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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 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.

For one day each year, Northport becomes a musical haven, where folk and funk, blues and bluegrass, hip rock and hot horns all have a place. Welcome to Leelanau UnCaged, where some two dozen acts perform the last Saturday in September (Sept. 28 this year) on the streets throughout town. Despite taking its name and inspiration from avant-garde musician John Cage, Leelanau UnCaged is not dedicated to ultramodern cutting-edge music. It’s all about a good time with good friends as they celebrate a respite from the hustle and bustle after summer visitors and seasonal residents have typically departed.

Moving is rarely an easy task, but for artists with crates of canvases to transport, the prospect can be daunting. Fortunately, for artist James Thatcher, moving has been a constant in his life. Moving his art from Oregon to Northport was just one more step in his journey. The artwork currently on display at Trinity United Church of Christ in Northport first came to life in Oregon where James volunteered at a food bank. He and a staff member picked up donated food from grocery stores and delivered it to the food bank warehouse, and from there, it was distributed to local food pantries as needed. One day, James and the staff member wondered why some volunteers agreed to help but did not show up. James hypothesized that the warehouse was too removed from the people who came to pantries. He resolved to communicate through his art the urgency of the work and the humanity of the people receiving food.

Leelanau County’s Scandinavian roots shine bright this time of year. The colder, harder months juxtaposed with holiday spirit, lights, and community togetherness give many locals a chance to honor their Nordic ancestors.

Marcelo Betti, attorney for Justice For Our Neighbors, will be the keynote speaker for the 14th annual Belko Peace Lecture on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. He will speak on “Immigration: How It Works, How It Doesn’t” at Trinity UCC Church, 103 N. Warren St. in Northport. The Donaji dancers, a Mexican dance group will perform cultural dances which depict their heritage at 6:15 p.m.

On Sept. 29, Leelanau County will host the “biggest and longest free festival of the north.” About 35 performance groups and 100 artists will dot the shut-down streets of Northport. That’s right, lower Leelanau skeptics: the village at the top of the county has been hosting the ever-growing end of summer bash for six years now.

This summer, for the first time, Verterra Winery is opening its Swede Road vineyard near Northport for public wine tastings and tours. Guests will have a chance to see unparalleled views of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, surrounded by vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula.

It’s a cool and clear Friday morning in Northport. Barb’s Bakery opens at 6 a.m., but I personally don’t open up until about 7:30 or 8. Still, the famous cinnamon twists are plentiful. So I grab one twist, plus an old fashioned with chocolate icing, and a coffee to go. I nod to the regulars, hashing out the world’s problems at the round tables, swing through the screen door, and follow the breeze down to the water.

One of the highlights of living or vacationing in Leelanau County during the summer is the proliferation of fresh fruits and vegetables and locally produced meats, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, flowers and baked goods found at roadside stands and farmers markets. For many, a weekly, or twice weekly, visit to one of the county’s five farmers markets is a tradition, not only for purchasing local products but for chatting with vendors, socializing with other customers (and dogs!) and taking photos.

Incumbent Ray Franz (GOP) is term-limited. Scripps held the seat from 2009-2010. His opponent, Curt VanderWall (GOP), declined to respond to our questions. From staff reports Glen Arbor Sun: Please name three top goals you’d like to accomplish as State Representative Dan Scripps: Create jobs in Northwest Michigan by working to rebuild Michigan’s infrastructure, supporting […]