That one time in Michigan: When we built the Soo Locks
How Michigan's oldest settlement became a transportation hub.
Dec
2023
6
Karel Vega
Karel Vega is The ’Gander’s newsletter editor. Coming from a long background in public radio, Karel strives to find stories that inform and inspire local communities. Before joining The ’Gander, Karel served as managing editor at WKAR, the NPR affiliate in East Lansing, Michigan.
Have a story tip? Reach Karel at [email protected]. For local reporting in Michigan that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Karel’s newsletter.
Have a story tip? Reach Karel at [email protected]. For local reporting in Michigan that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Karel’s newsletter.
Nov
2023
29
That one time in Michigan: When we created Little Bavaria
The story of Frankenmuth. With Thanksgiving behind us, many people around the state are already in full-on holiday mode, putting up lights and their Christmas trees. And here in Michigan, there's one place in particular that's synonymous with the...
Nov
2023
22
That one time in Michigan: When we were late to Thanksgiving
Exploring the history and traditions of Thanksgiving in the Mitten.
Nov
2023
15
That one time in Michigan: When we created the Lost Peninsula
This small Michigan community is separated from the rest of the state.
Oct
2023
31
That one time in Michigan: When we invented Devil’s Night
Did you know Devil’s Night is a Michigan thing? While kids in other states cause mischief on the night before Halloween, 1930s Detroit is where the “holiday” as we know it began. Let’s talk about it.
Oct
2023
26
That one time in Michigan: When the Dogman became real
The tale of how a radio DJ created an urban legend as a prank, only for Michiganders all across the state to later claim they saw the creature he’d made up.
Oct
2023
19
That one time in Michigan: When the Red Wings played in prison
The year was 1954, and the most notable thing about this game wasn’t its location—it was who the Red Wings were playing. No, not another NHL team. This was a group of prisoners.
Oct
2023
13
That one time in Michigan: When the Three Fires Council began
A look into Michigan's Indigenous history.
Oct
2023
3
Banned Books Week: 3 Frequently Asked Questions About Book Bans, Answered
From explaining book bans to what you can do to help stop them, we have answers for you here.
Oct
2023
3
That One Time in Michigan…When Ghost Lights Were Debunked
If you happen to be standing in a specific spot near the small community of Paulding at night, you're likely to catch a glimpse of this mysterious glow. For decades, legends about the light's source ran wild—most of them ghost stories. That is, until a group of Michigan Tech students set out to find the real answer.
