by Becky Andrus | Oct 13, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer on Reopening Canadian Border
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today issued the following statement on the Michigan-Canada border reopening for vaccinated travelers beginning next month.
“The relationship between Michigan and Canada is one built on trade, travel, and friendship. I am grateful to the government of Canada and our federal partners for coming together to reopen the Michigan-Canada border. I look forward to welcoming our neighbors as they cross the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel into Detroit, the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, or the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge into Sault Ste. Marie.
“By reopening the border, we can build on Michigan’s economic momentum. We had the third-highest GDP growth in the second quarter of 2021 and have a $3.5 billion surplus to invest in our families, communities, and small businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our Canadian friends to emerge from the pandemic and usher in a new era of economic prosperity.”
|
by Becky Andrus | Oct 13, 2021 | Transportation
Meet the patient, witty and always engaged MDOT social media administrator
On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Jesse Ball, who coordinates social media at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/9360849-meet-the-patient-witty-and-always-engaged-mdot-social-media-administrator
Ball talks about his background, growing up in the Upper Peninsula, graduating from Michigan State University, then working in California and Michigan media markets. In 2008, he became MDOT’s first social media administrator.
Understanding that without engagement, social media is just media, Ball talks about the importance of connecting and going beyond one-way communication.
The department’s Office of Communication puts an emphasis on transparency and sharing information for people to understand often complex transportation challenges. Ball explains the satisfaction he draws from correcting misinformation and providing fact-based answers.
Because transportation touches everyone’s life everyday with so much work being done in plain sight, it is to be expected that people will have many questions and comments. Ball talks about working with people across the department – Planning, Finance, engineers in Transportation Service Centers across the state – to gather accurate and timely responses to myriad questions.
He also explains his random Van Halen reference in a recent Facebook conversation.
|
|
by Becky Andrus | Oct 12, 2021 | Uncategorized
|
|
|
|
News Digest – Week of Oct. 11, 2021
Enjoy fabulous fall colors everywhere you find them!
|
| This week’s stories may reflect how the Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customer needs and protect public health and safety. Follow our COVID-19 response page for updates on access to facilities and programs.
We’ll continue to share news and information about the best ways to discover and enjoy Michigan’s natural and heritage resources! Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder. Arctic grayling photo courtesy U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Digital Library.
 Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Mike Sonnenberg at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Chippewa County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.
 Tips on how to safely and confidently view birds and other wildlife at or near a hunting area
Michigan’s public lands offer a great chance to see birds and other wildlife while spending quality time in the great outdoors. But maybe you’re concerned it’s not safe to hike or go birding in the woods during hunting season – the good news is hunting is a very safe sport, and, with a little knowledge and preparation, you can confidently enjoy birding during any hunting season.
Here are some tips: |
- Keep color in mind. The more visible you are, the safer you are. Wear a brightly colored piece of clothing that can be seen from all directions. Avoid wearing colors that blend in with the environment or are the color of game species: green, brown, black or white.
- Know which hunting seasons are open. There are open seasons every day of the year in Michigan. Most seasons are busiest on opening day, and many hunters stop going out after the first week. The most popular hunting season in Michigan is firearm deer hunting season, which runs Nov. 15-30 annually. Find more on Michigan’s hunting seasons online at Michigan.gov/Hunting.
- Know the lands you use. Hunting is open on any public or private land where permission is granted. Most public lands and private conservation lands have resources online to help you find out when and where hunting is allowed. When in doubt, contact the property owner.
- Stick to the trails. Hunters generally will venture well off human-used paths to look for game, so there is less hunting on established trail systems.
- Head home before dark. Dawn and dusk are often the best time for hunters to find their quarry. Wildlife viewing during daylight hours means you’ll be seeing fewer hunters.
Michigan’s hunters take seriously the lessons learned in their hunter safety classes and work hard every year to keep themselves, their hunting partners and the people they share the land with safe so all can enjoy Michigan’s outdoors.
Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.
 Peak fall color is in the Upper Peninsula right now and heading to Lower Michigan – check out our fall color tour to see where to go for the best “leaf-peeping” opportunities.
Once the color show is over, here are a few ways to deal with the fallen leaves in your own backyard:
‘Leaf’ them be
What’s the easiest way to deal with fallen leaves? Just leave them alone – they’ll benefit wildlife and save you time and energy. If you’re worried about getting the stink eye from neighbors, you can assure them that the leaf layer is a critical part of the ecosystem. Salamanders, chipmunks, wood frogs, box turtles, toads, insects and other wildlife live in the leaf layer of the forest. Many important pollinators like moths and butterflies overwinter in fallen leaves.
If you’d like to move fallen leaves off your lawn, you can rake them into garden beds (free mulch!) where they will insulate perennials and keep soil in place during storms. Alternately, shred them with a lawn mower and let them become natural fertilizer for the yard.
Make garden gold
Another way to take care of fallen leaves is to collect them in a compost bin and let nature do the rest. They’ll break down into rich soil that plants love. If you have the space, you can also rake them directly into a vegetable patch and till them under in the spring.
A guide published by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, “Home composting: Reap a heap of benefits” describes how to build and maintain a compost bin.
Burn responsibly
If you choose to burn leaves, here are some important tips for this disposal method.
Before burning, remember to check for a burn permit to see if conditions are safe for burning, and know your local fire ordinances.
If you’re in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or call 866-922-BURN to find out whether burning is allowed. People who live in the southern Lower Peninsula can check with local government or fire departments.
“When burning, always have a water source nearby and never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment,” said Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “Debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfire in Michigan.”
It’s okay to burn natural materials such as leaves, branches and logs. It’s not legal to burn plastic or other trash.
Questions about burning? Visit Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or contact Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406. |
 For decades, the remnants of an old mill dam within the community of Parkville have degraded fish habitat and created safety concerns for anglers and kayakers on the Portage River. This stretch of river now has a new look, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the St. Joseph Conservation District and the Michigan DNR.
The rehabilitation of the river was completed this past summer. Numerous metal beams and the crumbling remains of a concrete wall were pulled out of the river, and the existing cobble and boulders at the diversion dam site on the main river were rearranged to form natural-style rapids. The rehabilitated river provides a safer paddling experience and improved habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Funding for the project was provided by the DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant Program and a mitigation fund created by the City of Sturgis as part of the licensing process for the Sturgis hydroelectric dam on the St. Joseph River. The dam removal was performed by a DNR Parks and Recreation Division heavy equipment crew from the Allegan field office. Several partners contributed materials or services to make the dam removal possible, including Park Township, St. Joseph County Road Commission, Detweiler Excavating, Stark Excavating and the Historical Society of St. Joseph County.
To learn more about how the DNR is managing Michigan’s fisheries for current and future generations, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Questions? Contact Brian Gunderman, 269-251-2645. |
 The DNR’s fiscal year 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022) operating budget, several fisheries orders, preliminary elk hunting season results and several land transactions are just some of the agenda items for the next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 14.
The meeting will start at 9 a.m. at Michigan State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing. (Note: Masks are required indoors for everyone entering MSU facilities. Learn more at MSU.edu/Together-We-Will.)
See the meeting’s full draft agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Su Schrauger at 517-284-6237 or [email protected]. |
 In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re highlighting a partnership focused on improving natural resources in the Great Lakes region – the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative.
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has engaged in extensive research for potential grayling reintroduction. While the initiative is still in the early stages, we’re excited to see this important species returned to Michigan’s waters.
We’re proud to highlight this foundational partnership between the Michigan DNR and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians as well as recognize other partners contributing to the initiative including the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa Indians, the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
For more info about the initiative to bring grayling back to Michigan, visit MiGrayling.org. |
 Protect the campsites and wildlife habitats important to you by preventing the spread of forest pests on firewood.
In case you missed it, October is firewood month and a good time to think about how and where to get wood. Don’t move firewood from location to location – instead, plan to either gather firewood on-site where permitted or purchase firewood near your camping destination.
Heading out of state? Transporting firewood may violate state and federal laws, depending on the region.
You have the power to slow the spread of forest pests. Remember to:
- Gather firewood on-site where permitted.
- Buy it where you burn it.
- Buy certified, heat-treated firewood.
For more information, visit Don’tMoveFirewood.org. |
|
|
If you’re getting ready to go off-roading, remember to “Ride Right” and check out our ORV webpage for info on permit and license purchases, maps and more.
|
|
Help Michiganders experiencing hunger by supporting the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. Share your deer harvest or help offset the cost of processing with a donation.
|
|
|
by Becky Andrus | Oct 12, 2021 | Uncategorized
Weatherization program helps low-income Michiganders reduce heating bills
Gov. Whitmer proclaims October as Weatherization Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 12, 2021
CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer are raising awareness during Weatherization Month of a program that reduces household energy costs by an average of $283 per year – benefitting approximately 1,300 low-income families in Michigan.
The governor has proclaimed October as Weatherization Month in Michigan.
“Together, we can help low-income families reduce their energy costs and meet their basic needs,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Weatherization programs help families save money, protect the environment, and offer opportunities to local businesses that do weatherization work. My administration will ensure Michigan families can keep their homes warm as we head into the colder months.”
The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program is administered at the state level by the MDHHS Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity. MDHHS utilizes Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations to provide weatherization services at the local level.
Trained weatherization professionals known as energy auditors use computerized energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis is used to determine the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order. Then trained contractors and crew members install the identified energy-efficient and health and safety measures.
“Weatherization reduces heating costs, which can be a lifeline for low-income families who might otherwise struggle to pay their utility bills,” said Lewis Roubal, MDHHS chief deputy director for opportunity. “Families benefiting from reduced heating bills can spend their money on food, clothing and other critical household needs.”
Energy efficiency measures installed in client homes include items such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water saving measures.
Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence that the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes. These healthier living conditions often lead to improved health outcomes such as reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits.
Eligibility is based on household income and if the home’s current condition is weatherization ready.
Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program can contact their local provider.
More information about home energy savings can be found by visiting the websites below that cover:
Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org. |
by Becky Andrus | Oct 11, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Monday, October 11, 2021
These Next Two Weeks Will Define Troy Football.
By Sammy Taormina
Written Monday October 11th at 3:30 PM
This might be the biggest two weeks in the long history of Troy Football.
Two years ago the Colts went 0-9 in which they did not score a point for seven weeks.
Now they are 7-0 which is the first time they are here since 1988 heading into the biggest two weeks of their season. A lot of that turn around occurred last season when Troy went into Bloomfield Hills and beat the Blackhawks 29-14 in the pre-district.
They have won eight of nine since that game.
Coach Chris Frasier has done a wonderful job really turning this program around since taking over for longtime Coach Gary Griffith in 2016.
Although there are still some improvements that are needed though. Program strength is certainly one of those areas that needs to be improved upon and quickly.
Troy overcame a huge obstacle last week when they beat their arch rival Troy Athens 21-20 on the road. The Red Hawks have had the Colts number outscoring them 104-0 in the last three years. They even trailed 20-7 in the fourth quarter only to comeback and won that game.
It always helps when you have a star player in the making in Darius Whiteside. Whiteside has been a star on both sides of the football. He is a football, basketball, and track standout as well. Whiteside has made big play after big play at wide receiver and in the defensive secondary.
Nolan and Ethan Block have also been huge contributors as well for Troy. Both of them play multiple positions and have had moments where their impact was so great on both sides of the football.
Max Stromberg has been efficient as a player at quarterback. He has a strong arm and can run the football as need be. Stromberg had the winning rushing score to seal the Colts comeback last week.
The offensive line which is veteran heavy has also played very well as well. They have been the key for the Colts resurgence.
The Troy defense has been stout all season long allowing 39 points total. Now the schedule hasn’t been the strongest but that was the schedule that was given to them.
These next two weeks are going to define the Colts. They will likely be in the postseason but their division title hopes are on the line in these next two weeks with both games on the road.
The first test comes against Berkley at Hurley Field. The Bears come in at 6-1 after beating Livonia Clarenceville 36-33 last week. Berkley has had the Colts number outscoring them 53-14 in the last two years. Berkley has also won three of the last five meetings. They like Troy has a ton of experience with Zach Maurice, Ben Maurice, Jake Domzalski, and others.
Now if Troy gets past Berkley then they would have to go back to the place where they won their first playoff game since 2007 in Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks will likely be 8-0 heading into that game. Bloomfield Hills fell 29-14 to these same Colts last season. The Blue title would also be on the line in that game.
Troy still controls their destiny even with a loss to Berkley but it would be much harder if they came into that Bloomfield Hills game at 7-1 instead of 8-0.
These next two weeks will define the Colts season and see what they are truly made of and if they are ready to take that next step.
