builds more homes to meet demand
Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization and equal opportunity housing provider that also operates as a licensed builder, lender, and retailer. The organization, which recently merged with Cheboygan Habitat for Humanity, now covers a larger area of northern Michigan.
Merges and modulars: Northern Habitat for Humanity group builds more homes to meet demand
PETOSKEY — Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization and equal opportunity housing provider that also operates as a licensed builder, lender, and retailer. The organization, which recently merged with Cheboygan Habitat for Humanity, now covers a larger area of northern Michigan. kAm$6CG:?8 t>>6E[ r92C=6G@:I[ 2?5 r963@J82? 4@F?E:6D[ :ED >:DD:@?
Special Kid's Day: Northwestern Michigan Fair welcomes all
The Northwestern Michigan Fair hosted its annual Kid’s and Special Kid’s Day Wednesday, offering free inclusive activities for children with special needs. Hosted Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, the fair includes 4-H events, carnival rides, animal shows, rodeos, demolition derbies and more. Jill Duell, who has been in charge of Kid’s and Special Kid’s Day for six years, said children with special needs hold a special place in her heart. “They’re more special than we are,” Duell said. “They deserve more.
BEAVER ISLAND: $87M middle-mile broadband infrastructure project underway
TRAVERSE CITY — Peninsula Fiber Network and 123NET started construction on the $87 million middle-mile broadband infrastructure project to expand high-speed internet access across Michigan. It’s called the IMPACC Project — infrastructure for Michigan’s peninsulas and critical crossings. kAm!u} AC@G:56D E6=64@>>F?:42E:@?D[ EC2?DA@CE 2?5 3C@2532?5 D6CG:46D[ H9:=6 `ab}6E 24ED 2D 2 7:36C :?E6C?6E D6CG:46 AC@G:56C]k^Am kAmx?
BEAVER ISLAND $87M middle-mile broadband infrastructure project underway
TRAVERSE CITY — Peninsula Fiber Network and 123NET started construction on the $87 million middle-mile broadband infrastructure project to expand high-speed internet access across Michigan. It’s called the IMPACC Project — infrastructure for Michigan’s peninsulas and critical crossings. kAm!u} AC@G:56D E6=64@>>F?:42E:@?D[ EC2?DA@CE 2?5 3C@2532?5 D6CG:46D[ H9:=6 `ab}6E 24ED 2D 2 7:36C :?E6C?6E D6CG:46 AC@G:56C]k^Am kAmx?
Special Kid's Day: Northwestern Michigan Fair welcomes all
TRAVERSE CITY – The Northwestern Michigan Fair hosted its annual Kid’s and Special Kid’s Day Wednesday, offering free inclusive activities for children with special needs. Hosted Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, the fair includes 4-H events, carnival rides, animal shows, rodeos, demolition derbies and more. kAmy:== sF6==[ H9@ 92D 366? :? 492C86 @7 z:5’D 2?5 $A64:2= z:5’D s2J 7@C D:I J62CD[ D2:5 49:=5C6? H:E9 DA64:2= ?665D 9@=5 2 DA64:2= A=246 :? 96C 962CE]k^Am kAm“%96J’C6 >@C6 DA64:2= E92?
GRAYLING: Construction proceeds on Saab munitions plant
GRAYLING – The next phase of construction is underway on the Saab munitions assembly plant in Grayling. The company broke ground on the project last April and will begin assembly next spring.
EAST BAY: Ideas for U.S. 31 corridor improvements gain traction
Just The Facts The adopted East Bay Township Beach District Plan identifies community priorities for public infrastructure investments, including: 1. Install safe pedestrian crossings every quarter-mile along the U.S. 31 N corridor. 2. Maintain sidewalks year-round, including winter plowing. 3. Complete the sidewalk network along both sides of U.S. 31 N and up Three Mile and Four Mile. 4. Develop a pedestrian pier to enhance public access to the water. 5.
‘We don’t want them:’ Northern Michigan communities prepare for renewable energy systems
Beaver Creek Township in Crawford County is proactively preparing for renewable energy systems to move into its county. The Beaver Creek Township Planning Commission will host a public hearing at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the township hall to discuss proposed zoning ordinance amendments related to renewable energy. The proposed zoning amendments define solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems and outline where each can be installed.
‘We don’t want them:’ Northern Michigan communities prepare for renewable energy systems
GAYLORD — Beaver Creek Township in Crawford County is proactively preparing for renewable energy systems to move into its county. The Beaver Creek Township Planning Commission will host a public hearing at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the township hall to discuss proposed zoning ordinance amendments related to renewable energy. kAm%96 AC@A@D65 K@?:?8 2>6?5>6?ED 567:?6 D@=2C[ H:?5[ 2?5 32EE6CJ 6?6C8J DE@C286 DJDE6>D 2?5 @FE=:?6 H96C6 6249 42?
‘We don’t want them:’ Northern Michigan communities prepare for renewable energy systems
GAYLORD — Beaver Creek Township in Crawford County is proactively preparing for renewable energy systems to move into its county. The Beaver Creek Township Planning Commission will host a public hearing at 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the township hall to discuss proposed zoning ordinance amendments related to renewable energy. The proposed zoning amendments define solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems and outline where each can be installed.
East Bay to host open houses on proposed corridor authority
East Bay Township is inviting the public to two open house events on July 30 to learn about a proposed Corridor Improvement Authority for the U.S. 31 North corridor, known as the East Bay Beach District. The open houses will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the East Bay Township Hall and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Hopscotch Brick Oven & Taproom. kAmp r@CC:5@C x>AC@G6>6?E pFE9@C:EJ :D 56D:8?65 E@ “2DD:DE 4@>>F?:E:6D H:E9 7F?5:?8 :>AC@G6>6?ED :?
Brisk waters: 4th annual Mackinac Bridge Swim to kick off Saturday
Accompanied by clear water and sunny skies, 300 people will be swimming across the Straits of Mackinac this weekend. The fourth annual Mackinac Bridge Swim spans approximately 4.5 miles, starting in Mackinaw City and finishing at Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace. Each participant must provide proof of a 40-minute mile before registration and wetsuits and the use of swim buoys are required. The organizer of the event, Eric Hansen, said he founded the event after completing the swim himself years ago.
BRISK WATERS: 4th annual Mackinac Bridge Swim to kick off Saturday
ST. IGNACE — Accompanied by clear water and sunny skies, 300 people will be swimming across the Straits of Mackinac this weekend. The fourth annual Mackinac Bridge Swim spans approximately 4.5 miles, starting in Mackinaw City and finishing at Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace. kAmt249 A2CE:4:A2?E >FDE AC@G:56 AC@@7 @7 2 c_\>:?FE6 >:=6 367@C6 C68:DEC2E:@?
Northern Michigan reacts: Trump approves $50M for ice storm recovery
$50 million in federal aid is coming to Northern Michigan after months of local and state officials advocating for relief from a historic ice storm that swept through the region in March. The decision was announced on Tuesday by President Donald Trump in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
Record Breaker: Munson seeing surge in patient intake
Munson Medical Center experienced a record-high intake of patients in recent weeks. The hospital is the largest employer in the region, offering 442 beds and acting as a referral center for the entirety of northern Michigan. The center is known for its neonatal intensive care unit and the Webber Heart Center, which houses a team of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons.
RECORD BREAKER: Munson seeing surge in patient intake
TRAVERSE CITY — Munson Medical Center experienced a record-high intake of patients in recent weeks. The hospital is the largest employer in the region, offering 442 beds and acting as a referral center for the entirety of northern Michigan. kAm%96 46?E6C :D <?@H? 7@C :ED ?6@?2E2= :?E6?D:G6 42C6 F?:E 2?5 E96 (6336C w62CE r6?E6C[ H9:49 9@FD6D 2 E62> @7 42C5:@=@8:DED 2?5 42C5:@G2D4F=2C DFC86@?D]k^Am kAmy@6 wFCD96[ AC6D:56?E @7 |F?D@? |65:42= r6?E6C[ D2:5 E96 9@DA:E2= 92D 366?
Munson drones to begin new phase of testing
Munson Healthcare and Traverse Connect will soon begin testing phase two of a drone delivery program that could deliver medical supplies, samples and medications across northern Michigan. Funded by a $689,500 grant from the Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund, the initial phase included drone flights between Munson Medical Center, Copper Ridge Surgery Center and the Munson Dialysis Center from May 5-22.
After 112 years, Civil War veteran's grave is dedicated in Traverse City
A crowd gathered in Traverse City's Oakwood Cemetery last week to pay respects to a veteran on the 112th anniversary of his death. Two women dressed in late 1800s-era black gowns and veils mourned solemnly at the perimeter of the grave site, while men clad in Civil War uniforms stood at attention nearby. Corporal Lyman B. Snow was born in 1825 in Vermont.
Munson drones to begin new phase of testing
TRAVERSE CITY — Munson Healthcare and Traverse Connect will soon begin testing phase two of a drone delivery program that could deliver medical supplies, samples and medications across northern Michigan. Funded by a $689,500 grant from the Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund, the initial phase included drone flights between Munson Medical Center, Copper Ridge Surgery Center and the Munson Dialysis Center from May 5-22.
TRACKING TOURISM: How Traverse City stays informed on what draws visitors here
TRAVERSE CITY – In a city known for its tourism that welcomes millions of visitors every year, keeping track of those numbers is a challenge. Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism, said Traverse City primarily uses retrospective tools to understand trends, economic impact, and consumer behavior in the Grand Traverse region. kAm$6CG:46D =:<6 E96 $%p# #6A@CE 2?5 p:Cs}p AC@G:56 C6A@CED @?
EAST BAY: Pedestrian bridge struck, damaged by dump truck
TRAVERSE CITY — The controversial pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 in East Bay Township was hit and damaged by a truck Thursday morning. The fencing lining the walkway of the bridge was damaged at 9:54 a.m. when a commercial dump truck pulling a trailer loaded with an excavator collided with it, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Lt. Roy Raska said. kAm%96 2C> @7 E96 6I42G2E@C 925 ?@E 366?
Pedestrian bridge damaged
The pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 in East Bay Township has been hit. The fencing lining the walkway of the bridge was damaged at 9:54 a.m. this morning when a commercial dump truck pulling a trailer loaded with an excavator collided with it, Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Lt. Roy Raska said. kAm%96 2C> @7 E96 6I42G2E@C 925 ?@E 366? AC@A6C=J =@H6C65 @C =@2565 :?E@ E96 EC2:=6C[ #2D<2 D2:5[ 2?5 E92E H2D H92E DECF4< E96 D:56 @7 E96 3C:586]k^Am kAm%96 :>A24E @7 E92E 4@==:D:@?
Tracking Tourism: How Traverse City stays informed on what draws visitors
In a city known for its tourism that welcomes millions of visitors every year, keeping track of those numbers is a challenge. Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism, said Traverse City primarily uses retrospective tools to understand trends, economic impact, and consumer behavior in the Grand Traverse region.
TRACKING TOURISM How Traverse City stays informed on what draws visitors here
TRAVERSE CITY – In a city known for its tourism that welcomes millions of visitors every year, keeping track of those numbers is a challenge. Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism, said Traverse City primarily uses retrospective tools to understand trends, economic impact, and consumer behavior in the Grand Traverse region. kAm$6CG:46D =:<6 E96 $%p# #6A@CE 2?5 p:Cs}p AC@G:56 C6A@CED @?
Barr seeks rematch for northern Michigan's U.S. House seat
Callie Barr is launching a second attempt to represent Michigan's First Congressional District in the House of Representatives. In the Democrat's first race against incumbent Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, he won the 2024 general election by more than 100,000 votes. Republican Justin Michal and Democrat Wayne Stiles also have announced they will be running for that seat in Congress.
Barr seeks rematch for northern Michigan's US House seat
Callie Barr is launching a second attempt to represent Michigan’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives. In the Democrat’s first race against incumbent Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, he won the 2024 general election by more than 100,000 votes. Republican Justin Michal and Democrat Wayne Stiles also have announced they will be running for that seat in Congress.
Barr seeks rematch for Congress seat
TRAVERSE CITY – Callie Barr is launching a second attempt to represent Michigan’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives. In the Democrat’s first race against incumbent Republican Congressman Jack Bergman, he won the 2024 general election by more than 100,000 votes. kAm#6AF3=:42? yFDE:? |:492= 2?5 s6>@4C2E (2J?6 $E:=6D 2=D@ 92G6 2??@F?465 E96J H:== 36 CF??:?8 7@C E92E D62E :? r@?8C6DD]k^Am kAmx?
Booms and barks: Preparing for fireworks with furry friends
While Traverse City gears up for this weekend’s Fourth of July and Festival Finale firework shows, some are preparing to keep their pets safe from the celebrations. Trevor Tkach is President and CEO of Traverse City Tourism and the President of the Traverse City Boom Boom Club board. For 14 years, the Boom Boom Club has been responsible for raising the funds to put on the annual Independence Day fireworks show.
'We're still here': Annual Pow Wow showcases native culture in Traverse City
The rhythmic pounding of the drum echoed through Open Space Park on Tuesday, voices ringing out from the large tent housing the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Pow Wow. Hosted annually during the National Cherry Festival, the event featured hours of traditional singing and dancing from tribal members across Michigan. Some women danced in vibrant regalia and jingle dresses, the metal cones sewn into their fabric chiming with each step.
‘We’re still here:’ Annual Pow Wow showcases native culture in Traverse City
TRAVERSE CITY – The rhythmic pounding of the drum echoed through Open Space Park on Tuesday, voices ringing out from the large tent housing the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Pow Wow. Hosted annually during the National Cherry Festival, the event featured hours of traditional singing and dancing from tribal members across Michigan. kAm$@>6 H@>6? 52?465 :? G:3C2?E C682=:2 2?5 ;:?8=6 5C6DD6D[ E96 >6E2= 4@?6D D6H? :?E@ E96:C 723C:4 49:>:?8 H:E9 6249 DE6A] ~EE6C D<:? 92:C E:6D C2? 5@H?
'More than just cherries:' Why do tourists come to the National Cherry Festival?
The National Cherry Festival is expected to draw an estimated 500,000 visitors to Traverse City over its eight-day run. While the concerts and events are big draws for many visitors, what is it that really brings people to the Cherry Capital? First-time festival-goers from across the country shared what convinces them to make the trip to Traverse City. Cecilia Hong and Sean Lee are from Clawson in Oakland County near Detroit.
'More than just cherries:' Why do tourists come to the National Cherry Festival?
The National Cherry Festival is expected to draw an estimated 500,000 visitors to Traverse City over its eight-day run. While the concerts and events are big draws for many visitors, what is it that really brings people to the Cherry Capital? kAmu:CDE\E:>6 76DE:G2=\8@6CD 7C@> 24C@DD E96 4@F?ECJ D92C65 H92E 4@?G:?46D E96> E@ >2<6 E96 EC:A E@ %C2G6CD6 r:EJ]k^Am kAmr64:=:2 w@?8 2?5 $62? {66 2C6 7C@> r=2HD@? :?
'More than just cherries'
The National Cherry Festival is expected to draw an estimated 500,000 visitors to Traverse City over its eight-day run. While the concerts and events are big draws for many visitors, what is it that really brings people to the Cherry Capital? kAmu:CDE\E:>6 76DE:G2=\8@6CD 7C@> 24C@DD E96 4@F?ECJ D92C65 H92E 4@?G:?46D E96> E@ >2<6 E96 EC:A E@ %C2G6CD6 r:EJ]k^Am kAmr64:=:2 w@?8 2?5 $62? {66 2C6 7C@> r=2HD@? :?
National Cherry Festival underway: Air shows kick off 99th annual celebration
Jets and planes of all sizes flipped, dove and soared above West Traverse Bay this past weekend, launching flares and sending waves of rumbling through the crowds below. The 2025 National Cherry Festival Air Shows wowed crowds with daring displays from both military and civilian aerobatic performers. The Coast Guard kicked off the show with a search and rescue demonstration, bringing a “swimmer” to safety in MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters.
Air shows kick off Cherry Festival
TRAVERSE CITY - Jets and planes of all sizes flipped, dove and soared above West Traverse Bay this past weekend, launching flares and sending waves of rumbling through the crowds below. The 2025 National Cherry Festival Air Shows wowed crowds with daring displays from both military and civilian aerobatic performers. kAm%96 r@2DE vF2C5 <:4<65 @77 E96 D9@H H:E9 2 D62C49 2?5 C6D4F6 56>@?DEC2E:@?[ 3C:?8:?8 2 “DH:>>6C” E@ D276EJ :?
LOCAL VIEWS: Residents react to U.S. airstrikes
President Donald Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against Iran last Sunday triggered a range of reactions from the American public. A CNN poll, conducted by SSRS from June 22-23 among a random national sample of 1,030 adults, indicated that 56% of those surveyed did not approve of the decision, while 44% approved.
Meet the team bringing F-22 Raptor to Traverse City
As thousands of spectators look to the skies for this weekend’s National Cherry Festival Air Show, a passionate team of U.S. Air Force personnel is working to bring the F-22 Raptor to the people. Behind every stunt maneuver is a demonstration team of 15 people that travel nearly 280 days out of the year to show communities across the country the power of the Raptor and the Air Force.
EYES ON THE SKIES: Behind the stunts
TRAVERSE CITY – As thousands of spectators look to the skies for this weekend’s National Cherry Festival Air Show, a passionate team of U.S. Air Force personnel is working to bring the F-22 Raptor to the people. Behind every stunt maneuver is a demonstration team of 15 people that travel nearly 280 days out of the year to show communities across the country the power of the Raptor and the Air Force.
Coast Guard prepares for Cherry Festival airshows
TRAVERSE CITY – As thousands of visitors prepare to visit Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival and its annual airshows, the local U.S. Coast Guard Air Station is gearing up for any emergency that may come its way. Commander Ryan Hawn, a 20-year helicopter pilot and leader of the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, says the station is a “jack-of-all-trades,” when it comes to responding to airplane and helicopter emergencies.
Coast Guard prepares for Cherry Festival airshows
As thousands of visitors prepare to visit Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival and its annual airshows, the local U.S. Coast Guard Air Station is gearing up for any emergency that may come its way. Commander Ryan Hawn, a 20-year helicopter pilot and leader of the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, says the station is a “jack-of-all-trades,” when it comes to responding to airplane and helicopter emergencies.
Traverse City residents react to US airstrike in Iran
President Donald Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against Iran last Sunday triggered a range of reactions from the American public. A CNN poll, conducted by SSRS from June 22-23 among a random national sample of 1,030 adults, indicated that 56% of those surveyed did not approve of the decision, while 44% approved.
Coast Guard prepares for Cherry Festival airshows
TRAVERSE CITY – As thousands of visitors prepare to visit Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival and its annual airshows, the local U.S. Coast Guard Air Station is gearing up for any emergency that may come its way. Commander Ryan Hawn, a 20-year helicopter pilot and leader of the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, says the station is a “jack-of-all-trades,” when it comes to responding to airplane and helicopter emergencies.
'Go to the people:' MSU Street Medicine program on the move
TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan State University Street Medicine Program will be expanding this summer. Beginning on July 14, Traverse City Street Medicine will offer its services to residents of Cadillac. Then, after Labor Day, the program will expand into Kalkaska. kAm%96 $EC66E |65:4:?6 !C@8C2> AC@G:56D CFC2= 4@>>F?:E:6D 2446DD E@ 962=E942C6 3J 3C:?8:?8 2 >@3:=6 >65:42= F?:E E@ 2C62D @7 ?665]k^Am kAm%96 F?:E[ H9:49 2AA62CD E@ 36 2? 2G6C286 G2?
BALDWIN FACILITY: Protesters oppose opening of federal immigration processing center
BALDWIN – Protesters lined M-37 in Baldwin Saturday, pumping their fists, raising signs and chanting slogans to oppose the operation of the North Lake Correctional Facility. The 1,800-bed facility was reopened by Geo Group last week to be used as a federal immigration processing center. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that the facility has taken in its first detainees.
Volunteers preserve, digitize Traverse City gravestones
Two Traverse City residents are dedicating their retirements to cemeteries. Scott Schwander and Jack Franke have spent years cleaning and digitizing the gravestones of Oakwood Cemetery, memorizing every plot and familiarizing themselves with the stories of the deceased. Schwander retired from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department 10 years ago. Since then, he has been devoted to the preservation of historic gravestones in the Traverse City area.
‘Get it out of here’: Protesters oppose reopening Baldwin correctional facility Original
Protesters lined M-37 in Baldwin Saturday, pumping their fists, raising signs and chanting slogans to oppose the operation of the North Lake Correctional Facility. The 1,800-bed facility was reopened by Geo Group last week to be used as a federal immigration processing center. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that the facility has taken in its first detainees. At capacity, it will be the largest immigration processing center in the Midwest and one of the largest in the nation.
BALDWIN FACILITY 'Get it out of here' Protesters oppose opening of federal immigration processing center
BALDWIN – Protesters lined M-37 in Baldwin Saturday, pumping their fists, raising signs and chanting slogans to oppose the operation of the North Lake Correctional Facility. The 1,800-bed facility was reopened by Geo Group last week to be used as a federal immigration processing center. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that the facility has taken in its first detainees.
'History belongs to everybody'
TRAVERSE CITY – Two Traverse City residents are dedicating their retirements to cemeteries. Scott Schwander and Jack Franke have spent years cleaning and digitizing the gravestones of Oakwood Cemetery, memorizing every plot and familiarizing themselves with the stories of the deceased. kAm$49H2?56C C6E:C65 7C@> E96 vC2?5 %C2G6CD6 r@F?EJ $96C:77’D s6A2CE>6?E `_ J62CD 28@] $:?46 E96?[ 96 92D 366? 56G@E65 E@ E96 AC6D6CG2E:@? @7 9:DE@C:4 8C2G6DE@?6D :?
Who's top dog? Cherry Capital Classic spotlights canines in Traverse City
The Grand Traverse Kennel Club began its annual “Cherry Capital Classic” Friday, a multi-event dog show featuring dogs of every shape and size. Taking place at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, the weekend-long event ranks dogs based on confirmation, rally and obedience. According to the American Kennel Club, confirmation refers to how well a dog fits its breed standard, while rally is the dog’s ability to navigate a course.
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