Calling All Kickballers: Agenda for August 20, 2026
The council meeting agenda for this Thursday shows two resignations. Plus, read the draft Parks & Rec minutes!
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The Mills of November: BOC Tries Again to Fund County
On August 11, the Board of Commissioners approved the Tax Advisory Committee’s November millage proposal suggestion, got a visit from MI state senate candidate Kim Cole, heard why Central Dispatch’s revenue is cutting out while the Road Commission’s is ramping up, and got a lot of public comment.
Turtlefest Signs: The Race Is Not Over!
Don’t throw those political signs in the dumpster. We are collecting them for Turtlefest 4!
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This Week This Morning
Hearing but Not Listening?
After the Headlee reset failed by 9 votes at Tuesday’s primary, the Tax Limitation Advisory Committee met Wednesday, August 5, to discuss the next attempt to fund the county. The ballot language for the November election is due tomorrow, August 11.
Deeply Local Election Results
Here are the August 4, 2026, Primary Election totals for Elberta and Gilmore Township, not broken down by precinct!
Village Election Guide
Check back on this page for hot election takes and updates as they occur.
Alert Reader
Another Alex Herryman confection
Kicked Can at End of Road
Benzie County will enter a fiscal crisis if we don’t vote to reset our millage rate and increase our taxes slightly — the way other places in Michigan do on the regular.
Alert Air
Take a Breather
A report on the July 16, 2026, regular council meeting. Plus a sneak preview of where the Betsie Valley Trail might go through the new development to E Beach, and a link to the live Elberta Commons Community Survey
Gilmore Township Meetings Roundup, November and December
DDA Meeting, Part Deux
The continuation of the proposed Downtown Development Authority meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., tonight (Tuesday) at City Hall. If you have any questions, call Josh Mills at (231) 352-7117. Our brief report on the first meeting can be found here.
Gilmore Township's New Zoning Ordinance
A draft of Gilmore Township's new zoning ordinance is available online. Planning Commission chair Dennis Holcombe said today that it's 99% finished and is with the attorney awaiting a few minor wording changes. He expects the final draft will be posted within the week. A public
Near Beer: Stormcloud Brewing
The official announcement finally came today, January 15, 2013, over Facebook: This summer a little light industry rolls in to 303 Main Street in Frankfort. The Alert spoke with Stormcloud Brewing Company owner-operators Brian Confer and Rick Schmitt about their project, which will occupy the former site of the
January Parks and Rec Report: Preparing for Solstice
Regular Meeting: January 10, 2013. The Parks and Recreation Commission meets the second Thursday of the month at the Elberta Library at 7 pm. This report is adapted from the official P&R Minutes written by VP/Secretary Jennifer Wilkins. President Connie Manke called the meeting to order at
Dan Benishek at the Sleeping Bear Inn
I hope to stand firm enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country's cause.—Abraham Lincoln FRANKFORT—At 2 pm Friday afternoon a small group gathered around the congressman from Michigan's 1st District, Dr. Dan Benishek. Benishek was
Benzie Shore District Library January Events
Wednesday, January 9th, 9:00 a.m. – Book Share Group Thursday, January 10th, 10:00 a.m. – eUsers Group Thursday, January 10th, 3:30 p.m. – Great Books Discussion Group Tuesday, January 15th, 10:00 a.m. – Story Hour (Lego Club canceled for January) Tuesday, January 15th, 7:00 p.
Proposed Downtown Development Authority Would Sequester Funds for Improvements to Entice New Businesses
FRANKFORT CITY HALL—Frankfort City Council held a public hearing this evening on its proposed Downtown Development Authority and Downtown Development District (seen below outlined in yellow). City Superintendent Josh Mills made a presentation on the proposal, along with city attorney Peter Dorn. Business owners Dale Evans, Bob Korten, and
Flu Shots
Mlive.com reports today that a third child has died in Michigan from the flu, reflecting a nationwide increase in flu cases. According to Mlive, you and yours should be protected from the three most common strains of flu if you get vaccinated. So: help your family and your community
Have Skates, Will Skate Benzonia
It's easier to get excited about the cold weather when you realize that you can go skating at the Benzonia Ice Rink any old time! Maybe you haven't been because you need skates? Here's your chance to get some cheap and help fund rink
Fate of the Elberta Post Office
Do you use it? Do you love it? Please fill out the survey form you recently received in your PO Box. If you didn't get the form or have mislaid it, you can pick up one at the counter. Your voice counts. If we come out strong for
Pride of BC: Let's Talk about Bullying in Schools
An anti-bullying group for parents holds its first meeting tomorrow at Benzie High School's SEEDS room at 6:30 pm. The group is a spinoff of the kids' anti-bullying Pride group that formed earlier this year. All are welcome to come out and discuss how