The Student News Site of Northern Michigan University

The North Wind
Photo courtesy of NMU WellBeing
A Q&A with WellBeing
December 4, 2023
LEAVE NO TRACE — Heather Vivian from Respect Marquette County educates on the impacts of outdoor recreation as part of the organizations mission of protecting natural resources.
Leave No Trace 101 workshop promotes protecting natural resources
December 1, 2023
LOCAL HOUSING — The city of Marquette has faced several challenges regarding affordability in the area.
Marquette city manager addresses affordable housing in the city
December 1, 2023
SHINE PROJECTS — Students gather to strategize and connect with NMU sustainability and all that plays a role in it. Photo courtesy of Jes Thompson
SHINE program provides sustainability progress, opportunities
December 1, 2023
NEW FEATURES - The plan for what the new Harden Hall should look like. Renovation should take about two years, and the library will be updated with many new features.
Harden Hall to receive two-year renovation
December 1, 2023
NEVER STOP RUNNING — Many people turn to the treadmill once temperatures start to drop. The truth is, with proper protection, you can keep running outside as long as youd like.
Opinion — Outdoor exercise in the chilly seasons
December 5, 2023
NOT A SOUND — A study area in Jamrich, almost devoid of people. Before covid, the halls would be packed with people socializing.
Opinion — The importance of socializing and discussion
December 1, 2023
LAYER UP — A fuzzy hat and large jacket, two essential parts of staying warm in the winter. Adding a few extra layers is highly encouraged, especially when temperatures start to drop into the negatives.
Editorial — Proper protection against cold weather
November 30, 2023
VERY, VERY COLD — A sheet of ice enveloping the land. The Upper Peninsula gets quite cold during the winter, and not enough people understand that.
Opinion — If you dislike winter, why go to Northern?
November 16, 2023
LIFE OF WORK — Me sitting at my desk, preparing for another shift of directing news. Other than the occasional complaint of having to leave for work, I welcome the idea of working for the rest of my life.
Opinion — Preparing to work for the rest of your life
November 14, 2023
SEVEN MINUTE ITCH — Noah Richardson and his band got the crowd screaming and shouting along during every song.
Anticipation to acclaim: NAE’s Noah Richardson concert with Iridescence owns the stage
December 5, 2023
LOCAL ART — Art hung on all the walls in The Crib so people could admire and purchase it as they worked.
COZEE Show art gallery takes over The Crib
December 5, 2023
FUN FACTS — Dallas Wiertella (far right) explains different misconceptions about reasons for food insecurity, including laziness, high unemployment or the economy, when accessibility is the main driver of food insecurity. The trivia night was hosted by Marquette Ending Hunger to raise awareness and donations for the NMU Food Pantry.
Trivia night raises awareness about food insecurity in the UP
December 4, 2023
TALENTED STYLING — With steady hands, a student focuses as she works on an intricate hairstyle.
Students learn in immersive cosmetology experience
November 30, 2023
PINK EXPLOSION — With the help of the Special Events Committee, Campus Cinema is showing the double feature Barbenheimer with a pink runway experience. Photo courtesy of Izabella Filippelli.
From science to fashion: Barbenheimer comes to NMU
November 30, 2023
CHAMPIONSHIP MIND — Wildcats dive into the Calvin College Invite this weekend looking for NCAA consideration.
Wildcats Swim & Dive into Calvin College Invite pursuing NCAA consideration, championship qualifications
December 1, 2023
WILDCAT GOAL — Goaltender Benni Halasz watches from his post as the team celebrates a goal. Halasz was named CCHA Goaltender of the week after the Cats swept Augustana at home last weekend.
M Hockey: Halasz earns Goaltender of the Week after weekend split against Falcons
December 1, 2023
COMPETE — The Cats end the regular season ranked five in the GLIAC.
Women’s Volleyball finishes GLIAC tournament season in Quarterfinals against MTU
November 17, 2023
HOME SPLIT — The Northern Michigan womens ice hockey team celebrates win against rival Bulldogs.
Women’s Hockey splits weekend against rival Adrian College
November 17, 2023
GAME WINNER — Josh Zinger with the game-winning goal on Saturday night to take the weekend sweep.
Men’s Hockey celebrates first weekend sweep of season against CCHA opponent LSSU
November 17, 2023
Campus Cinema hosts Barbenheimer double feature
Campus Cinema hosts ‘Barbenheimer’ double feature
December 3, 2023
Noah Richardson, Iridescence rock the Northern Center at NAE concert
Noah Richardson, Iridescence rock the Northern Center at NAE concert
December 1, 2023
Students can peruse and purchase plants propagated by teaching staff at the campus greenhouse. The sale runs through this week.
Campus greenhouse hosts plant sale at library
November 14, 2023
Jamming the night away with NoMAD
Jamming the night away with NoMAD
October 29, 2023
Yellow and Green as far as one can see
Yellow and Green as far as one can see
October 26, 2023

The North Wind

The North Wind
Andie Balenger

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor

When it comes to modes of expression, writing has always been my forte. I have been documenting my life since I can remember, the most valuable gift I ever received is a fluorescent pink diary from my mother at the age of six. Since then, I have been scribbling down every situation, opinion or fiction tale I have come into contact with. The North Wind found me during my junior year when a staff member bet that I had a lot of opinions. She was not wrong, and voila! I am now the opinion editor. While I enjoy telling personal stories of triumph and failure, I find fulfillment in providing an open forum of discussion for the students, faculty and alumni of Northern Michigan University.

All content by Andie Balenger
GOING DARK — The NMU eSports lab in the basement of Harden Hall may be permanently shut down. The team was told they had to shut down operations on Thursday due to lack of financial revenue.

Athletic administration terminates eSports team

Katarina Rothhorn, Dallas Wiertella, and Andie Balenger
April 25, 2023
DESK EDITOR — A picture of me sitting at my desk in The North Wind office, fully equipped with a black coffee that is spilled and a bag of Fritos — a seemingly natural sight as a journalist. When I first walked into the newsroom, I was completely unaware of the transformation this work experience would have on me.

Opinion – Reflecting on my experience as a student journalist

Andie Balenger
April 24, 2023
HIKE AND HANG — One of several panoramic views that can be seen along the hike to the hidden Wetmore Pond. Students from the ORLM department have planned a relaxing, yet educational, hiking event or people to attend.

Students lead hike to Wetmore Pond

Andie Balenger
April 18, 2023
AGAINST ALL ODDS — Joseph Calderon poses next to the land acknowledgment sign, located in the academic mall, that denotes that NMU is on the ancestral homelands of the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibway, Odawa, and Potawatomi Indians. Calderon enrolled at NMU in 2021, returning to higher education after failing at other institutions along the West Coast.

Exceeding expectations: Joseph Calderon’s return to higher education

Andie Balenger
April 12, 2023
Opinion — The benefits of yoga

Opinion — The benefits of yoga

Andie Balenger
April 4, 2023
VOILA, VIOLA — Barbara Rhyneer’s Chamber Ensemble students will be playing Michael Haydn’s “String Quintet in C Major,” which features two violas. Quintets are not a common happening in the world of strings, especially with two viola players.

The year of the quintet

Andie Balenger
April 3, 2023
Opinion — Tattoos: Hot or not?

Opinion — Tattoos: Hot or not?

Andie Balenger
March 28, 2023
Dear Diary: Prioritize your mental health by journaling

Dear Diary: Prioritize your mental health by journaling

Andie Balenger
March 27, 2023
HANDMADE — Northern alumni Julia Bolton models a sea glass necklace that she handcrafted. Bolton fell in love with metalsmithing after taking an extracurricular class at NMU during her junior year.

Northern alumni makes hand-crafted jewelry

Andie Balenger
March 23, 2023
CLIMB ON — Despite bruised shins and jelly limbs, I (climbing on the right) reached the top of this 70-foot ice formation — affectionately named “The Dryer Hose” — with several words of encouragement and a few breaks. While physical strength is a must to reach the top, the mental roadblocks were much more complicated to conquer as I clung to the face of the ice.

Opinion — Ice climbing and the reward of perseverance

Andie Balenger
March 21, 2023
Opinion — Equality and equity: What’s the difference?

Opinion — Equality and equity: What’s the difference?

Andie Balenger
March 16, 2023
CHEERLEADER — Welles, the mascot of the NMU volleyball team, greets Wildcat Willy at a home match. As the team is introduced, the service dog will bark for each of the players to show his support.

Welles: Companion, confidant, service dog

Andie Balenger
March 13, 2023
SAG* art show promotes hands-on experience

SAG* art show promotes hands-on experience

Andie Balenger
February 27, 2023
State Rep. Jenn Hill to discuss climate policy with NMU community

State Rep. Jenn Hill to discuss climate policy with NMU community

Andie Balenger
February 20, 2023
SECOND HOME — My uncle’s camp sits quietly at the end of a clearing as my dogs race each other to the door. From sunny days spent on the lake to late night card games, cross-country skiing expenditures to bean bag tournaments, there was always fun to be had at camp.

Opinion — Fond memories at a Yooper camp

Andie Balenger
February 17, 2023
POETS UNITE — Presenters at Poetry Without Borders in the fall of 2019 pose for a photo. NMU will once again be hosting this celebration of linguistic diversity in the Marquette area on Feb. 23 after a three-year hiatus.

Poetry Without Borders to return after three-year hiatus

Andie Balenger
February 13, 2023
Opinion — Best at-home workouts for all fitness levels

Opinion — Best at-home workouts for all fitness levels

Andie Balenger
February 10, 2023
EXPRESS YOURSELF — Greta Hillstrom, owner of Fancy-Free, poses with her cat Bobbi McGee in front of one of the stores several home décor displays. Fancy-Free is a curated thrift store with the goal of promoting creativity and art within the local community.

Fancy-Free, a curated thrift experience

Andie Balenger
February 6, 2023
TRASH OR TREASURE — Customers flip through racks of clothing at the Marquette Goodwill. Not only is thrift shopping an incredibly relaxing experience, but buying items second-hand is great for our environment.

Opinion — Why you should thrift more

Andie Balenger
February 1, 2023
Opinion — Navigating college as a first-gen student

Opinion — Navigating college as a first-gen student

Andie Balenger
February 1, 2023
SUN POWER — NMU students listen as a member of the solar panel installation crew explains how the bifacial panels work. The fully operational panels, located next to the SHINE building on Presque Isle Avenue, are the largest project to be financed entirely by the Green Fund, a five-dollar per semester student-paid fee.

Campus solar panels funded entirely by NMU students

Andie Balenger
January 30, 2023
Opinion — Streaming services have killed movie magic

Opinion — Streaming services have killed movie magic

Andie Balenger
January 25, 2023
Opinion — How Ticketmaster is ruining live music

Opinion — How Ticketmaster is ruining live music

Andie Balenger
January 24, 2023
NMU International Studies Program

Study abroad informational sessions to be hosted weekly

Andie Balenger
January 23, 2023
Opinion — Podcasts are the future of news

Opinion — Podcasts are the future of news

Andie Balenger
January 18, 2023
Opinion — My top five films of 2022

Opinion — My top five films of 2022

Andie Balenger
December 7, 2022
Opinion — Be extra kind to service industry workers this holiday season

Opinion — Be extra kind to service industry workers this holiday season

Andie Balenger
December 5, 2022
Opinion — My top four albums of 2022

Opinion — My top four albums of 2022

Andie Balenger
December 1, 2022
Opinion — Song dissection of “Funny the Way It Is”

Opinion — Song dissection of “Funny the Way It Is”

Andie Balenger
November 30, 2022
Feminism For All to sell baked goods in support of equal pay

Feminism For All to sell baked goods in support of equal pay

Andie Balenger
November 28, 2022
LIVE MUSIC — The NMU Jazz Band performing at the direction of Mark Flaherty, head of the department of music, at a previous NMU Jazz Ensembles concert. Both the NMU Jazz Band and three combos will be performing in their last concert of the fall semester this Wednesday.

Jazz Ensembles to perform in last concert of the semester

Andie Balenger
November 14, 2022
COMPETITOR — A picture of 8-year-old me (right) competing in a Guitar Hero contest at a fundraiser event in my hometown. Along with being the only child in the competition, I was also the only female. Despite this, I battled my way to the final four, knocking out two men before falling myself.

Wild Secrets — I am a Guitar Hero legend

Andie Balenger
November 9, 2022
NMU to host first-generation college celebration Tuesday

NMU to host first-generation college celebration Tuesday

Andie Balenger
November 7, 2022
HERITAGE — Shelby Boggs, Sophia Panek and Riley Diehlman (left to right) greet students as they enter the dining hall for the week of Indigenous Eats at Northern Lights Dining. The Native American Student Association is partnering with the dining hall to raise awareness about Indigenous foods and culture for Native American Heritage Month.

NASA brings indigenous foods to Northern Lights Dining

Andie Balenger
November 1, 2022
ALL SMILES — A photo of me when I was 7 years old, giddily smiling with my choice of a cookie cake at my birthday party. When I was younger, my birthday felt like the best day of the year. Now, my birthday forces me to face the fact that I have no choice but to “grow up” and be an adult.

Opinion — My struggle with birthday celebrations

Andie Balenger
October 25, 2022
TREATS GALORE — Students hand out candy to a passing vehicle at last year’s Trunk or Treat event. The Special Events Committee will be hosting its third annual Trunk or Treat on Oct. 29, offering community members a twist on traditional trick-or-treating that is more convenient and accessible.

Special Events Committee to host third annual Trunk or Treat event

Andie Balenger
October 24, 2022
SOLIDARITY — Slut Walk attendees watch as speakers share their stories of sexual assault and harassment at the Wildcat Statue. Feminism For All hosted its sixth annual Slut Walk on Friday, an event uniting people in support of sexual assault awareness and prevention on campus.

Slut Walk draws large crowd, victims of assault share stories

Andie Balenger
October 18, 2022
VOTING MATTERS — Social Justice For Us will be hosting “Rock the Vote” to excite and encourage members of the campus community to participate in the upcoming midterm election. The event will include live music by local artists in addition to information regarding absentee ballot registration and voting processes.

“Rock the Vote” to centralize voter information on campus with live music

Andie Balenger
October 17, 2022
LITTLE BAY — The sun rises above two fishermen on Little Bay de Noc, painting the water shades of yellow in my hometown of Gladstone, Mich. With endless information at our fingertips, Gen Zers now more than ever have been itching to escape their small towns to see what life has to offer them elsewhere.

Opinion — Why young people leave their small towns

Andie Balenger
October 13, 2022
GO VOTE — Attendees at “Anatomy of an Election” pose questions to Marie Wicks, a Michigan election official, regarding the voting process. Northern Votes, a student organization, hosted “Anatomy of an Election” to explain the intricacies of casting a ballot on election day.

“Anatomy of an Election” dissects voting in Michigan

Andie Balenger
October 10, 2022
SAFETY - The NMU Police Department and the Center for Student Enrichment are cohosting a Skill Builder! workshop to teach students about risk assessment. This event is designed as an open forum to promote discussion among participants.

Skill builder to discuss staying safe on campus

Andie Balenger
October 3, 2022
SHOP AND SIP — I discovered the fun drink phenomenon while searching for a FitAid at a local grocery store in Marquette. To ensure my shopping trip is not a bore or a chore, I now select a “fun drink” to enjoy while checking off my grocery list.

Opinion — The fun drink phenomenon

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 27, 2022
CLIMB HIGH — A climber scales up Slug’s Bluff, an 80-foot tall quartzite cliff located in the Upper Peninsula. Slug’s Bluff is the first climber-owned area in Michigan, with the Upper Peninsula Climbers Coalition recently being gifted the land.

Upper Peninsula Climbers Coalition gifted Slug’s Buff

Andie Balenger
September 26, 2022
LOST IN FILM — In an attempt to break out of my everyday routine, I ventured to the Bay Park Cinema in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, to catch a late showing of Ti West’s “Pearl. By being more spontaneous, I hope to not only take my life less seriously but also soak up every ounce of joy that my college years have left to offer me.

Opinion — Practicing spontaneity

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 22, 2022
GATHER TO CREATE — The Lydia M. Olson Library will be hosting their family-friendly homecoming event, “Create at the Library,” this Saturday. Campus and community members alike are encouraged to attend, with arts and crafts, stories and conversations are expected to be shared.

Lydia M. Olson Library to host family-friendly hoco event

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 19, 2022
COMPANIONS — Beta, left, and Boone, right, pose for a quick picture. Growing up with a dog in the family meant that you always had a friend. Whether it be going for walks or relaxing on the couch, dogs seem to find joy in accompanying us through any endeavor that life has to offer us.

Opinion — For the love of dogs

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 13, 2022
Opinion — Review of Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

Opinion — Review of “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies”

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 12, 2022
COFFEE BREAK — A whiteboard reading “Diversity lives here” directs visitors into the Student Equity and Engagement Center. Students from all walks of life are encouraged to attend the inaugural Student Diversity Coffee Hour, which will take place at the SEEC on Sept. 13.

Coffee Hour providing open forum for all

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 12, 2022
WANDERLUST — A breathtaking view to be enjoyed after a long hike on the Ice Lake Basin trail in Silverton, Colorado. Methods for alleviating stress can come in a variety of forms, like athletics, crafting and hiking.

Opinion — Escapism: Wandering through the woods

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
September 7, 2022
Opinion—Battling the Back to School Blues

Opinion—Battling the “Back to School Blues”

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
August 30, 2022
BROWSE AROUND — Poster Sale attendees flip through large booklets of various images as Lydelle Jackson, left, assists a customer who is purchasing a Johnny Cash poster. Jackson, director of poster sales at the College Poster Sale Company, has been providing Northern Michigan University students with unique posters of famous artwork, popular musicians and video games since last Thursday as part of NMU’s welcome back festivities.

Poster Sale equips students with creative pieces

Andie Balenger, Opinion Editor
August 29, 2022
BRAS, CORSETS, GIRDLES OH MY! – Phyllis Michael Wong displays authentic fabrics and outlines that were used by the Gossard Girls during their production of women’s undergarments. The Gossard Girls kept the town of Ishpeming, Michigan economically well for over 50 years while pushing the societal boundaries that limited union and labor rights for women at the time.

Phyllis Michael Wong gives a voice to the Gossard Girls

Andie Balenger, Staff Writer
April 18, 2022
Haylee Kuehl-Weisser presents her research at another cannabis focused conference in California. She will be presenting her research involving different methods of oil extractions for cannabis at the Cannabis Education Conference on April 19 along with other students from NMU.

Cannabis Education Conference will showcase student scholarship

Andie Balenger, Staff Writer
April 15, 2022
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY - NMU students gathered in the atrium of Hedcock to celebrate a queer prom on April 1. For many LGBTQ+ students, this was the first prom they were able to comfortably celebrate in their identity.

Students celebrate identity, music, dancing at Queer Prom

Andie Balenger, Staff Writer
April 7, 2022
PROM NIGHT - Members of the LGBTQ+ community have been invited to attend Queer Prom. Queers and Allies are offering a safe space for queer students to dance, have fun, and be themselves in a traditional prom setting.

Queer Prom to provide night of inclusivity and fun

Andie Balenger, Staff Writer
March 30, 2022
CELEBRATION - CNAS and NASA invite the campus community to learn about and participate in a virtual educational Native American powwow. The event will be livestreamed over FaceBook and can be viewed via Zoom.

Celebration of culture through song, dance, drums: Powwow 102

Andie Balenger, Staff Writer
March 24, 2022
Drag queens and staff at the Landmark Inn pose after the Galentines Drag Show on Sunday, Feb. 13. Drag queens in back row (left to right): Shelby Cummins, Victoria Lynn, Cass Marie Domino, Mercedes Benzova, and Loretta Love Lee. Pride Sundays event organizer, Jaime Bedard, sits in the front row, center.

Pride Sundays highlights drag queens in Galentines Drag Show

Andie Balenger, contributing writer
February 19, 2022
Opinion—The importance of Tracy Chapmans 1988 album

Opinion—The importance of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 album

Andie Balenger, contributing writer
February 8, 2022
WONDERLAND-Although temperatures and wind chill have been extremely cold of late, there are still safe ways to enjoy the outdoors provided you prepare adequately.

Opinion—Outdoor recreation: preparedness, recommendations and rental options

Andie Balenger, contributing writer
January 28, 2022
RUNNING INTO CHANGE - Brandon Garlow and Fiona Byrne Ryan along with their two-year-old son and dog packed up or sold all their belongings and are running along the North Country Trail to raise awareness for the Line 3 pipeline. Their journey has taught them invaluable lessons about living life with purpose and are sharing their experiences with others along the way.

Running Into a New Earth: A family’s journey to discover the unknown

Andie Balenger, Contributing writer
November 10, 2021
Opinion—Review of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune

Opinion—Review of Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’

Andie Balenger, contributing writer
October 28, 2021
REBRANDING - Campus Cinema recently changed their logo as a part of their efforts to increase campus participation. They have been showing movies in a virtual and in-person formats to accommodate for COVID-19 precautions.

Campus Cinema prepares for Halloween season

Andie Balenger, Contributing writer
October 19, 2021
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The North Wind is an independent student publication serving the Northern Michigan University community. It is partially funded by the Student Activity Fee. The North Wind digital paper is published every Friday during the fall and winter semesters except on university holidays and during exam weeks. The North Wind Board of Directors is composed of representatives of the student body, faculty, administration and area media.
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