this week’s
top ten Bigger Sewer System, Better Roads for Antrim — if Gov. Whitmer Approves
Last week, the Michigan Legislature gave the greenlight to two northern Michigan infrastructure projects in the state budget: $500,000 to help Mancelona expand its sewer system along US-131 to reach more homes and businesses and $2 million to repair sections of three roads in Antrim County, ultimately, a complete reconstruction of 4.7 miles of pavement on Del Mason, Schoolcraft and Batchelder roads. “Northern Michigan is a great place to live and work — and a great place to visit for those from out of town,” says Gaylord-based Rep. Ken Borton, who also serves as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “Road repairs will make it easier for visitors and local residents to travel in the community, and expanding the Mancelona sewer line will ensure residents and businesses have the reliable access they need. I am proud to see these efforts become reality in this year’s budget.” The sewer expansion would also have a positive impact on the community’s environment and economics: It would mean existing properties — including lowincome housing — could transition from septic systems and would help encourage new developments on vacant properties. Both projects are included in Senate Bill 82, which outlines the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1, and will now advance to the governor for consideration.
2
tastemaker Funistrada’s Huntsman Tortellini
Quack, Quack — duck season has arrived in northern Michigan. If layering up in camo and heading out into the deep woods to find your inner outdoorsman is not your thing, don’t worry; there’s another, far easier (and more delicious way) to bag that duck. Tucked away on the far side of Big Glen Lake in Burdickville is long time local and tourist favorite Funistrada Trattoria. This Italian eatery serves a packed house every Tuesday through Sunday evening, year-round. On offer for their fall menu: the Huntsman Tortellini with smoked duck breast, peas, and mushrooms tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The duck, sourced from third-generation family-run Maple Leaf Farms in Indiana, is smoked in-house daily by resident Funi Chef Jon Viswat. He tells Northern Express he uses a trio of pink apple, hickory, and cherry wood to achieve that “perfect smoky infusion” into the meat. The combo of the sweet smoky duck and luxuriously creamy sauce gives off some serious fall feels. If you can order it before it sells out — as it does on most nights — consider yourself one lucky duck. $29. Find Funistrada on 4566 W. MacFarlane Road in Burdickville/Maple City. (231) 334-3900
4 • september 27, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly
Wanna Fly? “Pushing the limits and breaking boundaries in action sports,” Nitro Circus’ athletes come from all backgrounds and are at the top of their game in FMX, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and just about everything on wheels in between. Enjoy their risk-taking bravery in this showcase of extreme sports entertainment 6pm-8:30pm Saturday, Oct. 2 at Turtle Creek Stadium in Traverse City. Tickets start at $29. facebook.com/events/915452245884678
4
Hey, read it Harlem Shuffle
To the untrained eye in 1960’s Harlem, Ray Carney is just an average Joe. But, behind the guise of his successful furniture store, Ray also deals in dirty money, fencing stolen product for his feckless cousin Freddie. That is, until Freddie implicates Ray in a plan to pinch safe deposit boxes from the Hotel Theresa, aka “The Waldorf of Harlem.” The sting, of course, does not go smoothly, leaving Ray caught between his old life and his questionable customers. Can Ray maintain his reputation with his hide still intact? From double Pulitzer Prize winning author Colson Whitehead comes dazzling crime debut, “Harlem Shuffle.” A colorful reimaging of the classic wise-guy heist, this bingeable book is “hot” in more ways than one.
5
jacobsfarmtc.com
