Ah the Glories of Michigan's Spring; Potholes Grab Even the Governor's Eye
Rise in Great Lakes Water Levels Predicted to be About a Foot
March 14, 2004
By: Dave Rogers
Saginaw River levels already show rise at the monitoring point in Wenonah Park.
A few small flocks of geese are straggling back from down South.
A lone robin is seen in a tree in Monitor Township.
Breaking news is that a rise in water levels of about a foot is expected, gladdening the hearts of all waterfront dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spring floods have receded after providing plenty of scary scenarios in low-lying areas.
A rise in water levels will be a welcome change from last year, when the lakes were down nearly a foot and wells were going dry. Cottagers and boaters along the Lake Huron shore had to trek far out in the shallows to reach water deep enough to float a dingy.
Brutally cold winds and sputtering snow still bring us back to reality, however, as this is Michigan after all. Even the governor, with her myriad budgetary and other worries, takes time out to show concern about potholes, a northern contagion unknown to motorists south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Ice rushed out of the Saginaw, Kawkawlin and other rivers during a warm spell a week or so ago and the ice fishing platform on the bay is steadily eroding. The tradition of stranded fisher persons will no doubt again occur, an amazing annual phenomenon of foolishness.
In short, the glories of spring are springing up all around, and it's about time, most folks hereabouts exclaim.
Re: Potholes: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released a toll-free phone number so that citizenscan help identify the location of potholes. If you are aware of a dangerous pothole please call toll free, 1-888-296-4546. This line is available 24 hours a day. For residents with internet access, log onto the MDOT web site at www.michigan.gov/mdot and click on the reporting potholes link. Callers and those reporting pothole locations by e-mail are asked to provide the route name, the county, the nearest community, and the closest cross street.
"As spring approaches, I urge Michigan citizens to be part of the solution by using MDOT's toll-free number to report potholes. We all can do our part to help preserve our roads and keep Michigan's economy moving," said Governor Granholm.