Emmet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Emmet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Underutilized Adult Crossroads Program
The Adult Crossroads cognitive program has had no completions or new enrollments in the first quarter, and staff plan to open enrollment with an orientation hour to boost interest and bring it up to its projected three enrollments.
CDBG Chill grant close-out
The county is wrapping up a 2023 state Community Development Block Grant, with a public hearing before the formal close-out. This closes the books on grant-funded work in the community.
Petoskey Curling Club at the Fairgrounds
The curling club wrapped a successful second season at the Fairgrounds — 292 participants, growing membership — and wants to return earlier next year while searching for a permanent home with refrigerated ice.
Indigent Legal Representation Contract Amendment
The county updated its contract for the attorney who represents people who can't afford counsel in court — a core fairness issue in the local justice system.
VIP Parking Shuttle Service
Salvation Army will bus VIP parkers between Filmore's Restaurant and the fair from 3 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m., following the Johnson Bus route.
Village of Pellston water system
County Administrator Dave Boyer reported the village's water system project is moving forward, following the bi-monthly update meeting.
Junior Fair Board creation
The board wants to launch a junior fair board to get younger kids involved in meetings and pre-fair work, working with Emmet County 4-H's Amanda Furgeson.
County fair liquor license
The board was scheduled to sponsor a special liquor license so alcohol can be sold at the fair August 25-29, 2026.
Coffee with Inspectors attendance declining
The April event drew fewer attendees than past years. Members think the later date may be the culprit and plan to move it earlier — likely February or March — next year.
2026 Year-to-date Permits and Inspections Report
Trade permits are up compared to last year except electrical, where the surge of post-ice-storm repair permits in 2025 makes this year look like a 3% dip. Contractors following local permit trends will want to keep an eye on the electrical numbers normalizing.
Ticket sales pace
Only about 31% of concert tickets and 455 rodeo tickets have sold, with the board watching numbers after a promotional push.