Featured Local & Regional Websites -- Menu | History | Websites | News | Bay-Journal Updates | Saginaw River Rear Range Lighthouse [Website] (Click to enlarge) Lighthouse aerial view. Photo by Jerry Clayton. The Saginaw River Rear Range Lighthouse is maintained by the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society which is in the process of restoring this historic structure. The lighthouse built in 1873, is located in Bangor Township on the west side of the Saginaw River about two-thirds of a mile from from the Saginaw Bay. Visitors to their website will be treated with a series of photos of the lighthouse taken at different time periods as well as what it looks like today. They also have a complete listing of the lighthouse keepers and some of the lighthouse's recorded history. The lighthouse and property is owned by the Dow Chemical Company which has recognized it's importance and has supported the restoration work being done by the society to preserve this unique historical site. Bonnie's Sewing Center [Website] This website is not only unique -- it may provide a solution that you didn't know existed. At least that was our experience as we browse the offerings of Bonnie's Sewing Center. This day and age, it is reassuring to know that their is a service that will attended to a broken zipper, alter a hemline or do other clothing repairs. And, for those who prefer to do it themselves, they'll provide classes showing you how to do it the right way. Of course, you can also get a modern sewing machine there to make the task easier.

News & Commentary -- Menu | History | Featured Websites | News | Bay-Journal Updates | News Article Index: Jun 1 - Introduction. Jun 3 - Ballpark Picking Up Steam. (Bay City) Jun 4 - Local Schools & Government Feeling Budget Constraints. Jun 5 - Passing of President Ronald Reagon. Jun 6 - Normandy Remembered. Jun 11 - Nation's Final Farewell to President Reagan. Jun 15 - Semiconductors and Saginaw Valley. Jun 18 - Air Fest Coming to James Clements Airport. Jun 22 - Product Made By Gougeon Brothers Reaches New Heights. Jun 23 - Bay City Manager Gets Passing Grade. Jun 23 - Portsmouth Township Maybe Next Growth Area. Jun 23 - Auburn Beauty Miss Michigan. Jun 24 - Proposed Tax Wrongly Punishes Smokers Even More. Jun 25 - Historic Masonic Center Threatened By High Costs. Jun 25 - Public Meetings Tuesday And Wednesday On Economy. Jun 28 - Surprise Move - Iraq Sovereinty Comes Early Jun 28 - Governor Granholm Signs Internet Sales Tax Bill. Highlighted news items and our commentary about it or other subjects. {Around & About Pictorial} Recent community snap-shots. For more extensive news coverage online we recommend: [MLive.com] - local & regional news. [MyBayCity.com]. - feature articles. ^ June 1 - Introduction Bay-Journal Commentary by Marvin Kusmierz I can't imagine what I was thinking three weeks ago when I began messing around with a few webpages on Bay-Journal? I wanted to try a couple of different looks for the website thinking it might provide a better browsing experience for viewers. Well to change the looks of over 700 pages that currently exist on Bay-Journal isn't an easy chore -- it's a major project! Against my better judgement, I have taken on the project of a "new look" for Bay-Journal. Consequently, very little has been done with new postings to the website since the middle of May. While I'll feel the drudgery of doing this, in the long run it will ll be better for the website. I'm not an expert by any means on HTML coding used to create webpages -- I've only learned enough about it to get what I need done. Unfortunately, this does not always work out to be the best way of doing things. When the task of revising the website is done, it will become a great deal easier to do future changes. Using the techniques of Cascading Style Sheet (CSS), a single page will contain coding that all of the webpages will depend on for layout and color schemes. So once the project is done I can simply change the CSS coding and all webpages containing that code will be updated immediately. Until this project is completed the website will be a combination of the new and old look. It'll be visually obvious to viewers as to how much progress is being made on the project. Right now, the Information Center and Community Histories sections are pretty much done. I also did the main entry pages to the other sections and a few of their webpages to test the new look. My planned sequence to complete the project is fishish the History section next then Pictorials, and the Heritage Library that is the hardest will be last. While I've been working on the website the weeds have been having a ball. I haven't had time to deal with them yet. Actually, some even bloomed flowers and may become a permanent fixture in the flower garden if they don't get too greedy for space. I do need to get some chores done with my homesite this summer. The list of "to dos" now quality as historical projects since they've ignored for so long in favor of the more enjoyable work I've devoted to Bay-Journal. ^June 3 - Profession Baseball Park Picking Up Steam (Bay City) The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce headed by Michael D. Steward will meet this month with other groups interested in bringing profession baseball to Bay City. The group will operate under the name, Chamber Professional Sports Committee (CHAMPS), and there first task will be to determine the regional demographics are sufficient to support a studium with a seating capacity of 5,500. If it does, they'll pursue the sources of financing required to build a stadium and the best location for the stadium. If the study goes well, they expect to be able to approach the city commission with their conclusions. ^ June 4 - Local Schools & Government Feeling Budget Constraints Bay-Journal editorial comments. The news has not been good over the past week or so for school administrators and government leaders. Bay City made some major cut in employees that set off a rumble among many in the community. Essexville and Hampton voters will soon be determining the faith of their education system's budget that could cause dramatic cuts leading to more people becoming unemployed. White the renewal is expected to pass, there is no guarantee -- citizens suffering their own finacial hardships see the word "tax" and automatically think "NO!" One has only to look at the Pinconning school system who have fail twice on attempts to get money for improving their schools. Many local public service budgets are feeling the crunch because of State and National budgets that affect the money of they have traditionally pass onto local communities. The State budget is suffering because of cut backs from the Washington, or from expenses they transferred to the States. But, these are conditions that us citizens have allowed to exist. No matter what the government entity is, it is our money being spent -- and, we seldom take interest until it affects us directly. I can only assume that our community is tickled pink to have obtained a grant from the State or Federal goverment, but we aren't so pleased when our tax dollars go to another community. The "Cool Cities" program of Michigan is an example of what I mean. Bay City was awarded $100,000 from this program. Guess who is paying for this grant money? The Michigan communties that weren't awarded this status. To me, this isn't an appropriate way of spending our tax dollars, especially when the State is being forced to make cuts in other areas of general importance to it's citizens. I'd much rather see the State and National government attend to doing the things that we cannot do for ourselves at a local level. This goes for all levels of government -- they need to stop the politically oriented pork-barrel spending and concentrate only items that are of general interest the public they serve. That won't happen until enough of us scream loudly and constantly to our representatives in government for a change in the way they spend our hard earn money. ^ Jun 5 - Passing of President Ronald Reagon Nancy Reagan, June 5, 2004 - Los Angeles, CA -- "My family and I would like the world to know that President Ronald Reagan has passed away after ten years of Alzheimer's, at 93 years of age. We appreciate everyone's prayers over the years." Ronald Wilson Reagan, the great communicator of goodwill, of hope and of promise leaves behind a legacy that will endure as a shining example of public service. He was a man of great character and goodwill. As President he remained true to himself and his faith in the goodness of people. There were no hidden agendas or ill feelings behind his warm and reassuring smile. A principled man -- he was the right person at the right time to lead our nation. Because of his vision follow his journey to the top of the mountain where life was bright, fullfilling and humanity flourished. Thank you Ronald Reagan for who you were, thank you Mr. President for what and for your great service to our nation and fellow citizens. May your presence please God as much as it has so many of us. “In closing, let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your president. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that day may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future. I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.” -- Ronald Reagon Internet Resources: The Reagan Ranch - The Heart and Soul of a Leader. Ronald W. Reagan - Presidential Library & Museum Ronald Wilson Reagan Memorial Time 100 - Most Important People of the Century PBS - Biography of Ronald Reagan How Reagan Changed America - George Will, Newsweeek Magazine, Jan. 9, 1989 ^ Jun 6 - Normandy Remembered. Sixty years ago today Allied forces launched the largest invasion ever assembled, and in a decisive campaign, turned the tide against the tyranny of Hitler and his army. Today, Europeans and Americans, governments and citizens -- gather in Normandy to remember the millions of lives sacrificed in this just cause. It is was only fitting that the speakers on this occasion also paid tribute to President Reagan who died yesterday. This year also marked, the first time that a leader from Germany took part in the ceremony. Ironically, the leaders of France and Germany enjoy a closer relationship at this moment in history than either does with the United States. Hopefully, the spirit of the celebration that brought them together will help them bridge thier differences to do what is necessary to rid this world of tyranny which are the safe-harbors of terrorists. BBC History - World War II Normandy 1944 by Brictannica.com ^ Jun 11 - Nation's Final Farewell to President Reagan. This evening President Ronald Wilson Reagan was laid to rest on the grounds of his library in Simi Valley, CA. His final tribute by a grateful nation began with his deather on June 5, 2004. His State funeral that lasted until this day allow his fellow citizens and well wishers from around the world the opportunity to pay their final respects to the man who touched so many during his life-time. He laid in state initially at his library in Simi Valley, CA where thousands waited for many hours for a turn to pay thier final respects. He was then flown to Washington, D.C. on Air Force One where he rested in the rotunda of the Nation's Capital building and thousands were able to pay thier final respects. On this final day, the sky over Washington was overcast and a light rain persisted as he moved by motorcade from the Capital's rotunda to the National Cathedral for a religious service attended by national and world dignataries. Eulogies were presented by Margaret Thatcher, close friend and former Prime Minister of Great Britain.; By Brian Mulroney, close friend and former Prime Minister of Canada; George H. Bush, former President, vice-president to President Reagan for eight years.; and, President George W. Bush. Attending the service were former Presidents and first ladies: Gerald and Betty Ford.; Jimmy and Rossalyn Carter.; George and Barbara Bush.; and, Bill and Hillary Clinton. Among the dignataries in attendance was Mikhail Gorbachev, President of the former Soviet Union. After the service, the funeral party returned to Anderson AFB and boarded Air Force One for the jouney to his final resting place on grounds of his library in Semi Valley, CA. On the way home, the flight was routed pass Dixon, IL, in a final solute honoring the place where his life was shaped during his youthful years. Air Force One landed at the Point Mugu naval airbase in the brightness of a clear sunny sky with thousands of people waiting thier turn to express a final farewell. Along the way to the library, thousands more waved American flags and cheered respectfully to the passing motorcade which slowed down in acknowledgement of thier dedication. At the library grounds close friends invited to participate in the burial ceremony patiently waited thier arrival while serene music played in the background. The family service began as the sun began it's descent spreadings a glow of light over the beauty of the mountain ranges and a gleaming sea beyond. It was a fitting week and a fitting final day celebrating the life of a man that gently touched the world with grace and goodness during his time. While our world is left a little dimmer with his passing -- his new home in that shiney city on a hill is brighter because of his presence. As much as Ronald Reagan meant to the people of this nation and to the freedom of people around the world, it is his family who deserves a heart-felt thanks at this time for having shared his life with us, and this time of their personal mourning. May the God's loving smile shine it's warmth upon them them replacing thier sorrow with joy knowing the time of this flesh shall pass freeing our spirit be in God's presence with our eternal family. Family Photo (Inaugural - Jan 21, 1985) (left to right) Bess Davis, Maureen Reagan, Dennis Revell, Michael Reagan, Ashley Marie Reagan, President Reagan, Cameron Reagan, Patti Davis, Mrs. Reagan, Ron Reagan, Doria Reagan, Geoffrey Davis, Anne Davis, Dr. Richard Davis, Patricia Davis. Ronald Reagan Library: Photo Archives on the Life of Ronald Reagan ^ Jun 15 - Semiconductors and the Saginaw Valley. Somewhat quietly exciting things are happening here in the Saginaw Valley that many may not be aware of or understand very well. Dow Corning is launching a new business at it's Williams Township property in Bay County. The new plant will produce silicon carbide (SiC) based semiconductor materials. To read more on this subject, see the article, "Semiconductors and Saginaw Valley" by Marvin Kusmierz. ^ Jun 18 - Air Fest Coming to James Clements Airport. Mark July 23-25, on your calendar to attend a new festival. Correction, it's an air fest! Wendy Dore of Dore Entertainment Company has aligned with the Valley Aero Club in Bay City's newest festival. Proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Bay City. Visitor will also be getting more than their moneys worth. For the cost of a $5.00 advanced ticket, they'll be thrilled with performances by sky divers, helicopters, wing walkers, and airplane stunts. Then after they've loosen up their stiff necks, there are plenty of ground level activities to entertain the family, including live music. For details, call 1-888-868-4462 or visit [www.airfestonline.com] ^ Jun 22 - Product Made By Gougeon Brothers Reaches New Heights. When "SpaceShipOne" went into the records books yesterday as the first privately owned craft flown into space, it carried with a new high for Gougeon Brothers businesses in Bay City. Their PRO-SET epoxy adhesive was on board that flight holding that spacecraft together. The Gougeon Brothers business began with building ice-boats using special epoxies in their construction which led to them becoming their primary products today. There are widely used today by other boat builders as laminates. Their product has been used in many other applications, including wind properpellors in the power industry. Gougeon Brothers Website ^ Jun 23 - Bay City Manager Gets Passing Grade. Congratualations to Robert V. Belleman, city mangager of Bay City for receiving "good" grade from the city commission on Monday. That's no easy task for the annual test measures his performance as determine by the nine commissioners. And, in his case, he has only been city manager officially since last September. Each of the commissioners rate his performance in the areas of relations with the city commission, supervision of city staff, formation and implementation of policies, skills in financial management and budget preparation, and in achieving goals set forth for him by the city commission. Along with his good rating, it was noted that Mr. Belleman is, "highly intelligent, hardworking, and well-spoken." ^ Jun 23 - Portsmouth Township Maybe Next Growth Area The Portsmouth Township board has received an application from Chris Ratajczak requesting that the 37.5 acres of farmland that he owns be rezone for commercial use. Apparently, Wal-Mart has shown some interest in building a store in that area of Portsmouth. The property is located on the westside of M-15 just north of Cass Avenue. If the request is approved and business beginning building there, it mostly likely will lead to new residential districts as well. ^ Jun 23 - Auburn Beauty Miss Michigan. Kelli Talicska of Auburn is now Miss. Michigan becoming the fourth from Bay County to have earned this distinction. Preceeding here were Jennifer Lynn Drayton (1996), Sandra Kay Metiva (1991) and Susan M. Schemm (1978). Miss Talicska, a graduate of Western High School, was selected from a group of 30 ladies contending for this honor. She will now be going onto the Miss. America pagenant competition which will take place Septemer 18th. We thank her for all the hard work that has helped her succeed, and which brings recognition to our community. We are looking forward to watching her with pride as she competes before the eyes of the world come September. ^ Jun 24 - Proposed Tax Wrongly Punishes Smokers Even More. Editorial by Marvin Kusmierz It looks like legislation sponsored by state Democrats to increase cigarettes taxes will become a reality according to an article in the Bay City Times yesterday. Following the lead of Governor Granholm, politicians have reached a compromise that has overcome the previous unfairness of this tax which failed to get sufficient support only a few weeks ago. It's amazing how shallow the roots of political rhetoric are. I wonder what was compromised to reach today's consensus? This lastest fiasco may kill the golden goose. What they are about to do is not a solution to their budget problems -- in fact, will most likely lead smokers using non-Michigan sources for purchasing cigarettes and that could negate any propose benefit from this tax increase. It could even lead to dramtic reduction of revenue from smokers as the word rapidly spreads there are alternatives. Smokers might have compained about a ten or twenty cent tax increase, but a seventy-five cent increase per pack is sure to send them scurry for low cost solution to sustaining their personal budgets. I for one will not be voting for any politician that is for taxing smokers or any other specific group. Taxes should not be used to take advantage of selective group or to control their behavior. It's this type of mentally in taxation that may eventually lead to the legalization of narcotics as another source of tax revenue. It's time for taxpayers to stop allowing politicians to recyle their hard earned money while politicians are not able to control spending which is the biggest problem with run-away budgets. State politicians point to Washington and a depressed economy as what caused their budget problems. Local politicians in turn point the state for the same reasons. The truth is each are the cause of their own budget problems. They built their budgets based on tax revenue that was imposed on citizens who had no one to hold directly accountable. They spent all the revenue they took in during good times knowing full well there is always a rainy days ahead. Don't we all wish we could run our household budget that way -- just tell our employer that we need a raise whenever we spend to much. Many tax payers are beginning to wise up this practice of taxation knowing it might be their choice that becomes the next target. Many are tired of working working five months out of the year to pay their tax burden. Many are wising to the carnival like hype that goes on each election year by polticians hawking one thing to get elected then doing what they want afterwards. When challenged for their actions -- they say it's out of their control. And, you know what? They are right -- but, it's them that are out of control. The golden rule I use at voting time is to cast my vote against the encumbent unless I have valid reason to keep him or her in office. Another rule I have is to always vote for a candidate with background in accounting. Early image of Masonic Center ^ Jun 25 - Historic Masonic Center Threatened By High Costs. (Bay City) The historical masonic center on the north east corner of Madison & Sixtth steets may be demolished unless someone takes it over. The building built in 1892 by local architects Leverett Pratt and Walter Koeppe has become a financial burden to the local mason chapter because their existing membership is unable to support the maintenance cost of keeping the building. They plan on keeping the adjoining Masonic Temple and Consistory building for member use. If no one buys or leases the Masonic Center building, it will be torn down. The later would be a tragedy. The building is uniquely designed in many ways outside and inside. The asking price of the building is only $200,000 which appears to be a real bargain for someone or entity. The Bay Arts Council has shown an interest in the building. It may fit well with their long range plan of turning Bay City into an arts cultural center. Let's hope the building fits well with plan and is saved from demolision. ^ Jun 25 - Public Meetings Tuesday And Wednesday On Economy. Two meetings are scheduled for this coming week for input from the public regarding the future development of the Bay County economy. It's your opportunity to participate in helping to shape a final Bay Area Economic Development Plan. The meetings will take place at the new Double Tree Hotel conference center in Bay City on the following dates: Tuesday, June 29th: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Wednesday, June 30th: 8:10 am - 10:30 am ^ Jun 28 - Surprise Move - Iraq Sovereinty Comes Early. In surprise move, the U.S. has transferred sovereinty to Irag two days early in order to twart any special plans terrorists may have made for the occasion. Paul Bremer, U.S. governor of Irag handed over the documents of sovereinty to Irag's chief justice Midhat al-Mahmood in a small ceremony today. Six hours later members of the new Irag government were sworn into office. Their task ahead is to stablize the security of the country as they prepare for their first elections this coming January. The coalition military forces will remain in Irag to help secure stability and NATO countries have promised to aid in the training of Iraq's security forces. Let's hope we can use this historical event to shed ourselves of the rhetoric of the past and rally behind Iraq's march towards being a free nation. People can reasonably disagree on the events of the past -- but, now is the time to reunite with one voice for freedom to let terrorists know their there is no future for their cause. Yahoo News: U.S. Transfers Sovereignty to Iraq Govt. ^ Jun 28 - Governor Granholm Signs Internet Sales Tax Bill. In another move to bring in revenue to help resolve Michigan's budget woes, Governor Granholm has signed a bill that will help the state to collect sales tax on internet and catalog purchases. The bill will allow Michigan to unite with several others states in a Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. The agreement basically creates standard tax codes making it easier to enforce tax collection of sales outside of a states borders. According to Michigan's Replublican Policy Office, the bill could collect between 26 to 65 $million during it's first year. Michigan's Senate Fiscal Agency has estimates the state has been losing $250 million a year by not collecting sales taxes in these areas. The bill will go into effect on September 1. According to information provided on the state's website regarding Michigan's use tax, "The remote sales tax (use tax) applies to purchases when Michigan sales tax is not charged. Use tax of 6 percent is due on the total price (including shipping and handling charges) of all taxable items brought into Michigan, purchases by mail from out-of-state retailers, and purchases made on the Internet. It applies to purchases made in foreign countries as well as other states. You can pay use tax on on line 28 of your 2002 Michigan Income Tax Return." MI Gov.: Michigan's Use Tax (Remote Sales Tax) By state tax law, consumers are already obligated to pay a use tax on purchases made out of state that are not collected by the selling business. The state argues that this tax is only fair since it helps protect businesses operating in our state. I don't agree. I think it's a bad idea for states to cross borders, physical or electronically, to collect taxes on products sold in another state. The arguement that Michigan's businesses are being hurt by internet sales is to say Michiganders who vacation in another state are hurting local businesses whenever they buy goods elsewhere, or that tourist coming to Michigan and paying our sales tax aren't helping local businesses. It seems to me it may be unconstitutional for states to impose taxes beyond their own physical boundaries. It's ironic that state politicians are not fighting to protect businesses in their state being taxed by another state? __________ Resources on subject: Detroit News: Michigan needs Internet tax revenue. By Rep. Lorence Wenke Streamlined Sales Tax Project

Bay-Journal Website Updates -- Menu | History | Websites | News | Bay-Journal Updates | Jun 1 - New Look for Bay-Journal See Introduction under the News section above. Jun 3 - History & Pictorial Sections Done! (update) The History and Pictorial sections have now been updated with the new look. Work will begin on the Heritage Library and this will be done over a longer period of time due to the large number of webpages involved. We will make no announcements regarding the new look until all pages have been completed.

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