“We just kept fighting through and got stronger week to week; it was a really special night. I’m so proud of our boys,” Suttons Bay coach Tony West said.

The Norse traveled as they had every game this season, to play Alcona on the east side of the state.

Suttons Bay entered the contest with only nine players and one mission. Win.

Elijah Kiessel led Suttons Bay with a touchdown reception and scored the go-ahead touchdown with under two minutes remaining. The Norse recovered an ensuing onside kick to seal the win.

Suttons Bay has dressed the most players all year, 13, and had two games where only eight players were dressed.

“We had a good sized Sutton's Bay crowd that followed us for our last game,” West said. “When I stepped onto that field, before the game started, it was like the field was buzzing. There was just this energy that I could feel something special was going to happen. When I got back in the locker room to give my pregame talk, I was shaking with excitement, and when it was over and done, it all made sense … To put an exclamation point on the season, to watch my entire team after the victory, to go over and hug, and high-five and encourage the Alcona kids who were on the other side of it. Made everything worth it. That's what life's about. You're going to win some, you're going to lose some, but it's important to have the support group around you, other people to lift you back up when you feel those things.”

Suttons Bay junior Easton West scored twice and stepped in to play quarterback multiple times.

Olin Chandler also scored twice and nearly had a third, but the drive stalled at the 2-yard line before the Norse scored.

“I got to engage in the happiest of tears with our entire team, but more importantly, our seniors haven't given up all year. They are a testament to what our program is,” coach West said. “(The seniors) knew what the task at hand was this year and that it was going to be tough. For them to show up at every practice and engage and encourage the underclassmen. For people that don't play football and realize the grind from every practice to putting the pads on to the running … The seniors were on the field all the time for the team to keep going. Where in today's culture a lot of people want to give up and they just didn't, I'm so proud of them.”

The Norse played every game away and hosted senior night at Glen Lake last week.

Suttons Bay has traveled over 2,000 miles this season.

The Suttons Bay youth programs have held steady despite the low number at the high school.

The Norse Pop Warner program went 7-0, and the Norse reported nearly 20 athletes at the middle school level.

The Norse forfeited the first game of the season but managed to field a team for the rest of the season, playing two games with only eight players.

West thanks Alcona for their hospitality and for providing a meal after the game.

Commissioner Robbins requested an investigation into allegedly false public statements by Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher concerning whether the county credit card issued to the Undersheriff James Kiessel was timely paid. 

The request asks whether the interim administrator’s conduct violated County Personnel Policies or ethical standards or constituted financial mismanagement, according to county lawyer Cohl, Stoker & Toskey Municipal Law. 

Unlike the previous complaint for hostile work environment and the complaint pursuant to the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, there is no specific statutory legal process for the Board of Commissioners to follow with regard to the investigation of this complaint. It is within the Board of Commissioners’ discretion to determine how to proceed.    

Commissioner Robbins submitted the complaint in his capacity as an elected official, not as an employee, and the personnel policy expressly does not apply to commissioners. 

The law firm suggests not to govern this matter. It’s unclear what the commissioners will do, whether request Cypher to be summoned to explain herself. 

The Board of Commissioners would have the option to ask questions or seek additional information after hearing/receiving the report. It should be noted that the written report would be subject to FOIA, and any verbal presentation would be required to be given in an open meeting.  

The Lakers beat the Panthers on Friday, Oct. 9, winning 33-0.

Frankfort started the season 5-1 before losing its last three games to the Lakers (Oct. 9), East Jordan (Oct. 16) and Oscoda (Oct. 23), all playoff teams.

The Lakers recovered from a 2-2 start to win five on the road, including three straight shutouts over Frankfort, Benzie Central and Tawas Friday (58-0)

The Lakers, along with Harbor Springs and East Jordan, shared the Northern Michigan Football Conference title.

The winner will most likely hit the road next Friday (Nov. 6) to Bark River Harris (7-2) as the Broncos battle L’Anse (4-5).

The Lakers fell to Bark River Harris on a walk-off kick return in last season's regional final on Glen Lake’s turf.

On the other side of the bracket, Beal City (9-0) hosts Beaverton (4-4), while Iron Mountain (7-2) and East Jordan (7-2). The winners of each district tournament will advance to the regional semifinals.

The Comets pulled away in the second half after Glen Lake fought back to tie late in the first half. Leland opened the scoring from a penalty kick by Evan Keen, before Glen Lake’s Odin Hawley-Joppich equalized in the last five minutes of the half.   “We just needed to play a little quicker out of the back,” Sirrine commented on the first half, “and then you’re creating chances; we just need to finish them.”

Liam Sweeney brought Leland back on early in the second half. Levi Ulbrich added a close-range goal to extend the lead to 3-1, and Gage Lazar scored Leland’s fourth goal. The win marked Leland’s third victory over Glen Lake this season. The Comets defeated the Lakers 3-0 on September 14 and 1-0 on September 30 before Wednesday’s district final.  “(Glen Lake) is always bringing their best,” Leland coach Rob Sirrine said.

Leland goalkeeper Edgar Hernandez Mosqueda said intensity drove the Comet's victory.

The reigning D4 state champions will turn their sights to Harbor Springs Tuesday at Cadillac (7 p.m.)

The Comets now turn their attention to the next round of the postseason.

Sirrine said that adjusting to turf fields will be an important part of the team’s preparation since Leland’s home field is grass.

“The ball bounces more; it’s faster, it’s just a different game.” 

“This will be the final chapter as far as Cleveland Township is concerned,” Supervisor Tim Stein said at a meeting last week.

He called the vote a housekeeping item, meant to put it on the record that the township has canceled the public hearing about the SAD and reiterate that they will be taking no further action on the issue.

Stein described a memo he received earlier that day from Gosling Czubek on water levels in Shalda Creek.

“Simply stated, I wanted them to give us a normal stream level, normal conditions without any impediments down the stream. And they’ve come back and they’ve given us levels that they are signifying and attesting to that would represent nonimpeded flow coming out of Little Traverse Lake,” he said.

The memo, sent by senior project manager at Gosling Czubek Robert Verschaeve, recommends that readings of 593.9 at the Traverse Lake Road inlet, 593.75 at its outlet or 593.8 at the County Road 669 inlet be threshold levels to indicate when obstructions in the creek should be removed.

“Using these elevations as action levels for the removal of obstructions as they occur will help maintain Shalda Creek flow, culvert capacity and storage buffer capacity of the surrounding swamps and wetlands,” Verschaeve said.

He also recommended considering the complete removal of older constrictions that have only been partly cleared in order to help restore the creek’s natural width.

Stein said that the Leelanau County Road Commission is comfortable with the levels. Road Commission Managing Director Brendan Mullane is working to set up a meeting with Stein and National Park Service Superintendent Scott Tucker, aimed at a memorandum of understanding around maintaining the creek.

Five years ago, my wife, Annie, and I moved back to her hometown of Leland. When I met Stacey Brugeman, I immediately connected with her. She has introduced me to the best of Leelanau County and encouraged me to get involved. Stacey is approachable and cares about our community traditions. Stacey values careful stewardship of Leland itself as the special place it is now and will continue to be.

Stacey has my wholehearted support for Leland Township Trustee, and I urge my fellow Leland Township residents to join me in voting for Stacey Brugeman on November 3.

Thank you, Brian Clark Leland

The village council and public got a first look via renderings of conceptual designs for the municipality’s 7th Street and High Street properties in April at a community housing workshop. The design scenarios provided for both properties was the first step in evaluating the specific area’s development potential and exploring opportunities to address Northport’s ongoing need for housing.

Since the village council’s last discussion in May regarding attainable housing at the 7th Street property, village manager Jered Ottenwess reported in his October memorandum that two developers, both who are currently pursing other attainable housing projects in the northwest Michigan region, have declined to work with the village. Ottenwess said based on the feedback he’s received, developers “are not interested in small projects at the end of the peninsula.” Local stakeholders, Ottenwess said in his report, also do not seem interested in doing the work to assemble a team and organizing a corporate structure to carry out the work.

Since these complications have come to light, the village has been considering engaging the services of a consultant who can advocate on behalf of the village, is more connected with the regional developer community, and can help finalize and publish an RFP. Ottenwess has been in discussions with Nate Elkins, the founder of IDF, to do just this, and the proposal was presented at the council’s Oct.15 meeting.

The scope of the IDF’s proposal included: “confirming the village’s development and policy framework; preparing a planning- level development pro forma and feasibility analysis; drafting the RFP and evaluation criteria; preparing marketing materials; and conducting targeted outreach to developers, builders, housing organizations, and other potential partners.” In addition, IDF would work in collaboration with Rob Bacigalupi of Mission North who would lead the feasibility analysis and developer outreach. The proposed lump-sum fee for these services would cost $16,560 and would have moved the 7th Street property from the concept stage into an active solicitation process that was estimated to take anywhere between 8-10 weeks.

The IDF proposal’s costs and scope of work was discussed by all council members, with the majority weighing in on holding off on moving forward with any plans at this time.

“I don’t see how we should be in a hurry to do this right now,” said village council trustee Will Harper during discussion. “I’m all for the study, but I’m just not sure this is the best timing. I kind of feel like maybe we should table it for maybe a year and see where we are… I think spending a lot of money on data that may be out of date by the time we’re ready to do anything might not be the best timing.”

Trustee Hugh Cook also agreed with Harper’s sentiment to table the IDF proposal to see where the village stands financially in the months ahead. Chris McCann, village council president, voiced shortly after Cook’s comments that the proposal wasn’t something they needed to jump into either, noting that the topic is something they could revisit again at a future meeting.

“I think there has also been some correspondence from the legal team saying that there are legal issues with 7th Street that we’re going to have to reckon with and that we need to absolve before we do anything else and before we spend anymore money on this,” trustee Edwin Dean commented. “I honestly just don’t think this is a feasible project. I think we have some housekeeping to do and I’m appreciative of everyone saying we should table this for a little bit and see where we need to go.”

Ottenwess said the money they’ve put into the planning process thus far is not going to waste, adding that the village will benefit from it whether if they choose to move forward or not. In addition, the concern of momentum built with the 7th Street attainable housing development over the last year was brought to the board’s attention by trustee Susan Ager, but council members assured that the pause on the project would ultimately not negatively affect the matter.

“I’m not worried about us losing momentum on this, I think timing is more important. I think also that the slower we go the more this is going to settle in with people… Momentum is great, but momentum can also cause you to not look at the big picture, and I really think that a more cautious approach is more prudent in this case,” Harper said. “We will not lose momentum, the need for housing isn’t going away in this decade or the next.”

Vincent Tomczak, 71, was arraigned Tuesday in 86th District Court, according to a press release from the state Attorney General’s office.

Tomczak allegedly dredged and filled between one and two acres of protected wetlands property beginning in 2023. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) sent multiple site violation notices and restoration orders, contacted Tomczak directly over the alleged violations, visited the site multiple times, and in 2024 executed a search warrant at Tomczak’s property.

Despite ample notice that the development required permits not obtained and that restoration would be required, it is alleged Tomczak made no restoration efforts at the property, despite many opportunities to do so, and that unlawful wetland violations continued after notices were issued.

“Michigan protects its wetlands with strict regulations and, when necessary, criminal penalties,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “These protections help maintain a healthy environment and defend fragile and sometimes irreplaceable ecosystems. EGLE takes seriously their obligation to defend the resources of our State, and, in my office, we will prosecute when necessary to uphold and enforce compliance with the law.”

This investigation was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division Environmental Investigation Section, and the case is being prosecuted by the Department of Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Unit.

Tomczak will next appear before the 86th District Court for a pretrial conference on January 27, 2027.

--------- EVENTS

Organizations wishing to have their public events listed in this calendar can email editor@leelanaunews.com or call The Enterprise, 256-9827, before 5 p.m. Friday.

ADDICTION/SUPPORT

TONIGHT - 5:30 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous; St. Michael's Catholic Church, Suttons Bay.

TONIGHT - 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous; St. Gertrude's Church, 701 N. Warren St., Northport.

FRIDAY - 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous; Leelanau Community Church, Lake Leelanau.

SATURDAY - 9:30 a.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland.

SATURDAY - 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay.

SUNDAY - 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous Carp River Group; Leland United Methodist Church.

SUNDAY - 7 p.m. — Al Anon family group meeting; Leland United Methodist Church.

MONDAY - 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous Carp River Group; Leland United Methodist Church.

TUESDAY - Noon — Alcoholics Anonymous; St. Mary Church, Lake Leelanau.

TUESDAY - 7 p.m. — Alcoholics Anonymous, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay.

TUESDAY - 7 p.m. — Al-Anon Family Group, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Suttons Bay.

TUESDAY - 7 p.m.—Alcoholics Anonymous; Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library.

CHARITABLE/COMMUNITY

TODAY - Noon - Suttons Bay- Leelanau County Rotary Club; VI Grill, Suttons Bay.

FRIDAY - Noon — Meals on Wheels congregate meal; Friendship Center, Suttons Bay.

MONDAY - 2 to 6 p.m. — Leelanau Christian Neighbors food pantry, Baby Pantry and Financial Assistance.

TUESDAY- 4 to 6 p.m. - 5Loaves2Fish community meal; Leland Community United Methodist Church, 106 Fourth St., Leland.

TUESDAY - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. - Empire Area Food Pantry and HelpLink: Glen Lake Community Reformed Church, 4902 W. MacFarlane Rd.

WEDNESDAY - 4 to 5:30 p.m. — 5Loaves2Fish community meal; Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay.

NEXT THURSDAY - Noon — Suttons Bay-Leelanau County Rotary Club; VI Grill Suttons Bay.

SOCIAL EVENTS

TODAY - 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. — Step Aerobics; Suttons Bay Friendship Center.

TODAY - 10 a.m. - Omena Coffee Hour; Omena museum.

TODAY - 1 to 2:30 p.m. — “Michigan Assistive Technology Program Overview," at ShareCare of Leelanau, 99 Fourth St., Suttons Bay.

FRIDAY - 8 to 9 a.m. — Gentle Yoga; Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay.

FRIDAY - 10 a.m. - Walkie Talkies Hiking Group: Sugar Loaf Scenic Area; Cedar, FRIDAY - 10 a.m. to noon - Euchre Fridays, Friendship Community Center,

Suttons Bay.

FRIDAY - 10:30 a.m.- "Magnificent Morning Rituals", Wellness Program speaker Dr. Carrie Sands; Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library.

FRIDAY - 1 to 2 p.m. - Euchre Fridays, Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay.

FRIDAY - 5 to 8 p.m. - "Bulbs & Brews" Green Suttons Bay planting; start at VI Grill, Suttons Bay.

SATURDAY - 1 to 3 p.m. - Halloween activities for kids; Old Art Building, Leland.

SATURDAY - 3 to 8:30 a.m. — Witches Night out and Halloween activities for kids; Northport business district.

SATURDAY- 7:30 p.m. - Internationally acclaimed vocal quartet "Windborne"; Northport Performing Arts Center (NPAC).

SUNDAY - Noon to 3 p.m. - Trick-ortreating in Glen Arbor business district.

MONDAY - 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. — Step Aerobics; Suttons Bay Friendship Center, Broadway St., Suttons Bay.

MONDAY - 10 to 11:30 a.m.— Advanced Thai Chi; Suttons Bay Friendship Center, Broadway St., Suttons Bay.

MONDAY - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Thai chi, free; Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay.

MONDAY - 1:30 to 3 p.m. - Early Art Exploration with Parenting Communities; Suttons Bay Community Center.

MONDAY - 4 to 5 p.m.- Water Aerobics; Northport Highland pool, Northport.

TUESDAY - 2 p.m. - Tech Tuesday on iDevices; Glen Lake Community Library.

TUESDAY - 4 to 5 p.m.- Water Aerobics; Northport Highland pool, Northport.

TUESDAY - 4 to 8 p.m. - Tae Kwon Do (multiple classes); Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay.

WEDNESDAY - 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. — Qigong & Zazen; Friendship Community Center Suttons Bay.

WEDNESDAY - 1 to 1:30 p.m. — Timeless Tappers; Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay.

FAMILY

TODAY - 10 to 11 a.m. - Parenting Communities; Pink classroom; Suttons Bay Public School.

TODAY - 10:30 a.m. - Wigglers Storytime; Leelanau Township Library; Northport.

FRIDAY - 10 to 11 a.m. - Parenting Communities Cedar Playgroup; Bee Well, 9044 S. Kasson St.

FRIDAY - 10:30 a.m. - Storytime for Children; Leland Township Library.

FRIDAY - 11 a.m. - Stories and More; Glen Lake Community Library, Empire.

TUESDAY - 10:30 a.m. - Pre-school Storytime for kids; Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library.

TUESDAY - 6 to 8 p.m. - Cub Scouts Pack 131/Scouts; Keswick United Methodist Church.

WEDNESDAY - 10 to 11 a.m. — Parenting Communities playgroup; Northport School gym.

NEXT THURSDAY - 10 to 11 a.m. — Parenting Communities; West Bay Covenant Church; baby feeding group.

NEXT THURSDAY - 10 to 11 a.m. — Parenting Communities; Keswick United Methodist Church

GOVERNMENT

TUESDAY - 7 p.m. - Empire Village Council regular meeting; 10088 W. Front St., Empire.

The Leland Cultural Center’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day programming held at the Old Art Building (OAB) has been an event I’ve attended for the last two years. The various organizations and community members who put it together do an amazing job offering the public a wide range of activities to participate in. Dozens of students from local schools like Leland and Northport have attended, along with school staff and the public, making for great turnouts over the last several years.

It was encouraging to see all of the youth in the audience eager to learn about the history and culture of the Indigenous people in this region: the Anishinaabek.

The first activity of the day at the OAB began with singers from the local drum group Dusty Bear and performances from tribal community dancers. It’s always powerful to hear the drum and singers in unison and to witness the dancers continuing to honor and pass down sacred traditions.

The audience heard from tribal members/ dancers who spoke about the meaning behind the details of their beautiful regalia, with some elders noting how long they have been practicing their style of dancing. Among the many points Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ elder Tom Peters touched on during the event was his encouragement for people to learn their language. The language is like a history book, Peters said, and will teach you so much about the tribe’s history and relation to the natural world.

Indigenous language advocate, educator, and author James Vukelich also spoke to a packed room at the OAB later that day. Vukelich highlighted Anishinaabe guiding principles from his latest book, “The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings,” meant to help inform people on how to live “the good life,” or a life of harmony. I’ve followed Vukelich, who has quite the social media following, online for some time now, and I so appreciate his informative “Ojibwe Word of the Day” lessons.

Listening to Vukelich and other tribal members speak was a reminder of the resilience of Indigenous people evident in their language that continues to be passed down through generations. Like Vukelich said, despite a systematic effort to destroy the language, culture, history, and spirituality, here we are today in a building (OAB) like this on a holiday called “Anishiaabegiizhigad,” Indigenous Peoples’ Day, using words that are literally thousands of years old.

“I am floored by that, and it shows me we have inherited strength, fortitude, courage, and resilience. That’s what I’m going to pass down to the generations who are coming,” Vukelich said.

VIEW

Time is tick, tick, ticking away and the county Board of Commissioners is behind the 8-ball when it comes preparing the 2027 county budget.

It’s been customary for the board to adopt an annual budget by its October meeting — a self-imposed deadline well before the beginning of the next budget year.

This didn’t happen last year and it hasn’t happened yet this year.

Commissioners are set back this year due to the revolv- ing door turnover in the finance department and the release of its county administrator last summer.

The county's most recent departure - finance director Rio Risbridger — came only after six months in the position.

Earlier this month commissioners hired Fabian Knizacky who retired from Mason County in January 2025. This is an interim appointment.

The agreement, which provides payment of $100 per hour, began Oct. 13 and runs through at least January 22, 2027.

Unlike last year, commissioners are operating without a designated county administrator during budget preparation. Lauren Cypher was tapped as interim administrator after Dyer’s departure.

Meanwhile, the board is expected to begin looking for a firm to start the search for a new administrator with expec -

tations of filling the vacant role by March 2027.

If Cypher, who is expected to throw her hat in the ring, does not win outright, she will be awarded her prior position as assistant to the county administrator under the agreement.

The last search began the Jim Dyer saga in 2024 and ended with a June separation agreement. Former Traverse City manager Richard Lewis preceded Dyer in an interim basis.

He was appointed after the departure of former county administrator Deb Allen, who was appointed to replace former county administrator Chet Janik, who retired after a decade as administrator.

In previous years, county commission races would be part of the November ballot. However, a change in the law ensures two more years for those commissioners now seated.

Like it or not, that’s what we’re looking at. It’s time for commissioners to get their ducks in order and decide the extent to which they want to involve themselves in day-to-day operations at the county government center.

One thing is for sure: the lack of consistency in finance and administration could be a red flag for prospective candi dates.

VIEW

To the editor:

Two weeks ago, my wife Linda and I visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and read the words of Emma Lazarus, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.” At Ellis Island, we found the immigration record of Linda’s grandfather, making the Lazarus quote even more meaningful.

In that spirit, I am grateful that so many of our Leelanau neighbors showed up on Saturday to say loudly and clearly that we live in a democracy where we do not support the reign of a king, but live in a country that is “one nation under God with liberty and justice for ALL!” It is up to each of us to stand up to authoritarian oligarchs and speak clearly that no one is above the law regardless of one’s income, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Every citizen has an equal vote and every person has the right to speak. Please, neighbors, carry the energy of No Kings to the voting booth whether by mail-in ballot or by voting in person. Remember, every vote counts to help save our democracy!

Rev. John Engelhard Cedar

I realize all politicians and most all people make statements in a manner that reflects the point that they are trying to make, and so will I.

Voters, please consider this very interesting situation: Joselyn Benson, Abdul El-Sayed, and Callie Barr have all stated in their TV ads that they wish to fix the high cost of medical care and the insurance companies high costs. I find it ironic that these conditions exist partially or wholly as a result of the National Healthcare Act, AKA “Obama Care.” Prior to this Democratic established program, we all had options for partial coverage at significantly lower insurance and deductible rates. Under the National Healthcare Act you can only choose Full coverage or NO coverage. Now these Democratic candidates claim they will fix it. Fix their own program? REALLY? WOW.

Dan Kemp Suttons Bay

Because of my opportunity in the past as trustee of Leland Township to serve with Judy Galla as township clerk, I frequently had the occasion to witness her ability to be through and responsible in her duties, I fell she would continue the sake role as trustee and for that reason I an voting for Judy Galla as Leland Township trustee.

Michael Kirt, Sr. Lake Leelanau

Leland Township is at a crossroads. Recent topics require us to think about what unites us, not what divides us. This fall, join me in setting party politics aside, not opting for a straightticket, and voting for Stacey Brugeman—an Independent who excels at identifying common ground. Stacey has spent months preparing to serve. As a national journalist, she is a true listener who approaches communication with integrity and transparency. Following two recent candidate events, it’s clear that Stacey is uniquely qualified to help us meet this moment as Leland Township Trustee.

Anna Hogan Leland

The Cherry Pie debates are Great! It’s a community gathering for close-up contact with candidates and policies. It’s intimate, making it difficult for a candidate to vilify others and lie. Not so with the national election. It’s full of untruths and trashing other candidates, plus billionaires throwing money at the fire to sway policies their way. Both parties partake, but the current ruling party has the billionaires paying millions to BUY VOTES while they and the president enrich themselves. Look at the chaos. Are you and your neighbors benefitting from this economy???!!! No, it’s the ultrawealthy friends of the president. Vote them and their supporters out!!

Betsy Cofia, Abdul El-Sayed, Callie Barr and others are working to get BIG money out of politics. It’s not socialism, it’s democracy to give power to the people!!

Democracy, education, journalists, free press, free trade, and free thinkers are some of what make this country “Great.”

This president is deriding and choking all of those. Don’t sell your vote to billionaires and their scare tactics. Guide your vote by information and morals. It’ll be better for our grandchildren.

Thanks to the League of Women Voters, to this paper and other real news media, and to journalists.

Jack Gyr Empire

Thanks to the folks who came to the Leelanau No Kings Vote Early on October 17. Two songs framed the event: Marvin Gaye’s “Lean on Me” and Batya Levine’s “We Rise.” We’re a community who can lean on each other when we’re in need, and we rise: we won’t be divided. I personally thank the trucks and cars who repeatedly circled around and through the walking route with signs for Republican candidates. We’re so glad you were part of our event and made your voices (and honks and signs!) heard, too. This is democracy.

Chava Bahle Suttons Bay

Democrats-have you lost your senses? I get it that you dislike President Trump, but how can you support far-left socialists who want to destroy our republic, and all it stands for? Do you want men in women’s sports, wide open borders, reduced law enforcement, higher taxes, noncitizen voting? If you are Christian, do you think murdering babies and euthanasia are Ok? Most of your candidates do. If socialism and communism are so intriguing, why not movie to a socialist country like Cuba or North Korea. Your move will be easy as you needn’t pack much-you’ll be given all you need when you arrive. Be careful what you vote for -you just may get it. Before you vote, think critically, not emotionally.

Jim Hale Suttons Bay

For generations, America stood as a defender of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We were imperfect, sometimes hypocritical, but our commitment to freedom helped define our nation’s place in the world.

Today, under the current administration, that commitment is being turned upside down.

We have spent decades building alliances with democratic nations, only to undermine their trust. We championed the sovereignty of nations, yet now pressure Ukraine while making concessions to Putin’s Russia. We once promoted human rights abroad, yet our president openly praises authoritarian leaders.

We have dismantled much of our foreign assistance infrastructure, abandoned international agreements, and withdrawn support from organizations defending democracy and human rights.

And here at home? Independent institutions are weakened, government watchdogs dismissed, the free press attacked, and the independence of our courts repeatedly challenged.

There is a profound difference between negotiating with dictators and embracing their methods. Between putting America first and abandoning the principles that made America worth defending.

Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is a commitment to human dignity, individual liberty, accountable leadership, and the rule of law.

These principles have inspired generations of Americans to serve, sacrifice, and sometimes die defending them.

Are we now prepared to abandon those principles—and the people who still look to America as a beacon of freedom?

Today, our nation’s character, credibility, and democratic future are at stake. Please vote accordingly on November 3rd.

Joe DeFors Leelanau Township

I strongly support Judy Galla for Leland Township Trustee in the upcoming election.

Recently returning to the community where she was born and raised, Judy is eager to give back. Her experience and qualifications would make her a strong representative for the Leland Township taxpayers.

Judy brings broad experience in government, banking, and accounting:

• Previously served as Leland Township Clerk.

• Former Planning Commission member who worked with the Harbor Commission, Fire Departments, Parks and Recreation, Sewer, Cemetery, and Election Commission.

• Assisted with Leland Township budgeting and financial reporting.

• Eight years of professional banking experience.

• Twelve years of experience as a company administrator.

• More than 30 years of accounting experience.

Throughout her public service, including her time as Township Clerk, Judy has listened closely to residents’ concerns and ideas while treating everyone with respect.

Judy has three adult daughters and four grandchildren. Semi-retired, she works parttime as the bookkeeper for the Art & Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation.

Please vote for Judy Galla for Leland Township Trustee on November 3.

Beth Richter Lake Leelanau

Many of those enjoying the outdoors are hunters and fishermen who have by law the right to enjoy activity unimpeded by non-hunters.

There have been two complaints lodged by hunters regarding interference by non-hunters in the past two weeks.

On Oct. 9 a Suttons Bay Township resident reported two males in kayaks firing rifles. Caller heard the shots and saw someone hold a shotgun — 200 feet off shore. Caller referred DNR RAP (Report all Poaching) line.

Then the Dispatch Center received a call from hunters that reported that a female shouted at them from the shore saying she called the police.

The female was advised it is duck season and that she didn’t care and would turn up her music. Law enforcement spoke with the female and made aware it’s legal and she is not to harass them.

As recently as late Monday afternoon a caller reported walking in the woods north of his subdivision and a hunter started yelling at him. Even though it wasn’t the hunter’s property or private property at all.

The hunter seemed to get agitated then followed the caller, who started walking home. Then, he got in his truck and started to follow the caller, but then stopped.

The rights of hunters and fishermen are codified in Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 324.40112.

The state law declares that an individual shall not obstruct or interfere in the lawful taking of animals or fish by another individual.

A violation may occur when an individual violates this section when the individual intentionally or knowingly does any of the following:

• Drives or disturbs animals or fish for the purpose of disrupting a lawful taking.

• Blocks, impedes, or harasses another individual who is engaged in the process of lawfully taking an animal or fish.

• Uses a natural or artificial visual, aural, olfactory, gustatory, or physical stimulus or an unmanned vehicle or unmanned device that uses aerodynamic forces to achieve flight or that operates on the surface of the water or underwater, to affect animal or fish behavior in order to hinder or prevent the lawful taking of an animal or a fish.

• Erects barriers to deny ingress or egress to areas where the lawful taking of animals or fish may occur. This subdivision does not apply to an individual who erects barriers to prevent trespassing on his or her property.

• Interjects himself or herself into the line of fire of an individual lawfully taking wildlife.

• Affects the condition or placement of personal or public property intended for use in the lawful taking of an animal or a fish in order to impair the usefulness of the property or prevent the use of the property.

• Enters or remains upon private lands without the permission of the owner or the owner’s agent, for the purpose of violating this section.

• Engages in any other act or behavior for the purpose of violating this section.

Encounters between hunters and fisherman are no stranger to local law enforcement.

In 1990, a Glen Arbor woman and animal activist was convicted of using illegal firecrackers to scare deer away from a bow hunter in the Alligator Hill area.

The jury acquitted her of a companion charge of intentionally interfering with the activity of a bow hunter. She was fined $150 and ordered to perform seven days of community service work at the Cherryland Humane Society.

“This was before my time as sheriff. But if I were the conservation officer then, I would have written her up and encouraged the most severe charges,” Sheriff Mike Borkovich said.

A person who violates the “Hunter Harassment” charge could receive a sentence of up to 93 days in jail or a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000.

And with all the seasonal action in the woods — by outdoor enthusiasts and hunters — the Sheriff reminds the public about the importance of wearing bright colors when going outside.

“The hunters are required to wear hunter orange. But walkers could wear that bright green vests worn by construction workers or bright pink,” he said.

More information is available by contacting the DNR office in Traverse City, 231-922-5280.

Shady Trails Camp in Northport is hosting its fundraiser Halloween Party on two Fridayevenings: Oct.23and Friday, Oct. 30.

The family-friendly event serves as a fundraiser to support the camp’s ongoing operations. Festive and spooky costumes are highly encouraged for all attendees.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. there will be Halloween games, pumpkin painting, activities, and a spooky cabin. A spooky story session around the campfire, from 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Shady Trails Camp, located at 6880 N. Shady Trails Rd, Northport.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online, as there is a limited capacity available for each evening. You can reserve your spot and view date options directly through the Shady Trails Ticketleap Page.

Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. is Leland’s Fall Frenzy. There is fall shopping, seasonal store promotions and local business trick-or-treating. From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Halloween at the Old Art Building will take place from 1 to 3 p.m.

The front lawn of the OAB will be filled with free familyfriendly activities, lawn games, an apple cider press, a costume parade at 2 p.m. and “Halloweenies” grilled by the Leland Parent-Teacher Association.

The previous night, Friday, there will a costumed 90s country music and dancing featuring Little Dipper and Elisabeth Pixley-Fink at the OAB.

Tickets are available in advance from participating downtown stores.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Northport will come alive beneath the moonlight for a Witches Night Out from 3 to 8:30 p.m.

From 3 to 5 p.m. the focus will be on little witches and warlocks. They will be able to carve or decorate a pumpkin to line the streets for all witches to enjoy.

A limited number of pumpkins will be available so feel free to bring your own.

Kids will also be able to make mummy pet rocks and enjoy $1 bowling at Northport Pub & Grill.

From 5 to 8:30 p.m. all witches are invited to grab their passports and fly around Northport and Omena for a chance to win prizes. Local shops will be open late for all the witchy fun.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 31 beginning at 4:30 p.m. the Northport community will continue its tradition of grilling hot dogs at The Mitten brewery.

There will be a trunk or treat in the parking lot of the village hall.

Trick-or-treaters are welcome Friday, Oct. 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. on the first floor of the county government center.

In Suttons Bay, door-to-door trick or treating is set for Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by trunk-or-treat at the Suttons Bay Fire Station.

Trick or treating in downtown Glen Arbor takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. (or until the treats run out).

On Saturday, able daytime trick-or-treat event where local and participating businesses hand out candy to kids in costume throughout the business district.

The Empire Area Community Center will host its annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Families can come out for trick-or-treating. Volunteers are actively needed to bring their cars, decorate them, and distribute treats to children.

Participating volunteer vehicles must arrive and park by 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to sign up a trunk, you can email marchdye@gmail.com.

Free hot dogs & pork sliders will be available from the Empire United Methodist Church.

The Leelanau Community Church will host “Hallelujah Night!” Sat., Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be candy, games, food and prizes … plus a chili cook-off.

The church is located at 245 S. Lake Leelanau Dr., in Lake Leelanau.

“I’m excited for the district finals; We need to keep playing how we have been with one to two touch passes, moving off the ball. If we do that, we can go pretty far,” DeFour said. “My back line did well at shifting and clearing them out. That’s how I was able to come in and put in a couple of goals.”

Buckley (9-9-1) started fast and held their own for the first 20 minutes, finding multiple runs led by senior Jake Robinson that couldn’t get past the Leland defense and junior goalie Edgar Mosqueda.

The Comets (14-5-2) finally broke through when Beckett dribbled off his foot and launched a shot from outside the box. Beckett scored a minute later, and Manny Houdek found the net a few possessions more to take a quick 3-0 lead. DeFour completed the first-half hat trick after juggling the ball off his body and into the net from outside once again.

The Comets didn’t waste time in the second half as sophomore Levi Ulbrich scored to make it 5-0. DeFour would score his fourth goal after a centering pass deflected off a Bear defender and into the net Ulbrich scored the seventh, and senior Campbell Fedderman found the back of the net to end the game with five minutes remaining.

“One game at a time … I told them, don’t be satisfied. We’ve been there before, and they’ve got a chance to do something pretty cool that no one has done at Leland before (win two state championships in a row),” Leland coach Rob Sirrine said.

DeFour added an assist along with Myles Bison, Gossett and Gage Lazar.

Leland sophomore Embyn Vann added two assists.

Edgar Hernandez Mosqueda and the Leland defense led the team to its 14th shutout of the season.

The Comets will continue the state title defense against Glen Lake for the third time this season, and each contest has been competitive, with the Comets coming out on top 3-0 and 1-0 in September. Leland and Glen Lake battle at Keystone Park Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

“It’s hard to beat a team three times in the season,” Sirrine said.

Glen Lake defeated McBain NMC 3-1 Monday to advance to the district championships.

Buckley finished the season at .500 (9-9-1), in the middle of the NWC, with its last conference and district championship coming in 2021.

“This is a resilient group. It’s been a lot of fun. We’ve had some ups and downs and had a lot of good games … They are tough, and they’re what Buckley’s about,” Buckley coach Bryce Guernsey said. “We’ve got tons of talent and young, ambitious kids coming up to the ranks.”

The Bears graduate two seniors, Parker Robinson and Yaroslav Pudovkin, and welcome back 11 juniors next year. Bear junior goalie Parker Breithaupt led the effort with 13 saves against the Comets.

Buckley defeated Suttons Bay 5-3 in overtime Thursday during a thrilling quarterfinal contest as Guernsey won his first district game as a coach.

“That was straight out of the movie, back and forth all the way to the end in the cold rain. The boys were warriors for the whole game,” Guernsey said.

Glen Lake scores 3 unanswered to get past McBain NMC

Glen Lake kept up its road warrior mentality Monday in a district semifinal victory.

The Lakers played on McBain Northern Michigan Christian’s turf and came away with a 3-1 victory after trailing 1-0 at halftime.

“It definitely took us a second to warm up, but I feel like that’s what makes us a good team is responding when we get down as well,” Glen Lake senior forward Sawyer Homa said. “I’m really proud of everybody how they stepped up. Everybody made a great contribution, especially when a starting center back got hurt. Justin (Thompson) stepped up really well. Odin (Hawley Joppich) stepped up really well, and I think that’s what makes our team so good. We just have next man up, and our level doesn’t drop no matter who’s in the game.”

Senior center back Ryder Needham left the game with 16:39 remaining with a left knee injury and didn’t return.

“It’s really tough to see Ryder go down,” Lakers head coach Jared Boynton said. “Hopefully, it’s something minor and he’ll be fine. But our back line, we had a combination of six dudes that got in today, and they all did really well.”

Baxter Homa, Thompson, Austin Switzer, Odin Brown and the Christian and Sam Feeney kept McBain NMC at bay after the Comets struck first off a corner kick play generated by a Dries VanNoord free kick. Drake VanNoord scored the contest’s first goal in the eighth minute.

“We did respond in the first half, but we weren’t able to get anything on the board,” Boynton said. “We came together at halftime, talked about playing for one another and for our seniors, and really came out really well in the second half. We’re going to take that one forward.”

Sawyer Homa scored the first of his two goals 11:30 into the second half to knot the game at 1-1, with goalkeeper Anthony Forton drawing an assist off a long goal kick.

“Anthony made a great read, and then I turned, saw space in front, and just made a good finish down the field,” Homa said. “The second one, it was a great pass by Odin HJ, and I just turned and found the net. A great find by him for sure.”

Hawley Joppich assisted Homa’s second goal that put the Lakers on top 2-1 with 7:57 remaining.

“It was a give-and-go, and then he just kicked it in,” said Hawley Joppich, who has five assists this season. “It was amazing. It was just excitement completely.”

Ollie O’Neill scored Glen Lake’s third goal with 6:47 left, also off a Hawley Joppich assist.

The Lakers (16-4-1) move on to Wednesday’s district final against rival Leland, which won both regular-season meetings, 3-0 and 1-0. The final takes place at the Keystone Soccer Complex in Traverse City, with a spot in the Cadillac regional on the line.

“They’re a great program,” Sawyer Homa said. “They get us pretty much every year, so we’re really looking forward to that game. Hopefully we can sneak by them this year.”

The Lakers have won eight consecutive road games, the last setback outside Glen Lake a 3-0 loss more than a month ago at Leland.

“We just have energy with our bus rides,” Hawley Joppich said. “It excites us. We listen to music. We have fun. It’s just the best time.”

Blair DeZeeuw made 14 saves in net for NMC.

The Comets finish the season 15-4-1 and posted 13 shutouts.

“We faced some tough competition, overcame challenges, and continued to improve throughout the season,” Mulder said. “While we would have loved to keep our postseason run going, tonight’s result shouldn’t overshadow what this team accomplished. I’m especially proud of our seniors and everything they’ve given to this program over the past four years. This group holds a special place in my heart. We’ve been through some difficult moments together, both on and off the field, and I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow not just as players, but as young Christian men.”

Lakers knock off TC Christian

Glen Lake won 3-1 Wednesday, defeating Traverse City Christian and advancing to the district semifinals.

“I like that they didn’t quit. They fought for 80 minutes,” Glen Lake coach Jared Boynton said. “The way they played for each other was really nice. We have to keep playing for each other and play for the seniors. We got a lot of youngsters here, so we are getting them experience of a playoff game to the next round.”

Laker freshman Odin Hawley-Joppich scored the first goal, putting the Lakers up and going into the half with a 1-0 lead.

Traverse City Christian nearly tied it with multiple chances at the end of the half; Glen Lake took a two-goal lead on a Grayson Thompson goal.

The Sabres didn’t back down, and Liam Torbin broke through with 21 minutes remaining after beating multiple Glen Lake defenders to cut the Lakers’ lead to 2-1.

Only a few minutes later, Austin Switzer responded for the Lakers and retook a twogoal lead, 3-1. Senior Sawyer Homa assisted.

“I like how everybody played; we played together. Even when we weren’t playing our best, we were playing together, and I think that goes a long way as far as we can in the playoffs,” Homa said. “Everybody stepped up in a big way. We lost a lot of people last year, but a lot of the freshmen stepped up, a couple of the returning guys were playing well, and it’s been nice to see the development from everybody.”

Switzer played the best soccer of the season with a goal and assist.

Glen Lake senior Ollie O’Neill sealed the win with a goal on a lead pass from Oliver Toomey, ending the contest 4-1.

Anthony Forton had four saves during the win.

“We need to stay on our toes,” Forton said. “We locked everything down in the back line. We made sure we took care of business on top; taking the four goals is just something you always like to see out of a game. We definitely have the bond that makes us like a family, and if we keep those connections up and know where everybody is, we can definitely take down whoever we have next.”

Harmony Johncox had 34 assists, nine digs, and an ace, along with 17 digs from Lia Kiessel, and Sophya Sluiter with nine kills. Briana Diaz had eight digs and a big block. Aubrey Rousseau had five digs and Alivia Stachnik had two kills and four digs.

On Tuesday, Leland narrowly came away with a five-set win against Charlevoix Tuesday 3-2 25-21, 25-17, 21-25, 13-25, 8-15, on senior night.

The Comets took a two set lead before the Rayders won three in a row 21-25, 17-25, 21-25, 13-25, 8-15.

Sluiter led the Comets with 16 kills, 12 digs, an ace, and Popp had 12 kills, five aces and eight digs. Johncox had 29 assists, 10 digs and aces, while Stachnik had three kills and three digs.

Johncox had 34 assists, nine digs, and an ace, along with 17 digs from Lia Kiessel, and Sophya Sluiter with nine kills. Briana Diaz had eight digs and a big block. Aubrey Rousseau had five digs and Stachnik had two kills and four digs.

Suttons Bay splits at McBain Suttons Bay fell to McBain Northern Michigan Christian 25-18, 25-21, before defeating the Elks 19-25, 26-24, 26-24 Tuesday.

Norse down Comets

Suttons Bay defeated Leland 25-27, 25-12, 23-25 Thursday during the Comets’ ‘Dig Abby’ cancer game.

Ava Anderson led the Norse (14-6-2) with 20 kills and 12 digs. Leah Clark had 30 assists and four aces, while Olive Craker had nine kills, nine digs, and Cecelia Koleno added four kills and two blocks. Olivia Schmidt added to the impressive performance with four aces and 15 digs.

For the Comets (5-18-1), Popp had 10 kills and seven digs, while Sluiter had nine kills, one ace and six digs. Rousseau led the Comets at the service line with five aces.

Bears down Lakers after fast start

Buckley defeated Glen Lake volleyball clinched a share of the Big North Conference championship with a 3-1 win over Glen Lake 25-14, 25-19, 17-25, 25-21.

This is the first time in school history the girls golf program has made the state championships after finishing second at regionals last week.

“Our goal from the beginning of the season was making it to states, so when we got there, I knew that those last two days were gonna be my last matches. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t too stressed on what we shot, but I just wanted to make sure I had fun,” golfer Lillian Connor said. “I’m going to remember the car rides down to the meets and everything, no matter what the score was at the end of the day, we were all laughing in the van and having a good time being able to be out there with all the girls.”

Connor led Leland with a 36th-place finish. The senior overcame multiple double bogeys on the first round to shoot near a personal best on day two (97).

Connor was followed by Ariah Amin and Elise Vann tied for 43rd, Jaelyn DeFour 47th and Maya Hamelin 55th.

“There were a lot of emotions. I’m very happy we went out the way we did. We accomplished something no one had done before. We were really proud of ourselves,” Vann said. “I really enjoyed when we got to go to the matches, spending time with our team and doing a lot of team building activities. The practices were never boring. It was super fun. The coaches never put so much pressure where we weren’t having fun with what we were doing or developing in our game.”

The girls had long waits, sometimes 30 minutes to tee off between groups, and a slow seven- hour pace of play over 18 holes in howling conditions.

“I played better in the rain. I’m not sure why. The ball was pretty slick, and the greens were fast,” Amin said. “The rain might have slowed the greens down, which made putting easier on Friday.”

After day one, Amin was 33rd with Vann, Connor, and Hamelin tied for 40th.

“It meant a lot to me because we were so close last year to qualifying. So to play so well on our first year there, it felt really good to do something that hasn’t been done before for our school,” Amin said. “The thing I’ll take with me is the sense of community that I’ve gained from being on a team. We’ve had so many people … They’ve all taught me something, and I’m going to take each of those things with me as I go on in life,” Amin said. “My message (to the younger girls), even when golf is frustrating, stick with it because in the long run, it’ll pay off and it might not seem like you’re improving, but you are.”

The weather brought little rain, but sustained 20 mph winds and gusts up to 30 mph made low shots on fast greens necessary, leading to high scores. Day two could get down to 33 degrees in the morning and even cause a frost delay.

“It was an incredible ending to the magical season … you’ve got the nerves, you’ve got the weather, you’ve got a first time scenario,” Leland coach Grace Keeble said. “I could not have been more proud of them. All five girls really gave it their all, and it’s hard to find a rhythm … They tried to control what they could and it was an outstanding performance by the girls.”

The Comets had 13 girls and will graduate five seniors: Amin, Connor, Hamelin, Vann and Ella Hennessey.

“It’s bittersweet that it has to come to an end and these five seniors have been true role models, true team leaders. They’ve just set the bar pretty high and last year at regionals, when we missed it by one, they looked at me and with a determination, they and a smile on their face, they said, ‘we’re going to states,’” Keeble said. “They were determined and kept a positive attitude, not only for themselves, but for all 13 on the team. It was just an honor to be their coach and ride through that journey with them.”

“They all had smiles on their faces, but there were tears in their eyes as well as mine (starting that last round), which was the hardest moment,” Keeble said. “The sweetest moment for me it is when they were rolling back in, just finishing their last hole. They knew in their heart of hearts it was their last hurrah, but they smiled.

They had given it their all and you can’t ask for anything better than that as a coach,” Keeble said.

Boathouse Vineyards winemaker Emmy Neighbors and the team are busy hauling in pinot noir grapes as the fall push begins.

“Yields are up, great harvest,” Neighbors said. “It definitely was not an easy growing season, but we did really well.

This is our second year being fully organic. We’re in a three-year certification process.”

A winery must have at least three years of documented organic-only protocols.

According to Neighbors, this would be the fifth vineyard in the whole state to be certified organic, including Green Bird in Leelanau Township and two others in northwest Michigan (Charlevoix, Petoskey).

“This year, we made the biggest strides in irrigating parts of our vineyard. We’ve got some of our vineyard that’s on a particular rootstock that doesn’t like those drought conditions,” Neighbors said. “We kept an eye on the weather, and we irrigated when we needed to in those other weeks. We also got a new bigger sprayer, so we’re having to refill the sprayer less often, so that’s been a huge help.”

Boathouse started picking for the first time this season last week with rosés and whites. For the rest of the month, the winery will be harvesting every day. Boathouse is a small team of four, including a couple of volunteers from Chicago.

Boathouse has historically made a Cabernet Franc rosé, but this year they’re making a Pinot Noir rosé, which is fermenting beautifully.

“The Pinot Noir was just really bountiful this year. So we get to make it as a red wine and then also as a rosé,” Neighbors said.

Neighbors would rate the season a 7 out of 10 for difficulty because of disease pressure.

“It’s never easy, especially in northern Michigan; it’s never easy to be organic, especially in northern Michigan, but I think we’re learning it and we’re doing a good job,” Neighbors said.

Phil Cifuentes, owner of Three Trees Vineyard, is busy on the tractor peeling off pinot noir, looking ahead to merlot over the next several days.

“There’s an abundance of fruit and high quality … very healthy and the sun is ripe,” Cifuentes said.

Three Trees Vineyard purchased the former Black Star satellite farm property in 2021 and opened to the public in 2024.

The winery has battled disease but expects a quality vintage because some areas were spared and deer were kept out.

“This year has been great; the customers have been amazing,” he said.

Three Trees has grown from three to mulling over making nearly a dozen.

Some of the other wines being concocted at Bingham Township Winery include pinot noir, cab franc, and merlot, to name a few.

“I’m proud of it and always wanted to be out here … harvesting organic,” Cifuentes said.

Enter “The Hollow Zone,” where ghost stories, small-town gossip, and romantic rivalry collide in a spooky comedy by Jeremy John Evans, loosely based on Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Evans, now in his fourth season of directing at Glen Lake, wanted to challenge his students with literary references while also creating a show that would teach his students new skills such as puppetry, comedic timing, and creating dramatic tension.

“I’ve always loved the premise of this story and I love the challenge of creating a new work,” Evans commented.

Blending literary jokes, playful theatrical surprises, and supernatural suspense, “The Hollow Zone” invites audiences to laugh, shiver, and question what they believe. When lanky, superstitious schoolmaster Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow, he brings a head full of book learning and an appetite for everything from ghost stories to home cooking. Soon, he sets his sights on the charming Katrina Van Tassel — and the comfortable life her family’s fortune could provide. But Katrina keeps her admirers guessing, and local heartthrob Brom Bones has no intention of letting the newcomer win her affection.

Guided by a mysterious narrator in the spirit of the television series, “The Twilight Zone,” audiences encounter a village of colorful gossips, a mischievous raven, a wisecracking horse, and a ghost who occasionally forgets which story he’s haunting. As practical jokes give way to chilling tales, Ichabod’s journey leads toward a moonlit encounter with Sleepy Hollow’s most feared rider: the Headless Horseman.

The fast-paced one act runs about an hour in length and features a cast of nineteen middle and high school students. The performances are on Nov. 5, 6, and 7 at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditeria.

Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person. “Come join us,” jokes Evans: “Just don’t lose your head.”

The 38-year-old firefighter and EMT with the Glen Lake Fire Department donated stem cells that ended up saving the life of a University of Houston football coach.

Last month, the two met at a football game in Texas that was about a lot more that just football.

“It was very emotional,” said Houston special assistant to the head coach Donn Landholm. “And very enjoyable, very uplifting. I get a little choked up about it. I get emotional. She gave me life.”

Chalup was on the registry for four years before a patient was a match. She’d almost forgotten about it, and thought the first contact from NMDP — formerly the National Marrow Donor Program — was spam until looking closer at it.

“(I’m) blessed to have a donor like Morgan who stood up and answered the call and donated the stem cells,” Landholm said. “It’s going to add years to my life.”

Landholm is a 40-year college coaching veteran, with stops at Tulane, Tennessee Tech, Arizona State, Eastern Kentucky and Purdue prior to Houston.

He was the defensive coordinator at Purdue in 2009 when the Boilermakers defeated both Michigan and Ohio State in the same season for the first time since 1966.

Third-year Houston head coach Willie Fritz brought Landholm with him from Tulane, where Landholm had served as director of player development for eight seasons.

Landholm was diagnosed chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a rare type of blood cancer, in 2024. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the disease’s only known cure, and in about 20% of cases, the disease progresses to acute myeloid leukemia.

After chemotherapy injections at the nearby MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston — just 12 miles from his home — didn’t yield the desired results, in November 2024, Landholm was told he needed a stem cell transplant or he’d have at most three years to live.

Family members were tested, and none came out as 100% matches. NMDP registry data shows roughly 70-75% of patients who need a stem cell transplant do not find a full match within their immediate family.

But NMDP found a donor in its registry that matched — Chalup.

“There are very few people who have not had their life touched in some way by cancer. It’s really a great way to do something for someone that they can never repay you for.”

Landholm spent 18 days in the hospital and 100 days in quarantine at home after the transplant. The procedure essentially re-starts a person’s immune system, giving them the immunity of an infant that needs to be rebuilt. Landholm even had to get some childhood vaccines again in his late 60s.

Now 69, he’s been in remission for almost 18 months. It’s going well enough that he only needs a routine doctor’s visit every six months.

Landholm was able to continue coaching during the whole ordeal, working from home, participating in team meetings remotely and reviewing practice and game tape online. Much of his position is administrative work — planning practices, evaluating player performance, grading referees and serving as Houston’s high school coach liaison in the recruiting hotbed of Texas.

NMDP and the Cougars football program brought Chalup and her family — daughters Katie and Emma and Morgan’s husband Paul — to Houston for a special weekend trip to meet Landholm, complete with a VIP game experience. The team provided jerseys with their individual names on them, tickets, sideline passes, gave the family a tour of the facilities and brought them on the field at halftime, where Landholm presented Morgan with a game ball.

They even ate with the team. “I have never felt smaller in my life,” Chalup joked. “It was eye-opening for us small-town folks. It was an amazing experience.”

Prior to the Sept. 12 game, Morgan met Landholm for the first time in the football facility lobby. They talked about growing up in small towns — Landholm in Nebraska and Chalup in Empire — as cameras clicked and recorded video, bringing the moment to life as Chalup’s donation did for Landholm.

“It was not even a little weird, which is cool,” Chalup said. “He’s a genuine, good guy.”

Houston, which is now 4-1 with its only loss a narrow 28-26 setback against Texas Tech, defeated Southern 77-6 as the Chalup family visited.

Landholm’s wife Cindi and youngest daughter Kate attended.

“I’m feeling better than I have in two years,” Landholm said. “I’m running on the practice field.”

After a donation, NMDP guidelines don’t allow contact between the donor and the recipient for a year, to make sure everything is going well.

The first step in that is the recipient sending a generic boilerplate email to the donor with basic details like age, gender and country. No names. No occupations.

After that, if both ends are willing, NMDP puts them in contact via email at first. Almost like a pen pal, but where one already owes the other their life.

Chalup said she frequently texted with Donn’s wife Cindi and the two families quickly bonded.

“It was an experience unlike anything in my life,” Landholm said. “We are so glad we were able to do it.”

JOINING UP

Chalup made the donation in January of 2025.

“It’s not this daunting, scary procedure people think it is,” she said. “It’s like giving blood, but a lot longer. For something that can save someone’s life, it was a very easy thing to do.”

Her father-in-law was diagnosed with leukemia years ago and received a stem cell transplant. After that, her sister-inlaw Sarah Lienard wanted to join the registry.

“She said, ‘We should sign up for that,’” Chalup said, “and I said, ‘Absolutely.’” They signed up online. “It took two seconds,” Chalup said. “They send you a box in the mail. You swab your cheeks and you’re in the program.”

She was on the registry for four years before a patient was a match. She’d almost forgotten about it, and thought the first contact from NMDP was spam until looking closer at it.

Chalup was with her family at the time.

“Right then and there, with the kids in the car, I answered the questionnaire,” she said.

NMDP set up a health screening and a kit to get blood drawn to double check the match and ensure the donor is still in good health. The organization paid for Chalup to visit Versiti Blood Center of Michigan in Grand Rapids for the procedure, and she needed to move work schedules around a bit to have the day off.

A week before the procedure, Chalup received injections of filgrastim, a drug that increases white blood cell and stem cell count. Coworker Jared Ornelas gave her the shots.

The day after getting stem cells drawn, Chalup was back at work for ice rescue training.

“A lot of people think it’s bone marrow and it’s not,” Chalup said. “It’s actually pretty simple. I sat in a chair for seven hours and watched TV.”

The procedure itself is similar to a blood transfusion. An IV takes blood from one arm, runs it through a device that separates and removes stem cells, and puts the blood back in the other arm.

It takes seven- to eight hours to complete.

Firefighters like Chalup tend to shy away from publicity. The Glen Lake Fire Department, like others, has an in-house policy that anyone from the department who appears in the media — whether newspaper, TV or online — has to buy the rest of the department ice cream.

Chalup said giving exposure to this program is worth it. She joked Ornelas now has to pay for the sprinkles on top.

He is one of 1,880 students at SVSU named to the dean’s list for winter 2026 semester.

The forum will explore local housing challenges and innovative approaches to helping essential workers live closer to the communities they serve.

Presenters from the Leelanau County Housing Collaborative will include Larry Mawby, president of Peninsula Housing, and Jered Ottenwess, Northport village manager.

Leelanau County depends on the people who care for our health, teach our children, staff our businesses, maintain our local governments, and provide the services that make daily life possible. But as housing costs continue to rise, finding a place to live in the county has become increasingly difficult for the very people who keep our communities running.

Teachers, healthcare providers, restaurant employees, caregivers, tradespeople, emergency responders, and other essential workers often face long commutes because they cannot afford to live in the county. As some choose not to make those commutes, employers face staffing shortages that can affect the services residents rely on every day.

“This is about more than housing. It’s about the future of our communities and our ability to sustain the services that make Leelanau such a special place to live,” said Becky Beauchamp, LWVLC board member. “Exploring practical housing solutions is an investment in the people and services that benefit all of us.”

It is free and open to the public.