Point Betsie Lighthouse (MI) threatened by high water
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron broke 33-year-old records for high water levels last month, according to the Army Corps of Engineers. Several factors are contributing to the high lake levels, including heavy rainfall totals and warmer than normal temperatures that have led to greater runoff across much of the Great Lakes basin.
Strong storms and large waves have led to substantial erosion along much of the Great Lakes coastline. Point Betsie Lighthouse is located on the northeast shore of Lake Michigan, north of Frankfort. The record high water is breaking down the barrier that protects the lighthouse.
President of the Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse Dick Taylor says the group is currently looking to do an engineering study of the cracked barrier at the lighthouse. The barrier was installed in 1944. Once that’s done, the group will seek out bids and begin applying for permits. They’re hoping to start construction in the summer. It could cost $1 million.
And more here, including a video
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Little Sable Lighthouse (MI) is NOT endangered by rising lake levels
Rumors that Little Sable Lighthouse is leaning and in imminent danger of falling into Lake Michigan are false, says Peter Manting, Executive Director of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. “We found that the lighthouse was in good condition.” Manting told FOX17 News. “The shoreline was about 12 feet from the lighthouse. There is still adequate beach in front of it.”
Sable Points Light Keepers Association
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Genoese Lighthouse in Constanţa, Romania, relighted after 107 years in darkness
The Genoese Lighthouse in Constanţa, a landmark of the Romanian seaside city, was lit up again this week after a 107-year hiatus. The current Genoese Lighthouse was built between 1858 and 1860; it replaced an older lighthouse that was believed to have been built around 1300 by the Genoese who traded at the port.
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Soon-to-be owners trying again to turn Penfield Reef Lighthouse (CT) into a columbarium
Last year, America’s Castles LLC had hopes that a bill would allow Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield, Connecticut, to be used as a columbarium — a place to store funerary urns. The bill was approved in the state’s House last year 118-26 and was on the Senate calendar but never came up for a vote. It appears that the bill will be re-introduced for this legislative season.
Click here for more on this story
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Love shines bright during Valentine’s Day ceremony at Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, NJ
The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City hosted its annual Evening of Romance & Renewal on Friday for 14 couples who took part in a Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony in the Keeper’s Cottage. It was an emotional night for the couples — some married only a few years while others for more than thirty — as tears were shed during the short ceremony.
Click here for the story and photos
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U.S. Lighthouse Society News is produced by the U.S. Lighthouse Society to support lighthouse preservation, history, education and research.
If you have items of interest to the lighthouse community and its supporters, please email them to Jeremy at Jeremy@uslhs.org
Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is the president and historian for the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org