Michigan Made - Gatehouse Media

SUPERIOR COFFEE: AN EXPERIENCE FOR THE SENSES
Northern
Michigan Made
MARCH
MARCH 2015
2015
THE HEART OF AN ARTIST
MARKSTRANALY
STRANALYPREFERS
PREFERSTO
TOGO
GO
MARK
AGAINSTTHE
THEGRAIN
GRAIN
AGAINST
MCDOWELL HAY, INC.
PREMIUM HAY PRODUCERS
MACKINAC MITTENS
HANDMADE MITTENS THAT ARE AS
UNIQUE AS THEIR MAKERS
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
MARCH 2015
Contents
INDEX
Northern
Michigan
Made
FEATURES
PUBLISHER:
Richard Crofton
[email protected]
2
MACKINAC MITTENS MITTENS AS UNIQUE AS
THEIR MAKERS
EDITOR
Richard Crofton
[email protected]
4
THE SWEET AND SASSY
GOURMET HANDMADE SWEETS
YOU WILL APPRECIATE
ADVERTISING SALES
Nancy Kidder
[email protected]
7
THE HEART OF
AN ARTIST MARK STRANALY A
TALENTED SCULPTURE
ARTIST
9
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Renée Glass
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTORS
Angela Kipling, Shawna McManus,
Brady Herbert, Jared Greenleaf,
Brenda Weber-Rigotti, Scott Brand,
Mary Barker, Rob Roos, Jerry Pond
RECOLLECTIONS CLOTHING DESIGNS
FROM CENTURIES PAST
12 GOLD MINE JEWELRY JEWELRY WITH A VERY
PERSONAL TOUCH
2 Mackinac Mittens
Mittens as unique as their makers
15 KRUGER’S FISH
MARKET - SUPPLYING
TRAVELERS AND
TOURISTS WITH
SMOKED FISH,
WHITEFISH SAUSAGE
AND JERKY
Northern Michigan
Made Magazine
308 N. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231-627-7144
FAX 231-627-5331
18 MICRO ROASTER
BREWS SUPERIOR
COFFEE
20 MICHIGAN MAPLE
COMPANY
24 MCDOWELL HAY, INC.
4 The Sweet and Sassy Gourmet
Handmade signature sweets you will
appreciate
Copyright© 2015. All rights reserved. While effort has been made to authenticate all claims and guarantees offered by
advertisers in this magazine, we cannot assume liability for any products or services advertised herein. The publisher
reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising or editorial material. The publisher will assume no responsibility
for unsolicited manuscripts, transcripts or other materials. The advertisement may not be reproduced without written
permission of the publisher.
MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
|
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Creative upcycled mittens
from Mackinac Island
It’s okay to be different
By Angela Kipling
[email protected]
here is a warm and fuzzy business in Mackinac
County that has unlikely creative geniuses
behind it.
Based on Mackinac Island, Mackinac Mittens was
created by three teachers at the Mackinac Island Public School: Karen Allen, Liz Burt and Laura Eiseler.
During the long winters, this trio has found a very
innovative way to stay busy — by making mittens
from recycled sweaters. Their products have become
so popular that they are available in local stores and
online.
The company was formed almost by accident. In
the fall of 2009, Allen spotted a pair of mismatched
mittens — that appeared to be made out of sweaters
— on a fellow customer while out shopping one day.
Back at school, she mentioned the stylish find to
Burt and Eiseler, her fellow co-workers. The women
knew they could make their own and organized a mitten-making party with friends. Between five other
fellow crafters, 8 pairs of mittens were made that
night.
And that was supposed to be the end of it.
What started out as gifts for themselves turned into
gifts for friends and family.
Compliments and lots of “Where can I get a pair?”
comments later, Allen, Burt and Eiseler started Mackinac Mittens to create a line of unique winter
accessories.
A store on Mackinac Island offered to sell the mittens and the first order of 10 sold out within a week,
leading to the placement of another order.
T
What started out as
gifts for themselves
turned into gifts for
friends and family.
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MICHIGAN MADE
Mackinac Mittens has branched out to hats and
scarves and pins which are as unique as their mittens
“We love offering high quality handmade items,
made right here on Mackinac, so visitors can take a
little piece of the island home with them. Being
teachers, we like that it is something that is practical
and can be worn year after year,” said brand representative Liz Burt.
“We also love our motto: 'It’s OK to be different!' It’s
so much more than just the fact that our mittens
don’t match," she said. "It's a message we always felt
was important in our teaching. We want kids to see
it’s OK to be yourself – be true to what you want and
what makes you happy. And if wearing crazy mismatched mittens makes you smile, then go for it."
The members of the group are all current or retired
school teachers who hand-make every item sold. The
original mitten pattern has been altered several times
for comfort, but finished products all include the colorful patterns and style — most of which don’t match.
The group has branched out into hats, scarves and
pins which are as unique as the mittens.
You can find them in stores: Little Luxuries, Mackinac Island; The Jaunting Cart, Mackinac Island; The
Pavilion in St. Ignace and The Mole Hole in Sault Ste.
Marie. Those out of the area can also shop on
www.mackinacmittens.com or on Facebook at Mackinac-Mittens. The Mackinac Mittens ladies can also be
reached by email: [email protected].■
BESTEMAN
MAPLE SYRUP
15689 S. TILSON RD.
RUDYARD, MI 49780
(906) 478-5412
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Available in glass and plastic
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Pint • 1/2 Pint • 3/4 oz.
BESTEMAN SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
• Pure Maple Candy
• Pure Maple Cream
• Maple Glazed Nuts
• Pure Granulated Sugar
• Maple Cotton Candy
Ideal for friends, relatives, employees, clients,
birthdays, holidays & anniversaries
- SHIPPING AVAILABLE ~ Closed Sundays ~
MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
|
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The Sweet & Sassy
Gourmet
Handmade signature sweets you
will appreciate
By Shawna McManus
[email protected]
ark and Diana Karlsson pride themselves on the
term, “bean to bar.”
After all, the white, milk and dark chocolate products they are making and selling at their new shop in
Onaway all start with basic cacao beans and end as
high-quality, artisan candy.
The couple opened The Sweet & Sassy Gourmet in
June of 2014, and have been increasing in popularity
with customers ever since. They make signature
chocolate bars, truffles, cupcakes, candy, custom
cakes, cookies, baklava, cannoli, fudge, flavored popcorns and more.But their speciality is the chocolate they create
from only a few simple ingredients, including roasted
cacao beans, cocoa butter, sugar, powdered whole
milk and vanilla bean.
The Karlssons have worked to continually improve
the formula by tweaking the percentages of the ingredients used. The end result is a product that is unique
and is rapidly growing in popularity.
“These are treats for an adult; it’s not that kids
wouldn’t like our chocolate, but we are really targeting the kids’ parents, who can appreciate it,” Mark
Karlsson said. “We want them to treat themselves.”
The chocolate process begins by mixing the base
ingredients together and putting them into a stone
M
Italian cream cake cupcakes
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Sweet & Sassy Gourmet offers sweet and savory popcorn by gallon size. "Banana Split" has been brought back by
popular demand, which has caramel, chocolate, strawberry and banana-flavored popcorn. Also shown is "Caramel
apple" flavor, "Cajun" and the always popular "Dill Pickle."
melange, which grinds and conches the ingredients
and makes the formula liquify. The process takes 36
hours and results in a 6-pound batch.
From there, the chocolate liquor is allowed to rest
and harden. The next step is tempering the chocolate, which requires breaking up the hardened
chocolate and then heating and cooling it, eventually
leading to a very fluid liquid that can be poured into
molds for the final product or mixed with nuts or
fruit.
The Karlssons get their cacao beans from South
America. Mark said he is not aware of anyone else
producing chocolate from the bean in Northern
Michigan.
Mark said he met his wife when both were attending Ferris State University. He grew up in Manistee;
she in Onaway. They are both certified respiratory
therapists and work for McLaren Northern Michigan
in Petoskey in addition to running the shop. The couple also breeds and sells purebred German
Shepherds.
Mark said they had always wanted to open a retail
business and decided to focus on making and selling
their own chocolate. Having taken many business
classes to earn his master’s degree in business administration, Mark said he learned that having control of
the manufacturing of the product would mean more
control of the business overall.
The Karlssons are in the process of selling their
products at Tom’s Family Market and Rygwelski’s IGA
in Rogers City. The goal is to have their products in
20 retailers by this summer. They have decided to
supply only one retail location in each Northern
Michigan town, to avoid competition and increase
demand.
Gourmet Chocolate
❁
Bean to Bar Artisan Chocolate made
right here in Northern Michigan
❁ Cupcakes and Cannolis
❁ Cakes made to order
❁ Popcorn
❁ Specialty Coffees
and much more!
20631 State St., Onaway, MI 49765
989-733-8343 • sweetnsassygourmet.com
MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015 |
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Mark said. “The word of mouth is getting around, and
we expect to get busier.”
Mark said the chocolate should ideally be stored at
65 to 70 degrees Farenheit and in low humidity.
Customers that want to purchase large quantities
of something specific are advised to call the shop
ahead of time. The Sweet & Sassy Gourmet can be
reached by calling 989 733-8343. There is also a website at www.sweetnsassygourmet.com, and a
Facebook page can be found by going to “The Sweetnsassy Gourmet.” They can also ship products for
customers.
Hours are Monday -Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. -9 p.m.; and Sunday,
11 a.m.-7 p.m.■
In the time-honored tradition of the perfect pairings of
food, like spaghetti and meatballs or eggs and bacon,
The Sweet & Sassy Gourmet offers The Cabin red wine
and its own Karlsson chocolate, which compliment each
other perfectly. Both locally-made, gourmet products
can be purchased while supplies last at the Onaway
store.
Some of their most popular items are chocolate nut
clusters, turtles and bear paws. All chocolate and
candy is sold by the pound, allowing the customer to
purchase a single piece, a box or anything in
between. Samples are offered freely.
“We offer samples of anything in the store,” Mark
said.
They also offer hand-dipped ice cream from
Moomers, as well as soft-serve. In addition, the
Karlssons sell gourmet coffees such as cappuccino,
expresso and latte. They also offer craft beers and
regional wines, some of which can be paired with the
chocolate products. And, they are developing a line
of gourmet cheeses to carry and now offer frozen custard. Gift baskets featuring their products and more
are available.
As more and more people try products from The
Sweet & Sassy Gourmet, the customer base continues to grow. Mark said they receive lots of positive
feedback on their tasty treats.
“It blows me away; we are very humbled by it,”
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Mark Karlsson mixes the base ingredients for their
signature chocolate and puts it into a stone
melanger, which grinds and conches the ingredients
and makes the formula liquify. The process takes 36
hours and results in a 6-pound batch. Then the
chocolate liquor is allowed to rest and harden before it is tempered, which requires breaking up the
hardened chocolate and then heating and cooling it,
eventually leading to a very fluid liquid that can be
poured into molds for the final product or mixed
with nuts or fruit.
The heart of an artist
Mark Stranaly brings new life to wood
By Brady Hebert
[email protected]
ark Stranaly brings the heart of an artist to
everything he works on, be it a wooden carving
of a totem pole, an abstract sculpture, or wooden
bumpers on the Poe Locks in Sault Ste. Marie.
Stranaly stared creating small sculptures when he
was 10-years-old, using scraps of wire from his
father’s electrical business. One of his uncles carved
wooden ice fishing decoys served as an inspiration to
begin working with wood, the medium on which Stranaly focuses much of his talent today.
“One of the big factors of using wood is that it’s
abundant and free,” explained Stranaly. “I can find a
dead tree and breathe new life into it. Turn it into
something that can live again.”
Stranaly is currently using his woodworking talents
on the Poe Locks, turning large timbers into the
wooden bumpers that protect the locks and the ships
as they pass through. The multi-million dollar project at the Soo Locks is one of many jobs that Stranaly
has taken on over the years to support his family and
his art.
Other jobs — including working as a rigger on the
Mackinac Bridge, working as a body technician at
Body Shop 23 and working on the Cut River Bridge in
the Upper Peninsula — have paid the bills, but it is
the promise of creating art that keeps Stranaly looking toward the future.
“The job at the locks is full of conformity. I’ve
never been a conformist. I’ve always preferred to go
against the grain,” said Stranaly.
When not working, Stranaly gets to focus his attention on his art, sometimes carving smaller wooden
sculptures like the masks and relief works in the
Native American style that were his first sales in the
art world; sometimes working on larger projects like
totem poles and abstract art like his large installation
M
Mark Stranaly begins to put the finishing touches on a
totem pole carving in Mackinaw City that stands in the
yard of the client he was working for. Stranaly used
animals on the carving that represented different
facets of the woman's life.
MICHIGAN MADE
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Two of Stranaly's recent carvings include a dragon and
bear that he completed over last summer.
at Ottawa Art Park in Cheboygan.
Stranaly’s art has found itself on display at Legs Inn
in Cross Village, on the poles of a local hops farm, and
at a residence in Mackinaw City. He was featured in
the Spring 2014 Carhartt lookbook, and was part of a
documentary for Carhartt’s 125th Anniversary.
When the project at the Poe Locks is done, Stranaly
will get back to a large metal sculpture that he is
working on at Moran Iron Works in Onaway that will
be submitted to be put on display at Carhartt’s headquarters in Dearborn.
“I want to get back to the art. I’m missing it big
time,” said Stranaly.
Stranaly hopes to spend the summer touring with
his art and putting on workshops, and he is considering entering competitive chainsaw competitions. He
has also branched into carving wooden furniture and
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Stranaly puts together his abstract sculpture that
stands in Ottawa Art Park in Cheboygan. The sculpture
was worked on and completed at Moran Iron Works in
Onaway, then moved in pieces to for its installation in
the park.
hopes to spend some time working on the craft when
not on tour.
He is also planning to mass produce prints using
carved wooden stamps that he carves and uses to
transfer the artwork to canvas.
Stranaly’s website, www.thecommissionedcarver.com,
which is currently under construction, showcases some
of his artwork, and has contact information for those
who’d like to commission him for custom work or to
buy one of his pieces.■
Recollections
Clothing designs from centuries past
By Jared Greenleaf
arianne Fairbanks fell in love with historical garments when she was a young girl.
As she grew up, her goal was to eventually start a
business designing clothing that took us all back in
time.
“It’s something she’s (Fairbanks) been really interested in since she was very young,” said Donna Klein,
marketing director of Recollections. “She’s always
had a passion for doing this.”
Fairbanks founded Recollections in 1981 in Southeast Michigan. The company is located in Hawks, an
area located in Bismarck Township, Presque Isle
County.
Recollections features unique historically inspired
clothing from various eras from the mid-1800s to the
mid-1900s, including Victorian and Edwardian.
In addition to Victorian and Edwardian period fashions, Recollections’ designs have been used in Civil
War and Old West reenactments, weddings and other
special events, and has provided costuming for film
and stage productions, ballroom dancing, and photography.
M
“Historical recreations have
been gaining popularity in
recent years,”
“Historical recreations have been gaining popularity in recent years,” Klein explained. “The popularity
of ‘Downton Abbey,’ a popular British television
drama, provided opportunity for Recollections to
introduce new designs as the show moved from the
late Victorian to the Edwardian era, and now, the
1920s.”
“We are starting to be recognized in the entertainment industry, which is bringing in opportunities to
be seen on a larger scale,” Klein added.
Recently, a Recollections blouse was featured in an
episode of the CBS television drama, ‘The Good Wife.’
“When the episode aired, some of us said, ‘Wow,’
there’s the blouse!” Klein said. “It was very exciting
MICHIGAN MADE
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Recollections features unique
historically inspired clothing
from various eras from the
mid-1800s to the mid-1900s,
including Victorian and
Edwardian.
In a recent episode of “The Good Wife” one of the
company’s blouses was featured
for us to see our clothing on that show. It was very
interesting.”
Recollections garments will be featured on the Hallmark Chanel, and will also be shown this June on
‘Another Period,’ a Comedy Central program produced by well-known actor, Ben Stiller.
Recollections has been an online store since 1999,
and started out with a few dozen products. Since
then, the company has offered more than 1,000 products to a worldwide clientele, including Disney World
and several theatre and opera companies.
“Taking it to the Internet made all the difference in
the world because it’s opened up Recollections to a
global economy,” Klein continued. “Sales are steady
throughout the year.”
Recollections clothing is made in Northern Michigan; in Hawks and Cheboygan. Not only does the
company design the clothing, but also makes the pattern and sews the product in sizes ranging from XS to
XXXXL. “We’re always striving to provide the highest
quality with the best designs,” Klein concluded.■
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Mother Mary’s Canning offers a range of
Michigan Made specialty products
made with fresh produce from
Michigan farmers
e”
c
nique Year-Ro
n
e
i
U
r
und Shopping Expe
“A
Immerse yourself in the splendor of the four seasons
231-750-2340
We offer Original Paintings, Northern Inspired
Products and Distinctive Gifts
Take home a Special Mackinaw Memory from our selection
of Seasonal Home Decor, Folk Art, and Handcrafted Pottery
Thank you for Visiting and Safe Travels
1432 Nicolet, Cheboygan, MI 49721
[email protected]
www.mothermaryscanning.com
Debuts
this May
www.seasonsofmackinaw.com
226 E. Central Ave. #7 • Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231-436-5555
MACKINAC JOURNAL
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7,000 via subscription, distribution in the Cheboygan Daily
Tribune and The Evening News, and rack distribution,
targeting the communities and visitors in the Straits and
EUP area including Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, Luce,
Mackinac and Presque Isle counties.
- Good Stories
- Great Shelf Life
- Solid Advertising Value
“It’s about time someone started a magazine like this.”
For advertising Information Contact:
231-627-7144 or [email protected]
MICHIGAN MADE
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Mackinac Bridge rings, designed by Yvonne Della-Moretta and available in styles for men and women, are some of
Gold Mine Jewelry’s most popular items. Photo by Brenda Weber-Rigotti
Gold Mine Jewelry
Jewelry with a very personal touch
By Brenda Weber-Rigotti
[email protected]
Extraordinary designs, original
artwork and the use of
indigenous materials all make
Gold Mine Jewelry unique.
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MICHIGAN MADE
or 29 years, Gold Mine Jewelry has been a gem in
the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Nestled in the heart of downtown St. Ignace at 280
N. State Street, the business is owned and operated
by Tom and Yvonne Della-Moretta.
Yvonne has created rings that follow the waves of a
piece of ribbon candy, as well as those that feature
the gentle grace of a swan. Butterflies wrap around
fingers in delicate designs and angel wings adorn the
sides of special pieces. Geometric patterns — including one inspired by the Chrysler Building in New York
— can also be seen on a variety of gorgeous rings.
Exquisitely designed “Scrimshaw trees” adorn a
newer jewelry line.
“I designed a ‘Tree of Life’ and those trees are cut
outs on black onyx and mother of pearl,” said
Yvonne. “I also etch them in sterling silver.”
Some of the most stunning pieces of jewelry in the
F
Yvonne’s Mackinac Bridge rings are one of the most
popular items in the store. Pictured above is a men’s
ring.
store, however, were created from the inspiration that
Michigan — specifically the Eastern Upper Peninsula
— gives the artist.
“I grew up in St. Ignace and Yvonne is from Mackinac Island,” explained Tom.
An easily recognizable sight from either location,
the “Mighty Mac” is prominently featured in pieces
for both men and women.
“Yvonne’s Mackinac Bridge rings are some of our
most popular items,” said Tom.
And, a unique form of island transportation has
inspired rings that are part of the “Fairytales Collection” of jewelry.
“Growing up on Mackinac Island,” said Yvonne, “I
always watched the horse-drawn carriages.”
This common form of transportation led to the
inception of the Carriage Ring. Available in different
styles, the center stone of each piece rides atop a carriage — some of which even feature diamond accent
“wheels” on the sides.
“Incorporating design in jewelry involves more
than just the ‘halo’ of the piece,” said Tom. “Yvonne
makes the sides of the rings beautiful, too.”
Yvonne started designing and creating at a young
age.
“My mom had a store on the island,” she explained,
“and we would spend the winters making jewelry.”
“I also painted watercolors. I’ve always been
involved with art,” she said with a smile.
The walls of Gold Mine are adorned with Yvonne’s
artwork, featuring local scenes, her intricate
Scrimshaw trees, nature and seasonal themes.
Some of these paintings are also featured in pendants, charms and bracelets.
Images and outlines of the Great Lakes and Michigan
can be seen on a variety of items, including these pendants. Photo by Brenda Weber-Rigotti
Lake Superior Woolen
Fiber produced by Northern Michigan Shepherds
Wool Blankets
Mattress Pads
We are a group of small, family farms
who raise their sheep on the natural
green pastures of Northern Michigan
and make our wool blankets
from our own fleeces.
7538 W M-48
Rudyard, MI 49780
906-984-4070
www.lswoolen.com
MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
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Tom and Yvonne Della-Moretta owners of Gold
Mine Jewelry in downtown St. Ignace. Photo by
Brenda Weber-Rigotti
“They’re beautiful souvenirs,” said Yvonne.
Images and outlines of the Upper Peninsula, the
Lower Peninsula, and the entire state of Michigan can
be seen on a variety of items as well.
A graduate gemologist who also specializes in jewelry repair, Yvonne earned her degree from the
Gemological Institute of America.
Yvonne and Tom attend gem shows and hand-select
gems for Gold Mine’s jewelry.
“We also choose our own Michigan stones,” said
Tom, explaining that the pair commonly works with
gems and minerals that are indigenous to the area.
“We buy them cut and polished, or we purchase the
rough stones and have them cut and polished. All of
the cutting and polishing takes place in Michigan.”
Those Michigan stones — including agates,
Petoskey stones, Leeland Blue (straight from the
beach in St. Ignace) and Mackinac Green — are then
turned into stunning necklaces, bracelets, rings and
earrings.
A special material called “Fordite” is also available
in jewelry and accessories at Gold Mine.
“It’s paint overspray from auto factories,” explained
Tom. “The chunks of it — comprised of many layers
of paint — are then polished down to expose a variety of colors.”
“I like to polish the Fordite myself,” said Yvonne.
“It’s a lot of fun to see which colors come out.”
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This sterling silver Upper Peninsula pendant is
available in both polished and hammered (seen
above) finishes and two different sizes. Photo by
Brenda Weber-Rigotti
Copper replacement agate can also be found among
the unique creations in the jewelry cases.
“They’re agates where copper has flowed into the
stones,” said Tom.
Extraordinary designs, original artwork and the use
of indigenous materials all make Gold Mine Jewelry
unique. And Tom and Yvonne are looking forward to
expanding their business.
“Designs by Evon will open in Mackinac Crossings
in Mackinac City on May 1,” said Tom. “It will feature
items predominantly made or designed by us —
including the Mackinac Bridge rings, Michiganthemed and Michigan stone products.”
“We’ll also have new designs never seen before in
the new store,” added Yvonne. “We want people to
come in and see new products.”
The couple makes northern Michigan sparkle a little brighter. Community members and visitors alike
need only visit the stores to see how.
For more information, or to view Yvonne’s designs,
call (906) 643-7001, visit goldminejeweler.com or follow Gold Mine Jewelry on Facebook.■
Kruegers Fish Market — at 203 Etherington in Mackinaw City — continues to be one of the area's featured attractions,
supplying travelers and tourists with smoked fish, whitefish sausage and jerky.
Krueger’s Fish Market
Supplying travelers
and tourists the
best in smoked fish
By Scott Brand
[email protected]
or Krueger's Fish Market, Michigan-made is the
only way they know how to operate as the family
approaches its third decade of making brine, manning fires and selling their products at two locations
in Mackinaw City.
"Whitefish, lake trout, salmon, menominee, herring
and chubs if I can find them," said Clinton Krueger of
the fish the family takes in from those who ply the
Great Lakes. "We keep everything as local as we can."
F
MICHIGAN MADE
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Clinton Krueger and his girlfriend, Michelle Thompson, package up a freshly smoked fish for a customer at
Krueger's Fish Market.
The son of Geoffrey and Susan Krueger, Clinton
was exposed to the smoking industry at a very early
age.
"I was only about 10," he said, reflecting back on his
career. "I've worked here my whole life."
The Kruegers take in the catch of local fisherman,
sometimes receiving them fully-dressed and other
times buying the whole fish, before setting to work
themselves.
The first step: A salt-water brining solution where
the various fish soak overnight.
The next stop is a massive wood-fire smoker where
they will spend roughly 6-8 hours bathing in the heat
and smoke.
Clinton said his wood supply, which can go up to 70
cords a year, comes from Bliss Township in Emmet
County.
"No gas, no electric," he said of the smoke. "Its all
hard sugar maple."
The whitefish and salmon are the most popular
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MICHIGAN MADE
items on the smoked fish menu, but Clinton considers himself a trout man — expressing a preference for
smoked lake trout.
A unique item in the Krueger line-up comes in the
form of a whitefish sausage recipe developed by the
family patriarch more than 40 years ago.
"It's a polish-kielbasa recipe," said Clinton, accounting for somewhere between 5,000 and 6,000 pounds
in sales each year. "Just fish and seasoning — no
cures, no nitrates."
While smoked fish has been the staple, the
Kruegers have expanded their line of products. Beef
jerky in the original and teriyaki flavors are the most
popular with additional offerings available in barbecue and cajun. The turkey jerky is offered in two
different flavors — original and barbecue — with
Clinton unable to determine a favorite with his customers.
"Speciality cuts of round steak," he said of the meat
primarily used to make the popular jerky. By his best
Clinton Krueger weighs a recently smoked whitefish at
Krueger's Fish Market.
FULL-SERVICE LUMBERYARD
Whitefish sausage hangs from a smoking stick as it is
taken from the smokehouse at Kruger's Fish Market.
HOME PROJECT HEADQUARTERS
estimate, somewhere between 45 and 50 percent of
the meat's original weight will be lost during the
smoking process.
Beef sticks have been another popular addition.
"Everything I sell here we do but the cheeses,"
explained Clinton, saying he puts his trust in the folks
from Wisconsin to deliver that product. "That's a
whole different process."
Originally just a seasonal fish market, the Kruegers
took on big game — deer, bear, antelope, moose, caribou, elk and even a few bison — to keep them
running through the winter months. An influx of winter travelers to the Upper Peninsula, Clinton adds,
has allowed them to open up most weekends even in
the harshest of winters.
Krueger's Fish Market has been at the same location, at 203 W. Etherington, for 29 years where all of
their products are found. A smaller selection of their
smoked fish and jerky can also be purchased at the
local Citgo gas station.■
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MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
|
17
Micro roaster brews
superior coffee
A freshly roasted cup of coffee an experience for the senses
By Angela Kipling
[email protected]
reshly roasted coffee is now available locally and
is a welcome addition to the area for coffee
drinkers.
Walking through the door of Superior Coffee Roasting Company, Inc. on Ashmun Street in Sault Ste.
Marie is an experience for the senses.
The interior of the building is warm and inviting
and the aroma of fresh roasted coffee is extraordinary. While shopping in the front of the store, you
can browse several different selections all the while
listening to the beans churning in the roaster.
Owner Ron Kurnik opened the business in November 2012 after moving here from Arkansas where he
ran an outfitters company. While deciding on what
his next venture would be, he noticed that there wasn’t a roasting company in the area.
Having traveled the world and experienced the difference in taste that a freshly roasted cup of coffee
can make, Kurnik decided to open Superior Coffee
Roasting Company, Inc.
His intention was to offer the best, freshest, and
most flavorful coffee he can while maintaining quality — keeping things organic as much as possible and
helping to maintain small farmers & co-ops who grow
and harvest the beans.
“I am focused on providing people with the best,
freshest roasted cup of coffee for the price,” Kurnik
said.
He has a passion for coffee and saw a need for a
micro roaster.
Since the beans are grown all over the world and
imported to Sault Ste. Marie before being roasted, a
F
18
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MARCH 2015
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MICHIGAN MADE
lot of work goes into a cup of coffee.
Buying fresh roasted coffee ensures the best taste.
The older and more exposed to the elements a coffee
bean becomes stale and bitter and is noticed in the
taste once brewed.
Kurnik and his small crew can be found roasting
both blends and single origin coffee beans most days.
They work in small batches and quality control is the
top priority.
While bagged, fresh roasted coffee in either whole
and ground form is their main product in blends like
Mariners - True North Blend and Sailors Sunrise
Breakfast Blend, Superior Coffee Roasting Company
is branching out into flavored coffee.
Enticing hazelnut and crème brûlée flavors are currently available for traditional coffee makers. For
those who prefer the single serving makers, K-Cups
are now available in Medium Roast Breakfast Blend,
Dark Roast, and Swiss water decaf.
Superior Coffee Roasting Company coffee can be
found at Sault Ste. Marie grocery stores including:
SuperValu, Family Fare and Harmony Health Foods.
It is also served at Kewadin Casino and Lake Superior
State University.
Beans, whole or ground, may also be purchased at
the store which offers eco-friendly refill programs and
punch cards for loyal customers. The business is
open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 2611
Ashmun Street. If you need a coffee fix outside of the
area, visit www.superiorcoffeeroasting.com or superiorcoffee on Facebook to place an order.■
MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
|
19
Michigan Maple
Company
Expanding and promoting the maple
syrup industry along the way
By Mary Barker
[email protected]
Photos by Jerry Pond
rom 25 sugar maple taps in 1985, using an aluminum pot and an old propane torch for fuel,
Mike Ross, owner of Michigan Maple Company and
his wife Joyce have come a long way in 30 years.
Not only is the company the third largest produce
of maple syrup in Michigan, the Ross-owned franchise, CDL of Michigan, is the largest supplier of
equipment to process maple syrup in the state and
region, with the next closest equipment suppliers
found in eastern New York and Vermont. The couple’s, son, Derek, is the business manager for both
companies, which together employ 10 people.
That spring in 1985 when he finished what his
father started with 25 taps, Ross discovered he loved
making maple syrup. “I was having fun. I didn’t think
I’d be doing this now. I just like making something. I
am always making and fixing things for myself and
others. I’m kind of a hands-on guy.”
“We just kept expanding and upgrading....I bought a
small evaporator and we kept growing.”
Michigan Maple Company has 22,000 taps on 135
acres just north of Rudyard. And, so it went, he kept
expanding and growing. He hopes in the next 10
years to have 50,000-70,000 taps and expects that
would take about 300-to-350 acres to accomplish.
The company is taking a big step forward this year
after earning its organic certification and is now
among a very few who can offer organic maple syrup.
The next closest market where organic syrup is produced is in Quebec. In addition, Michigan Maple
Company has value-added maple products including
barbecue sauce, dressings, mustard and fruit flavor-
F
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MICHIGAN MADE
At the recent kick-off for the 2015 syrup season at Michigan Maple Company, in the Upper Peninsula's Rudyard, producers large and small came from around the state and region for a maple syrup symposium. Attendees saw new
equipment and learned about methods to increase production and how to create a business plan. A group of Amish
farmers from mid-Michigan were among those who traveled to the U.P. to attend the event. Photo by Jerry Pond
“I am all about doing whatever
it takes to promote the maple
syrup industry in Michigan,”
“I am all about doing whatever it takes to promote
the maple syrup industry in Michigan,” said Ross,
who spends a lot of time helping smaller producers
get started and take the next step when they are
poised for growth. Not only does he sell virtually all
infused syrups. Ross said a whiskey-infused syrup is
in the making.
Aside from his own success as a producer, Ross is
most passionate about the burgeoning maple syrup
industry in the State of Michigan and helping other
producers become more successful. Ross, along with
Craig Waldron, of Far Hills Maple Syrup in Indian
River — the state’s second largest producer of syrup
— formed the Commercial Maple Syrup Producers of
Michigan, which is focused on promoting the industry and pushing to get federal dollars to advertise
Michigan maple syrup. He said there are federal grant
dollars earmarked in the Farm Bill for such a purpose,
and it is the association’s goal to get those dollars to
the state to be funneled into the Pure Michigan marketing campaign.
MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
|
21
Miles of vacuum-pressurized tubing in a grid system carry the sap from the tapped trees to the pump houses located
at strategic spots on 135 acres owned by Mike and Joyce Ross of Michigan Maple Company. The company is the third
largest producer of maple syrup on Michigan. Photo by Jerry Pond
Michigan taps .014 percent of
its maple trees compared to
about 35 percent in Vermont.
Consumption of maple syrup
on the East Coast is 7 times
per capita what it is in
Michigan.
of the equipment to small, medium and large producers in the state, he helps install it and is often called
on for repairs.
Ross said there is a great opportunity and not a lot
of competition in the maple syrup industry. He helps
producers learn the trade and establish a business
plan. He provides large barrels for them to put the
syrup in to ship out to buyers and purchases any
excess syrup producers can not sell, providing a
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MARCH 2015
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MICHIGAN MADE
ready-made market that ensures smaller producers
have a cash flow to continue.
In 2013, Michigan produced 148,000 gallons of
syrup; 152,000 in 2014 and an estimated 150,000 in
2015. He said Michigan has nearly 3.75 times as
many maple trees as Vermont and most of them are
larger, healthier and more productive.
Ross said Michigan taps .014 percent of its maple
trees compared to about 35 percent in Vermont. And,
he said, consumption of maple syrup on the East
Coast is 7 times per capita what it is in Michigan.
That is why, Ross said, marketing is essential to
create more awareness and demand for Michigan
Maple Syrup.
Obstacles include trying to rent large tracts of land
with maple trees from the State of Michigan, which is
working with the logging industry. But, Ross points
out that maple syrup production and logging are not
mutually exclusive as maple forests need to be
thinned of mature trees and selectively harvested
every 10 years to maintain maximum production
rates.
And, Ross argues, the costs associated with logging
are much higher than maple syrup whereas the job
creation potential of the maple syrup industry and its
ancillary products is much higher.■
The stainless high-tech machine pictured above is a concentrator and pumping system used in the production of the
syrup in the evaporation systems in manufacturing the final product. Photo by Jerry Pond
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MICHIGAN MADE
| MARCH 2015
|
23
McDowell Hay, Inc.
One of Michigan’s largest producers of hay has distributed to such
notables as the Queen of England and Secretariat
By Rob Roos
[email protected]
t was once called the "Hay Capital of Michigan."
While the Rudyard area can no longer claim that
title, it does produce its share of premium hay, which
is still a cash crop in demand by horse owners around
the country.
Many of the EUP farms have been in the same families for generations. Bob, Ron and Gary McDowell,
owners of McDowell Hay Inc., joined the family business with their father Glen in 1979.
High-quality timothy hay is the mainstay of
McDowell Hay Inc. They specialize in square hay
bales, which are most often distributed to the south
— where timothy hay is a longtime favorite of the
horse industry, including farms and race tracks.
Florida is one of the major markets, while there are
also many buyers in Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama.
Glen McDowell began his farm in his hometown of
Rudyard in 1948, starting what would turn into a
family tradition in the hay business.
One of the early buyers for his straw was the Ball
Mason Canning Company. Later, customers included
the mounted police departments in Detroit and
Chicago. There were many notable places the hay
was sold over the years, McDowell Farms provided
hay for the Queen of England's horses, the 1968
Olympics in Mexico, and the legendary race horse
Secretariat in Kentucky.
Glen passed away, at age 86, this past October.
McDowell Hay Inc. goes on with the leadership of his
three sons. Farming just under 1,000 acres, they produced around 36,000 bales of hay last year.
Bob McDowell followed in his father's footsteps,
now serving on the board of directors for the National
Hay Association, an over 100 year old organization.
He is the primary marketer/broker of the family business.
The cutting of the hay is usually done around July
4, and must be done when weather conditions are
considered just right. A crew is brought in to load the
hay bales on semi-trailers for transport.
Despite a long winter and late arriving spring,
McDowell Hay, Inc. had a good year in 2014.
"A lot of hay still goes out of this area," Bob McDow-
I
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MICHIGAN MADE
Timothy hay is a longtime favorite of the horse
industry, including farms and race tracks
ell said. "It was a pretty good year, especially when we
didn't really get started until mid-July. We are at the
mercy of the weather and always paying real close
attention to the weather. We had a wet spring and it
didn't look good for awhile there. But we salvaged it.
Gary, the oldest of 10 McDowell brothers and sisters, was State Representative for District 107 from
2005 to 2010. Now retired from politics, McDowell
still enjoys the hay business.
"We love hay," Gary said. "It sounds corny but its
part of our culture and family tradition.
"We still always look forward to hay season," Gary
said. "But we always look forward to it being over as
well."
The EUP's combination of cool, wet climate and
clay soils are well suited for hay production. Hay
farming has deep roots in the Rudyard area and there
were many successful farms for over 100 years. There
are fewer farms now, although some still thrive.
The proverb "make hay while the sun shines,"
means to turn a field of vegetation into bales of animal feed.
"That is true," Bob said. "You have to get the job
done when the sun shines. You don't wait until
tomorrow in this business."■
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