Michigan History Magazine reports that on July 17, 1961 one of the greatest baseball players ever, Ty Cobb, known as the "Georgia Peach," died in Atlanta.

Michigan Farming Population Stable, But Aging
The Mining Journal reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds the Michigan farming population is stable after several years of decline, but farmers are aging (average age: 54). More than 14,000 Michigan farmers are part time and 9 in 10 farms are in the "up to 190 acres" category.

Bills Could Restrict Michigan WiFi Efforts
mLive reports that local governments in economically depressed communities Michigan are working to develop wireless hot spots, allowing residents & visitors to surf the net anywhere. Now comes word that the Michigan Legislature is considering bills that would bar municipalities from providing these services. Critics say the laws are the result of intense lobbying by telecommunication giants, including SBC Communications, Verizon and Comcast.
Also read Battle brews over Wi-Fi in the Grand Rapids Press

Michigan Now 2nd Fiddle in Auto Industry
The Detroit News reports that although half of the world's 150 largest auto suppliers have their North American headquarters in the Detroit area, and the state (especially southeast Michigan) has more assembly plants and research and development centers than any other state or province, Ontario produced nearly 103,000 more vehicles than Michigan last year.

Mandi McConnell Wins 2005 Michigan Amateur
The Detroit News reports that Michigan State University junior Mandi McConnell won the 89th Michigan Women's Amateur Championship Friday afternoon by defeating Western Michigan sophomore Laura Bavaird 6 and 5 in the championship match at Radrick Farms Golf Club.

West Michigan IT Hiring Increase Expected
Mitechnews.Com reports that 60% of large west Michigan companies say they will hire new information technology staff before the end of 2005 - double the number of companies with more than 1000 employees that planned technology employment increases for the first half of the year. The survey also found that 50% of small companies plan to increase IT hires.

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