Calendar
The Elberta Village Board election is nonpartisan, so we don't have a primary. Petitions for candidacy (minimum of six signatures) must be filed by 4 pm August 14. Important note: Because you cannot "split your ticket," you will not be able to vote in the Republican-candidate-only
Breaking
The Zoning Board of Appeals, minus recused members Reg Manville and Ken Holmes, voted unanimously to uphold zoning administrator Carl Noffsinger's initial denial of a land-use permit to Loy Putney, who back in December 2011 petitioned to use the former Bay Valley Inn property as worker housing. The
Crime
Ahead of the League of Women Voters candidate forum, sometime in July (TBA here), the Alert asked several community members what they'd ask the candidates if they could. Here are the results, in no particular order. If you have additional questions, please post them in comments here or
Foghorn
The public hearing on the land use permit denial(s) for the Bay Valley Inn property, purchased by Loy Putney, will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 30, at 7 pm at the Village Community Building. All are welcome to attend and give their comments. This is a resumption of the
Breaking
About 55 people turned out on Wednesday night, April 25, as the Village Council, sitting as the zoning board of appeals (ZBA), attempted to hold a public hearing on the land-use permit denial issued by zoning administrator Carl Noffsinger for Loy Putney. Putney has purchased the former Bay Valley Inn
Breaking
UPDATES * The office of Plunkett Cooney confirmed yesterday (4/9) that Gretchen Olsen is representing the Village and its agents in the Putney litigation. ** Channel 7&4 reported on the case yesterday (4/9) evening. The video may be viewed here. Note that because of the ongoing litigation, the
Politics
Chipping Away By Emily Votruba December 12, 2011—Art Melendez brought cookies. Frankfort mayor Bob Johnson asked for volunteers to serve on the subcommittee of the Frankfort Tree Board dealing with the new nursery on the BLUA property. Meetings are every third Tuesday, 1 pm, at City Hall. Marcia Stobie
Politics
Where the Short Grass Grows By Emily Votruba November 17, 2011—The two-hour meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed lawn maintenance ordinance. Resident Amanda Rommell said the Village should foster pride through free community cleanup initiatives rather than pass more ordinances they can’t enforce. “I’ve
On and off the Apron
The following story appeared in print issue 9 of the Elberta Alert. By Emily Votruba KELLY BEATON WORKED as a welder for about 11 years at a shop in Honor, until he was laid off. He never had health care coverage as an adult and didn’t care much for
Politics
By Emily Votruba October 20, 2011 MARCIA STOBIE, district 3 county commissioner, said they’ve hired a county administrator, Chris Olson. “He’s from Bear Lake,” Marcia said, “so he knows about losing to Benzie Central and Frankfort.” The county is negotiating with three unions over changes to municipal worker
Politics
With 75 votes, Rick Schmitt won Gilmore's vote for Frankfort–Elberta school board. William Storrer had 19 votes. Lorene Hill-Cota had 6 votes for Benzie Central school board, and Tyson Burch had 0. Matt Stapleton was the 101nd and final voter, scooting into the Elberta Library at about
Green Elbertians
At the November 1 County Commissioners meeting, Allan O'Shea presented a draft of a wind resolution for the commissioners to adopt. Mr. O'Shea works for Contractors Building Supply in Copemish, which deals in solar photovoltaic systems, windows, and other energy-related supplies, and is reportedly also an