Livingston Today

The tallest waterfall in Michigan, Houghton-Douglass Falls, located on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula, has been proposed to become a state park. The 110-foot waterfall was once a popular hiking destination until it was closed by the landowner due to safety concerns. The area is known for its unstable high rock walls and has seen multiple fatalities, including an incident in 2011 when a man fell off a cliff.

In 2018, the state of Michigan purchased the 70-acre property from a Vietnam veteran who agreed to sell with the understanding that it would be turned into a park honoring Michigan’s veterans. However, six years later, the site remains closed to the public.

A resolution urging the Department of Natural Resources to designate this area as part of McLain State Park and name it "Houghton-Douglass Falls Veterans Scenic Site" was supported earlier this year. The proposal includes plans for improvements such as hiking trails, restrooms, and parking facilities.

In other news, on Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that tipped positions must receive full minimum wage. This change will be phased in over five years and could impact small family-owned restaurants across Michigan by increasing operational costs.

Concerns have been raised about potential job losses if restaurants close due to these increased expenses. There is also apprehension that employees currently earning more through tips might see reduced income if tipping practices change following this ruling.

Restaurants are still recovering from business losses during COVID-19 while facing rising food costs due to inflation. This new ruling may compel them to raise prices further.

Feedback is being sought on whether regular salaries for waitstaff will affect tipping habits or if patrons will continue their current tipping practices.