Don t miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
SUNDERLAND â Leigh H. Perkins, the man who turned The Orvis Company into an internationally renowned sporting goods brand, has died. He was 93.
Perkins, who bought the Sunderland-based Orvis in 1965, died Friday in Monticello, Fla.
âTo many of us, my grandfather was a visionary, a pioneer, a lover of the outdoors, of fish, of birds, of dogs, and someone who passionately believed in protecting our natural resources for future generations,â said Simon Perkins, the current president of Orvis and the third generation of the family to lead the company over more than a half-century. Simon Perkins succeeded his father, Leigh âPerkâ Perkins, as the companyâs CEO.
Leigh H. Perkins bought the Orvis Company in 1965 and spent the next 30 years of his life building the company to what it is today. The following is a press release from Orvis on the passing of Perkins on May 7, 2021.
Leigh H. Perkins, who purchased The Orvis Company in 1965 and over the next three decades transformed it into one of the country’s most respected sporting, apparel, and dog brands, passed away at the age of 93 on May 7, 2021, in Monticello, Florida.
Although he built his reputation as a shrewd businessman and marketer, Leigh was most at home wading in a trout stream or walking behind a bird dog in the field. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who hunted or fished more than 250 days a year into his 90s, and his reverence for nature was at the heart of his drive to conserve land and water resources for future generations.
Capital News Service
Reinstatement of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Habitat Grant Program could provide significant funding for many habitat projects this year, the department said.
The DNR awarded no grants last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now is moving ahead. program manager Chip Kosloski said.
The application deadline is June 4 with $1 million in funding available.
Previous recipients include the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Lenawee Conservation District.
Funded by the sales of hunting and fishing licenses, the program was established in 2013 to enhance and improve the quality and quantity of habitats for game species, the DNR said.
Banquets
May 1: Red River Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 31st Annual Big Game Banquet, Alerus Center Ballroom, Grand Forks. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Info: Paul Eslinger, (701) 202-0196.
May 7: Lake of the Woods Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society 30th annual conservation banquet, Springsteel Resort, 38004 Beach St., Warroad, Minn. Social hour and raffles 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $65 individual, $95 couple and $35 junior (17 and younger); all include one-year membership in the Ruffed Grouse Society. Info: Jared Olafson, (218) 242-1005; jaredolafson@gmail.com.
May 8: Roseau/Lake of the Woods Sportsman Club fish fry and membership drive, 4 to 8 p.m., Warroad Eagles Club-Aerie 4195, Warroad, Minn. Raffles, games, door prizes for members. Single, family and ATVAM (All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota) memberships available. Meals $15 per person, $8 for 12 and younger.
May 4, 1901-Bicyclists in Grand Rapids again are being warned not to ride on sidewalks.
May 4, 1901-Owing to the publishing of the delinquent tax list and other advertising matter this week, local news is crowded out of the Herald-Review.
Â
1911
May 3, 1911-With the addition of three new cars that are expected this week, there will be a total of 14 cars owned and operated in the village.
May 3, 1911-Ralph Lane was burned to death in a fire at Ball Club which destroyed the 20-room hotel conducted by John Payne.
May 3, 1911-George Fraser of Duluth has rented the Ogegma Hotel at Pokegama Lake and will open to the public in a few days.