B. I. News on the 'Net, February 14-20, 2011

Winterfest on Lake Geneserath

Someone will certainly know the exact number of people who headed down to Lake Geneserath today, February 19,2011, for the Winterfest activities. After a few days of melting, today started out with a cold 27 degrees and a wind chill down below ten. The tables and the activities were all set up on the lake, but were moved to the Wycoff residence to gain protection from the wind. The airplane that graced the skies and provided rides last year was not available this year due to the strong winds and the rough ice on the lake. This didn't dampen any spirits for those that attended. There were plenty of friends to talk with. There were plenty of activities to do whether and adult wanted to just get warm at the warming house or snuggle up next to the fire. The adults also could skate, snowmobile, ride in a wagon pulled by a four wheeler, or just gorge oneself on the many excellent dishes that were prepared with love for the gathering. Perhaps the most important sign was posted out at the end of the Wyckoff driveway.

"No Politics" is what the sign said, and it was strictly enforced by all present.

The idea was to gather together much like an old-time Holy Cross Hall Party. Bring your potluck dish, you know the one that you are really good at making. There was chili and a wonderfully meaty chicken noodle soup. There were meaty baked beans. There were a couple of vegan dishes as well. Lots of hors'deurves like tator tots wrapped in crispy bacon, baby pickles, deviled eggs, carrots, and broccoli and cauliflower, pepper sausage, meat balls, and sausage balls, and hot dogs with chili, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and onions. There was water to drink, along with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. There was a whole table of desserts and well as the makings for s' mores.

The Fresh Air crew worked hard....The steam rises as the hot dogs are ready

But it wasn't just the crew of Fresh Air Aviation that worked hard to make this Winterfest so special. The residents on both arms of Lake G spent hours getting ready for this gather. Thank you's go to the entire group of Lake Geneserath residents who came out early to set up and make this the memorable day that it truly was.

Politics and all disagreements were left at the end of the Wyckoff driveway, and we all gathered to eat and enjoy not only the food, but also the company as well. Teenagers, school teachers, old and young, just enjoyed each other's company.

The youngest on the island posed with the oldest on the island, both enjoying the day at Lake G.

Windy or not, there were quite a few who took some time to get out on the lake and enjoy the winter weather....

This young one enjoyed it so much out on the hay wagon that she was very unhappy about having to get out of the wind and warm up. Sorry, Maggie, your cheeks are very red.

There was no reason that anyone could have left this event hungry....

And just as some were getting ready to leave after a couple of hours, other started coming in, so there was a growing number of people at the Lake G Winterfest.

About halfway through the afternoon there was a change over in part of the group.... Some had been there since before noon....Others were just arriving around 2:30 pm

Golf anyone?

Thank you to all who worked so hard to make this a great day!

It is possible to leave the politics alone for a short period of time. The sign and the flag, one on each side of the driveway in to the Wyckoffs...

Short Video Clip of the Winterfest on Lake G

 

News Shorts : If you see Dorothy Willis, wish her a Happy Birthday!

The Controversy Over the Whiskey Island Trade

There are those who are completely unaware of the reason for the Special Peaine Township Meeting scheduled for February 18, 2011, and there are those that have rather strong opinions about the issue on both sides. First of all, the St. James Township Board acquired Whiskey Island by buying it for back taxes owed to Charlevoix County. St. James Township used money from their Road Fund budget to write the check to Charlevoix County in the amount of $13,000 in round figures. St. James Township thought that this might provide them with a method to trade the State of Michigan by trading Whiskey Island for the DNR property and the building used to house the deputy.

One side of the issue is stating that this is not a good trade because Whiskey Island has 93 acres of land and the DNR property on Paradise Bay has much less than that. It is also complicated by the fact that Peaine Township had written a letter stating that it believed it had a 50% interested in the DNR building by providing the 50/50 split of costs for the many years of housing a deputy sheriff and his family in this building, a period of time of about 25 years. Without making a judgment here, the facts are that Peaine Township has helped subsidize the deputy in residence, contributed toward the maintenance of the building, and contributed toward the operating cost as well.

On the other side of the issue, St. James Township believes that it has the autonomy to trade any owned property for any other property without the interference of Peaine Township. St. James spent the $13,000 for Whiskey Island, and the board believes that it should be able to trade without any other entity causing the township any problems. Peaine Township had written a letter at the insistence of Bud Martin and approval of the Peaine Township Board to declare that it wanted 50% interest in the property in any trade made with St. James Township. The State of Michigan and the DNR did not want to get in a squabble between the two townships, and the trade never took place.

To further complicate the issue, at the January Peaine Township Board meeting, Supervisor Jack Gallagher was directed in a motion by the board to write a letter to the MDNR declaring that Peaine Township no longer help any interest in the property owned by the DNR and on Paradise Bay. Jack Gallagher wrote a letter, and two of the board members approved the letter, but two of the board members did not approve of the letter that he wrote. This made a 2-2 tie that could not be resolved. At the February Peaine Township Board meeting, the board, after much discussion and much disagreement, directed Jack Gallagher to send the letter that he had written to the MDNR with all four members present having then approved the letter. However, Larry Kubic made a motion to that effect, but there was no second and no vote by the board due to much more discussion of the issue by Bud Martin and John McCafferty. Jack Gallagher called the special meeting to give all five members of the board an opportunity to discuss the issue and determine the course of action necessary.

When the meeting did not take place, due to the reasons stated in the article below, the controversy continued. Without attempting to decide this issue or provide the reader with a News on the 'Net position, BINN will present the information that would have been made available to the public had this special meeting taken place.

Video clip of the issue and possible solution to the shoreline issue

 

Thank you to Diane McDonough for scanning the drawing and emailing it to me. Thanks to Ed Wojan for his help getting the information.

Below is part of a survey drawing of the DNR property currently owned by the State of Michigan. Some of the specifics of the property are written on the map. The yellow outlines the DNR property. You can see the location of the DNR building on the right side of the roadway, the roadway, and the shoreline. It appears that the DNR building may be a point of contention between the two townships because of the 50/50 agreement, but the property behind the DNR building and the property on Paradise Bay has nothing necessarily to do with the 50/50 split in the expenses of supporting an island year round deputy.

You can see the property lines of the DNR property presented on these pictures. First, the north property line and then the south property line of DNR property are shown. Then you can see the shoreline portion of the DNR property that might be a point of contention.

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north DNR property line on drawing........whole DNR shoreline property on drawing........pictures of the north DNR line............................pictures of South DNR line .............

There are several things that can be noted about this DNR property from the drawings that may contribute to the discussion and the decision about this property. You can see in the drawings that Martin's Barge is tied up on DNR property. Bud Martin uses this barge as a point to tie off his tug and as protection for the tug from a Southwestern windstorm. You can also see from this second drawing above that the roadway from one of the Martin properties on the north and the second Martin property on the south, and from the pictures presented, that any fencing by the DNR, or the township after the trade, would put Bud Martin's southern property without any access.

The north Martin property

The south Martin property

Pictures of the structures on the South Martin property

Picture of the building and the post near the water that marks the DNR property line

No matter what, if the St. James Township Board is able to trade Whiskey Island for the DNR property on Paradise Bay, Bud Martin's property south of the DNR property will have absolutely no access. This property has no access now without going across the DNR property. You can go take a look yourself, look at these pictures, or watch the video, but this is the outcome of the trade of the DNR property for Whiskey Island for Bud Martin.

Now, Ed Wojan has developed a solution that might help resolve the issue on the shoreline. BINN was greatly impressed and wants to thank Ed Wojan for taking the time to go down to the property and point out the property lines and outline the possible solution for Bud Martin. Ed Wojan is suggesting that there be a swap of property after the St. James-DNR trade. Ed is suggesting that the North property of Bud Martin be swapped for the St. James-DNR property as shown in this drawing:

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The map showing the swap of property ....the proposed north township property line....the proposed south township property line

This proposed solution to the shoreline and access issue for Bud Martin should seriously be considered. It provides the St. James Township Board the same footage on the harbor. It provides Bud Martin the same footage on the harbor. It allows Bud Martin access to his southern piece of property through the center piece that was formerly the DNR property. It does not provide either party with any more property, and yet makes both actually seem like winners without any battle being fought. Thank you, Ed, for your thoughtful suggestion and your willingness to share this information with BINN.

While this possible solution does not provide anyone the answers to the questions about trading 93 acres for a much smaller piece, it certainly seems fair. This possible solution also does not resolve the thought process of Peaine Township Board members about contributing money for many years to the building that is across the street. This possible solution does not resolve the issue of the investment of $13,000 by St. James Township that was not in the budget. It should, however, provide both townships something to think about, and maybe even something to agree about during the next month or so.

St. James Township does not have the property ownership at this time. Right now, St. James Township owns Whiskey Island. Should it be traded? There will be no answer here. Who should own the property? There will be no answer here. You can make your own decisions about the motivations of the parties involved, but make certain that you think about the possible solution suggested by Ed Wojan.

The Personal Finance Class of 11-12th graders and the BEST Class of 9th Graders Compete in Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement program called the Titan Challenge.  Student first learn about owning your own company.  Mary Cook came in as a community volunteer to teach 7 lessons (required by the JA program.)  in Connie Boyle's personal finance and Business education, services & technology class.  The students worked in teams of 4.  They had a competition to see which teams could make the most money.  The two winnings teams went to the competition at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI .  They competed with 46 other high school teams. 

The team of Jake Drost, Billy Lemmink, Michael McCafferty and Matthew Cull took third place in their “flight” (group of teams).  They ranked 15 out of 47 teams in the performance index category, 19th in retained earnings, and 14th in share of the market. But they scored 4th in total sales.  An outstanding performance this was!

The team of Jenna Battle, Erin Boyle,  Jewell Cushman, and Ron Marsh placed 37th in performance index, 42 in total sales, 36 in retained earnings and 29th in share of the market.

It was a great learning experience.  Most of the trip was funded through the career-technology funds we receive from the Char-Em Career Technology Education (CTE) mileage.  Special thanks to Mary Cook, our community volunteer, and Dusty Cushman, our parent chaperone.

Mardis Gras SUNSPLASH at Stoney

SUNSPLASH! Will be held Saturday, March 5th at Stoney , in Celebration of Mardi Gras. This is a mini event to help the Children a bit until Summer, when the main Event will be held. We will be holding a Fundraiser Buffet for the children of Haiti. The Good Samaritan of Haiti Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, health and welfare of underprivileged children of Ile LaVache. Michael Beans , along with The Beaver Island Volunteer Corps , headed by Judy Boyle & Adam Wirth, are working hard to raise needed funds for the Children. So...put on your colorful, floral, feel good Summer/Vacation wear and come out to Stoney for a Good Jamaican time mon! We'll have Red Stripe from Jamaica, Rum Drinks, Munchies & Great Reggae & Beans Tunes...Maybe even a bit of live music...anyone interested in playing, please let me know. Beans wear, his CD's and Pirate wear will be on sale...Proceeds go to help the Children. All You Can Eat Cajun Buffet, 5-8:30. Dishes include, Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille, Red Beans & Rice, Crawfish, Desserts & More... Beans, Beads & Bodaciousness included!
"Don't worry, be Happy...every little thing, gonna be alright"

Special Peaine Township Meeting

Video clip of Jack Gallagher's Statement

 

Update: 9:45 a.m., 02/18/11 Jack Gallagher and Larry Kubic were the only board members to physically be at the meeting, specially called to discuss these issues. Pete LoDico called in from his visit downstate. According to the opening statement by Jack Gallagher, he had a phone call with the Michigan Township Association this morning to discuss the legality of having a meeting when only two board members were to be physically present. He reported that the MTA told him that a minimum of three board members must be physically present to have a legal meeting. After the three are present, others may attend via the telephone.

This was viewed by some as "just another delaying tactic," but Jack insisted that the legality of the meeting was in question, so there would be no meeting. Paul Welke was reported to have to fly this morning due to the foggy day yesterday. Colleen was ill and could not attend. This left only two other Peaine Township Board members to be physically present. The meeting was canceled until a quorum could be physically present. There would again have to be an eighteen hour notice of a special meeting, or this issue could be postponed until next month's regular Peaine Township meeting.

A special Peaine Township meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2011, at 9 a.m. The meeting's agenda relates to the letter discussed at the last two Peaine Township meetings. At these two township board meetings, the supervisor was directed to write a letter to the DNRE. The letter was approved by the board to be sent at the last meeing on February 9, 2011. The agenda of the meeting is to rescind the original motion which was made at the January 12, 2011, township minutes:

"Motion Kubic, second LoDico to have Jack Gallagher write a letter to the DNRE expressing that Peaine Township withdraws any interest in joint ownership of the DNR property on Paradise Bay."

The minutes are not yet available for the February 9, 2011, meeting of the Peaine Township Board, but the video shows Larry Kubic and Pete LoDico agreeing to send the letter to the DNRE, this letter being the one that Jack Gallagher wrote to the DNRE and included mention of a petition signed by 200 people about keeping Whiskey Island instead of trading it for the DNR building and property on Paradise Bay. Colleen Martin had previously agreed to this letter.

Supervisor Jack Gallagher posted meeting notices at the Beaver Island District Library, the US Post Office, and at the Peaine Township Hall. All of these notices were posted prior to the eighteen hour requirement for a special meeting. As well as complying with the posting requirements, this notice was sent to BINN prior to the eighteen hour requirement, and it is presented here. 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

OF THE PEAINE TOWNSHIP BOARD

AT PEAINE TOWNSHIP HALL

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2011

9:00 AM

MEETING PURPOSE: THE BOARD WILL MEET TO

1. DISCUSS AND VOTE ON A REQUEST TO RECONSIDER THE ACTION TAKEN AT THE FEBRUARY MEETING TO SUPPORT THE TRADE BY ST. JAMES TOWNSHIP OF WHISKEY ISLAND FOR THE DNRE SITE ON PARADISE BAY .

2. IF THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER IS APPROVED, THE BOARD MAY THEN VOTE ON A. RETRACTION OF ITS LETTER OF SUPPORT DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2011 TO THE MICHIGAN DNRE FOR ST. JAMES TOWNSHIP TO TRADE WHISKEY ISLAND FOR THE DNRE SITE ON PARADISE BAY AND B. MAY VOTE TO RE-ASSERT PEAINE TOWNSHIP'S DESIRE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR JOINT OWNERSHIP (50/50) OF THE DNRE SITE. AND C. MAY TAKE OTHER ACTION REGARDING WHISKEY ISLAND AND THE DNR SITE AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE.

POSTED: FEBRUARY 17, 2011 PRIOR TO 3:00 PM

 JOHN GALLAGHER, SUPERVISOR

COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON FILE IN CLERK'S OFFICE

Angela LeFevre-Welke Selected to Serve on NATA Airports Committee

Dulles, VA, January, 2011:
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) recently released a list of committee appointments and Angela LeFevre-Welke, President / Owner of Island Airways [McPhillips Flying Service, dba Island Airways) has been selected to serve on the NATA Airports Committee. LeFevre-Welke along with other committee members will be responsible for studying and recommending policy concerning existing and proposed regulations and legislation affecting airports. Members work in a cooperative and constructive manner with Congress and the various regulatory agencies in the monitoring of regulatory and legislative language and procedures. As part of this committee LeFevre-Welke will attend several meetings per year. The upcoming meetings include “Day on the Hill” (Washington, DC, May 2011) (individual meetings with members of the US House of Representatives and US Senate); “Air Charter Summit” (Dulles, VA, June 2011); and several committee meetings in conjunction with other NATA and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) meetings and seminars.

LeFevre-Welke is the President and co-owner, with her husband Paul, of Island Airways, a Part 135 charter service which operates between Beaver Island and Charlevoix, Michigan. In addition, the Welkes own and operate Welke Airport on Beaver Island. Welke Airport was designated by NATA in 2001 as one of the “100 Most Needed Airports” in the United States.

LeFevre-Welke is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in secondary education. She has served as President of Island Airways since 2002. She and her husband are residents of Beaver Island.

Additional information on NATA is available at www.nata.aero. Additional information regarding Island Airways is available at www.islandairways.com.

Transfer Station News

Beginning April 1, 2011, the cost of all black trash bags will be $3.00 per bag based upon the decision of the meeting of the Waste Managment Committee. The discussion of the color of the bag was eliminated by the change in wording to include all "consumer" type bags will cost $3.00. The Waste Management Committee met on February 15, 2011. The minutes of that meeting may be accessed HERE.

February Library News

Thanks go to the Beaver Island EMS for the terrific display for January. It received loads of compliments. If you have a hobby or collection you'd like to share with folks, stop in and tell us about it and we can make arrangements for you to have the display case for a month. From now until March 15 th , the display box will be showing the history of the library titled “We've come a long, long way from Whiskey Point”. Check it out.

In tracking movie check-outs this winter we've noticed that fewer than 10 VHS movies a week are being checked out, therefore we won't be accepting any more in the VHS format. We will be happy to accept movies in the DVD format. On the subject of movies, please note that they are ALL a three (3) day checkout and we ask that you return them on time so that others can enjoy them.

The New York Best Seller list is posted at the door and we've gathered those books we do have and placed them right in the center of the library so they are easy to find. Keep in mind, if the book you want is not available at the moment, we can put you on a reserve list so that as soon as it's returned we'll let you know.

The Children's area is completed and it is very easy to find a book you want/need. We just added some new books too along with new stories in the juvenile section. Special thanks go to Trace Butler for his input on the choices. Kids – let us know if you have a favorite author and we'll try to get books to accommodate.

Chamber To Produce Beaver Island Web Video

Ted Nicholas will assist the Chamber of Commerce in producing a web site video about Beaver Island . The video will feature literally hundreds of photographs woven together with music and voice over to sell the Beaver Island visit experience. It will focus on all aspects of the natural world that is so key in Beaver Island 's unique charm.

The new video will be available on the home page of the Chamber's web site www.BeaverIsland.org . The site got 160,000 views last year and each visit length averaged about five minutes. Board member John Works, Beaver Island Gold Course, suggested the home page video.

“Our web site is a continuously evolving multi-media presenter of the Beaver Island story. This new video will grab viewers and increase our site visit length and effectiveness,” said Chamber Executive Director Steve West. Currently video from last years visit by 9&10 TV is available at the bottom of the home page. The site web master is Jeff Cashman of Island Design.

Islanders who would like to contribute high resolution digital photographs for consideration should contact the Chamber of Commerce office at: chamber@BeaverIsland.org or (231) 448-2505.

Connie Eicher Has Passed Away

Connie Eicher passed away today, February 14, 2011.

EICHER, Connie Sue - Age 73, of Fenton, died Monday, February 14, 2011 at Genesys Health Park. Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Friday, February 18, 2011 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, with Pastor Jim Wiegand officiating. Burial in Beaver Island Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-9 PM and Friday from 1:00 PM until 3 PM, the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Adopt-A-Pet, 13575 Fenton Road, Fenton, MI 48430.

Connie was born August 9, 1937 in Albion, IL, the daughter of Arleigh William "Bud" and Bertha (Leveque) Smith. She married Edward Eicher on December 19, 1959, in Detroit. She was a Girl Scout Leader and spent every summer on Beaver Island with her family. Surviving are: husband, Edward; step-son Eric and his wife Judy Eicher of Royal Oak; 3 children, Michael and wife Rebecca Eicher of Linden, Ty and wife Cindy Eicher of Fenton and Heidi and husband Mark Wiesen of Suttons Bay; grandchildren, Alex, Stephanie, Emily, Austin, Brooke, Madison, Jake and Skylar; mother, Bertha and husband Al Salamina of Venice, FL. She was preceded in death by her father, Arleigh William "Bud" Smith and brother, Arleigh Smith. Online tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Beaver Island Archipelago Included in Wood Quarantine

Revised quarantine as of February 8, 2011: In a move to attempt to protect these isolated areas, the Regulated articles may not be moved from any area in Michigan to the following areas without a Compliance Agreement. "Although travelers are able to freely move firewood throughout the Lower Peninsula, and some areas of the UP, we are urging them not to do so as there are other invasive insects besides emerald ash borer - such as Gypsy Moth, Asian Longhorned Beetle and Sirex Woodwasp - that can hitch a ride on it," said Gina Davis of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "Please continue to only use local sources of firewood, burn all you buy, and don't take any unused firewood back home or to the next location."

Here are the additions to the existing quarantine:

The Beaver Island Archipelago (including North Fox Island and South Fox Island ) in Lake Michigan, Big Charity Island and Little Charity Island in Saginaw Bay/Lake Huron, Isle Royale National Park, and North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island , in Lake Michigan , which are part of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.

All of this is to prevent the movement of the Emerald Ash Borer. The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) has revised its Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine to protect Great Lakes islands and to adjust Quarantine Level boundaries in several counties in the Upper Peninsula (UP) - effective immediately. A new map is available at www.michigan.gov/eab .

Link to map HERE

Link to the Revision in the Quaratine HERE

Thanks to Pamela Grassmick for providing this information.

BI Christian Church Resident and Visiting Ministers

Month of February

13 Jayne Bailey

20 Harold Kruse

27 Harold Kruse

Lake Geneserath Winter Fun Scheduled

 

The Second Annual Fresh Air Winter Festival will take place on Lake G on February 19, 2011. The above was created by Mike Hurkmans from video of the event of 2009.

What's This?

Submitted by Tom Whitman:
Tom's story:
"I was pulling up to park at work on East Side Drive at the south end, and I always look to see if there are any deer at the salt lick. I saw this thing in the trees so I grabbed my camera to try and get some pictures. I slipped and fell and, when I got up, it was gone. This might be the same thing that Ken and Betty Scoggin saw. "

BICS Basketball, Friday and Saturday, the 11th and 12th of February

For those interested in just the outcome of the games, you will be rewarded first with the scores. Those that are interested in other pictures, and video, you will have to click on the link below to keep this news page from loading too slowly.

The Grand Marais girls and boys arrived ready to play. The first game was the Lady Polar Bears against the Lady Islanders on Friday night. The game began at six p.m. With the high school numbers dwindling in most of the Northern Lights League Schools, the Lady Polar Bears only numbered four girls, so a four on four match was played Friday and Saturday. At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 10-10. With less than three minutes left in the first half, the Lady Islanders had pulled ahead by two points. With three minutes left in the third quarter, the Lady Islanders had pulled ahead 34-20. The Lady Islanders would go on to win the four-on-four matchup.

Next the Grand Marais boys were up against the Beaver Island boys. It was obvious that the Islanders were missing Doug Campbell's rebounding and work on the boards. At the end of the first quarter, the Islanders were behind the Polar Bears 11-20. At halftime the score was 31-44 with the Islanders making up a big gap. By the end of the third quarter, the game was pretty much decided, but there were only fifteen points separating the teams at 43-58. The Islanders scored just ten points in the last quarter and were unable to prevent the Polar Bears from scoring. The final score was 42-55.

Saturday morning had the boys up first, and there was to be a much closer match. The end of the first quarter found the Polar Bears ahead by eight points with 19 to the Islanders 7. The ball simply would not go in the basket for the Islanders even though there were lots of good shots. The Islanders rallied back to the first tie of the weekend to a 26-26 tie with 2:27 left in the half. At halftime the Islanders were behind 26-29 and had apparently given most of their energy in the first half scoring only two points in third quarter behind 28-44. The Islanders gave a valiant effort in the fourth quarter scoring fourteen to the Polar Beaver eleven, but the Polar Bears won the game 55-42.

Saturday morning the Lady Islanders seemed rested and ready to play their four-on-four matchup. The Islanders were more rested because they had two full groups of four to play against Grand Marais's one group of four. At the end of the first quarter, the shots were not falling for either team, and the score was 7-7. By halftime, the Islanders had pulled ahead with an eleven point lead with 24-13. The second half saw the Islanders scoring twenty-two points to the Polar Bears seventeen, and the Lady Islanders won the game 46-30. Good sportmanship and good teamwork was seen throughout the weekend. Congratulations, Islanders on your last home game of the season! You all played your best.

Thank you to Frank Solle for sharing these wonderful Friday night pictures!

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Brighid tips off....Brighid means business

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Brogan eyes the prize.........Brogan lets fly.

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Another basket for the Lady Islanders....... Emily Boyle drives hard. ........Emily Burton lines up a shot.

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Hannah makes a pass. .. Jenna clones Jerry West .. Jenna drives hard for two

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Meg battles off the glass......... Meg finishes the break............. Olivia can't be stopped............. Olivia nails another one.

For more of Frank's pictures, more pictures and video, click HERE

Editor's Note about HD Video

An experiment into High Density video was completed with the Peaine Township Meeting video of 2/9/11. Even though there is a total of about four hours of video of this meeting, the extended time necessary to process this HD video may preclude the move to HD on this website for a while. The HD video takes more than four times the memory space on the streaming video server, more than eight times more time to process, and and indeterminate amount of more time to upload to the server. Currently, BINN uses the fastest DSL connection for upload that is available without purchasing a dedicated up and down speed. BINN has discovered that the HD video has quite a few pauses in its streaming at full screen size that didn't happen with standard definition video. We know it can be frustrating to try to watch a video when the sound and the video seems to stop every few seconds to catch up. Streaming video is supposed to allow continuous viewing of the video after a short start-up time. That works well with standard definition video, but not so much with HD. As BINN continues to experiment with attempting to provide higher quality video as well as high quality sound, we hope that you understand that improvement is our goal. BINN is sorry that you have to wait for the HD video for the Peaine meeting, but we are unable to make the HD video process any more quickly nor upload more quickly. After two more than eight hour days of hard work, the video is not ready yet. We will present it in as short a time frame as possible, but please understand that it will not all be available right away, it will not be all full screen video, and it will take more time than usual to upload it.

Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center

Enter Relationship to Support Regional Patient Care 

The original press release was in Petoskey, Mich. – February 4, 2010 – Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center have entered into an agreement to enhance their partnership.

The agreement will further expand the framework of mutual collaboration between Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center to share, plan, and develop services that support the delivery of high quality, cost effective healthcare for Beaver Island residents. It will also support infrastructure as needed for the continuation of medical care in the appropriate medical setting off the island, whether it be at Northern Michigan Regional Health System or another medical facility.

“We look forward to expanding our relationship with Beaver Island Rural Health Center through this agreement as it aligns with our mission to increase access, improve quality, and reduce costs of healthcare to northern Michigan residents,” said Reezie DeVet, President and CEO of Northern Michigan Regional Health System.

Goals of the agreement include investigating potential solutions for purchasing support, supplies, and equipment, as well as exploring community and medical education opportunities, and expanding telemedicine and connectivity between Beaver Island Rural Health Center and the mainland.

“Through this expanded partnership, Beaver Island Rural Health Center patients will have enhanced access to technologically advanced healthcare that is expected by island residents and increasingly demanded by healthcare policy and regulation, and, if additional healthcare is required, seamless transfer to higher levels of care on the mainland,” said Northern Michigan Regional Health System Board Chair, David Buzzelli.

According to The Beaver Island Task Force Committee, Beaver Island Rural Health Center is painfully aware of the great challenges its isolation and fragile financial resources represent. 

“The agreement is the culmination of months of hard work between Beaver Island Rural Health Center and Northern Michigan Regional Health System,” said Denny Cook, President of Beaver Island Rural Health Center. “We are very pleased that it has been passed by the Boards of both organizations. It lays the groundwork for working together in the future to provide even better healthcare services to Beaver Island.”

Having had a long-standing relationship with Beaver Island Rural Health Center, Bill Jackson, President and CEO of Charlevoix Area Hospital, said the relationship between Northern Michigan Regional Health System and Beaver Island Rural Health Center is yet another aspect in complementing the care provided to the Beaver Island community.

Northern Michigan Regional Health System

Northern Michigan Regional Health System is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing a full continuum of patient-centered specialized care to residents in 22 counties throughout northern Michigan and the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula. With more than 15 affiliates and regional partners, the flagship of Northern Michigan Regional Health System is Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, a 214-bed, regional referral center located in Petoskey with a medical staff of nearly 200 physicians representing nearly all medical and surgical specialties, enabling full-service care. For more information, please visit northernhealth.org.

Peaine Township Board Meeting, February 9, 2011

Approximately seventy people attended the Peaine Township Board Meeting last night, February 9, 2011. The meeting began slightly after 7 p.m. and ended slightly after 11 p.m. This was four hours of anger displayed by many in the audience with two different factions formed in advance. The battle lines were drawn, and the outcome of the battle predetermined. The issue publicly was one of whether or not to dissolve the Peaine Township support of the NRETC by rescinding the original motion that created the organization. This did not seem to be the underlying issue since the commission has done much to help the Island by cleaning up the dump sites on Garden Island, helping to eradicate the phragmities invasion, and opening up vistas not considered on the Island previously.

To an objective observer, the real issue that surfaced entailed three letters written by three individuals in support of a specific designation for Beaver Island. One of these letters was written by Jack Gallagher and sent to the Michigan DNRE and many others in the state government, which was signed as supervisor of Peaine Township, implying Peaine Township support. The second of these letters was written by Sandra Birdsall and sent to the same group, which was signed as Chairman of the Natural Resources and EcoTourism Commission, implying NRETC support. The third letter was not really discussed much, but was sent as an individual letter to the same group of recipients. The existence of these letters was only brought to the public after a Freedom of Information request filed by the Northern Islander. The real issue as viewed objectively was that the public in the audience was upset that neither the Peaine Township Board, consisting of five board members, nor the other members of NRETC, a twenty-one member group, was aware that these letters were sent. As rammed home at the meeting last night was the anger that no phone calls took place to any other Peaine Township Board members. Whether any phone calls took place to members of the NRETC was not established at this meeting. The anger also stemmed from the fact that neither the Peaine Township Supervisor or Chairman Sandra Birdsall had gotten authorization from their respective board or commission to write these letters. The real issue from one audience member was that "you decided to speak for the whole island without anyone's knowledge or authority."

Caught in the losing battle was Pam Grassmich, the only letter writer who did not sign her letter as an officer of the NRETC, but instead her letter was signed by her and her husband, an individual exercising her right to free speech. Unfortunately, Pam had to endure the crumbling of her vision to help Beaver Island, as the mortar shells fell all around her. All of the positive accomplishments of the NRETC, all of the volunteer hours dedicated to the good deeds accomplished, and all of the efforts to educate the community about invasive species were ignored, and the anger directed at two individuals fell like a guillotine on the local governmental support of the NRETC. There were so many stones thrown at this meeting that sorting them out may take a long time. The majority of the stones were thrown at Jack Gallagher and Sandra Birdsall, who was not present to defend herself.

There were a few stones thrown at the BICC suggesting that they had also attempted to speak for the entire Island without any publicly expressed authority, but these stones fell on deaf ears as the anger continued to grow.

The Peaine Township support of the NRETC as added to the agenda by Pete LoDico, who accused Jack Gallagher of purposely leaving it off the agenda even after several emails and calls had been placed to ask that it be put on the agenda. From the moment that this accusation occurred, the outcome of the night was predetermined. The inaction of Sandra Birdsall and the other members of the NRETC in not working quickly enough at adding the Beaver Island Conservation Club and the Chamber of Commerce was another strike against the organization. The fact that those members on the commission who had the opportunity to vote to add these two organizations and didn't do so, was quickly deemed another strike.

These letters were strike three. The Peaine Township Board voted to rescind the motion that created the township commission named the NRETC or NREC. The votes to rescind were LoDico, Martin, and Kubic. The negative vote was Gallagher, and Paul Welke was absent from the meeting.

In another contentious situation, the Peaine Township Board had passed a motion at its previous January 2011 meeting to direct Jack Gallagher to write a letter to correct a previous letter sent to the DNRE regarding the Whiskey Island trade for the DNR building and property on Paradise Bay. There was much discussion from audience members about the need to write this letter, but Jack Gallagher had written a letter that was approved by two members of the Peaine Township Board and not approved by two other members of the Board. It was even suggested by one member of the audience that a two way tie should not prevent the sending of the unapproved letter. After much discussion, again by angry board members and audience members, the Peaine Township Board voted to send the letter as written. The original purpose of the motion on January 2011 in this regard was to notify the DNRE that Peaine Township would not stand in the way of any negotiations between St. James Township and the DNRE in discussions about the Whiskey Island trade. Peaine Township was withdrawing its objection to this, and removing its statement of financial interest in the housing of the Beaver Island deputy as well as its demand to have the Peaine Township name on the deed for this exchange if and when it occurs.

There were two members of the audience that didn't want this letter, nor the motion of the last meeting, to stand, but the Peaine Township Board voted to approve the letter written by Jack Gallagher and put it in the mail on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

There were many other items, less contentious, discussed and completed at this meeting. One of those items was the passing after an excellent presentation by Jeff Powers and Don Tritsch of the Wildlife Certification document and approval of the process by the Peaine Township Board. Two resolutions were passed to approve a poverty exemption with an amount set at $15,000 and an asset maximum set at $100,000 and to allow local residents to protest their assessed valuation in writing. An appointment was made to the Board of Review for an alternate, Tina Morgan. An appointment was made to the Planning Commission, Kathy Jones. A motion was passed to keep the township salaries the same for the year beginning 4/1/11. The Annual Elector's Meeting, the budget meeting, and the Board Hearing to adopt the budget were all set on the same day, 3/26/11 beginning at 11 a.m., followed by 11:45 a.m., and then 12:30 p.m. By-laws for the Waste Managment Committee were going to go back to the committee for approval after suggestions from the lawyer. The 2010 Audit should be available on the Peaine Township website in the next few days

.The video of the meeting will be available as soon as processed. With four hours of video for this four hour meeting, it may take a few days to get it all processed. It will be uploaded and available as soon as possible with the early parts of the meeting available first based upon the agenda and as the meeting unfolded. Items 1-5 on the agenda with be uploaded first.

All four hours of the video is here!

Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce Not Affiliated

 

The issue of affiliation with the National Chamber of Commerce comes up from time to time because that organization is so often in the national news. Some confusion has recently been caused by someone posting on a local chat site . The Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce is NOT affiliated with any other Chamber of Commerce either national or state. It is completely a local organization dedicated to serving Island members.

You Can't Make a Better Commercial

Here is one fantastic commercial for a national company. This video link was posted by a nationally known EMS magazine named the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. It is definitely an example of how having all the pieces of the puzzle in place to be successful can and will make a difference. As Beaver Island continues to work toward accomplishing its goals, it would be very nice to sit back and watch this video that speaks to the need of pre-planning for even the worst situation. Beaver Island is very lucky to have this technology available, not only in both ambulances, but at the Community Center, the Beaver Island Community School, the ferry boats, the deputy's car, and others.

Beaver Island can be proud of the fact that it has had one similar save as is shown in this video.

http://exposureroom.com/members/stevecahill/468fa570943849e1a48fcbc3368c767b/

Grand Marais Wins

While frequently this title might suggest that Beaver Island was beaten in a sports event, this title is even more wonderful for Beaver Island and Grand Marais than most would have knowledge about. Grand Marais was entered in a Reader's Digest contest in which people could "Cheer" up to ten times per day. Beaver Island residents and their facebook friends rallied to help Grand Marais win this contest. Jessica Moore, a Grand Marais graduate and wife of Michael (PM) Moore, posted a thank you on the beaverislandforum to all the connected Beaver Island people who helped Grand Marais win.

So pat yourselves on the back, Islanders! You helped a competitor in BICS sports win a $40,000 prize as well as the publicity that this will bring. Grand Marais has been battling the sand and the wind which seems to be filling in their harbor, the only harbor within many miles in Lake Superior. With 1, 281,724 "Cheers" Grand Marais won over much larger towns and cities. Two other Michigan cities were in the upper six places with Albion winning a $10,000 prize and St. Johns also winning $10,000.

This just goes to prove that with a little bit of communication and a lot of Beaver Island and Grand Marais connections that great things can be accomplished.

Congratulations, Grand Marais! AND congratulations, Beaver Island!

News from Stoney Acre

VALENTINES Dinner, Saturday Feb. 12th & Monday Feb. 14th...a treat not to be missed... ALL Entree's $17.95ea .* Filet Mignon Nantua , 8 oz. hand-cut choice filet, topped with grilled prawns and a Shrimp-butter sauce. * Black & whites , Farm raised Green-lip New Zeeland Mussels & FRESH Little-neck Clams, as an Entree' or as an Appetizer to be shared. * Slipper Lobster in Champagne Sauce over Penne Pasta. *Sensuous Scallop Bisque. * Stout Cake, *Chocolaty pepper biscotti cookies with Tiramisu ice cream. Everything homemade and wonderful!
*Reservations suggested & helpful...walk-ins welcome!
**Full Menu Available too!
We hope you join us!

Easter Brunch Scheduled

Sunday April 24 Easter Brunch NOON at the Gregg Fellowship Center. Pancakes, Ham, Scrambled Eggs, French Toast Casserole and Strata along with OJ and Coffee.  Community is invited to attend.  Anyone wanting to bring a dish to pass are welcome  do so.

Forest View Senior Housing Building Progress

 

....Most outer walls are insulated....Electric panel in apartments....Electric outlet boxes in place......Fresh air returns are insulated......Drywall on ceiling with openings for lighting

Utility area includes plumbing, geothermal, and master electric...............Shower stall sits in the SE apartment...Might be the handicapped apartment

An ingenious heating system with blowers on the inside.....pipes running from inside to outside.......scrap wood is used to heat the construction areas......External wood-fired heat works well...

Video from inside the FV Apartment Construction

 

Forest View Senior Housing Project

On Friday, February 4, 2011, there were several 'strangers' at the Beaver Island Rural Health Center Community Education Room. They were meeting to sign paperwork for the work completed, to view the work completed, and to discuss the project. Most Island people would not know who these visitors were. There are several pictures below of the meeting. Some of the faces are familiar, but some are not, so a short interview was completed by all those willing to participate.

Preparing for the meeting......passing documents for signatures.....discussion taking place.....Pete sings the papers.....Barbara Murphy listens intently

......................Architect shows latest rendition....Rick Speck looks on......USDA representative.....State inspector discusses.......Pete and Ray look at progress........USDA rep and Ann discuss possible funding

Changes in the building include drywall on the ceiling, insulated fresh air ducts, and openings for plumbing, etc.................Don Spencer......................Julie Gardner

Meet Those Working to See This Project to Completion

 

Forest View Apartment Homes

One and two bedroom spacious apartment homes and 1 bedroom barrier free apartment homes are soon to be available. Applications to rent this Beaver Island new senior housing are now available. They are available at the Community Center, the rural health center, and the library. These application should be mailed to the management company at:

KMG Prestige, Attention: Jane Crawford, 3390 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, Michigan 48911

Live worry free in an elderly community with elderly being defined as 62 years of age or older or disable of any age. These apartments have head and electric included, geothermal heating, water, sewer, and trash removal are also included. There is a community lounge for entertaining, an on-site laundry facility, and lawn care and snow removal is also included. There will be indoor mail delivery, lots of extra storage, and 24 hour emergency maintenance.

Rental rates are set by federal guidelines and are projected to be $567 for one bedroom and $629 for two bedroom. This includes the utilities. The housing construction is projected to be ready for occupancy by June 1, 2011.

These apartment homes are located next to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. Call Jane today at 989-721-7254 or Pete at 231-448-2004 for more information.

St. James Township Meeting, February 2, 2011

St. James Township Board Votes to Remove NRETC Support

The usual regular business including approval of the previous meeting minutes and approval of the bills was accomplished quite quickly at the Wednesday night meeting of the St. James Township Board, but the audience of twenty members were sitting quite impatiently awaiting the topic of the night, the NRETC. The Northern Islander had gathered information and provided this information to the board members. It was fairly obvious from the tone of the meeting that began with the reading of correspondence that something was going to happen.

The business of passing a motion to meet in Joint Session with Peaine Township on February 7, 2011, at Peaine Township Hall, at 1 p.m. to discuss the airport property settlement agreement was quickly concluded. The meeting dates for the Board of Review on 3/14/11 and a second day of Board of Review 3/18/11 were passed. Board members and audience members alike stated how pleased they were with the current assessor, who found more than ten structures that were not previously on the tax roles of St. James Township and added up to 1.3 million dollar value. The board passed a motion to authorize Supervisor Rick Speck to sign a contract with AD Assessing for the next three years. The board spoke with Doug Tilly about his Zoning Administrator performance as required.

Then Jeff Powers presented a Wildlife Certification Report to request approval of the St. James Township Board. His presentation indicated the agreement of the Beaver Island Conservation Club, the DNRE, and the Wildlife Club agreement on this plan. The Board approved their paperwork unanimously.The content of these documents are HERE.

This discussion lead right into the main topic of the meeting--Township Support of the NRETC. Every Board member commented on the actions taken by the Sandra Birdsall as chairperson of the NRETC without knowledge of the membership of that organization., They also commented on the actions Jack Gallagher who signed his letter as "Peaine Township Supervisor." The comments suggested sincere anger at these individuals who "did this without the approval of the township boards or the other members of the NRETC.

After many comments on this issue, a motion was passed by St. James Township Board, to rescind the motion of the township that created the NRETC, effectively cutting the connection between the NRETC and the St. James Township Board. The action was accompanied by a consensus of: If they want to continue, they can continue as a private organization like the Beaver Island Association.

Video of this meeting available HERE  

Winter Computer Class at BICS

Click HERE to see the flier

A Microsoft Excel Workshop is being offered at BICS for all levels, click above

Once again, we will be offering computer classes for adults.  The winter class will be BEGINNING EXCEL (Spreadsheets).  If you have no experience, you will begin with the basics.  If you have  some experience, you will be able to start where you are  comfortable.    Should you miss a class, you will not “fall behind”.  The classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesday s from 5:30—6:30  pm starting Wed, Feb 16 thru Wed, March 9.  (Note:  If these days/dates don't work, call Connie and depending on others who sign up, perhaps we can make changes to the schedule!  Please note: no class on March 2 .)

The cost for the class is $25.  Please make checks payable to “BICS” (Beaver Island Community School).  You may bring your payment to the first class.

CALL  THE  SCHOOL OFFICE  AT 448-2744 TO SIGN UP TODAY!!!

Questions? Call Connie Boyle at school (448-2744) or home (448-2491)                              or email:  connieb@bics.us

32 Miles of Water

(Copyright 2004, Phillip Michael Moore)

Update: 2/19/11---This video has had 108 viewings in the months of January and February so far. We hope that the views are getting the importance of having an air ambulance on Beaver Island and ready to go for the emergencies that have occurred here. It is obvious that ill and injured people are searching out other methods of transport since the transports for 2010 were down 50% compared to the last four years. While part of the cause is the depressed economy, the other part is the concern of being transported to the mainland and having a huge bill for that transport. BINN will continue to have this video available until something gets resolved with this issue. Comments so far: "You must be very proud of your son for doing this excellent video." "We never realized that this was still an issue." "Wow, a very important issue that seems to have been put on the back burner for too long. It's a burning issue."

Beaver Island has two flight services, and neither of them are currently certified or licensed to transport emergency patients from Beaver Island to the mainland. We thank the crews of the USCG helicopters for coming to do medical evacuations. We thank the flight services that have helped us get patients to the mainland for the last seven years and before. We thank Northflight for providing this service as well.

While a lot of things have changed over the last 7 years including a new school, a new executive director of EMS, new township supervisors,and new rural health center board members, there is one thing that has not changed.

Beaver Island does not have an FAA Certified Air Ambulance that is licensed by the State of Michigan.

When Phillip Michael Moore made this video as a Master's degree project, no one would have guessed that seven years later Beaver Island would still not have achieved this goal.

Please take the time to view the video. Please take some time to think about this, and then start asking some questions about how this can be resolved.

Beaver Island News on the 'Net Presents "32 Miles of Water" in its final form (28.5 minutes). The previously video, viewed here, was a slightly shortened version. The video is in high quality, but is still streaming video.

 

2010 Citizen of the Year

Nomination Form

Two possible awards: Individual and Organization

 

The award(s) will honor an individual, couple or community organization

that has made a significant contribution to making Beaver Island

a better place to live, work or visit.

 

 

My name is _________________________________ Phone ___________________

 

Address ______________________________________________________________

 

I would like to nominate _________________________________________________

 

•  Please write 3 or 4 paragraphs, typed preferred, see criteria above

•  Mail to: Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 5 , Beaver Island , MI 49782 – Chamber @BeaverIsland.org

Deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011

Questions: Call Steve West, Mon – Fri., 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 231.448.2505

The Award Banquet will be Saturday, April 30, 2011.

Please call Stoney Acre Grill & Pub (231) 448-2560 for reservations.

Citizen of the Year 2011 Banquet Menu

Sirloin Tips Gaelic

Braised, Choice Sirloin Tips with shallots, garlic and seasonings, deglazed with Irish Mist and finished with cream. Served over penne pasta and garnished with grated Pecorino Romano.

Roast Half-Chicken with Mushrooms

(Poulet au Champignon)

Roast spring Chicken topped with sautéed fresh mushrooms and resting in a sauce of chicken stock, horseradish, garlic, seasonings and cream. New Potatoes and Vegetable accompany.

Yellow Lake Perch

Eight hand-dusted Lake Erie Perch, lightly fried and served with House Slaw, Vegetable, Saffron Rice and House Tartar.

*All dinners are served with an amuse, a small garden salad, herbed bread, and dessert.

Cost per dinner is $20. Does not include gratuity. Alcohol and beverages extra.

1st Annual "Gail's Walk"

The first annual "Gail's Walk" will take place on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. In honor of Gail Weede, each year we will have a Memorial Weekend Walk to raise money that will help Island families who experience unexpected or long term medical treatment.  This fund would help with bills or expenses related to the condition. A minimum donation of $10 per person is asked for this 5k untimed event.  Children 5 and under are no charge.  There will be commemorative long sleeve t-shirts available for $10 each (please pre-order your shirts).  Be sure to include quantity and sizes.

To pre-register for the walk and/or t-shirt, please make your check out to BIRHC (Beaver Island Rural Health Center) memo: Gail's Walk, and mail to Beth Croswhite, P.O.Box 143 Beaver Island, MI 49782.
If you are unable to join us, but would still like to donate to this worthy cause, any donation would be welcomed and appreciated. This walk would begin and end at the Public Beach Parking lot.
Any questions call Dawn Marsh  at 231-448-2910.

Beaver Island Airport Commission Meeting on January 22, 2011

The Airport Commission met at the St. James Township Hall at 10 a.m. with only four members able to attend. Mike Scripps, Rachel Teague, Ray Cole, and Jim Wojan were absent. Discussion took place regarding how to handle the Recording Secretary position. Compensation rates were determined for time and materials and postage. Rental of space at the Governmental Center was also discussed. The Airport Commission agreed to pay St. James Township a $1080 yearly fee to take care of the cleaning, heating, etc. for the building. The fee is paid once per year. A procedure for budget was discussed. Don Vyse was given authority to sign documents for the Tree Clearning Project. The next airport commission meeting will tentatively be on March 5, 2011, at 10 a.m.

For Video of the meeting, click HERE

On the Beach of Beaver Island

You will need Quicktime or another music player to enjoy this link.

The music played in the Holy Cross Hall in the late 70's and early 80's, recorded for posterity and shared here.

Father Pat's Dream Trip

The Parish of Holy Cross Church is sponsoring a trip for Father Pat Cawley to take the vacation of his dreams, Normandy, France. We are presently working out the details of his 2011 trip. If you wish to help with this endeavor, we have set up a special savings account at Charlevoix State Bank. If you wish to help, you can send a donation of any amount. Address your check to Nancy Tritsch or Skip McDonough, PO Box 14, Beaver Island, Michigan 49782 or Charlevoix State Bank, 111 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Please add 'Father Pat's trip' on the memo line. or you can give your donation directly to the bank. Personnel of Charlevoix State Bank at both the Island and the Charlevoix branches are aware of this special account. The savings account number is 910100732. Call Nancy Tritsch's phone at 448-2178 for any questions.

Beaver Island Community Development Corporation

 

Applications are now being taken to rent an apartment at the long-awaited Senior Housing, named Forest View, which is now under construction on Carlisle Road , across the street from Stoney Acres. The construction is anticipated to be complete and the apartments ready for occupancy June 1, 2011, a date which is subject to change based on weather conditions.

Applications are also available for the part-time position of on-site manager who will be employed by KMG Prestige, an off-island management company who will manage the apartments. The position is anticipated to begin in March, 2011.

Applications for both leasing and employment may be obtained at the Community Center, Library, and Rural Health Center. They should be mailed directly to KMG Prestige, attention Jane Crawford, 3390 Pine Tree Rd, Lansing, Michigan 48911 .

Further information may be obtained by contacting Jane Crawford at 1-517-679-7298.

KMG is an experienced property management company well-versed in federal regulations. In managing the leasing for the Beaver Island Community Development Corporation, KMG will screen applicants to determine their qualifications under the federal regulations for low and moderate senior housing. Using a professional management company to handle the leasing will insure applicants that they will be correctly evaluated and that their financial data will be kept confidential.

The rental apartments will have rental rates which are set through the grant process which provided funding. The anticipated rent is $567 for a one-bedroom unit and $629 for a two-bedroom unit. Utilities are included in the rent, and the building will be heated through a geo-thermal system. The building will include six individual apartments, four one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom, each with their own kitchen and bath. In addition, the building will have a laundry room, community room, and a community kitchen area.

Beaver Island Airport Commission Inter-Governmental Agreement

This is the complete agreement approved by both Peaine and St. James Townships

B I Airport Commission Rules of Procedure

These rules of procedure have been approved by the Airport Commission and Peaine Township. They have yet to be approved by St. James Township.

Re-Appraisal, Assessor, and Property Taxes Explained

In a December meeting at the Peaine Township Hall, the Peaine Assessor, hired by the Peaine Township Board sat down with a small number of attendee at a scheduled meeting, albeit on a very busy night. She explained the process of the appraisal, her job as assessor, the role of the townships and the role of the State of Michigan. Ed Wojan, John Fogg, Don Tritsch, and the Hurkmanns attended with Jim Birdsall doing the introduction and participating as well. If you are interest in seeing what was discussed at this meeting, video of the entire session can be viewed in video clips HERE.

Peaine Township Tax Assessment Roles Online

Search Peaine Township Assessment Role Online

Several people wanted to know how to get to this location. Feel free to access it from here and then save it as a Favorite.

BICS Calendar for 2010-11 Approved

Beaver Island Transfer Station Information

Expired Subscriptions

Please send us your email address.

There are quite a few subscriptions that will expire January or February and some that have already expired. We appreciate your support and ask you to renew your subscription as soon as possible. Emails have been sent out, but quite a few have been returned without delivery, which means that BINN does not have your current email address.

You can subscribe online by using PayPal and a credit card. Please click the link below if you wish to renew online:

RENEW

Meeting Minutes

The minutes of all public meetings will be posted

as soon as they are received.

News on the 'Net welcomes minutes to all public meetings. All organizations are welcome to submit meeting minutes for publication on this website. Please email them to medic5740@gmail.com.

Airport Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Cultural Arts Association Minutes

Peaine Township Board Minutes

BIRHC Board Meeting Minutes

St. James Township Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Community School Board Meeting Minutes

Beaver Island Ecotourism Goals Draft, rev. 3, 19 Jan 2010

Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission Minutes

Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes

Waste Management Committee Minutes

Beaver Island Airport Commission Minutes New for 2011!