Taxi service to Mackinaw City will increase, sparked by the opportunity to provide more service during the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association Championship and Pond Hockey tournament, two events planned at St. Ignace in late February.

Chippewa Cab was approved for four new taxi licenses from Mackinaw City Village Council members Thursday, January 19. The new licenses will be valid until the end of the calendar year and allow the company to operate four taxis in addition to the one they currently operate in the village. The company’s Mackinaw City location is one of eight Chippewa Cab locations in the Lower Peninsula.

A representative from the company said the extra licenses will accommodate the influx of visitors to the area next month and in the future.

Village Trustee Paul Michalak said he would approve the licenses, but thought the company should clear a parking spot for the cabs with the Mackinaw City Police Department. He said the placement of cabs waiting for passengers should not interfere with the events. The company agreed to do that.

The village distributes six taxi licenses each year. Straits Taxi based in Mackinaw City owns one and Chippewa Cabs now owns the remaining five. There are no other taxi companies based in the village.

Mackinaw City Manager Don Beavers and council member Belinda Mollen will attend a Kalkaska meeting for elected officials and the general public to comment on the State Transportation Improvement Program Tuesday, February 7.

The village will spend up to $11,250 to replace a fixed dock with a floating dock at the marina, pending bids that have yet to be solicited. The fixed dock was removed at the end of the season.

The council also approved a request from Mackinaw Area Arts Council to use a temporary sandwich sign to announce its art display January 20 through 22. The sign will be placed just off the sidewalk in front of Mackinaw Clothing and Sportswear on West Central Avenue.