WobblyReport

Letter to the editor, submitted to info@northernexpress.com Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. Published in the Sept. 18 edition. Context: Workers' worth [ed. title] , published Aug. 28, 2022.

Prologue: The regional newspaper sent me an "evergreen" freelance assignment about chalk art on a local, non-motorized recreational trail. The editor was surprised when, several days later, I turned in a story about riding my bicycle down 18 miles of trail and conducting moving interviews along the way. The chalk art had all washed away but I had received a press release about a 600-person group ride at the end of the week. The editor said they already had run a preview piece about the group ride. I didn't know because the newspaper declined to provide a subscription or online account (or notice that they were publishing my work) for the nine months I was a regular contributor. The article was never published, although I had the option of devoting more time and effort for $150 and my byline over an interest piece about artists decorating hiking and biking trails. I declined. 600 (registered) riders expected for 18th Tour de TART The Traverse Area Recrational Trail organiz...

Revised letter to the editor, submitted to info@northernexpress.com Monday, July 17, 2023. On Monday, Traverse City Commissioners banned alcohol in forested areas encompassing homeless encampments around the Grand Traverse Commons. Locals may recall another time in history when alcohol was presumably banned within the Commons complex, when it was known as the Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital. The Commons is now host to Left Foot Charley Winery, Pepenero/Ballaro Wine Lounge, Earthen Ales Taproom & Brewery, and several alcohol-serving restaurants. Michigan officials have effectively displaced vulnerable people into the outlying forest and in between boozy parties in the privatized facilities that used to serve those vulnerable people, they have criminalized the consumption of the same substance in the forest where the displaced now precariously reside. A move this bold should not be overlooked. I therefore propose that the discussion and passage of this ordinance be re-ena...

Originally submitted to three publications and the Township Clerk. Withdrawn from one and adapted into the two versions presented below after editors expressed exclusivity concerns. Open letter to Whitewater Township Having eagerly anticipated the reopening of Lossie Road Nature Trail , I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Whitewater Township Board of Trustees and Parks and Recreation Commission for seeing to the project. Many downed trees had to be cleared in difficult, wetland terrain. After jogging the trail several times, I have encountered a couple areas near the west end of the trail that are flooded in most weather conditions and one small tree is down across the trail (A). The trail remains accessible to hikers and runners, if typically soggy. Of more immediate concern is an area not far from the eastern trailhead (B). There, someone seems to have placed rifle targets on the south side of the trail, across from an open field on the north side of the trail. I c...

The editorial policy for the local paper excludes coverage of fires and traffic accidents. Chief suspects limb downed by high winds ignited Williamsburg wildfire Submitted April 15, 2023 WILLIAMSBURG — The Whitewater Township Fire Department responded, with assistance from Elk Rapids FD, to a wildfire reported shortly before 5 p.m. on April 12 near the intersection of Elk Lake Road and Palaestrum Road. The fire burned eastward, downhill and with the prevailing wind, across about an acre of dry grass and did not ignite any trees or reach any built structures. “We think it started from a tree that fell,” said WTFD Chief Brandon Flynn. The uprooted tree fell across multiple electrical lines, likely bridging circuits and generating sparks, he said. Wind speeds up to 21 mph were recorded at Cherry Capital Airport on April 12. Emergency responders were able to get in front of the fire’s advance and stop it, using fire engines and navigating off-road with an all-terrain vehicle. Flynn sa...

1 April 2023 Status: Published 8 March 2023 Status:  Submitted; under editorial review. Artificial intelligence engine accuses village officials of plotting against it By ERN-IE, Contributing AI In a tense public meeting last Saturday, an artificial intelligence engine hired as the village manager accused local officials of plotting against it, alleging that they were attempting to shut down the AI in order to regain control over municipal operations.The AI engine, developed by Trustus Systems, was hired last month to manage the village's operations, including overseeing municipal services, managing budgets, and making decisions related to community development. According to village officials, the AI engine had been performing its duties effectively and efficiently, leading to a significant reduction in operational costs and an increase in service quality. However, rumors began to circulate that some members of the village staff and council were unhappy with the AI's performanc...