MDOT to meet the challenge of winter during a pandemic

MDOT to meet the challenge of winter during a pandemic

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020
CONTACT: Dan Weingarten, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-4809
                      [email protected]

MDOT prepares to meet the challenge
 of winter during a pandemic

October 26, 2020 — With winter already on its way to parts of the state, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is doing what it does every year: preparing. But this winter may pose new challenges for keeping our roads clear.

“Over the years, maintenance workers at the state and local levels have handled everything winter could throw at them but, with the continuing threat of COVID-19, this is going to be an unprecedented winter,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “We’re working with local agencies and county road commissions to plan for contingencies, but we want drivers to know the pandemic could affect our ability to maintain winter levels of service.”

The goal of MDOT and its partner agencies remains clearing highways to bare pavement as quickly as possible after a winter storm. If MDOT or local contract agencies are temporarily affected by COVID-19 infections or associated quarantines, it may take longer to reach this goal.

“During snowstorms, MDOT and our contract agencies will have all available staff out working to clear roads as quickly as possible,” Ajegba said. “We’ll be asking the public for their patience and understanding if we need to manage temporary staff shortages. We’ll do the best we can with the resources available.”

As we move into winter, drivers need to remember they also share responsibility for safety when they venture out. Motorists must follow Michigan’s Basic Speed Law, which requires them to drive at a “careful and prudent” speed in all driving conditions that also allows them to be able to stop within the clear distance ahead. It may mean driving slower than the posted speed limit.

MDOT and Michigan State Police (MSP) collaborated to produce a video with information on how roads are maintained each winter and the actions motorists should take now to be prepared for inclement driving conditions. The video also covers:

  • How to prepare your vehicle for winter driving, such as making sure tires are in good condition and that all snow and ice have been cleared from your vehicle before heading onto the road;
  • Why drivers should give plow operators extra space, and consider staying behind them in winter storms;
  • How drivers can see what plow truck operators see through the Mi Drive travel information website, and see their position on state routes in real time;
  • The use of green lights on plow trucks;
  • Michigan’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated or slow down and pass with caution if it is not possible to safely change lanes, and
  • Other reminders for winter driving, such as avoiding distractions, using headlights during winter weather, and leaving extra space between vehicles.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer Receive Prestigious Justice Award 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Receive Prestigious Justice Award 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Receive Prestigious Detroit Branch NAACP 2020 Mary Church Terrell Freedom & Justice Award

 

DETROIT, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer received the Detroit Branch NAACP Mary Church Terrell Freedom & Justice Award at the NAACP’s 65th Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Event. The award is presented each year to an individual whose actions, commitment, and integrity reflect the continuous struggle for justice and equality, exemplified by one of the founders of the NAACP. It was named after Mary Church Terrell, a champion in the struggle for dignity and respect for African Americans.

 

“As a lifelong NAACP member, it is such an honor to receive this award, and I am so grateful for the NAACP’s partnership as we have worked to build a more equitable Michigan together,” said Governor Whitmer. “This year, Michigan has faced multiple crises that have shined a light on the racial disparities in our communities, and I was proud to work with community leaders across the state to tackle those issues head on. The theme of today’s event is ‘Take Your Souls to the Polls,’ so I want to remind everyone in Michigan to fill out your absentee ballot and drop it off, vote early in person, or vote at the polls on election. We can enact more change in Michigan when we vote for leaders who share our goals to create a more just, equitable Michigan for everyone.”

 

The Detroit Branch has remained the largest Branch of the NAACP since its inception. Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony is currently. serving his 14th term as President of the Detroit Branch NAACP, a position he has held for 27 years.

 

“Today the Detroit Branch NAACP will present it’s prestigious Mary Church Terrell Freedom And Justice Award to Governor Gretchen Whitmer,” said Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony. “In lieu of the Annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner we are having a Freedom Fund Experience. This Award is presented to Governor Whitmer for her unyielding stand for health care protection for Michiganders, refusal to submit to threats against her life and liberty and standing strong against personal attacks from the President of the United States. She is indeed BIG GRETCH OUR GOVERNOR!”

Top Five Games: By Sammy Taormina

Top Five Games: By Sammy Taormina

Top Five Games: By Sammy Taormina

Royal Oak at Berkley: I remember chatting with Berkley coach Sean Shields about how his team gears up to play Royal Oak. They did not play each other in the regular season due to COVID but they will get that chance to play each other. The Bears have had a great season but two straight losses to close out the season hurts. The Ravens have struggled but they played better against Fraser last week. Royal Oak has won the last two meetings over Berkley by a combined 54-7. This is shaping up to be a very interesting game. I wonder if “The Curb” is on the line in this game???

 

Adams at Rochester: The Falcons have had a great season, first league title and undefeated season since 1993. Rochester will have a chance to snap another painful streak when they host Adams. The Falcons haven’t beaten the Highlanders since 1996. Adams has had a tough season but they are still Adams. The Highlanders have played a much tougher schedule than Rochester. I wonder how Falcons alumni’s Dan Strickradt and Keith Dunlap are feeling right now seeing what is happening with Rochester. This is shaping up to be a very good game, could this be history in the making???

 

Groves at Avondale: The Yellow Jackets sent a huge statement by blowing out Bloomfield Hills 37-9 on Friday night. Avondale earned themselves a home game with Groves on Friday night at Dick Bye Field. The Falcons were blown out 40-14 by Stoney Creek last week sending them to 3-3. Groves has played a much tougher schedule but the Yellow Jackets have been red hot in the last three weeks. There should be plenty of athleticism on display in Auburn Hills.

 

Waterford Kettering at North Farmington: This is a very interesting matchup between the Raiders and Captains. Both coaches know each other real well from their college days in Ken Schmidt and Jon Herstein. Waterford Kettering is a resilient group which included a comeback over arch rival Waterford Mott beating them for the second straight season 34-26. North Farmington forfeited their game with Seaholm last week because of a power outage. The Captains and the Raiders were supposed to play in week one but due to COVID that did not happen. North Farmington won 35-30 at home over Waterford Kettering last season but the Captains almost came back and won that game. Waterford Kettering has something to prove. This is a very dangerous game for the Raiders.

 

Lake Orion at Grand Blanc: The Bobcats have been rolling in the Saginaw Valley and they picked up a huge win over Saline 14-13 last week. Grand Blanc has had a history of collapsing in the playoffs typically against OAA schools or Davison or Lapeer. The Bobcats have a very good quarterback in Ty Brotebeck and a very good running back in Elijah Jackson-Anderson. The defense has had a great year as well. Grand Blanc wants to prove to everyone that they belong which is their chip. The Dragons have played tougher competition than Grand Blanc. They have struggled offensively this season against very good teams but the defense is stout. Lake Orion has lost to two top ten state ranked teams in Clarkston and West Bloomfield. They remind me a lot of Utica Eisenhower, no offense but a stout defense. This game should be a low scoring defensive game. The coaching matchup is very interesting between Coach Clint Alexander and John Blackstock. This is shaping up to be an interesting game as mentioned.

At Home Flu Shots For Older Adults

At Home Flu Shots For Older Adults

Oakland County Launches At Home Flu Shots For Older Adults

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division is launching a new program to vaccinate homebound residents 65 years and older for influenza in their homes beginning Tuesday, October 27. Appointments are required. The Health Division’s Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 will start accepting appointments on October 22.

“This important service will help remove barriers for our most at-risk residents to receive a flu shot this season,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year since both flu viruses and COVID-19 will be present in our community.”

Flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however the flu vaccination has many other benefits:

  • Helps prevent flu illness
  • Reduces risk of flu-associated hospitalizations
  • Has been shown to reduce severity of illness if you do get the flu
  • Protects you and the people around you including those more vulnerable to the disease

Public Health Nurses will visit residents’ home during a designated appointment time. Nurses can provide individuals 65 years and older a senior higher dose or regular flu shot.

“Flu vaccination is very important this year to help reduce respiratory illnesses and avoid overwhelming the healthcare system. Research is suggesting that the risk of death may double in those 60 years and older if they are infected with both flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County Medical Director. “Wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing not only to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but also flu.”

Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Blue Care Network, and additional insurances. No one will be denied access to services due to lack of insurance; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.

For up-to-date information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow the Health Division on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC, or call the Health Division’s Flu Shot Hotline at 800-434-3358. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800-848-5533, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

For MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY: Contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.

Home Flu Shot Program.pdf

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Council on Future Mobility

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Council on Future Mobility

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 22, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification

Council to advise on policies to support economic growth, job creation within mobility ecosystem

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification which will work to ensure Michigan continues to be the world leader in future mobility, including autonomous and connected vehicle technology, electric powertrain technology and charging infrastructure, and shared and transit mobility option.

 

“Today’s announcement builds on progress we’ve made this year to cement our status as a hub for innovation and opportunity in the mobility sector, including the launch of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and our efforts to build the road of the future between Detroit and Ann Arbor,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “In Michigan, where the health of our workers and our economy are directly tied to the health of our auto industry, we will continue engaging in forward-looking policies to remain on the cutting edge of mobility and electrification growth in the state. Since I was sworn in as governor, we have brought in historic investments to our auto plants, creating more than 12,000 Michigan jobs. I will continue working closely with everyone who wants to grow our workforce and economy. ”

 

On February 25, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-2 creating the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, housed within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, to replace the Council on Future Mobility, which was abolished under the order. The Council will serve in an advisory capacity to LEO and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the governor, and the legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the council will work to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.

 

“The strength of Michigan’s mobility ecosystem is the collaboration that you find happening all across the state, as technology continues to evolve and transportation options grow,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We work together to solve real problems for our residents, our businesses and our communities and to advance our state’s technology and the automotive landscape in a way that also has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless individuals in Michigan.”

 

“Michigan needs to continue leading with innovation and technology. Establishing the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification is a key player. Governor Whitmer’s leadership and these strong appointments will go a long way towards ensuring Michigan remains the global center of the auto and mobility industry.  I look forward to working with the Governor and the Council on this critical mission,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

 

“Michigan is well positioned to become a leader in electric vehicles, and to leverage that leadership to build the infrastructure needed to power them,” said Senator Mallory McMorrow.  “I’m excited to continue to collaborate with industry leaders, researchers, environmental groups, and other public officials to create a coordinated plan and take advantage of this opportunity.”

 

The Governor has designated the Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to serve as chairperson of the council. This role is currently being held by Acting Director Susan Corbin who will serve as chairperson at the pleasure of the Governor.

 

“The efforts of this Council will be critical to executing a statewide strategy for mobility and electrification,” Susan Corbin said. “Putting forward the best policies to ensure economic growth, charting new paths for talent and taking a forward-looking approach to infrastructure reinforce Michigan’s culture of innovation and the competitiveness of our automotive core.”

 

The Council will consist of the Directors from the Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Transportation, Insurance and Financial Services, State Police, Treasury, Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission. Additionally, the Governor is appointing the following ten members to the council:

 

Robert F. Babik, of Ann Arbor, is the executive director of global regulatory affairs and sustainability for General Motors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Youngstown State University. Mr. Babik is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2024.

 

Stephen J. Bartoli, of Birmingham, is the vice president of global greenhouse gas compliance for the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group (FCA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University. Mr. Bartoli is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2024.

 

Patrick Cadariu, of Detroit, is the head of vehicle and trucking supply chain operations for Waymo. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Mr. Cadariu is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2023.

 

Derek S. Caveney, Ph.D., of Plymouth, is an executive engineer for Toyota’s North American operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Queen’s University and a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Berkley. Dr. Caveney is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2023.

 

Cory Connolly, of Detroit, is the vice president of policy at the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Michigan State University. Mr. Connolly is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2022.

 

Jeffrey A. Dokho, of Huntington Woods, is the research director for the United Auto Workers American Labor Union. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University. Mr. Dokho is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2022.

 

Emily Frascaroli, of Grosse Ile, is managing counsel of the Product Litigation Group at Ford Motor Company, including the product litigation, asbestos, and discovery teams, and a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California, Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Ms. Frascaroli is appointed to represent insurance interests for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2024.

 

Chris Nevers, of Dundee, is the director of environmental engineering and policy at Rivian Automotive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toledo and a Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering from the University of Michigan. Mr. Nevers is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2023.

 

Huei Peng, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan and the associate director of MCity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the National Taiwan University, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkley. Dr. Peng is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2021.

 

Satish S. Udpa, Ph.D., of Okemos, is a distinguished professor at Michigan State University and a fellow and editor for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Post Grad Diploma in Electrical Engineering from J.N.T. University in Hyderabad, India, and a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University. Dr. Udpa is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing October 22, 2020 and expiring October 22, 2021.

 

The following members of the Legislature will serve as non-voting ex officio members of the Council: Senator Ken Horn designated by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Mallory McMorrow designated by the Senate Minority Leader, Representative Jim Lilly designated by the Speaker of the House, and Representative Abdullah Hammoud designated by the House Minority Leader.

 

“Today’s announcement on the Council of Future Mobility and Electrification serves to further solidify the state’s progressive mobility initiatives,” said Trevor Pawl, Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer and head of the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. The Office coordinates the state’s mobility strategy across governmental entities and industry partners, and will coordinate mobility and electrification policy recommendations from the Council. “Our office is ready and eager to work alongside these exceptional council members to develop and implement meaningful mobility policy for the state of Michigan that will impact generations of Michiganders to come – with safer, cleaner, and equitable mobility solutions.”

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.