As you read this, most (if not all) of the local road projects should be complete. However, I still feel compelled to apologize one more time for all the inconveniences caused by the sheer number of projects this season. If you’re a local or have been in the area at all this summer, you know what I’m talking about and if you’re new to the area or just passing through, I hope you will enjoy all of our recent traffic improvements. There is more to be done but we are going to have to wait until next construction season for those projects. Stay tuned.

On a more somber note, the area has just experienced two significant weather events (within the same week) that caused not only property damage, but an unfortunate loss of life as well. The good news is that City staff responded very well to both events and I am both happy and proud of the work that they were able to accomplish under harsh terms. Our lakeshore north of East Fair Avenue was hit especially hard but we are doing our best to keep it accessible to the public and we are developing plans to repair and/or improve what we can.

On the bad news side of things, two lives were lost when two people ventured too close to the large waves caused by the storm on the north side of Presque Isle Park and were washed into Lake Superior. Although this type of storm is infrequent, it happens often enough and most, if not all, locals are very aware of the Lake Superior’s intensity and avoid putting themselves in this kind of danger. As a matter of fact, Lake Superior is more like an ocean or sea to us instead of a lake. We do our best to educate and warn as many people as possible, including denying access to those areas that we deem dangerous. Unfortunately, no matter how much we post signs, lock gates or warn people, there are still the few who don’t take it seriously.

Please enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior but also respect it’s power and unforgiveness.