Each year, the Enterprise offers a recap of community news, reflecting life in Leelanau County. The following is a compilation of the paper's front page news for the second half of the year as summarized by the editorial staff.
July 3
From Empire to Cathead Point, Greilickville to Good Harbor, Leelanau will be decked out in red, white and blue to mark the 249th anniversary of American independence. *** Leelanau County’s reputation as the county in the state free of big-box, discount variety stores will continue … for now. An amendment which will functionally zones out these stores in Cleveland Township becomes effective July 10. The Cleveland Township Board recently adopted an amendment to Section 8.05 in the Business I and Business II districts, limiting lot coverage to 50% and the maximum size of nonresidential buildings at 5,000 square fee. *** Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday an ongoing investigation into Twin Flames Universe (TFU), an organization founded and operated by Jeff and Shaleia Divine of Suttons Bay. The couple and their highly controversial TFU practices gained notoriety in recent years through various documentaries, with many characterizing them as a controlling cult. *** They’ve done their part. Now they need help. Members of VFW Post 7731 have launched an $800,000 fundraising campaign to support an update of the hall which has been at the center of the Lake Leelanau community for generations.
July 10
A proposal to install traffic cameras throughout the county failed to gain traction at this week’s meeting of the county board. Sheriff Mike Borkovich and Undersheriff Jim Kiessel appeared before commissioners at their executive committee Tuesday with a proposal for a 60-day traffic study which would include installation of 12 traffic-related cameras at location throughout the county. *** County commissioners plan to adopt their 2026 budget by their November meeting. The board, during its executive committee meeting Tuesday, agreed to begin budget preparations next month as set forth in a recommendation from Jim Dyer, county administrator
July 17
A four-month employment review of the county administrator’s performance will take place in the coming month. County commissioners voted 7-0 at Tuesday’s regular meeting to conduct a review of county administrator Jim Dyer’s performance. *** A request for a speed study and speed limit reduction on Western Avenue was presented to the Glen Arbor Township Board this week. Glen Arbor resident Nancy Mueller made the request *** Leelanau County is known for its beaches, trails, booze, and old people. And we aren’t getting any younger, as 42% of the peninsula is over the age of 60, representing the oldest county in the region and state, according to the Area Agency on Aging in Northwest Michigan and Leelanau County Senior Service.
July 24
The Leelanau Conservancy is on a path to acquire Sugar Loaf through an $8 million campaign, following the initial $6.4 million raised. “The discussion has been ongoing for quite some time, and it’s been a great collaboration to develop a vision that we can all get behind. It’s going to be an incredible conservation gem for Leelanau,” Leelanau Conservancy Executive Director Tom Nelson said. *** A historic bicentennial barn in Maple City is currently in its restoration phase and will need helping hands from the community to be completed. New home and barn owners’ Scott and Tamara Stone closed on the Maple City property located off W. Harbor Highway last October and have been busy doing what they can to restore it in the meantime. The historic barn, which stands as a landmark and symbol of Leelanau County’s history, is in need of various repairs, however, the post and beam construction of the barn itself and roof structure are in good condition *** Parents of county newborns will soon have more help to keep their precious cargo safe. The county Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 last week to amend its contact with the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, to allow Parenting Communities to provide car seats at no charge to parents.
July 1
The family of a homeless man with mental issues accused of stabbing 11 people at a Walmart near Traverse City on Saturday say they’ve begged authorities to institutionalize him for decades *** The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) announced Monday the distribution of $706,758.54 of gaming revenue allocation to local units of government. Of that total, approximately $181,855.84 will go to agencies and programs in Leelanau County. *** A proposed residential development in Suttons Bay did not receive a decision Tuesday night from the Suttons Bay Planning Commission about the proposed 20-lot residential development during a preliminary meeting that lasted until after 9 p.m. Instead, they will be reconvening September 2 during the regular meeting after legal opinions can be gathered from Suttons Bay Township attorney. It’s unclear when a final review will be available
August 7
Commissioners will meet this morning to go over the results of a four-month employment review of county administrator Jim Dyer. *** Will we see a clear blue Leelanau sky at the height of summeragain? If Canadian wildfires have anything to say, that would be no. “For three summers in a row, residents in my District have dealt with hazardous air quality, limited outdoor activities, and real threats to public health— all caused by wildfires burning across the border. It’s time for Canada to take this seriously and implement the forest management strategies needed to protect both their citizens and ours,” Congressman Jack Bergman said in a letter to Canadian Senator Michael MacDonald. There was no public response to Bergman’s letter. *** Leland Township’s fire and rescue department renewal millages passed easily during its special election held Tuesday despite having just a 29% voter turnout. Approximately 597 ballots were cast out of the 2,040 registered voters, according to Leelanau County’s unofficial election results. *** Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore remains down to one superintendent, only now he’s also been assigned to oversee the River Raisin National Battlefield.
Aug. 14
County commissioners have unanimously agreed to support
county administrator Jim Dyer. *** Voters in Kasson Township in November will decide the fate of a $5.8 million bond proposal for construction of a new fire station. *** Lake Leelanau Winery Laurentide will now be featured at all University of Michigan athletic contests, including The Big House, Yost Arena, and Crisler Center, in a big win for the local boutique winery.
Aug. 21
Contracts for four collective bargaining groups were ratified this week by the county Board of Commissioners. *** A proposal to change the name of the county’s facilities and maintenance department failed to get support from commissioners this week. *** A request for a speed study on Western Avenue in Glen Arbor failed to get the backing of the Glen Arbor Township Board this week
Aug. 28
With the first day of school set to begin on Tuesday, at least 1,850 public school students are expected to head back to campus for the new 2025-2026 academic year. *** Almost a year after recovering from serious injuries sustained in an accident, Cedar Hardware owner and beloved community member Rich Zywicki is doing better than anyone could hope for. Jen, Zywicki’s wife, said while he may not be back to 100% due to suffering from his traumatic brain injury, his family is just grateful to have him home. *** Projects totaling just over $1.8 million were included for 2026 in the county’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan adopted this month by the County Board of Commissioners. The board voted unanimously to adopt the plan that lists proposed projects through 2031. The plan was developed by the office of Planning and Community Development and the County Planning Commission and was part of budget discussion this week.
Sept. 4
The veiled Bluebird restaurant in Leland could be hatching out of its egg at some point this fall. To join them could be the new Northern Latitudes Distillery (NLD) in Lake Leelanau. *** The dust has settled on the Leelanau Conservancy’s July announcement that they plan to purchase the former Sugar Loaf resort for $ 8 million. To date the Conservancy has raised $7.2 million — $6.4 in a “quiet effort” and another 500 donations of all sizes since the sale was announced. The remaining $800,000 will need to be raised by Dec. 31 to complete the transaction.
*** Local families are closely monitoring state and federal funding restrictions that could impact their loved ones with special needs. Deb Kuhn of Centerville Township belongs to one of those families. Her son, Trevor, 33, attends Grand Traverse Industries (GTI) day program in Traverse City. GTI provides job training, supported employment and day programs to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Trevor has PittHopkins syndrome, which affects his ability to communicate and move safely through this environment, requiring support for his daily needs. He attends the program three days a week. *** County budget work sessions will be streamed live after action Tuesday by county commissioners. The board suspended its rules during its budget discussion to address the issue which made for an interesting exchange of words at its Aug. 26 meeting.
Sept. 11
Leelanau County expects to receive more than $850,000 in revenue over a period of 18 years from settlements of lawsuits against producers of addictive substances. *** A temporary hiring freeze has been supported by county commissioners. The board voted 5-2, with commissioners Will Bunek and Alan Campbell opposed, for a “strategic pause” in spending during budget preparations.
*** County administrator Jim Dyer does not have a conflict of interest serving on the county Land Bank Authority(LBA) and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA). However, changes may be coming for the county’s conflict of interest policy.
Sept. 18
Commissioners are looking to
expedite the removal of a cell tower on the county campus. Emergency Management Director Matt Ansorge presented his proposed budget for 2026 and long-term plans for his department at Tuesday’s budget workshop session. *** A political undercurrent of mistrust and derision between county staff and commissioners boiled over this week. Tuesday’s agenda for the regular meeting of the county Board of Commissioners appeared noncontroversial.
*** Ground has been broken for the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center at Discovery Pier in Elmwood Township.
Sept. 25
Local cherry farmers gathered last week for a Michigan Cherry Growers Alliance endof- harvest event at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Center, which recapped the tough growing season while laying out priorities for the upcoming year. “It’s important that the growers are in the room and having a voice,” Cherry Alliance founder Leisa Eckerle said. “It was very clear having that opportunity to be able to sit at the table and have discussions is really important, especially right now, when there’s so much going on in the industry from how our crops look the last couple of years to pricing to what’s happening with the federal marketing order.” *** With the deadline to approve the state 2026 budget fast approaching on Oct. 1, lawmakers are hoping to come to a consensus within the next week before a potential government shutdown. *** Steve Stanton was a giver. Now good things are being given in his name with the Stephen S. Stanton memorial endowment. Stanton died in Traverse City on Aug. 20 after an abrupt illness. He was 82.
Oct. 2
A request for a 9% raise for Family Court employees got a cool reception from county commissioners Tuesday. Family Court Judge Steven Paciorka appeared before commissioners during a budget work session and brought with him members of his staff, for whom he is seeking a 9% raise. Family Court is responsible for handling trusts, wills, petitions for involuntary treatment for the mentally ill as well as abuse/neglect and adoption. But its primary focus lately has been juvenile delinquency, which is up 37% from 2024. Other areas nearing triple-digit increases include consideration of mental health petitions. *** Is cell service a luxury or necessity in Empire Township? That was a question posed during a special Empire Township Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night. The very well attended meeting was held in order to hear comments from the public about proposed amendments to the Empire Township Zoning Ordinance. The amendments were prompted by a request from Vertical Bridge, the largest private owner and operator of communications towers in the nation, to change the ordinance in order to allow the construction of a cell tower in Section 20 of the township, located off of M-72. *** For the first time in six years, the federal government has shut down after a deadlocked Congress failed to pass a funding measure to keep the lights on. Earlier in September, Rep. Jack Bergman could read the room, according to his September newsletter. *** The Leelanau Enterprise’s annual snowfall contest is back and open for entries until Wednesday, Nov. 12. A contest where Enterprise readers can make their best guesses for snowfall for the winter of 202526, this year, entries will be accepted for the snowfall period between Oct. 15 through April 15. The winners and their predictions will be announced in the Enterprise in April.
Oct. 9
The findings of an investigation into a grievance filed against county administrator will be released next week. The county Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, after a 30-minute closed session, to release the findings of the investigation conducted by the county’s corporate counsel. Strange, as the content of the decision was referenced during public comment by former District 1 county commissioner candidate Tim McCally. At issue: a proposed hiring freeze described as “pause,” supported by the majority of the board at the committee level Sept. 9. and adopted the following week. *** Leelanau’s beauty makes it a desirable place to live. This beauty is one of several factors which has increased property values on the peninsula by 355.3% since 1994, according to Andrew Giguere, county equalization director, who shared this information Tuesday, during the county’s executive committee meeting. By law, the county must adopt an apportionment report by the end of October. *** The Suttons Bay Planning Commission hosted a public hearing regarding the Drake property, located off Stony Point Road. “I think we made considerable progress considering how controversial this project is. We are working with our attorney, the developer has an attorney, and the residents have an attorney. We are making sure this is done the right way, and this is all preliminary,” Suttons Bay Township zoning administrator Steve Patmore said.The Drake property will be back on the docket for more preliminary discussion Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Suttons Bay Township Hall, 7 p.m. The residential development plan has been proposed by fruit farmers Karen and Mark Drake, who aim to develop over 50 acres of land outside of town, located just off Stony Point Road. There are concerns within the community about the project, including erosion, and worries that it may not maintain the community’s character. *** The Leelanau County Road Commission was standing room only Tuesday during a regular meeting that featured discussion about N. Shore Drive in Northport and Hareld Drive in LelandTownship. Rumors were circulating about the Leelanau County Road Commission making significant improvements, including widening the road and cutting trees, on N. Shore Drive in Northport.
Oct. 16
County administrator Jim Dyer did not violate county policy as it pertains to a grievance filed against him. This was the message of a press release issued Tuesday by the county Board of Commissioners, prepared by the county’s corporate counsel. “After a thorough investigation it was determined that a violation of county policy did not occur,” the release states. “The Board of Commissioners considers this matter closed.” *** Building on the successful model developed in Leelanau County in 2022, the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission ( LECDC) announced in September that it received a grant of $400,000 from the state to establish new home-based child care businesses and help to expand existing childcare businesses in Grand Traverse and Benzie counties. The new Infant and Child Care StartUp (ITCS) Expansion program aims to expand access to quality, affordable child care working families in the region. *** All four public schools in Leelanau County are “out-offormula” school districts (Glen Lake, Suttons Bay, Leland, and Northport). The new state budget has some feeling uneasy about the current situation, which focuses primarily on informula school districts. *** Centerville Township is seeking a summary judgment in a federal lawsuit over redevelopment of Leelanau Pines. Attorneys representing the township filed a motion for a judgment from the bench on the merit of a federal complaint filed against the township by Northgate-Leelanau Pines Campground.
Oct. 23
An end may be in sight for the county budget process. County commissioners met for a 10th straight week Tuesday and began zeroing on figures for the 2026 budget, scheduled for adoption next month. A bare bones description includes just over $18 million in revenue with expenses totaling $17.7 million. Budget calculations include a 3% raise for most staff and $2 million in health insurance coverage for employees. The only exception to this is a 9% salary adjustment for the county Family Court staff, which will be spread over a two-year budget cycle. *** A statewide ballot initiative on ranked choice voting is opposed by the Michigan Association of County Clerks (MACC). The organization, which represents clerks in all of the states 83 counties, came out this week in opposition of the ballot proposal which “substantially alters the administration of election in Michigan, placing new and complex responsibilities on clerk and their teams, and thus requires careful evaluation from those charged with carrying it out.” *** “We have that beautiful lapping of the waves,” said yoga instructor Amy Hubbell, whose soothing, monotone voice could slow the paint strokes of nowdeceased television artisan Bob Ross. “Now rub your palms together, and feel the energy.” Hubbell was leading nine women sitting cross-legged on beach blankets assembled in a semicircle while in pursuit of their inner selves. Despite the best efforts of partisan politics in Washington, D.C., where exercise has been limited to pointing index or at times another finger at each other, yoga students at the Glen Haven beach seemed to be winning their personal wars to find reality.
Oct. 30
Voters in Kasson Township go to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of a $5.8 million bond proposal for construction of a new fire station. The station is planned to expand coverage for the western-most areas served by Cedar Area Fire & Rescue (CAFR). Kasson, Solon, Centerville and Cleveland townships are served by CAFR. *** With or without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being paused on Saturday, Mary Stanton, Leelanau Christian Neighbors (LCN) executive director, said they will still be here to serve and help the people that come to them in need of food. “Hopefully it’s not going to be paused for long, but if it is, we’ll make sure that we’re able to take care of them,” Stanton said. “Food insecurity is a reality here in Leelanau County.” On Oct. 23, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the federal government’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to temporarily pause November SNAP benefits until further notice for approximately 42 million individuals across the country due to the “ongoing federal government funding lapse.” *** Roughly 200 conference attendees heard the latest in housing progress across northwest Michigan throughout NWMI Housing Summit at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City Monday and Tuesday. Day one opened with the state of the region and a legislative update from non-profit Housing North Executive Director Yarrow Brown, before Norm Van Eeden Petersman, author of “ The Strong Towns Response to the Housing Crisis” was the keynote
speaker.
Nov. 6
On the 50th anniversary of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Suttons Bay native and retired captain Jeff Idema is probably somewhere thinking about those men who lost their lives on November 10, 1975. Whether working on the ocean or the Great Lakes, there is one line of Gordon Lightfoot’s 1976 ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” that rings true for all mariners, according to Idema. It says: “Does anyone know where the love of God goes when the waves turn the minutes to hours?” Idema has run across oceans as a captain and along the Great Lakes aboard several massive vessels. *** A decades-old wastewater controversy has resurfaced at The Homestead resort, where a state-permitted spray irrigation system used to dispose of treated sewage has once again drawn public concern over possible impacts to neighboring land inside Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Homestead insists its system is safe, closely monitored, and meets all environmental standards set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). But critics, led by retired park ranger Tom Van Zoeren and his group Drifters United, say airborne spray from the resort’s system has been drifting beyond its boundaries for years, carrying treated sewage into parkland and deterring visitors from the area. *** It’s the $2.6 million dollar question that is difficult for county commissioners to resolve. It’s health insurance and it’s something many are examining with the Nov. 1 arrival of “open enrollment” for coverage in 2026. “To continue coverage as we are currently, it’s expected we’ll need to budget $2.6 million,” Jim Dyer, county administrator, said Tuesday. The county is self-insured, not unlike a car insurance policy where they pay a fixed monthly premium, and the insurance company handles the entire cost if you get into an accident. With a self-insured plan, the employer essentially acts as its own insurance company. The county has stop-loss insurance for managing the risk associated with self-insurance. Currently, the county’s stoploss figure is $20,000, but there is talk of increasing this to $50,000. The county’s stop-loss cost was $1,434,720 this year.
Nov. 13
It was not the first Veterans Day observance attended by Kate and Peter Wikul, but it was their first in Leelanau County. They were impressed. “It was great,” said Peter Wikul, who served as a Navy Seal for 38 years. “It was local, it was home town. I loved the fifth graders singing, the honor guard.” Wikul, who before moving to Suttons Bay had himself been a speaker at veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies, was part of a standing-room only crowd that gathered at VFW Post 7731 on the 11th hour of the 11th of the 11th month of 2025. *** During a month where food uncertainty has remained a major concern for those in need, many local businesses and organizations in Leelanau County are continuing efforts to ensure food and other basic necessities are being provided. Beau Webb, owner of MI Market in Suttons Bay, has been offering free soup at his storefront since the COVID pandemic began in 2020. With the future of SNAP uncertain, Webb reminded customers via social media last week that those in need of a hot meal can stop by to pick some up, no questions asked and no payment needed. Webb said they opened the business “to be a bigger part of the community and help others in need,” so his mission has always been to support his neighbors in whatever way he can. *** A proposal to examine the compensation of elected officials was on the agenda for yesterday’s meeting of the county Board of Commissioners. The board, during its executive committee meeting postponed one day due to Veterans Day, received information from county administrator Jim Dyer and Cathy Hartesvelt, finance director, who were asked to research the topic. According to the executive document summary (EDS) used by the county board, it has been more than 30 years since elected officials received a raise in 1993. *** Changes — but not too many changes — will have to be made to retain county health insurance coverage as is in 2026. Lew Wolters, a health/employee benefits agent with BHS Insurance appeared before the county board during their rescheduled meeting yesterday to answer questions about the coming contract, which will go into effect in February. Board members who have been working on the proposed budget for several months had previously identified $2.6 million in premiums.
Nov. 20
Leelanau County is set for 2026. The county Board of Commissioners Tuesday night adopted an $18.3 million budget for the coming fiscal year which begins Jan. 1. Adoption marks the end of a three-month series of special meetings with department heads and elected officials which began in September. Wages and employment related expenses make up the largest share of the general fund budget, accounting for $10 million in general fund expenditures. This represents 52.68% of all general fund expenditures. *** The Leelanau Township board Tuesday night discussed a proposal for a new telecommunications tower that would be located at Braman Hill. According to the proposal by the telecommunications tower company, The Towers, LLC (Vertical Bridge), the project would include a 195-foot monopole specifically located on property owned by the township at 9995 N. Morningside Drive in Northport. Verizon Wireless would attach their antennas and equipment to the tower once it’s built, and it would be designed to accommodate three co-locators. *** The Suttons Bay Planning Commission is set to hold a formal site plan review on the conditional use permit for the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) campus expansion project at its regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The planning commission vote will essentially determine whether the project, which will affect the future of both the local community and the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, moves forward. *** It’s time to settle up. Leelanau County has officially sent the final check to Point Broadband, concluding a nearly $5 million grant for a larger capital project ($16.4 million) that has given 25% of all Leelanau residents access to high-speed internet that was once left in the dust.
Nov. 27
A Youth for Christ (YFC) program club center that aims to open in downtown Leland will be at the center of discussion once again next week. Leland Township planning commission is set to hold a public hearing on Dec. 3 for the application of a special use permit from Apollos Properties, LLC. The proposed lease is for a portion of the north side of the building, located at 110 N Lake Street, which would be used as a YFC club center beginning in December. *** Centerville residents continue to push back against holding tank septic injection farming practices, while a local company says it is doing everything by the book. Ray and Deb Kuhn, Centerville Township residents, said that holding tank sewage is not a typical farm odor, especially in the 25 years since they’ve become grape farmers. *** Motorists entering Leelanau County may soon have a welcome mat of sorts if one county commissioner has anything to say about it. District No. 1 County Commissioner Rick Robbins, who represents Elmwood Township on the county board is looking for design ideas for a new sign at the recently-completed roundabout at M-72 and M-22.
Dec. 4
Accumulating lake effect snow is anticipated to continue over the next week, with greatest accumulations primarily near the Lake Michigan coast. Mike Boguth, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord, said according to the Maple City co-op weather station, snow began to significantly accumulate the night before Thanksgiving. Snowfall records through Dec. 2 at the Maple City site observed approximately 11.4 inches of snow since Thanksgiving day, however, other locations on the peninsula have observed various readings ranging from less than 11 inches and more than a foot. *** A 28-year-old Traverse City male was arrested Monday after an incident in Cleveland Township. County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a wooded area off Lake Michigan Drive, to investigate two incidents reported to the county Dispatch Center. “We had a call about a suspicious male and a report of gunshots in the area,” Undersheriff Jim Kiessel said. According to the county dispatch blotter, the about 2:30 p.m. a call came into the center reporting someone passing “someone creepy” on the trail with a hood and sunglasses. *** Even as winter closes in, a dedicated group of Empire locals continue a weekly tradition that has grown into both a wellness practice and a close knit community ritual. Known as the “Dippers”, the group meets on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons to wade into the cold waters of Lake Michigan together. *** Dorothy “Jeannie” Coulter found a reminder of Christmases past in a file folder she received after her parents’ death in 1999. “Mom kept odds and ends. And in a folder listed as ‘inspirational’ I found this poem,” said Coulter, the eldest of John and Dorothy Popa’s seven children, raised on the south end of Lake Leelanau in Bingham Township. “I don’t know who wrote it or where it came from. It was just one of the things mom had filed.”
Dec. 11
The communications tower purchased but never erected in Leelanau Township is going to be disposed of. In 2022, Leelanau Township officials approached the county about locating a communications tower to improve service in areas of the township, particularly emergency communications. After Cherryland Electric Cooperative expressed interest in working collaboratively on the project, the county Board of Commissioners purchased a communications tower. The 195foot tower was constructed, with the township pledging $100,000 in ARPA funds toward the project. Total cost of the tower was $400,000. Most of this covered by the county’s Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund and cell tower use fees. *** A proposal to dispose “unused” property at Old Settler’s Park and a possible change in the lease terms for the county Poor Farm Barn were discussed this week by county commissioners. Old Settlers Park, on the south end of Glen Lake was developed from a land used informally and as 1892, as a picnic ground. The first parcel consisting of five acres was purchased for $450, in 1912, from private parties. *** Carhartt, known for its rugged workwear, shot a commercial at the Suttons Bay Ice Rink last February. *** A public hearing for the application of a special use permit to operate a Youth for Christ (YFC) program club center in Leland was cancelled on Wednesday due to room capacity. The public hearing, typically held at Leland Township Library’s Munnecke room, has a room capacity limit of 100. With well over a 100 people in attendance, the planning commission chair, Ross Satterwhite, made an announcement at the beginning of the meeting letting the public know that the hearing would have to be rescheduled to a later date as well to a larger venue, most likely Leland Public School. The new date and venue has yet to be confirmed.
Dec. 18
A committee charged with updating the county’s “conflict of interest” policy will meet for the first time Friday afternoon. The Board of Commissioners voted to establish a committee of District 5 commissioner Alan Campbell, board chairman Steve Yoder and administrator Jim Dyer, to investigate the county’s conflict policy and develop an improved policy. *** A grant application which could bring two new deputies to the county Sheriff’s Office is being sought. The county Board of Commissioners voted to approve a grant application presented by Sheriff Mike Borkovich and Undersheriff Jim Kiessel during last week’s executive session. Board members formally adopted a motion to approve the application during its monthly meeting Tuesday night. *** Leland Township Planning Commission announced last week a new, rescheduled public hearing set for January 7 at 5 p.m. at the Northport Performing Arts Center Auditorium for the application of a special use permit concerning a club center for the Youth for Christ (YFC) program at 110 N Lake Street in Leland. *** A beloved Northport resident and friend to many, David Chrobak, 83, passed away on December 8, but his undeniable legacy has left a positive imprint on those that knew him in Leelanau County. Chrobak, a man of numerous artistic and creative talents, was the founder behind popular events like the annual Northport Dog Parade, a day of celebration that began 28 years ago for hundreds of dogs and their owners that has only continued to grow year after year.
Dec. 25
Leelanau County and Elmwood Township both received grants for a combined $450,000 from the Department of Natural Resources for projects that will be completed in 2027. “If you drive on Cherry Bend road in the summer or winter, there’s people walking on the shoulder,” Elmwood Township supervisor Jeff Shaw said. “When they get on this new trail, they’ll be able to reconnect to the TART Trail four-tenths of a mile up on Cherry Bend Road.” Elmwood received $400,000 from the DNR which will help construct a trail along Cherry Bend Road. This is part of the project the county has already approved for the reconstruction of Cherry Bend road which will start in 2027. *** The MiThrive Health Needs Assessment (2024-2026) revealed multiple priorities in the northwest Michigan region that affect health outcomes including access to healthcare, mental health, and economic security, among others. Hospital systems and other health agencies across northwest lower Michigan are required to perform an assessment every three years to gauge the well-being of local communities. *** A proposed zoning ordinance amendment to create a cultural overlay district for three parcels in the village will be discussed and voted on at Leland Township’s regular meeting in January. In October and November, both Leland Township and Leelanau County planning commissions reviewed and approved of the proposed zoning amendment application submitted by the three applicants which include the Old Art Building (OAB), Leland Township Public Library, and the Leelanau Historical Society (LHS). The cultural overlay district will provide new zoning standards for cultural and community uses on the three subject parcels, all of which are
currently zoned R-2.
***
Even decades after Suttons Bay’s Punky Idema passed away, her hand knit Christmas stockings continue to bring joy each holiday season. Brightly colored and personalized, these stockings are still pulled from basements, hung on mantels, and recognized instantly by so many throughout the town and surrounding communities.
