5 YEARS AGO

February 20, 2003

An unexpected covering of ice on Lake Michigan resulted in "48 hours in hell" last week for Grand Traverse Band commercial fisherman Bill "Bear" Fowler and one crewman. Fowler’s 36-foot fishing tug, Earl C., became stuck in the ice off Cathead Bay.

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The "price was right" for construction of the new law enforcement center, which came in right where officials had expected — just over $7.1 million. Proposed plans call for construction on the upland portion of the county’s 43-acre parcel along M-204, just west of Horn Rd.

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Northport and Traverse City school districts are negotiating a marriage that will draw no objections from accountants. Northport would likely continue to keep its doors open and remain somewhat autonomous as a separate school district within the Traverse City district.

10 YEARS AGO

February 19, 1998

Only 69 inches of snow has been recorded at the County Road Commission office in Suttons Bay. A record-low of 72 inches of snowfall was recorded by the Road Commission in 1982-83 — only three inches more than this winter. The Road Commission has been recording season snowfall amounts since 1955.

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In a long-awaited decision, Circuit Judge Philip E. Rodgers Jr. threw out the Proposal A legal challenge initiated by the Citizens for Uniform Taxation (CUT).

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A recent U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling found that a casino in Marquette County owned by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is in violation of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The casino likely will be closed after the federal court issues a mandate, making its decision final.

30 YEARS AGO

February 23, 1978

With figures for new property yet to be added, the state equalized valuation of real property in Leelanau County in 1978 is expected to total at least $201 million, compared with an SEV of $174.2 million a year ago. The 1977 sum included new property.

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A Lansing investment group wants to build 120 or more units on 70 acres of land at the west end of Empire known as the "Clagett property."

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Retroactive to Sept. 1, a new pact raises the basic hourly wage for most Road Commission workers from $5.17 to $5.27, a commission spokesman said.

55 YEARS AGO

February 19, 1953

Caucuses Monday night assured election of new presidents for Northport and Empire, even though the election is not until March 9. John Hohn is unopposed as Northport president and Lon Aylsworth is unopposed for the presidency of Empire. They will succeed Edward Budd and Warren Aylsworth, who were not candidates for re-election.

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Etelka Dunklow of Leland was elected president of the newly organized Northwestern Michigan Association of Artists and Craftsmen at an organization meeting held recently at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.

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Circuit Judge Charles L. Brown of Elmwood polled nearly three times as many votes in Monday’s four-county non-partisan election as his two opponents combined.

115 YEARS AGO

February 23, 1893

"Short but impressive" funeral services were held for Nancy N. Pickard of Leland, who died Feb. 15 after a 3-week illness.

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News was also received of the death of Rev. George Thompson in Oberlin, Ohio. He organized the Congregational Socitey at Leland in 1865, and it was during his pastorate that the church was built in 1872 at a cost of $2,500.

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Ten gallons of the best Head Light Oil can be bought for $1 from the new Co’s store.