Way-finding signs directing users of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail around Glen Arbor rather than through the commercial district were approved this week by the Glen Arbor Township Board.

The board voted 5-0 Tuesday night to authorize Supervisor John Soderholm to go to the County Road Commission with a proposed route linking the trail’s north end south of the unincorporated village on M-109 to The Homestead Resort north of town.

Soderholm presented the route based on board comments during public hearings on March 17 and 19, 2009, in which safety concerns were expressed for trail users traveling into the business district. The proposed route would take trail users north on M-22 to West Lakewood Dr. then south on South Lake Street to Northwood Drive. From there, the route goes east on Northwood Drive to South Fisher Road, and north to Co. Rd. 675. The route would continue east on Co. Rd. 675 to Westman Road to M-22, which would take trail users just north of The Homestead.

With approval this week, Soderholm plans to make arrangements to appear before the County Road Commission to discuss the design and purchase of signs marking the route.

In other business during the 90-minute meeting the board:

• Approved a resolution supporting the Empire Area Heritage Group’s nomination for a restoration/ preservation award from the Historical Society of Michigan.

• Acknowledged a donation from Endurance Evolution, organizers of the Solstice Half Marathon and 5K, for $2,435 a portion of the proceeds from last month’s event. Seventy-five percent will be going toward the township Parks & Recreation commission and the remainder toward the Glen Arbor Garden, Treasurer Terry Gretzema said.

• Appointed election workers for the Aug. 7 Primary. They are: Annette Lewis, Don Miller, Luba Childs, Linda Young and Fred Missad.