The end of an era slipped by yesturday morning. The Tekon Truck Stop, in my 'hometown' of Tekonsha, MI closed its doors. This personally took me by surprise. I knew they weren't getting the business they necessarily once had, but I honestly didn't think they were in that much trouble.

What will happen to the building on the north end of town remains to be seen. That stretch - along M60 - is lined with several gas stations, a McDonalds, and an auto parts store.  What's interesting to note, however, is that truck stop has been the anchor for that area for several decades now. Even back when my parents (and their siblings) were in school - the truck stop was there, in one form or another.

Tekonsha's economy will likely suffer. With the removal of the truck stop, and the (somewhat) recent closing of a factory on the same north end of town - jobs have been lost.  Tekonsha Schools are already in dire financial troubles due to declining enrollement and the State of Michigan cutting eductional funding. I can only see the trend continue.

To be frank - If I didn't already have a job that I could support myself with - I would be leaving Michigan as soon as possible. The economic climate just simply cannot sustain what is necessary to keep jobs - and people - here. It's sad to see, but we have no one to blame but ourselves for electing a governor that has not adjusted to the harsh economic times. One can only hope the next governor has a good head on their sholders and can get the job done to get Michigan back where it once was.

Although, at this point, I'm not convinced that will ever happen.