Mackinac Island Town Crier

Interpreters Entertain Bois Blanc's 2 Students, Community

04/12/2008

One of the more unique stops among the 60 schools visited by Jim Evans and Dennis Havlena's this year was on Bois Blanc Island February 25, where the two men brought their Mackinac State Historic Parks outreach program to two students and 25 community members.

Park Commission Acquires Unbuildable Lots Near Airport

By Karen Gould — 04/12/2008

Two lots at the end of the Mackinac Island Airport, condemned in 2006 over airport safety issues, have been purchased by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, and a third lot should be purchased by early summer.

Dr. Weersing To Leave Medical Center

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

Island physician Don Weersing has taken a position at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, beginning April 23, and Dr. Karen Miljour of Powers will replace him at the Mackinac Island Medical Center. Dr.

Park Land Leased for Community Stable

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

For the next 20 years, Mackinac Horsemen's Association will lease land from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission for a 20-horse stable and riding ring. Rent will be $1 a year.

Michigan Politics

By George Weeks — 04/12/2008

"Thank God for newspapers." - Columnist William Powers, National Journal magazine Thanks, indeed, across the land - from New York, from Detroit, from northern Michigan.

NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND

BY JEANNETTE DOUD — 04/12/2008

Spring is the season of awakening on Mackinac, when everything becomes alive following an old-fashioned winter that brought loads of snow and frigid temperatures. The Island was so beautiful, resembling a winter wonderland. Snowmobiling and skiing were at their peak.

Nature Notes

By Patricia Martin — 04/12/2008

As I write this column, it's still winter, although according to the calendar, it should be spring. It's still the quiet time of the year here; however, there is a feeling of expectation in the air. It won't be that long before the ice breaks up, the boats start to run, and the busy summer season is upon us.

A Look at History

BY FRANK STRAUS — 04/12/2008

One of Mackinac Island's most unique back streets is French Lane, a narrow pedestrian way that stretches down from Market Street to Main Street above the Star Line ferry dock. This lane is a survivor from the 1781 layout of Mackinac Island by the British Army. Lieutenant Governor Patrick Sinclair, the commander of the Straits of Mackinac at that time, wore two hats.

Miniature Horses Can Help People with Socializing and Healing

04/12/2008

Miniature horses and their devotees are on the upswing. They can be found all over the world, including Mackinac Island. In the 1990s, several of them lived on Market Street, behind the Alford's drugstore complex. They were owned by the Kigsma family, and always had lots of attention from visitors, especially when they were walked through town.

Maintaining Your Health on Mackinac

By Yvan Silva, M.D. — 04/12/2008

Your good health is your most important asset. Day to day, you don't dwell on it. You're busy with everything else, job, family, all the things you want to do, and things you must get done. Then, when serious illness strikes you or someone close to you, everything else becomes trivial.

WANT ADS SERVICES REAL ESTATE

04/12/2008

VISIT THE NEWEST internet site: www.meetmackinacisland.com. FOR SALE: LOT 14, Forest Way Drive, Stonecliffe Manor IV, 69'X221', surrounded by beautiful homes and wonderful neighbors. Terms available. Phone 586-337- 0564.

Interpreters Entertain Bois Blanc's 2 Students, Community

04/12/2008

Park Commission Acquires Unbuildable Lots Near Airport

By Karen Gould — 04/12/2008

Dr. Weersing To Leave Medical Center

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

Park Land Leased for Community Stable

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

For the next 20 years, Mackinac Horsemen's Association will lease land from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission for a 20-horse stable and riding ring. Rent will be $1 a year.

Loretta Dennany Served as Role Model for Youth

04/12/2008

To the Editor: Many thanks for the lovely and very well written article on my mother, Loretta Murray Dennany, in Town Crier's most recent issue (February 9 to April 11, 2008). It made my heart sing with pride and affection for little Loretta, who was large in my life. She served as a model for so many young people and her contemporaries.

Looking for an Island Pen Pal

04/12/2008

To the Editor: I was on a tour from Senior Tours Canada to your beautiful island October 4 and 5, 2007. We all (44 of us) had a most delightful time. The food from the Grand Hotel buffet was delicious, and the people who live there were all so very welcoming to us.

Enjoyed Town Crier's Article About 'Dirty Jobs' Show

04/12/2008

To the Editor: I just wanted to send a short note about your article on Dirty Jobs. I enjoyed the article and can't wait to visit your community one day to take in the unique history that is Mackinac Island.

Looking Back

Compiled by Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

115 Years Ago The St. Ignace News Saturday, April 8, 1893 Reported that a man was seen to disappear through the ice between here and the Island Wednesday. Over 100 ballots were thrown in this county on account of being wrongly marked or not marked at all.

Yacht Race Essay Contest Underway

04/12/2008

An essay contest is open to everyone who has sailed in Chicago Yacht Club's 333-mile Race to Mackinac. There have been 99 races since the classic began in 1898, and the contest, entitled Mackinac Memories, will commemorate the 100th sailing in July.

Renovations Are Nearly Complete at Mackinac Island Airport Terminal

By Karen Gould — 04/12/2008

For the more than 14,500 passengers who climb in and out of planes at the Mackinac Island Airport each year, working their way through the terminal's bottlenecked entry will now be a thing of the past.

Mustang Lounge Receives New Look, but Keeps 'Feel' of Old Bar

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

The bar that Mackinac Islanders call their own, the Mustang Lounge, is under new ownership for the first time in nearly four decades. When regular patrons of the establishment step into the newly-restored building in May, they will see some old, familiar mementos and some new features.

Dunnigan Book Puts Focus on Mackinac Before Photography

04/12/2008

Brian Dunnigan's latest book covering Mackinac prior to photographs, which looks at development here through early maps, paintings, and sketches, is now off the press and being sold by Wayne State University Press.

Superintendent Schrock Receives Favorable Evaluation From School Board

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

Superintendent Roger Schrock received an overall rating of 8.6 out of 10 in the board of education's annual evaluation Thursday, March 20. This is his second year as the school's administrator.

Aerial Ride, Treetop Bridge Planned at Mill Creek

04/12/2008

An aerial cable ride and a treetop bridge are new interactive features being added to Historic Mill Creek near Mackinaw City, designed to boost attendance at the site.

Edward's Gifts Project To Be Done in May

04/12/2008

The six-month remodeling project at Al Arbib's Edward's Gifts store on the corner of Main and Astor streets is nearing completion and is expected to be open the first week of May. Construction on the first floor is now completed. Only hanging cabinets and reattaching store fixtures remain undone as of Wednesday, April 9.

Finding All of Island's Historical Markers Can Offer a Fun, Free Treasure Hunt

By Sean Ely — 04/12/2008

Searching for historical markers on Mackinac Island offers enjoyable, free entertainment for visitors, said guidebook writer Laura Ashlee, who recommends spending at least an entire morning, afternoon, or evening in the pursuit.

Mackinac Straits Hospital Reorganization Will Help Island Medical Center

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

Mackinac Straits Hospital Authority has agreed to transfer all of its assets, including leases, obligations, and county agreements, to a private, not-for-profit corporation which will build and operate a new hospital in St. Ignace. The transfer will require approval from residents of the Authority's four controlling units, the City St. Ignace, St.

Bridal Show Planned for May 11

04/12/2008

Mission Point Resort will hold its 10th annual bridal show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11. Brides will be able to meet with local vendors, and learn about their products and services. The show will feature about 30 vendors specializing in wedding planning, including those specializing in wedding cakes, flowers, and music.

Meeting Is April 22 on Siding Requirements

04/12/2008

A special meeting to review and possibly update siding requirements for buildings will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at City Hall.

City's Street Maintenance Crew Returns To Spring Clean April 21

04/12/2008

The city's two-man street maintenance crew will begin its spring cleaning Monday, April 21. Mike Lee and Jimmy Horn will tackle cleaning the sidewalks, streets, and curbs of debris collected over the winter and spring.

Trainer Larry Brinker Leads Dressage Instruction

04/12/2008

Mackinac Island horse enthusiasts enjoyed a weekend of dressage instruction with top Canadian trainer Larry Brinker January 27 and 28. Mr. Brinker, Grand Prix rider and competitor, is a successful dressage and driving competitor.

MICF Taking Grant Applications

04/12/2008

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation is accepting spring grant applications. The deadline to file a request is April 15. Grant recipients are announced in May. The foundation awards grants twice a year, in the spring and winter. The amount of money awarded is determined by income from endowments. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations.

May 6 Election Sees 3 Candidates for Council, 4 for School Board

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

Mackinac Island voters will be going to the polls Tuesday, May 6, to choose from three candidates to fill two City Council seats and four candidates to fill two seats on the Board of Education. Anneke Myers will vie for one of the two seats on City Council against incumbents Jason St. Onge and Armin Porter.

Dunnigan, Porter Named to Commission

04/12/2008

Brian Dunnigan and Phil Porter were appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on a new commission that will plan events for the 2012 bicentennial of the War of 1812. Mr. Dunnigan, of Mackinac Island and Grass Lake, is an author of many books on Michigan history and is interim director at the University of Michigan William L.

Hoppenrath Wins Quilt Raffle

04/12/2008

Kay Hoppenrath was the March 20 winner of a quilt raffle sponsored by Mackinac Straits Hospital Auxiliary. The quilt was made by Linda Lozen. Ms.

Library Programs Announced

04/12/2008

There will be three more children's reading and craft programs at the Mackinac Island Public Library this spring. A circus elephant-theme program will be held Wednesday, April 16, where young children can create colorful elephants and glue them on a wooden stick. An activity involving elephants will also be held.

Mackinaw Visitors Bureau Sees Potential To Draw International Tourists

By Paul Gingras — 04/12/2008

"We are going to promote the heck out of this area and try to pull off another increase," said William Bertchinger, president of the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau board of directors, who noted that his member hotels saw a 6% increase in room rentals in 2007, despite the struggling state economy.

City Seeks Order To 'Deconstruct'Webster Home

By Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008

Mackinac Island City Council will seek a court order to "deconstruct" Len and Sue Webster's partially built home in Hubbard's Annex after it learned at its meeting Wednesday, March 12, that the May deadline to finish the project will not be met.

Demouth Wins Raffle Painting

04/12/2008

Robin Demouth of Oakland, California, was the winner of the senior class raffle of a painting by Marta Olson. Mackinac Island Public School's five-member senior class raised $2,800 to help pay for their trip to Puerto Rico May 1 to 7.

Restrooms Will Open May 2

04/12/2008

The public restrooms behind the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau will open for the season Friday, May 2. Open hours during spring are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Hours will expand as the ferry schedules change for the summer.

Leeper Participates in State Poetry Contest

By Karen Gould — 04/12/2008

Arial Leeper, a junior at Mackinac Island Public School, enjoys being in the spotlight and the Island judges enjoyed her performance of "The Owl and the Pussycat," by Edward Lear, awarding her the top position in the Poetry Out Loud contest on Mackinac Island last month.

Stuart House Museum Reports Successful Year

By Karen Gould — 04/12/2008

Following a successful summer with more than 12,000 visitors to the Stuart House Museum, volunteers there have asked the Mackinac Island City Council to consider a plan to hire a second employee, paint the lower level of the building, improve air flow on the main floor, and obtain more displays from wood carver Dale Gensman this year.

Island Recreation Plan Adopted

By Karen Gould — 04/12/2008

An update of short- and longrange goals are the only changes made to Mackinac Island's five year Recreation Master Plan, which was adopted by the city council Wednesday, February 27, following a hearing. Topping the short-range goal list is the need to build a recreational facility.

Mackinac Island Public School Honor Roll

04/12/2008

8th Grade: Tyler Cherwonka, Anthony Rickley. 9th Grade: Morgan Brodeur-Bunker, Marie Bunker, Margaret Chambers. 10th Grade: Jane Finkel, Tymon Horn, Shelbie Mosley. 11th Grade: Darcy Brodeur-Bunker, Robert Chambers, Fuller Cowell*, Arial Leeper, Shay Mosley, Rhodene Mullings, Danielle Wightman.

Rilenge, Bean Earn Top Spelling Spots

04/12/2008

Adrienne Rilenge, a sixth grade student at Mackinac Island Public School, and Hailey Bean, in grade seven, were among eight winners at a district spelling bee that took place at the St. Ignace Middle School February 7. Top spellers from four middle schools in St.

Richard Frank

04/12/2008

One of the early historic preservation architects who helped define the Straits of Mackinac for millions of tourists died January 28, 2008, at the age of 77 in Detroit.

Louina 'Aunt Lou' Riley

By Jeannette Doud — 04/12/2008

There are those whose lives remind us of the sunset's warming glow. They leave a touch of glory lingering after when they go. Mackinac mourns the loss of our dear friend, Louina "Aunt Lou" Orr Riley, who passed away Monday, March 17, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, at the age of 95.

Mary 'Jeanne' Grant

04/12/2008

Mary "Jeanne" Grant of Hillside, New York, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2008, at her home with her family. She was born in Cross Village December 10, 1924, to Dorman and Melvina (nee Marshall) Wilson. She served her country during World War II as a Women's Army Corps corporal. It was there that she met her husband, William Grant.

Olive Archambault

04/12/2008

Olive G. Archambault of Kincheloe was a former longtime resident of Mackinac Island and St. Ignace, where she worked at several restaurants, including The Homestead, Cobblestone, Shores Restaurant, and Huron Landing. Her last restaurant job was working for the Sposito family at the Fort Tea Room on Mackinac Island.

Lakers Boys Fall to Panthers in Class D District Tourney

By David Latva — 04/12/2008

Mackinac Island fell to Pickford 67-60 in the Class D district semifinals held on the Panthers home court Monday, February 25.

Richard Frank

04/12/2008

One of the early historic preservation architects who helped define the Straits of Mackinac for millions of tourists died January 28, 2008, at the age of 77 in Detroit.

Louina 'Aunt Lou' Riley

By Jeannette Doud — 04/12/2008

Mary 'Jeanne' Grant

04/12/2008

Olive Archambault

04/12/2008

Lakers Boys Fall to Panthers in Class D District Tourney

By David Latva — 04/12/2008

Mackinac Island fell to Pickford 67-60 in the Class D district semifinals held on the Panthers home court Monday, February 25.

Loretta Dennany Served as Role Model for Youth

04/12/2008

Looking for an Island Pen Pal

04/12/2008

Enjoyed Town Crier's Article About 'Dirty Jobs' Show

04/12/2008

Michigan Politics

By George Weeks — 04/12/2008

"Thank God for newspapers." - Columnist William Powers, National Journal magazine Thanks, indeed, across the land - from New York, from Detroit, from northern Michigan.

NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND

BY JEANNETTE DOUD — 04/12/2008

Nature Notes

By Patricia Martin — 04/12/2008

A Look at History

BY FRANK STRAUS — 04/12/2008

Miniature Horses Can Help People with Socializing and Healing

04/12/2008

Maintaining Your Health on Mackinac

By Yvan Silva, M.D. — 04/12/2008

Loretta Dennany Served as Role Model for Youth

04/12/2008

Looking for an Island Pen Pal

04/12/2008

Enjoyed Town Crier's Article About 'Dirty Jobs' Show

04/12/2008

Looking Back

Compiled by Ryan Schlehuber — 04/12/2008