Benzie County

This week we have three conversations we think you need to hear.A lawsuit against Benzie County in federal court alleges that sheriff’s deputies could have prevented a murder. We hear from the victim’s son, who is bringing the case.And, federal job cuts hit close to home. A conversation with a Cadillac woman who lost her job at the Forest Service.Also, in his career as a freelance trumpeter, Interlochen alumnus Aaron Smith has played for TV and film, in the pit orchestras of national touring musicals, even backed up Beyonce. Now, he’s talking to us about his career. And, the tragic turkeys of Suttons Bay.That's all this week on the Up North Lowdown from Interlochen Public Radio.

McCord Henry is suing Benzie County and four current or former Benzie County Sheriff’s deputies, in a federal civil rights lawsuit over what the complaint states is a culture of misogyny that contributed to his mother’s murder.

Each Monday on Morning Edition, an IPR journalist brings you up to speed on what’s going on in northern Michigan, and what IPR is working on this week.

The lake association alleges Benzonia Township failed to permit the housing development correctly, causing environmental damage.

A mallet. A pumpkin. A way to cut down on landfill waste? Also this week: Sleeping Bear Dunes calls a halt to a trail expansion and Benzie County builds a safety net.

All eyes are on the race to determine who will go to Lansing to represent the Traverse City area, along Leelanau County and part of Benzie County.

Benzie voters will not have the ability to vote on the millage levy, which would have funded college operations in exchange for NMC’s lowest tuition rates for residents.

Some officials say the measure is needed to keep up with the growing community while others say it places too much trust in local government.

Laura Clark, the current owner of the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is selling the property ahead of her retirement. Clark has managed the drive-in theater for more than 20 years.

After seven decades of playing the trumpet, Jim Bekkering still feels the same passion as he did as a kid when he first picked up the trumpet. We meet him in this special midweek bonus episode of the Up North Lowdown.