The Lansing State Journal has an editorial saying that the Michigan Supreme Court's ruling affirming the public right to walk Michigan's beaches was the right call. We heartily agree!

Record July Rains Save Mid-Michigan Crops
The Lansing State Journal reports that timely rainfall has Mid-Michigan crops coming up strong despite hot and dry conditions. Growers of soybeans, corn and wheat in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties are expecting to see above average yields. July had 3.73 inches of rain, making it the 21st wettest July since record-keeping started in 1895.

Changing the Face of Michigan's High Schools
The Detroit Free Press reports that efforts are underway to change the face of Michigan high schools to better prepare students for the job market. The Michigan Department of Education has hired a high school redesign consultant (paid for by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) to help address possible areas of reform, including teacher development and student testing.
Michigan Department of Education web site

DEQ Creates Inventory & Map of Michigan Groundwater
The Detroit Free Press reports that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has completed an inventory and map of the state's groundwater to help Michigan lawmakers consider water withdrawal regulations. The online tool features watersheds, water quality, wetlands wells and a host of other data. Very cool!
MDEQ Groundwater Mapping Project online tool

Two Big Recreational Land Purchases in Marquette
The Mining Journal reports that Marquette Township and the city of Marquette now own the majority of the Carp River valley area following two recent land purchases. The region includes the roughly 300-acre Marquette Mountain ski & recreational area and the township hopes to work with the city on a cooperative, comprehensive plan for the valley area.
Marquette Mountain web site

eBay, Fashion Fund Home Renovation
Detroit Free Press tech columnist Mike Wedland has a feature on Jim and Kelli Shaw, residents of the village of Sterling in Arenac County. The Shaws run Dream-Adventures, selling high-fashion women's clothing and accessories and are paying all the remodeling costs of their farmhouse using the profits from their eBay auction sales.

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