SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                              ---------------------


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT


                     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                                February 17, 2004
                        (Date of earliest event reported)

                         Commission file number: 0-20167

                       NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


MICHIGAN                                               38-2062816
(State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                        Identification No)

130 SOUTH CEDAR STREET, MANISTIQUE, MI                 49854
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (800) 200-7032









ITEM 12.      RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

              On February 17, 2004 North Country Financial Corporation issued a
press release announcing earnings for the year ended December 31, 2003.














                                   SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


                                            NORTH COUNTRY FINANCIAL CORPORATION


Date: February 17, 2004                     By:   /s/ Ernie R. Krueger
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Ernie R. Krueger, CFO





Exhibit No.           Description

99.1          Press Release dated February 17, 2004