Jim Ellison New Chief of Older Adult Services

Jim Ellison New Chief of Older Adult Services

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Regional News

Coulter Names Jim Ellison New Chief of Older Adult Services

  • Jim Ellison is a former state representative and mayor of Royal Oak.
  • Working with the Board of Commissioners, Coulter created the Chief of Older Adult Services position to coordinate and help expand and improve services to older residents.
  • Ellison will work with the county’s Senior Advisory Council and the Board of Commissioner’s Healthy Aging Ad Hoc Committee.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced Thursday that former State Rep. Jim Ellison will become Oakland County’s new Chief of Older Adult Services.

In the position, which Coulter introduced in the 2023 budget that was approved by the Board of Commissioners last year, Ellison will coordinate and help expand and improve the services the county provides to older residents. He also will be working with the county’s Senior Advisory Council and the Board of Commissioner’s Healthy Aging Ad Hoc Committee.

“We have an aging population in Oakland County that has a wide range of needs. I want to make sure that all of the county’s older residents know about the resources that are available to them,” Coulter said. “Jim will bring a broad array of experience and vast knowledge of the county that will be a great benefit to our older residents.”

Ellison was a member of the State House of Representatives from 2017-22, where he served on several committees, including: Families, Children and Seniors; Health Policy; Tax Policy and Local Government.

Before that, he was the Mayor of Royal Oak from 2003 to 2016, was a city Commissioner for four years and has returned to service to the city as a member of the planning commission. He spent most of his career working for the Barton Malow construction company.

“My time on the Families, Children and Seniors committee certainly opened my eyes to the issues that seniors are facing and now, being a senior myself, that’s brought me a new perspective,” Ellison said. “I look forward to meeting with older residents and visiting senior centers across the county to see how we can best meet their needs.”

Ellison and his wife Jodie, the manager of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter, live in Royal Oak. They have eight children and 16 grandkids. Ellison, the founding chairman of the Woodward Dream Cruise committee, spends his spare time working on a classic 1955 Ford Centerline and caring for the pack of pets they’ve adopted over the years, including dogs, cats, rabbits, a pig and a Canadian goose.

He will begin the new job as Oakland County Chief of Older Adult Services on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Jim Ellison.jpg

DNR Events/Get Involved – January 2023

DNR Events/Get Involved – January 2023

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Recreation

DNR banner

DNR Events/Get Involved – January 2023

cardinal on snowy ground
In this combined DNR Events/Get Involved roundup, we’ll share a few ways to get out and enjoy – and a few ways to help take care of –  Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in January. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar. For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Help protect high-quality natural areas at state parks

Group of stewardship volunteers in front of Fort Custer sign in winterSeveral state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in January. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays, which will take place at:

  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County)
  • 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, and Sunday, Jan. 29 at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County)
  • 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County)
  • 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County)
  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County)

Get more workday details and registration information on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Give your opinion on latest state land review recommendations

sun shining through trees in forestStaff recommendations on whether to keep, exchange or sell land in the sixth set of counties in the DNR’s state land review process are nearing DNR director approval, but there’s still plenty of time to review and share feedback via the interactive web map or by email to DNR-StateLandReview@Michigan.gov by Feb 8.

The counties under review include Alger, Allegan, Barry, Bay, Gladwin, Lake, Midland, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Schoolcraft and Wexford. The updated web map reflects the latest staff recommendations since the initial public comment period closed, making it easy for people to see what has changed. The state land review was implemented as part of the 2013 managed public land strategy and involves the review of DNR-managed lands that are 200 acres or less in size or that, due to an irregular boundary, may be difficult to manage.

All feedback received through Feb. 8 will be compiled and provided to the DNR director. A final decision on recommendations is expected at the Feb. 9 meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission.

Follow the latest updates on the state land review process at Michigan.gov/PublicLands.

Learn about feeding winter birds, ice fishing from the experts

white-breasted nuthatch at feederEver wanted to learn to ice fish? New to feeding backyard birds and interested in learning more? The Outdoor Skills Academy can help!

Classes in January include:

  • Feeding Winter Birds (virtual class), Jan. 21. Feeding birds is easy to do with a little knowledge. Learn which birds are likely to visit your backyard and which foods and feeders they prefer. This class will also introduce you to free birding resources and apps, cover how to clean your feeder and explore ways to get involved in community science projects such as the Great Backyard Bird Count. Cost is $25. Each participant will receive a Peterson Field Guide to Feeder Birds and will be entered into a prize drawing.
  • Hard Water School (ice fishing class), Jan. 21-22 at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac. Learn to ice fish from the pros in this two-day class covering everything from how to set up equipment and where and when to fish, to ice safety and rules and regulations. The class will focus on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike. Cost is $40, which includes one-on-one instruction from a pro, lunch Saturday and Sunday, bait and a goodie bag.

The Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Hit the (snowy) trail at state parks

cross-country skiers outside ski lodgeIf you’re looking to get outside and enjoy some fresh air, exercise and scenic views – but don’t want to venture out on your own – join us for snowshoeing, hiking and cross-country skiing events at state parks this winter.

Parks hosting events in January include:

  • Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Porkies Winter Sports Complex in the western Upper Peninsula offers a variety of events for those looking to explore the snowy park, known for its wild beauty and nestled along the Lake Superior shore. January events include beginner and advanced snowshoe guided hikes and lantern-lit trail hikes.
  • Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), which will host a lantern-lit snowshoe hike Jan. 20.
  • Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County). The park kicks off its series of winter snowshoe hikes Jan. 21 (adequate snow permitting).
  • Ludington State Park (Mason County). The park offers a series of lantern-lit ski, snowshoe and hike events this winter, with the next one coming up Jan. 21.
  • Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County), which invites visitors for a candlelight cross-country ski event Jan. 21. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event.

To plan your own cold-weather adventures – ice fishing, winter birding, Porkies downhill skiing, a winter luge, snowmobiling, fat-tire biking, cross-country skiing and more – visit Michigan.gov/WinterFun for ideas on how to enjoy the season.

Find winter fun inside and out at Outdoor Adventure Center

two kids ice fishing near dockThe DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit offers plenty of fun – both indoors and outdoors – for all ages this winter, with a slate of programs giving visitors opportunities to learn about and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources.

January programs include:

  • Wonderful Winter Outdoor Activity and Wild Science Saturdays: Let It Snow, both Jan. 21. Join us outside for a fun winter activity like snowshoeing or snow painting or come inside to learn about the science behind snow.
  • The OAC Running Club, designed for those new to running, which kicks off Jan. 22. We’ll follow a nine-week Couch to 5K plan, with a weekly informational session followed by an outdoor run on the Dequindre Cut.
  • Birding Belle Isle, Jan. 29, focusing on migrant waterfowl on the waters of the Detroit River and inland canals and lagoons throughout the island.
  • Ice fishing, Jan. 29 at Milliken State Park. Equipment and guidance will be provided.
  • Ongoing series including archery, nature education for kids, programs for seniors and more.

Check out the Outdoor Adventure Center event calendar for more details.

Check out new ‘Michigan Makers’ exhibit

When you have a good idea, what comes next? How do you make an idea into something? Discover the stories of people – some successful, others not – who answered these questions in their own way with “Michigan Makers,” a special exhibit at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing. Michigan’s tinkerers, artists, thinkers and makers might just inspire you to create something new yourself!

Check trees for invasive hemlock woolly adelgid

Winter is the best time to look for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that can cause significant harm to Michigan’s estimated 170 million hemlock trees. Whether you have eastern hemlock trees on your property or are in the woods hunting, hiking or enjoying other outdoor activities, you can help by knowing what to look for and reporting infested trees. Learn more at Michigan.gov/HWA.
Whitmer Declares January 16 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Whitmer Declares January 16 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

by | Jan 16, 2023 | Regional News

Office of the Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2023

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Declares Monday, January 16 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring Monday, January 16, 2023, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Michigan, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II call on Michiganders to reflect on the life of Dr. King and commit themselves to continuing his work to advance social justice, equality, and freedom for all.

 

“Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership fighting injustice, discrimination, and hate,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our state thrives when all Michiganders have a seat at the table and the opportunity to succeed. By following Dr. King’s example, we can continue to build on his legacy. I encourage every Michigander to reflect on the life of Dr. King and how we can all work together to build a more equitable, just, and prosperous Michigan for all.”

 

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived a life of service, and we honor him through service,” said Lt. Governor Garlin GIlchrist II. “I encourage every Michigander to spend time today giving back and carrying forward the ideals of Dr. King. Dr. King’s legacy and unshakeable commitment to justice should guide us today and every day as we keep justice and equal opportunity at the forefront. Let us recommit ourselves to building a Michigan where everyone can reach their full potential.”

 

“As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., it is imperative now more than ever that his message of equality and equity with compassion for the least of these be a common commitment renewed daily by each of us,” said Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr.; Sr. Pastor of the Liberty Temple Baptist Church & President of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity. “The beloved community he spoke of can be achieved as we work hand-in-hand to create a more just society where every person has a respected voice in their government as well as our communities across our beautiful, diverse state. Dr. King’s dream must never become anyone’s nightmare!”

 

Congress designated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as the third Monday in January, coinciding with Dr. King’s birthday. This year marks the 37th observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge takes shape

The Gordie Howe International Bridge takes shape

by | Jan 12, 2023 | Transportation

The Gordie Howe International Bridge takes shape

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Heather Grondin, vice president of corporate affairs and external relations at the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), which is overseeing the building of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB).

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/12025056-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge-takes-shape

TMT - GHIB takes shape

She talks about the progress made on the bridge in 2022, the busiest so far for construction. A WDBA video released in December offered year-in-review highlights.

Heather Grondin

In addition to facing the traditional challenges of any large infrastructure project, the worldwide pandemic also affected the project, though work continued with safeguards for the health of the workers.

Grondin explains that among other milestones in 2023, the towers on each side of the border will reach their full height – more than 700 feet, very close to the height of the tallest building at the Renaissance Center along the Detroit riverfront.

Soon, workers will begin connecting the first cables from the towers to the bridge and road deck. Also in 2023, work will begin on the main span over the Detroit River, which will be accomplished without any work in the river.

Other ongoing developments include:

  • All structures at the ports of entry are under construction.
  • Construction of the ramps connecting from the U.S. Port of Entry to I-75.

Grondin also highlights the sustainability components of the project, which are receiving international recognition. She also explained the varied community-benefit programs that are helping neighbors of the bridge with home improvements and offering funding for some 20 non-for-profits supporting local communities in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit and the Sandwich neighborhood in Windsor.

GHIB US site October 2022

Gordie Howe International Bridge progress on the United States side in October 2022.

Podcast photo: Gordie Howe International Bridge rendering.
Portrait photo: Heather Grondin, vice president of corporate affairs and external relations at the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).

All images courtesy of the Point International Gordie Howe International Bridge website
Economic Investment Mission to Europe to Bring Jobs Back

Economic Investment Mission to Europe to Bring Jobs Back

by | Jan 11, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 11, 2023

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer to Embark on First Economic Investment Mission to Europe to Bring Jobs Back to Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she will be leading a five-day investment mission to Norway and Switzerland next week, focusing on attracting job-creating business investments, particularly in Michigan’s next-generation of automotive manufacturing and clean energy independence ecosystem. This marks the first economic development visit to Europe under the governor’s administration; the first-ever governor-led mission to Norway in recent history; and the first Michigan governor trip to Switzerland since 2016. 

 

“The world is increasingly interconnected and it’s important for leaders in other countries to hear that Michigan is a key player on the global stage, especially as we work to lead the future of mobility, bring supply chains home, and become energy independent with more clean, domestic supply,” Governor Whitmer said. “We are taking this opportunity to tell Michigan’s story around the world with leaders and decisionmakers in other countries. We’re building something in Michigan that everyone should want to be a part of, and I will go anywhere and compete with everyone to bring jobs and investment back home. Let’s show the world what we have to offer, build on our leadership in cars, chips, and clean energy, and prove that the best manufacturing in the world happens right here in Michigan.”

 

While in Norway, Governor Whitmer will meet with company and government leaders in Oslo to discuss investment opportunities and collaboration in global industries, including mobility and hydrogen. The governor will also make a stop in Zurich. Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. and other MEDC officials will join Governor Whitmer in Norway.

 

“As the most abundant chemical element, hydrogen can play a significant role in accelerating Michigan’s clean-energy transition away from fossil fuels in the coming decades. There has been a federal focus on hydrogen and Michigan fully capitalizing on this transition has the potential to create good-paying jobs for our fellow friends and neighbors across both peninsulas,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Throughout this trip, we’ll have the opportunity to meet with company leaders in the hydrogen space and have productive conversations on how we can strengthen our ties with them and attract more jobs to and create greater business opportunities in Michigan.”

 

In September 2022, Michigan announced it would be among seven Midwestern states teaming up to accelerate the development of hydrogen as a clean-energy alternative; the Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition partners Michigan with Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin to collaborate on clean hydrogen development.

 

The Midwest Hydrogen Coalition builds on Gov. Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which positions Michigan as a climate action leader and identifies what needs to happen for Michigan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 with a prioritization on actions from now until 2030.

 

Norway, located in Northern Europe, is bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia. It is home to some 5.4 million people. Switzerland, located in Central Europe, is bordered by Italy, France, Germany, and Austria, and has a population of approximately 8.7 million. Business leaders and economists estimate large potential growth opportunities for Michigan in Norway and Switzerland:

  • Between 2018 and 2021, Michigan companies exported a total of $895 million in goods and materials to Switzerland and Norway, with transportation equipment as the top Michigan export to both countries.
  • Overall, eight foreign direct investment projects were created in Michigan by Swiss and Norwegian companies between 2018 and 2022, resulting in a total of 161 jobs. Those projects generated a total capital investment of $39.8 million.

 

Following those business meetings, Governor Whitmer has been invited to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, “Cooperation in a Fragmented World.” The governor was invited by the Forum leaders to speak on a panel, “The Return of Manufacturing,” joining executives from the mobility and semiconductor industries.

 

In a new report from CNBC, Michigan was named one of three states in the running alongside Georgia and Kentucky that are poised to “dominate” electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the United States by 2030. Michigan is leading the charge to position the U.S. as a global electric vehicle competitor through this increased manufacturing capacity. Last year, the state attracted thousands of jobs and $14 billion in electric vehicle and battery investments while developing programs to train and employ the next generation of talent in the electric vehicle and mobility sector.

 

“Michigan is competing with other states and other nations to land game changing manufacturing projects and thousands of jobs,” Governor Whitmer said. “Michiganders are tough, hardworking people. We will work with anyone and compete with everyone to make sure that Michigan is home to the future of mobility and electrification and fight to bring supply chains home. We are in contention to be a top state for the electric vehicle industry in the next decade, and we will not stop until we win.”

 

“The 21st Century is defined by the globalization of markets. For Michigan to be competitive in retaining and attracting businesses and jobs, we are going to have to work for it,” said Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “One of the key assets we have is a governor who is willing – and effective – in marketing Michigan on the national and international stage.  As an entity focused on promoting economic development in Michigan, the Chamber sees tremendous value in the governor participating in the World Economic Forum.”

 

Transformational electric vehicle and battery investments in Michigan in 2022 include:

  • In January 2022, General Motors announced a historic investment of $7 billion, creating 4,000 and retaining 1,000 jobs, to convert Orion Township assembly plant to build full-size electric vehicle pickups and build Ultium’s third U.S. battery cell plant in Lansing.
  • In March 2022, LG Energy Solution announced a $1.7 billion expansion creating 1,200 jobs in Holland manufacturing batteries.
  • In June 2022, Ford Motor Company announced an investment of $2 billion, creating more than 3,200 jobs in plants across Michigan to support electric vehicle manufacturing growth and secure internal combustion engine portfolio in the state.
  • In June 2022, Canadian electric vehicle charging network operator FLO announced an investment of $3 million for the company’s first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills.
  • In October 2022, Michigan-based Our Next Energy announced a $1.6 billion investment to establish its first cell and electric vehicle battery pack gigafactory in Van Buren Township, creating up to 2,112 jobs.
  • In October 2022, Gotion announced a $2.36 billion investment for a new manufacturing facility in Big Rapids, creating up to 2,350 jobs.

 

The economic development mission is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.