Michigan issues mask advisory as COVID-19 cases rise to worrying levels

In case you missed it, this is some important info for Michigan residents: Michigan has issued a “face mask advisory,” recommending anyone older than age 2 wear a mask while gathered indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The advisory, sent out as the holiday season gets underway, is in effect until further notice, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “The increases in case counts, percent positivity and hospitalizations have us very concerned,” Elizabeth Hertel, director DHHS, said in a statement on Friday, Nov. 19. READ MORE
►Overloaded hospitals turn to Genesee County for help in getting ER message out
►Hurley Medical Center warns of high capacity setbacks due to COVID-19 surge

Here's some feel-good news to fend off those Monday blues: One Saginaw County restaurant owner is taking employee appreciation to a whole new level. Theresa Miller, the owner of Coty’s Landing in Saginaw Township, is treating nearly 20 of her longest-serving staff members to a free trip to Puerto Rico in January. “It’s all the staff can talk about right now because it’s just getting so close,” Miller said. “They were pretty happy. Some of them cried.” A group of 18 are going on the trip, which will include an Airbnb, a rainforest excursion and an escape from the Michigan winter. READ MORE

►Retiring Gillie's Coney Island owner passes business on to 17 employees

For Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, Ohio State is top of mind once again

We didn't want to bum you out with the awful antics of the Detroit Lions. So, here's some more hopeful sports news: “This team’s right where we want to be,” starting quarterback Cade McNamara said. “We were hoping (Michigan State would lose) — and now that we got the opportunity … this game is going to influence the season and really show how far this team can go. “I don’t think we would have it any other way.” Michigan has found a way to turn a first-year starting quarterback, experienced offensive line and young receiving corps into a top-30 offense. Now it is all about the big upcoming game against Ohio State. READ MORE
►Michigan football continues rankings climb after Maryland win

Enchanted Trail returns to Northern Michigan ski resort for winter snowshoe night hikes

After debuting last year, Boyne Highlands’ hugely popular Enchanted Trail is returning this winter for another season of night snowshoe hikes - or just evening walks - featuring a softly-lit wooded trail, a bonfire, treats and warm drinks. Tickets are required and disappeared quickly last year. This year, Boyne is opening the trail a bit earlier. It will open Dec. 10 and tickets can be reserved for Fridays, Saturday and Sundays through the end of February. Each evening will have several time slots, which is designed to limit trail traffic to small groups for a better experience. READ MORE
►Boyne Resorts buys Maine's Shawnee Peak ski area, grows its slopeside spots to 10 in Canada, U.S.