Book explores how lighthouses and harbors transformed the Great Lakes

Theodore Karamanski didn’t expect to be reprimanded by Gordon Lightfoot at a concert in 1976. Lightfoot, widely known for his ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” lectured an audience for living on the Lake Michigan shores while knowing nothing of Great Lakes history. We interview Karamanski about his new book, “Mastering the Inland Seas: How Lighthouses, Navigational Aid and Harbors Transformed the Great Lakes and America.” We also talk to a Grand Valley State historian and a scientist at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor. By Lucas Day.

Leelanau County airport seeks historic designation

The push to secure state historic site designation for the Clinton F. Woolsey Memorial Airport in Northport is advancing. The former dairy farm is named for a famed local aviator who died in a plane crash and who numbered Charles Lindbergh among his students. The airport manager, Michigan History Center director and head of the Historical Society of Michigan explain. By Joe Dandron.

Buses are “petri dishes,” some drivers say

Public transit systems across the state have beefed up sanitizing their vehicles, cut back or eliminated regular bus routes and limited the number of passengers allowed on board at a time. The Clare County system terminated a mechanic who cited health concerns as the reason not to come to work. We talk to EMGO, the Marquette County Transit Authority, CATA and the Michigan Public Transit Association. By Maddy O’Callaghan.

Rides to doctor appointments still available in U.P.

A public transit program that takes U.P. residents to medical appointments and procedures still plans to expand after the COVID-19 crisis is over. In the meantime, ridership is down as non-essential medical appointments are cancelled. It’s modeled after a program in Flint.

Remote working affecting businesses

“There has been a lot more deliveries due to the coronavirus.” said Jordan Gagala. Gagala is a delivery driver for Panera Bread and has felt the impact of COVID-19. She said there have been a lot of bigger orders with much more food, and loaves of bread have been selling at an increased rate. Panera has also dropped the need to sign for food being delivered to stop the spread. Gagala said the store is closed for any on- site eating but the drive-through, rapid pickup stations and delivery services are still open.

Michigan links trains and bikes

Amtrak, MDOT and cycling groups are working to increase the ease and capacity of carrying bikes on several passenger routes through the state: Chicago-Grand Rapids, Chicago-Lansing-Port Huron and Chicago-Detroit-Pontiac. One goal is to increase use of public transit. By Kaylie Connors.

Leelanau County airport seeks historic designation

The push to secure state historic site designation for the Clinton F. Woolsey Memorial Airport in Northport is advancing. The former dairy farm is named for a famed local aviator who died in a plane crash and who numbered Charles Lindbergh among his students. The airport manager, Michigan History Center director and head of the Historical Society of Michigan explain. By Joe Dandron.