Sugar Loaf plot thickens

By Jacob Wheeler

Sun editor

The narrative surrounding Leelanau County’s troubled Sugar Loaf resort seemed to surface last month, when current owner Kate Wickstrom went public after years of silence to discuss her role and the enigmatic Las Vegas businessman Liko Smith’s much publicized attempts to acquire the long-shuttered ski resort.

But since then the storyline has plunged once more into the murky depths. Wickstrom confirmed to the Glen Arbor Sun that two buyers are interested in Sugar Loaf — one of which may partner with Liko Smith (the boxer-turned-businessman temporarily placed a copy of the deal offered to Wickstrom on his personal blog, perhaps in an effort to stonewall her in the public eye).

Wickstrom said that a different buyer, whose identity she wouldn’t disclose, emerged in May, and she and attorney Joe Quandt currently favor that bid.

“We’re looking at being able to close by the end of the month,” said Wickstrom. “The guy’s not interested in putting a city out there. He’s geared more toward the kids and family. He had been interested in the area, and followed the blogs and news (about Liko Smith), and then he contacted me about two months ago.”

Wickstrom disclosed only that the phantom buyer is from Michigan, that he vacations in the area, and that his offer is not dissimilar from that of Liko Smith and his business partner.

One has to wonder — given the twists and turns the Sugar Loaf saga has taken since the resort closed 10 years ago — whether the preferred buyer is real, or is it just a ploy to force Liko Smith’s hand, of which Wickstrom has grown wary since he emerged this spring.

As always, stay tuned!