"Ice" appears to be the word of the day in Detroit. Locked out Red Wings are skating on it and it's falling from the sky as well...

Forest Service OKs Natural Gas Exploration near AuSable
The Free Press reports that the U.S. Forest Service has approved Traverse City-based Savoy Energy's plan to explore for natural gas near the AuSable River (a Michigan fishing mecca) and the Mason Tract (11 miles long, 4500 acre+) in Crawford County, rejecting arguments that the project was too environmentally risky.

Hockey News: Motor City Mechanics sign 3 Wings
The Detroit Free Press reports that with the NHL (and Red Wings) mired in a lockout, the Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League have signed Red Wings stars Kris Draper, Chris Chelios and Derian Hatcher. The Mechanics play at Fraser, a Michigan hockey mecca.
Another Freep article on the Red Wings players

Broadband Price War in Metro Detroit
Detroit Free Press technology writer Mike Wedland reports that metro Detroit's two major high-speed Internet providers (Comcast Cable and SBC Communications) are engaging in a price war. The winners? Users of cable and DSL.

Silver Lake & Dam to be Restored
The Mining Journal reports that the Upper Peninsula Power Company will spend $5 million to restore the dam at Silver Lake (25 miles northwest of Marquette), which flooded into the Dead River in May 2003 and caused an estimated $100 million in damages. The lake will be rebuilt as a reservoir for hydropower generation.

Great Lakes Cities Initiative Seeks Policy Voice
The Associated Press reports that mayors and other city officials in the Great Lakes region are demanding more input on water policies that can affect their budgets and economy. The Great Lakes Cities Initiative was established in 2003 and over 55 member cities are using the initiative to have a voice in state, federal and international issues that impact the lakes and their city.

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