Island Scrutinizes Ferry Service
City Takes a Hard Look at Efficiency, and Its Own Goals
By Karen Gould
      The City of Mackinac Island is concerned that the three ferry companies serving the Island may be running inefficiently and is debating whether just one or two lines could better serve the needs of its residents. A city committee is also mulling whether it should form a Transportation Authority to bring the boat lines under tighter government control.
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Home Loss Up – But Mackinac County Still in Better Shape Than Most Counties in State
Local Foreclosure Report
By Karen Gould
      Foreclosures are tied to the poor economy, job loss, and shaky mortgages, and there were 27 in Mackinac County last year.
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Youngsters Find Fun in Paddle Dance
     To the sounds of a fiddle, Kenny Belonga and Katoni Rickley enjoy skipping down the middle of two lines of second grade students waiting to take their turn in the Paddle Dance.
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Paquin Pleads Not Guilty on Federal Fraud Charges
Former Tribal Police Chief Indicted on 15 Counts
By Mark Tower
      Fred Paquin, 52, of St. Ignace, pled not guilty Wednesday, January 20, to 15 charges related to an alleged conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Mr. Paquin is the former Chief of Police for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the charges are related to his role there and as a former tribal board member. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Mr.
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Cedarville Plat Won’t Be Rezoned
Board Says Driveway Request Doesn’t Merit Change to Whole Plat
By Mark Tower
      Clark Township trustees denied a request from the township's planning commission to re-zone properties along Weston Avenue in Cedarville from residential to commercial at the board's Thursday, January 21, meeting.
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Riders To Take on 250 Race Laps on Vintage Sleds
By Michael Ayala
      The Cedarville 2010 Blizzard Race Saturday, January 30, and Sunday, January 31, will run longer and offer more races than it did in its inaugural year in 2009. "We're trying to give our spectators more bang for their buck," race coordinator Dan Autore said. Last year about 800 spectators enjoyed the race.
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Northern Wisconsin Town Finds Ways To Capitalize on Its Environment
Regional Trends – Tourism
By Karen Gould
      A story in The St. Ignace News' series bringing our readers fresh perspectives on the top issues facing the Straits area and the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
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Governors Appeal to Obama Admin. To Stop Invasion of Devastating Carp
Great Lakes Threat
      Desperate to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, governors from the Great Lakes states have turned first to the Supreme Court and then to the Obama administration for help.
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