5 YEARS AGO December 13, 2018
There was a full house Tuesday at the Bay Theatre where more than 225 people gathered to discuss the future of the county’s only movie house.
Bahle Enterprises, owned by the Bahle family of Suttons Bay, announced last month the closing of the theatre that has been a center for the arts for more than 70 years.
“We don’t have the energy to run the theatre anymore,” Erik Bahle said during his introduction. “Five family members have been running things and they’re looking to retire.”
Bob Bahle, who for years was responsible for film selection and scheduling at the theatre, provided a 30-year retrospective on the movies, concerts and special events held at The Bay.
“(Our slogan) has always been ‘Small Town Theatre. World Class Cinema,” he said. “But we can’t do it ourselves anymore, so we’re heading in the direction of ‘The Bay: By the People, for the People.”
Among the more than 200 in the audience was Rick Schmidt, co-owner of The Garden Theatre in Frankfort.
10 YEARS AGO December 12, 2013
Leelanau County Construction Code Authority head Steve Haugen said that a deadline has passed for anyone claiming ownership of Sugar Loaf Resort to contact him. He was seeking a warrant this week to enter the resort to document its condition. *** Christmas continues to dominate the social scene in Leelanau County after a busy weekend of events.
Crowds streamed into the communities of Suttons Bay, Leland and Cedar last weekend, while marketplaces were held in Glen Arbor and Empire the weekend after Thanksgiving to kick off the Christmas season.
25 YEARS AGO December 10, 1998
It couldn’t last forever.
Leelanau County Monday experienced its first cold snap and spotty snowfall - after more than three weeks of above normal temperatures. Light snow was predicted today and tomorrow.
*** The county prosecutor is warning of an impending shortage of jail space, suggesting that more beds be reserved at the Benzie County jail to house Leelanau prisoners.
He is also saying that new state sentencing guidelines will result in “dumping” more prisoners in county jails across the state.
50 YEARS AGO December 13, 1973
Grand Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce Ski Council which is comprised of six area ski resorts including Timber Lee Hills and Sugar Loaf Village in Leelanau County, met recently at the Park Place Motor Inn in Traverse City to form plans for providing bus shuttle service between resorts. *** Santa Claus will arrive in Empire Saturday, December 15, at 1:00 p.m. at the fire hall. His visit is being sponsored by the Empire Volunteer Fire Department.
75 YEARS AGO December 9, 1948
The Coast Guard Station at North Manitou Shoals closed Sunday morning for the winter season. Commanding officer John Hahn is spending a brief leave at Northport with his wife prior to reporting to his temporary winter duty at Traverse City base. *** Leelanau’s share of the Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) will be more than a carload of wheat, beans, soy beans, dried milk, and honey, according to word received here last week by County Agricultural Agent Stanley Ball whose job it is to organize this county’s part in the program.
100 YEARS AGO December 20, 1923
Mrs. W. C. Nelson attended the funeral of Mrs. John Kinnuean at Traverse City last Monday. *** Mrs. Clara Egeler and Mrs. Schaub have returned from the hospital at Traverse City much improved in health.
