The new mid-morning departure (11:05 a.m.) non-stop Detroit flight from the Chippewa County International Airport appears to be an early success, airline officials say. The non stop flight began on Wednesday, February 16, and, according to Mesaba Airlines Station Manager Faye Dumback, the first flight was full. The reservations for the new flight, set for February 16 through April 3, are averaging better than a 50 percent load capacity, and March flights, she said, are filling up fast.

“This is great news in our continued goal to promote additional service to the airport and the local community,” Ms. Dumback said.

Stamp Idea To

Go to Lansing

Members of the committee promoting a U.S. postage stamp to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge will make a presentation to officials of the Mackinac Bridge Authority at its regular meeting in Lansing Friday, April 8.

Members include Bridge Authority’s Jim Laako, bridge historian and author Larry Rubin, Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association President Richard Moehl, Mackinaw City Chamber’s Dan Cooley and Dawn Edwards, and Mackinaw City Village Manager Robert Heilman. Prentiss Brown Jr. and Bridge Authority Executive Bob Sweeney attended the committee’s last meeting Tuesday, February 8.

The committee met for the first time Wednesday, January 19, and are awaiting word from U.S. Postmaster General’s Stamp Advisory Committee to see if they accept their proposal.

Wage Boost OK’d

at Mackinaw City

Meeting Thursday, February 17, Mackinaw City Village Council approved a wage increase of three percent for non-union employees. City Manager Jeff Lawson said the increase came from a standard yearly wage review and affects some city employees as well as fire department members, ambulance personnel, and planning commission members.

Working from a brief meeting agenda, the council approved requests for upcoming banquets in the recreation center and discussed guidelines for a liquor control ordinance that is being drafted. Mr. Curth said he expects action within the next month on adopting the liquor control ordinance.

A blight ordinance was discussed at the meeting as well, for which draft language has been prepared, and that issue is close to adoption, Mr. Curth said.

The council will meet again Thursday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall.

St. Ignace History Group To Meet

The Michilimackinac Histori-cal Society will meet Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at Mackinac Grille Restaurant. Phyliss Massey will present a genealogy program and Shirley Sorrels will present information about fundraising efforts at the Museum of Ojibwa History and Marquette Mission Park.