Mackinac State Historic Parks Funding Restored



Governor Jennifer Gran-holm returned a $1.5 million general fund appropriation to Mackinac State Historic Parks Thursday, September 29, with her signature on Senate Bill 274. The budget bill was signed just days before the state’s fiscal year began Saturday, October 1, and ended seven months of worry by administrators. The governor had removed the money in her proposed 2006 budget […]

Council May Consider Island Bike Helmet Law

Grand Hotel President Appeals for Rule

Dan Musser III, president of Grand Hotel, appealed to the Mackinac Island City Council Wednesday, September 28, for a mandatory bike helmet law. Mayor Margaret Doud promised to work out a strategy for the proposed edict and how it could be enforced. Such an ordinance would also have to include visitors who bring their own bikes to the Island. “I’d […]

Why did the turtle cross the road?

To get to Veterans Memorial Park.

After most Island visitors had headed for dinner, this brave snapping turtle meandered across Market Street and headed into Veterans Memorial Park Tuesday, September 13.

Scott Roguska Produces Films, Gives ‘Jester’ Awards



There was no red carpet in place to greet arriving guests. No paparazzi stood on the sidelines snapping photos. Not one screaming fan could be heard begging for autographs. There was no line of long black limousines to deliver stars. The excitement and the fun of The First Annual Court Jester Studio Awards ceremony offered a no-frills, no-competition satirical approach […]

Stuart House Exhibits Historic Replicas

Island Buildings Focus of Miniature Gallery Display

Memories, talent, and a strong sense of community have come together for one of the newest exhibits at the Stuart House museum. On display in the Stuart Gallery are four replicas of historic buildings on the Island: the Thomas Ferry School, Little Stone Church, Mission Church, and the Court House. The replicas were built by Dale Gensman, a former builder […]

Public Hearing Scheduled on Burn Ordinance



Meeting for the second time in September to discuss illegal burning on the Island and ways to prevent it, the Ordinance Committee is considering writing a nuisance ordinance which would be enforceable. The city will hold a public hearing to review the burning ordinance with focus on burning barrels in an effort to prevent the illegal burning of garbage both […]

Island Looks at Motor Vehicle Permit Policy



Mackinac Island is taking a closer look at its motor vehicle permit policy because City Council members want to tighten regulationst. Street Committee members met Tuesday, September 13, to begin the review of the permit policy and when they are done, they will present their recommendation to Council. City Attorney Tom Evashevski provided members with a draft on motor vehicle […]

After 26 Years, Jack Ryerse ‘Takes a Break’ From Island Bank



There are many things constant in Jack Ryerse’s life: he swims every day, he has never eaten pizza, an apple or orange, or swallowed a drop of alcohol, and each day of the summer he could be found in his office on Mackinac Island, managing the branch office of the First National Bank of St. Ignace. Now 86 years old, […]

Yacht Club Inducts Sue Webster First Woman Commodore

New Officers Elected at 68-Year-Old Club

Commodore Sue Webster sits on the front porch of the Mackinac Island Yacht Club and talks of her ideas for the coming year. Before her is the Mackinac Island harbor, and at her feet, organized in file folders, are her goals and plans. She is the first woman at the helm of the 68-year-old club, and she brings 30 years […]

Council Looks Into Zoning Violation



The Mackinac Island City Council, meeting September 14, discussed an alleged zoning violation at Violet Condominiums, agreed to contact the Corps of Engineers about a breakwall extension, and heard compliments for firemen and the police. Council also approved six motor vehicle permits, gave the go-ahead for a special permit allowing a band to play after 11 p.m., and approved an […]