Sleeping Bear applies brakes on controversial Heritage Trail extension along Little Traverse Lake

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is putting the brakes on its planned 4.5-mile extension of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which was to run near Little Traverse Lake and conclude at Good Harbor Trail. National Lakeshore superintendent Scott Tucker announced the news today during a press conference at Park headquarters in Empire. (Click here to watch a livestream of the news conference.) The National Lakeshore is pausing the design of Segment 9 following months of conversations with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, which opposes the route of the extension and which sent a letter of concern on Aug. 26 to Secretary of the Interior Debra Haaland and U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

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League of Women Voters examine Affordable Housing in Leelanau County

The League of Women Voters of Leelanau County for its November Forum is presenting “Affordable Housing in Leelanau County: What is it Exactly?”, featuring Larry Mawby, president of Peninsular Housing. Mawby will provide an informative overview of what affordable housing means to those who live in Leelanau County. Time for Q & A will be given at the end of the presentation. This free event is open to the public. It will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 pm at the Leelanau County Government Center.

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Coach “joy” pumps up the Park Place

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Just before Democratic Vice Presidential hopeful Tim Walz approached the lectern to address an enthusiastic, packed crowd in the ballroom of Traverse City’s Park Place Hotel on Friday, Nov. 1, he turned around and fist-bumped supporters flanking him on stage with Harris-Walz campaign signs. Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ashlea Walter and her daughter Phoebe were among them. Upbeat and enthusiastic, with John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” playing in the background, Walz arrived early and spent 23 minutes during his pep rally with the Northern Michigan crowd of progressives and Democrats, reminding them that polls in the Nov. 5 presidential election would close in under 100 hours, and encouraging them to vote, and turn out others to vote, for Kamala Harris for President, and push away the vitriol and and dark vision of Republican candidate Donald Trump. Polls show that Michigan, a crucial swing state, is very close.

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District 5 Leelanau County Commission candidates Ross, Campbell address housing, clean energy, broadband

The Nov. 5 election will determine which party controls the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, and which policies and initiatives they pursue next year. The Commission is currently deadlocked between three Democrats and three Republicans, with one seat vacant. In District 5, which serves Leland and Centerville Townships, incumbent Democrat Kama Ross faces Republican challenger Alan Campbell. It’s a rematch of the race in 2022. The Glen Arbor Sun reached out to all 14 candidates for the BOC and asked about their positions on issues or initiatives that are key to Leelanau County citizens: namely, affordable housing, renewable energy, broadband access and services for both seniors and families with young children. Our questions, and their responses are below. Today we’re featuring Ross and Campbell, who are vying for the District 5 seat.

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District 4 Leelanau County Commission candidates Wessell, White address housing, clean energy, broadband

The Nov. 5 election will determine which party controls the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners (BOC), and which policies and initiatives they pursue next year. The Commission is currently deadlocked between three Democrats and three Republicans, with one seat vacant. In District 4, which serves Northport and Leelanau Township, incumbent Democrat Ty Wessell faces Republican challenger Jim White. The Glen Arbor Sun reached out to all 14 candidates for the BOC and asked about their positions on issues or initiatives that are key to Leelanau County citizens: namely, affordable housing, renewable energy, broadband access and services for both seniors and families with young children. Our questions, and their responses are below. Today we’re featuring Wessell and White, who are vying for the District 4 seat.

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Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate celebrates 20 years with a birthday bash

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Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, renowned for its ethically sourced, craft chocolate confections and gelato, is thrilled to announce its 20th birthday party on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 11 am-5 pm at the chocolate shop in quaint Empire. All are welcome to join in this milestone event honoring two decades of Grocer’s Daughter’s favorite things; delicious, ethically sourced chocolate and a wonderful community of friends from around the globe.

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Suttons Bay Artisan and Wine Walk celebrates Suttons Bay

Join the annual fall Suttons Bay Artisan and Wine Walk on Friday, Oct. 18, from 5-8 pm. This exciting community event invites residents and visitors alike to explore the charm of downtown Suttons Bay while indulging in a delightful array of local wines, artisan creations and live music. Stroll through the picturesque streets as over 20 downtown merchants open their doors to showcase the talents of local artists and offer tastings of refreshing local beverages. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking to enjoy a fun evening out, there’s something for everyone at this celebration.

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Join the Leelanau Conservancy for ‘Fall for Leelanau’ – A Celebration of Nature, Culture, and Community

The Leelanau Conservancy invites the community to “Fall for Leelanau,” which runs from Oct. 14-20. This week-long celebration features guided hikes, scenic driving tours, and trail stewardship activities, all designed to connect people with the land while supporting vital conservation efforts. Key events include the Harvest Celebration on Oct. 18 and a Super Moon Paddle on Oct. 17.

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District 1 Leelanau County Commission candidates address housing, clean energy, broadband

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The Nov. 5 election will determine which party controls the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners (BOC), and which policies and initiatives they pursue next year. The Commission is currently deadlocked between three Democrats and three Republicans, with one seat vacant. In District 1, which serves Elmwood Township in Leelanau’s southeastern corner, Republican Tim McCalley faces Rick Robbins, who is running as a Democrat after previously serving on the BOC as a Republican from 2020-2022. In his previous term, Robbins was the deciding swing vote—often siding with Democrats—on contentious issues including septic regulations and funding voter-approved early childhood services. The Glen Arbor Sun reached out to all 14 candidates for the BOC and asked about their positions on issues or initiatives that are key to Leelanau County citizens: namely, affordable housing, renewable energy, broadband access and services for both seniors and families with young children. Our questions, and their responses are below. Today we’re featuring McCalley and Robbins, who are vying for the open District 1 seat.

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Leelanau County libraries release Fall “Tech Tuesdays” lineup

The four public libraries of Leelanau County are excited to announce the launch of this fall’s “Tech Tuesdays,” a collaboration aimed at promoting digital literacy and providing general tech support to community members. This series will rotate between the libraries during the months of September, October, and November, offering both a presentation on a specific topic and personalized tech assistance. Attendees are encouraged to bring general tech questions and their devices.

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