Escanaba City Council Regular Meeting (November 06, 2025)-How we live and how we grow.

Another exciting meeting wrapped up today, filled with new activities, new ideas, and positive changes. This town is a special place, full of special people who deserve the very best the market can offer. Over the past few years, it has come a long way—new development, increased marina visitors, growing tourism, new businesses, expanding outdoor activities, rising property investment, and much more. And it’s not just about growth; it’s about thoughtful change—change that intentionally brings the community into the process.

"If you have a garden and a library,

you have everything you need." - Cicero

We got more than that....

In any system, the economic and social sides are always connected. Science sometimes separates them, as if one does not influence the other, but that separation isn’t real. Economics is simply the measurement of choices, and those choices are shaped by social values and cultural norms. Healthy communities think about one another as they grow. They strive to bring as many people along as possible.

This is why watching a small town like Escanaba grow—both socially and economically—is so valuable. I don’t have official numbers, but let’s imagine the town has seen a 20–30% increase in economic investment over the past few years. You could likely find a parallel rise in social activity: more events, more artistic initiatives, more social clubs, more bands, more opportunities for people to come together. Take a moment to think about that and the many small interchanges that create a community. Theory of the Firm

It shows how economic and social engagement, working together, can lift a community to a new rung. It’s not the size of the town that matters, but how well its social and economic threads interact to build on what they have a draw new resources in. That synergy creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Growth and investment follow naturally, because the returns are more than positive financial—they’re aso communal, cultural, and deeply human. We can learn a lot from towns like this.

(Consider this philosophical idea. There seems to be some possibilities that entrepreneurial mindset and expectation is built in the social realm  i.e. Daily Press has a local business section that helps support awareness of local businesses. A type of expectation. Encouragement from other areas, business, organizations might lead to increase in new and local young families starting their businesses and rejuvenating the downtown. Personally I think small businesses that appeal to tourists, enhance the downtown and can export if they grow can make a difference. In Theory.)

I’ve included an article about the hallmarks of neighborhood growth. This northern city is both a neighborhood and a community (We are all in the same pot together no matter who is rich and who is poor. We know each other and want the best for each other. Ok most of us.). See if you can connect some of the ideas from the article to the video—almost like a bit of live learning.

Highlights in the Notes/Minutes

November 25th, 2025 tree lighting. 

Street improvements

Replacing-updating railroad tracks

Condo development and rezoning.

Hallmarks of an Emerging Neighborhood

November 6th, 2025 City Council Notes/Minutes

The Great Fox Stakeout (Featuring One Very Judgmental Buck)

More extreme sports
no one should invent!
Perhaps a metaphor.
Ride nature don't 
try and control
it. i.e. be yourself.

The other day, I set out my live traps to see if I could catch that fox whose den I’d found. I baited the trap with sardines—because apparently foxes and I share the same taste in questionable snacks—and placed it about 50 feet from the den. Inside the trap, I put my bait, like a tiny woodland charcuterie board.

I use live traps so if I catch the wrong critter—or something I legally should not possess—I can simply apologize, open the door, and send it on its way. I covered the trap with leaves and twigs to camouflage it, although in hindsight it probably looked like a suspiciously rectangular bush.

If you’ve never seen a live trap, picture a dog kennel that went to engineering school. There’s a panel inside, and when the animal steps on it—bam—the door shuts. It’s like a surprise party, except everyone is disappointed.

Later, while picking up my traps (because I’m busy tomorrow and don't want leave it more than 24 hour, although the rule is 48 I believe-hunter ethics), I bent down to grab the bowl when I heard something crashing through the woods. Not a squirrel—this sounded like two animals big enough to make the hike worth it on the way in and get a lot more exercise dragging weight on the way out.

Can you see it?
I covered it in leaves.
Mostly so others don't see it 
and steal it.
A balance of hidden
but you can find it if
you know what your looking 
for and where you are looking.

A buck was chasing a doe, and when he noticed me, he stopped. We locked eyes like two people who both reached for the last donut. He was about a six-pointer, stomping his hooves as if to say, “Buddy, this is my forest.” I moved slowly because, honestly, I wasn’t mentally prepared for a surprise deer stare-down. Bow on ground and arrows in my sack.

He kept watching me to see if I was a threat and snorting to warn his friends they shouldn't come to my next dinner party. He didn't wait for the invite. The buck ran about 30 feet, then stopped, apparently deciding he wasn’t done judging me.

Near the secret peninsula
that my buck spirit guide
led me to. When I was
a kid I used to hear about spirit
guides. I don't remember where
but certainly interesting. 
I looked it up Buck Spirit Guide
I believe there is much more to 
spirituality then we understand
and it has been 
part of society since the beginning
for a reason.

I began to ready my bow and creep up the hill to get closer. Now, when you’re trying to walk quietly, you’re supposed to land on the outside of your foot and roll inwards, avoiding twigs. Unfortunately, humans are basically giant, uncoordinated toddlers compared to forest animals, so the buck already knew I was there. Probably knew what I had for breakfast, too.

I finally had one shot, but it had to pass through a branch. The arrow deflected, and the buck vanished like a magician’s assistant who’s sick of the act. With all the deer tracks in the area, tracking him further would’ve been like trying to follow footprints in a crowded mall on Black Friday.

I walked the rest of the way up the hill and discovered I was standing on a peninsula overlooking a little valley, with a creek wrapping around it. A 200 degree view with easy lines of site. Between the water, grass bedding, hardwoods, and pines, it looked like the deer’s version of a luxury resort. I’m pretty sure they sit on stumps and critique my technique whenever I’m not around. 

“A fox is subtlety itself.” — Aristophanes

Today wasn’t successful—just like most of my fishing trips—but I was outdoors, enjoying the challenge. I prefer using a simple bow without all the high-tech add-ons (There are some moral arguments for it and it depends on why your hunting.). Likely why I'm not always lucky. For me, hunting is only partly about the catch and wild life management. The rest is about connecting with nature, or at least discovering new and creative ways to miss, while spending time like our ancestors-before grocery delivery ($7.99 to my place). Do we really respect how lucky we have it when we just go to the store and buy our food? No special gadgets means I have to earn it with skill development (Basically if I had to I could widdle a bow but one has to learn the skill on how to use it without the scopes and impossible to miss tech). Gratefulness is important. 

Michigan Fox Hunting and Trapping

Deer Behaviors Non-Verbal

Understanding Operas New Audience and Challenges

At the Opera

Opera is a specialized art form that weaves together music, history, theater, and social issues. It isn’t an easy business to sustain; much of its support comes from donations and sponsorships. Companies must constantly balance raising ticket prices with keeping performances accessible to a broader audience. As a cultural heritage institution, opera offers countless opportunities to explore and teach modern issues. I suspect we’ll continue to see a blend of classic works alongside new creations designed to appeal to younger audiences, as well as an increasing use of technology to stay current.

Whether presented in a traditional style or enhanced with modern tech, opera offers real value to society. These performances represent the legacies and histories we pass from generation to generation, reminding us of the ideas and emotions of those who came before us. Theater, opera, and plays have been around for centuries—they’re part of who we are. Technology can extend their reach, but it can’t fully replicate the experience of being there in person.

I support the San Diego Opera and have attended several performances over the years. I enjoy it and plan to go more often. I’ve got an old suit aboard my ship, so I figure I’ll dust it off now and then and head to the opera. Pair that with a glass of wine and a good dinner, and you’ve got the makings of a great evening. You’ll find me up in the nosebleed seats.

Donate to San Diego Opera

Understanding Operas New Audience

10 November Reading Theater Production

 Just in case anyone is interested. Yep...need to go on a diet. 😐

After the First Snow: Reflections on Wildlife, Ethics, Hunting and Conservation (Art and the Creek)

Purchase at
First Snow UP on the Creek

The other day I went out hunting and hiking, looking for tracks and signs of animal activity. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to capture a nice photo and share it with others. If someone happens to buy a postcard or a full-length print, that’s great. If you ever want one cheaper than what’s listed on the link, just let me know—I can print and send up to a poster size for about $35. Most of the proceeds go to good causes, and occasionally I get to attend a charity dinner as part of that effort. There is a Hunter's Ball coming up.

The first snowfall is one of the best times to look for tracks because the animals leave them so clearly. I followed a creek for a while until I came across someone’s hunting blind, then looped around and followed a nearby ridge. Along the creek, I noticed a lot of tracks from different animals, which caught my attention. After following a few of them back, I discovered what appeared to be a fox den. I took a quick photo and moved on, but it gave me an idea that this could be a good area for trapping.

Keep the orange but
consider wearing a different
hat. No need for fashion statements
in the wilderness.
Deer Jokes
Eat your heart out Paris Fashion!

I’ve always supported animal welfare and believe that wildlife management is important—there’s a natural balance and order to things (I say a small prayer for the soul of the creature if I take it. Everything in this world has value.). The biggest threats to wildlife come from human encroachment: new buildings, expanding roads, and increasing development. We might want to consider expanding public woodland holdings, but that’s a broader discussion for another time. Wildlife tends to thrive best when given space away from heavy human impact. We can be wiser of our natural resources and how we develop. We have to protect what we have and grow it when possible.

Ethical hunting, in my view, isn’t a threat to animal populations (If you know the populations). Most hunters are deeply respectful of the environment (and I have friends on both sides of the issue so yes there are lots of good points). In my mind the real problem lies in pollution (..and sometimes selfish unethical hunters) and our constant need to expand outward instead of restoring and reusing what already exists (Let us learn from Mother Nature before she brings out the consequence paddle.).

Looks like a fox den.
You can track back
once you figure out direction
to and from water sources.

To make sure I’m doing everything properly, I called the DNR to confirm that my licenses and live traps were set up correctly. (For those unfamiliar, live traps allow you to release the animal if you catch the wrong one.) The representative suggested I use a sports card instead of my driver’s license for tagging traps—great idea. DNR Tags Online

In the U.P., the first snowfall is always something special. It marks the start of a new season for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing—a reminder of the rhythm and renewal that come with the changing seasons.

Some conservation activities such as US Fishing & Wildlife Service do a good job with the resources they have. (It would be nice to put more away for public trust. I think it is important and from what I have read nature impacts quality of life and even national happiness. Cities should likely also have more green space and natural areas. Research has shown it improves much from education, health and even income. )

I wonder what type of
berries these are and
whether they have impact
on wildlife.

What kind of tracks are these?
I had my track app confirm.

These are a little different.
Can you guess?

How Hate and Corruption Robs Society of Its Best and Brightest for Generations

The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical, theoretical thought experiment of a complete failure of justice that was eventually corrected. Not through moral awakening but through practical necessity. It drove a spike into perceptions of human and civil rights, exposing the profound risks of tolerating hate, extremism, and long-term corruption. This account does not apply to the many good officials who upheld their oaths and ultimately overcame the influence of embedded extreme wrongdoing. Rather, it serves as a hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical thought experiment—a means to explore worst-case scenarios and their generational impact on society. To learn how to build the best society means studying the best practices and where we have room for improvement to maximize opportunities.

A philosopher objecting
to harming others and
engaging in wrongdoing.
A moral tale.

Ultimately, justice does not belong to any single person, entity, or institution. It is a philosophical ideal—one that may never be fully realized in this world or within our lifetimes—but that does not mean we should cease striving for it. The intent to harm is the opposite force: a deliberate act that seeks to create injustice and destruction. When harmful individuals place children, women, the elderly, and others at risk for their own gain, they alter the lives of generations to come. They steal human capital from society, leaving it weaker. The intent to harm shows a lack of respect for human life, other's perspective or for the law itself. It was only through the ignorance or complicity of others that such misdeeds were allowed to persist for years, leaving countless victims in their wake.

The concern lies in the kind of thinking that justifies any crime against those who are “different”—whether by religion, race, politics, or any other measure (Research calls it the out-group) or those they can exploit like the female victims (Corruption and hate are often associated as a pattern of thinking.). Hatred and corruption allowed criminal patterns to thrive unchecked for years, producing victim after victim. Eventually, even the clan court knew the truth yet failed to fulfill its duty to protect the public (i.e. complaints of secret backroom agreements). Over time, it became clear that the witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims sidelined had been right all along. Despite the clan court’s repeated attempts to shield its own, it ultimately lost both the argument and its integrity (In theory).

Does discovery make much difference? Not really but it depends on what lessons people derive. Turning a blind eye robbed society of good people and their contributions, all because of distorted beliefs. Without correction or protection, these same behaviors will reemerge elsewhere, creating new victims. Another clan, another ideology, another "ism". Unwritten rules often carry more power than the law itself. The deeper question is: Who is considered part of society, and who is deemed unwanted—especially by those least qualified to judge others, let alone themselves?

Perhaps new leadership, grounded in moral integrity and committed to helpful checks and balances, could help. Maybe not. People will still cheat. Yet, such leadership demonstrates at least a commitment to upholding the social contract. This is why I advocate for the next generation of the best and brightest to come forward and take leading roles to strengthen institutions and further their missions. It has been the same process every generation and that is a necessary process to ensure things change. Our founding fathers/mothers discussed the need for fluidity of change.

If you’re asking my opinion, I believe people should be judged on merit—not on superficial traits such as race, religion, politics, etc.. The story, then, is a moral one meant to inspire reflection and discussion. Those who disagree with fairness—or even the methods of achieving it—are free to hold alternative opinions. Methods often cause more disagreement than the general idea of fairness itself. I work from the assumption that we should act in alignment with our professed values and aim to help the greatest number of people. Laws matter because they uphold those values, though their application often depends on personal judgment. In this learning example, having a refined moral palate is more helpful.

This moral story of legal and moral pesuasion is both interesting and instructive—it sheds light on how systems can fail and what that failure reveals about human nature. I’m not religious in the traditional sense, though I believe all religions teach us something about values. I can respect the moral lesson in this tale. Whether we draw from the ethics of religion, logic of science or the explorations of philosophy, all paths seem to lead to the same truth: a sense of order—one best seen when we learn to view the world from different perspectives and find inherent value in each other (In theory).

Consequences for Corruption for Generations

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (11/4/2025): Parks and Staffing

Staying on top of the news.
If you understand an
area you can invest in it.

Watching local county and city meetings helps provide a better understanding of how the community is adapting to new opportunities and challenges. It’s always encouraging to hear about meaningful progress and success. For example, Patriot Cruise Lines will become the third cruise line to include Escanaba as a stop. The upswing in tourism and industry is a positive sign that things are relatively healthy. There’s also been discussion about enhancing the airport and investing in local infrastructure, so overall, it seems that things are moving in the right direction.

These meetings also cover topics such as playgrounds, budgets, legal matters, and staffing positions—there’s always something new to learn. You’ll have to watch for yourself. Below are two articles I found interesting, relating to team management and the benefits of open green spaces. Up here, we’re fortunate to have plenty of those.

Effective team management includes(1) shared goals, (2) transparency, and (3) trust enhance adaptability. Leading the Charge Qualitative

A general report discussing green spaces. Health Benefits of Parks-National Recreation and Park Association