Winter roads and weather continue to dominate County

Another dump of heavy snow after moderate temperatures spelled trouble for Leelanau motorists Tuesday.  S Lake Leelanau Drive between Maple Valley Road and Donner Road in Bingham Township was shutdown for 2 hours while two BATA school buses that slid off the road were pulled back onto the road.  Roads were slick as the large amount of fresh heavy snow hit the warm road surface. 

The snow arrived Tuesday afternoon and continued throughout the night.  Leelanau Dispatch received the report of 2 non-injury crashes and 7 vehicles that had gone into the snowbank after the snow came.  4 vehicles were reported stuck in the roadway at various location throughout the night and had to be removed by tow services.

Motorists are reminded that no vehicles may remain on the roadway or shoulders of roads in Leelanau County.  They present a danger to other drivers as well as impede snow removal by County road crews.  If your vehicle breaks down or becomes stuck, call a wrecker to have it removed immediately.  If not, law enforcement will do so when made aware of it for the safety of others.  Slow down, lights on, use extreme caution and maybe even stay home if you really don't need to go out.

Rancour arrested for failing to appear again

The second of the Blue Moon Ice Cream Shop bandits was arrested yesterday in Grand Traverse County for failing to appear at his scheduled preliminary examination on November 22.  Cole J. Rancour, 23, of Traverse City remains lodged in the Leelanau County jail without bond after failing to appear for the second time in the case.

Co-defendant Scott A. Johnston was arrested over the weekend for violating terms of his bond.  Johnston did show up for the pre-lim on 11/22 but remains jailed for failing to appear for 3 drug screens.

The two are accused of breaking a front window at the Cedar business while being observed by patrons at a business across the street.  Rancour reached through the window and removed the cash register and got into a car driven by Johnston.  The two drove away but returned to the area a short time later and were confronted by Leelanau County deputies who were provided a vehicle description and partial license plate number by the witnesses.

Less than $20 was taken in the break-in.  Both men are charged with Breaking and Entering with the Intent to Commit Larceny, a 10-year Felony.