To Draw Tourists, Straits Area Looks Outside State
Forecast Is for 2% Fewer Travelers; 4% Higher Costs
By Ryan Schlehuber
      Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Canada, lend us your tourists. That is the promotional strategy many tourist-oriented businesses in the Straits area have in place to bolster Michigan's dreary economy.
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Fixing the Road, From the Concrete Up
Mackinac Bridge Work Is on Schedule
By Karen Gould
      The sounds of a milling machine, mechanical broom, dragging chains, and multiple jackhammers mix with engines of cars and semi trucks on the Mackinac Bridge, during part of a two-year resurfacing project. This year, the two east side lanes of the bridge will remain closed until mid-June as the road surface is removed and replaced.
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Letter Resolves County's Concerns About Hospital
Commission Offers Support of Transfer
By Karen Gould
      Outstanding issues between the County Commissioners and hospital representatives were resolved last week. Now the commission offers its support in the transfer of assets and liabilities from the Mackinac Straits Hospital Authority to the new private hospital corporation, Mackinac Straits Health Systems, Inc.
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Staffing Issues Come Before County Board
Treasurer's Office
By Karen Gould
      County commissioners said they could not entertain a seven-month leave of absence request by Nora Massey from her deputy treasurer position. The leave, which Mrs. Massey sought, would have run from May 1 through January 1, and would cover the period Mrs. Massey serves as the county's appointed interim treasurer.
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Producers Lining Up To Film in Michigan, With Incentives
Hosting Film Crews Will Bring Jobs, Cash, Allen Says
By Paul Gingras
      About 100 movie producers have already inquired about making films in Michigan this year, following the development of a package of tax breaks that makes the state the most financially-friendly place in the country to produce films, commercials, and cartoons, State Senator Jason Allen said. In comparison, 10 producers asked to make movies here last year. Mr.
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Variance for 50-foot Sign for Icebreaker Mackinaw Museum Approved
By Paul Gingras
      Installing a 50-foot sign inside a right-of-way is favored over installing a 100-foot sign blocking a shoreline view, said the Mackinaw City Planning Commission, which voted 6-2 to support a variance request by the Icebreaker Mackinaw Museum for the smaller sign Thursday, April 24.
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'Fly-by' View of Straits, Bridge, St. Ignace
     This aerial photograph was taken from near the St. Ignace Marina, looking south over the Mackinac Bridge, April 19. (Photograph by Patrick Duflo)
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Island's Science Teacher Ferguson Resigns
      Jeff Ferguson, a high school science teacher for Mackinac Island Public School since 2005, resigned for "personal reasons," it was announced at a school board meeting Thursday, April 24. Mr. Ferguson submitted his letter of resignation to Superintendent Roger Schrock Monday, April 14, and will work until Friday, May 30, the end of the school year.
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Tribal Election Has Four Chairman Candidates
      Four candidates are vying for the chairmanship of the board of directors for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and several representative seats are available on the board. Ballots for the primary election will be mailed to registered tribal voters Thursday, May 1. The primary election is Thursday, May 22.
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Bridge Workers' Children Enjoy 'Shadow Day'
     Children of Mackinac Bridge Authority employees were invited to spend Thursday, April 24, learning about the Mackinac Bridge and what their parents do each day at work. Attending this year's Shadow Day were (front, from left) Angela Nowack, Jackson Campbell, Macie White, Carley Johnson; (back) Sandy Thon, Lydia LaLonde, and Bekka Litzner. (Photograph courtesy of the Mackinac Bridge Authority)
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