America's Inland Seas

Here's a nice article entitled American Profile: America's Inland Seas. The article covers a lot of ground. Here are a few excerpts:

“It’s something a lot of people don’t even know exists,” [Capt. Kevin Fitch of the S.S. Badger, the huge ferryboat that crosses Lake Michigan daily] says. “I’ve got cousins in Montana who, years ago, couldn’t believe that you couldn’t see across a lake. People come on the boat and can’t believe they’re out of sight of land.” ... the gargantuan Great Lakes—five massive freshwater receptacles covering 94,000 square miles (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire combined could fit in the Great Lakes), bordering on eight states and Canada: the third largest source of freshwater in the world behind the polar ice caps and Siberia’s Lake Baikal. Yet, many people don’t grasp their enormity.

Presenting that symbiotic union, through the magnificence of the Great Lakes’ attractions, to potential visitors from around the world is the job of William Anderson, director of Michigan’s Department of History, Arts & Libraries. As part of his job, Anderson is putting together driving tours linking all of the state’s maritime assets—lighthouses, underwater preserves, maritime museums, historic vessels, fish hatcheries, cruises, and the visual and performing arts rich in maritime music, stories and lore.

“You know, we covet waterfront property,” Anderson says. “It’s the most expensive real estate. In most places, it’s all developed—built up with condos, marinas and so forth. To go there, you’re almost intruding. It’s somewhat exclusive. But when I walk out there, to the big point—the Big Sable Lighthouse—I become the wealthiest person in the world. Because, it’s my world, my terrain, my vista and my experience. And I don’t have to ask anybody’s permission.

“That’s our place. That’s your place.”

Read the whole article.

Web Site Update

I made a small change to the web site this morning. In addtion to posting a comment to any of the articles (click on COMMENTS below any of the posts) I have added a new button to allow you to email any of the posts to someone else. Simply click on the little envelop pic at the bottom of a post and a new email form will appear. Fill in the form and click send and that post will be sent via email to whomever you want.

On another note -- the link in the left bar called "Ship Watch" is not working. This link used to take you to a page showing the current position of each ship on the Great Lakes. I suspect that this link is gone for good. I read elsewhere that links like this one that track ship movements are being taken offline in the name of national security -- wouldn't want terrorists to know where the ships are. I'll leave it there while I attempt to determine if it will come live again. If not then it will have to be removed. UPDATE: Well, the link appears to be working again so I'll leave it.

Area State and Federal Transportation Projects

The Bay City Times has an article today outlining several area transportation projects that have received state or federal funding. Two in Iosco County are among two dozen throughout the state announced Wednesday. One is for a bicyle and foot path in Alabaster and the other is this one about the US-23 bridge over the AuSable River:

The other project is an addition to the upcoming renovation of the US-23 bridge over the Au Sable River in Au Sable Township. The $74,457 project will pay to install ornamental fencing across the bridge to give pedestrians a better view of the water. The original design called for construction of a chain-link fence.

"The mouth of Au Sable River should be an aesthetically pleasing place. We don't want to put a cheesy chain-link fence up there unless we absolutely have to," said Ron Lamrock, Au Sable Township supervisor. "This is going to be a real nice thing for travelers and tourists," Lamrock said.

Norman's and East Tawas dispute continues

Gaudy signs in front of Normans? Daily sidewalk displays? Apparently East Tawas has problems with the outside decorations used by Normans as described in this article from the Bay City Times: Put down your dukes, Norman's and East Tawas :

This has gone on 13 years now, ever since Norman Corp. bought the old Holland House hotel, tore it down, and announced plans to raise a bigger store near US-23 on Newman Street. East Tawas city fathers, saying they don't want big, gaudy signs and daily sidewalk displays, have fought the store almost every step of the way.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a ruling that had both sides claiming victory ... The court upheld the city ordinance limiting outdoors signs to 100 square feet. But, the three-judge panel said, the ordinance applies only to the lettering on signs, not the awning, or whatever they are on.

I'm glad this hot issue has been cleared up.

Wal-Mart breaks ground for Tawas City store

I spotted the work last night on the way home. Here's the news as reported in the Bay City Times

Earth-moving equipment is breaking ground to prepare for construction of a new Wal-Mart store in a field overlooking Tawas Bay. If all goes well, Tawas City Manager Perry M. Franzoi said the discount retail giant will open for business in town in April 2005.

Site preparation is under way on the 23-acre parcel purchased by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. from the Detroit and Mackinac Railway Co. The property faces US-23, between the Tawas St. Joseph Hospital campus and the D&M's old round house.

Looks like the round-house stays. Here's hoping Tawas can retain it somehow as a historcial building.

War museum lease in doubt

Bad news for museum fans from the Saginaw News

The museum's Board of Directors signed a lease with the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport Authority in July for a 28,000-square-foot building that once was used as a headquarters by the U.S. Air Force. Kopitke subsequently told airport officials there's a possibility the museum can't honor the lease.

"They told me the deal was off, and that was the last official word I had from them," said Thomas Salter, airport manager.

Kopitke said insuring the building would cost $10,000 a year, far more than the organization can afford. Kopitke said he hopes to renegotiate a lease for the Wurtsmith building. But Salter said the museum has not made any formal proposals.

Replica of HMS Bounty to dock in Alpena

Mark your calendars for August 13-15. AReplica of HMS Bounty to dock in Alpena

A replica of the HMS Bounty, built in 1960 as a floating prop for MGM's film of the 1789 mutiny that starred Marlon Brando, is docking on the Thunder Bay River for a weekend later this month. The 180-foot, square-rigged ship will be at South Riverfront Park from Aug. 13-15 after sailing across Lake Michigan from Kenosha, Wis., through the Straits of Mackinac and into Lake Huron. Tours will be available.

National Canoe Competition begins next week in Oscoda

The Oscoda Pres has this about the upcoming National Canoe Competition next week:

About 5,000 people are expected to take part in over 100 races during the United States Canoe Nationals to be held next week in Oscoda. Races will be held Aug. 9-12 and organizers plan to take advantage of all the different types of water bodies in the Oscoda Area. Races will be held in the AuSable River, on Van Ettan Lake, and on Lake Huron.

The competitions are Olympic qualifying events and are open to everyone who is a member of the United States Canoe Association. People may purchase a membership at Warrior Pavilion when they register prior to a race. National Forest parking passes also will be available throughout the week at Warrior Pavilion.