5 YEARS AGO October 3, 2019
The winter of 2019-20 could be a tough one for the shanties in Fishtown. Amanda Holmes, executive director of the Fishtown Preservation Society, said Tuesday that the society had reached one of its fundraising milestones at the end of August when it raised $320,000 making it eligible to receive a $160,000 grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation of Janesville, Wisconsin. “We succeeded with that at the end of August,” she said. “That grant may only be used toward work on the shanties.”
*** Though the community in Northport and Leelanau Township still appears split over how to pay the shared shortfall on its municipal sewer bond to Leelanau County, information on the issue is becoming clearer. At the Leelanau Township Fire Department’s fire hall Tuesday, the Leelanau Township Board hosted a public forum about the proposed sewer millage of the Northport-Leelanau Township Metropolitan District Authority (MDA), just several weeks before the proposal will be either approved or defeated on the November ballot.
10 YEARS AGO October 2, 2014
A lawsuit has been filed by an established — and historical — company based in Fishtown against a popular non-profit group that is credited with preserving the popular tourist destination. South and North Manitou Islands LLC (SNMI), the company that operates Manitou Island Transit in Fishtown, has filed suit in 13th Circuit Court against Fishtown Preservation Society (FPS), claiming that the non-profit organization is trespassing on its property. The company is also claiming $40,000 in lost rents, profits and legal expenses for the past four years.
*** The former Champion Tree of Leland that was taken down in 2011 — or part of the tree, anyway — is starting a new life at the Leland Township Library. A conference table emphasizing the rich grain of the champion cottonwood was fashioned from about 25 feet of the tree’s lumber. The table is inset with two tiles commemorating a tree that found itself in the frames of countless pictures. The tiles were specially made by local artist Leif Sporck, owner of Sporck Tileart.
25 YEARS AGO October 7, 1999
County commissioners will get a second look at a proposal to mandate septic tank inspections after action last week by the Benzie-Leelanau District Board of Health. The health board voted Thursday afternoon to recommend approval of a new health code similar to one that received mixed reviews when presented to township boards and village councils in early 1998.
*** The owner of a lot eyed for a new park in Glen Arbor has turned down the township’s latest offer of $375,000 for the property. He now plans to raise the price to $425,000 after Oct. 16 unless officials offer him an additional 5-percent interest payment.
50 YEARS AGO October 3, 1974
A representative of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs attending a recent meeting of the Natural Resources Commission in Lansing observed that “There is still time to prevent 1,200 deer from suffering slow and agonizing deaths on North Manitou Island.” Thomas L. Washington, executive director of the M.U.C.C. made the remark following a decision by the NRC to support federal designation of North Manitou Island as a wilderness area in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.
*** The Village of Suttons Bay has a new source of emergency power to guarantee that its sewer system will continue to operate in event of conventional power failure. It is an 8-cycle diesal-powered 100 kilowatt generator which one cost Uncle Sam $15,000 but which was obtained by Suttons Bay Village from U.S. government surplus for only $350.
75 YEARS AGO September 30, 1948
According to a survey of Leelanau County fuel dealers, both fuel oil and coal will not only be more plentiful this year, but in most cases, slightly lower in price than at this time last fall. This is due chiefly to the big upswing in price last year, particularly in the spring, due to scarcity.
*** Weather permitting, that means if the snow is right. Sugar Loaf will open to skiers December 15th. The board of directors, meeting Monday night at the Homestead, Leelanau Schools, determined that in spite of delayed financing they will operate the area. In the absence of Hans “Peppi” Teichner, hours on the slopes will be somwhat curtailed, however.
100 YEARS AGO October 2, 1924
Advertisement: The Blue Lantern Tea Room at Leland is now open under the direction of Mrs. Maro featuring even dinners and luncheons by appointment. Light refreshments anytime in the afternoon.
*** Advertisement: Cash paid for false teeth, gold crowns and bridges, old magneto points and old gold. Mail to, Hoke Smelting and Refining Co., Otsego, Michigan.
