B. I. News on the 'Net, November 11-19, 2013
This rollover was late due to lots of news happening on the island during this time.
Waste Management Meeting Disagreement
One of the disagreements at today's Waste Management Committee involved when the minutes of the individual meetings needed to be approved. The WMC had tabled approval of minutes from several meetings, and the disagreement over the meeting minutes seemed to be quite substantial. Here is the excerpt from the the Michigan Open Meetings Act to help the subscriber to understand what the law says. Jean Wierenga stated the position of the Michigan Township Association, which was consistent with the law below. The WMC members in disagreement with Jean's statements decided to ask the Township attorney before doing anything related to these many meeting minutes. BINN will bold and enlarge the portion that answers the WMC members' question.
From the Michigan Open Meetings Act:
"15.269 Minutes.
Sec. 9.
(1) Each public body shall keep minutes of each meeting showing the date, time, place, members present, members absent, any decisions made at a meeting open to the public, and the purpose or purposes for which a closed session is held. The minutes shall include all roll call votes taken at the meeting.
The public body shall make any corrections in the minutes at the next meeting after the meeting to which the minutes refer.
The public body shall make corrected minutes available at or before the next subsequent meeting after correction. The corrected minutes shall show both the original entry and the correction."
There were other issues at this meeting that you can view once the video is processed.
Presentable?
by Cindy Ricksgers
There were a few – not many, but a few – times in my life when I checked the mirror to see just how good I looked.
In my sixty-one years, there have been a handful of instances where everything that I have to offer synchronized with the style of the moment…and I looked really good!
Kindergarten, no. Oxford-style saddle shoes emphasized my tiny ankles, skinny legs and knobby knees. White ankle socks continually migrated down into the shoes. Hand-me-down dresses were just a bit long for my small frame and I can remember having to frequently pull my underpants from where they’d wedged.
Most of my childhood followed that pattern.
There was a time, though, around 1969, when Twiggy was modelling mini-skirts and my skinny frame seemed to suit the styles.
There were days in the seventies where – in my worn jeans and tennis shoes – I felt very “of the moment.”
There was a brief period in the late eighties when slouchy socks, big sweaters and big hair made me look almost fashionable.
Most of my life, though, that quick look in the mirror was just to make sure I was “presentable.”
“Is my hair just awful?”
“Does this outfit make me look short?”
“Will the jacket hide my belly-fat, or make me look dwarf-like?”
These are the types of questions I would ask myself before heading out the door.
This morning, getting ready to walk the dogs, I put clothes right over the long underwear I had slept in: a paint spattered, long-sleeved black T-shirt, gray sweat pants purchased from the Re-Sale Shop and scissored to the correct length and a navy blue sweatshirt, inside-out. I added wooly socks in an off-white shade and faded red athletic shoes. Over that, the magenta parka that has seen better days. The front is stained and the zipper doesn’t grip, but it’s still warm. I pulled up the hood. Added gloves: one red, one blue.
I stole a glance in the mirror before I left the house.
This is November, after all.
Though – with their red plaid or blaze orange combined with “camo” and Carhartt‘s – they are not known for their fashion sense, there are hunters in these woods.
There is a possibility that I could encounter someone, while out on my walk.
I wasn’t pausing to appreciate my good appearance.
I wasn’t making sure I was presentable.
What I said out loud as I stopped to check the mirror was, “Okay, let’s see how bad I look…”
You can follow Cindy's Blog HERE
BI Cultural Arts Association Announces Call for Community Arts Mini-Grant Applications
Fundraiser Breakfast Announced for Cheerleading Program
The BICS has a cheerleading program through the 21st Century program, and there will be a fundraiser for uniforms this Saturday the November 23, 2013. There will be a pancake breakfast at Peaine Township Hall from 9am-noon. FreeWill Donation at the door for All You Can Eat regular, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes. For more information, you can email rachaelw@bics.us or call 906-201-0650.
Arthur M Anderson in Lee of Beaver Island
With the winds blowing at gale force for the last two days, many of the ships are waiting in the lee of some land mass to be protected from the strong winds. The Arthur M Anderson is in Sand Bay seeking refuge from the wind and the waves.
On this anniversary of the sinking of the Carl D Bradley, it is probably fitting to have this vessel in the lee of the Island. Here is some information about the Arthur M Anderson:
The Arthur M Anderson is a Self Discharging Bulk Carrier vessel, whose home port is Duluth, Minnesota. The vessel's destination is Port Inland. The vessel 767 feet long and 70 feet wide. The vessel was built in 1952.
One of the better known lake boats recognized by name on the Great Lakes is the Arthur M. Anderson. Reknown for her heroic role involving the well documented tragic loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald on a stormy November 10, 1975; the Arthur M. Anderson was the last vessel to have had visual, radio and radar contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald before her disappearing beneath the huge waves of Lake Superior. Built by the American Ship Building Company, Lorain, OH as their hull #868; the straight deck bulk carrier was launched February 16, 1952 and christened as the Arthur M. Anderson for the Pittsburgh Steamship Division, U.S. Steel Corp., Cleveland, OH by Mrs. Anderson in honor of her husband Mr. Arthur Marvin Anderson. Mr. Anderson was a director of the United States Steel Corp., a member of its finance committee and vice chairman of the J.P. Morgan and Co. at the time of the launch.
Holiday Bazaar
The annual Holiday Bazaar was held today, November 17, 2013, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Gregg Fellowship Center next to the Beaver Island Multi-Denominational Christian Church. There were lots of crafts, photos, food, and items for sale. Here are a few of the pictures of the event just as the boat whistles its departure.
Video Clip of Bazaar Outside and Inside
Pictures inside
Lots of variety and things to buy! A good time was had by all!
There was also a Soup Bar available for all those attendees and participants. There was a wide variety of soups to try. A donation to the Beaver Island Food Pantry was requested in exchange for the soup.
The BICS String Group serenaded the shoppers with Christmas music.
Deer Hunting Success
Just a few of the bucks hanging in the air after opening day of firearm deer season.
Beaver Island's
Thanksgiving Day All Faiths' Prayer Service
Beaver Island's Thanksgiving Service will return this year at the Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10 a.m. All Beaver Island Churches are invited to participate and give thanks on Thanksgiving morning. This will be an all faith's prayer service with each church having the opportunity to take part. This will NOT be a mass. Please join us to gather on Thanksgiving and give thanks. Music will be led by Kathy Speck with accompaniment by Judi Meister. The Community Choir will perform and sing along with the congregation.
Island Treasures' Black Friday Event
BLACK FRIDAY
Shopping Event
Friday, November 29
doors open at 11:00
COFFEE and COOKIES
red clothing 1/2 price
door prizes
new arrivals
Happy 99th to Lawrence McDonough
From 3-5 pm today, November 15, 2013, Lawrence McDonough's family put a special party for him. With friends and family surrounding him in his home, Lawrence had a perpetual smile on his face.
Happy Birthday, Lawrence!
New Signs at Marine Museum
New Sign Marks Welke Airport
Chimney Swift Structure
View from Kings Highway......View from Public Beach.....View from school yard...
As suggested at the St. James Township Board Meeting this month, this structure can be viewed from several different locations. These pictures were taken at the beginning of the week.
Finished structure before the signs are placed.
You can read more about chimney swifts in an article below.
Township Airport Terminal Progress
It was a pretty safe guess that November 15, 2013, would be a good time to go out to the Beaver Island Airport to take some pictures of the progress of the building that will serve as the terminal for this airport. BINN was pretty sure that there would be no construction workers out there since this day is the opening day of firearm deer season. Here are some pictures of the progress.
View from the east end of the terminal building as you drive in to the airport.
East elevation.........south elevation
West elevation
Two views of the north side of the new terminal
Peaine Township Meeting 11/13/13, at 7 pm
The Peaine Township meeting this evening, November 13, 2013, was an interesting night with most of the night dedicated to discussion of the decisions made by the Waste Management Committee including the choice of the manager, the issues of Hazmat Training that had not taken place for the two employess of the Transfer Station, and the issues that the employees had with the former manager including scheduling issues and lack of training in Hazmat. The airport budget was also discussed along with the committee membership being down two people leaving only five members and then one member not allowed to participate in the interview process. A question also came up about non-board members contacting the township attorney. One board member suggested that answers to certain question were different at the Peaine meeting that were given at the St. James meeting. For example, no mention was made of completely closing the Transfer Station at the St. James Township Meeting, but this was given as an option to the Peaine Board suggesting that the two current employees could not recognize Hazardous Materials.
Amy Burris spoke at length about many topics related to the operation of the Transfer Station including no training in HazMat, recommendation of the lack of ability of the two employees made by a committee member, and how the hours, overtime, and holiday pay had been cut over the last year and a half.
Brad Swearingen was approved by the Peaine Township Board to become the new Transfer Station Manager. Jean Wierenga suggested that he might be available to start work next Monday.
SHERIFF Don Schneider OFFERS TIPS FOR SAFE THANKSGIVING TRAVEL
Charlevoix County, November 15, 2013:
An estimated 1.5 million Michiganders will travel during the 102-hour Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend and Sheriff Schneidedr would like all of them to arrive at their destinations safely. The combination of long distance travel and a relatively short time period can turn deadly. Ten people were killed in car crashes during the 2012 Thanksgiving holiday. In order to avoid becoming a statistic Sheriff Schneider advises you to get plenty of rest before driving, avoid alcohol and wear your seatbelts.
Crashes spike on Wednesday and Sunday evening - the two heaviest travel times. Postponing your departure until Thursday morning decreases the likelihood of being involved in a crash with a deer or drowsy or drunk driver by almost 50%. The holiday coincides with the firearm deer season, which means hunters will add to the numbers on the road during the high travel holiday. A large deer herd, combined with large numbers of cars on the road, creates a high probability for collisions. In 2013 almost 49,000 deer-vehicle crashes were reported. These crashes caused 1,197 injuries and 8 deaths. November was by far the worst month for car-deer crashes, 33% of these crashes occur between October 15 and Thanksgiving each year.
"Most often, you'll see a deer near dawn or dusk," said Sheriff Schneider. Motorists are encouraged to look beyond the beam of their headlights for eyes of deer that may be near the path of your vehicle. The best way to avoid a deer/car collision is to slow your car down! Deer travel together, if you see one chances are others are coming so please proceed with caution. Remember to heed deer crossing signs. If you do hit a deer make sure you report it to your local police or Sheriff's office.
For more safety tips Sheriff Schneider encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs' Association website at www.misheriff.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters. Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs' Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.
Charlevoix County Transit Closed for Thanksgiving
Transit will be closed on November 28-29 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Waste Management Committee Special Meeting
This meeting was scheduled at 6:30 pm at the St. James Township Hall, but was posted to start at 6:15 pm making BINN late to the meeting on November 11, 2013. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the recommendation for the Transfer Station Manager, but there were other issues on the agenda including minutes of the last seven meetings, which were decided to be tabled until the next regular WMC meeting, the third Tuesday of the month. After the discussion of the minutes, this recommendation for Transfer Station Manager was approved and was to be presented to the St. James Township Board at their special meeting at 7 p.m. Another topic on the agenda was the fact that Don Welke was the only Transfer Station employee that was trained in Hazardous Material collection, processing, and transport. The discussion centered around Angela Welke possibly having the proper certification and her willingness to be present at the Transfer Station to handle the interim perhaps one day per week. This was also to be presented to the two townships with Angela Welke training the new manager in this hazmat program.
Video of the portion of the meeting available HERE
Special St. James Township Meeting
This special meeting on November 11, 2013, was held at 7:00 p.m. at the St. James Township Hall. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the recommendation of the Waste Management Committee recommendation for the Transfer Station Manager. The township board also took up the hazmat issue presented by the WMC with the conditions that the township attorney be consulted and that the certification of Angel Welke being consistent with the requirements of the transfer station. In addition, the township lawyer had approved the township to move forward and be willing to accept the agreement with the Wollam Foundation and be willing to accept the donation of the property and the conservation easement.
Video of this meeting available HERE
From CCSD Don Schneider
Charlevoix COUNTY SEAT-·- Michigan's fields and forests will soon be alive with blaze orange hunting gear. Sheriff Don Schneider wants both visitors and residents of Charlevoix County to know some important safety rules before setting out to camp.
Your hunting license and the identification used to purchase it (Michigan driver's license, identification card, or DNR sport card) must be carried with you at all times while hunting.
All hunters must wear an item of clothing (hat, cap, vest, or rain gear) in "hunter orange"; it must be the outermost garment; and it must be visible from all sides. If it is camouflage, at least 50 percent of the garment must be orange.
Hunting hours begin approximately one-half hour before sunrise and last until approximately one-half hour after sunset.
Safety zones include all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, house, cabin, barn, or other farm building. You may not hunt in this area or shoot at any animal within this area, unless you have the written permission of the property owner.
It is illegal to drink alcohol or use intoxicating drugs before hunting.
Sheriff Schneider also wants hunters to take the following precautions to prevent injury or death while hunting this season:
Familiarize yourself with the area where you will be hunting
Never assume you are alone in the woods
Never assume other hunters are acting responsibly.
Be 100 percent sure of your target before shooting.
If you are sitting against a rock or a tree, make sure it is wider than your shoulders, so you won’t be mistaken for a target.
Sheriff Schneider urges all hunters to act responsibly this season. "Reacquaint yourself with Michigan's hunting laws and follow these safety tips to prevent a tragedy from happening this year."
For more safety tips Sheriff Schneider encourages residents to visit the Michigan Sheriffs' Association website at www.misheriff.org or face book page at www.facebook.com/misheriff.org where you can sign up to receive monthly newsletters. Founded in 1877 the Michigan Sheriffs' Association is the oldest law enforcement organization in Michigan.
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Veteran's Day CelebrationWith the temperature hovering around freezing and the wind blowing to make a windchill of 14 degrees, the decision was made to hold the gathering at the Beaver Island Community School Gymnasium. The program began right on time at 11:00 a.m. led by Bob Tidmore.
The school children and community attended.
The veteran's during the prayer.
Bob Tidmore led the program.
Lillian Wiser read Flanders Field.
Bob Hoogendoorn closed the program. Clip of the Short Program
Clip of Johnny Andy Gallagher's Great Grandaughter Lillian Wiser Read Flanders Field
"That Fateful Day"
The story of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald brings back sad memories. The song is familiar to almost all generations. One very personal recollection of 'that fateful day' is presented here for those who live on Beaver Island. Paul Welke's story of remembrance of that day is chilling, and it brings it home to those who have been on the Island for many years. You can read Paul's story HERE. Here are the lyrics to the song: "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald" The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down Here is a link to view the ships currently on the Great Lakes On this November day, there are nine ships out on Lake Superior at 10:00 am, seven on Lake Michigan, and four on Lake Huron. One of those sailors out on the lakes has put together a short video. His name is Keith Baker. You can view the video HERE.
Chimney Swiftsby Kay Charter
Chimney Swifts are small charcoal gray birds with stubby bodies and long, tapering wings. Their appearance has led some birders to refer to them as "flying cigars." They feed exclusively on aerial insects like flies, winged ants and mosquitoes. Each swift eats a couple of thousand insects a day, making these little birds excellent at mosquito control. Kay Charter (An artificial chimney is being constructed next to the old medical center, the Governmental Center.)
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Announcements |
Lady Islanders Play in District Finals
BINN believes that this is the first time ever that the Lady Islanders volleyball team has played in the District Finals. This game was played against the Engadine Eagles from a high school of 88 students with fourteen juniors and seniors on the team and two sophomores. The Lady Islanders have 22 in the high school with four juniors and seniors on the team and two sophomores. The rest of the Lady Islanders are younger.
The Lady Islanders went down to defeat in three games, but being able to watch them was well worth the trip. The Islanders had won against the Mackinaw City Comets the night before the finals with the finals taking place on November 7, 2013. Unfortunately, there was no Internet access available in the gymnasium for the public, so there was no live streaming possible. The games were recorded and a link to the clips are available HERE.
Although the Lady Islanders did not win the District Finals, they are all winners because they are the first volleyball team from Beaver Island that has played in the finals. This and their wonderful performance in games all season make all the Lady Islanders winners to those of us who have watched them through the years. Congratulations, Lady Islanders!
While doing the video for an event is pretty much all consuming, an attempt to get a couple pictures was made. Here are a few.
Hannah warms up......Islanders introduced.........Engadine introduced
Good luck...good luck...good luck
Madie serves.....Olivia awaits a serve......Sarah serves
Lady Islander Time-Out
Emily serves...........Lady Islanders await serve
Game 1 score
Ready girls!!!....close up of readiness.......Olivia serves
Game 2 score
Olivia serves.............Hannah serves............Coaches look on...
Madie scrambles for the ball
Emily serves
Score game 3
Lady Islander Volleyball Team 2013
Special thanks go out to Island Airways for their support of BINN's trip to cover the event.
Charlevoix County Transit
MAINLAND HOURS OF OPERATION
6:00 a.m.--7:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday - except Holidays)
9:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. (Saturday – except Holidays)
BEAVER ISLAND SUMMER HOURS
8:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m. (Monday thru Saturday - except Holidays)
BEAVER ISLAND WINTER HOURS
11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. (Monday thru Friday - except Holidays)
(Hours subject to change.)
FARE INFORMATION
Children under 6 years .50
Senior Citizen (60 and over) .50
Handicap: .50
Youth: (ages 6 to19) 1.00
Regular Fare: (ages 20 to 59) 1.50
Note: All passenger fares are double 15 miles and over.
(Fares subject to annual review.)
SCHEDULING
Mainland: (231) 582-6900
Beaver Island: (231) 448-2026
Toll Free (800) 918-3447
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE & BUS GARAGE LOCATION
Jill Drury, Manager
Charlevoix County Transit
1050 Brockway Street
Boyne City, MI 49712
jdrury@cctransit.org
Since 1980, Charlevoix County Transit has been providing public transportation throughout the County, and Beaver Island a few years later. The transit system operates 20 ADA accessible buses and provides over 117,000 rides annually.
St. James Township Board Meeting, November 6, 2013
As usual the meeting began with the approval of minutes and the approval of payments. There was no controversy related to these, but that is the only item on the agenda that did not have controversy surrounding it. Here is the list of items on the agenda of this November 6, 2013, St. James Township Meeting that began at 7 pm and continued on for a little over two hours, the longest meeting in a long time.
Old business items included a Proposal from St. James Property Owners Association regarding the two lot owned by the township at the corner by the beach at Donegal Bay, Open the Bid for Fuel Oil and LP Gas, and Open the Bid for Snowplowing. Each had their own discussion and issues.
New Business items included Property Acquisition by Woollam Foundation, Dangerous Buildings Ordinance, Transfer Station Manager Appointment, Proposed Ice Rink on Township Parking Lot, Township Approval of NRESC Charter and Amendment to the By-Laws, Post Notice for Waste Management Committee Appointment, Discuss Possible Meeting for Additional Insurance Coverage, and the added item regarding the chimney swift kiosk and its location. Don Vyse provided information about the Lighthouse Restoration and the confusion about the location of the Fressnel lens that is going to be replaced.
You can view the video of this meeting HERE
Vigilance
by Cindy Ricksgers
Terry Saxton has been watching a spot not far from his home on the south end of Beaver Island. This September, when our team of specialists were here to administer herbicidal treatment, he took them to the site. Sure enough, it was a sizable stand of invasive Phragmites, that had made itself quite at home. Because the site was inland – and on private property – it had not been included in the survey last Spring of all public and beachfront land.
Jeff Powers was out near Donegal Bay about a month ago, gathering wild grapes. He noticed a suspicious-looking plant growing alongside cattails there. He snapped a few pictures, and sent them to Pam Grassmick. Pam forwarded them to me, and I went to investigate. Off the road, over the grapevines, through dense brush, down a long slope, and up to my knees in cold, swampy water, I found the plants he had noticed. Phragmites, sure enough. Definitely the invasive strain. Inland, and less than a mile from Donegal Bay!
I looked for signs that the Phragmites had been treated. Sometimes you can spot remnants of the blue-green dye that is added to the herbicide. No trace. Sometimes you can see spotting or streaking of the stalk that indicates the plant has been treated. Nothing that my inexperienced eye was obvious. I cut three large stalks, to get another opinion. Sure enough, this is another area that will be on our list for treatment next year.
Last year, the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa funded a huge survey of Beaver Island that covered public lands. It was a tremendous donation, and a huge help in our fight against this invasive wild grass.
To continue the effort, your vigilance can be very helpful, as these two examples show. There are many areas, wild, unoccupied and off the beaten path, that were not included because they are private holdings. Please be on the lookout, and inform us if you find suspicious growth. In this way, we can stop Phragmites here before it takes over.
You can view this on the Internet HERE
Township Airport Terminal Progress
It's a really nasty, rainy, and windy day this November 6. 2013. Their wasn't going to be anyone working on the airport terminal at the Beaver Island Airport, owned by the two townships. A trip out to the airport was important to figure out what had been accomplished in the last week and how the project was coming along. Here are a few pictures to show that the trussess are starting to go up. Here are the views on November 6, 2013, from:
The west wall...................the north wall
The east wall.....................the south wall
Video Walk Around of the Terminal
The Meetings That Weren't
On November 5, 2013, a Special Waste Management Committee meeting was called for 3:00 pm. There was not a quorum. there needed to be four members out of the seven, and only three members were present. Another meeting was set up for November 6, 2013, but, apparently there was a typo on the meeting post that said "Wednesday, November 5, 2013" and there wasn't sufficient time to fix the typos on all the posted notices, and still meet the eighteen hour notice required by the Open Meetings Act. So this was the second meeting that was schedule in the last two days that could complete business. The first was no quorum, and the second was insufficient notice.
Video of Second Non-Meeting
If anyone is interested in reviewing the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act presentations done in May 2012, they were video taped and may be viewed HERE.
Spreading the Sunshine
by Cindy Ricksgers
Mary, who writes a “Reflections from the Heart” blog at http://perezmemoir.wordpress.com has nominated me for the Sunshine award. According to Mary, this award recognizes bloggers whose writings “light up the dark corners of our minds”.
As someone who too often writes to work through anger, sadness or melancholia, it is wonderful to be appreciated as someone who lights up anything!
The rules are simple. Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post, answer a few non-invasive questions (my favorite color is red, my own two spoiled dogs are my favorite animals and my passions – in alphabetical order – are Art, Family, Gardening, Reading, Walking and Writing), and pass the award on to 10-12 other bloggers, let them know and link to their blogs.
Now, at this point, I am going to regretfully decline this lovely award. I read and enjoy many other blogs, Mary’s included. If I could figure out how to do it, I’d have a “blog roll” on my own site, making it easy for others to look at my favorites.
I can’t.
I don’t know how to create the list, how to link to other sites, how to put the little Sunshine Award logo on my page…and, frankly, I don’t have the stamina to try to figure any of it out.
For me, it’s enough that someone thinks I deserve it.
Thank you, Mary!
Follow Cindy on her blog HERE
And just for the record, BI News on the 'Net thinks that Cindy Ricksgers deserves this award, and BINN thinks Cindy should accept the award for her wonderful writing.
November Millage Election for St. James
This election took place on November 5, 2013
Eighty (80) voters participated in today's election and the results are shown below each proposal.
(Posted at 8:15 p.m., November 5, 2013)
PROPOSAL TO RENEW FIRE PROTECTION MILLAGE
This proposal renews the 1 mill fire protection millage previously approved by the electors that expired in December, 2012.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Township of St. James, County of Charlevoix, State of Michigan be increased by up to one dollar ($1.00) per thousand dollars ($1,000) (1mil) of the taxable value on all taxable property in the township for five (5) years, 2013 through 2017 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for fire protection, and shall the Township levy such millage for this purpose? If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 1 mill would raise an estimated $46,802 for the township when first levied in 2013.
Yes 73
No 7
PROPOSAL TO RENEW ROAD MILLAGE
This proposal renews the 2 mills road construction and maintenance millage previously approved by the electors that expired in December, 2012.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Township of St. James, County of Charlevoix, State of Michigan be increased by up to two dollars ($2.00) per thousand dollars ($1,000) (2 mills) of the taxable value on all taxable property in the township for five (5) years, 2013 through 2017 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for road construction and maintenance, and shall the Township levy such millage for these purposes? If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 2 mills would raise an estimated $93.604 for the township when first levied in 2013.
Yes 64
No 16
PROPOSAL TO RENEW MEDICAL CENTER MILLAGE
This proposal renews the 2 mills medical center millage previously approved by the electors that expired in December, 2012.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Township of St. James, County of Charlevoix, State of Michigan be increased by up to two dollars ($2.00) per thousand dollars ($1,000) (2) mills of the taxable value on all taxable property in the township for five (5) years, 2013 through 2017 inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for the operation of the islands medical center, and shall the Township Levy such millage for this purpose? If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 2 mills would raise an estimated $93,604 for the township when first levied in 2013.
Yes 65
No 15
Who's This?
This former Beaver Island Community School graduate was caught singing in a duo this past weekend. This did not take place on Beaver Island, nor even in Michigan. Although this wonderful singer has left the Island, her beautiful voice and her talent in teaching children is well known.
The first person that send the editor an email with the correct name of this singer will receive the ability to give a gift subscription to someone who does not already subscribe to Beaver Island News on the 'Net. This is being done in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Send your email to medic5740@gmail.com
This is Kerry (Carrie) Podgorski who is participating in a duo concert. She is a wonderful teacher and has a wonderful voice. Her mom Cheryl Podgorski had Carrie in school here at BICS, and she graduated from BICS. The only person to provide the correct answer was Sheri Timsak, also a wonderful vocalist.
Eagles on Vacation
Snowing in the Sunshine
Sunday, November 2, 2013, just a short time before the Michigan versus Michigan State game, the sun was shining, but a quick look outside the front window showed that the snow was coming down in the sunshine. Here are two pictures showing what caught the eye.
Progress of the Terminal Building
The walls are up, but no trusses yet.
What is That?
A trip around Gull Harbor on Gull Harbor Road was made after being off the Island for a couple of days. Out of the corner of an eye, something didn't look right. "What is that?" the photographer asked. "Is it an animal on top of a rock? an animal laying on the rock? a bunch of ducks huddled together on a rock?"
Can you tell by this picture what this is?
It was puzzling because a biologist has just passed the car that was stopped, and it did not catch his eye. It was necessary to get the mystery solved. A quick walk toward the object of interest was necessary.
Zooming in with a big lens finally answered the question.
Who would have thought that these were not real ducks? Who would have thought that the rock was really like a kayak with a duck hunter in camouflage inside? Mystery solved!
Trunk or Treat Successful
While the rain poured down outside on Halloween night, the children out trick or treating did definitely get wet, but they only got slightly wet when they went to the Gregg Fellowship Hall for the Trunk or Treat event planned by the Beaver Island Christian Church. While BINN editor Joe Moore was off the island for medical appointments, Ron Marsh set up the video camera to get some record of the Trunk or Treat event. Thank you, Ron Marsh!
Airport Commission Meeting Announced
The Beaver Island Airport Commission will have a special meeting with the Michigan Department of Aeronautics and Mead and Hunt. It is scheduled to take place at the Peaine Township Hall on November 22, 2013, at 1 pm.
Beaver Island Airport Commission Meeting
The Beaver Island Airport Commission met this morning, November 2, 2013, at the St. James Township Hall beginning at 9 a.m. Some of the items on the agenda included the scheduling of meetings for 2014, adjustments to the 2013 budget, terminal building update, and the Airport Manager's Report.
Video of this meeting can be viewed HERE.
Sheriff's Department Reports Facebook Scam
Sheriff Schneider would like to advise citizens to beware of a new type of scam reported recently involving Facebook. Subjects are hacking into unsuspecting Facebook members accounts and recording their friends list and their personal information. The suspect then creates a new Facebook account using the victim’s name and personal information. Suspect then “refriend” all the original friends on the new account and then attempt to scam the victim. The victim thinks they are communicating with a friend but it is actually a stranger trying to scam them. In the recent reported case, the “friend” was trying to get the victim to click on a link call the “United Nations Helping Foundation Program.” The “friend” told the victim the foundation gives up to $100,000 to people who are deaf, retired, elderly or disabled. The victim figured out this person was not her friend by asking questions only her true friend could answer. The scammer then disconnected once it was obvious the victim had figured out this was a scam. The victim wanted law enforcement to advise citizens about this scam and said it is easy to combat if the user asks questions to establish the true identity of the “friend.” We hope this helps.
BIRHC Annual Meeting Scheduled
December 14, 2013 at 10 a.m.
BIRHC Education and Community Room
2014 Garden Tour, Save the Date
Planning for next summer's events can sometimes be tricky if you don't have any dates so we are announcing the date of our annual Garden Tour Benefit now. It will be on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. Dana D"Andraia and Jan Paul are putting together a wonderful funfilled day for you and your guests. Our vans and lunch seating gets filled up quickly so please mark you calendars and be ready to buy tickets in advance of that date. We will have more information for you next spring so keep reading the " news" and watch for flyers in June. Have a wonderful winter and we'll see you next summer! Leonor, Connie and the Wellness Gardeners.
Transit Hours
Charlevoix County Transit will be switching to Fall/Winter Hours on Beaver Island beginning Monday, October 14, 2013. Service will be available weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. As the transit provides services on a first come/first serve basis, it is suggested you call a day in advance for transportation for your scheduled appointments. The Spring/Summer service schedule will be announced in April, 2014. To contact the transit office, call 231-448-2026.
BIRHC SEEKS BOARD APPLICATIONS
The Beaver Island Rural Health Center is seeking applicants interested in serving on its board of directors. The board position will be filled at its annual meeting on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
Board terms are for three years and directors are not compensated. The BIRHC board meets on a Saturday morning every third month. Directors are expected to attend most of the meetings, either in person or by speakerphone.
Candidates should be team players who will champion the cause of the Health Center and be willing to contribute their time and talents to board activities, including fundraising. Full or part-time residents are encouraged to apply by letter to the BIRHC Selection Committee, P.O. Box 146, Beaver Island, MI 49782.
For more information, applicants may contact Managing Director Donna Kubic. Candidates should send or drop off a letter which states their interest and tells a little about themselves by the deadline of November 15, 2013.
BICS Basketball Schedule
St. James Township Fishing Pier and Boat Launch Drawings
These were the first drawings presented as options by the engineer for the water side of this project.
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This is the parking area suggested for the boat launch portion of this project
This was another option based upon the some suggestions made at the special meeting.
Beaver Island Township Airport Project
Site Plan
Subscriptions Have Expired in October and November
Several family and business subscriptions expired in June and others expire in July. . This is a reminder to those that wish to renew online. If you do renew online using a credit or debit card, and the Paypal SUBSCRIBE button, BINN will automatically make a donation of $10 in your name to the Beaver Island Food Pantry. If you are not sure when your subscription expires, please email the editor at medic5740@gmail.com, and your subscription expiration will be included in a return email.
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Donate to the Live Streaming Project
The Live Streaming Project includes BICS Sports Events, Peaine Township Meetings, Joint Township Meetings, and much more.
Your donation may allow these events to be live streamed on the Internet at http://beaverisland.tv