5 YEARS AGO May 16, 2019
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners appeared to overcome a case of “sticker shock” Tuesday and decided to move ahead on two projects that could cost taxpayers nearly $5 million over the next year. The price for a new roof on the county’s Law Enforcement Center (LEC) has been set at $1.2 million – about 30% higher than originally anticipated. *** Leelanau Township Clerk Deborah Van Pelt has submitted her resignation. Supervisor Doug Scripps said Van Pelt submitted a letter of resignation at the township board’s regular meeting Tuesday, adding Van Pelt would like the resignation to take effect at the end of the month. Scripps said the board Tuesday didn’t vote on whether to accept the letter of resignation, adding it plans to do so at the board’s regular meeting in June.
10 YEARS AGO May 15, 2014
The Suttons Bay school district may soon have a new superintendent in Christopher G. Nelson, who is currently the director of technology and operations at Harbor Springs Public Schools.
While Nelson hasn’t officially accepted the district’s offer of employment, his unofficial answer is an enthusiastic “yes.” Nelson and another finalist for the job, Jake Huffman, were both interviewed in an open forum on Tuesday. Huffman is the superintendent of Bath Community Schools in the Lansing area. *** Changes are on the way for Tribal leadership. The Tribal Council of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will have three new members by this time next week if no challenges are filed and the tribal Election Board certifi es results of Tuesday’s election. The top two-vote getters in the election were political newcomers and second cousins Mark Wilson and Frank Wilson. Taking third place to land a seat on the Tribal Council was former Tribal Chairman Derek Bailey. *** If you’re going to give birth on your bathroom floor, having a husband who is an emergency services technician and a best friend who is a nurse — and having them both on hand for the delivery — is the preferred situation. That’s what Tom and Rachel Verschaeve found out on Friday when their 7-pound, 12-ounce, 20-inch-long son decided to make his entrance into the world a little early.
25 YEARS AGO May 20, 1999
A 101-year tradition of Catholic education in Leelanau County will end June 9 when the doors shut on Holy Rosary School at Isadore. The Diocese of Gaylord announced that the small pre-K through fourthgrade school will close at the end of the school year, citing low enrollment. *** Some 224 county students — the last graduating class of the 20th century — will don caps and gowns in the next three weeks. *** Recreation enthusiasts in Glen Arbor Township are looking for help to buy two acres for a park. The $275,000 parcel is believed to be the last undeveloped property in the village.
50 YEARS AGO May 16, 1974
Constance M. Binsfeld two term Leelanau County Commissioner, declared Wednesday that she will seek the Republican nomination in the August 6 primary for the 104th District, State House of Representatives. Mrs. Binsfeld’s early moring Leland announcement took place on the Leelanau County court house steps and was one of four stops in the 104th District, including Traverse City, Cadillac and Beulah. *** Bids were accepted by Leelanau Memorial Hospital board of trustees this past week for its major construction program totaling more than $1,200,000. Mrs. Kathleen Putnam, Hospital administration said the general contractor is Ennis Building of Utica.
75 YEARS AGO May 13, 1948
Leelanau County will get Northern Michigan’s greatest resort development, with the conversion of most of South Manitou Island into a huge summer playground, Lee Barrett, Detroit civic leader and for many years an official of Michigan Tourist and Resort Associations, announced today. Barrett has purchased approximately 340 acres on the island. *** Three damage suits against the Manistee & Northeastern Railway for a total of $55,000 will go before a jury in circuit court at the Leland court house on May 26 at the opening of the second spring term. The suit is outgrowth of an accident in which Joseph E. Carlson, his wife and Karl H. Braun, all of Traverse City, were injured at the Bay street railroad crossing in Elmwood Township in February, 1947. Carlson and Braun are asking $15,000 damages each and Mrs. Carlson $25,000.
100 YEARS AGO May 15, 1924
Wanted Land: I will buy any sized tract of improved or unimproved Northern Michigan land: prefer property with lake or river frontage. What have you? Send full details, plat, legal description, lowest prices and terms in first letter. H.J. Dewey. 417 Valentine Bldg. Toledo, Ohio. *** C.S. Abbott, of Detroit, president of the Leland Light and Power company spent the weekend in our village. *** Clarence Waukalot is driving a new Ford.
