Editorial: Cheers: 05/12/2008

May 13, 2008 04:00 am

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-- To the state Department of Natural Resources for a gas-saving idea that could help tourists spend more time in northern Michigan. The program will allow owners of trailer campers who visit state parks to store their rigs for free up to 15 days. The aim is to save the cost of hauling campers downstate and then back north again. About 30 sites will be set up at or near campgrounds, including Cadillac, Grawn, Grayling, Indian River, Northport and Petoskey.

-- To a sure sign of spring -- the opening of the Sara Hardy Farmers' Market in Traverse City. Hundreds turned out to hunt through an assortment of flowers, food and handmade crafts. It's still too early in the season for locally-raised vegetable or fruit, but any sign of spring is welcome.

-- To Eric Hahn, whose Cherry Capital Foods, a business featuring only local and Michigan-made produce, meats and other food products, opened to the public. Hahn has worked with about 150 local farmers and growers and has sold their products to more than 200 area restaurants, schools and retailers. Now, he's offering local goods to the public at his location on U.S. 31 near Chum's Corner.

-- To the Inland Seas Education Association for taking a group of about 30 Norris Elementary students on an educational trip around Grand Traverse Bay as part of the association's long-running schoolship program. It was the last time students from Norris, which is closing, will make the trip. The crew of the schooner Manitou gave students hands-on science and geography lessons.

-- To the U.S. Forest Service for its annual reforestation program in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, aimed at keeping enough suitable habitat for the endangered Kirtland's warbler. This year's planting includes logged parts of the forest and areas where wildfires burned prime warbler breeding grounds. About 445,000 trees will be planted.

-- To Don Hayden, Jr., whose 17,000-square-foot table tennis facility in Williamsburg was crawling with athletes during the last weekend in April for the 74th Annual Michigan Closed Table Tennis Championship. Hayden, who has played for years, said he hopes his center will help introduce the sport to a new generation of players.

-- To the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for deciding to operate the LochenHeath golf course in Acme, which had been closed by Pinnacle Development Group of Scottsdale, Ariz. The course, which had financing problems, will be open to the public and will continue to provide jobs and pay property taxes.

-- To parents of students at Bertha Vos Elementary in Acme and community members for creating a college scholarship program for students that will go on after the school is closed for good this year. The scholarship program is intended to keep the school's legacy alive. All current students will qualify.