Regional news roundup: Benzie's millage, Wexford's solar and Up North's wildfire danger

DNA and a cold-case conviction

On Monday, a Grand Traverse County jury convicted Steven Gary Koon, 64, of the killing of Linda Meteer in 1989. Key to securing the conviction, the prosecutor said, was mitochondrial DNA evidence demonstrating Meteer had been in Koon's vehicle. Journalist Mardi Link explains how recent science secured a conviction after 37 years.

Saving Antrim's Spring Cleanup

For about 20 years, people in Antrim County have piled unwanted goods along the side of the road. People spend time picking it all over, taking what they like, and often find some real treasures: furniture, art, a hot tub. But MDOT says the trash needs to stay out of the right-of-way or the Spring Cleanup could end. And one township is hoping a small sign might save the tradition.

Regional news roundup: Benzie's millage, Wexford's solar and Up North's wildfire danger

It's a regional roundup today on the Up North Lowdown. We'll hear about a crucial millage vote in Benzie County, solar array concerns in Wexford County and how rainfall doesn't necessarily tell you much about wildfire danger.

Why was A.I. part of contract talks for Munson nurses?

Union nurses and Munson Medical Center in Traverse City have reached a tentative agreement after months of negotiation. Artificial intelligence was among the issues on the table during those talks. We hear why. Plus, other stories from northern Michigan.

As Michigan's weather shifts, demand is growing for tornado safe rooms

Last year, you might recall, northern Michigan experienced three tornadoes on the same day. In 2022, Gaylord was hit by a deadly twister. And southwest Michigan suffered deaths and injuries after tornadoes earlier this year. What do you do if you live in a home with little shelter, like no basement, or lots of windows? More and more, people are turning to tornado safe rooms. Bridge Michigan's Nate Miller wrote about the growing trend and talks with the Lowdown about why demand is growing for the shelters.