Allison Batdorff

My planner is filling up with concerts and camping. I’m showing my chin in public. Numbers of COVID-19 cases in our community and elsewhere continue to drop.

TRAVERSE CITY — A week ago, a smiling Ty Schmidt thanked potential funders on behalf of Norte, the organization he created, headed, and to many, personified.

TRAVERSE CITY — The news was sudden, fast and good: Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott included several northern Michigan districts in a $133 million donation to help kids stay in school.

Several local cooks are showing their support for Ukraine — by way of its cuisine.

TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City Film Festival will return this summer after a two-plus-year hiatus.

TRAVERSE CITY — A former Traverse City school music instructor and administrator will ascend the tower at the Big House this weekend.

The devil’s in the details, or so they say.

TRAVERSE CITY — Etiquette on the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails is the focus of a new video and a “caught ya being good” incentive launching this summer.

WILLIAMSBURG — Family and friends of Jayson William “JJ” Hoogeveen released handfuls of blue and red balloons that seemed to race each other up and away into a hazy blue

TRAVERSE CITY — Spend all day hiking and mountain biking on Mt. Rainier, then dig clams at the ocean for dinner.