Thompsonville’s Iron Fish Distillery Collects Three Top Awards at Competition
Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, southwest of Traverse City, announced that all three of its Mad Angler whiskeys have been awarded top honors in the 2024 ASCOT Taste Competition.
Mad Angler Bourbon 5 yr. earned one of 100 Double Platinum national awards. It also won a Double Platinum for “Best Small Batch Bourbon Under 5 years. (not sourced).” Mad Angler Bottled in Bond won Platinum in the Best Wheat Whiskey category (not sourced), and Mad Angler Rye Whiskey won Gold in the Best Craft Rye Whiskey category (not sourced).
The Mad Angler name is inspired by the works of celebrated northern Michigan writer Michael Delp, advocate of rivers, who often finds creativity in fly fishing on the Boardman River.
In the Mad Angler poems, the Mad Angler is mad because the river has no control over its future; only people control the future of rivers. Inspired by this powerful message, Iron Fish Distillery named its estate farm distilled and aged whiskies “Mad Angler” to bring attention to the plight of rivers and the importance of preserving watersheds.
All three Mad Angler award winners incorporate grain grown on the 120-acre Iron Fish farm adjacent to the natural and protected Betsie River. The Iron Fish farm operates under the requirements of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. In alignment with this inspiration, Iron Fish Distillery makes charitable contributions to watershed organizations, including the Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund, which supports the reintroduction of Arctic Grayling to Michigan Rivers.
Michigan Jobless Rate Increases in July
Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate advanced by three-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 4.4 percent during July, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Employment was reduced by 6,000 over the month, while unemployment increased by 16,000, resulting in a labor force gain of 10,000 during July.
“The uptick in Michigan’s jobless rate reflected an increase in both unemployment and the total workforce during July,” says Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Industry employment was mixed over the month which resulted in a slight decline in payroll jobs.”
The national unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points over the month to 4.3 percent. Michigan’s July jobless rate was one-tenth of a percentage point larger than the U.S. rate. Over the year, the national unemployment rate rose by 0.8 percentage points, while the statewide rate increased by 0.6 percentage points since July 2023.
Labor force trends and highlights:
- July was the second consecutive month with a statewide increase in unemployment rate.
- Total unemployment in the state rose by 7.8 percent over the month, while the national unemployment level advanced by 5.2 percent.
- Michigan’s over-the-year workforce gain of 0.7 percent was similar to the labor force gain seen nationally between July 2023 and July 2024 (+0.8 percent).
- Michigan’s July labor force level was the largest workforce total seen in the state since April 2006 (5,064,000).
- The July statewide labor force participation rate advanced by one-tenth of a percentage point to 62.4 percent in July. Michigan’s employment-population ratio decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 59.7 percent over the month.
The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage points to 4.5 percent in July. Employment in the region was reduced by 8,000 over the month, while unemployment advanced by 10,000. The Detroit metro area labor force remained unchanged since June 2024.
The Detroit MSA jobless rate increased by 0.9 percentage points over the year. Employment fell by 9,000, and unemployment increased by 21,000 over the year.
According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll jobs fell by 2,000 between June and July, resulting in a total job count of 4,497,000.
Industry employment trends and highlights
- Total nonfarm employment in Michigan fell by 2,000 in July following a loss of 8,000 jobs in June.
- Jobs increased in Michigan’s private education and health services sector for the sixth consecutive month, with employment rising by 18,000 since January 2024.
- Despite minor employment gains across multiple industries, total payroll jobs fell during July due to an over-the-month employment decline in the leisure and hospitality (-5,000) sector.
- On a seasonally adjusted basis, Michigan total nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 35,000, or 0.8 percent, over the year.
- The most pronounced over-the-year numerical industry job gains occurred in the government (+18,000) and private education and health services (+17,000) sectors.
- Michigan’s construction sector recorded the most notable over-the-year industry employment gain on a percentage basis (+7.4 percent).
For more detailed information, including data tables, visit here.
Baker College Expands Offerings with Continuing Ed, Lifelong Learning Opportunities
Baker College in Royal Oak is expanding its academic offerings with continuing education and lifelong learning courses that provide a wide range of non-credit educational opportunities, recognizing higher education extends beyond earning a traditional college degree.
By offering these courses, individuals can become equipped with the essential skills and knowledge required to adapt to the evolving demands of today’s job market. Baker College says it ensures education is accessible and adaptable, fostering lifelong learning and equipping individuals with the tools they need for continuous personal and professional development.
By partnering with several companies and organizations, Baker says it helps individuals expand their knowledge in various fields, including workforce development through IT bootcamps, business, and construction trades including HVAC and electrical, as well as specialized areas like cannabis cultivation, extraction, product development, and retail.
Offerings also include micro-certifications for a certified associate in project management and project management professional, upskilling opportunities in digital marketing, data analytics, banking, change management, and business communications. Plus, there are personal development courses such as sign language, grant writing, and Spanish. With more than 1,500 programs to choose from, all offered 100 percent online, Baker College says it’s committed to making education accessible to all.
For more information, visit here.
Money Names Northwood University Among 2024 Best Online Colleges
Northwood University in Flint is among the 2024 Best Online Colleges ranked by personal finance digital platform Money.
The rankings, which focus on online bachelor’s degree programs, prioritize schools that provide applicants the best value for their money.
“A Northwood University education is a smart investment, and Northwood University’s recognition as one of Money’s 2024 Best Colleges highlights our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value in higher education,” says Kristin Stehouwer, provost and academic vice president at Northwood. “We are focused on providing a rigorous, relevant, and affordable education that empowers our students to thrive in their careers and lives. This honor reaffirms our dedication to making quality education accessible, while instilling the principles of free enterprise, ethical leadership, and personal responsibility.”
Money’s editorial team analyzed schools and gave them a star rating. Northwood University earned five out of five stars.
Areas that made Northwood stand out included the high percentage of graduates employed within two years of graduation (97 percent) and average early career salaries ($58,200).
“The immense success our graduates experience in the workforce is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our faculty and staff,” Stehouwer notes. “Their commitment to our students and our mission to develop free-enterprise leaders who drive global economic and social progress is what makes this achievement possible.”
Tipping Point Theatre Announces 17th Season of Productions in Northville
Tipping Point Theatre (TPT) in Northville announces its 17th theatrical season is launching on Sept. 25 with the Michigan premiere production of Bess Wohl’s play “Grand Horizons.”
“Grand Horizons” will be followed by a newly reimagined adaptation of the literary classic “Little Women,” the Michigan premiere production of “Halftime with Don,” and the Michigan premiere of “English.” The season concludes with Duncan MacMillan’s “Lungs.”
“This season we ask what makes a family? Is it nature, circumstance, or something we create? How do we move forward when faced with exciting new choices, obstacles, happenstance, grief and inevitability?” states Julia Glander artistic director of TPT. “In Season 17, we hope to shine a light on these questions and more with entertaining and all-around exceptional productions. Audiences will laugh, cry, and ponder the human condition in all its vibrancy, diversity and wonderment.”
Visit tippingpointtheatre.com for details.
Catalpa Oaks County Park in Southfield to Host Free Health and Housing Summer Fest
Oakland County Health and Human Services invites all Oakland County residents to the Health and Housing Summer Fest on Aug. 19, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Catalpa Oaks County Park in Southfield (27705 Greenfield Road).
The free event offers fun activities, food, and access to health, housing, breastfeeding, and community resources for families.
Event highlights include:
Health services and screenings: Vaccinations for kids and adults, free lead screenings for children 2 years old and younger, health screenings from Honor Community Health clinicians, and free glasses for those 4 – 21 years old from Vision to Learn, while supplies last.
Support services: Access housing assistance, breastfeeding support, and enroll in programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), home-visiting nursing and Children’s Special Health Care Services.
Back-to-school prep: Back-to-school immunizations, dental screenings for children entering kindergarten who live or learn in Oakland County, and free school supplies while they last.
Activities: Enjoy yoga and light exercises led by Nature’s Playhouse and a bounce house, lawn games, and rock-climbing wall courtesy of Oakland County Parks & Recreation. Socks are required to play in the bounce house and closed-toed shoes are required to use the rock-climbing walk.
Raffles: Prizes include bikes, car seats, and breastfeeding accessories.
No one will be denied access due to inability to pay for immunizations. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available for those who are under or uninsured. The Health Division accepts health insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, cash, and credit. VFC offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children. There is a $7 fee per vaccination, per client. There are additional fees for credit card payments.
To help plan for food, RSVP for the event by visiting here. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled to Aug. 20, at the same time.
More information about the event can be found here.
Detroit Area Art Deco Society to Host Guardians of Art Deco Reception Sept. 12
The Detroit Area Art Deco Society will host an exclusive reception starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, on the top floor of Detroit’s iconic Guardian Building, to introduce authors Chris Hytha and Mark Houser, who are discussing their book, “Highrises Art Deco: 100 Spectacular Skyscrapers from the Roaring ’20s to the Great Depression.”
The book’s images have been converted into a special architectural photo installation exhibit, which will run throughout September in celebration of the Detroit Month of Design. The exhibit will showcase the stories from America’s most remarkable Art Deco skyscrapers, including several Michigan landmarks: Detroit’s Guardian, Penobscot, Book Tower, Fisher and Wayne County buildings, and the Burton Memorial Tower in Ann Arbor.
At the Sept. 12 reception, Hytha and Houser will give a presentation of their favorite skyscraper stories and images, including drone-scan photography of the design and craftsmanship at the summits of iconic Art Deco buildings. They also will discuss the history of each skyscraper and the people and companies behind its construction.
Afterward, a book signing with wine, beer, light bites, and music will be featured downstairs in the Guardian’s main hall.
Additionally, a limited number of signed high rise prints and coffee table books will be available during the event, and the five framed exhibition images also will be available through a silent auction.
Reception tickets range from $20-45 for the event and can be purchased at this link. Exhibition tickets are available at DAADS.org.
City Institute and City Tour Detroit will offer walking tours throughout the Month of Design in September to provide a deeper understanding of Detroit’s assets, history and challenges. Expert guides will place Detroit’s architecture in context by beginning at the exhibit located within the Guardian Building. To more information on the tour visit this link.
Arbor Hospice’s Barley, BBQ & Beats Returns on Sept. 5
Arbor Hospice’s Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraising event is returning at a new venue. The annual event will take place from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 5 at Revel Run (555 S. Dancer Road) in Chelsea.
Barley, BBQ & Beats is the not-for-profit’s signature fundraising event featuring hand-crafted cocktails (and mocktails) from local distilleries, barbecue courtesy of local pit masters and restaurants, and live musical performances — all to support access to not-for-profit hospice.
This fundraiser was launched in Grand Rapids in 2016 by Arbor Hospice’s partner, Hospice of Michigan, before expanding to Ann Arbor in 2023.
The event will be emceed by Madison Rally and Brian Welch of 102.4 FM W4 Country and feature musical performances by Rio & The Rockabilly Revival and Lady Sunshine and the X Band.
Tickets for Barley, BBQ & Beats can be purchased for $65 in advance here or at the door for $75. Ticket holders will be provided tokens at check-in valid for three servings of BBQ and three hand-crafted cocktails. Extra tokens will be available for purchase. Alternative samplings will be available if guests have dietary restrictions.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enter an exclusive drawing for a chance to win 14-karat white gold diamond stud earrings generously donated by Lewis Jewelers. The earrings are set in martini settings and contain two round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling .64 carats.
All those who donate during the Ann Arbor event will have the opportunity to double their generosity thanks to the Steve & Amy Van Andel Foundation. The “Make it a Double” Matching Gift will match all donations up to $25,000. Proceeds from Barley, BBQ & Beats support Arbor Hospice’s Open Access Program, which helps ensure end-of-life care to all, regardless of age, diagnosis or financial circumstances.
For tickets and more information, visit here. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kim Streich at kstreich@hom.org.
Washtenaw Community College Launches 2024 Fall semester with New Programs
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor will begin the fall 2024 semester on Aug. 26, with two new associate degree and three certificate programs to prepare students for in-demand jobs.
Registration is ongoing until classes begin. Visit WCC’s website to apply for enrollment and register for classes.
WCC offers online, evening, and weekend classes, as well as flexible start dates to accommodate students’ varying schedules and demands. In addition to the traditional semester schedule, which begins on Aug. 26, other start dates are:
- Session II on Sept. 18
- Session III on Oct. 2
- Session IV on Oct. 18
All sessions feature the same course materials. The later the session start date, the more accelerated the instruction.
The college offers more than 130 programs to prepare students for rewarding careers or transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Nearly 50 programs are available 100 percent online.
The following new programs have launched this Fall:
- Associate of Applied Science in Elementary Education (Transfer): 60 credits
- Associate of Applied Science in Marketing – 60 credit hours
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Safety & Fundamentals Certificate: 10 credit hours
- Esports Management Certificate – 9 credit hours
- Social Media Management Certificate – 9 credit hours
Current WCC students may register for classes, and prospective students may apply for admission by visiting the college’s website. WCC staff at the Student Welcome Center are available to answer questions about applications and class registration as well as help arrange an in-person or virtual campus visit.
Additional admissions and registration help is available by calling 734-973-3543 or emailing go2wcc@wccnet.edu.
