Superior, they said, never gives up her dead when the gales of November come early. It seems, however, that it does relinquish its artifacts for legal settlements when the police misconduct claims of October resolve promptly.

Half a century after the tragic sinking of the *Edmund Fitzgerald*, an odd twist surfaces not in Lake Superior, but in a courtroom. Larry Orr, who sued the state over wrongful allegations of sexual abuse, has settled his case for $600,000. Strangely intertwined in the legal proceedings was a life preserver from the doomed freighter, which Orr possessed and considered auctioning for the disaster's 50th remembrance. Instead, the settlement included Orr forfeiting this maritime artifact to the state.

The incorporation of the life preserver in the settlement has raised eyebrows and questions alike. Orr's attorney was surprised when the item was suggested as part of the deal during mediation. "Are we at a mediation for a wrongful prosecution or an estate sale?" she remarked, highlighting the peculiarity of the negotiation.

Valued at approximately $300,000, the life ring's inclusion has effectively halved the perceived compensation for Orr's grievances, making the arrangement look like a covert transaction for the historic item under the guise of a legal settlement. Such arrangements could benefit from tax advantages that regular sales do not, adding another layer of complexity and potential motive.

The state's response to the settlement terms was one of skepticism and concern. Upon being briefed on the details, a spokesperson for the state expressed discomfort with the life preserver's inclusion and indicated plans to revisit the negotiation terms. "Upon learning the details of the settlement, we are not comfortable with the life preserver being included and will be reaching out to Mr. Orr’s attorney," stated Shanon Banner in an email.

As this unusual settlement comes under scrutiny, the state seems committed to uncovering the motivations behind the inclusion of the *Edmund Fitzgerald* artifact and ensuring that the terms are just and transparent for all parties involved. The case may set a peculiar precedent for how personal and historic artifacts are treated in legal disputes, blending the lines between legal compensation and personal property transactions.