Graham Construction crews recently lifted a new pedestrian bridge over the Bear River into place. The pre-manufactured bridge, part of comprehensive improvements being done throughout the river corridor is 75 feet in length and 7 feet across, and sits just south of the Mitchell St. / US-31 bridge.

Situated just north of the Elizabeth Street stair tower, this pedestrian bridge will serve as an important east-west connector through the river valley.

Along with new pedestrian entrances into the river valley at Wachtel and Jackson Streets, Ione Street, and Branch Street, access to the river valley for nearby residents will be significantly improved.

Andie Petoskey shares the history of her name and the history of the Petoskey stone (the state stone of Michigan).

Brede circumnavigated Lake Huron prior to his quest on Lake Michigan. He carries a GPS tracking device which monitors his progress and sending updates online.

See the full story at Petoskey News-Review

Vicki Knuckles of Allegan won the getaway to Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey. She is the Southwest Michigan Regional Winner for her photograph of the Regent Theatre.

“Clearly, people throughout the state who entered the contest value this state and its history. We received nearly 150 entries that demonstrate the unique qualities of Michigan’s architecture, and the importance of preserving it.”

- Gary Heidel

This year’s theme, “Old is the New Green,” was set for Preservation Month, sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The contest spread the word throughout Michigan that preservation is inherently green by supporting sustainability. When you invest in older and historic buildings, reside in a historic house, support a preservation organization, or decide to rehab instead of tearing down and rebuilding, you are supporting a vision of environmental stewardship that is celebrated by the SHPO and MSHDA,” stated Conway.

For the contest the state was divided into eight regions and photographers submitted their entries based on their region of residence. One photo was selected from each of the regions where photos were entered. No photos meeting the size specifications were submitted for the Bay Region. From the regional winners three names were drawn to receive one of three getaways donated by the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, and Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey. The remaining regional winners will receive $50 Meijer gift cards provided by the Michigan History Foundation.

Photographers from Gwinn, Ypsilanti, Allegan, Holland, Shelby Township, Flint, and Cedar were named regional winners in the contest.

The winning photographers are:

• Patrick Cook of Ypsilanti won the Weekend Getaway at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, and is the Mid-Michigan Regional Winner for his photograph of the Cobblestone Farm Corn Crib and Barn.

• Vicki Knuckles of Allegan won the getaway to Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey and is the Southwest Michigan Regional Winner for her photograph of the Regent Theatre.
• Ken Cook of Holland won the getaway to the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City and is the West Michigan Regional Winner for his photograph of the Felt Mansion and Pond.
• Jacqueline Townsend of Shelby Township is the Southeast Michigan Regional Winner for her photograph of the Packard Proving Grounds.
• Tonya Walter of Flint is the Thumb Area Regional Winner for her photograph of winter in downtown Flint.
• Misty Manville of Cedar is the Northern Lower Peninsula Regional Winner for her photograph of the Point Betsie Lighthouse.
• Andy Perry of Gwinn is the Upper Peninsula Regional Winner for his photograph of the Marquette Ore Dock.

See the winning photographs and all eligible photos submitted at  www.michigan.gov/celebratepreservation

“The photos submitted show the variety of historic architecture in Michigan,” said Conway. “The buildings in the photos reinforced what I believe – great preservation work is going on in Michigan, and historic resources are vitally important to communities. I can’t wait to see what photos we get next year!”

• Functional birdhouse for outdoor use
• Fully assembled
• Wood construction, unpainted interior, ventilation and drainage
• Correct hole size for common nesting birds.
• No other hardware required

Petoskey, the Northern Michigan resort town has the most delightful summer cottages. This birdhouse, embellished with hanging flower baskets and topped with a rich western red cedar roof, will provide all the creature comforts for your feathered friends who make the long trip from down South. Removable back wall for easy cleaning. Will accommodate wrens, finches, chickadees, nuthatches and titmice….

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Home Bazaar Petoskey Lake View Cottage Birdhouse

A Petoskey Watercolor Journal

A Petoskey Watercolor Journal is a lavishly illustrated how-to on painting with watercolors as well as a beautiful depiction of the Petoskey region of Michigan.

Nestled on the shore of Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey is a well-known resort town in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It is famous for its charming downtown, Victorian summer homes, and natural beauty.

Watercolorist Catherine Carey uses her home town of Petoskey and her personal journal as a primer to the technique of painting with watercolors. In her journal, she describes why she selects a specific scene to paint, what the focal point of the painting should be and why, how to sketch the scenescape, and how to mix colors to get the desired result. Each of the journal pages will include at least one of the author’s watercolors. On one page, she will present painting tips and on the opposite page she will describe her experience when painting the scene.

While A Petoskey Watercolor Journal is a how-to on painting with watercolors, because of the quality of Carey’s art and Petoskey as the subject, the book will also make a unique gift for tourist to the area. A Petoskey Watercolor Journal is a treasure!

A Petoskey Watercolor Journal

They asked Petoskey parks and recreation director Al Hansen about that possibility and Hansen thought it would be a good idea too. Petoskey has a recreation master plan that includes a goal to consolidate war memorials in the downtown park.

The monument, on West Mitchell Street, has limited parking available and relocation to Pennsylvania Park downtown makes sense. The monument’s foundation also has cracks in it and may soon need renovating.

Vietnam Memorial

Several other military monuments are already located in Pennsylvania Park, including memorials for fallen Gulf War and Vietnam veterans, and a Civil War memorial canon.

Moving and reinstallation has been estimated to cost $5,000

See the full story at Petoskey News-Review

• Featuring 14 Lighthouses

This beautiful video offers spectacular views of Northern Michigan Lighthouses from the air, land and sea. The towering lights shine through stormy night skies, warm sunsets and winter squalls. The flowing musical score reflects the seasonal moods of the Great Lakes.

The mystery and lore of lighthouse life is shared through the personal stories of several individuals. Lorraine Paris at the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse tells of the “Spirit Light” which glows in her t… More >>

Great Lakes Lighthouses

Petoskey, MI, Marching Northmen. Best when watched in high quality.

The team comprised team foreman Matt Rapelje (carpenter) Cyle Turk (electrician), Eric Sipe (plumber), and Brandon Gibson, (mason).

Congratulations to the team, Petoskey High School and building trades instructor, Larry Liebler.

See this in-depth story: Petoskey building trades team takes second in Skills USA nationals