It would be great if the guy who created this Field of (Whiffle Ball) Dreams lived in my neighborhood...

France Lends Support to Salvage of Shipwreck
The Grand Rapids Press reports that Steve Libert of the Great Lakes Exploration Group believes he has the wreck of the Griffin. The vessel of French explorer Rene Cavelier LaSalle disappeared in 1679 and was the first European trade ship on Lake Michigan. He is getting support from France against the state of Michigan as he seeks salvage rights to the wreck site.
US Coast Guard training ship Pride of Michigan's page on The Griffin

Great Lakes Higher than Last Year, Below Long-Term Average
The UP Mining Journal reports that according the International Lake Superior Board of Control, although Lake Superior's level is three inches above last year, it remains two inches under the long-term average for the beginning of May. The levels of Lakes Michigan and Huron are about 11" below the long-term average for this time, up 6" over last year.

Immigration Drop May Cost Michigan
The Detroit News reports that immigration rates to Michigan (and the rest of the US) have slowed since 2001 as potential emigrants were confronted by tougher security restrictions, longer delays and a sagging national economy, according to government estimates. Immigration to Michigan dropped 5% from 2001 to 2004 and may cost Detroit and other cities millions of dollars in federal aid.

New Legislation to Create Health Care Accounts
The Lansing State Journal reports that a bipartisan coalition of state reps unveiled legislation that would allow Michigan residents to set aside money for retirement expenses in a tax-deductible account. The Long-Term Health Care Savings Accounts would allow purchase of long-term health insurance and payment of long-term health care costs for the account holder and spouses, parents & children.

Michigan Affordable Housing Conference - May 16-18, 2005
The 7th annual Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing will take place May 16, 17 and 18 at the Lansing Center. This year's conference is the largest of its kind in the nation and will focus on the six main areas of Michigan's affordable housing issues: Community Economic Development, Ending Homelessness, Multi-Family Development, Homeownership, Preservation and Organizational Development.
Visit housingconference.org for details & registration information

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