Three Pines Gander

Dad's the Outboard Motor

2012-02-10T23:41:00.003-05:00

Heads have turned to follow unidentified skating objects on Bear Lake over the past few days. "Someone's windsurfing out there," said a gas station employee.

Friday afternoon, Bear Lake resident Jim Reed confirmed that the vehicle, a 16-foot ice boat, belongs to him. He and two of his children, ages 13 and 11, traveled across the lake's surface. "This one will do north of 60 [miles per hour]," he said, adding that the sail allows as much control as on a sailboat. Reed said a group of ice boaters from Muskegon are expected to visit Bear Lake on Saturday.

About half a dozen ice shanties are currently set up on Bear Lake. Ice fisherman credit the popularity of the lake to the relatively shallow depth, which permits a faster, thicker freeze.

Click below to play video

The Reeds sail on their ice boat

Bird's Eye View: Syria

2012-02-10T01:45:00.001-05:00

If the recent news about Syria just looks like a mess of noise and blurred video, here are a few things to look at:

View Larger Map

Brief overview (Dec. 29, 2011): http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/comment/2011/12/the-arab-winter.html

A perspective from inside the anti-government insurgency (December 29, 2011):
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/12/a-tour-inside-syrias-insurgency/250654/1/

Like father, like son? A look back at the current Syrian President's father (February 4, 2012): http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/wendell-steavenson/2012/02/hama-rules-again.html

Map of Syria: http://g.co/maps/wssak

Snowbird Departure

2012-02-02T16:30:00.003-05:00

Our North Shore columnist heads out

Norconk Trees

2012-01-31T11:27:00.000-05:00

Looking east down Norconk Road (January 28, 2012)

Mr. Bear Lake - Remembering Elroy Urbanus

2012-01-30T15:10:00.004-05:00

Hundreds attended the January 9 funeral service at Bear Lake School

Pastor Bobby Cabot addresses the attendees

When Bear Lake said goodbye to Elroy Urbanus three weeks ago, the community reluctantly returned a part of its bedrock to the earth. Urbanus, Bear Lake School’s longtime custodian and bus driver, passed away on January 5 after a long struggle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or ALS. His constant, friendly face greeted generations of students when they boarded the school bus or walked down the halls. Over 45 years, entire families came to know him on a first-name basis. While teachers and administrators were addressed formally, most everyone knew Urbanus as “Elroy.”

Photos and pictures
documenting Urbanus' career

“In Hollywood we have A-Rod and Madonna,” said Tanya Allen, a family friend and neighbor. “In Bear Lake, we had Elroy. He didn’t need a last name. He always had a hello and a smile. He had an openness. You could talk to Elroy about everything. He was like the town grandfather.”

Bob Brown worked with Urbanus in the school’s custodial department for 19 years. At the funeral service, Brown briefly addressed the 300-plus people in attendance. “I’ve had other jobs but I liked this one more.,” he said. “[ALS] is a devastating thing. It takes a real hero to get through it. Elroy was my hero.”

Local barber Hugh Yorton said that Urbanus’ connection with the school was obvious. “He had a ring of keys about that big around,” said Yorton, holding his hand five inches apart. “I don’t know that there wasn’t a single one that he didn’t know what it opened. He was Mr. Bear Lake.”

Urbanus was a fixture at the annual
Bear Lake Days parade

Mementos from October 2011's Community Day and Walk

Stories about Urbanus have been traded more frequently since October, when the community gathered to celebrate his life and start a scholarship in his name. Some of them recount the family dog leaping aboard the bus, others touched on minor mishaps. At the funeral service, Tyler Groenwald told of the time Urbanus sideswiped his mailbox with the bus. “It’s still screwed up, but boy, do I love that mailbox.”

“He was all about the community and the school,” recalled Janette May, a cousin to Elroy’s wife, Carol Urbanus. “If someone needed something, he gave what he could and never expected anything back. I think the look in the eyes of someone was enough.”

“As I look around the gym and recall the hours that Elroy put in, I’m reminded that love begets love,” said
Mike Matesich, superintendent at Bear Lake and Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools. Pastor Bobby Cabot noted that Urbanus’ young grandson Cooper occasionally escaped his parents to wander through the crowd. “It looks like he has as much enthusiasm to meet people as Elroy did,” said Cabot.

Two Bear Lake School alumni underscored that sentiment. Rick Thomas, ‘80 and Dawn Anderson, ’85 lingered in the bleachers after the service. “He would acknowledge you and he would listen,” said Anderson. “He knew everybody’s names,” said Thomas.

Pallbearers for the service were Mike Urbanus, Steve Allen, Jeff Harthun, Jeff Bair, Pat Manke and Hugh Higley. Urbanus was buried at Bear Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Elroy Urbanus Scholarship Fund, in care of the Manistee County Community Foundation, at 332 First St., Suite 104 in Manistee. A video about the lasting impact of Urbanus is planned for an online release in March.

Urbanus with a batch of homemade bread

A preview of the video, filmed by Bear Lake School alumnus Weston Brooks,
is available by clicking below. --Eds.

Winter Scenes

2012-01-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

Views from the northern side of Bear Lake, two looking south

(January 14, 2012) and one looking north (January 17, 2012)

Returning in 2012

2011-12-31T22:53:00.000-05:00

The Three Pines Gander returns in 2012.

Local Control Over Natural Resources - Web Update

2011-06-20T01:14:00.010-04:00

Local zoning could be thrown back to the early 1980s if fast-moving state legislation is approved. Township and city control over anything defined as "natural resources" could be stripped away in Michigan, under House Bill 4746 and Senate Bill 470. The state House of Representatives is expected to vote on its version of the bill this week, perhaps as early as Tuesday.

The bill would amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act to say that "an ordinance shall not prevent the extraction of valuable natural resources from any property unless very serious consequences would result from the extraction of those natural resources."

It's not clear what the sponsors, Rep. Matt Huuki (R-Atlantic Mine) and Sen. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) intend with the bill, since the term "natural resources" is not defined. The bill states that its purpose is to put into law the 1982 Michigan Supreme Court decision in Silva vs. Ada Twp., which held that zoning ordinances that restrict natural resource mining are unreasonable, unless "very serious consequences" could be demonstrated.

The 1982 decision was overturned by the Michigan Supreme Court just under a year ago. Last July, in Kyser vs. Kasson Twp., the Court affirmed the right of a township to regulate some aspects of gravel mining, and in essence, other natural resource mining. It's unclear whether the House and Senate bills, if they became law, would survive any court tests, when judged against the spirit of the July 2010 decision.

The letter of the law appears to be a different matter, as the bills seemingly satisfy the constitutional and jurisdictional issues cited in the Kyser decision. Since the proposed law comes from the state legislature, rather than the state judiciary, it would avoid the separation-of-powers concern cited in Kyser. And since the legislation would insert language into the Zoning Enabling Act, deemed by the Michigan Supreme Court in July to be the chief law of the land concerning land use, it would be placed into the proper section of state code.

On Friday, the Michigan Township Association (MTA) issued a statement of opposition to the bills.

Huuki and Casperson were not immediately available for comment, but have previously expressed an interest in accessing natural gas deposits under Lake Michigan and on state land north of Gaylord, according to Keweenaw Now. At an April 23 gathering in Houghton, the two officials said that a variety of restrictions were in the way of access, and blamed the EPA for blocking access to nickel and copper mines north of Marquette.

HB 4746 and SB 470 were introduced in the House and Senate on Tuesday, June 14 and Wednesday, June 15, respectively. The House version was approved by the Natural Resources, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee and sent to the floor of the House.

Ed. note (6/21/11, 7:22pm EDT): Jennifer Smeltzer, Legislative Director for Rep. Ray Franz (R-Onekama), told the Three Pines Gander late on Tuesday that the House would consider HB 4746 on Wednesday. According to the House schedule, session begins at 1:30pm and, through next week, could last longer than the typical 3-hour period. House members are planning to spend extra time on legislation before visiting their districts during July. Franz also issued the following statement:

"I thank everyone for the hundreds of e-mails and calls on HB 4746 I've been getting that reflect the same concerns I have with the bill. It's expected we will be taking up the legislation on Wednesday and so I'm working to closely define the scope of the bill in order for it to allow zoning regulations that encourage certain development and job creation. By clarifying the natural resources addressed in this legislation, we are able to encourage growth, maintain reasonable zoning and planning, protect private property rights, and address any possible unintended consequences."

Correction: June 21, 2011

An earlier version of this article has been revised to reflect the constitutional and jurisdictional issues cited in the Kyser vs. Kasson Twp. decision.

Next issue of Three Pines Gander

2011-06-19T11:44:00.002-04:00

The Three Pines Gander plans to publish its next issue this Friday, June 24. We thank our subscribers and readers for their support and interest.

Thunderstorms, Strong Winds, Hail Predicted

2011-05-31T16:46:00.008-04:00

The Gaylord office of the National Weather Service is predicting thunderstorms, strong winds, with gusts over to 70 miles per hour, plus hail over an inch in diameter. There's also the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

The storms are predicted to impact northwest Michigan from 5-7pm today, including Manistee, Bear Lake and Arcadia. Areas east of I-75 are predicted to see severe weather through 10pm. A wind advisory is in effect and will last through tomorrow.

Severe Weather Briefing from the National Weather Service (automatically updates about once an hour):

Radar, watches/warnings and specific information from the National Weather Service here (or visit http://www.crh.noaa.gov/apx/).

Memorial Day Services 2011

2011-05-28T14:30:00.008-04:00

Monday, May 30, 2011

Services at Pleasanton Township Cemetery. Presentations made by Command Master Sergeant Fred Alkire (National Guard) and American Legion Read Osborne Post 531.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

About 144 flags have been placed on veterans' graves in preparation for Monday. Memorial Day services will be held at Pleasanton Township Cemetery this Monday, May 30 at 11am. A wreath-laying and commemorative gun firing will honor Pleasanton Township veterans.

Fred Alkire, who has placed the flag markers for about 40 years, took over the duties when he became township supervisor. Previously, the flags had been placed by James LaMont, a local veteran whose grave is among those highlighted. "I had a little help this year from the Boy Scouts," said Alkire. The services are open to all and the public is invited to attend.

LWV Wind Energy Program

2011-02-07T14:43:00.003-05:00

The League of Women Voters - Manistee County lists "Wind Energy" as its topic for the general program on Thursday, February 10 at 7pm. "The pros and cons of wind energy for our community. What is Duke Energy planning?" is the description given by the LWV newsletter. The program is open to both members and guests and will be held at West Shore Medical Center, Education Center, Room A, directly off US-31. The Education Center is at the front, northern side of the hospital complex.

Pleasanton Township Board (December) - Web Update

2010-12-31T11:25:00.001-05:00

Even though Duke Energy says construction is at least two years away, commercial wind turbine projects have been officially slowed by the Pleasanton Township Board. At its December 13 meeting, the board passed a one-year moratorium on construction and land-use permits relating to wind energy systems. The vote was 4-0, with Trustee Bob Babcock abstaining.

The board acted on the advice of Zoning Administrator Rochelle Rollenhagen, who was unable to attend the meeting, but had sent an email earlier that night. "[T]he Planning Commission needs some time to research this so [it] can write the ordinance correctly the first time--not that there may not be amendments to it in the future," wrote Rollenhagen. She cited potential impacts on health, safety and welfare of township residents, and the increased height of modern wind turbines. Benzie County's Blaine Township, and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, which owns the Arcadia Dunes preserve, have also halted construction until more study is done.

Trustee Dave Ertel said that in the meantime, work on the commercial wind ordinance, which began in the fall, will continue. "If we get this done, we can come back and rescind this [moratorium]," he said. Ertel, who made the motion, also stated that the moratorium could serve as a deterrent for Duke. "If we do this, we're also giving the energy company a chance to look elsewhere," he said. Supervisor Tony Merrill, who seconded the motion, said that the moratorium could provide time to talk with Bear Lake and Arcadia Townships about sharing costs for noise consultants.

The moratorium also gives Pleasanton Township a chance to get its own house in order. Pleasanton's Planning Commission, which is charged with actually writing the wind ordinance, is in some disarray. Bob Babcock brought up the issue during the Board meeting, after the previous week's scheduled Planning Commission meeting was cancelled, for lack of a quorum. "What should we do?" asked Babcock. "There's no vice chair, no secretary, no chair--he's gone for the winter. I don't know where the minutes are at. We need to get this under control." Babcock recently took over as the Board's representative to the Planning Commission, replacing Dave Ertel. Merrill said he would find out if Kris Kranz, who has attended meetings infrequently, was still interested in serving.

Ertel replied that the minutes he had from past meetings were put onto a computer disc and given to commission Chair Bob Stafford. The Board agreed to contact Stafford in order to obtain the minutes, and Ertel said he'd see if he had copies of them. Treasurer Judy Girven offered to put them online, with the help of Clerk Amy Cross.

Another issue affecting the Planning Commission is its terms of office. This month, newly-appointed member Bob Peterson finishes out Jeanne Crampton's term. She resigned in November, with one month remaining in her term. The Gander asked the Board if it planned to keep Bob Peterson on the commission by extending his appointment to a full term. The Board responded by appointing him, but there was some confusion about how long his term should be. Available records appeared to show three-year terms of office, lasting from December 20, 2007 to December 20, 2010.

But it was unclear if this information was correct. Some members of the Board recalled that the terms of office were staggered. "It shows here that all of them expire [this month], but that can't be right," said Merrill. "We'll have to find out when they were all appointed," said Ertel, and the Board agreed to research the issue. In the meantime, the Board appointed Peterson for a one-year term, lasting until Dec. 20, 2011.

There was no action to fill Bryan Kidd's seat on the Planning Commission. His term expires this month. The Gander asked Supervisor Merrill how the vacancy would be advertised, but Merrill said it would not be. "I'm not going to, unless the Board wants to," he said. Ertel and Girven said that advertising such a position wasn't mandatory, and that appointees were at the discretion of the Supervisor.

In other business, the Board passed its yearly poverty guidelines, which allow low-income residents to apply for a reduction in taxes. Applications are considered by the township's Board of Review every March, July and December. More information can be obtained from Assessor Carol Merrill, by calling 864-2487.

The Board also paid the bills, and discussed whether Planning and Parks commissioners should receive mileage for travelling to meetings that are ultimately cancelled. The Board agreed to spend up to $100 to investigate why the township hall's back light stays on, and whether the motion detector needs to be replaced. The Board accepted a 3-year bid for snowplowing service from Pleasanton resident Steve Allen. The bid, which was the only one received, offered a price of $50 for regular plowing at the garbage transfer station and $25 per-instance plowing at the township hall. Governmental training expenses were approved for three members of the Board of Review. Expenses include $75 per person fees and course materials. Merrill said there was a sizeable amount of money in the township fire fund, and proposed spending up to $20,000 for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for the Bear Lake Fire Department. The Board agreed to invite the Department to outline its needs.

The Board also discussed whether the township could recoup money paid to the Bear Lake Township Fire Department. The department responded to a fire in the summer, set by a man trying to rid his trees of tent worms. The man was fined by Manistee County, but it appears that no part of the paid fine was distributed to Pleasanton Township, which pays for fire department responses on a per-call basis. Babcock inquired if anything could be done, but the Board did not pursue the matter.

In commission reports, Dave Ertel reported that the Parks Commission has made progress on the shuffleboard court and has purchased recreational supplies. He also said that a grant request had been submitted, seeking funds to repair the seawall near the township park.

The Pleasanton Township Board is scheduled to meet again on Monday, January 10 at 7pm.

Pleasanton Township Planning Commission (December) - Web Update

2010-12-31T06:29:00.000-05:00

Absent members prevented the Pleasanton Township Planning Commission from meeting at its scheduled time on Monday, December 6. The meeting was cancelled at 7:15pm, after the Commission failed to reach quorum. Only two of the five members--Bob Babcock and Bryan Kidd--were present. Chair Bob Stafford, believed to be in Florida for the winter, Kris Kranz and newly-appointed member Bob Peterson were absent.

Peterson did arrive a few minutes after the cancellation, and told the Gander that he had not known there was a meeting. Supervisor Tony Merrill, who had invited Peterson to take the post, and was on hand for the meeting, admitted that he had forgotten to tell Peterson the date of his first meeting. Zoning Administrator Rochelle Rollenhagen said she shared in the blame, saying she talked with Peterson before the meeting, but forgot to mention the upcoming meeting date.

Peterson was appointed in November to complete the final month of Jeanne Crampton's term. Crampton resigned, citing her snowbird status and resulting absence from meetings. Peterson is eligible for appointment for a full term, but his own plans could limit his future participation in Pleasanton Township government. Peterson, asked about the "for sale" sign in front of his Lakeside Avenue house, said that he's concerned about the economy and wants to recoup money from the property. Peterson says that he intends to live in either Bear Lake Township or the Village of Bear Lake. State law generally requires that members of any township board live and vote in the township.

A second seat on the Planning Commission is now in question, as Bryan Kidd's term expired in December. Reached by phone, Kidd said he won't reapply. "It's a time commitment issue," he said, and stated that he has other obligations in the evenings. Kidd had advice for his successor. "I just hope that as planning continues, the person would be relatively objective and willing to put in a lot of preparation time," he said. "There are a lot of big issues facing the township."

The Planning Commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for January 3 at 7pm.

Industrial Wind Farms Panel Discussion

2010-12-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

Tonight, Tuesday, December 21, there will be a panel discussion about the opportunities and concerns surrounding wind energy systems. From 6:30 to 8:30pm, consultants, Duke Energy representatives and others are scheduled to participate. The forum will be held at Benzie Central High School Auditorium (9300 Homestead Rd., Benzonia) and is hosted by the Benzie Conservation District.

Duke Energy is planning an industrial wind farm, covering an estimated 12,000 acres in Benzie and Manistee counties.

Pleasanton Township Board (November) - Web Update

2010-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

After saying goodbye to a longtime participant in local government, the Pleasanton Township Board considered new applicants and reassigned current members of its boards.

At the Board's Nov. 8 meeting, Jeanne Crampton resigned from the Township's Planning Commission, effective on November 5 (the day following the November Planning Commission meeting) after over 20 years of service. At the Township Board meeting, Crampton cited her absence during the winter months as a primary reason, stating that the growing workload of the Planning Commission requires more availability from members than participation at only six of twelve meetings a year. Crampton's term doesn't end until Dec. 31, 2010, but her letter notes her reason for an earlier departure. "This will allow the Township Board to begin looking for a replacement immediately--in order to be sure of a quorum at future Planning Commission meetings." Trustee Dave Ertel thanked Crampton for her service, and other Board members echoed his comments.

Supervisor Tony Merrill moved quickly to appoint a replacement for the remaining month of Crampton's term. The Township Board will need to return to the issue in December, in order to decide who should fill the seat for the new term beginning in January.

So far there have been two candidates for this Planning Commission seat, and a second, soon-to-be open seat, according to Supervisor Merrill: Bob Peterson and Gayle Crampton. Peterson lives on the east side of the lake and has been involved with local service and booster organizations. Crampton is Jeanne's youngest daughter, lives on the north side of the lake, and has a background in planning at the state and county levels. Gayle Crampton is also co-editor of the Three Pines Gander.

Merrill moved to appoint Bob Peterson to replace Jeanne Crampton. The board voted 4-1 in favor of the motion, with Babcock opposed. Babcock said that the Planning Commission needs to include those who owned large parcels of land. "I don't think that people on the lake or with five acres can represent those with 100 acres or more," he said. Gayle Crampton, who was at the meeting, noted that her family owned 40 acres on Alkire Road. Ertel argued that representation across the township, on a geographical basis, was more important. A member of the public asked how vacancies are advertised, and inquired whether the township's website could be used for that purpose. The board did not respond to the first question, but Merrill expressed interest in using the website for advertising vacancies in the future.

Reached after the meeting by telephone, Peterson said several factors led to his interest. "Tony Merrill brought this up to me last week," said Peterson. "He said they needed help in the planning community. I've seen Bear Lake change this way and that, and I have some opinions on how the Master Plan should be." Peterson, who says he moved to Bear Lake when he was five years old, has held leadership positions with the Bear Lake Promoters and the Bear Lake Lions.

In addition to this seat on the Planning Commission, another is expected to open when Brian Kidd's term expires in December. Kidd is not expected to reapply for the seat.

Dave Ertel was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board. This completed the switch of Ertel, originally on the Planning Commission, and Bob Babcock, originally on the Parks Board. The change comes at the request of Ertel, who indicated a personal preference for the move.

Monthly bills, including $140 to computer consultant Kris Kranz, were paid. The board said that updates to its website are coming soon. An overview of cemetery procedures was given, and there was discussion on whether updating cemetery records was possible. The board also approved a possible expenditure of $519 for a bundle of accounting software, in case an option to share software used by Manistee County doesn't work out. County Commissioner Ken Hilliard believed that the County was willing to transfer all of the Township's data to the new system if the Township decides to participate in the sharing program. Amy Cross, Pleasanton Township Clerk, agreed to look into this.

The board also plans to replace the outdoor carpet on the hall steps for safety reasons, and all expressed support for County Commissioner Hilliard to serve on the Revenue Sharing Board.

The Township Board is expected to meet again on Monday, December 13 at 7pm.

Pleasanton Township Planning Commission (November) - Web Update

2010-11-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

Noise levels, property setbacks, tower height, and turbine blade speeds were discussed at the Thursday, November 4 meeting of the Pleasanton Township Planning Commission, but it was clear that much more discussion will take place before any final decisions are made.

The Planning Commission is in the early stages of establishing a zoning ordinance that would cover commercial wind turbine projects. During several meetings last month, the Commission began adapting an ordinance written and adopted by Lake Township in Huron County. Using that ordinance as a template, the Commission has been working its way through its dozens of pages, making changes to reflect the needs and preferences of Pleasanton Township.

The bulk of Thursday's meeting continued that work, with Zoning Administrator Rochelle Rollenhagen leading the Planning Commission through comments and questions on the document. On several issues, such as restrictions on noise generated by turbines, Rollenhagen pointed out the need for the Commission to gather more information. "We need to talk to the experts in these fields. None of us really know much about, for instance, how sound is measured. What's an appropriate decibel level? This [Lake Township] ordinance contains a lot of technical terminology. We might be able to write [ours] in a more readable fashion," she said, "but we'll have to understand it first."

Other issues that came up included deciding how to provide notice to property owners near a turbine project--and what standard to use for "near. "WES" (for "Wind Energy System") was selected as the standard term to use throughout the document to refer to wind turbine apparatus. Other issues included safety lighting and appropriate protective limits around the turbines. New Planning Commission member Bob Babcock said that a proposed setback of one and half miles from the shoreline of Bear Lake, Glovers Lake and Mud Lake would dramatically reduce the number of allowed turbines. "That reduces the number of towers to about 3," he said, and suggested a less restrictive setback.

There was also brief discussion about whether a wind turbine could affect property values, and how to protect owners if turbines caused a decrease in value. Language in the draft ordinance mentions multiple appraisals. Commission member Jeanne Crampton said that establishing cause and effect would be very difficult. "It could be the economy, it could be the neighbors, it could be the wind [turbine]."

Public comment lasted for about half an hour, and included reservations about tower height, and impact on bald eagles. There was also concern that the ordinance could be so restrictive, that it would effectively outlaw the turbines. In a response to a question about transmission lines, which would direct power to the electrical grid, Stafford said that underground lines would be used.

Rollenhagen stressed that the document is far from complete. "This is a draft, and a work in progress." She said that an updated draft would be posted on the township's website, made available at the township hall, and at the Keddie-Norconk Library in Bear Lake.

Thursday's meeting was rescheduled from Monday, Nov. 1, because of township election preparations for Tuesday. After speaking with a commission member, The Three Pines Gander reported that the meeting would begin at 6pm, instead of the normal start time of 7pm. The Gander has since confirmed that 6pm was selected as the start time when the commission last met in October. However, the official reschedule notice posted at the township hall indicated 7pm. The discrepancy has not been explained; most Commission members and few members of the public were aware of the change. Neither minutes or agenda from October's meeting nor any agenda for the November 4th meeting were available.

This was the last Planning Commission meeting for Jeanne Crampton, who announced her resignation effective on November 5, 2010 (the day after this meeting). Crampton, who celebrated her 80th birthday in May of this year, has served on the Planning Commission for over twenty years, in addition to her lifelong involvement in planning and environmental concerns in Michigan, Minnesota, and during the ten years her family lived in Florida. "I served on the Planning Commission there, too, for the city of Clearwater. Participating in local government in Florida after doing so in Minnesota was a real shock to my system," she laughs. "Not much 'government in the sunshine' down there in the Sunshine State, especially not in the early seventies." She cited her absence from the township for five months out of the year as her reason for leaving, but offered to help the Commission with research.

The Pleasanton Planning Commission is expected to have its next meeting on Monday, December 6 at 7pm.

Sparkle in the Park 2010 - Web Update

2010-11-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

The Bear Lake Promoters kicks off Sparkle in the Park tonight at 6pm. Chili, cookies, coffee and hot chocolate will be provided. Santa Claus is expected to arrive at 6:30pm. Admission is free at the Hopkins Park event, but donations are accepted.

Over 40 lighted displays will be turned on tonight, and will continue nightly from 5-11pm, until January 1. Organizers say that parking within Hopkins Park is limited and suggest parking on the street.

This is Sparkle in the Park's 6th consecutive year and continues a year-end holiday tradition in the absence of "Christmas in Bear Lake." The latter event, usually held indoors at Bear Lake School, has been canceled for a second time, according to the minutes of the Promoters. The Promoters had expected that a new person would assume organizing duties for this year, but reported in October that it was a "no-go" for 2010.

Nov. 5, 2010 - Web Update

2010-11-08T10:28:00.001-05:00

North Shore

by Jeanne Crampton

What a glorious fall! The weather has tempted me to delay my departure for the Baja, and now it's snowing. Gracie, my ex-feral house cat, went from window to window this morning, very enthused about the flakes filling the sky. Cookie, my old tabby, took one look and retired to the stool in front of the wood stove.

After twenty years or so, my participation on the Pleasanton Township Planning Commission has ended. I shall miss it, but felt it was unfair to the Commission to disappear for 5 or 6 months out of the year. The present project is an ordinance to cover the development of a wind energy system. The northern part of the township is deemed suitable for such development, and leasing has already begun. Citizen input and opinion is desired, so plan to attend the meetings (generally, the first Monday of the month at 7pm) and become involved.

Warning--did you know that as we age, we lose 8 percent of our muscle tone every ten years, unless we keep at our exercising to maintain it? I learned that the hard way this summer, and am now working to get things back in order with a daily routine of specific movement. The addition of Nordic walking sticks (or in my case, used ski poles from the Salvation Army) to my daily excursions down the road have made quite a difference.

Enjoyable holidays to all--through the winter I'll be writing from Baja, Mexico. where I hope life will be as sedate as it usually is. I plan to be back here again in April, in time (I trust) for spring.

Nov. 3, 2010 - Web Update

2010-11-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

PLANNING CONTINUES FOR WIND TURBINES

The Pleasanton Township Planning Commission will be holding its November meeting on Thursday, November 4 at 6pm at Pleasanton Township Hall. The meeting was originally scheduled for Monday, November 1, but preparation for Election Day at the hall required a different date. Thursday's earlier start time was chosen to allow for Friday travel plans of one of the planning commissioners.

The Planning Commission is expected to resume deliberation on a zoning ordinance for commercial wind turbine projects.

Oct. 27, 2010 - Web Update

2010-10-27T16:46:00.000-04:00

WIND BLASTS BEAR LAKE AREA

All hands, and extra hands, have been called in by the Bear Lake Township Fire Department, as it deals with a second day of high winds.

About a half-mile of US-31 has been closed for over five hours, due to a snapped power pole. At 4pm today, the department was still waiting for Consumers Energy to arrive. The pole is located on the southbound side of US-31, near the Bear Lake welcome sign and bear statue. The pole could be seen hanging from its power lines and swaying in the wind. Emergency vehicles are stationed at both ends of US-31 and side streets to prevent anyone from entering the area.

"It's a high voltage line," said Vern "Corky" Best, Bear Lake Township Supervisor, who was helping to direct traffic around the hazard. "I heard the [fire] trucks go out at about 11am, but I could hear that they didn't go very far. They're on a long list." Best expected an even longer wait for Consumers Energy crews, due to widespread wind damage throughout the region. Earlier in the day, Best said that local crews responded to downed power lines at Chief & Marilla Roads, Glovers Lake & Keillor Roads, and within Maple Grove Township. Best said the last time he'd seen similar winds was a two-day stretch in November, about ten years ago.

THREE PINES GANDER SCHEDULE

The Three Pines Gander is returning from a publishing hiatus. For the moment, we'll provide brief updates online, at this website. We expect to return to regular issues (both in print and online) by January. We thank our patient subscribers, and assure them that they'll still receive the full number of issues ordered.

Volume 2, Issue 7

2009-11-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

We're back from our summer hiatus (see "Seasonal Notes," below) - many thanks for your patience, and thanks for reading! --Eds.

LOWER TAXES DUE TO MILFOIL SUCCESS

While the summer may have departed, Don Brisbin is still beaming. Brisbin, Chair of the Lake Improvement Board, is thrilled that a June study of Bear Lake revealed less than a dozen acres of milfoil remaining. When milfoil treatment began last year, about 330 acres had been discovered.

Now, Brisbin expects taxes to decrease for Bear Lake landowners who paid for the treatment. The special assessment decrease could happen this winter. "The board voted and we have all the paperwork in," said Brisbin. "The Manistee County Assessor’s office is supposed to lower it down to $60 [per unit] for this winter’s tax bill."

Brisbin says the success of the milfoil treatment is due to former LIB Chair Jack Sawka. "One-hundred percent of it," said Brisbin. "If he hadn’t been the chairman, we’d not have the success that we got. It’s in our minutes. We owe our success to Mr. Sawka."

In a controversial decision, Pleasanton Township removed Sawka as its representative to the LIB in April, after he’d served as Chair of the LIB since its inception in 2007. Pleasanton Township Supervisor Tony Merrill, who proposed Sawka’s removal, has offered varying statements for the action. One of them, made at the Pleasanton Board’s May 11 meeting, suggested that one factor was a difference over the most recent sewer proposal. The sewer proposal was not a project of the LIB, but Merrill and Sawka saw the issue differently.

Months after the decision, Sawka still expresses puzzlement over Pleasanton’s rationale and method of his removal. "I don’t understand why they’d have a meeting to talk about me, and not invite me to be there," he said. However, Sawka is congratulatory to the members of the LIB and plans to stay involved. "I feel very good about what we accomplished and the teamwork that we showed," he said. "I attend LIB meetings, and if asked to help or give history, I’m happy to do that."

LIB Chair Brisbin said that assessment taxes, at the lower rate, will fund regular spring and fall checkups on the milfoil. "That will let us know how bad or good it will be," he said. Brisbin warns that continuous monitoring is necessary, to avoid a re-infestation of milfoil, which he said happened at Paradise Lake, north of Pellston. "They’re being overrun by it," he said. "They even let their lake board lapse."

Brisbin says the next LIB meeting will be on Thursday, December 17 at 7pm (Bear Lake Township Hall). Paying bills will be the main item of business, and the LIB will take a hiatus until March or April.

Corrections

In our July story about Bear Lake’s new rescue rig, the vehicle was described as one that transports the injured. While such a vehicle can be used for ambulance service, and is, in other locations, Bear Lake only uses the vehicle for temporary shelter of the injured and for transporting supplies. In Manistee County, West Shore Medical Center provides ambulance service.

PLEASANTON ROLLS OUT WEBSITE, SHUFFLEBOARD PLANS

Front page of Pleasanton's website

Contact information and zoning law is now available on Pleasanton Township’s revamped website. During the Pleasanton board’s October 12 meeting, the board discussed consulting with computer technician Kris Kranz, and accessibility of the website using different browsers. The site can be viewed using either Internet Explorer and Foxfire. The website address is http://www.pleasantontownship.org/.

In the spring, Pleasanton will also debut its new shuffleboard court, which has been poured, but awaits warmer weather before a top coat and stenciling is applied. Trustee Bob Babcock said that the game installation is a response to community interest. "It came back as a desire on questionnaires that the Parks Commission sent out," said Babcock. During his Parks Commission report, Babcock said that shuffleboard equipment has been ordered, costing approximately $188. The board plans to keep the equipment secured within the township hall.

While the game was originally intended for renters of the township hall, who could use and return the equipment during their events on the premises, the board confirmed that accommodations could be made for other Pleasanton residents. "If somebody wants to contact the supervisor, we can probably work something out," said Clerk Connie Ledford.To date, about $3,300 has been reported in expenses for the shuffleboard court. In other business, Supervisor Tony Merrill added that Kris Kranz had expressed interest in being on the Planning Commission. Board members said that an official letter of resignation from Dave McNeilly would be necessary before his seat could be filled. McNeilly had notified the board of his intent by telephone.

The board discussed bids for snow removal at the transfer station, and if bids could be restricted to companies within the township. "It would give some warm fuzzy feelings to the constituents if they could see us opening it up. But it doesn’t mean we have to take the lowest bid." Ledford said that bid requests could be posted on the township’s website.

Discussion was held about reimbursement for volunteer work on township property. Supervisor Merrill said that resident Herb Buckner recently did back-blading at the transfer station, in order to keep the terrain level. Merrill said garbage truck wheels can put grooves in the terrain, which could pose a problem when the ground freezes. Treasurer Judy Girven made a motion to send Buckner a check for $10 for future work, to reimburse for gas.

Discussion continued about dump passes, dump dates and how to schedule them around holidays. The board also voted to accept trash from improved parcels only, rather than from any landowner. "If somebody asks, we can explain that we’re losing revenue sharing," said Merrill. "We could issue a one-time pass." The board expressed concern that trash generated at homes in other townships could be transported to Pleasanton for disposal.

Sandy Ertel reported to the board that the Keddie-Norconk Library will have a new parking lot, along with a gazebo equipped with a handicapped ramp.

The board briefly discussed inviting a Great Lakes Water representative, in order to learn more about the data collected from water quality testing. Ledford reported that a representative couldn’t attend that evening’s meeting. The board discussed the possibility of scheduling a representative visit for spring, when more residents are in town. Bills were paid for the month.

SEPTEMBER SUMMARY

During the September 14 Pleasanton Township Board meeting, Road Commission manager Jerry Peterson reported that drainage problems on Hopkins Forest Drive could be solved with a leaching basin, which accepts excess water and releases it into the soil. As the work would be an improvement, rather than maintenance, Peterson said the Road Commission would need a 50-percent match of funds and recommended action before winter.

Mary Pitcher, from the Alliance for Economic Success, presented a proposal for county-wide recycling. In addition to the cardboard, glass and plastic currently accepted in Pleasanton, Pitcher said that her proposal would double Pleasanton’s capacity and be similar to Benzie County’s program, which also accepts Styrofoam, electronics and hazardous waste. Ledford estimated that Pleasanton currently spends $2,000 per year for recycling services and said that Pitcher’s proposal would cost about $7,872 annually. Manistee County residents, including those in Pleasanton, also are allowed to drop off household hazardous waste, free of charge, under a program offered by the Manistee County Conservation District.

Pitcher

Rich Russell presented an overview of the Bear Lake Watershed Alliance (see our June issue). "We’re not trying to take any authority from the township. We’re just trying to improve what we have," said Russell.

Russell

Don Raiff asked the board for information about a water quality test in July, and offered to assist the board with interpreting test results. Supervisor Tony Merrill declined the offer, saying "What we have shows that the lake is getting cleaner. I’d rather stick with what we have. You could take [the data] out of context." Raiff denied the suggestion and said he sought to quantify, in writing, the test results of the Great Lakes Water company. Trustee Dave Ertel said the company could provide that. Ledford said she would inquire if a representative could come to the next meeting.

In other business, the board approved the payment of mileage for township representatives, for business over 10 miles away. The board discussed township hall rental, for which partial refunds are given for resident landowners. The board discussed garbage disposal as a service intended for landowners who live in the township, and voted to move recycling to the new location. Merrill reported positive feedback and suggestions about the new transfer station. There was discussion of general upkeep and possible carpet replacement at the township hall.

There was also discussion of complaints made about abuse of public access points. Babcock reported that shuffleboard courts were poured. Ertel reported that the Zoming Administrator is compiling a list of zoning violations. Planning Commission member Jeanne Crampton reported that wind energy projects within Michigan will probably begin in the thumb area and Mason county. Bryan Harris reported that milfoil chemical was applied to three locations in July and that the board voted to decrease assessment to $60 per taxable unit. Mary Manning reported that Ladies of the Lake and private donations helped Blarney Castle pay for removal of phragmites, an invasive weed. Board agreed to pay the cemetery sexton for work on a tractor.

AUGUST SUMMARY

During its August 9 meeting, the Pleasanton Township Board discussed acquiring property that used to be part of the M-11 road. September 12 was cited as the date for switching to the new transfer station, and the board approved $200 towards a 4x4-foot sign at the location. There was discussion about an Off-Road Vehicle ordinance and the difficulty of enforcing it. The board accepted a bid of $700 to cut down two dying maple trees in the cemetery. The board agreed to issue a letter to a family that was parking personal property at Pleasanton Park.

A bid for $300 was accepted to repair stonework around the foundation of the township hall. The board settled on a date for taking former Supervisor Fred Alkire to dinner. The board approved an estimate of $3,100 for the pouring of a double shuffleboard court. LIB representative Bryan Harris reported the discovery of phragmites on Blarney Castle property near the lakeshore. There was discussion of how to address the problem. Harris reported that the LIB voted to accept an audit, and also said the LIB may reduce assessment amounts.

Upcoming Meetings

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(Nov. 9)

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(Nov. 17)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(Nov. 18)

Dump Dates (Pleasanton & Bear Lake Twps.)
(Nov. 21, Dec. 5)

Bear Lake Watershed
4th Tuesday at 7pm
at BL Twp Hall (Nov. 24)

Bear Lake Township’s new garbage transfer station is located at Devere Randall & Son, 13 Mile Rd. east of US-31. Paper, glass and plastic recycling bins are located outside the Bear Lake Township Hall. Questions may be directed to the Township by calling 864-3620, or by visiting http://www.bearlakemichigan.com/recycle09.pdf. Pleasanton residents should visit the transfer station at the Norconk Rd. location for both trash and recycling service.

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

"A good duck day," is what my father would have said. He would have meant that it was a good day for duck hunting—blustery wind, rain and icy droplets that make most folks wish for the warmth of a beech wood fire and an engrossing book. I’m no hunter—much more the book and fire type, but I recall the duck hunting trips when I was 7, 8 or 9 with a good bit of nostalgia. Today, with the wind roaring overhead in the pine trees and the rain beating on the windows, I could hear the shots going off down at Big Bay and I remember my father.

I now realize that while he had hunted squirrels and rabbits and partridge and vary occasionally deear when he was growing up over near Kaleva, I don’t think duck hunting was something with which he had much experience. The winter of 1936 he built a tiny rowboat, working evenings in the garage in Detroit, with only a handsaw, screwdriver, hammer and brace and bit. It was, he said, a boat for me to learn to row at Bear Lake in the summer. He carved a pair of oars to fit the boat, and I was thrilled. True, the next summer I was tied up to the shore with 100 feet of clothesline, but I did learn to row.

In the fall, however, he announced we would all go to Bear Lake for two weeks, a combined duck and deer hunting trip. He also explained that my little rowboat would make a perfect duck boat, allowing him to retrieve downed ducks from Big Bay. After an unhappy experience with a water spaniel (he bit the kid next door) my mother had vetoed any more dogs, so there was no hope of a canine retriever.

The first snag in the plans was that we were freezing to death in the cottage. It was a bare boards, one room, primitive shelter, with only a cook stove for heat. So my father roared of to Mr. Shreve’s hardware in the village and bought a sheet-iron heater (for those who don’t know, it resembled a blue metal, oval, garbage can with a round door in front) that took large chunks of wood. He also bought red-orange building paper, nails, and little round tin caps through which the nails were nailed to hold the paper to the two-by-fours. As you can imagine, he was working at top speed, since it was cutting into his hunting time. For years we lived with that building paper held to the walls with those brilliant tin caps. It was quite a psychedelic décor. As I recall, it took him about two days to get things to a point where the temperature was livable inside the cottage.

The next morning he was established in his brushy blind at daylight at the bay, the weather cooperated, and he was back by normal breakfast time with his limit of ducks, which must have been fairly magnanimous in those days, since my recollection was that my mother plucked ducks all day. I went off to school at the Myers School House down the road, and father went deer hunting. I can’t recall if he got a deer that first year, but he certainly did get ducks. Mother saved enough duck feathers for six pillows. We ate duck for dinner every night, and I had duck sandwiches in my syrup pail for lunch. I began to yearn for meatloaf.

The tide turned the morning father turned up with 8 or 10 slightly different ducks. I guess that ducks were ducks to him. Mother plucked and cooked, and I think was beginning to have misgivings as the cooking progressed and the fairly strong smell of fish began to permeate the cottage. One bite was enough. Mother simply got up, swept the ducks off our plates, got the uncooked ones and dumped them all across the road for the raccoons and skunks. She said, "I don’t know what kind of ducks those were, but don’t ever bring any more home for me to cook." They were Mergansers, or Fish Ducks, of course. My father allowed as how he didn’t think they were all that bad, but mother simply glared. Maybe it was that Finnish heritage. They’re fish eaters, too.

The Gander’s Seasonal Notes

During our summer hiatus, we took time to reorganize office furniture, restock ink and paper supplies, and peek outside for any sign of the sun. We apologize for the interruption of service and we expect to publish (mostly) regularly from now on. Subscribers can be assured that a full 12 issues will be delivered for each year ordered. Regular readers should note that past government meetings are summarized following the report on the October meeting.

Engine Warmth Kills!

As we move into winter, start keeping an eye (and an ear) open for animals seeking shelter. When approaching your vehicle, for instance, make a bit of a ruckus in order to warn small animals camped out on your engine block. Listen for a moment after starting the vehicle, and be prepared to open the hood if you hear signs of distress. You’ll save a life and yourself a headache (if not a heartache, too), all before your day starts, and likely the life of a small creature, too.

Do you have an out-building that could serve as a shelter? Use this time to barricade inner doors, set up a cardboard box (facing away from any open doors or windows) and supply fresh water at the very least. Often, lost or feral pets need a refuge during the winter months. Watch this space for information on why not to shoot or poison. Need help right away? Call your shelter, the vet or the sheriff.

Finally, take a look around your house, both inside and out. Are there items you want to clear out before the snow flies? Take a few measurements, make a note of how heavy the items are, and join the Manistee County Freecycle group, a service available through Yahoo. It’s free to join, and once you post descriptions of your unwanted goods, other people can contact you to arrange pickup. Recent items posted and taken include mattresses, dressers, TVs and more.

Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ManisteeCoFreecycle.

Volume 2, Issue 6

2009-07-31T13:00:00.000-04:00

For Now, Same Garbage Site

Garbage service may not be quite ready for a move. The issue returned for discussion during the Pleasanton Township Board’s July 13 meeting. In response to concern that a deadline had been set for Bear Lake Township to find another transfer site, Supervisor Tony Merrill said there was still time.

"We’ll extend it," said Merrill. "Let’s just get it done. I’ve not given them an ultimatum and I’m not about to." Merrill stated several reasons for ending the shared site with Bear Lake Township. "We’ve been taking care of them for eight years," he said. "We’ve been doing them a favor. Sixty-five percent of the trash is theirs. Frankly, even though we share the cost, we’ve never been paid by them for maintenance." In the past, Bear Lake Township had its own transfer site, and the townships took turns hosting the garbage trucks.

Merrill said that criticism from some residents was also taking its toll. "Sixty-five percent of my headache is from Bear Lake Township. As soon as we run out of room, everyone in line is going to chew on me." Merrill also said that staffing was an issue. "I said, who do you [Bear Lake Township] have to help with this? It’s a huge piece of business out there."

In an interview, Supervisor Corky Best later recounted that the idea of ending the shared transfer site was a surprise to him. "Everything was going along fine, and then suddenly it was like, ‘you’re out of here’. There was no blow up or confrontation." When asked about maintenance of the site, Best said that he’s personally helped to clean up debris, but that it hadn’t come up as an issue. "If there’s been a problem, let’s discuss it and find out how it can be done."

Best also said that township officials didn’t normally staff the transfer site personally. "Tony decided that he wanted to be there all the time. I’ve hired two people to be there now. It was originally set up so we each had one person there." Best says that he has several locations in mind, if Bear Lake Township is required to find a different site. "But I would rather cooperate, because [each township] will save money," he said.

The Pleasanton Township Board

Discussion continued at the board meeting about potential wind energy projects. Trustee Ertel suggested that clarification was needed to determine who would oversee regional projects. "I’ve got three different letters from three different people saying they’re in charge of the [wind energy] board," he said. Babcock questioned whether Manistee County Commissioner Allan O’Shea should be promoting wind energy. "Isn’t he also the installer," asked Babcock. "To me, it’s a conflict of interest. He’s putting them up without any land permit or anything."

When contacted for comment, O’Shea said that wind energy has been a pursuit of his since 1972. "I installed wind electric systems before I was ever a commissioner," said O’Shea. "I did it when I was the Marilla Township Supervisor, I do it now as a County Commissioner and I’ll do it when I’m not. If you don’t have promoters of energy products, then how does it ever get done? It doesn’t become a reality." O’Shea also said his company, Contractors Building Supply, requires that clients obtain all necessary permits. "We have an excavating or engineering permit, electrical permit and inter-connect agreement. If required, we get a land-use permit, too."

The board also passed a "Red Flag Rules" resolution. The resolution requires that the township adopt an iden-tity theft prevention program to counter fraudulent activity connected with utility billing accounts, or other accounts permitting multiple payments. Similar resolutions passed by other cities and townships suggest that identity theft has sometimes occurred when a local government routinely provides services, such as water, electric, gas and trash service, before receiving payment from customers. Federal Trade Commission staff has stated that this kind of service is essentially extending credit, thereby placing some local governments in the same category as financial institutions and creditors. In order to comply with an August 1 deadline, the Pleasanton Township Board adopted the resolution and agreed to come up with the actual rules at a later date.

There was discussion about township hall rentals and management. Treasurer Girven cautioned the Supervisor about keeping track of all payment receipts. Pleasanton residents typically receive a refund of their payment if the hall is cleaned after the event. The refund isn’t immediate because the board has to approve it first.

Don Raiff, from the Bear Lake Property Owners Association, presented the board with recent water quality test results. "We appreciate the two townships continuing to pay for these tests," said Raiff, who added that the group is looking for professional assistance to interpret the data. Ertel said that earlier water quality data from the state Department of Natural Resources might exist.

Discussion continued about whether the township should establish a mailing address at the township hall or simply an exterior comment box. The board also moved to check on the cost of a software upgrade that would be used by the township assessor. Girven estimated the price to be $1,500 but said she would get a written quote and determine if the upgrade was necessary. Bills were paid for the month. Clerk Ledford reported that a second check was sent to the attorney, Richard Figura, to replace one that had gone missing.

Trustee Babcock said the Parks Commission is continuing to look over estimates for ballpark and fencing work. He also said that sand would be put down in the playground to cover footings. He asked the board for approval of about $2,000 for a shuffleboard court and related equipment. Ledford said the equipment would be kept in a locked closet and that the shuffleboard court would mainly be for renters of Pleasanton Township Hall. The board approved the request. Ertel said that the legality of playground equipment, such as merry-go-rounds, needs to be investigated. "I’d hate to see it go," he said.

Ertel said the Planning Commission agreed that a wind ordinance was a top priority for the township. He said that Zoning Administrator Rochelle Rollenhagen is working on it. He said that the commission will look at the Joint Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan. "We can adopt that as our Master Plan. Our previous one dates back to 1999."

A report from Bryan Harris, Lake Improvement Board (LIB) representative, said that a study of Bear Lake, in June, revealed that only 8 acres of milfoil remain, much less than expected. A February LIB report said about 126 acres remained, out of 330 total acres. The Gander will have an update in August.

New Rescue Rig

A new rescue unit will join the rest of Bear Lake’s Fire Department fleet, and it’s arriving just in time. Early in July, the department’s old rig developed problems. "They went on a run and there was a loud bang," said Corky Best, Bear Lake Township Supervisor. "When they got back to the fire hall, three of the bolts that held the ‘box’ on the rescue rig were gone." The ‘box’ is the part of the vehicle that carries injured persons.

The old rig (retired)

By the end of the month, a replacement had been located outside Indianapolis, Indiana and ordered for purchase. "We were approved to spend up to $50,000," said Mike Ludwig, Bear Lake Fire Department Chief. "The unit itself was just under $44,000. It’s ten years old but it’s been very well taken care of." A brand new unit, said Ludwig, can cost up to $175,000 - over three times as much.

Until the new rescue unit arrives, the Fire Department is borrowing the services of neighboring departments. "They use their rig to come to our scene and essentially back us up," said Ludwig. Bear Lake personnel still arrive at the scene, but rely on the supplies and transport service of the other departments’ rigs.

Bear Lake has several response vehicles, including a water tender, which transports water to the scene of a fire, and two fire engines.

A brush unit would be the fifth vehicle for the fleet, but additional funding is needed to make it operational. "The radio and the manufactured tank/pump unit run about $12,000," said Ludwig. "We have the lights and siren lined up from donations." The truck would be used for off-road brush fires that can’t be reached by the department’s other vehicles. "Right now we’re working under the good graces of neighboring departments," said Ludwig. Once in service, the brush unit could be used year-round. "We’d also use it to pull a boat in the winter [for cold water/ice rescues] and for traffic control, too."

Unlike the rescue rig assistance, which has lasted for several weeks, Ludwig is concerned that after six years, the brush unit assistance might run out. "I don’t know how much longer [neighboring townships’] boards will allow them to continue doing that," he said. "It’s been quite expensive for those departments to continue to support us. We need to pull our own weight."

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

It has been quite a summer so far! Coldest July on record – Kaye (daughter from La Crosse) brought her long underwear. I broke or cracked a rib – not serious, but painful. Breathing is something one is required to do. I haven’t gone swimming and the kayak is still shore-bound.
I don’t know if it has anything to do with global warming, but I seem to recall that August and September last year were more like a normal July and August. By the way, does it seem to anyone else that there are fewer zebra mussels in the lake? Or is it my imagination? The big schools of silver, flashing minnows seem to be a thing of the past. I hope they aren’t gone forever. I was happy to hear that Eurasian milfoil was reduced, but I hope at some point we can go to the weevils to keep it in check.

The tree-cutting to clear electric lines goes on apace, and I realize it has to be done, but some spots look absolutely shorn. We will lose two lovely spruce trees that my father planted long before anyone thought about electricity. Anybody want an early Christmas tree? I can hardly believe it has been 70 years or so since he dug white pine seedlings in Lemon Lake swamp and replanted them here, on then-bare north shore lots.

Last week we went to the huckleberry plains out east of Mesick. Sad to say, there were few berries. I recall going in the 1930s or 40s with my mother, father, and grandparents and picking all day. Grampa always called it "the slashings". We’d come home with 3 or 4 10-quart pails full. As the trees have gown up , the berries have diminished. They liked that dry, stump-ridden, sandy soil--and sun. Unfortunately, we also saw a lot of damage to the roads (and off the roads) by off-road vehicles. We were not able to go to our favorite site (a high bank above the Manistee River) because the road had degraded, from recent showers, into an impassable mud-hole. Let’s hope it warms up!

Upcoming Meetings

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(Aug. 10)

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(Aug. 18)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(Aug. 19)

Dump Dates
(Aug. 8 & 22)

Bear Lake Watershed
4th Tuesday at 7pm
at BL Twp Hall (Aug. 25)

Volume 2, Issue 5

2009-06-30T15:13:00.000-04:00

New Dump Site in the Works for Pleasanton Township

Work is set to begin on a new site for Pleasanton’s trash pickup, after the Pleasanton Board voted at its June meeting to select Brian Zielinski for site preparation. Zielinski, of Manistee, submitted the lowest bid of $4800, and is expected to clear minor brush from the site, lay down about 300 yards of gravel and widen the two-track entrance. The new site will be just off the dirt road section of Norconk Road, across the street from the Iverson residence. The site is west of the split with the paved road (Iverson/Lumley/Ware/Frederick/Gilbert Rds).

Supervisor Tony Merrill said that moving the trash pickup away from Pleasanton Township Hall will be the only change for the moment. "For now, I’d just like to move the trucks down there, just the way we’re doing it—but not on the front doorstep [of the township hall]," he said. The vehicle line will form west of the site, and head east into the site. In the future, Merrill said he expects to put a trash compactor at the site. He said that Maple Grove Township purchased its compactor for about $20,000, and that they leased it to others. "It could pay for itself in 5 years," said Merrill.

The dump site will be locked, to prevent unauthorized dumping, but Merrill expected that recycling bins would be kept accessible. The Pleasanton Township Board agreed that in the meantime, enforcement of dump rules would continue, residents should be sure to bag all trash before transporting it, and a schedule of dump days would be posted at the current site. The traffic, said Clerk Connie Ledford, "will come down Norconk. I don’t want it flying out of vehicles." Merrill said that trash pickup will switch to the new site in the next month or two, and that residents would be advised.

In other business, a correction was made to the meeting’s agenda, in order to read "June 8" rather than "May 11." Bills were paid for the month, and the board voted to reimburse the Copemish VFW $100 for its Memorial Day expenses. "It’s nice that they come over here," said Bob Babcock. "They do it every year and they buy the little flags that they give to the kids." A policy for making emergency expenditures was briefly discussed. Ertel said that damage to the township hall’s foundation had been noticed. A cap of $1,000 for Supervisor-approved expenditures was discussed, but the matter was tabled pending review of neighboring governments’ policies.

Trustee Dave Ertel recommended that the township make a wind energy ordinance a priority. "Pleasanton Township was named specifically as the most likely place to put wind turbines," he said. The board voted in favor of his recommendation.
Trustee Bob Babcock also urged the board to look at the work of the Bear Lake Joint Planning Commission. "We need to get moving on the comprehensive plan," he said. Merrill said that the JPC work should be used in an updated version of the township’s own plan. "We can utilize all the hard work that [the JPC] has done," he said. Ertel emphasized to members of the public that Pleasanton Township has not withdrawn from the JPC and that Bear Lake Township has not completely pulled out of the JPC.

Ertel announced that an updated township website would be coming soon, and that the township hall now serves as a WiFi Hotspot, meaning that laptop computers with wireless receivers can access the internet for free, while inside or around the hall. Several township officials now have laptops for township business, as well.

In commission reports, Babcock reported that the Parks Commission would like to replace missing public access signs, and is currently investigating prices.

Ertel reported that the Planning Commission has been examining minimum sizes for residential lots. He also said that the DEQ recently turned down an application to fill a wetland—echoing the finding of Pleasanton Township, whose zoning ordinance prohibits such an action. "It’s nice having this letter from the DEQ, because now this backs us up," said Ertel.

Brian Harris, Pleasanton’s new representative to the Lake Improvement Board, reported that new LIB officials were elected, that a partial payment was made to its consultants at Lakeshore Environmental, and that a June 9 meeting was scheduled to look at lake treatment results. He also said there was a lot of public comment at the most recent LIB meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(July 13)

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(July 21)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(July 22)

Dump Dates
(July 11 & 25)

Bear Lake Watershed
4th Tuesday at 7pm
(July 28)

Watershed Group Forms in Bear Lake

The ebb and flow of beneficial and harmful substances within the environment often rely on water, and that connection will be the focus of Bear Lake’s new watershed group.

Formed at the start of the new year, the volunteer group will survey the western portion of the Little Bear Creek watershed. The eastern portion of this area, commonly known as the Bear Creek watershed, has been monitored by a sportsman’s club for decades. "They were concerned with the quality of fishing," says Bear Lake Watershed Chair Rich Russell. Yet their watershed area went no further west than Highway 31, and the Bear Lake portion of the watershed, as an ecologiccal unit, has not been examined as a whole in recent times. "I don’t know why Bear Lake doesn’t already have a watershed group," said Russell.

The Little Bear Creek Watershed (Hwy. 31, marked in bold)

Defined as a land area in which all surface water drains to a common point, a watershed is a useful way of thinking about the environmental health of an area. Several features of the land, such as degree of slope, shape, and soil type, can dictate which areas are most affected by pollution. Those same geologic features can also determine which areas receive the most beneficial nutrients. The Bear Lake Watershed group’s main task, says Russell, is to understand and document how these elements work locally."Our main job is to dig into the facts, educate the community and our elected officials as to what we find," he said. "We can make recommendations, but we don’t have any enforcing authority." While the group will rely on advice from the DEQ--which originally set up watershed boundaries throughout the state many years ago--it will be up to local governments to decide how to respond to the group’s recommendations.

Another reason for establishing a watershed group is to qualify for project grants, said Russell. "One of the first questions on the grant applications is whether your group is an organized
and approved watershed." This summer, the group’s first priority is encouraging participation. "We’re not a threat, and we’re not a disguise for another sewer program or for a millage on property taxes." The public is invited to attend meetings, scheduled for the 4th Tuesday of each month at Bear Lake Township Hall.

North Shore
by Jeanne Crampton

It always seems so great to get back to Bear Lake. That first moment, when I open the car door and that piney smell rushes in, is incomparable. But I sure wish one could equalize the temperature between Baja’s 90s and Bear Lake’s 55 degrees!

The trip home was uneventful. Felines Cookie and Gracie were very good – slept most of the way, and Cookie only refused to come out from under the motel bed one morning!

The good fairies didn’t clean my house while I was gone, so have been applying myself to trying to get rid of the clutter – mostly paper. I know there are no $100 bills in those boxes, so have decided to not sort, just heave. Of course, I can count on Murphy’s Law operating: two weeks later I will realize I need something I’ve trashed.

More next month – I’m off on the Badger to Wisconsin and Minnesota for my annual checkup at Mayo Clinic and a visit with the daughter in La Crosse. (Did you know that the Badger gives a fare discount to Mayo clients?) I do hope it’s warm enough to swim in Bear Lake when I get back.

(Editor’s note: Since this column was written, Jeanne came back from Mayo with a clean bill of health, but managed to break a few ribs shortly thereafter. She is grumpy, but
healing. All details expected in the next column.)

DIGITAL TV SWITCH
Editorial

June 12 arrived, as promised by the calendar, legislators, stern commentators and brisk television commercials, and converter box reception seemed the same. Channel 9 & 10, Fox 33, and two PBS channels come in, with varying levels of reliability. On some days, the signal is steady--on others, heavy distortion is almost constant and the signal drops out entirely.

After several months of observation, the Gander is forced to conclude that digital television offers no more than it describes: moving pictures that are either on or off. Unlike analog TV, there’s no middle ground. A fuzzy, analog picture can often be improved, and the viewer can decide if less-than-perfect reception will do. With a digital signal, however, it’s usually all or nothing.

The Gander can’t detect any superiority in the quality of the signal even when it comes in clearly. Yes, the picture is in color, and yes, the images appear essentially sharp--just as they did in the dark ages of analog. Perhaps if we’d dumped our photographs and souvenirs in the trash, we’d have room on the wall for a larger television set, thus magnifying the flaws in the analog signal. If the fidelity in the picture quality is the key difference, then you’ll get no argument here.

Instead, just a question: what benefits come from the even-more-realistic life-like TV crime scene? Blood spatter that looks like the real thing? A better look at questionable costume choices for women detectives? Or does it boil down to a simple auction of valuable frequencies to cell phone and computer companies to put more video and wireless TV services on the airwaves (which will, of course, have to be purchased by the consumer).

In the meantime, we now have untold millions of television sets turned into immediate junk, or at least hobbled when yanked from their converter box-crutches. Millions of hours have been collectively spent fumbling with wires and antennas.

The old TV system worked well, but the highest bidders took it apart, once Congress opened the gates. A more abstract question is worth considering. If our government can be convinced to sell off public airwaves for private profit, what other public resources are next? A movie called "Sleep Dealer" (2008) might suggest an answer.

Subscriptions Available

2009-06-12T14:26:00.000-04:00

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Volume 2, Issue 4 (Special Double Issue)

2009-05-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

Lake Improvement Board Chair Axed
Public reacts to Pleasanton Township decision

A public demand for answers, allegations of financial misconduct and flashes of anger dominated the better part of an hour at the May 11 meeting of the Pleasanton Township Board. In their first test since the new year, Supervisor Tony Merrill and the Pleasanton Township Board faced sharp criticism for their removal and replacement of Jack Sawka from the Lake Improvement Board (LIB), an organization formed in order to check the spread of Eurasian milfoil in Bear Lake.

In April, Merrill and the board voted 4 to 1 to remove Sawka and appoint Brian Harris in his place. Treasurer Judy Girven voted against the motion. In addition to being Pleasanton Township’s representative of the LIB, Sawka had served as chair since the LIB’s formation in August 2007. Sawka was not at the April meeting and was notified of his removal by email. The email was sent to Sawka and four other people at the same time.

Visitors to Pleasanton’s May 11 meeting voiced their opinions for about 45 minutes, sometimes asking questions, at other times simply registering their disapproval. "It was an unprofessional move, a waste of talent and not good for the board," said Bill Axce. Merrill apologized for the method of the board action. "In hindsight, that was very poor judgment on my part," he said. "I should have had Jack come in face-to-face. I made a mistake doing it that way and I won’t be doing that again."

Public criticism continued, however. "I have not seen any reasons given for [the decision]," said Paul Hammer. "Without any indication of why, I think it’s malevolent innuendo. All we have are our own assumptions." Merrill responded by saying, "I’m not getting into details on how I voted, but I personally witnessed a lack of respect to the township, to board members and to township constituents." Merrill did not elaborate on what he witnessed.

Merrill offered other statements concerning Sawka’s removal. Two of them were first mentioned during the April meeting: a desire for more frequent reports from the LIB and a charge that LIB funds were not being handled properly. "People don’t realize how much money is involved down there," said Merrill. "They’re down there cutting checks. It was illegal." Merrill did not elaborate on the allegation. Merrill also voiced concern that Sawka might try to revive the failed sewer project. "Is [the sewer project] done? As soon as I’m in office, Jack sends me an email saying ‘keep an open mind,’ because he’s going to send me material on it. So I have to wonder if he’s working on the milfoil or what." Sawka was part of the citizens group that proposed the most recent sewer project. Merrill did not specify how differences over the sewer issue affected Sawka’s position on the LIB.

When asked if he’d confronted Sawka about his concerns, Merrill replied, "No. I had my mind made up. I think Jack has proven where he stands a long time ago." Merrill did not cite specifics while airing his concerns and would not comment after the meeting. Sawka was not at the May meeting but has said he will comment at a future time.

Other board members responded to the public’s questions but seemed to grow more vague as the comment period continued. "I voted to remove Jack," said Trustee Bob Babcock. "I’m tired of Jack saying we [the LIB] can do as we damn well please. I have letters about this. If he’s the leader of the crew then we can start there and keep going down the line if we need to. I’m tired of the things he has to say." It was unclear what LIB actions Babcock was concerned about or what further action Babcock intended. A moment later, Babcock said, "I’m not going into detail about the LIB."

Later, Clerk Connie Ledford expressed displeasure with Sawka. "Jack sat at that table. I asked him questions at the board meeting. I got a call a few days later and he chewed me out for 45 minutes." It was unclear which meeting Ledford referred to and she did not explain how the encounter was related to Sawka’s LIB duties.

Mike Ennis criticized the method of Sawka’s removal. "You guys have every right to make changes but what concerns me is how it was done. We do have a problem [in the township] getting volunteers. Have the decency to do things correctly. Keep everything above board."

Brian Harris, the replacement for Sawka, has lived in Bear Lake for 14 years and works as a telecommunications engineer. He says he was offered the LIB appointment after expressed general interest in volunteering earlier this year. A motion was passed requesting him to give monthly reports on, or the minutes from LIB meetings.

The vote to remove Sawka happened during Pleasanton’s regular meeting on Thursday, April 16, which was rescheduled from Monday, April 13. Notice of the change, dated Sunday, was posted. Clerk Ledford said the meeting was rescheduled because of serious computer problems.

At the April meeting, Merrill introduced a motion for the removal and replacement of Sawka while the board considered board appointments during new business. After unanimously appointing Bob Stafford to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with Bob Gauthier chosen as the alternate, Supervisor Merrill asked the board what procedure to use to remove Sawka and replace him with Brian Harris.

After being advised that the process would be the same for other appointments, Merrill said that Sawka’s removal and replacement "would be better for our township. [Sawka] is associated with the sewer project. I don’t see why we couldn’t approve someone else and start the healing process." Treasurer Judy Girven expressed reservations, saying "I’d hate to see you do that. It would be a slap in the face, and maybe it does look political."

Merrill offered several statements concerning Sawka’s removal during the April meeting. "He doesn’t represent what I believe in," said Merrill at one point. "There’s a lot of turmoil that travels with him," he said later. At one point, Trustee Dave Ertel alleged that LIB milfoil data were being used for other purposes. "I don’t like that we’re paying good money for people to pull water samples, to prove that we need a sewer," said Ertel, who did not elaborate. Merrill also suggested that the LIB members directed its funds inappropriately. "Why does that group have control of more money than Bear Lake [Township] and Pleasanton combined? It was illegal. They were cutting their own checks." When contacted in April for clarification on his remarks, Merrill declined to comment.

DUMP TALK DURING APRIL BUSINESS

In other business at its April 16 meeting, the Pleasanton Township Board paid bills for the month. Dissolution of the sewer board continued, with a unanimous vote to remove Tony Merrill and Dave Ertel as Pleasanton’s representatives to the sewer board, effectively ending Pleasanton’s participation in the project.

Discussion then began about Pleasanton’s garbage collection point and ways to automate it. Supervisor Merrill proposed moving the location from the transfer station behind the township hall to a location within the 80 acres owned by the township. The proposed site is near the Arcadia School Forest. A driveway would be created and covered with gravel. "I’m getting a bid on work to allow two cars to pass," said Merrill, who estimated the project to cost $5,000. Merrill offered to donate a 14 by 10 foot insulated steel building, to serve as a check-in point. He also proposed setting up a computerized card-swipe system, which would replace the current paper pass and keep track of residents’ use of the garbage site. Merrill also proposed setting up a camera there, to serve as a deterrent against abuse.

The township board also discussed the creation of a donation board, which would honor individuals’ donations of goods and services to the township. Letters of appreciation were also suggested.

Funding for the Bear Lake Fire Department was discussed. Merrill reported that the yearly fee for services was increasing from $14,000 to $17,500. The board voted to accept the fee, with the stipulation that the fire department would submit an estimate for next year’s fee.

In other business, it was reported that the township’s Memorial Day ceremony would take place, and that Fred Alkire would be asked to continue his participation.

Bob Babcock reported that the Parks Commission was checking prices for potential projects. Dave Ertel reported that the Planning Commission elected its officers, with Bob Stafford serving as chair, Brian Kidd as vice-chair and Dave Ertel as secretary.

OTHER MAY BUSINESS

In other business at its May 11 meeting, the board paid its bills for the month. Bob Babcock reported that the Parks Commission is considering different grants to apply for. He also reported that a special meeting was held in order to discuss public access to the lake, work on the baseball diamond and work on the tennis court. Dave Ertel reported that the Planning Commission has worked out a new fee schedule for building and land-use permits. The new fees were adopted unanimously. There was discussion of setting width restrictions on new construction or mobile homes, and setting a minimum square footage for dwellings. Ertel reported that the next Planning Commission meeting would include a review of current ordinances, including Articles 82, 84 and 86, time permitting.

There was also discussion about the Joint Planning Commission. Merrill reported that Bear Lake Township hasn’t withdrawn from the JPC, and said that zoning within Bear Lake Village could be a possibility in the future. If money was an issue, he said that he would personally help with fundraising.

Discussion continued on a reorganization of Pleasanton Township’s garbage collection method. Merrill reported that Maple Grove Township has had success with its method for 15 years. Babcock asked for a written proposal on the project. Merrill said that he’d call a special meeting on the topic in a couple of weeks.

It was reported that the May 25 Memorial Day service, at 11am, would be handled again by Fred Alkire, but that Alkire would train Merrill on the service’s details, including placement of 144 flags for veterans.

Merrill reported that he plans to approach neighboring townships with the idea of combining funds and working together on road projects. He said that the Manistee Road Commission is considering dividing funds between townships.

It was reported that Pleasanton Township Hall is now a WiFi hot spot, meaning that those with wireless laptops can access the internet for free from inside the hall or in the parking lot. It was reported that a website for the township would also be updated in a couple of weeks. In public comments, Dave Adams asked residents to use the Bear Lake Library on Saturdays. He said that he’d like to see the library expand its Saturday hours from 8 weeks to 12 weeks and said that a decision on expansion would be based on current use of existing services.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(June 8)

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(June 16)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(June 17)

Dump Dates
(May 30, June 13 & 27)

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

It's time to leave! It was 95 degrees in the trailer yesterday (only 90 today). My daughter Gayle has had some serious dental surgery here, and recovery is taking a few days. However, the financial savings make it mostly worthwhile--we paid about one-quarter of what they would be in the States, and the work is very good. (On the other hand, Gayle said the 24 hours afterward were pretty grim, since narcotic pain killers, though legal here, aren't readily available.) But she's recovering, and we are just about to tidy up here and head for Bear Lake.

The cats are in agreement. They are taking turns sleeping in the bathtub, poor dears. Gayle and I can at least retreat to the pool and cool off. There are many more lizards than I recall--but maybe that is just because we are here later in the spring. I saw a lizard about 7 inches long under my water tank the other day. The flies and other creatures are out, moths, etc. and some very large black beetles, who march in battalions. At dusk a small owl arrives to sit in the Ocotillo cactus and hoot gently to himself. The hummingbirds are out and about until full dark. The coyotes sing in the evening, when they aren't pursuing Gracie and Dexter, two black and white look-alike dogs. We cannot understand why their owner isn't concerned, but who really understands either the human or canine mind?

I assume the snakes are also out, although I haven't seen any. Residents are urged not to kill them (a crew will come and remove the dangerous ones) but I'm afraid the instinct is to kill them, and I must admit I would be uneasy about a sidewinder under the trailer.

I did discover this week that Burro-weed and Chicuro (both common here), are related to the Ambrosieae family, which is the same as ragweed, which I am very allergic to. That explains the sneezing and dripping nose!

LIONS CLUB TO HOST PASTA NIGHT

The Bear Lake Lions Club will offer a fundraising Pasta Night on Saturday, May 23, from 5-8pm at the Lions clubhouse building. These Lions are denned up on Highway 31 in downtown Bear Lake. Residents and visitors to Bear Lake are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a variety of pasta dishes. Dine-in or take-out options are available. Donations will be accepted for the meals. "This will help the Lions Club pay for the completed work on our clubhouse roof," said Lion Bob Peterson.

Peterson also reported that that the Bear Lake Days annual fireworks display will take place. Manistee officials recently announced that cutbacks will prevent its fireworks display this year.

RECEPTION FOR TIM & CLAUDIA RICHARD

Photo by Tonia Zanger

The Bear Lake Lions clubhouse served as reception hall, as friends and relatives congratulated Tim & Claudia Richard on their marriage. The reception, on May 16, followed the Richards’ May 3 wedding in Columbus, Ohio. The couple first met 50 years ago at the University of Michigan’s Young Republican Club.

Tim recounted two college-day memories of Claudia. "She always had a big, glowing smile when she met me at the door for a date," he said. "She was also insistent that I meet her family and friends, ever her dentist and chiropractor." Claudia, who hails from Jefferson, Ohio, taught for several years, worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation and worked in real estate before retiring. She said that she’s looking forward to helping within the community. The couple will reside in Bear Lake.

PROPERTY TAX OPTIONS

Recent actions of the Pleasanton Township Board may result in reduced or delayed property taxes for some Pleasanton Township residents. In March, the board passed new property tax guidelines designed to make property taxes more affordable for low-income residents. Ten different factors, including income level, property ownership and other assets, will be used by the Board of Review to determine how much taxes might be reduced. "Just submit a written request and fill out the form," says township Assessor Carol Merrill. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and the amount of the reduction can vary, says Merrill. Summer tax applications must be received by the July Board of Review. For more information, including how to obtain the application form, contact her at 864-2587 in the evenings.

An option for delaying taxes remains available, as well. Treasurer Judy Girven can assist qualifying farmers, seniors, veterans and disabled people who wish to delay payments. Summer taxes can be postponed until September 15 and winter taxes until April 30. Applications are available from Girven by calling her at 864-3470.

HEARTY MEALS AT ROCKS RETREAT

Restaurant Review

Since wagons rolled westward, roadside eating has been a hallmark of country living. Small diners have especially thrived in our region, and the Rocks Retreat in Bear Lake is one of the newest. "We’ve survived our second winter," said chef Val Stone in a recent interview. Val and her husband, Rocky, co-own and manage the restaurant and make their home in Honor. Year-round service has been a goal since opening in December 2007, but difficult for anyone dependent on the tourist trade. Their location may help. It’s right off Highway 31 and Norconk Road, on the north side of the lake, within a shingle-shack decorated with wagon relics.

The building, originally built by carver Dave Kober as a gallery, recently housed stacks of equine and pet food while serving a different business. Now, stepping into the restaurant, one notices creature comforts of a human sort. A casual atmosphere is provided by cooking paraphernalia arranged atop high shelves. Coloring books, crayons and even board games are just a reach away for the kids. Seating is limited, but open and conducive to finishing the conversation you began with a neighbor the day before. The restaurant is a dream come true for Val, who says she’s always loved to bake and cook.

The Gander visited on several recent weeknights, and encountered a bustling scene, with a five-person family filling one table, a smaller family at a booth and old buddies debating which kind of pie to take away. We tried the All You Can Eat buffet, priced at $11.99 (one-trip option costs $9.99). The buffet changes from night to night. Tuesday is Italian night, Wednesday is Chef’s Choice, and Thursday features ribs. Our visit fell on a Friday, when the buffet features fish, plus other hot items. On our visit, hot buffet choices featured fried fish, meatloaf, tamale pie, baked beans and lasagna. Three soups were offered: chicken noodle, barley and cream of mushroom. Bread and a respectable salad bar were part of the buffet. Among the hot items, the lasagna stood out, with spinach as a key ingredient. Dessert items included bread pudding, a homey, welcoming sight after too many meals in chain restaurants.

On another occasion we tried the 16-ounce ribeye steak, $11.99 with a side of four coconut battered shrimp for $3 more. This meal came with one trip to the soup and salad bar. On this night, we tried the hearty bean and ham soup, and we wanted to order more. Rational thought prevailed, however, in anticipation of the ribeye. When it arrived, it covered most of the plate, with barely enough room for the large baked potato and summer squash. The ribeye was a perfect medium, as ordered—seared on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside. It’s easy to imagine a grizzled camp cook just out the back door, tending the steaks over a roaring wood fire. In reality, the steaks are a point of pride for Rocky Stone, the other half of the team, who personally checks customers’ satisfaction with the steaks. Another product of his will be available shortly. "He likes to do smoked jerky," says Val. "He’s made it for the family for years." Smoked beef, salmon and whitefish will be offered, once the health code paperwork is completed.

There were hints that the coconut shrimp were dipped in freshly-made batter. Coconut pie was available the same evening, as was lemon meringue. "We just got done with it and it’s in the cooler," said Val to one couple who ordered the latter. "We’ll wrap it up just as you’re about to walk out the door," she promised. From time to time, Val appeared, in order to refill the buffet stations, quick to greet customers before dashing back into the kitchen. With her cheery, personable demeanor, one wishes that she could be out on the floor, too—which would demand a physical impossibility. Yet she promises the next best thing. "We’d like to add another person or two, to help with drinks or just be out in front," she adds. For now, the Rocks Retreat puts its attention on the food, and customers are largely content. "I have yet to go home hungry" said one patron while paying his bill. Be sure to check their breakfasts, too—the cheese and mushroom omelet is a Gander favorite.

Details: Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-3pm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Catering services available. Phone: (231) 864-5500.

DIGITAL TV SWITCH

In recent months, the Gander has seen a general improvement in HDTV reception, using a converter box. Channel 9 & 10 shows up as a single channel, "9-1" and Fox 33 shows up as "9-2."

A scan of HDTV channels in the last week has also turned up three PBS channels. WCMU, Channel 21, turned off its analog signal on March 31. Its three digital channels include 21-1, which didn’t seem to be broadcasting when checked, 21-2, which appears to carry the same program lineup as the analog signal, and 21-3, which carries "Create," a crafts, do-it-yourself and cooking channel.

All three channels, however, only came in when the test was conducted at the eastern end of the property, and the signal often broke into a mess of choppy pixels. So far, Channel 7 & 4 won’t come in at all. Are you ready for the June 12 switchover? Let us know if you have tips for better reception.

Volume 2, Issue 3

2009-04-12T19:17:00.000-04:00

Treatment Cuts Milfoil By Over Half

Last summer’s treatment of the Eurasian milfoil (EWM) in Bear Lake cut back the invasive species by over half, according to a report by the Lake Improvement Board. LIB Chair Jack Sawka and staff from ASI Environmental Technologies addressed the Pleasanton Township Board at its regular meeting on March 9.

The original 320 acres of EWM was cut by more than half, with 150 acres remaining. Percentage-wise, Sawka reported that roughly 19 percent of the lake contained milfoil before treatment, compared with 7.4 percent afterwards. "We killed more than we thought we’d kill," said Sawka. Because of this, he said that about $38,000 in budget money was saved.

Figures presented by the LIB/ASI showed the annual cost of the project declining by about $30,000 every year and leveling out to $73,755 by 2011. Sawka said that the 2008 winter taxes actually had 2 years’ funding built into them in order to allow for a quick response. Sawka said that financial assistance from the county made rapid treatment possible. "The County did a wonderful job. The only way we could treat the lake was because they gave us a loan. This helped us to reduce our bill for the future by treating it right away."

2008’s treatment consisted of application of the chemical 2,4-D and the insertion of weevils into specific sectors of EWM. The weevils naturally feed on EWM. The weevils had little chance for a fair trial, however, as fierce winds and currents during the June 12 storm drove the 2,4-D into the weevil treatment area, effectively depriving them of their food. Weevil stocking is expected to continue this year. EWM grows quickly and has been identified across the United States but particularly in Michigan. In Round Lake, located in Mason County, milfoil spread from 50 acres to about 300 acres in just two years.

In other Pleasanton Township Board news, the Board received two resignations from the Township Planning Commission, from Chair Bernard Ware and Alan Swanson. Both resigned during the March 3 meeting of the Planning Commission. In his letter of resignation, Bernard Ware said that divisiveness over the sewer issue was affecting progress with cooperative planning and the Joint Planning Commission’s draft Comprehensive Plan. The Board appointed Bob Stafford and Brian Kidd, respectively, to fill the open seats. Jeanne Crampton and David McNeilly will continue in their positions on the Planning Commission, as will David Ertel, representing the Board.

A resolution was passed to adopt "poverty guidelines," allowing for property tax exemptions. Tony Merrill reported that many townships are adopting similar guidelines. The Gander will have a story on the poverty guidelines in its next issue.

In its effort to dissolve the Utilities Authority (BLPAUA, popularly known as the "sewer board"), the board formally removed Fred Alkire and Jerry Mathieu from the board and appointed David Ertel and Tony Merrill to take their places. A special meeting of the BLPAUA is expected to be scheduled.

Ertel said that Zoning Administrator Rochelle Rollenhagen reported that she’ll attend every Planning Commission meeting, and indicated that the township’s Land Use Application needs updating.

Gerry Peterson from the Manistee County Road Commission briefed the Board on road maintenance issues. He reported that much work had been accomplished to repair damage caused by the June 2008 storm, but that more remained and would be covered by funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In response to inquiry from the Bob Babcock about repairs to Big Four Road, Peterson said that it would be a ways out and a pricy fix when it does happen. An audience member asked about 13 Mile Road at the Bear Creek bridge. Peterson said that the volume of traffic determines if a project will be a priority or not.

During the Budget Hearing portion of the meeting, the Board voted to increase the Township Supervisor’s salary from $5,400 to 6,400. Previously, at the township’s budget workshop, it was proposed to increase the Supervisor’s salary to $9,000, the same amount received by the clerk and the treasurer. After an objection to that figure by Connie Ledford, the Board agreed to the $6,400 figure. Trustees are paid $75 per diem.

Upcoming Meetings

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(Apr. 13 * & May 11)

*April 13 meeting rescheduled for Thursday, April 16 [changed posted at Township Hall on Sunday, April 12 at 9:30pm]

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(Apr. 14)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(Apr. 15)

Library Board
(meets at Bear Lake
Village Hall quarterly
at 10am on Apr. 21,
July 14 & Oct. 13)

Dump Dates
(Apr. 18, May 2 & 16)

Is there something you’d like to see in the Gander? Let us know! See below for contact information.

SEVEN EXTRA WEEKS OF BENEFITS AVAILABLE
STATE NEWS

As we go to press, Governor Granholm has signed legislation to provide the unemployed up to seven additional weeks of benefits.

"These additional unemployment benefits will not only help families in meeting their basic needs," said Granholm, "but they also provide an economic boost to Michigan businesses - the service stations, grocery stores, and retailers - who sell the goods and services families need."

The newly signed legislation expands the extended benefit (EB) program from 13 weeks up to 20 weeks and takes effect immediately. It also boosts the maximum number of weeks an unemployed Michigan worker currently can receive unemployment benefits from 72 to 79 weeks.

Unemployed workers in the state may qualify for up to 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits, up to 33 weeks of federal emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) and, now, up to 20 weeks of extended benefits. Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will also go back and issue redeterminations for all existing EB claims and add up to seven weeks of benefits to those claims.

These extended benefits are funded by the federal Recovery Act, which means Michigan employers will not be assessed for them.

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

A number of years ago-maybe 50 or 60-some bright, adventurous person came up with the idea of auto-racing through the Baja desert. It started with old 1930s touring cars, not so much for speed, but just to see whether they could make it. "Ensendada to Cabo San Lucas" was the cry in those days. Mexico 1 (the highway) didn't exist and bridges were missing. It really was a test of men and machines.

At present, there are three major mileage races, the Baja 1000, Baja 500, and the Baja 250. As luck would have it, the 250 starts and ends here in San Felipe, running on a pre-arranged route to the north & south. Saturday, March 15 was this year’s 250. My abode sits about halfway between Highway 5 and the race area to the west. No one in his or her right mind goes to town from Wednesday on. Unless you love loud noise, dust, dirt, and a population which temporarily become race drivers, you stock up on groceries, beer, gasoline and propane and hunker down.

On Friday, starting about 4pm, all the wannabee-racers from southern California and Mexicali clog Highway 5 with dunebuggies, rails (a sort of tipped-down dunebuggies), ORV's, motorcycles, old VWs and anything else that runs on a gasoline motor. The "big boys" (huge trucks that aren't allowed on CA highways) have arrived two or three days earlier loaded on flatbeds. Their tires can sometimes cost thousands of dollars each.

The race leaves San Felipe at 6am Saturday--motorcycles and small stuff first, then the monster trucks. For about three hours the thunder roars. At that point the sirens begin--cops and ambulances retrieving the less-lucky who have piled up or overturned. Since the route takes the racers nearly to Mexicali in the north, and south of San Felipe, it's usually late afternoon when the winners drift back in and it may be dark for many others. After the winners and losers congregate in the San Felipe bars, celebrating or drowning their sorrows, it's a rare race night that doesn't end up with some poor inebriate run over. Sunday is the day for awards and tallying up the dead, critically injured, and broken bones. There's no gasoline to be had, and no money in the ATMs.

On the sunnier side, the race has been a godsend for San Felipe by bringing tourist money. The US media never seem to distinguish between Baja and mainland Mexico, so that Baja is tarred with the same dire predictions regarding personal safety. Rightly enough, the border town of Tijuana is a rough place, but Calexico/Mexicali and Yuma are perfectly safe. Don't drive at night because Baja is "open range." You are just as apt to meet a black cow as a bandito in the road. Don't even think about obtaining drugs (unless it's Lipitor) and stay away from questionable bars. It turns out that dives look the same on both sides of the border.

Browse current and past issues of the Three Pines Gander for free here, at http://www.threepinesgander.com/. Prefer to have your newspaper in hardcopy?
Subscribe for only $10 and you’ll be guaranteed a year of the Gander in a form that you can feel, smell and (if an article upsets you), tear into pieces.

DIGITAL TV SWITCH

The Gander has suddenly been able to receive Channel 9 & 10 on its HD TV converter box, along with an extra channel with Fox Sports. However, public television recently disappeared entirely, when station 21 voluntarily switched to digital well before the June 12 deadline. Some stations have suggested they might boost power to their digital signals as the deadline draws near. In our next issue, we’ll find out which stations still have those plans.

COULD SPRING BE HERE?

The Gander is the first one to avoid a possible jinx of Spring, but it’s okay to daydream, isn’t it?

Without making any bold statements, the Gander would simply like to share this white-and-purple discovery in the yard. While the hardy crocus is quite alone for the moment, surely other wildflowers will bloom in the coming weeks and months.

What have you discovered outdoors in recent weeks? Email or mail your photos to us (see below for addresses). If we print your photo, we’ll give you a free subscription.

Our shovels, boots, coats, gloves and hats are still at the ready. Yours are, too--right?

Volume 2, Issue 2

2009-03-09T16:48:00.000-04:00

Pleasanton Township Board Weighs Planning Options

Planning strategy opened and closed the February 9 meeting of the Pleasanton Township Board Meeting. Congratulations were extended to Bernie Ware, who won an award for Outstanding Leadership in Planning, from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.
Discussion from January’s meeting, regarding the size of the township’s Planning Commission, continued when Treasurer Judy Girven asked about Supervisor Merrill’s purpose in shrinking the Commission from seven members to five.

Merrill said that Bear Lake Township is twice the size of Pleasanton, and yet it has only five members on its Planning Commission. Plus, said Merrill, he’d like to save money and have the Planning Commission meet only quarterly, rather than monthly.

Some Board members asked Planning Commission chair Bernie Ware about the relationship between Township zoning changes and the Joint Planning Commission. Ware said that the Joint Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan would require input from others. "This is a public process—not just [one] driven by the boards," he said. "It doesn’t necessarily mean that any changes to the township plan would go into the Comprehensive Plan."

Former Pleasanton Township Planning Commissioner Steve Hansen was at the meeting, and urged Board members not to be overwhelmed by the Joint Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan. "Don’t get too nervous if you find differences between what you see in the comprehensive plan and the [zoning] ordinance," he said. "The ordinance is what we live by. The plan is just a plan. We all make financial plans but the bills keep coming due." Hansen said that
planning can help with future, often complicated land-use proposals. "You’re going to get slammed with a cogeneration plant or some other mess," he said. "I’m very concerned about this board’s lack of support for the Joint Planning Commission."

Board member Connie Ledford expressed some reservation. "I’ve always been for the JPC but I’ve heard people say that Pleasanton Township will lose its identity. What would happen to the businesses we already have? I want the best for the township."

Bernie Ware said that planning doesn’t affect current businesses but could make future industrial development more efficient. "A future land-use map is just for the future," he said. "You’re not going to change anything that’s already here. One of the advantages of joint planning is that you can have one industrial area jurisdiction." He also said that the JPC would not overshadow the local municipalities. "If even one [township or village] board doesn’t like JPC proposed policy, then it doesn’t become policy. If there’s something you don’t like, then it goes back to the Planning Commission."

Ware said that information would be coming shortly about the JPC, to answer questions from the newly-elected officers in the three municipalities. "They’ve come up with some pretty hard but good questions," said Ware. "We want to answer those." Ware reported that the financing of future JPC activities was a concern. Splitting costs equally among the three municipalities is one option. Another option would be using a weighted formula, with each fee being determined by the population in each municipality (54 percent of residents reside in Bear Lake township, 37 percent within Pleasanton Township and 9 percent in Bear Lake Village). Ware said that in March, he would ask Pleasanton Township to decide if it wanted to proceed with JPC activities. He said that over the next month, he’d be getting ready to move on to other obligations. "There are other people who are qualified to continue this work, plus you now have a professional planner as Zoing Administrator," said Ware.

In other Board business, $7,263.96 was approved for computer equipment and services. Minutes of a special board meeting on January 27 report that Kris Kranz, who provides Information Technology support to Blarney Castle, would provide services to Pleasanton Township. The funds would pay for laptop computers, a color printer, internet access and technical support, at $35 per hour. Another $80 was approved for a new phone system.
For the next fiscal year’s budget, February 18 was chosen as the date for a township budget meeting, with a public hearing on the budget to follow at the next regular township board meeting (Monday, March 9). A final budget settlement meeting date would follow.

In other business, discussion continued on the subject of the Lake Improvement Board and how to give funds to the LIB. Dave Ertel reported that instead of giving money to the LIB as a "donation," it should be given as a "voluntary assessment." The Township Board in an earlier session voted to contribute to the LIB and the milfoil eradication project.

Ertel said that while 15 people expressed reservations about giving township money to the LIB, it was important that even those not in the special assessment district (essentially residents directly on the lake) use Bear Lake and benefit from it. "We’re a good neighbor if we [send the money]," he said.

For the Parks Commission, Bob Babcock reported that committee officers would remain the same, including Todd Zalud as chair. He also said that a portable restroom would be moved into place later in the season when ballgames began.

Joint Planning Should Be Supported and Continued
EDITORIAL

Three years ago, the village and two townships surrounding Bear Lake established a Joint Planning Commission, given a simple task on the surface: combine the talents of those in the Bear Lake area and work on land-use issues together. Since the biggest headaches facing local governments often involve issues of growth and sprawl, why not combine the area’s best citizen planners into one body?

Recent county, state and federal history suggests that collaboration is eventually an easier, smarter and cheaper way to proceed than the old go-it-alone method. It can be a way for smaller communities to get what they want when larger communities are competing for the same dollars. It could soon be the only way to get funding.

Today’s flat housing and development market won’t last forever. Eventually, northern Michigan’s open lands will once again be tempting for developers. Energy, manufacturing and tourist-oriented developments will all pose positive and negative consequences.

To figure these out, one needs familiarity with issues that can develop down the road, and knowledge of standard requirements of developers. A group of nine Joint Planning Commissioners, hailing from all parts of Bear Lake, would likely stand a better chance of evaluating these kinds of proposals, since it could draw from the knowledge of all three jurisdictions. Also, a uniform position could be adopted for the area – one that would come from a Master Plan already thought about and decided upon ahead of time.

Over $15,000, from local Bear Lake grants and funds, has gone towards the progress of the Joint Planning Commission. Over the past three years, 20 JPC meetings, both official and informational have been held—all of them open to the public. Indeed, the public did participate in brainstorming, discussion and surveys to create the draft of a Master Plan. Leaders should now follow and adopt the Master Plan as soon as possible. It’s time to move this community forward.

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

The animals in Baja (wild, tame and in-between) are fascinating. The in-betweens are the thousands of feral dogs and cats. Because of the temperate year-round climate, the ferals live, eat frugally and reproduce endlessly. There are two organizations dedicated to a spay and neuter program--San Felipe Animal Rescue (SFAR), which also raises "feral" kittens and puppies and finds homes for them, here and in the States. The other group is ZAPP (Zero Animal Population Project) which does only spay-neutering. I have a friend here who works tirelessly with SFAR, spending her days trapping cats and dogs and digging feral puppies out from under old trailers and caring for them until they can be spayed or neutered. Much of her limited income goes to dog food.

The coyotes and the ravens are the local clowns. Feeding the coyotes is a bad idea, but the temptation is understandable. My neighbors put out food for both, so we have about six coyotees who traverse the neighborhood morning and night. Put anything out on a dish or bowl, and it's not unusual to see it disappearing into the sunset clutched in a coyote's jaws. We have a daily visitor, a raven named Sam (after a gentleman who died several years ago—some here wonder if he’s been reincarnated). Sam responds to his name, and arrives several times a day to croak and mutter at my next door neighbor until she puts dog food on "his" rock. He sits on a cactus just outside her window and is increasingly raucous until she responds.

And then there are the buzzards--great hulking red-headed black monsters who sit on the local decks like harbingers of some looming, awful fate. Coyotes and buzzards are taken seriously, however, since we've all heard stories of small dogs and cats being snatched right out of owners’ hands.

Because so many full-timers live here, most of the dogs are small varieties. The other day I saw a woman on an ORV riding along with two very small dogs on leashes running alongside--an ultimate canine exercise program. I wonder what she does?

At three AM recently I got up to feed Cookie (the fat tabby who is a demand feeder--with emphasis on demand.) I’d just taken a step towards my bed when I heard a menacing growl. I whipped around and Cookie was in full attack mode--every hair on her body upright. Turned the flashlight on the sliding doors, and there on the top step was a spectacular Russian-blue tomcat. By that time Cookie was screaming like she was being disemboweled. Gracie had her face in the food dish, and then strolled by with a "what's all the uproar about" look. It’s a thrill a minute down here!

DIGITAL TV SWITCH

Last month Congress delayed the digital television switchover until June 12. The Gander still wonders if June will be enough time for everyone to get the right equipment for the switch. It turns out that the converter boxes often aren’t enough. If all you want is the local channels, you would still have to pay at least $130 in new rooftop antenna equipment (assuming you don’t already have it). That doesn’t count installation costs if you need to hire someone. Cable TV, of course, is an option, but that gives up the idea of free TV service. Will you be ready for the switchover? Let us know by letter or email (see inside for the addresses).

Upcoming Meetings

Pleasanton Board of Review
(Property Taxes)
Mon, Mar 9, 9am-12p and 1-4pm
Tues, Mar 10, 1-5pm and 6-9pm

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(Mar. 9 -
also Budget Public Hearing)

Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(Mar. 17)

Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(Mar. 18)

Dump Dates
(Mar. 21)

Volume 2, Issue 1

2009-02-01T18:03:00.000-05:00

The Gander Resumes

A little over a year ago, we published a demonstration issue of the Three Pines Gander for two reasons. First, we wanted to gauge the level of interest in a new outlet for local news. Second, we needed to test our own capabilities—whether we could produce a trial issue that had important and interesting information. It was important to test whether such an issue could be created without a large staff, separate offices, or even a printing press that rumbles and roars. It turned out that interest was high and that we could, with careful planning, produce such an item.

If you’ve been looking for the Three Pines Gander since then, please accept our apologies for the delay. As with any enterprise, be it shopping for a house, purchasing a car—or Heaven help us, investing—we didn’t want to jump into the fray without a healthy, internal debate about the practicality of our idea. You know perfectly well what sorts of questions and occasional expletives come up in your own financial and career discussions, so we’ll leave it there. The conclusion we reached was that while we might have to accept a certain burden up front, eventually we’d be doing ourselves a favor by following local issues and examining their consequences. After that, it’s simply a matter of sharing.

The Three Pines Gander will begin as a monthly issue, published online. You can read each issue for free at www.threepinesgander.com. We’ll place a few free paper copies around town, too. If you’d like your own paper copy mailed directly to you, or you know someone who desires the same, purchase a subscription and you’ll be guaranteed every issue we publish for a year. Take a look, in whichever way fits you best. Let us know what you think. Thanks for reading! -Eds.

New Year Changes for Pleasanton Township

PLEASANTON TWP. -- Laptop computers for township officers, new locks on the township hall doors and a change in zoning and legal staff are coming to Pleasanton Township. They’re just a few of the changes sought by Tony Merrill, who oversaw his first meeting as township supervisor on Monday, January 12.

Richard J. Figura was appointed legal counsel for the township. Dave Ertel, also newly elected to the Board in November’s election, said that Figura would keep his costs down. "His average fee is between $175-185 dollars an hour but he charges $125 for governmental units. There won’t be a retainer." Since Figura lives in Empire, Ertel expected that travel time to and from the township would be added to his fee, but Board members agreed that many issues could be handled over the phone and internet. "He really seems pro-MTA [Michigan Township Association] and pro-township. He got laws on the books under his watch," added Merrill. Figura replaces attorney Richard Wilson, whose billing to the township for services during the sewer project had been in dispute. Figura was approved as legal counsel without objection.

Another personnel change made at Monday’s meeting was for Zoning Administrator. Rochelle Rollenhagen, a resident of Pleasanton Township, was approved without objection. Judy Girven, who had voted to retain Vern Bowling as Zoning Administrator at an earlier meeting, decided she favored Rollenhagen. "There have been problems that he hasn’t addressed properly," she said. "I’d be in favor of switching." Rollenhagen pledged to attend Township Board meetings regularly, which some Board members have cited as an issue with Bowling. "As the Zoning Administrator, [I would consider myself] the staff," Rollenhagen said. "When I worked in Suttons Bay I never missed a meeting."

In other appointments, the Board of Review, which oversees property tax disputes, received three members: Carol Merrill, wife of a cousin to Tony Merrill, was appointed, along with Neil Hughes and Tim Babcock, son of Board member Bob Babcock. David Wilson was approved to serve as auditor for the township. The Board expressed concern over the State’s allegations of ethics violations by the current auditor, Bob Ward. Township clerk Ledford said she would send a letter to Ward notifying him that the township would cease its work with him.

Computers and internet access also came up during the meeting. Supervisor Merrill estimated that five laptops were needed: for himself, Township clerk Connie Ledford, Treasurer Judy Girven, and possibly for the assessor and Zoning Adminstrator. Board members debated the cost of the laptops, which brands to consider and how to deal with software sharing. Dave Ertel expressed interest in issuing a township newsletter in paper or electronic form. "People around town talk about a lack of communication," he said. "Most people don’t get the [Manistee News Advocate]. Some don’t have a computer." Merrill suggested that Ertel start work on the newsletter. Ertel also reported on quotes he received for internet service to the township hall. Girven and Merrill both expressed interest in updating a Bear Lake website with current township information.

Next on the agenda was discussion of changing the locks on the hall doors. Merrill said that too many people had obtained and kept keys over the years. Babcock volunteered to look into prices for new locks and there was discussion on how best to provide access to people renting the hall.

In committee news, Babcock reported that there was no Parks meeting. Ertel reported that the Planning Commission had a short January meeting. Two seats on the Planning Commission, held by Jerry Mathieu and Max Coalter, expired on December 20. Terms for four members don’t expire until 2010. Board members said they expected those members to complete their terms. Merrill expressed reluctance to appoint the two vacancies, saying that he first wanted to reduce the number of positions from seven to five. "The Planning Commission is already down to six," he said, noting a current vacancy. "We’re smaller than Bear Lake Township, which has five members for its Planning Commission."

Upcoming Meetings

Pleasanton Twp. Board
2nd Monday at 7pm
(Feb. 9)
Bear Lake Twp. Board
3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm
(Feb. 17)
Village of Bear Lake Council
3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm
(Fe.b 18)
Dump Dates
(Feb. 7 & 21)

NORTH SHORE
by Jeanne Crampton

We are pleased to offer new installments of "North Shore," a
column popular with Manistee area readers for many years. During the winter months, the scene shifts from the north shore of Bear Lake to the west shore of the Sea of Cortez, yet still written from a local’s perspective. --Eds.

Yup, here I am again in Baja, 2500 miles from Bear Lake. I love my Bear Lake home, but when the snow and ice descend, I must admit that my desert home becomes very attractive. Things have changed quite a bit since I wrote my last "North Shore" column for the News Advocate.

I no longer travel with the truck and camper---the two cats (yes, I have another) and I are in a mini-van, and are intimately acquainted with the Motel 6 chain. For ten years I've had an old Avion 27-foot trailer parked on a lot out in the desert with propane fridge and heater, solar electricity and gravity-feed water from a 500-gallon water tank. This year I really went for luxury! I bought a 36-ft. 5th wheel (a sort of large RV), parked it on the new lot next door, moved cats Cookie and Gracie in, and we are living it up.

So far we have water and propane, solar power for the batteries, and maybe (this is Mexico) a sewer connection next week (until then, a holding tank). Sybarites that the cats and I are, we love the new queen size bed. It came equipped with a memory foam pad. We also have a shower that spews forth warm water.

You may recall that "marmalade" cat Morris passed on just before my trip down here in 2005. Cookie (fat, stray tabby with an attitude) was already living with us, so she came along. Last year, madly trapping Pleasanton Twp. feral cats, we acquired Gracie. She was supposed to remain feral, as in "trap, neuter and return," but she decided she liked being a house cat. This is her second year in Baja. I can't say she and Cookie are bosom buddies, but so far no blood has been spilled.

Gracie is, however a typical two-year old. My older daughter says Pleasanton Twp. cats are, she's sure, crossed with raccoons and have opposable thumbs. She "inherited" (by forced transfer) two of our once-feral kittens who enliven her life in La Crosse, WI. My Bear Lake daughter took the other two and still has her artificial Christmas tree up because "the kittens enjoy climbing in it so much." Here in Baja, Gracie is presently spending her time opening, or trying to open, every cupboard and closet in the new trailer. I am looking for child-proof latches.

The poor economy has affected Mexico. There are fewer tourists than usual. The shopping area in town is very quiet, and many of the smaller businesses have closed. The poor people are poorer than ever, and since Mexico has no welfare system, there are surely days of hunger. Thankfully, rice and beans are still cheap, and even a nutritionally sound combination. The fish and shellfish are declining in the Sea of Cortez, as they are world-wide, but they are still available to the Mexican fishermen. Twenty-five years ago, San Felipe was just a sleepy little fishing village, and in the face of reduced tourism, they are able to supplement their income by returning to this tradition.*

Gringos down here are astounded that I do don't have a TV, nor plans for one, or a radio. The gentleman hooking up my solar is baffled because I keep explaining that I have no wish for great amounts of power--"just enough to read by at night" is my chant. I’ve never been a big fan of TV, and I love the peace and quiet.

*Mexicans who fish for a living generally use methods that their great-grandparents used, employing large, circular nets, hand-thrown from large dinghies called pangas. Sadly, they’re the only ones using sustainable fishing methods. Japanese fishing ships run drag nets for hundreds of miles, even illegally in protected reserve areas, as marine law enforcement is very limited. The drag nets both rip up the bottom and catch tons of unwanted sea creatures, all left to die on the deck.—Eds.

DIGITAL TV SWITCH
As we go to press, it looks like Congress will delay the mandatory digital television switchover, scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, until June 12. But the current Senate bill would give local stations permission to switch early, if they choose to. So far, local stations appear to be inclined towards switching this month. The Gander has discovered that converter boxes don’t always bring in crisp pictures—unless one has a strong antenna. We’ll have more, next issue. In the meantime, call your local station if you need them to delay.

Next issue: Sunday, February 28, 2009 -- see you then!

Volume 1, Issue 1

2007-08-05T03:00:00.000-04:00

Introducing a New Publication

Welcome to the first issue of the Three Pines Gander, a biweekly roundup of news from northern Manistee county, with emphasis on the Bear Lake area.

For many years, Bear Lake had its own paper. Its ownership, name and quality often shifted and changed, but when that paper ceased, our town lost its primary source of local news, information and discussion. We believe that the void created then still exists. Bear Lake is a vibrant and changing community, and our citizens still need a regular, readable and comprehensive local news source. While we recognize and applaud several small issue-oriented publications that have appeared, we feel that none precisely meets this need. So we offer you the Three Pines Gander.

We believe that steady, updated news and commentary is a far better approach than exhaustive coverage of an issue only when crisis appears. Often, issues fester and inflame precisely because too few people are paying attention: rules are skirted, changes quietly slip in, and quick solutions to problems are adopted without due consideration and input from the public.

While this may be an infrequent occurrence in Bear Lake, the region has not always been spared from such situations. The sheer number of hours consumed by work, sleep and family interaction is so great, many people can’t attend a single meeting on a yearly basis, let alone monthly. This newspaper will try to help. While not a replacement for personal attendance, the Three Pines Gander will endeavor to tell you exactly when and why your attention, interest and participation are necessary. We plan to address local politics, business, special events and issues of concern. We’ll mix in some commentary, humor and other material to stimulate you.

Finally, while it may be fashionable to adopt entertainment as the primary mission of an information source (with news hidden, like boiled vegetables under a steak)—we believe that news, reported well, can be engaging on its own. We hope you’ll join us.

THE EDITORS

Master Plan to be Unveiled

BEAR LAKE -- The future of Bear Lake will be rolled out for public viewing on Monday, August 20 at 6:30pm in Bear Lake School’s Media Center.

After eight months of meetings, hearings and survey-gathering, the Bear Lake Area Joint Planning Commission (JPC) is finishing its work on a draft Master Plan that depicts the long-term layout of Bear Lake. Through maps and text, the plan will show where light industry and retail businesses should be developed, where homes should be situated, and which areas should receive careful attention and protection.

At its July 25 meeting, commissioners were urged to make any changes and corrections soon, before the draft Master Plan goes public. "Your comments now are very much needed. We need to know that you feel confident about what you’ll present [at the public hearing]," said Joe VanderMuelen of the Land Information Access Association (LIAA). The LIAA is writing the Master Plan, based on the Commission’s discussions and directions.

One item of discussion continued at the July 25 meeting was whether the statement "large parcels in the two townships" should be mentioned as a goal in the Master Plan. In public hearings, many have expressed the desire to see open tracts of land remain. Commissioner Dave McNeilly argued that the intent of the goal is unclear, and said it should either state "encouragement" of large parcels of land or be removed entirely. Specific parcel sizes were not defined. The Commission eventually decided to strike the goal from the Master Plan.

Commissioners also made refinements to a map showing future locations for residential and business development. Initial discussion focused on the land south of Bear Lake Village that borders US-31. At first, the map being worked on appeared to show "strip zoning," which allows for uninterrupted strips of commercial development, often along a highway. The LIAA consultants cautioned against strip zoning. "One way to destroy the view as you enter town is to build this kind of corridor," said VanderMuelen. "We suggest you [allow for commercial development] in a cluster form, rather than a strip corridor."

Discussion continued on this point, with commissioners pondering where a theoretical used car dealership would best fit, and whether visibility from US-31 is still essential, or even desirable for a business. "We’re talking about things dependent on an automobile and cheap fuel—but what are we facing?" asked JPC chair Bernard Ware. "What we’d like to see is something that [visitors] would know about in advance. We’ll catch some people flying down the highway, but those people are few and far between."

"At first no one stopped at J.J. Witty’s," added commissioner Jim Reed, who also renovated the building that houses the business. "We had to start bringing [items for sale] outside. But we didn’t want a store that only lasted three months. If it’s not a destination, people will blow by."

After some initial reluctance, commissioners made changes to the map by drawing new borders and lines for development zones. The LIAA consultants reminded commissioners that little work had been done to plan for increased commercial areas within the Village, which were frequently requested in public surveys.

After a brief discussion about methods for protecting wetlands and water quality, commissioners decided to continue its planning work at a special meeting at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 8, at Pleasanton Township Hall. The public presentation and hearing follows on Monday, August 20, and the JPC will convene for its regular August meeting on Wednesday, August 22.

Looking Back at Bear Lake Days

BEAR LAKE -- Bear Lake Days proved to be another success this year, with families flocking to see vendors, entertainment, and a variety of food choices.

Despite its start on Friday the 13th this year, Lady Luck smiled on Bear Lake Days for the entire weekend by keeping rain away.

Visitors stopped by the 4H petting zoo, sampled a SCUBA experience, courtesy of Kaleva’s Dive Michigan, and heard a variety of music including old ballads and standard songs, as performed by the Gordon Armstrong Band under the Big Tent on Saturday.

A boisterous parade greeted onlookers later that evening,

with horse hooves, sirens and small cannons. Even more noisy were the many children who shouted for candy to be thrown from the floats. As the last entry trundled past the Big Tent, Ideal Balance immediately struck up its first song. For a few moments, these teen rockers were plagued by electrical problems, but with assistance from their road manager ("Thanks, Mom!") the show continued with great appreciation from the audience. We hope to see more from these young musicians.

A marvelous display of fireworks on Saturday night and Sunday’s events drew Bear Lake Days to a close, and we look forward to next year’s festival.

Bonus Pictures: Bear Lake Days

Why a Gander?

Ganders are the watchers for the flock. When geese are feeding, you’ll always see at least one gander, head up and alert for trouble. One alarm call from him brings all the flock to attention, ready to react to whatever danger threatens. Not a bad role for a community newspaper in a hardworking small town, we thought. Of course, we hope you’ll take a Gander and decide for yourself.

Seasonal Reflections: Notes on the Rural Life
collected from the writings of William Hone

From 1825 to 1832, British antiquarian and former satirist William Hone published weekly, single-paged broadsheets that revisited old customs and stories. Almost every issue looked back on rural and natural observations, in part because by 1825, London and other cities were rapidly expanding into the countryside, replacing farms with factories. Furthermore, much land once held in common became tightly managed due to new ownership laws. Hone sought to capture some of the character of rural life by offering stories from the past, usually timing their publication for the proper season. The Three Pines Gander is proud to reprint some of these observations.

For the week of Sunday, August 5:

Long before seafood was available year-round, August 5th was known as "Oyster Day," the start of oyster season.

Greengrocers rise at the dawn of sun--
August the fifth--come haste away!
To Billingsgate the thousands run,--
‘Tis Oyster Day!--’tis Oyster Day!

Now at the corner of the street
With oysters fine the tub is filled;
The cockney stops to have a treat
Prepared by one in opening skilled.

The pepper-box, the cruet,--wait
To give a relish to the taste;
The mouth is watering for the bait
Within the pearly cloisters chased.

Take off the beard--as quick as thought
The pointed knife divides the flesh;--
What plates are laden--loads are bought
And eaten raw, and cold, and fresh!

Lest the poet seem too cruel, he goes on to pity the "poor creatures of the ocean’s wave," and recommends a productive end for the shells: either arranged into a border for a garden, crushed for use in place of dirt and sand.

For August 8, Hone notes the season:

The time of the year is usually remarkably fine. The rich glow of summer is seldom in perfection till August. We now enjoy settled hot weather, a glowing sky, with varied and beautiful, but not many clouds, and delightfully fragrant and cool evenings. The golden yellow of the ripe corn, the idea of plenty inspired by the commencing harvest of wheat, the full and mature appearance of the foliage, in short the tout ensemble of nature at this time is more pleasing than perhaps that of any of the other summer months.

Next week: the poet Andrew Marvell and the trouble with earwigs!