Second U.P. Ash Borer Infestation Found in Moran

Foresters Now Testing Trees To Determine Scope of Problem

A second emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation in the Upper Peninsula has been discovered near Moran, in a tree near the intersection of Martin and Dukes roads. The site lies in Mackinac County, about 15 miles northwest of the Mackinac Bridge. The infestation, found in a tree being monitored for the problem, was confirmed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture […]

Linda Sherlund Earns Citizen of Year Award



“Friends,” Linda Sherlund said simply, are the greatest rewards she has reaped in her many years of volunteer service. “You meet so many friends through volunteering,” she added. “You get back what you give.” Mrs. Sherlund said she feels honored by receiving the 2007 Citizen of the Year award, and that the Les Cheneaux Islands community values what she does […]

Pumpkins Roll at Bayside Fall Fest…



The pumpkin roll on Goudreau Hill near St. Ignace’s City Hall is always the most popular feature of the annual Bayside Fall Fest, formerly called Autumn Apple Days. The day-long event Saturday, October 6, included several new features this year.

City Council Candidates Share Views

Six Race for Three Seats in St. Ignace

St. Ignace voters will choose from among six candidates to fill three vacant seats on the City Council in a city election Tuesday, November 6. Mayor Paul Grondin is also running unopposed for a second two-year term. Candidates vying for one of Council’s four-year seats are Dean Baker, Mary Elizabeth Nichols, Steve “Frenchy” DuFresne, and incumbents Willie LaLonde, Merv Wyse, […]

Summer Events Boost Area Tourism

Businesses Report Slight Upturn in Sales

Reflecting on the 2007 tourism season, business owners throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Mackinaw City reported slightly stronger sales than in summer 2006, which many cited as an exceptionally bad year. Others enjoyed much higher sales, while some mentioned a downturn, and several saw erratic highs and lows in sales during the season. New events, including the Mackinac Bridge […]

Island Park Commission Mulls Presence in St. Ignace

"The event the Bridge Authority put on, bringing the two communities together, plus Mackinac Island, it was a remarkable achievement for our area. I'm interested in seeing that continue." - Commissioner Jim Williams

Upon learning that the area-wide promotion of the Mackinac Bridge anniversary this summer was successful in tourism throughout the season, Mackinac Island State Park commissioners are mulling whether they can become involved in strengthening future promotions by establishing a presence in St. Ignace, possibly at the Father Marquette Memorial site. They decided that staff members at Mackinac State Historic Parks, […]

New 6% Service Tax To Be Introduced in Michigan

Local Residents Can Expect To Pay Tax on List of Items

Michigan legislators agreed early October 1 to raise the state income tax rate and charge service tax in exchange for a 30-day extension on the current budget. A new budget with an estimated $440 million in cuts will be adopted at the end of October. The move stopped the government shutdown that threatened to close state parks, including Mackinac State […]

No One Hurt in Griffin Beverage Roof Fire



No injuries resulted from roof fires at Griffin Beverage Company on Lemotte Street in St. Ignace Wednesday, October 3, and Thursday, October 4. A contractor working on the roof Wednesday peeled back a piece of metal fascia, which was caught by wind and blown against the building’s primary power line, causing the fire. “It energized the whole end of the […]

Pleasant Pastime: Seeking Salmon in Bush Creek



Anglers fish for Chinook salmon on Bush Creek east of Cedarville Sunday, September 30. The creek intersects M-134, and salmon have been heading upstream from Lake Huron to spawn there.

Power Outages Concern Mackinaw City Residents



The Mackinaw City Village Council addressed special event sign requests, a liquor license transfer, cast its ballot for the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau Board of Directors election, and fielded questions from the public regarding power outages that have plagued the village throughout the summer at the Thursday, October 4, council meeting. The council is now operating with a new president, […]