It's no secret it's been a cool summer, and that fruits and vegetables have been slow to ripen in Northern Michigan this year. So what about the wine grapes that will result in the 2006 vintage?

Sandra Silfven, the wine columnist at the Detroit News who often writes about our wines, is optimistic. In this column, she talks with a number of Old Mission and other winemakers who are optimistic about the prospects for the vintage, especially for Riesling, Gewurztraminer and other whites.

Posted by Publius at 09:49 AM | Permalink

Song Sparrows, as their name implies, are often one of the first species to greet the day and one of the last to end the day’s activity with a song. Almost invariably their song begins with two to four regularly spaced notes, then a trill followed by a jumble of notes. The consensus is that no two individuals sing exactly the same song. The beginning birder tends to confuse the song of the Song Sparrow with that of the Vesper Sparrow.

Song Sparrows have a distinctive, long rounded tail. Streaks on the sides and the upper breast usually surround a brownish spot in the center of the breast. Its grayish eyebrow is pronounced along with a broad , dark malar stripe and whitish throat. Underparts are whitish with streaks on the sides. Feet and legs are pinkish.

That being said, the Song Sparrow is one of the most widespread, diverse, and possibly physically varied, depending on geographical location, of North American birds. The literature reveals that there are about 34 subspecies that range from the Aleutian Islands into the Northwest Territories of Canada, east to the Atlantic, and southward to the plateaus of central Mexico.

Song Sparrows are one of the first species to return in the spring. Earliest arrival date in Leelanau is March 2. Most have gone south by Thanksgiving. Latest recorded departure date from Leelanau County is December 30. Though some Song Sparrows do spend the winter in Leelanau, such occurrences are rare.

Song Sparrows live and nest in dense vegetation, brushy areas, streamside and coastline thickets, on forest edges, in clearings, bogs, marsh edges, and gardens. They live on the edge of but never within forested areas.

Ornithological studies reveal that Song Sparrows, like most other breeding birds, use increasing day length, local temperature, and food abundance as indicators to cue when to come into breeding condition. The male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Males usually are found singing their melodic trill from an elevated perch. Females generally stay hidden.

Courting males will chase females fluttering their wings, often sailing and singing and flying from perch to perch with neck outstretched, head and tail held high, and wings vibrating.

The first nest is usually close to the ground and sometimes used twice. Later nests are usually built higher. Usually this species raises 2-3 broods ….sometimes as many as 4. The female broods the young. The male often takes charge of offspring when young fly well and female begins the next clutch.

Some pairs stay together in successive years.

Unfortunately, along with the Vesper Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, and Indigo Bunting, the Song Sparrow is one of the most frequent Cowbird hosts. Its abundance is a function of the fact that the cowbird usually parasitizes only the first brood.

Probably the most widespread sparrow, Song Sparrows commonly visit feeders and are responsive to pishing. Their diet is primarily seeds, insects, and some berries.

~ bob c.

Posted by Publius at 12:59 PM | Permalink

Prior to the establishment of Leelanau County in 1863, the future county's lands were parts of other counties, and some of it was under the jurisdiction of a self-proclaimed "kingdom," the only one at that time within the United States.

Things began in 1840, when Grand Traverse County was formed, including what are now Leelanau and Benzie counties. The Manitou Islands were included in the future Leelanau County, and the Fox Islands were made part of Kiskonko County, which was later renamed Charlevoix County. Since the area was still in the very early beginnings of settlement, about the only areas of activity were the establishment of the Old Mission Church by Reverend Peter Dougherty, and the first lighthouse on South Manitou Island, both in 1839.

In 1847, a man named James Jesse Strang was traveling on a passenger ship past Beaver Island (part of Charlevoix County), and believed the island would be an ideal place to bring his Mormon followers. Strang had gained his followers when they broke away from the main body of Mormons when Brigham Young was chosen to be the successor of the murdered founder of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith. Strang first settled in Vorhee, Wisconsin, but was now looking for a better place for his flock.

Strang began moving his followers to Beaver Island, leaving the Irish fishermen that were already there alone. He ruled his flock with absolute authority and from time to time would tell his people of "divine revelations." One of them was the belief that he should made king of the island's Mormon colony, and Strang crowned himself king on July 8, 1850, complete with royal robes. People continued to settle on Beaver Island, and a few even settled on the Fox Islands where they made their livings by establishing their own farms.

"King" Strang increased his power base by extending his authority over the Irish fishermen, which they vehemently resented. With threats made against them, the fishermen were forced to settle in Pine River (now Charlevoix) on the mainland. Also, Strang had another "divine revelation" saying that all Mormon men should have more than one wife (polygamy). During the period of Strang's kingship, he was the only one who carried out this "revelation," much to the dismay of his lawful wife, Mary, who moved back to Vorhee. Strang had a total of 5 polygamous wives, the last one being the former Elvira Fields (d.1910). On nearby Garden Island, where several Indians lived, Strang wanted to marry the daughter of one of the Indian chiefs, but the chief would not allow it.

Strang was accused of crimes against "non-Mormons," but was acquitted of them in a trial held in Detroit in 1851. Although it was not proven that a band of "Strangites," which Strang's followers were called, acted on orders from the "king," fishing boats and other properties were raided by these men. One of the victims was the founder of present day Leelanau County's Port Oneida, Carson Burfiend, who had his fishing nets taken from him on three different occasions. On one occasion, the Strangites took his boat and punched a hole in the bottom of it.

Strang ran for a seat in the Michigan Legislature in 1852 and was elected twice, the second time in 1854. In order to increase the power base of his "kingdom" he introduced a bill to make Emmet County part of Charlevoix County, which was passed by the entire governmental body. However, after protest by the Emmet County residents, the legislature repealed the law. Strang did not give up, and in 1855, he introduced a bill to create Manitou County, which would encompass Beaver Island, its surrounding islands, and the Fox and Manitou Islands. The bill passed, creating the county, and the Manitou Islands were organized as Chandler Township, and the Fox Islands as Galilee Township. The county seat was established at St. James (formerly Beaver Harbor and renamed by Strang himself).

During one of Strang's missionary trips, he became familiar with a new kind of women's undergarments called bloomers. Being quite impressed with them, he returned to his island "kingdom" and ordered all the women in the colony to wear them. However, the wives of two men protested against the order, and Strang ordered the two men, Thomas Bedford and Alexander Wentworth, flogged (some sources say their wives were flogged).

Strang had become a virtual dictator over his flock, and even some of his own followers began to resent him, not to mention Bedford and Wentworth. In June 1856, at the peak of his power, Strang was requested to talk with the skipper of the schooner "Michigan" to discuss allegations of crimes brought against him or some of his followers. As the "king" walked past some pilings on the dock towards the ship, Bedford and Wentworth appeared from behind the pilings and shot him. They then ran to board the ship, hitting the wounded "monarch" with a gun butt as they ran by. They were taken to Mackinac Island, where they were released as heroes. This was how many people militantly resented the dictator "king."

When a word reached authorities in St. James that some were going to arrive on Beaver Island to finish Strang for good, the 'king" was put aboard a ship and returned to Vorhee, Wisconsin, where he died of his wounds on July 8, 1856. Without the Strangites "monarch," the Irish fishermen returned and took back their former property and forcing the Strangites from the island, about 2,600, with only the clothes on their backs. The "kingdom" within the U.S. was now relegated to history.

All that remained was Manitou County, which was said to hardly hold court, hold elections, or enforce the law. After Leelanau County was formed in 1863, Manitou County was made a "protectorate" of Leelanau County from 1865 to 1869. The first attempt to have Manitou County relegated to history was in early 1877, when retiring Michigan Governor John J. Bagley asked the Legislature to do so, saying the entire county should be made part of Charlevoix County. The legislators failed to take action on the proposal, but it was brought before the Legislature again in the Spring of 1895. This time, the governmental body listened, and Manitou County was divided up between Leelanau and Charlevoix Counties. The Manitou and Fox Islands became part of Leelanau County, and the Beaver Islands part of Charlevoix County. South Manitou Island was made part of Glen Arbor Township, North Manitou Island part of Leland Township, and North and South Fox Islands part of Leelanau Township, establishing Leelanau County's jurisdiction as it stands today. Leelanau County's population increased by 177, the total population of the Manitou and Fox Islands in 1895.

~Thomas Baird

Posted by Publius at 12:54 PM | Permalink

The developers of the Petoskey Pointe project submitted test data that they knew was flawed in support of their application for $4.5 million in tax credits. The project involves several of the same people who were involved in the recently rejected Traverse City parking deck project, including State Senator Jason Allen.

The data purported to show that the project's site was seriously polluted and thus eligible for brownfield tax credits, but as this Record-Eagle article shows, they were later shown to be seriously flawed. Nevertheless, the $4.5 million tax credit was approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Posted by Publius at 09:26 PM | Permalink

Apparently former Elmwood trustee John Stanek made a $2500 offer to settle the defamation lawsuit brought against him by Supervisor Deri Smith, but without admitting any wrongdoing.

At stake is a lawsuit filed by Smith against Stanek, former Elmwood Supervisor Noel Flohe, and Don Barrows. The suit alleges that the three conspired to publish materials alleging misconduct in office by Smith that they knew were false and defamatory. As this Record-Eagle story points out, Stanek and Flohe were behind the recent recall campaign against Smith; both were ousted from their posts in the 2004 election.

Posted by Publius at 09:11 PM | Permalink

The Pepellashi sisters--Petra, Erika and Yola--don't just serve up delicious food at their Greilickville restaurant on M-22. They also sustain and nuture a family that extends to include their devoted cadre of customers.

This Record-Eagle article gives a little background on the Silver Swan's owners, their parents, and philosophy. It also mentions one of the restaurant's most striking features--the electic collection of gifts and art that decorate the dining area.

Posted by Publius at 05:02 PM | Permalink

Leland township trustee Nick Lederle has strong links to the developer of a controversial project on Lake Leelanau and has acted on his behalf, according to published reports.

Lederle, who serves as the township board's representative on the planning commission was slated to testify at an administrative hearing on behalf of the Provemont Village development on Lake Leelanau, according to this report in the Leelanau Enterprise. In addition, Lederle intervened in a zoning dispute, seeking to force township zoning administrator Robert Hagstrom to act against critics of the Provemont Village's developer. No violations were found by Hagstrom.

Posted by Publius at 10:59 AM | Permalink

Its been a long time coming. Ever since more than 70% Elmwood Township voters reversed the adoption of a new township zoning ordinance by referendum in July of 2003, local planning entities have been challenged to bring a meaningful alternative to the table. The referendum defeat seemed to bring the zoning up-date advocated by the township board then in office to a thundering halt as answers to voters' concerns were sought. Election day 2004 realized major changes to the composition of the board and a nearly complete overhaul of the township planning commission followed. Elmwood engaged the services of a new planning consultant, LSL Associates of Grand Rapids, and new legal advisors had been brought on board after the first ordinance failed. Now its here: the first zoning legislation recommended by the Elmwood Planning Commission since the referendum, a complete re-write of the township's Rural Resort zoning district standards.

The RR-1 zoning district includes the property that was recently subject to an application for the development of the massive "Glacier Bay" destination water park resort. Elmwood's planning consultants, legal advisors and planning commission were faced with a glaring disconnect between the way in which zoning standards were applied in the zoning ordinance (an ordinance that currently is still in effect) and the township master plan. Characterized as "wide open", and without meaningful standards to apply, the planning commission was left to work with broad statements directing it to approve projects that met the requirements of the Elmwood Township Master Plan. Along with contradictions, conflicts, and ambiguities, both planners and applicants were out of luck when it came to reaching any conclusion as to just exactly what was allowed to occur in the district.

Elmwood voters should take note that there is much to be encouraged with in both the standards that have been created for this district, and the process that has been followed in their formulation by the Elmwood Planning commission. Intent statements that help define the district's connection with the township master plan are clear, direct, and simply stated. The new standards are rooted in concepts developed by recognizing the clearly defined attitudes of Elmwood residents as presented in the master plan. The new standards will: "maximize protection of its (the township's) rural atmosphere and its natural environment," to "permit resorts with limited commercial development that satisfy market needs of the local community." The district also allows a residential component compatible with rural low density requirements, and encourages home clustering to maintain open space.

Much more is on the near horizon for Elmwood. New standards developed for the RR-1 district will serve to preview a soon-to-be complete zoning ordinance re-write, a project now 10 years in the making. And while the language and procedures have been polished here, residents have an opportunity to get a first look at how their new zoning can be expected to work—and be prepared to offer suggestions for change before it all becomes final.

~ Erik

Posted by Publius at 12:11 PM | Permalink

Bingham Township Supervisor Robert Foster seems to be digging a deep hole for himself. Foster is in trouble with the Army Corps of Engineers for taking it upon himself to groom the township beach, as well as for bullying former township Clerk Dorothy Petroskey.

As this Record-Eagle editorial says, Foster seems to be a supervisor of a type familiar to residents of other area townships including Elmwood, where Noel Flohe was similarly careless of the laws and of the truth. We agree with the Record-Eagle editorialists: township voters deserve better than this.

Posted by Publius at 09:57 AM | Permalink