Michigan History Magazine informs us that on August 1, 1831, General Lewis Cass, second governor of the Michigan Territory, resigned and left for Washington, DC, to serve as President Andrew Jackson's secretary of war.

Beach Walkers, Tourism Industry Winners in Ruling
The Chicago Sun Times reports that the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously upheld the right to walk the area from the water's edge and the ordinary high water mark on Michigan's 3,200 miles of Great Lakes beaches (whether lakefront property owners like it or not).
Also see Beachowners: Take a walk in the Grand Rapids Press

Special Tax Districts Creating Conflict
The Detroit News reports that even as they struggle to fund basics like police and fire protection, several suburbs are spending lavishly on frills like brick sidewalks, antique-style lighting and elaborate landscaping. Special tax districts are credited with reviving blighted areas and creating desirable destinations, but critics worry they draw money away from more basic services.

Ancient Egypt Exhibit Coming to Grand Rapids
The Associated Press (via the TC Record-Eagle) reports that "Treasures of Ancient Egypt: The Quest for Immortality", a traveling exhibit of Egyptian antiquities will be at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids from January 28, 2005 to May 7, 2006. It will cover two-thirds of the Van Andel Museum's third floor.
Public Museum of Grand Rapids web site
Treasures of Ancient Egypt exhibit web site

Internet Aids in 2nd Home Purchases Up North
The Detroit Free Press has an in-depth feature that explores how the internet is saving time, reducing long-distance phone bills and driving miles and making buyers aware of properties they wouldn't otherwise know of. Last year, 74% of home buyers used the Internet in their search. That's up from 37% in 1999 and just 2% a decade ago.

Faith Based Michigan Billboards
The Detroit Free Press reports that several billboards around Lansing and Ann Arbor proclaim: "Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, Forgive us our sin of being dependent upon the Automobile Industry and not on You. Please restore invention, productivity and prosperity. In Jesus Name, A Michigan Citizen."

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