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Warning: Area Ice Not Yet Safe
Mild winter weather has made conditions on inland lakes unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s dive team took part in training for ice rescue and ice diving last week and are warning anglers and others that the ice around the region isn’t consistent — some areas have three to five inches and others only an inch of ice — and many can change dramatically within a day.
In places, Oosse said, snow has insulated the ice, causing it to melt. It’s not yet safe to use snowmobiles on the ice, and if you walk on the ice, Oosee said it’s important to go with another person, have a floatation device at the ready, take a rope, and carry an ice awl.
Stuff we love Silver Linings for Manistee & Bear Lake
Last spring, we broke the news that two Manistee County towns — Bear Lake and the city of Manistee (pictured) — had applied to be part of HGTV’s upcoming Home Town Takeover. Unfortunately, of the 2,600 downtowns that applied for an on-air renovation and restoration led by hosts Ben and Erin Napier and their construction crew, it was Wetumpka, Alabama, that was named the winner. The Manistee Visitors Bureau assisted both towns with their pitches. Despite the loss, executive director Kathryn Kenny tells Northern Express that applying was a unique opportunity for the communities to tell their stories. “It’s a great introduction to Manistee, plus [showcased] hometown pride,” said Kenny of the video produced for Manistee’s entry. It has since been viewed more than 24,000 times online.
Empire’s Snowmobile Drag Race is On
Sled heads bemoaning the 2021 cancellation of two of the North’s legendary snowmobile events — the Michigan Snowmobile Festival in Gaylord and the Moose Jaw Safari in Harbor Springs (see story p. 10) — turn your tracks toward Empire and hit the gas. The Empire Snowmobile Drag Race Roy Taghon Memorial is on for Jan. 23, 2021. Registration opens at 8am, test runs start at 8:30am (note: you must be registered to test), and the racing begins at 11am. The event, which includes kid and junior divisions, begins at the Empire Airport, aka the William B. Bolton airport. Find more information and the registration sheet at “Empire Drag Race” on Facebook.
BEARS IN LEELANAU COUNTY! READ ALL ABOUT IT
Set in northern Michigan, The Sleeping Bears of Leelanau County is a fun and quick read at 130 pages and features locations like Marquette, Traverse City, Glen Arbor, South Manitou Island, and favorite local establishments like Dick’s Pour House, Cedar Tavern, Side Traxx, J&S Hamburg, Sleder’s Tavern, Mackinaw Brewing Company, and plenty more. paulwcisel.com/bears
bottoms up Nub’s Pale Ale
After a day carving up some fresh powder, it’s nice to soak in some quality suds and watch the tide of humanity play in the snow. At Nub’s Nob near Harbor Springs, one can recline with the ski resort’s own signature beer, Nub’s Pale Ale ($6/pint). True to its name, Nub’s Pale exudes those hop-forward notes that are carefully coaxed from pale malts and ale yeast. Full of flavor, deep gold, and sparkling, this refreshing cup of beer packs a punch yet remains light and approachable. As the slopes beckon once again, one can bolster their performance by pairing a Nub’s Pale with Nub’s 1/8-pound All Beef Hot Dog ($5.50), a combination that seems just about right for a day on a snowboard or skis. Skiers can order online at www. nubscafe.com and collect their items at the slope-side pick-up window. Nub’s Nob offers both breakfast and lunch menus. Find out more at www.nubsnob.com. Northern Express Weekly • jan 11, 2021 • 5
