Mackinac Island Town Crier

Don Andress' Work Continues Family Tradition

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

In his 73 years, Don Andress has been known locally for many things on Mackinac Island. One thing, creating walking sticks, could also make him nationally known. "Duck," as he is known to the Island community, is a Korean War-era veteran, a retired carpenter, and a former boxer.

Historic Indian Dormitory To Be Reopened as Art Center

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

With a donation of a little more than $800,000 from the Jane and Richard Manoogian Foundation, the largest donation the Mackinac Island State Park Commission has received, the Indian Dormitory, which has been closed since 2002, will be restored and become a center for local historic and modern art.

Public Supports Maintaining Landmark Status

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

If Mayor Margaret Doud wondered whether the public would support the city's efforts in improving Mackinac Island's National Historic Landmark status, the show of more than 100 hands raised in support of the idea at a public hearing at Community Hall Wednesday,

Airport Cost Jumps to $6 Million, Park Learns

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

A runway rehabilitation project at the Mackinac Island Airport that was expected to cost $2.5 million will now cost $6 million. Mackinac Island State Park commissioners learned of the cost overrun at their Friday, September 26, meeting on Mackinac Island, where they also agreed to support St.

Hearing Postponed

10/11/2008

The hearing between business owner Ron Dufina and City of Mackinac Island over the use of a sign, to be held in 92nd District Court in St. Ignace, has been rescheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 18. The hearing was originally scheduled for September 24.

Unemployed Officer To Be Used for Emergencies During Winter

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

Mackinac Island City Council, at its regular meeting Wednesday, October 8, voted 5-1 to allow police officer Dominic Redman to be used on an emergency basis during the fall and winter while he is on unemployment. Councilman Jason St. Onge voted against having an unemployed officer used to fill vacant shifts, however, Police Chief Jim Marks reassured him that Mr.

City Seeks More Control of Locations Where Bicycles Can Be Rented

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

The city plans to tighten its control of bicycle rental operations to reduce traffic congestion and stop the practice of loaning rental bikes to other shops. To do so, the city council plans to put more emphasis on dictating where bicycles can be rented and less emphasis on who owns the rental licenses.

Dunnigan Earns State Award

10/11/2008

Summer Mackinac Island resident and author Brian L. Dunnigan received a State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan during an annual banquet in Grand Rapids Friday, September 26, for his new book, "A Picturesque Situation: Mackinac Before Photography, 1615- 1860.

Charlotte Chambers

10/11/2008

Erica and Bill Chambers of Manassas, Virginia, announce the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Jane Chambers, born Monday, September 8, 2008, at Prince William Hospital in Manassas. She weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces at birth and measured 20-3/4 inches in length.

Stuart House Exhibits To Include Old School, Medical Center, Military Veterans

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

Exhibits in the historic Stuart House Museum on Mackinac Island will soon feature historical information, artifacts, and photographs of Island military veterans, the former Thomas W. Ferry School, and the former Medical Center and its longtime lay health nurse, Stella King.

Lewand Chairs Community Foundation

10/11/2008

Kathy Lewand was elected to chair the Mackinac Island Community Foundation at a meeting of the board September 12. She will head lead the organization for two years and replaces Wesley Maurer, Jr., who completed two terms, the maximum allowed by the group's by-laws. He will continue to serve on the board of trustees.

City Sees Surge in Cemetery Plot Reservations After Public Appeal

10/11/2008

Requests for cemetery plots at the two city cemeteries increased this fall, the Cemetery Committee learned at a Thursday, September 18 meeting, as people have been responding to a warning that plots in the older sections are becoming scarce and residents wanting to be buried near family members need to take heed.

Island Police Officers Hardy, Dziobak Promoted to Corporals

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

Police officers Ken Hardy and Andy Dziobak have been promoted to corporal by Police Chief Jim Marks. Chief Marks, who sought support from the city's Public Safety Committee at a combined meeting of the public safety and finance committees Tuesday, September 16, presented the new badges to the two officers at a regular City Council meeting Wednesday, October 8.

Mission Point Resort Will Host Beatles Tribute Band October 18

10/11/2008

The Beatles tribute band, Toppermost, will perform at Mission Point Resort Saturday, October 18, during two concerts during the resort's "Beatles Weekend" celebration. Concerts will be at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and tickets are $10. The resort staff will be wearing clothing from the 1960s and the theme will be carried out in the bars and restaurants.

Bike and Buggy League Reports 35th Season Results

10/11/2008

The team of David Bankard and Pat Bishop took first place overall and the award for the single round high score in the Bike and Buggy Bridge League, which ended its 35th season in August.

Businesses To Be Open This Winter

10/11/2008

A list of businesses on Mackinac Island that will be open year-around, with telephone numbers, is as follows: • Doud's Market 847-3444 • Harrisonville General Store 847-3553 • First National Bank 847- 3732

Fall Grant Applications Available

10/11/2008

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation is accepting applications until November 1 for winter grants that will be awarded in early December. Grant applications are available from the Mackinac Island Community Foundation office in the Twilight Inn on Hoban Street, by telephoning Robin Dorman at 847 3701, or by email to rdorman@micf.org.

Morning Walks Planned in October

10/11/2008

Two morning recreational walks on Mackinac Island are being offered to those who would like to enjoy the fall colors Monday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 22. Both walks begin at 9:30 a.m. at Grand Hotel, and meet in the lobby on the east end of the hotel, near the hair salon. The walks are free of charge and are sponsored by Mackinac Island Recreation Department.

Establishing a Local Historic District

10/11/2008

1) Citizens ask local legislative body to adopt a resolution to approve a historic district study. 2) Local legislative body appoints a historic study committee. 3) Study committee performs photographic inventory and research.

2 Students Complete Hunter Safety

10/11/2008

Two Mackinac Island youths, Kyra Kolatski and Kyle Shunk, completed the state hunter safety education course Wednesday, October 1. Both sixth grade students at Mackinac Island Public School, Miss Kolatski and Mr. Shunk scored 98 and 96 on the test, respectively, said Jack Armstrong, hunter safety instructor.

4-H Program To Fill Void of Disbanded Girl Scouts Troop

By Ryan Schlehuber — 10/11/2008

With the announcement of Mackinac Island's Girl Scouts Troop 127 disbanding, the 4-H Community Club is working toward expanding its programs to fill the void of recreational opportunities for the seven Girl Scouts and all other Island children.

Engaged

10/11/2008

Chris West and Heather Distasio, both of Mackinac Island, have announced their engagement to be married. Mr. West, originally from Saginaw, is a 1993 graduate of Novel Catholic School and is an executive assistant at Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. His parents are Tom and Pat West of Harbor Springs.

Basement Door Addition Approved

10/11/2008

A zoning variance to allow extended lot coverage for a walkout basement door addition to the new Cadotte Avenue home of Sandra and Debra Orr was approved by Mackinac Island's Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday, September 10. The new house, as originally proposed, would have 2,223 square feet of lot coverage. The maximum allowed is 2,225, or 40% of lot coverage.

Mackinac Island Students Enjoy Dance Class

10/11/2008

Mackinac Island dance team for grades kindergarten through seven includes (front, from left) Ella Cowell, Brooke Dziobak, Ava Sehoyan; (middle) Leon Sehoyan, Sadie Johnson, T.J.

Medical Center Hosts Flu Clinic

10/11/2008

A walk-in flu shot clinic for people of all ages will be held at Mackinac Island Medical Center from Thursday, October 16, through Wednesday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Patients need not call in for appointments and should have insurance cards and identification cards with them.

Byers To Be on Discovery Channel Wed., October 22

10/11/2008

Russ Byers, Mackinac Island's stone skipping champion and current Guinness Book of World Records holder with 51 skips, will be featured on the "Time Warp" program on the Discovery Channel at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 22. Mr. Byers participated in the Island's stone skipping contest, held every Fourth of July, and won this year's event with 25 skips.

Mackinac Island Yacht Club Bridge Results

10/11/2008

In Mackinac Island Yacht Club Bridge League games for the week ending Wednesday, September 24, Lois Largo placed first, Nicki Krzykowski placed second, and Annette "Toots" Gillespie placed third.

Island Lakers Repeat as NLL Champs, First Time Since 2003

By David Latva — 10/11/2008

The Mackinac Island Lakers soccer team clinched its second consecutive Northern Lights League (NLL) championship with a 9-2 win over Grand Marais Friday, October 3, and earned a 1- 0 forfeit decision over the Polar Bears Saturday, October 4.

Commercialization, Redevelopment of Island Causes Dismay

10/11/2008

To the Editor: As overnight visitors to the Island for several nights a couple times a year for more than 25 years, we have come to regard the Island as part of us.

Island Should Protect Its Historic Elements

10/11/2008

To the Editor: The jury may still be out but the verdict is in. The LCD test light on the corner of Main and Market has no place and no future on Mackinac Island.

Fly Control Effort Was Successful This Year

10/11/2008

To the Editor: Seasons come, and seasons go. Success on Mackinac is often measured by the rulers of fudge sales, bicycle rentals, and ferry boat traffic. Rarely does an insect, such as the lowly fly, ever make frontpage news. This year it did.

Vote No on Proposal 2

10/11/2008

To the Editor: On the November 4 ballot, you will have the opportunity to vote "No" on Proposal 2, the Human Embryo Proposal. Proposal 2 allows unrestricted science on human embryos and any research involving stem cells.

Michigan Politics

By George Weeks — 10/11/2008

Republican John McCain's abrupt, ill-advised Michigan fade could be good news for Democrats down the ticket, maybe even for Supreme Court candidate Diane Marie Hathaway, partisan-nominated contender on the ill-named "bipartisan" ballot.

NEWS ABOUT PEOPLE ON MACKINAC ISLAND

BY JEANNETTE DOUD — 10/11/2008

Once again, visitors caught a glimpse of Mackinac in all its fall splendor when the Michigan Municipal League Convention took place at Grand Hotel Wednesday, October 1, through Saturday, October 4. We are proud to share our beautiful Island with people from all of the cities and villages across Michigan.

Transportation and Tour Business on Island Is an All-Weather Job

by Candice C. Dunnigan — 10/11/2008

Being in the transportation and tour business on Mackinac Island is not for the faint of heart, nor is it a fairweather affair. Since our main means of moving people, equipment, and supplies relies on horse-drawn power, that demands that the equines who work here are, in fact, on call to work in some capacity around the clock, every day of the week.

Nature Notes

By Patricia Martin — 10/11/2008

When I began to think about the topic of this column, I decided to title it "sightings," which, when you think about it, sounds like something out of a supermarket tabloid. I can see the headlines now, "Giant Puffball Mysteriously Appears at the Airport," or "Great Blue Heron Takes Up Skateboarding," or "Squawroot Invades the Ancient Island of Mackinac.

A Look at History

BY FRANK STRAUS — 10/11/2008

The level of danger to those who make their lives in Great Lakes shipping has gone down dramatically during the lifespan of this industry.

Maintaining Your Health on Mackinac

By Yvan Silva, M.D. — 10/11/2008

The phenomenon of casino gambling is expanding in many locations in the United States, in addition to the many forms of legal and illegal gambling that have existed for a long time. There are several campaigns to expand in the latest trend on the growth of Indian tribal gambling - a practice known as offreservation gambling.

Commercialization, Redevelopment of Island Causes Dismay

10/11/2008

To the Editor: As overnight visitors to the Island for several nights a couple times a year for more than 25 years, we have come to regard the Island as part of us.

Island Should Protect Its Historic Elements

10/11/2008

To the Editor: The jury may still be out but the verdict is in. The LCD test light on the corner of Main and Market has no place and no future on Mackinac Island.

Fly Control Effort Was Successful This Year

10/11/2008

Vote No on Proposal 2

10/11/2008