The Continuing SAGA of Navy Street

Editor:

As some of you may know, the push by the City of Hancock to build the extension of Navy Street behind the Portage Lake Condo Association continues but this time with a timeline–bids let out in the spring and construction to being this summer and completed in 2027.

The PLCA opposes the construction of an extension of Navy Street on the City of Hancock Easement behind our garages because of the following issues:

1. There is a very steep grade that must be dug into to create a one-way road that creates a significant risk for PLCA residents and property should a downpour of heavy rain occur during construction of the roadway or after the wall or whatever barricade is proposed is compromised by severe weather.

2. Snow removal would be next to impossible as there is nowhere to plow it–checkout Navy Street this past winter. Residents in the Navy Street Townhouses are very concerned about the increased traffic flow and snow removal.

3. The cost of the project will be approximately $3 million of taxpayers’ money despite the fact that the city will be using DDA (Downtown Development Authority funding). This is still taxpayer money that could be better used in other places — to support new businesses in the downtown area.

4. The $3 million would be better invested into the City of Hancock downtown area which is what the DDA committee was created to improve — not shoreline issues.

5. The Navy Street Expansion would change the entire area and possibly provide a risk for those homes on Lake Street above as well.

Engineers in this area have viewed this easement and have been asked if it is even possible build such a road. The answer was “Yes” but a great cost. An 18′ wall would need to be constructed and tied back to the old railroad grade (DNR Trail for ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles) is approximately $3 million as previously stated.

I encourage City of Hancock Taxpayers to contact your city council representative and express your concerns about the misappropriation of city funds for the expansion of Navy Street.

Please take action soon at come to the April 1 joint City of Hancock council, DDR, and Planning Commission meeting. If not, we will all pay the consequences.

Glenn Bugni

Portage Lake Condominium Association

Hancock

Brave New World Revisited

Editor:

My previous letter listed some obviously quite good things about artificial intelligence. This writing is a warning regarding A.I.’s downside. Numerous people have no clue what lies ahead. A.I. is full of evil and mischief. A few years ago there was an article saying that people would be forming a church that would worship an A.I. god. I know this sounds almost Antichrist-esque. However, think how convenient this tool would be in Antichrist’s last days’ empire. There’s a robot called Sophia who is an A.I.-driven monster. Sophia is attractive and clothed. She can look you in the eye and answer any question. Welcome to the brave new world.

Will mankind become a useful idiot in these last days’ technology thinking that God has been outsmarted? With deception being the rule, a new meaning has been given to “big brother.” While Psalm 139:14 says “I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” A.I. is fearfully fraudulent. A.I. cannot speak anything into existence or give eternal life. It cannot comfort, guide or offer peace and hope. It cannot calm the wind or the sea. Could A.I. be a major “end times stimulant”? Young people cheer these technological advancements, but without a biblical worldview, they’re falling into an awful trap. When they are aware of this evil, it will be too late.

Still, there is a bright side. Psalm 2:4 states, “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.” In other words, God will have the final say. He has the last word. The Bible claims God will crush the agenda of the Antichrist and rule the world from Jerusalem for one thousand years. (Read Rev. 20) When that comes to pass, our Creator God of the universe will be in charge. Tribulation events are casting a shadow today. The shout and the trumpet are getting closer.

Marilyn Sager

Houghton

A celebration of life

Editor:

Last Saturday the community participated in the Celebration of Life of Lois Suomi Young at Portage Lake United Church. Lois and I met in the US Peace Corps in the Philippines. We were married for 57 years, she passed away December 14 2025. Sadly, she spent the previous five years in a nursing home. We have lived in Houghton since 1980. Lois taught math at MTU and was also prolific designer of knitwear. She published about 100 original designs. Friends can view Lois’ knitwear designs with a web search on Lois’ name or at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/lois-young

Attendees provided many thoughtful recollections of Lois. It was very comforting to hear how many knew and appreciated her. Thanks to all for attending.

The service was thoughtfully organized by Rev. Peter Norland of PLUC, with musical contributions from Susie B and myself. Interment of Lois’ remains will take place in Minnesota in April.

Charles Young

MTU professor emeritus of geophysical engineering.