Local Government
Ferry Companies Sue Mackinac Island
Shepler’s Inc. and Arnold Transit Co., formerly known as Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company, filed a lawsuit against the City of Mackinac Island Monday, March 3.
Island Files Counterclaim Against Shepler’s, Arnold Ferries
The City of Mackinac Island filed a counterclaim Thursday, April 3, against Shepler’s Ferry Company and Mackinac Island Ferry Company, doing business as Arnold Transit Company, after they filed a lawsuit in the Western District Court against the city in early March.
Frozen Solid: Ferry Ticket Rates Remain Frozen Pending Research
The Mackinac Island City Council reaffirmed their December 11, 2024, decision to freeze 2025 walk-up ferry ticket prices, refusing to reconsider rates during their meeting Wednesday, January 8, until research with outside regulatory consultants is complete.
Policy Problems: Island Employers Seek to Protect Guest Workers
Within the first few weeks of taking office, President Donald Trump’s administration enacted numerous changes to immigration law — impacting immigrants of varying statuses all over the United States, including Mackinac Island.
Island Receives $39.7 Million for Water, Sewer Infrastructure in State Budget Bill
$39.7 million was appropriated to improve Mackinac Island water and sewer facilities in the 2024 fiscal year state budget bill passed Wednesday evening, June 28, 2023. The funds will support upgrades to current infrastructure and partially fund the creation of a new wastewater treatment plant.
Three Winter Service Proposals from Ferry Companies Deemed Inadequate
The Mackinac Island Transportation Committee deemed three proposals for winter ferry service submitted by Shepler’s Ferry Company and Mackinac Island Ferry Company inadequate to meet the standards of the city’s 2012 ferryboat franchise.
Mackinac Island Department of Public Works Prepares for New Sewer Treatment Plant
A new wastewater treatment plant for Mackinac Island is a dream coming closer to reality as several meetings of the Board of Public Works (BPW) and city council have enabled initial planning and work to begin.
Mackinac Island City Council, State Park Continue Discussions About E-bikes
A public hearing between the Mackinac Island City Council and the Mackinac Island State Park was held Thursday, April 6, to hear concerns and comments about the permissibility of electric bicycles on the Island. Mayor Margaret Doud began the meeting by recognizing that collaboration and unification between the city and the state park regarding e-bike policies is essential, as the park owns most of the Island.
Grand Hotel Pulls Rezoning Request Following Criticism
Grand Hotel’s request for partial, conditional rezoning of a land parcel currently zoned as recreational open space (ROS) was sent to the Mackinac Island City Council without recommendation from the planning commission following a review during the Tuesday, December 13, meeting. The decision also followed a public hearing held by the commission earlier that day during which community members shared opinions of both opposition and support.