B. I. New on the 'Net, January 3-9, 2011

Bud Cruikshank Recovering

Bud Cruikshank underwent aortic valve replacement surgery yesterday, January 6, 2011, at William Beaumont Hospital. The surgery was successful, and Bud is recovering in ICU. Barb requested that this information be posted.

Airport Commission Meeting December 9, 2010

We apologize for the delay in getting this video available. There just isn't enough time to get everything done over the holidays to get caught up with these. The next Airport Commission meeting will take place at the St. James Township Hall next Saturday, January 15, 2011, so at least this video is available for viewing before this meeting occurs. Minutes will be posted when they are available.

View the video clips of the Airport Commission meeting HERE

St. James Township Meeting, January 5, 2011

Prior to the video processing, it is important to report on the meeting last night. The meeting was well attended by the regular attendees. The business conducted was pretty routine from the approval of the minutes to approval of bills to be paid. Supervisor Rick Speck reported on correspondence, and Jean Wierenga stated that the 2009-2010 audit would be available for viewing at the Beaver Island District Library beginning Thursday, January 6, 2011. Under old business, the township snow plowing was not posted. Instead, the township employee will continue to do the plowing until unable to keep up with the workload. A motion to adopt a policy and procedure for inspections of public records related to the re-appraisal was passed unanimously. There was only one public comment at this meeting. It was about how the townships might be able to convince the Charlevoix County Road Commission to move more quickly in improving roads on Beaver Island. Supervisor Speck suggested that this should be passed on to Charlevoix County Commissioner Richie Gillespie. The meeting adjourned before 8 p.m.

The one item that could not be discussed was the airport property acquisition. According to Supervisor Speck, the action on this property could not be completed until there was a joint township meeting that included MDOT to determine jointly whether this last mediated settlement would be acceptable to all concerned.

Minutes were approved (No video for this)

Bills added to payments

 

Correspondence Regarding St. James Lighthouse Association

 

2009-2010 Audit

 

Snowplowing No Bids

 

Airport Property Acquisition Tabled

 

Board of Review

 

Policy Regarding Review of Assessments for Reappaisals

 

Dan Connaghan Question on Roads, Rick Speck's response

 

Bill Cashman Questions on Airport, Rick Speck's response

 

BICS Islander Clothing Order Due January 18th

The order form is here or you can call the school and make arrangements to pick up or fill out your order form. You can print out this order form directly if you wish.

Order form HERE

Michigan and Beaver Island Tourism Marketing Effective

Beaver Island Chamber web visits nearly doubles

The Pure Michigan radio and television winter advertising campaign in Chicago and key markets in Indiana , Ohio and Wisconsin in now underway. The budget for this buy is $1.5 million. The TV spots will air through late February. 

2010 was the biggest year to date for Michigan.org , with 13.4 million user sessions, up 19% from 2009.  Clicks-throughs from Michigan.org to Michigan tourism industry web sites, like Beaver Island, totaled 6.7 million in 2010, an average of more than 18,000 per day, and up 9% from 2009.  And for the fourth year in a row, Michigan.org had more traffic than any other state tourism web site in America .

The Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce web site benefits from the success of Michigan.org as well and did much better. Visits to BeaverIsland.org were nearly double that of 2009. “We were on target for a 20% increase in web visits but the AP story was a huge plus and put us over 160,000 for the year,” said Chamber Executive Director Steve West.

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.

Video of the Shamrock and Tanker Return to the Island-The Final Run of 2010-11

Short Video Clip

 

Ten Minute Video Clip with Narration HERE

This includes the video of the first sighting from Donegal Bay up through the docking of the tug and tanker.

The Shamrock Return Trip

There was an interesting photo opportunity on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at about 2:45 p.m. The Shamrock with its fuel barge was returning from the UP with a load of fuel. The pictures that you see just below this paragraph show what was able to be seen from Donegal Bay of the Martin Gas and Oil tug and barge.

At first there was nothing to be seen, then just on the horizon, you could see something, but couldn't make it out. Then, only because it was known, you could identify the tug and barge.

The chances of getting a good clear picture of the Shamrock and the tanker at this distance were quite small, about one in ten-thousand, but an attempt was made anyway. Then is was a hurry up and get the equipment warmed up because it quite working in the cold out there at Donegal. The wind chill was very cold and the camera just quit working. The replacement battery didn't work either. There must be a reason that the manufacturers place a temperature range of operation on their equipment, and today that reason was discovered. After a trip home to recharge the cold batteries, it was time to go back and try to get the pictures of the tug and barge coming into the harbor. Out of the wind chill of the strong and cold west wind, the camera worked just fine.

These first pictures show the tug and barge coming around past Gull Harbor headed to the Coast Guard Station.

Going past the township hall and entering the harbor..

The Shamrock broke ice going out of the harbor, and had to break iced coming back into the harbor as well.

Past the BIBCO dock and then past the yacht dock...

Headed over to its own dock...

But, there was lots of work to be done from the shore. The ice needed to be broken out for the tanker docking area, and yet, on came the Shamrock and tanker..

And before you knew it was happening, the Shamrock was entering its docking area...

The Martin boys worked to get the tanker back into its position..The Shamrock is back in its home port, and a sigh of relieve is heard.

This was the last fuel trip of the season, and it was needed to make certain that there would be enough gasoline and fuel oil to get the Island through the winter. Welcome home, Bud Martin, Nathan Martin, the Shamrock, and the tanker!

Bud Martin Heads Out for the Last Fuel Run of the Season

At about 1:30 p.m. today, January 3, 2011, the Shamrock left the harbor towing the fuel barge for the last run for fuel of the season. Travis said that his dad would be meeting his supply truck in the morning on the 4th. Then if Mother Nature cooperates, the Shamrock should be coming back to the Island on Tuesday. A few pictures of the job of testing the ice and breaking some of it up as well as breaking the fuel barge out that was iced into the dock.

Bud took the Shamrock out to break the ice from his dock to the yacht dock.....In these pictures he's headed back to his dock to work on getting the fuel barge free.

And pretty soon, about ten minutes later, the fuel barge is free, and trip is begun....

Out the mouth of the harbor in a light snow storm.....and then headed out into the lake.....

Video Clip of the Shamrock leaving with the fuel barge

 

BICS Basketball for this Weekend Rescheduled

The basketball home games scheduled for this weekend have been rescheduled. The games will take place on January 28th and 29th.

Senior Housing Construction Continues

Plans for individual apartments

Video Clip of the outside and inside of the building as it is on 1/2/11

 

Views from West....................North...........................East.......................South..........

If you look at the first picture above, you can see the roofing shingles are on the west side of the roof...this look from the north reveals the shingles too.

A look into a one-bedroom apartment

A look down the opening in the center....a look into a two-bedroom apartment

Framing looks like it's in progress on the inside with lots of other work yet to do.

How did you welcome the new year?

by Frank Solle

While the recent thaw and unseasonable rain wreaked havoc on the traditional winter sports such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, skating, and snowmobiling, they did provide the rare opportunity for another outdoor recreation - golf!

As the new year dawned with temperatures in the upper 30s, the idea to get a fairly early start to the 2011 golf season also broke the horizon of possibility in the mind of at least one local hard-core golfer. It didn’t take more than a short phone conversation to convince Joe Par to join me.

Despite the relatively warm temperature of the year’s first morning, a strong and steady wind drove the wind chill down near the single digits, prompting this initial outing to be shortened to four holes. But the idea of the day way only to get the season underway, not to set any kind of course record - which was good because despite our dedication we are not the ones to lower the bar of golf performance on Beaver Island, or anywhere for that matter, especially with only a handful of clubs between us.

I did, however, have two opportunities to record the first birdie of the new year as a pair of nice drives and wedge shots put me, at least, on the green in two shots on holes 1 & 2. But the birds are still flying free, although the first two pars of the season have amazingly been claimed.

The third hole presented the more-seasonable January challenge of snow golf, but unfortunately I wasn’t in possession of a snow wedge, or a shovel. What are you going to do? And then there was the problem of finding the hole. We both probed the snow-covered green to no avail. Consensus said we had two-putt plays for a pair of hard-earned bogeys.

By this time the wind and cold were well ahead on the scorecard so we teed off toward hole 2 on the back box of hole 4. And here, yet once again, we headed off in divergent directions with Joe finding the left rough while I placed my drive not-so-conveniently behind the apple tree on the right. While Joe toyed with his trusty and aged Sam Snead model 7-iron in trying to find the green, I flattened out my pitching wedge in order to attempt a quick climb without traveling much distance. It really was a good idea not to be too concerned with the score.

But rest assured, even as the temperature continues to drop, the wind continues to howl, and snow begins to filter through the January air and will, undoubtedly, accumulate to some depth yet again before spring is actually at hand, the 2011 golf season has begun. Happy golfing and happy new year.

Joe gets the 2011 season underway in fine style.

Frank's first pitching wedge of the year found the green.

Joe watches a long putt roll toward, but not into, the hole.

Frank tried on each of the first two holes to record the year's first birdie. He's still trying.

As if golf isn't hard enough, Frank encounters one of the 'special' challenges of January golf.

Joe chips to the snowy third green.

Another January challenge - Joe searches for the hole.

Joe takes aim from the short tee on #2.

Now when Joe is asked what he did to bring in the new year he can harken back to a round of golf.

The Night Before 1-1-11

December 31, 2010, will be remembered for the fact that there was a cloud bank of fog hanging over Beaver Island for the entire day. The stories in the future will go something like this:

Do you remember the New Year's on the Island in 2010? Boy, there was an interesting day. There were two flight services, Island Airways and Fresh Air, and neither one of them could fly the entire day. Remember that Danny Gillespie and Danny Johnsten were going to play with Cindy at Donegal Danny's, but Danny and Danny couldn't get over because the planes weren't flying. Remember that Rich Scripps couldn't get over to play at the Shamrock for the group "Rigormortis." Do you remember how the Island seems to have lots of talented people? Well, instead of just canceling the music at both places, it was decided that there were plenty of musicians to make this night a memorable one. Remember walking into the Shamrock and seeing Kevin Gillespie, Cory Sowa, and Randy Osborne playing together with Brandon Maudrie and Richie Gillespie in the wings? Hey, I almost forgot. That was also the 75th anniversary of the Shamrock Bar. We stayed there for a drink or two. Somewhere there are even pictures of this.

Yea, here they are.

See how young we all looked back then. There's Kevin Gillespie....Cory Sowa....

Richie Gillespie.....Randy Osborne

Do you remember that we then we went out to Donegal Danny's to check out the music there? Do you remember the surprise we had when saw the six musicians standing there playing music together? It was almost as if the night caused any and all hard feelings to slip away. In the doorway with her Irish drum was Cindy Gillespie-Cushman, the only one who was supposed to play here this night. Next to Cindy was Joddy Croswhite on his Dobro with his son Stryder on guitar. This in itself would have been enough musicians to make the night interesting, but next to Stryder was Miranda Rooy, Kevin White, and Patti Cull. Six very talented musicians, five of them solo vocalists, had decided to gather together and just play music. Do you remember how hot it was in the Pub? It was close to sauna temperatures, but everyone was enjoying the closeness; just like a large family crammed into one small house; pretty much the replaying of history of lots of Island families. We stayed there for a drink or two as well, but us old folks decided to go home and celebrate the New Year's with just family. There are some pictures of the musicians and other here somewhere. We figured there were plenty of people at both places to bring in the New Year in public. Some even stayed together at other places until daybreak, just like we used to do.

Stryder Croswhite............Joddy Croswhite............Cindy Cushman..........Miranda Rooy...........Kevin White.....................Patti Cull..........

Making music together is sure fun

The next morning as we gathered for our morning coffee, the sun was shining and the temperature was in the mid-forties. There was the roar of plane after plane taking off. Those who couldn't make it off the Island for the New Year's Eve celebration were heading off, and some of those who couldn't get here for the celebration, were coming home anyway. Then it became overcast and the thoughts went to those of a possible snow storm. Boy, that New Year's Eve was a memorable one!

"Papa, you sure have lots of interesting stories."

"Well, honey, Beaver Island is surely an interesting place to live and there are lots of remarkable people who live there! I even have some video around here someplace if I can find something that it will still play it."

 

Former Beaver Island Logger in the News

Bob Graves purchased the Iverson Snowshoe Company about three years ago. He is living in the Upper Penninsula. This UP News story explains the reason that this former Island resident is in the news. Bob owns the only business in the United States that makes and sells handmade high quality snowshoes. His pink colored version is meant to raise money for cancer research.

Bob Graves in the News

Randi Delamater Hunter Delivers

Theren Dane Hunter arrived @ 4:26am, December 29, 2010. He was 8 lbs 7ounces and 21 inches long! Big brother Kelton is excited to be holding his baby brother.

Snowe and Kevin Green Announce the Arrival of Russell

Russell Jonathan Green, 2nd. 7.3 lbs, born December 28, 2010

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.

Bob Tidmore's "A Winter on Beaver Island"

 

Almost a year's worth of photos compiled into this video. Very interesting!

Blood Donation Bill Signed by Governor

Last Wednesday, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a bill into law that will enable 16 year olds in Michigan to donate blood with parental consent. The Red Cross hosts thousands of blood drives throughout Michigan each year. Any 16-year-old who is interested in donating blood should visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 866-236-3276 for further information.  In order to donate blood,16 year-olds must read donation material and obtain a signed consent form from their parent or guardian.  This written consent must be presented at the blood drive prior to blood donation.

Lansing , MI December 28, 2010 – Last Wednesday, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a bill into law that will enable 16 year olds in Michigan to donate blood with parental consent.  The bill is effective immediately.

“Much like voting and driving a car, the ability to donate blood and save a life has become a rite of passage for thousands of high school students,” said Sharon Jaksa, CEO for the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross.  “Until now, high school students under the age of 17 have been denied the opportunity to donate. Thank you to Gov. Granholm and other leaders for giving them this opportunity.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Last year in the state of Michigan , approximately 400,000 units of blood were collected and used to positively impact up to 1.6 million patients.  This new eligible donor population will enable the Red Cross to better support Michigan patients.

"This action by Michigan leaders makes the precious gift of life more available to Michigan patients, and improves the quality of health care in our state," said Sharon Jaksa, CEO for the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross.  “We owe a debt of gratitude to the state officials who acted decisively to make this bill become law.

The Red Cross hosts thousands of blood drives throughout Michigan each year. Any 16-year-old who is interested in donating blood should visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 866-236-3276 for further information. In order to donate blood,16-year-olds must read donation material and obtain a signed consent form from their parent or guardian. This written consent must be presented at the blood drive prior to blood donation.

“We consider the parental consent requirement for 16-year-old donors as an opportunity to educate parents on the importance of blood donation,” Jaksa said. “We are excited to have the ability to recruit 16 year-olds and educate their parents at the same time.”

Repairs Almost Completed

The repairs are almost completed to this building that was damage by a vehicle.

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.

School Board Position Appointee Sought

Because of the recent death of board member Gail Weede, the board of education must appoint someone to fill the position until the board’s annual organizational meeting on July 11, 2011. Individuals interested in a short-term appointment to the board, should submit a letter of interest as soon as possible to Barbara Schwartzfisher, School Board President C/O Beaver Island Community School. The board will interview applicants and will appoint someone at the regular board meeting on January 10, 2011.

BICS Holiday Program

The Beaver Island Community School Holiday Program was held at the Community Center on December 15, 2010, beginning at 7 p.m.

(A big thank you to Andrea Moore for the pictures and Ron Marsh for the video)

The welcome and introduction was completed by Austyn Oliver and Forrest Avery. The first group up was the Suzuki Strings, directed by Ms. Sheri Richards, and included the music "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Joy to the World," and "Jingle Bells."

 

The next introduction was completed by Erin Myers-Dixon. This group was the Dance Club directed by Ms. Kimberly Read, "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"

 

The next introduction was completed by Tessa Jones and Ireland McDonough. This group was the Pre-K through 4th Grade Choir directed by Ms. Miranda Rooy singing "Deck the Hall," "Jingle Bells," "Silver Bells," and "O Christmas Tree."

 

The next introduction was completed by Alex Williams. This group was the 5th and 6th Grade Recorders directed by Ms. Miranda Rooy playing "Snow is Falling," "Duet Duo," and Jolly Old St. Nick Duet."

 

The next introduction was completed by Simeon Richards. This group was the K-3 Drama Club directed by Ms. Jacque LaFreniere performing "Has Anyone Seen Christmas?"

 

The next introduction was completed by Katie LaFreniere. This was the group of All Students and Staff Choir directed by Mr. Mike Myers singing and signing "Keep Christmas With You."

 

Student Participants:

Township Airport Clearing Finished

The west end of the Beaver Island Airport looks entirely different that it did last year at this time. Although not in the air for some photos (hint, hint), the photos taken on the ground from the west end of the east-west runway show a different view than seen in recent history by anyone on the ground at the township airport. You can certainly tell that a lot of trees were taken out by looking at these pictures.

The first taken from the eastern end of the runway....the second taken from a little more than halfway headed west.

Taken from the western end of the east-west runway, you can see High Island on the horizon...

Looking east from the west end of the runway...

These changes have been accomplished by the former Airport Committee, now the Airport Commission, with money from grants from the State of Michigan and federal funding. A major improvement for the flying public who use the Beaver Island Township Airport!

Library News

The end of the year and the beginning of a whole, new one means it's time to check backpacks, behind the sofa cushions, and under the bed for any books/videos/recorded books you may have forgotten to return so that 2011 can start with a clean slate.

New additions to our books are in the New York Times Bestseller lists and include such titles as: Cross Fire by James Patterson; The Confession by John Grisham; Fall of Giants by Ken Follett in the fiction category. Some of the nonfiction titles on our shelves are: Decision Points by George W. Bush; Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume I by Mark Twain; Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff; and $@&# My Dad Says by Justin Halpern. How about a newly released video? We have Shrek Forever After; The Twilight Saga- Eclipse; The Sorcerer's Apprentice; Despicable Me; and Babies – the documentary just to name a few .

Did you know that the library is like a mini-office center? We have computers, productivity software, high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, printer, copier and a fax machine for your use. Copies and printouts are only ten cents while the cost of faxing information is only $1.00 to send and a quarter to receive. Using the library is less expensive than buying all that equipment and usage of the computers, software, and internet is free.

In this economy, it's always nice to be able to save some money, so rather than spend it, stop in and read your favorite magazines: Woman's Day, Time, Family Circle, Woodsman, Newsweek, New Yorker, Good Housekeeping; Ireland of the Welcomes; National Geographic. We also subscribe to several children's magazines: National Geographic Kids; Ranger Rick, Zoobooks, and Your Big Backyard. All totaled we subscribe to more than 50 publications, stop in and spend an hour or two catching up on current and past issues. We also have newspapers available to you such as The Grand Rapids Press, Wall Street Journal, Beaver Beacon, NorthernIslander, Charlevoix Courier and Petoskey News Review.

The library is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon until 5:00 pm and on Wednesday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. We are closed on Sunday. The drop box is always available.

Airport Commission Meeting No. 2

With the BIAC meeting in alternate locations, St. James Township Hall and Peaine Township Hall, there was no confusion and no seating problem with this meeting at the Peaine Township Hall on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at 6 p.m. The most important part of this meeting for most to understand is that the property acquisition is the main hold up in the ten-year plan. Nothing can move along until this issue is resolved for at least a couple of reasons. One of the most important reasons deals with the use of grant money, and how much of this grant money will be needed to complete the land acquisition. That puts all other items in the plan on hold until this issue is resolved because money availability is always an issue in completing any plan. It is unfortunate that the Beaver Island community must wait for lawyers to resolve the issue of the value of the property to be able to move forward with any plans at all.

According to the report at this meeting, the tree clearing has been almost completed. Don Vyse and Mike Scripps have completed the interim inspections, which save the cost of having Meade and Hunt travel to do these interim inspections.

Peaine Township Board Meeting, December 8, 2010

Peaine Township's meeting of December 8, 2010, was relatively calm this month, but there were still contentious matters discussed. The NRETC was able to get their original resolution passed to allow for a total of 21 members on the commission. This would include those two that were seemingly missing from the group, the Chamber of Commerce and the Beaver Island Conservation Club. The resolution also added a few more like the Odawa indian tribe, the Little Traverse Conservancy, and specified the organizations and the individuals that were to participate. Fourteen organizations and five individuals were mentioned, but Paul Welke asked for the list of all 21. Then the motion to accept the resolution passed. Postings were agreed for the Planning Commission and the Board of Review. The waste management bylaws were table again. The exchange of property by St. James Township was once again discussed with some on the Peaine Board and in the audience wanting the trade to reflect the joint ownership of the DNR property instead of just St. James Township. The discussion was tabled at the board level and sent back to the committee of Larry Kubic and Pete LoDico to discuss with St. James Township. Emerald Isle Propane was granted a conditional bid for the propane tanks and the first fill of the tanks. The condition included a clarification that the townships own the two tanks for both generator sites. The generators are here and waiting for fuel tanks and fuel.

The cleanliness of the Peaine Township Hall kitchen was brought into question with the general consensus being that it should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice per year which would make the cleaning person work additional hours with additional expense. The question was raised about how the DNR may react to the assertion of Peaine Township for joint ownership of the deputy residence and the waterfront across the road.

Video of this meeting HERE

St. James Township Meeting, December 1, 2010

At a very short township meeting, just a little over thirty minutes, the St. James Township Board accomplished a great deal. In one motion, minutes of three meetings were approved. Bills were approved with additions. One letter was read, and there were no reports. Due to some county disagreement with the order of approval, the board re-approved the rezoning for the Connelly property from Agricultural to Residential. In new business, the Board of Review position posting was discussed. The Board of Review was scheduled for Friday, December 17, 2010, at 4 p.m. St. James approved the the BI Airport Commission Rules of Approval and passed a resolution allowing the Airport Commission chairman to sign paperwork for the MDOT grants in the amount of just over $200,000. The board approved the rental of office space to the airport commission in the Governmental Center, as well as agreed to post notice for snowplowing bids. It also authorized the supervisor to open the bids and choose the person for snowplowing after polling the other board members.

Added to the agenda were two items that were also approved. A resolution to amend the original NRETC creation resolution to include the Conservation Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Little Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Historical Society, and the Little Traverse Conservancy was approved. Travis Williams made a presentation about his family's need for an additional bedroom at the DNR building. The board approved the creation of a bedroom in part of the garage space and to fund the total cost of the improvement of just over $1000 with hopes of sharing this cost with Peaine Township.

Video of this meeting

Genie Vreeland Address Updated

Genie Vreeland
Boulder Park Terrace
Re-Hab Center
14673 Garfield
Charlevoix, 49720
Ph #231-237-8026

Larry Hall Address

For those of you who would like to send your well wishes to Larry Hall, below is the address information:

Larry Hall
c/o Meadow Brook, Room #20A
4543 South M-88 Hwy.
Bellaire, MI 49615

Shirley Sowa Address

Shirley is recovering from a run in with pneumonia. Cards and letters may be sent to her in care of Catherine Meintsma at the following address:

450 Langer Crt
Hemet, CA 92545

c/o Lois Stipp

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.

Community Calendar

BI News on the 'Net has a complete 2011 calendar up on the homepage of this website. We are willing to post any activities that take place on the Island on this calendar. When you know a specific date of any activity, please email medic5740@gmail.com and it will be posted on the Community Calendar. So far, the only items on the calendar into 2011 are those governmental meetings that are held on specific days. Please send your information for your activity as soon as it is know, so that other organizations will not conflict with your date(s).

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.

Beaver Island News Archives Adds Search Engine

All of the years of Beaver Island News on the 'Net are available except for a short period of time when some of the months at the beginning were lost. Phyllis Moore started this website in late 1999 or early 2000 which means that the archives have ten years of Beaver Island history, the last ten years. The Archives are open and available to anyone to view from the homepage at http://beaverislandnews or directly at http://beaverislandnewsarchives.com for your viewing pleasure. There has been added a Google Search Engine to this archives website for those that don't want to page through and read all 520+ pages of history. The Sample website page has been removed since the archives are open to anyone from the homepage of this website. The Archives of 2010 are still only available from this subscription only page.

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 December or January 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 NEW!

Beaver Island Natural Resources and Eco-Tourism Commission Minutes NEW!

Joint Human Resources Commission Minutes (includes agenda when available) New Feature for 2010!

Waste Management Committee Minutes (New for 2010!)