“We say that protecting water quality starts at the shoreline,” Glen Lake Association (GLA) Executive Director Kate Gille said.

Native shoreline plants serve as a lake’s first line of defense against pollution and erosion by creating a buffer zone or “greenbelt” that is at least 10 feet of natural vegetation. Deep rooted plants and aquatic vegetation help slow stormwater, trap sediment and nutrients before they enter the water, stabilize soil with deep root systems and create habitat for fish, amphibians, birds and pollinators.

“Overall, the shoreline health of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed is in good condition,” Gille said. “But as the majority of the lake shoreline is privately owned, it depends on the good stewardship of the community.”

That reliance on private landowners is why education is a core function of the GLA. Gille explained that the goal is not to regulate shoreline choices, but to give property owners the information they need to make the most informed decision possible, as humans continue to be the greatest pressure on lake health.

“The more our riparian owners know about water quality, the better land management decisions they can make,” she said.

Shoreline surveys conducted by the GLA help track those changes over time, documenting everything from greenbelt coverage, which has remained stable, to shoreline hardening techniques such as riprap and beach sanding, both of which have shown increased use in recent years.

“Sea walls or other ‘hard armorning’ like riprap might seem like a good solution for stopping erosion, however these hard surfaces can reflect wave energy which causes worse erosion on adjacent shorelines,” Gille said, adding that they also hurt wildlife habitats and reduce the shoreline’s ability to filter runoff. “A natural shoreline is the gold standard in terms of water quality protection.”

Gille described a healthy shoreline as a layered system including canopy trees, shrubs, native grasses and aquatic plants along the water’s edge. When those plants are removed or replaced with turf grass that extends to the water’s edge, runoff can increase and nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen can easily get into the lake. Once in the system, those nutrients accumulate over time and can degrade water quality in ways that are difficult to reverse.

Additionally, mowed down lawns are hard on pollinators. “For native pollinators, a turfgrass lawn is like a barren wasteland,” Gille said.

On nearby South Bar Lake in Empire, similar shoreline care is taking place through the South Bar Lake Association (SBLA). They recently completed a drone assisted shoreline study that established a baseline for future comparisons.

The survey used aerial imagery to evaluate shoreline vegetation, erosion and invasive species. Steve Lewis, a SBLA board member and volunteer lake biologist, said the survey was undertaken after learning that South bar Lake was one of only two lakes in Leelanau County that had not completed a shoreline assessment.

“When compared to other lakes, our BMP score was the highest of 14 northern Michigan lakes,” Lewis said, referring to a Whole Lake Best Management Practices score used to evaluate shoreline health.

“With this baseline score we can now try to improve in areas that would benefit our lake’s health even more,” he said. “When we fly over the same shoreline in three to five years, we can compare how well we are doing versus that first baseline assessment.”

While the lake as a whole scored high marks, the footage was also able to identify early signs of invasive species such as Tree of Heaven on several properties, although no Eurasian watermilfoil was found.

For Lewis, one of the most important lessons from the project was the value of native aquatic vegetation. “For our lake association, it’s not taken for granted the diversity of aquatic plants, and in our case, gardens of natural aquatic plants,” he said.

For both lake associations, the message is that shoreline health is lake health, and the choices made by individual property owners can shape the future of the whole lake.

“No one property is perfect, and protecting water quality isn’t about doing everything at once,” Gille said. “Small changes made over time can add up to a big impact. Whether it’s mowing less, planting a few native species or allowing part of your shoreline to remain natural, every step helps.”

That’s the idea behind Drinks, Putts and Fire Trucks, the June 17 fundraiser at River Club Glen Arbor that will raise money for the department while giving residents a chance to meet the people behind the uniforms.

“We couldn’t be more excited to showcase the Glen Lake Fire Department’s capabilities and staff to the local community,” Glen Lake Fire Department Chief Bryan Ferguson said. “Our goal is for the community to obtain a closer, more personal connection with the fire department while raising funds for trucks, gear and training. The event, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m., is a collaboration between the Glen Lake Fire Department and River Club. Along with raising money for the department, organizers say the goal is to give residents a chance to meet firefighters and learn more about what they do outside the context of an emergency. “Anytime we can interact with the public in a nonemergency situation, it’s always beneficial, especially for the kids to see us when there isn’t something scary going on for them,” Ferguson said. A variety of firefighter themed activities will be stationed along the River Club course including a CPR dummy and a Beat the Fire Fighter hole where players have a chance to win a prize. The department’s ATV, side-by-side, boat and ambulance will also be on display throughout the grounds. According to Ferguson, the partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the neighboring organizations. “We as the fire department have had a great relationship with the River Club since before they started building their golf course. The previous buildings on that property were offered to us for training purposes before they were ultimately torn down,” he said. “They just generally want to help the community however they can.” Proceeds from the event will benefit the department’s nonprofit organization, the Glen Lake Fire & Rescue Association, which helps send employees to paramedic school, buy fitness equipment and supplies and has supported other major department purchases over the years. The River Club will donate all revenue from the day, minus operating costs, to the fire department. “It’s ultimately about helping the local people who benefit from the Fire Department’s services,” Sheldon said. “Every dollar the Fire Department gets makes the community more secure.” Both Ferguson and Sheldon hope that Drinks, Putts and Fire Trucks will become an annual tradition. “It’s a great cause and a way for the community to contribute and have fun at the same time,” Sheldon said. “Buy a burrito, cocktail and a round of golf and support the Fire Department at the same time? No brainer!”

Leelanau County native Emma Nelson is serving as Fishtown Preservation Society’s (FPS) summer intern this year, and she could not be more happy to be back home for the season.

Nelson is a 2023 Leland Public School graduate, and is currently going into her senior year at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor majoring in earth sciences and conservation biology. She comes to the FPS internship following a semester of study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, another goal that Nelson always wanted to complete since she was a child.

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Nelson said she wants to continue her education to earn her master’s degree for sustainable systems through the university’s school for environment and sustainability program. Nelson said she chose to study sustainable systems to gain some more technical skills that would be good for her background if she ends up pursuing a career in renewables.

Finding the FPS internship was a perfect fit for Nelson as it highlighted her passions in the field and it also allows her to work in the place she grew up in. Nelson has always loved spending time outdoors, so when she learned of a program offered at U of M focused on environment studies, she took the leap and switched her focus of study from mathematics to earth sciences and conservation biology.

Regarding what kind of career Nelson wants to pursue after college, she said she’s split between going into renewable energy or a conservation job that involves being outside more. The FPS internship, she said, will hopefully help in figuring out what direction she wants to go in.

“I knew that I kind of just wanted to be at home, I was missing the up north vibes, so I was centralized around looking for internships here,” Nelson said. “I feel like the preservation society is very interdisciplinary, and the way that they combine not just the historic preservation part, but they also have environmentally related concerns and are working with the people. It groups everything all together and I thought it would be a really great experience to add breadth to what I’ve studied as well.”

Part of the internship requires Nelson to make connections and daily interactions with many working in and around Fishtown. She’ll be documenting her time here via a blog series that will feature “stories, reflections, and a behind-the-scenes look at life, history, and the environment” that help to make Fishtown everything that it is.

The connections Nelson’s made since starting in mid-May are part of what makes the experience invaluable, and of course, she said she loves having the opportunity to spend time learning about the history of her old stomping grounds.

“That’s what it feels like I’m doing this whole summer is networking my way around the county… I think that they’re (the blogs) a really good way to make myself reflect on what I learned in the past week,” she said. “I’m really hoping to just learn more about the place that I grew up in. My major and all my studies aside, I really enjoy learning about the history of this place more than I thought I would. I’ve always lived here, and every single day that I’ve been in Leland while working with the preservation society, it’s like I learn something new or I meet someone new and it’s just great exposure to the county itself. I think it’s really fun that I have the chance to talk to so many different people who all love the same place and they all kind of have a different outlook on it.”

Living in Ann Arbor to attend college means Nelson isn’t able to visit Leelanau County as often as she’d like, so she appreciates coming back home so much more now, even if it’s just for the summer. She said one of her favorite things to do when back home is to just drive around the county listening to music, something she said her father has also always loved doing while living in the area.

“I think I also just really like the aspect of being able to call my friends after a shift and we can all just jump into the lake,” she said. “I think at the end of the day, I have so much history up here that this is just always going to be a special place in my heart.”

To read more about Nelson’s reflections of Fishtown, check out her summer blog series online at https://www.fishtownmi. org.

• Bates/Carlson Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Dexter Martin.

• Career Tech Academic Scholarship: Two $500 scholarships. The recipients were Liam McCaw and Reilly Kinnee.

• Career Tech Mike and Julie Walls Tools Grant: One $1,000 award. The recipient was Trevor Stowe.

• Career Tech MTU Partner Pathways Scholarship: One $1,000 renewable scholarship. The recipient was Liam McCaw.

• Career Tech National Technical Honor Society Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Liam McCaw.

• Career Tech Tools of the Trade Award: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Calvin Houghton.

• Cedar Chamber of Commerce Scholarship: Five $1,500 scholarships. The recipients were Miles Wright, Faith Herman, Eli Maule, Liam McCaw, and Grace Noonan.

• Cedar/Maple City Lion’s Club Scholarship: Two $500 scholarships. The recipients were Sophie DePuy and Ava Popa.

• Cedar/Maple City Lion’s Club Trades Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Kylan Gallagher.

• Chief John R. DePuy Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Miles Wright.

• Coaches Don Miller and Paul Christiansen Honorary Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Jacob Plamondon.

• Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland Engineering/ Science Scholarship: This scholarship covers tuition, room, and board. The recipient was Ezra Belanger.

• Dr. Alonzo Norconk Memorial Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Grace Noonan.

• Dr. Matthew A. and Barbara A. Houghton Medical Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Fletcher Middleton.

• Ed & Irene Fleis Education Fund - Eldon & Julie Norconk Memorial Scholarship: One $1,200 scholarship. The recipient was Scarlett Vanderlinde.

• Ed & Irene Fleis Education Fund Scholarship: Four $1,200 scholarships. The recipients were Ezra Belanger, Lily Blough, Grace Noonan, and Caden Sheehan.

• Ella Noonan Scholarship: Two $1,000 scholarships. The recipients were Sophie DePuy and Scarlett Vanderlinde.

• Empire Lion’s Club Scholarship: Five $1,000 scholarships. The recipients were Lily Blough, Madeleine Aylsworth, Ezra Belanger, Brody Switzer, and Grace Noonan.

• Glen Arbor Women’s Club —Tim Westbay Memorial Scholarship: One $1,500 scholarship. The recipient was Isabelle Peplinski.

• Glen Arbor Women’s Club Scholarship: Six $3,000 scholarships. The recipients were Sam Dykstra, Miles Wright, Grace Noonan, Eli Maule, Liam McCaw, and Faith Herman. One $1,500 scholarship. The recipient was Isabelle Peplinski.

• Glen Lake Chili Cook-Off Scholarship: Four $1,000 scholarships. The recipients were Eli Maule, Hunter Cox, Emily Bailey, and Kylan Gallagher. Two $500 scholarships. The recipients were Faith Herman and Fletcher Middleton.

• Glen Lake Federation of Teachers Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Jacob Peplinski.

• Glen Lake Parent-Teacher Organization Scholarship: Three $1,000 scholarships. The recipients were Eli Maule, Grace Noonan, and Caden Sheehan.

• Glen Lake Woman’s Club Janice Freeman Memorial Scholarship: One $4,000 scholarship. The recipient was Emily Bailey.

• Glen Lake Woman’s Club Jeanine Wessinger Dean Scholarship: One $4,000 scholarship. The recipient was Faith Herman.

• Glen Lake Woman’s Club Scholarship: Two $4,000 scholarships. The recipients were Caden Sheehan and Hunter Cox. One $2,000 scholarship. The recipient was Cason Adams. One $1,500 scholarship, Ava Popa and one $1,000 scholarship, Dexter Martin.

• J&C Science and Engineering Scholarship: Two $1,000 scholarships. The recipients were Sam Dykstra, and Liam McCaw.

• Jack Rader/Tom Schmidt/ Jacky Wilcox Memorial Scholarship: One $750 scholarship. The recipient was Kaylee Hanson.

• James V. Dorsey Memorial Scholarship: One $750 scholarship. The recipient was Kylan Gallagher.

• Jeanine Dean Memorial Scholarship: One $750 scholarship. The recipient was Zebedee Mackey.

• John Schlosser Memorial Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Jacob Peplinski.

• Kenneth and Mary Lou Hughes Memorial Scholarship: One $3,500 renewable scholarship. The recipient was Liam McCaw.

• Laker Heart Scholarship (Glen Lake Foundation): Two $1,500 scholarships. The recipients were Faith Herman and Eli Maule.

• LaVanture Innovation Scholarship: One $1,024 scholarship. The recipient was Liam McCaw.

• Logan McDonough Memorial Scholarship: Two $1,000 scholarships. The recipients were Cason Adams and Jacob Plamondon.

• Leelanau Township Community Foundation - Ann Schmittling Memorial Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Faith Herman.

• Max Miller Scholarship: One $500 scholarship. The recipient was Ezra Belanger.

• Melissa Dempsey Memorial Scholarship: One $750 scholarship. The recipient was Lily Blough.

• Mike DePuy Memorial Scholarship: Three $500 scholarships. The recipients were Grace Noonan, Eli Maule, and Miles Wright.

• Norman and Mary Welch Memorial Scholarship: Four $1000 scholarships. The recipients were Lily Blough, Hunter Cox, Sophie DePuy, and Zebedee Mackey.

• Northwestern Michigan College - Class of 1951 Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Faith Herman.

• Northwestern Michigan College - James J. and Dorothy A. Beckett Endowment Scholarship: Two $750 scholarships. The recipients were Lily Blough, Grace Noonan.

• Northwestern Michigan College - Keith and Gail Evans Family Restricted Scholarship: Two $500 scholarships. The recipients were Caden Sheehan, and Emily Bailey.

• Pauline Pardee Baccalaureate Degree Scholarship: Two $3,000 scholarships. The recipients were Fletcher Middleton, Kaylee Hanson.

•Pauline Pardee Technical Education Scholarship: One $3,000 scholarship. The recipient was Miles Wright. One $1,500 scholarship. The recipient was Dexter Martin.

• Roy and David Taghon Scholarship: Six $1000.00 scholarships. The recipients were Ava Popa, Emily Bailey, Kylan Gallagher, Liam McCaw, Sophie DePuy, and Miles Wright.

• Sarah Dunn Johnson Memorial Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Scarlett Vanderlinde.

• State Savings Bank Scholarship: One $2,000 scholarship. The recipient was Faith Herman.

• Thomas & Clarissa Foster “ Graduating Leaders” Scholarship: Two $5,000 scholarships. The recipients were Caden Sheehan and Isabelle Peplinski.

• Tommy Reay Good Human Scholarship: One $2,000 scholarship. The recipient was Eli Maule. Two $1,500 scholarships. The recipients were Isabelle Peplinski and Caden Sheehan.

• True Laker Scholarship: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient was Isabelle Peplinski.

“I definitely knew I had a shot and knew I could win. Through the first nine holes, I was two under and that felt really good,” VanSteenhouse said. “I have to improve for future tournaments, but it’s good to learn from it.”

The junior recovered from a mid-round lapse to earn the allstate nomination.

VanSteenhouse started hot with two birdies and three pars to start his first round Friday. After the rain came in, the field tightened as VanSteenhouse knows he plays best when it’s rainy and windy.

“My coach and I, we talked about how we play better in the rain because every tournament so far this year has been pretty much in the rain or 35 MPH winds. We are used to it,” VanSteenhouse said. “It’s good to settle down there except for the last hole of the day where I doubled. That’s just because the club slipped out of my hands on the tee-shot. It was great to make a top- 7 finish at the end of the day and go into the second day, just giving myself a chance.”

The junior finished day one with an 80.

Whatever adjustments Vansteenhouse made overnight paid off in a big way, as the junior did not card a double bogey on his second day. The junior was playing in the first group with top-notch prep golfers.

Starting on hole four for the second straight day, VanSteenhouse came out composed and controlled, playing the front side as he did in day one. This time, he didn’t let up despite multiple tough positions throughout the round to finish with a 75 in round two for a tournament total of 155.

Some of his favorite shots of the day were on his second wedge shot, where he hit a ball roughly two feet from the hole.

“What I learned most from this state run this year... you got to be patient no matter what because there’s so many holes to play and every stroke matters. I learned that the hard way this year, but hopefully I can go next year,” VanSteenhouse said.

Glen Lake finished 13th at the D4 state finals with a two-round team total of 719, with junior Joel Martin leading the way as the Lakers’ low scorer at 169 over 36 holes. Martin had a rough opening round, posting an 89, but came back with a much-improved 80 in round two — a nine-stroke turnaround that showed grit on a demanding course to finish 31st. His second round included a birdie on hole-8 on the front and another on hole 17 on the back, giving him a pair of highlights to build on heading into next season. Austin Switzer finished at 182, Oscar Ciolek at 183 and Karter Smith at 185, with Brody Switzer rounding out the scoring at 194.

Glen Lake struggled on day one and had some moments on day two but couldn’t break into the top-10.

“I thought the experience was pretty cool. It was awesome going with the team, and that definitely made the experience better,” Smith said. “I’m gonna hit the weights and get my conditioning up and try and get into golf shape so I can last a good 36 holes and shoot better than I did this year.”

Glen Lake scored first on a double by Tanner Crick, who stole third and scored on a Colton Newman squeeze bunt.

“I’m a little disappointed that the score doesn’t reflect how well we played them up until the sixth inning. They are one of the best teams in the state in any division, and we fought a good fight. In the end, we lost to a much better team and made them work to do it. There’s no shame in that,” Glen Lake coach Kris Herman said. “These guys made tremendous strides during the season, and came a long way from where they were a month ago. They definitely should be proud of the season that they had. They took it farther than anyone expected. It was a great season driven by 3 of the best senior leaders that I’ve ever had.”

Glen Lake finished its season with a 23-11 record.

GL prevails late over Bear Lake in regional semifinal Glen Lake second baseman Levi Lamb finally broke through the Bear Lake defense as he laid down a sacrifice bunt in the fifth inning that scored two and catapulted Glen Lake to the regional final with a 5-1 MHSAA D4 regional semifinal win Wednesday hosted by Suttons Bay.

The battle between the Laker teams was exciting all the way through the regional semifinal, as both teams left it all on the diamond.

Glen Lake was led by a gem performance from senior pitcher Tanner Crick as he went five and one-third innings, giving up four hits, zero earned runs, three walks, and 10 strikeouts.

“In the first inning, we got the bases loaded with one out and couldn’t score. We didn’t get down. It was still early, and it’s a good sign when you can get runners. I went out to pitch and basically got in the same situation on defense, then we got out of it to get some energy going. It was a grind, and I was focused on staying steady the whole time, doing the little things right,” Crick said. “I had nerves in the first inning, being a senior. Once the nerves got off, I settled into the game and was just dealing.”

Herman admitted they were debating limiting Crick to a pitching limit, but wisdom prevailed with the season on the line, keeping Crick in for a senior performance to remember.

“(Crick) was the only one that was keeping us in the thing until the fourth or fifth inning. If you make a move there and pull him out to try to save him for something later, that’s not going to work out for you because any kind of spark they would have gotten, it would have wasted (Crick’s) performance.

So he did the same thing today that he did on Saturday in the district championships. He just went out and acted like a bulldog and got it done,” Herman said.

In the bottom of the fifth, Crick had two strikeouts to retire Bear Lake into the sixth inning.

Glen Lake would tag relief pitcher Sully Atkins after Crick’s quality start. Atkins would get the Lakers through the sixth without giving an inch, taking a 2-0 lead to the seventh.

Glen Lake capped off the regional semifinal with a blazing throw from senior catcher Jacob Peplinski snagging a Bear Lake runner stealing.

Leelanau means “delight of life,” according to historian, Dr. Milo M. Quaife, was a Chippewa maiden in one of the tales of Schoolcraft. Just as the name “Leelanau” has an interesting Indian heritage, Leelanau Township has an unusual historical heritage.

In 1840, Grand Traverse County was erected from Mackinaw County. The Grand Traverse Bay region at this time was practically one big county, including the counties we now call Antrim, Benzie, and Leelanau. Later, in 1853 the territory of both Benzie and Leelanau constituted one township called “Leelanau” within Grand Traverse County. In 1853, the first township meeting was held at the home of Peter Dougherty.

Samuel Voice was the first supervisor, followed by Joseph Dame in 1854. Lansing Marble in 1856. In 1856, the area the township now encompasses today was established. In 1857 Otis White was the supervisor, followed by Philo Beers, who held the office between 1858 and 1862.

On Feb. 22, 1863, Leelanau county was erected from Grand Traverse. This move also separated Leelanau from Benzie, which became a county as well. This historical background shows that Leelanau Township has been in existence longer than Leelanau County itself, and it is interesting to note the name of the township never changed, territories being erected from it to make other townships.

The Board of County Canvassers under the provisions of the act of organizing Leelanau County met in Northport at the home of Joseph Dame during that winter of 1862-1863. They organized and prepared for an election of county officers and brought before the voters a selection of the county seat. Northport became the county seat.

The first term of Circuit Court for Leelanau County was held in Northport on May 5, 1864 in an old school house on the hill. The only business transacted was the appointing of necessary county officers and the designation of the jail in Grand Traverse County as the jail for Leelanau County too.

The second term of Circuit Court at Northport in 1864 sentenced a man for burglary and another man for adultery.

The following is a list of early Leelanau Township supervisors after 1863: S.G. Wood — 1863 N. Barnes — 1864 J.W. Ranger— 1865-1869 R. Lee — 1870-1873 V.C. Miller —1874-1875 J.W. Ranger — 1876-1879 Even through the county seat was located at Northport during the year 1875, much controversy started over the possibility of moving it. There was a fire in the town hall at Northport in 1881 but evidently it was discovered in time to prevent the destruction of the entire building and its records. Then, finally in 1882, the county seat was moved to Leland. Stories have been handed down from “oldtimers” that Northport should still be the county seat.

In a letter to the editor published in the “Leelanau Tribune” on March 19, 1875, a writer who signs only his initials,” expresses his opinion.

“What has Leland? It has a furnace, and a Company Store; nothing else. No hotel, no grist mill, no brewery, but plenty of smoke. Last summer a friend of mine was compelled to pass through Leland, and on inquiring for a hotel, or a place where he could get a dinner, was directed to go to P.A. Cody’s store; which he did, and for this, and for his dinner had what? Beer and crackers. Voters beware! In my humble opinion … of all places for a county seat, Leland should be last. Any place is preferable.

“Mr. Editor, it is growing late, and I hear my better half calling me, so will bid you a good night.”

A. Intent

The Cultural District Overlay (the “District”) is intended to: 1. Allow for the continuation of the existing cultural, educational, and community uses within the District and to ensure that their permitted uses are memorialized in perpetuity for the bene.t of the public.

2. Facilitate and foster the future use of the properties within the District in a manner that will allow the legal occu- pants to ful.l their community-based missions.

B. Boundaries, Ownership, and Control The properties within the District are those owned and/or operated by non- pro.t and/or community service and cultural organizations adjacent to the Leland River along Cedar and First Streets, east of S. Main Street (M-22).

More speci.cally, the parcels included in the District are: 111 S. Main Street (PID: 45-009-750-151-70) Owner: Leelanau Community Cultural Center (AKA Old Art Building) Legal Description: LOTS 1, 2, 3 & 4 BLK 17 VILLAGE OF LELAND INCLUDES ALL LAND BETWEEN SIDELINES TO WATERS EDGE OF LELAND RIVER (A/K/A CARP RIVER) WITH FULL REPARIAN RIGHTS SEC 9 T30N R12W 0.66 A M/L 203 E. Cedar Street (PID: 45-009-750-210-50) Owner: Leland Township Public Library Ground Lessee: Leelanau Historical Society Legal Description: BLK 21 EXC WLY 25 FT VILLAGE OF LELAND INCLUDES ALL LAND BETWEEN SIDELINES TO WATERS EDGE OF LELAND RIVER (A/K/A CARP RIVER) WITH FULL REPARIAN RIGHTS SEC 9 T30N R12W 0.8 A M/L 204 E. Cedar Street (PID: 45-009-750-220-00) Owner: Old Art Building Legal Description: BLK 22 EXC SLY 75 FT (A/K/A LOT 1 & S 1/2 LOT 3) VILLAGE OF LELAND INCLUDES ALL LAND BETWEEN SIDELINES TO WATERS EDGE OF LELAND RIVER (A/K/A CARP RIVER) WITH FULL REPARIAN RIGHTS SEC 9 T30N R12W 1.14 A M/L

C. De.nitions

For the purposes of this section, the following de.nitions shall apply.

Food Truck: A self-propelled truck or self-propelled vehicle containing facilities for cooking and selling food.

Programs: A Program is any activity related to a permitted use within the District.

Rentals: Gatherings where a third party is renting one or more property within the District to hold a private event that is not hosted or sponsored by one of the cultural organizations within the District.

Examples include wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, memorial services, reunion gatherings, commu- nity gatherings, and non-pro.t organi- zation meetings or gatherings.

Stationary Cooking Area: An area dedicated to a food vendor's portable cooking in, or under, a dedicated tent, canopy, or temporary structure.

D. Dimensional Standards

The following dimensional standards shall apply to improvements in the District: Front Setback: 5 feet Side Setback: 8 feet Rear Setback: 10 feet Water's Edge Setback: 25 feet for principal and accessory structures. 5 feet for art installations (sculptures, banners, etc.), educational/interpretive signage, historic/cultural artifact/ marker installations.

Setback from M-22 (Main St.): Build- ings/Permanent Structures: 25' Tem- porary Structures, Signs, Art Installa- tions: 5' Building Height: 35' maximum Maxi- mum Lot Coverage: 40%

E. Uses Permitted

Subject to the standards set forth in this Section, the uses permitted within the District are:

• arts/educational classes;

• artist studios;

• public/private gatherings (see Sections F.6 and F.7);

• outdoor classes;

• library uses;

• museum uses;

• research center/archival storage;

• indoor and/or outdoor gatherings (see Sections F.6 and F.7);

• outdoor art and historic exhibitions; • interpretive signage, way.nding/ directional signage, and educational displays (see Section F.1);

• Food Trucks (see Section F.5);

• plays, educational speakers, and performances (see Sections F.6 and F.7);

• art shows;

• passive recreational uses (such as a riverwalk, picnicking, nature viewing, short-term transient boat docking) (see Section F.6);

• art galleries;

• on-site artistic/scholarly temporary residency; • of. ce/administration activities;

• historical markers; and

• accessory structures related to a permitted use.

Changes within the District that would otherwise require a Land Use Permit under the provisions of Section 3.03 A of this Ordinance shall be subject to review by the Leland Township Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator shall approve any change that is consistent with the language included within this Section (Section XX.XX) and the 'Cultural District Overlay Master Plan' included as Figure 1 below and on .le as a large-format exhibit at the Township of. ces ('District Master Plan'). If the Zoning Administrator should .nd that a proposed change is not consistent with the District Master Plan, then the change shall require review and approval by the Leland Township Planning Commission under the standards for special land uses set forth in Section 16.01 of the Ordinance.

Figure 1 – Cultural District Overlay Master Plan

F. Additional Standards

1. Signage.

The following signage standards shall apply in the District: a. Entrance signs. Each parcel within the District shall be permitted one wall-mounted or freestanding entrance sign not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Such signs shall not be internally illuminated. Moving, re- volving, or .ashing components are not permitted. Entrance signs shall be permitted subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator.

b. Identi.cation and way.nding signs. Two organization identi.cation signs, either wall-mounted or freestanding, per legal occupant organization (may be multiple on a single parcel), each sign not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet, shall be permitted. Way.nding signs to direct pedestrian and vehic- ular traf. c and identify appropriate entrances shall be permitted, with any individual occupant way.nding sign not to exceed three (3) square feet. Identi.cation and way.nding signs shall be subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator.

For the purposes of this Section, the community room presently located between the Leland Township Public Library and the Leelanau Historical Society (commonly referred to as the Munnecke Room) shall be deemed to be a separate legal occupant. c. A legal occupant whose building is located within twenty (20) feet of the public right-of-way of Cedar Street may attach to its building one sign extending perpendicular to the public right-of-way. That sign shall not exceed 10 square feet in size. d. Educational and interpretive installations. Interpretive plaques, banners, signs, sculptures, and murals for the purpose of providing education and information related to a permitted use shall be permitted subject to review and approval by the Zoning Administrator. e. Temporary or portable signs. Temporary or portable signs advertising a Program or event is allowed to be displayed on the parcels for a period not to exceed two weeks prior to the referenced Program.

2. Lighting.

All exterior site lighting shall meet the lighting standards contained in Section 24.07 of the Ordinance. 3. Rights-of-Way.

Changes in the use of the Cedar and First Street rights-of-way are subject to review and approval by the Leelanau County Road Commission.

Changes in use of the S. Main Street right-of-way are subject to review and approval by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

4. On-street Parking.

No minimum amount of on-street parking is required, however any onstreet parking provided shall comply with the standards of Section 21.04 of the Ordinance.

5. Food Vendors.

Intent: Public Programs are a cornerstone of our community, occurring throughout the year and offering opportunities in every season for people to come together, celebrate, and connect. Food is an essential part of these Programs – not only as a ba- sic need but as a re.ection of culture, history, and creativity. It tells stories, fosters shared experiences, and enhances the overall event atmosphere.

For longer Programs, having food available ensures attendees can fully participate without disruption. By welcoming food vendors, we enrich our year-round programming, making our public gatherings more inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable for all.

Food vendors, including Food Trucks and Stationary Cooking Areas, as well as food prepared on-site shall be permitted in the District by invitation of the legal owners or tenants of properties within the District and are subject to the following conditions: a. A Program at which a food vendor is present must be hosted by one or more of the legal owners or tenants of properties within the District. b. Each of the three organizations within the District may host no more than two (2) programs per year where Food Trucks are present. The allotted number of Food Truck uses shall not be transferrable between organizations. A maximum of two (2) Food Trucks are allowed at any one program. c. No more than three (3) Food Trucks shall be permitted within the District at any one time. d. Food Vendors shall not be permitted to operate on a site within the District for more than one day at a time.

Food Vendor staging, set up, and tear down may occur on the days immediately prior to and following a Program, but Food Vendor operation shall only occur on a single day of a Program. e. Food vendors shall only operate during the hours of a Program and shall not operate later than 10:00 p.m. f. Food vendors shall not operate on S. Main Street (M-22) or 1st Street. g. Food vendors shall not obstruct pe- destrian pathways, .re lanes, public rights-of-way, or ingress/egress points for buildings. h. Food vendors shall not occupy or impede designated accessible parking spaces. i. Food vendors shall provide adequate waste disposal containers and are responsible for cleanup within a 50-foot radius of their location. j. Food vendors shall comply with all applicable State, County, and Township health and safety regulations.

Prior to any food truck operating, program organizers shall provide the Township with written noti.ca- tion of the event, including the time, date, and location; a plan for on-site restrooms; and documentation of all approvals and permits required for the event or site by applicable governmental agencies, excluding individual food truck operational licenses, health department permits, or other permits customarily issued directly to or maintained by the food truck operator. k. Food Trucks shall be prohibited on the 204 E. Cedar St. property.

6. Standards for Permitted Uses.

Uses permitted within the District shall be subject to the following standards and conditions: a. Each legal property owner or tenant within the District shall be limited to operating one (1) Program of more than 100 people at any one time.

b. Outdoor ampli.ed music or other loud sounds generated at Programs in the District shall comply with all applicable state and local regulations and occur only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. c. An organization hosting any Program shall notify the applicable emergency response agencies in accor- dance with each agency's standards prior to each Program. d. All Programs shall occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. e. Set up and tear down of any outdoor equipment, tents, or decorations occurring on days prior to or following any Program shall occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. f. Vendor deliveries shall occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. g. Each organization within the District shall provide contact information to the Zoning Administrator designat- ing the individual(s) to be noti.ed of complaints received. This list shall be

updated annually when the contact information changes.

h. Outdoor ampli.ed music shall only be permitted between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. i. All outdoor summer concert series Programs (currently known as “Music in the Air") with ampli.ed music shall be held at the 111 S. Main Street property. j. 204 E. Cedar Street Property – At the 204 E. Cedar Street property, no outdoor ampli.ed music is permitted.

k. 203 E. Cedar Street Property – Short-term transient boat docking shall be permitted at only the 203 E.

Cedar Street property.

l. Any occurrence of outdoor ampli.ed music within the District shall not exceed four (4) hours in length.

7. Rentals.

In addition to conditions listed in item 6 above, Rentals within the District shall comply with the following standards: a. A designated representative of the organization whose property is being rented by an outside group will be identi.ed as a contact person to be available to receive and respond to any complaints. Contact information for this individual shall be posted at the property being rented and provided to the Zoning Administrator as outlined in item F.6.g.

b. A maximum of .ve (5) weddings per year (ceremony and/or reception) are permitted across both Old Art Building (O.A.B.) properties (111 S. Main Street and 204 E. Cedar Street) c. Indoor music must end by 10:00 p.m. with the premises vacated by 10:30 p.m. d. Rentals at the 204 E. Cedar Street property i. Only low-impact outdoor rentals, including wedding ceremonies, memorial services, and other events with no more than 75 guests are permitted.

ii. Ampli.ed music for outdoor rentals of the 204 E. Cedar Street property is not permitted. Rentals on an Old Art Building (O.A.B.) property with ampli.ed music (e.g. wedding recep- tions) must be held at the 111 S. Main Street property.

iii. Sound ampli.cation systems are to be used for speaking purposes only.

Ampli.ed speaking at the 204 E. Ce- dar Street property shall be limited to two hours in length.

G. Nonconforming Uses and Structures

Nonconforming uses and structures, as de.ned in this Ordinance, may continue until they are removed from a site. Any nonconforming structure that is damaged by .re or other act of nature may be reconstructed on the original building footprint within its original spatial envelope.

Dozens of people filled into the Munnecke room for the township’s regular monthly meeting, many of which were present to speak on township projects and pressing issues such as Hancock Field plans in the works and the continuing Youth for Christ (YFC) special land use permit application dispute.

During the first period of public comment, at least half a dozen community members spoke about their concerns for Hancock and its significance for much of the youth in Leland and the county as a whole.

Leelanau County resident Benjamin Crow was the first to make public comment, and questioned what the township “was doing as a board.”

“Why are you not listening to the people of our community?” Crow said during public comment. “The two major issues over the past eight months have been Youth for Christ and Hancock Park. One is continuing to operate and the other you decided to not even have a discussion with the local schools and community on what is needed in our parks… Please start listening to our community voices.”

Leland resident Ellen Keen followed after Crow’s comment, expressing concern for the condition and upkeep of Hancock Field and other township parks. She said the current state of Hancock Park has placed an unreasonable burden on families and volunteers that care deeply about providing opportunities for their children that utilize these parks.

“I have looked at the lease with the school and the township is responsible for the mowing at the (Hancock) park. Just last week, a father had to bring his own lawnmower to Hancock to mow the youth soccer field so that his eight-year-old daughter’s team would have a playable field for their games before the Colts’ first baseball game… My children and their teammates filled bags with garbage removed from the dugouts just to make the area usable. Parents hauled lawnmowers to the field to mow the outfield,” Keen said. “I respectfully ask the board to ensure the current maintenance needs of our parks are being met, review the plan the school has put forward for the upgraded park, and work together with them to meet the needs of our community.”

Trustee Greg Kuntz said during the parks and rec report that he has offered to lead a “mending the fence” opportunity with Leland Public School as they work through Hancock plans. Kuntz said he had a meeting scheduled with a Leland School BOE member for Wednesday morning to continue talks about the park, and is making it his mission to bring everyone together.

These comments come after Leland Public School held a special meeting in May to discuss Hancock Field designs and improvements with the public. At the school’s May special meeting, the township chose to opt out from participating, however, two trustees did attend, and many Leland residents were able to voice their frustrations regarding the township’s handling of Hancock Field plans and cooperation with the school thus far.

Planning Commission Chairperson Lee Cory also spoke during the township’s public comment periods, voicing concerns of the township’s handling of the Youth for Christ permit application process, specifically in regards to the unpaid $12,000-plus bill for services from attorney Thomas Grier, who provided additional findings/ analysis reports to the planning commission to make its final decision in April.

Grier submitted work preparing two sets of alternate proposed findings and conclusions for approval and denial of the YFC permit after the township board voted to approve the motion to authorize the planning commission chairperson to engage services of a planning expert not to exceed $2,000 at a special meeting on Feb. 27.

Cory said throughout the planning commission’s engagement with Grier, the township board was copied “on every legal communication,” and said they were aware his work exceeded $2,000 in billable time.

“Yet no one contacted me or Mr. Grier or anyone to raise a concern, object, or suggest that he might not be compensated… Instead you waited for a public meeting to disparage him and disparage me and announce that you would not pay his bill,” Cory said. “What has become clear is that your refusal to fairly compensate Mr. Grier has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility or administrative process, its retaliation against planning commission members, except for Mr. Scales, who rejected flawed legal advice and voted to deny the Apollos application because you wanted a different outcome.”

During the second period of public comment, several township board members responded to Cory’s comments about the township’s lack of transparency and denied all allegations that were made against them and their motives.

Leland Township Supervisor Clint Mitchell commented briefly on Hancock Field plans during his supervisor report, clarifying what they aim to do going forward. In terms of the frequency of mowing at Hancock, Mitchell said it has been mowed weekly and that mowing of the little league baseball field would occur twice a week during the baseball season.

“What the township board would like to do is keep the baseball field, and next year, tear down all the unsafe, dilapidated structures, restore the infield of the full-size baseball field, and at this point, table indefinitely any amenities to the park,” Mitchell said. “That’s not just pickleball, but that included potentially basketball, playground, pavillion, so there are no immediate plans to do any of those things.”

In regards to the YFC matter, Mitchell said the issue is being handled by the township’s zoning administrator, Sara Kopriva, the attorney, Lauren Teichner, of the Teichner law firm, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. In the supervisor’s written report, Mitchell stated that ZBA member Brooks Bunbury also submitted his resignation, effective immediately, citing the lack of flexibility in scheduling of upcoming meetings. Brooks is the third ZBA member to resign since January and leaves the ZBA with only three voting members as they work through matters like the YFC permit appeal. The township is looking for someone who will serve as an alternate or to fill the remainder of Brooks’ term in the meantime.

5 YEARS AGO June 10, 2021

More than 100 people showed up at Leland Public School Monday to urge officials to maintain the Lake Michigan access at the end of Reynolds Street in Leland. The meeting was organized by the Leelanau County Road Commission and conducted jointly with members of the Leland Township Board. In January 2020, the two local units of government were sued by two families that own property either side of the road end asserting that Reynolds Street was not a platted road end, but an internal road within a platted development. *** A longtime arrangement between the Village of Northport and the family who owns property in town may be coming to an end soon. For years, the Weber family has leased the space occupied by the Welcome to Northport sign and the accompanying plant and flower installation, for $1 per year.

10 YEARS AGO June 9, 2016

Debra Windemuller may want to consider offering coffee at her business, The Ice Cream Factory, in Suttons Bay. “If we had coffee, we’d be selling a lot more of that,” Windemuller said. Come summer, though, the demand for ice cream should be strong if a National Weather Service longrange forecast comes to fruition. *** The battle between a bug and fruit producers in the Leelanau Peninsula is off to an early start. Researchers at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center on Friday trapped the region’s first spotted wing drosophila (SWD) of the season at a tart cherry orchard in Centerville Township.

25 YEARS AGO

June 14, 2001

Those hoping for a change in plans for a proposed private marina at the Lake Leelanau Narrows have received their wish. The Leelanau Conservancy and Tim and Egan Cypher have reached an agreement for the purchase of 21 of 27 acres for which development of an 81-slip marina had been planned. The outcome: all of the Narrows water frontage will be saved from development. *** Dead alewives are causing a stink along the county shorelines. “There are more (dead alewives) this year than there have been for quite a few years,” said Thomas Kelly, of the Inland Seas Education Association. He said alewives are probably dying now for the same reasons they do every summer: stress from spawning and cool water temperatures.

50 YEARS AGO

June 10, 1976

With expansion of Leelanau County building facilities “in the future” the County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to purchase a 60 x 252-foot nearby lot for $20,000. The lot was owned by Otto Hohnke; it’s located near the southeast corner of the County Building and adjacent to the Leland Fire Hall. *** A record crowd saw a record time posted Sunday at the 12th annual Empire Hillclimb at the Leelanau County village. Mike Taghon, chairman of the event for the Empire Lions Club, said some 2,000 persons attended various features of the event, with a Corvette climbing the half mile hill in a record 28 seconds to take the sweepstakes award.

75 YEARS AGO June 14, 1951

Want to buy an island? North Manitou is for sale, all 23 square miles and 13,778 square acres of it. The Detroit Trust Company, for the estate of the late W. R. Angell, has put the island on the market, but has not announced the price locally. At least two prospective buyers already have visited the site. The island boasts a licensed deer farm and large cherry orchards. *** Governor G. Mennen Williams on Friday signed a bill giving the green light to the proposed Northwestern Michigan College at Traverse City. The bill also changes the name of all junior colleges in the state to community colleges and authorizes districts in areas served by the colleges to pay tuition of high school students in the higher schools.

100 YEARS AGO June 10, 1926

The Nicholas Hotel formally opened Sunday for the 1926 season with a chicken dinner given by the Lutheran Ladies Aid. In spite of cold, rainy weather the event was a great success. Approximately five hundred fifty people were served, and the attendance would undoubtedly have been much larger had the day been pleasant. *** C.T. Grawn of Detroit spent several days here this week. He left this afternoon for Frankfort where he will deliver a commencement address tonight.

The workshop, scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m., is designed to help participants better understand the values and concerns of those with differing political views.

The session, titled “Skills for Disagreeing Better” introduces practical skills for listening, so other feel heard and for expressing viewpoints constructively — even in disagreement. Tailored for faith communities, the 90-minute workshop will be led by a trained Braver Angel facilitator.

Recent polling indicates that many Americans perceive growing division and have fewer opportunities to engage with those who hold differing viewpoints.

Braver Angels seeks to create space for respectful, constructive dialogue across differences.

“At Braver Angels we believe that disagreement doesn’t have to divide us,” said Terry Donohue Cousins, Braver Angels workshop moderator. “This workshop is an opportunities to learn how to engage constructively with people whose views may differ from your own.”

The event is open to all individuals interested in improving communication and building understanding. Advanced registration is encouraged and can be completed at http:// bitly/4tMyirs.

The event, scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., is a special gathering will celebrate the courage, commitment, and service of Leelanau County first responders and offer a complimentary pig roast for attendees as a gesture of thanks from the community.

“Our first responders care for this community every day, often in moments of great need,” said Rev. Melody Olin, pastor of Empire United Methodist Church and organizer of the event. “This gathering is a heartfelt way for us to come together, show our appreciation, and thank them for all they do for our families and neighbors.”

Among those agencies with first- responders: Leelanau County Sheriff’s Department; Michigan State Police; Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Police; Glen Lake & Empire Fire Departments, including Emergency Medical Technicians; Department of Natural Resources Rangers; and Almira Fire Department.

This community effort is being organized with the help of volunteers from Empire United Methodist Church; along with support from St. Philip Neri Church, Empire Area Community Center, Empire Village, and Empire Lions Club. Other support is being offered from Empire Blue House, Harriger Construction, Jim & Claudia Bomersback, Glen Craft Marina & Resort, Storm Hill POA, Dave’s Garage, Empire Family Dental, State Savings Bank, Deering Tree Service, The Misers Hoard, Empire Chamber of Commerce, Shipwreck Cafe, Art’s Tavern, Greystone Gardens, Tiffany’s Ice Cream, Sleeping Bear Gallery, and Lakeshore Inn.

“If God is the best Father, does that mean He tells the best dad jokes too?” asks

Ethan, 8. That's a fair question. If you think about it, God probably invented humor, too!

When we say God is the best Father, we're not talking about how funny He is (though He did make penguins). We're talking about His perfect love, faithfulness, and care for His children. Jesus taught His followers to pray, "Our Father in heaven," showing us that God wants a personal, loving relationship with us.

"I think God is the best Father because He always listens," says Ava, 7. "My dad sometimes falls asleep when I talk too long." Even the best earthly dads get tired or distracted, but God never does. Psalm 121:4 says God "shall neither slumber nor sleep." He's always awake, always aware, and always ready to hear us. Whether we whisper a prayer or cry out in pain, our Father listens.

"I think God's the best Father because He forgives us when we mess up," says

Caleb, 9.

Earthly fathers can lose patience, but God's love never quits. He's the perfect example of patience and grace. The Bible says, "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy" (Psalm 103:8).

When we sin, He doesn't give up on us. Instead, He disciplines us to bring us back, like a loving father guiding his child (Hebrews 12:6).

Some kids don't have a father at home, and that can be hard. But the Bible reminds us that "God sets the solitary in families" (Psalm 68:6). For those who trust Him, God becomes the ultimate Father. He is always present, always caring, always faithful.

"I think God is the best Father because He gave us Jesus," says Lily, 10. "That's like the biggest gift ever." Exactly. Earthly fathers give their children what they can. God gave His only Son so that we could become His children forever. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Author Charles Ryrie wrote that believers in Jesus are "adopted into God's family by grace." When we believe in Jesus, we become God's children, not because we earned it, but because He chose to love us. That's what makes Him the best

Father of all.

Even the Apostle Paul wrote that we can call God "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). "Abba" was a warm, family word, something like "Daddy." It shows closeness. God isn't just a king in heaven; He's a loving Father who invites us to sit with Him and share our hearts.

Sometimes God says "no" or "wait," not because He doesn't love us, but because He does. He knows what we need even better than we do. Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to those who love God." So, what makes God the best Father of all? He listens, forgives, provides, protects, and loves without end. He's the only Father who can never fail or forget you. He's the Father who gave His Son so that you could be His child forever.

Think About This: God's love never runs out, His patience never ends, and His wisdom never fails. That's what makes Him the best Father of all.

Memorize This Truth: "As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him" (Psalm 103:13).

Ask These Questions: What do you think makes God the best Father of all? How can you thank God today for being your Father?

Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.

During their 6 p.m. presentation at the Munnecke Room at the Leland Library, Byron and Wilson will talk about “Leelanau Treasures” from the David Tinder Collection of Michigan Real Photo Postcards.

Tinder’s vast collection of 66,470 real photo postcards were donated to the Clements Library at the University of Michigan several years ago. Recently the cards were scanned and categorized and are now available online in an easy-to-research format. Christine and Tom will show examples from the 608 Leelanau County postcards in the Tinder Collection, including maritime, agricultural, street views and more. Some of the postcards you’ll see are quite rare, including a panoramic view of North Manitou Island.

Byron and Wilson share a love of Michigan and a fascination with its history. Their collection of antique postcards and tourist and travel ephemera was the inspiration for their “Vintage Views” books. Christine retired from her position as the local history librarian at the Grand Rapids Public Library and Tom has been involved in local history and genealogy research for many years. They spend their summers at Glen Lake and love researching the history of the county.

In addition to electing officers and approving its program priorities for the coming year, the League recognized organizations and individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on Leelanau County.

The League’s Outstanding Community Member Award was presented to the Leelanau Conservancy in recognition of its decades-long commitment to protecting the landscapes, shorelines, and natural areas that define the region. League members specifically acknowledged the Conservancy’s successful effort to preserve Sugar Loaf Mountain, ensuring that this treasured landmark remains protected “For Everyone, Forever.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the Conservancy were Executive Director Tom Nelson, Natural Areas & Preserves Director Becky Hill, and Development Director Paris Morse.

The League also presented its Vina Mikesell Outstanding Member Award, named in honor of the League’s founding president, whose vision and leadership helped establish the organization in Leelanau County. For only the second time in the League’s history, the award was shared by two recipients. Board member Deb Fellows was recognized for bringing decades of editorial and publishing experience to the League’s communications efforts. Her leadership in developing the League’s new website and expanding its digital and social media presence has strengthened the organization’s ability to connect with voters, potential voters and the broader community. Jane Gale, a longtime board member and community advocate, was honored for her many years of dedicated service. Her leadership in financial development and early childhood initiatives has helped advance several of the League’s most important priorities. In the coming year, she will cochair the League’s Advocacy Committee alongside former president and retired Judge Marian Kromkowski.

This year’s keynote presentation was delivered by Steve Redding, a former attorney with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office who now resides in Suttons Bay. His presentation, “Violations of the Constitutional Rights of Citizens and Non-Citizens,” explored the legal framework governing immigration enforcement and underscored the importance of public understanding of constitutional protections.

During the League’s annual meeting Saturday Janet Welch was elected president for a twoyear term, with Joan Hunault elected vice president. Natalie Wilson will continue serving as secretary, and Gary Bardenhagen will continue as treasurer.

Newly-elected board members serving two-year terms are Deb Kuhn, Elaine Piper, and Martha Shaver. Continuing board members are Jane Gale, Jacquie Johnson, and Susan Wood. The board will also include appointed members Becky Beauchamp, Tricia Denton, Deb Fellows, retired Judge Marian Kromkowski, Nancy Lewis, and Susan Och.

Members also elected Dana (Sam) Getsinger as Chair of the Nominating Committee and Vera Hernandez as committee member.

In addition to approving the League’s 2026–27 budget, members adopted bylaw changes that will establish a co-presidency model beginning July 1, 2027.

The League also approved its local program for the coming year under a new guiding theme: Stand Up for Democracy This framework reflects the League’s ongoing commitment to strengthening civic participation through five key priorities:

• Lead voter service efforts through voter registration, candidate forums, and trusted election information.

• Educate and advocate on issues including housing, immigration practices, and civic education.

• Promote government accountability through the League’s Observer Corps.

• Champion early childhood initiatives that support children and families.

• Host timely public forums that engage, educate, and empower the community.

Local artist Rick Koehler designed this year’s vineyardthemed poster that is sure to catch eyes at the festival.

“It was an honor to be asked to make the poster this year,” Koehler said. “I usually work from reference photos, and I found something that inspired me from a compositional standpoint.”

The poster features a plot of land from French Valley Vineyards. Koehler spends the majority of his year in Leelanau, while spending the other five months in his hometown of Cincinnati.

“What I enjoy most about the Leland Wine and Food Festival is the socialization aspect. Friends meeting up and getting something to drink and getting some food on a nice day,” Koehler said. “You sit on the hillside down there by the Leland Harbor and enjoy a bite in each other’s company, and it’s a really cool thing that a small village like this can still have a festival,” Koehler said.

Drawing roughly 1,500 attendees each year, the Leland Wine and Food Festival, on the shores of the Manitou Passage, is a true northern Michigan tradition that brings together community, craft, and breathtaking lakeside scenery for one unforgettable afternoon.

Hopes are high for warm weather and a bluebird sky, with weather as of press time slated for a chance of rain Saturday.

Get Koehler’s art at rickkoehler. com; he is also represented at Riverside and Edgewater in Leland, along with the Synchronicity Gallery. The Old Art Building in Leland is hosting an Art On The Vineyard show, in parallel with the wine and food festival, which is taking shape from Friday, Jun 12 through June 20.

Twelve of Leelanau Peninsula’s premier wineries will be pouring alongside craft beer from Farm Club at the wine festival. Participating wineries include: Amoritas, Aurora Cellars, Baia, Bel Lago Winery, BigLittle Winery, Blustone Vineyards, Boathouse Vineyards, Dune Bird, Good Harbor Vineyards, French Valley Vineyards, Laurentide Winery and Verterra Winery.

Culinary offerings will be available for purchase from Locals Lake Leelanau, Pleva’s Meats, Village Cheese Shanty, Peninsula Provisions, The Cove and Idyll Farms.

Musical entertainment includes DJ Ras Marco, from noon to 3 p.m. and Yankee Station, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Founded in 1886 by Cris and Kathy Telgard of the Bluebird Restaurant, Bruce Simpson of Good Harbor Vineyards and Larry Mawby of MAWBY Vineyards, the festival was established to spotlight the Leelanau Peninsula’s emerging wine industry.

Hosted in Leland’s iconic Historic Fishtown, it has grown into an indispensable summer staple. Come-and-go wristbands let guests explore nearby shops, beaches, and galleries before returning for more. Advance tickets are $35—$45 at the gate. Non-alcoholic admission is $12 for those under 21.

The festival was canceled in 2024 after the Leland Chamber of Commerce announced it could not find a solid location. In 2022 and 2023, the event moved to the Leland Lodge while the Leland Harbor had construction upgrades.

This will be the second year back at the Leland Harbor.

The Leland Wine and Food Festival is partnering with the M22 Challenge to offer a discount to participants competing in the challenge, which is hosted in the Glen Arbor area. For the first time this year, the festival will feature wine-carnival games and a silent auction.

Organized entirely by a volunteer board, the Leland Wine & Food Festival is the primary fundraiser for the Leland Chamber of Commerce, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the community by funding Leland’s fireworks, beautification, holiday lighting, clean-up initiatives, and local business marketing support.

Generous support from 2026 sponsors — including The Leland Lodge, Spence Brothers Construction, The Homestead, Cherry Republic, American Spoon, and others — makes this event possible. For a full sponsor list, visit lelandmi.org.

5-28-26

The nonprofit charged with restoring and repurposing the Poor Farm Barn is hosting an open house to showcase the restoration and re-purposing work recently completed. Leaders of the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society (LCHP. ORG) will be on hand to guide the tours and answer questions about the past, present, and future of this community treasure. Visitors will also be offered some home baked cookies and yard games. Thanks to many dozens of financial contributors, dedicated volunteers, and licensed contractors, the Poor Farm Barn has new electrical wiring and lighting, a fully resurfaced wood floor, newly repaired siding, new lower-level doors, and a fresh coat of paint. Everyone with an interest in the protection and re-purposing of historic barns is encouraged to spend a little time at the farm. This event is free to the public.

A triple threat on guitar, saxophone and vocals, Vaughn writes powerful, innovative, and often humorous songs that spring directly from his vast musical experience.

Coming out of the streets of Chicago, Vaughn was raised on Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, Black Top 40 and James Brown.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; the performance is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance/$35 at the door, with a discount for certain Bay membership levels.

In her book, Strassmann explores the surprising ways birds cooperate and form communities. She shares stories of species from around the world, including broad-winged hawk that migrate together each fall, tree swallows that gather in roosts numbering in the thousands, and guira cuckoos that nest in communes. Through these examples, she reveals the many ways birds live and interact with one another — and why solitary life, it seems, is not for the birds.

Staussmann is an award-winning teacher of animal behavior, first at Rice University in Houston and then Washington University in St. Louis, where she is Charles Rebstock professor of biology.

This program is free and open to the public.

He will lead The Center into a vibrant new chapter focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and multi-generational engagement.

Located in the heart of Suttons Bay, The Center has been a vital resource and gathering space for the Leelanau County community since its building was first constructed in 1853.

From its storied past as a Grange Hall and the county’s first senior citizen center to its modern role as a diverse community hub, The Center has always been defined by the people who gather within its walls. This new leadership transition marks a natural evolution in a history that spans over four decades of dedicated community service.

As The Center enters this new chapter, its mission remains anchored in its core values including vibrancy, authenticity, and diversity & inclusivity. The Center is committed to being an accessible and reliable space where people of all ages and backgrounds can feel a true sense of belonging.

“I am honored to join The Friendship Community Center at such a pivotal time,” Ford-Martinez, executive director said. “Our values of collaboration and innovation will guide us as we work with local partners to ensure The Center remains a vital community resource. We want to honor the roots of this historic building and the history of those who have supported and created the connections that exist at The Center today while creating a forward-looking vision that serves, connects and inspires all Leelanau County residents.”

The transition allows The Center to refocus its energy on the wide array of programs and activities that have long called it home — including wellness classes and workshops, arts programming, and the beloved monthly community potlucks. In partnership with other local nonprofits, it also serves as a central site for the distribution of meal and food support for any Leelanau County resident. Through a spirit of transparency and collaboration, the new leadership is eager to engage with the community to establish goals that sustain The Center as a vibrant, multicultural gathering space.

To support this mission, The Center is inviting community members to become involved through volunteerism — ranging from event planning to facility maintenance — and through financial contributions that directly fund The Center’s core operations and inclusive programming.

“This is a time of great energy and possibility,” said Karen Hassevoort, the new president of The Center’s Board of Directors. “With Ian’s leadership and a steadfast commitment to our core values, we are excited to engage with the community to write The Center’s next chapter.”

If you’d like to help support The Center, donations may be made via The Center’s “Donate” link at thecentersb.com, via Venmo @TheCenterSB, or cash or check to the Center at P.O. Box 527, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

The evening will begin with a wine reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a conversation at 6 p.m. Copies of “Unfixed” will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of Bay Books. Admission is free; registration is requested.

“Unfixed” is a memoir of family secrets, chronic illness, and the search for truth and forgiveness.

When Warner discovered the identity of her biological father after years of unanswered questions, it set her on a journey to understand her own identity and history.

In the process, she uncovered unexpected family connections and a deeper story rooted in northern Michigan. The book explores what happens when the foundations of family and self begin to shift, and what comes next.

The Old Art Building is located at 111 S. Main St., Leland.

The 7:30 p.m. program, at Glen Arbor Township Hall, will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, showing how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science.

The talk is free, open to the community, and hosted by First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Glen Arbor.

“What is it that makes healing sometimes seem so hard? One of the things is fear, and yet there is a way out of fear through understanding God’s nature and our relationship to God,” Kneeland explained. “The beauty of understanding God’s loving relationship is that it’s not compartmentalized. It benefits every aspect of our life, and it has wonderful side effects.”

Sharing examples of healing from her own life and professional practice of Christian Science, Kneeland will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific, meaning that people can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as fully described in the book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written by the founder of the Christian Science movement, Mary Baker Eddy.

Kneeland will also touch on the life of Mary Baker Eddy, who came to understand, confirm, and teach what she felt was original Christian healing. Eddy herself said she was especially inspired by Jesus’ demand, “He that believes in me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go unto my Father” (found in the Gospel of John 14:12 in the Bible).

For over 150 years, people around the world have worked to follow Christ Jesus in this practice of Christianity and continue to do so today, experiencing healings of physical ills and personal difficulties.

Kneeland has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years, helping people on a daily basis through this scientific approach to prayer. She travels from her home base in San Rafael, California to speak to audiences around the world as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

Valor Skincare and The Find North will co-host a Leland Community Clean Up on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, with volunteers meeting at The Find North in downtown Leland.

Start the day with yoga on the beach at 9 a.m. with River Studio. This special all-levels community class is donationbased, with a minimum donation of $20. One-hundred percent of proceeds benefit Fishtown Preservation. To sign up visit https://bit.ly/49ukxGt.

Participants are encouraged to bring protective gloves, a trash grabber and reusable bag or bucket . A limited quantity of reusable bags will be available while supplies last.

Closed toed shoes and a water bottle are also suggested.

This is more than a clean up — it’s a celebration of community pride. Join us for two hours of good work, good company, and a few well-earned perks. Attendees can look forward to complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the morning and door prizes from local businesses. Collect trash in bags made from repurposed materials from Grand Traverse Canvas Works. Valor Skincare will be on-site with a sun care station and product sampling — a fitting reminder that protecting our skin, our body’s largest organ, goes hand in hand with protecting the land and waters we love.

Kids (and parents, too!) will be treated to an apropos book reading and art activity at “The Find North” with local author, Brianne Farley. She will read from her book “When a Worm Makes A Sandwich,” the story of an industrious worm that “makes” a sandwich by way of a compost pile. Signed copies will be available for purchase. Brianne’s visit is sponsored by the Old Art Building. Caring for Leland isn’t a one-time effort — it’s an ongoing commitment to the town we love and the lake that defines it. Come be part of it.

This letter is in reference to the half page advertisement sponsored by the Leelanau County Republicans in the Leelanau Enterprise on June 4, 2026. The advertisement has more questions than answers. It states that “investigation findings expected soon” and it asks “what happened, what was found, and what happens next?” In this case, the Leelanau Republicans have no answers to these questions because there is nothing to reveal. This advertisement is all insinuation and generates divisiveness and worry in the community where none is called for. Leelanau County government is functioning just fine, their finance and HR functions are running well, they are in good financial shape, and the administration is moving forward with new best practices such as strategic planning.

Rebecca Hendrick Solon Township

Over the next 250 years, I hope we can become a free country again.

Lately, I feel my freedom being encroached on day-in and day-out.

Over the next quarter millennium, I pray that our leaders care more about Leelanau residents and American citizens than they do about the peoples of Tehran, Tel Aviv, Kyiv, Moscow, or Beijing. I would have a tough time pointing these cities on a map, let alone the countries, but for our leaders it’s the opposite.

The founders would think of the people who represent us today as redcoat loyalists.

This Fourth of July, Americans will get to celebrate the sacrifices of this great nation over the past 250 years.

Men who had everything to lose signed their names anyway, knowing a noose was the price of failure. We owe them more than a cookout. We owe them a country worth the one they handed us.

Instead I’ll be filling my gas tank for over $4 a gallon, while my country is nearly $40 trillion in debt, Social Security runs out of money in less than 10 years, along with the growing state that wants to make you a slave.

That stock market is looking good though. Same with the $700,000 three-bedroom singlefloor home.

But at least we get a cage match on the South Lawn. That’s the best bread and circus.

I encourage everyone to read the Declaration of Independence over and over again leading up to the Fourth of July.

Here’s one line I love, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

The founders handed war to the people’s representatives, not to a president or a trillion-dollar machine. And certainly not to some dorks in Silicon Valley or Wall Street. Every undeclared war since has been a departure from the Declaration of Independence. Congress has declared war just five times in 250 years — the last in 1942. Every war since, from Korea to Iraq, was waged without one. The founders would have never stood for a technocratic communist country that our leaders want to turn this country into. They would’ve revolted. Why aren’t we?

But another several trillion goes to fighting more pointless wars that will never help our quality of life. Plus your natural resources go to building the god slop robot to replace you.

Some may cheer for our country’s destruction, but I certainly don’t.

I want to prosper, and I will die trying here. Leelanau, Michigan, and America matter most. Not the Middle East or the Donbas.

It’s the same grievance just 250 years later. The founders pledged everything they had. Today’s leaders pledge nothing and put the rest up for auction. Jefferson would have called them Tories or the King’s Men.

Just like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appeared to confirmed her “Tory” status at the beginning of this month.

A clip from the groundbreaking of a mega data center in Saline Township, shared by opponents of the project, appears to catch Whitmer telling an Oracle executive “We’re used to people saying no and doing it anyway.”

Her office hasn’t responded to the video that features muddy audio.

If that is not a perfect epitome of what our politicians think of us Americans then I don’t know what is.

Free America.

To the editor:

Our good friends introduced us to the Leelanau in 1977 and we have spent every July since 1988 in the Leland River Townhouse across from Stander Marine with our faithful boat the “Half Gast.”

We have enjoyed so many celebrations: birthdays, engagements, family reunions and anniversaries. Our children and their children return for the annual parades, art fairs, music and treasure hunts. But all good things must end. This could be our last summer. The boat has been diagnosed with “osteoporosis of the stringers” and the townhouse has been sold. We will miss our afternoon “docktails”, waving to our friends and strangers - in the ever-constant boat parade. We will miss the unique world that is Fishtown. We will miss the best sunsets even with the “lslands in the way.” Thanks for the memories.

Pete and Pat Gast Leland

Leelanau County doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to county administrators.

The Board of Commissioners placed administrator Jim Dyer on paid administrative leave Tuesday.

The position of Leelanau County Administrator was established in 1985 and in the time since, seven persons have filled this seat.

Duane Beard was among the first to occupy the seat, holding the post through late September 1994. He was followed by John McCurtain, who resigned under pressure in the late 90’s.

Former Leelanau County Sheriff’s deputy and county native Dave Gill retired after completion of the new county government center and law enforcement center. He was replaced by Eric Cline, who served from September 2009 until October 2011.

Cedar native Chet Janik was a bit of a unicorn in that he served the board from 2012 to 2022, without conflict. County operations were stable throughout his tenure.

But it has been anything but calm since.

Deborah Allen, the county's first female administra tor, served from December 2022 to April 2024, before her dismissal.

Commissioners looked beyond the county boundaries, hiring former Traverse City mayor Richard Lewis as interim administrator.

Dyer was hired in March 2025 to fill the administra tor’s seat and he’s been hounded by vocal critics since.

GOP Chairman Jim White has been most vocal, speaking during public comment. But he claims to speak for himself — not local Republicans.

In addition, a group of “concerned citizens” has purchased numerous advertisements in the Enterprise to rally the troops against the administrator.

So where do they go from here? If Dyer is ultimately dismissed by the county, commissioners could be on the hook for the remaining two years compensation in his contract which runs through March 2028.

Perhaps the county board should examine why they haven’t been successful in choosing an administrative leader.

Were there other departments at play? Should they consider a different model for government?