Grand rising, West Michigan. Wow what a weekend on the lakeshore… If anybody needs me, I’ll be a asleep for a couple more days 🛌 ☕️ 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Swimming Lake Michigan 🏊‍♂️ 

• Alligator Sighting 🐊👀 

• Tunnel Of Trees 🌳 🌲 

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Jim Dreyer Will Attempt Lake Michigan Swim Again Today

In 2023, Dreyer faced significant challenges in his attempt to swim a demanding route, initially abandoning his first session after 12 miles due to his support boat being swept off course. Attempting a self-sufficient swim, he spent 25 hours navigating eight-foot waves before his supply dinghy was destroyed, managing to cover 27 miles in total. Dreyer calculated that the full crossing could reach 90 miles and take over 72 hours without sleep. His efforts aim to support the U.S. Coast Guard’s Chief Petty Officers Association, a group that has backed his swims for 25 years. Meanwhile, ophthalmologist Bryan Huffman, who previously crossed Lake Erie and the English Channel, also faced setbacks in his 2023 Lake Michigan attempt due to mechanical failures. Dreyer remains committed, fully aware of the dangers, and aspires to inspire others to pursue their own journeys.

Ottawa County Alligator Sighting

On August 4, there were unconfirmed reports of an alligator spotted near Grose Park in Crockery Lake, Ottawa County. Ottawa County sheriff's deputies and state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers conducted a boat search for approximately five hours but did not find any alligator. At least two sightings of an alligator in the 100-acre lake have been reported, with witness estimates ranging from 4 to 6 feet in length. Lt. Gerald Thayer from the DNR noted that it is not uncommon for alligators to appear in the area, typically due to individuals releasing them after they grow too large for private ownership.

Thayer indicated that a 2- or 3-foot alligator poses minimal risk to swimmers, but a 6-foot alligator could create safety concerns due to its size and potential aggression. He emphasized that most alligators found in the region usually do not stay long and do not cause significant problems. Mistaken identifications, such as confusing a soft-shell turtle for a small alligator, are common; however, the witness who reported the 4-foot alligator was certain of its identity.

Another MI Tunnel Of Trees

Northern Michigan boasts a lesser-known Tunnel of Trees located in Manistee County, just off M-55 in Eastlake. This scenic drive spans half a mile, flanked by towering black willows that form a beautiful canopy. Planted in the 1930s, these nearly 100-year-old trees may soon be hidden from view, as black willows typically live between 40 and 100 years. During summer, the area resonates with the croaking of bullfrogs, earning it the nickname "Bullfrog Highway." To find this hidden gem, turn west onto Main Street from M-55, about a mile from the U.S. 31 intersection—it’s a charming detour worth exploring. Check out the video and pics here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Short-Term Rental Ban Looms In Park Township

Park Township, Michigan, is facing a contentious short-term rental ban, currently tied up in litigation. Current rental owners, concerned for their investments, reported significant potential losses if the ban is enforced. A survey conducted by the Frost Center for Social Science Research revealed that 33% of rental owners would sell their properties due to the ban, and 64% would halt further investments in the area. Court hearings are scheduled for November 21, while rental owners, like Kate Gutierrez-Wilson and Tom McGough, express frustration over lost business opportunities during the ongoing legal battle. Their properties typically cater to summer vacationers.

Hope College Grads Open Leather Shoe Business

A new high-quality, handsewn leather footwear business, The House of Leon, has opened in Saugatuck, founded by Gavin Midlam and Casey Rutledge. After careers in footwear design and neurofeedback technology, they began producing prototypes in a basement and later transitioned manufacturing to León, Mexico. Their design studio, which they established a year ago at 73 Butler St., has evolved into a storefront, allowing for better customer engagement. Midlam expressed excitement about returning to West Michigan, noting, “It just feels natural being back in this community. We love this place and starting a business here is a gift.” You can find out more about their business here.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

Muskegon

Tuesday - National Night Out 5:15pm

Muskegon Farmers Market 8am-2pm

Valkyrie - Trivia Night 7pm

Wednesday - Muskegon Flea Market 8am-2pm

Heritage Landing - Unity Christian Music Festival 2024

Fricano Place - Cruise-In 5:30-7:30pm

Unruly Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm

USS LST 393 Veterans Museum - Yoga on the Ship 7pm

Grand Haven

Tuesday - Bolt Park Sounds Of Summer 7pm

Grand Armory Brewing Vinyl Night 6:30pm

Wednesday - Grand Haven Farmers Market 8am-1pm

Waterfront Stadium Concert 6pm

Unicorn Tavern - Wine Flight Wednesdays

Holland

Tuesday - Park Theatre Open Mic doors open at 7:30pm

Midtown Center - Food Truck Tuesday + Live Music 5pm

Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront - American Legion Concert 7:30pm

Zeeland - Soundz of Summer Concert Series 6:30pm

Wednesday - Farmers Market 8am-2pm

Market Kids Activities 9:30-11:30am

Big Lake Brewing - Live Music at the Lake 6pm

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club Wednesday night sailboat races 6:30pm

SPONSORED BY SIMULATOR CONSULTANTS

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Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, Simulator Consultants is a locally owned and operated, customer-focused company that provides high-quality golf simulator installations and mobile event rentals. Our installations cover commercial and residential settings, simulator equipment sales, custom designing, and consulting services to accommodate virtually all spaces. Additionally, Simulator Consultants offers mobile golf simulator rentals for a wide range of events, including parties, weddings, corporate events, marketing events, trade shows, expos, and other gatherings both big and small. We take great pride in the personalized experience our team provides to each and every customer.

WEATHER

Tuesday

71 🌡️ 57 | 🌧️  | 70% | 💨 ENE 14 mph (12 knots)

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 57 | ⛅️  | 0% | 💨 ENE 8 mph (7 knots)

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

The Deck I The Corzo Effect I 6pm

Bolt Park I Roosevelt Diggs I 7pm

Heritage Landing I Shoreline Symphony Orchestra I 7pm

Kollen Park I American Legion Concert I 7:30pm

Wednesday

The Deck I Rocket Fuel Haulers I 6pm

Lucy’s I Live Jazz I 7pm

Waterfront Stadium I Lakeshore Big Band I 6pm

Big Lake Brewing I Andrew Alkema I 6pm

SPORTS

Tuesday - Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners 6:40pm

Wednesday - Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners 6:40pm

Thanks!

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