Will New Hospital House Long Term Care?
Administrators Set Sights on Summer Construction
By Karen Gould
      Plans for a long term care facility at the Mackinac Straits Hospital North State Street site in St. Ignace began unraveling last June, and by September, the facility was removed from the project when lenders required an immediate financial safeguard to back bond payments.
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Winterfest Draws Large Crowds
Many Brave Cold To Enjoy Snow Sculptures, Races at Mackinaw City
      The annual Mackinaw City Winterfest saw record numbers of participants and a large turnout of spectators during its two-day event Friday, January 17, and Saturday, January 18.
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City Seeks To Eliminate Bird Hazard at Airport
Will Fund Feasibility Study To Find Best Plan
By Karen Gould
      Airplane bird strikes have been a concern at the Mackinac County Airport for a number of years, and now the St. Ignace City Council is moving forward with a feasibility study designed to reduce the hazard and in hopes of diverting a catastrophe.
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Fees Cut for Community Center Use
Clark Township
By Jonathan Eppley
      The Clark Township Board of Trustees lowered rates to rent the community center on M-134 by at least 50% at its meeting Thursday, January 15. Rates are lowered by as much as 82%, to encourage more use of the community center by township and non-township residents as well as not-for-profit groups.
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Cynthia Oliver Hired as County Deputy Treasurer
By Karen Gould
      Cynthia Oliver has been hired as the deputy Mackinac County treasurer. Her first day on the job will be Monday, January 26, and her primary responsibility will be tax preparation.
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School Deficit Concerns Draw 40 to Program
Rep. McDowell Speaks at Cedarville District
By Jonathan Eppley
      State Representative Gary McDowell spoke to a crowd of about 40 before the Les Cheneaux Community Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, January 19, regarding the district's projected revenue deficit.
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Notice to readers:
      As The St. Ignace News went to press Tuesday, we were informed that our printing presses at Big Rapids were out of service and a backup printer would be used for this week's edition. Consequently, our readers will hold a newspaper that will be one inch narrower and 1.5 inches longer.
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Could Internet Access Replace Community and School Libraries?
Those Who Think So Don't Understand Libraries, Local Librarians Say
By Ellen Paquin
      Regional Trends - Libraries A story in The St. Ignace News' ongoing series bringing our readers fresh perspectives on the top issues facing the Straits area and the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Library use today is on the rise, partly because libraries are evolving with their communities and now offer more services than ever.
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Lawmakers Visit Area To Boost Tourism Awareness
By Karen Gould
      "We're having a ball," said State Senator Jason Allen of the three-day snowmobile trek current and former state legislators made this week. He spoke to The St. Ignace News a stop in downtown St. Ignace Monday, January 19.
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