Agriculture

Coffee drinkers willing to pay for more than taste

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Cofee connoisseurs appear willing to pay a hefty premium — $1.31 more than the normal $2.51 price for a 12-ounce cup of pour-over joe — for java brewed with beans grown by farmer cooperatives. Increased consumer social consciousness is a factor, according to a new study conducted in a Lansing specialty coffee shop by Michigan State University agricultural economists. For news, business and lifestyle sections. By Eric Freedman.

Article

Henry’s Place in Okemos hosts annual Meridian Cares Benefit

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OKEMOS, MICH— The camaraderie and drink-filled fun of a pub will be shared by many Meridian Township residents on Nov. 15. The annual Meridian Cares Benefit has a new home this year at the popular Okemos pub Henry’s Place. 

The night is expected to have karaoke, games and a lot of good food available for those in attendance- all for good cause. Meridian Cares is a program that offers help to residents in difficult situations whether the issue is with finances, accessibility or any other way the community is able to assist. Darla Jackson, a human resources specialist for Meridian Township, is the director of the Meridian Cares program.

News

DeWitt’s first brewery becomes part of community

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It has been over a year since the Looking Glass Brewing Company, located in the heart of DeWitt, opened its doors after some construction delays. Customers say it was worth the wait. 

The Looking Glass Brewery Company. Photograph by Nina Felicidario

“We have visited since the opening day,” customer Michael Butts said. “The number of visits would be impossible to guess, probably twice per month at least.”

Butts have never been disappointed with the service nor the food and beverage. 

The brewery is in a partnership with Big Guys Food to serve food in addition to their handcrafted  beers. Seating area and Big Guys Food kitchen

“I have only been there once so far, but I really liked it,” customer Crystal Stamper said.

News

In Meridian Twp., two restaurants, two generations thrive on one street

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Henry Kwok has been working in a restaurant as long as he can remember. He opened his bar, Henry’s Place, three years ago side by side with Asian Buffet that his mom owned for 17 years. 

Growing up in New York, he moved to Michigan with his mother in 1998, and Kwok has always helped out in his mother’s restaurant. 

Henry Kwok is making a sushi roll in Asian Buffet. Photo by Cassie H.

 It is hard at that time for this family. Li hasn’t been away from Michigan for over 20 years. She has always hands on every little details in her restaurant.

News

National campaign ‘It’s on Us’ comes to Michigan State

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This week was ‘It’s on Us’ week at Michigan State University. ‘It’s on Us’ is a national campaign that wants to end sexual violence on college campuses. “We know that, statistically, it just happens more on college campuses all around the nation,” Leah Short, a programing specialist with the Prevention, Outreach and Education Department said. “I think that everyone should be having this conversation at every age.” Events this week ranged from music and art therapy to a “Teal Out” on Friday, the color that represents sexual assault awareness.

Article

Michigan legislature protects wine and beer distributors

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The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee passed legislation at the
beginning of the month that stops large breweries and wine producers from
threatening to slow the growth of smaller craft beer and wine industries in
Michigan. The bill protects the independence of Michigan wine and beer distributors. Michigan operates with a regulatory, three-tier system that promotes fairness and a level playing field. Michigan Wine and Beer Wholesalers Association, that represents almost 50 beer and wine distributors throughout Michigan, including Dan Henry Distributing Company. “The new legislature doesn’t let us favor a certain brewer just because they offer incentives, so essentially, the best product gets the sale, because they have the best product,” said Matt Berger, a driver for the Dan Henry Distribution Company.

Business & Economy

Local tourists spots voice concerns over Pure Michigan cut

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer cut the proposed $37.5 million budget from the 2020 state budget. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, MEDC, tells Focal Point News, “Governor Whitmer and the MEDC remain committed to the Pure Michigan Campaign and the positive impact it has had on the tourism industry in Michigan.” They continued to say the cut is a “recognition that the Legislature cannot continue to pass record-high budgets for Pure Michigan while funding for other economic development initiatives is cut to record lows.” Greg Taucher, an advertising professor at Michigan State, said you can’t just turn off the lights on Pure Michigan. “I think that if Michigan killed their tourism campaign, they’d be in a deficit position,” he said.