For Friday, July 12, 2019

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1 – Lakes Superior, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario experienced their highest June monthly mean water level ever, federal officials say. This is based on records dating back to 1918. 

The monthly mean level of Lake Huron, which is connected to Lake Michigan, was just shy of its record high June level by less than an inch. 

From May to June, the monthly mean levels of all the lakes rose between 3 and 8 inches due to continued wet conditions in the basin. 

A six-month forecast indicates monthly mean water levels for July will meet or surpass record high July levels on all of the lakes, except Michigan-Huron. 

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2 – The keynote speaker for a Saginaw Bay conference is author Jerry Dennis of Traverse City. 

The 2019 State of the Bay Conference is set for Sept. 26 at the Doubletree in downtown Bay City. 

The day-long event is being put on by the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network, The Conservation Fund and local partners. 

It will gather nonprofits, agencies, industry and education representatives to learn about activities related to the restoration, conservation and protection of the bay. 

Keynote speaker Dennis is author of “The Living Great Lakes,” which tells the story of the lakes via a journey aboard the Malabar schooner from Lake Michigan to Bay Harbor, Maine.

 

3 – Solar property tax legislation has passed the Michigan House and Senate. 

Senate sponsor Tom Barrett says that as the number of homeowners and businesses installing solar panels has increased, local assessors have been inconsistent about whether rooftop solar panels add to the value of a home or building and therefore should be taxed.

One passed bill excludes residential solar systems from tax assessments. Another modifies exemptions for alternative energy personal property.

The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association says Gov. Whitmer is expected to sign the legislation.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Q-90.1 FM NPR. Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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