Southeast Michigan meeting ozone standards
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Groundbreaking on New $28 Million Facility at Selfridge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Joins Federal, State, and Local Officials for Groundbreaking on New $28 Million Facility at Selfridge New hangar to create hundreds of jobs, build on year-long campaign to secure mission at Selfridge
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined federal, state, and local leaders to break ground on a new 41,900 square foot facility that will transform two hangars into a new hangar equipped for fighter maintenance. The new facility will house maintenance on the main level and leadership/staff offices and classrooms on the second floor.
“This new hangar will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and shore up Selfridge’s military readiness,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We have been working with bipartisan and private sector partners to make more investments in Selfridge by making critical infrastructure upgrades, and we will keep fighting to bring home a new fighter mission. Selfridge is an anchor of Macomb County and an economic driver for Michigan’s defense industry. Let’s keep working together for Selfridge.”
Selfridge is a Joint Military Community housing four thousand families from all branches. In 2021, Sen. Gary Peters secured $28 million for a new development at Selfridge that would equip Michigan with the tools to be the ideal location for the next future fighter mission.
“We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer, Senator Peters and our federal and state delegation for their leadership and for working with us to continue to invest in Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG),” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This investment clearly demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to SANG, its support for developing future capabilities and advancing innovation and delivering on our mission to maintain our military readiness and support our national defense.”
“Today’s visit shows our delegation’s united, bipartisan support of – and staunch commitment to – the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” said U.S Sen. Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. “It was exciting to participate in the groundbreaking for the new hangar and accompanying maintenance facilities, after securing $28 million in federal funding to make the upgrades possible. I’m proud knowing this investment will help advance Selfridge’s defense capabilities and capacity to host a new fighter jet mission.”
“Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the men and women who serve here play a vital role in keeping our state and our nation safe. Today’s groundbreaking is yet another example of our delegation’s continued strategy to position Selfridge into the future,” said U.S Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “We are fully committed to securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge.”
“Michigan’s state and federal leaders are united behind ensuring Selfridge’s mission ready status,” said U.S Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-3). “Our state is home to one of our nation’s most cutting-edge air national guard bases, and the hangar we broke ground on today will only cement that status. West Michigan supports the critical work of our service members and is committed to leading future fighter missions here at Selfridge.”
“Selfridge Air National Guard Base is critical to our national security because of its strategic location on our border, and it has broad bipartisan support across our Congressional delegation and at all levels of government,” said U.S Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-6). “We remain unified in our commitment to securing federal investments to support advanced generation fighter capability in Michigan. The groundbreaking today is another important step in our continued efforts to ensure the Air Force can benefit from all of Selfridge’s unique capabilities.”
“I’m proud of Michigan’s commitment to national defense and military, said U.S Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13). “The new fighter jet hangar at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a testament to our unwavering support. As a member of the Michigan delegation, I’ll continue to secure critical military investments for our state and support our brave men and women in uniform.”
Selfridge Background Selfridge, an ideal training space, provides access to the largest military airspace complex east of the Mississippi River, hosts units from every component of the U.S. military, is located on an international border, and is joint integrated with the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. Launched in Governor Whitmer’s first term, Selfridge’s Kelly Johnson Joint All-Domain Innovation Center leverages Michigan’s research universities, booming defense industry, and engineering, cyber, and technological expertise to provide a premier venue for collaboration in direct support of the National Defense Strategy.
Economically, Selfridge boasts an estimated $850 million in economic impact state-wide, affecting approximately 5,000 military and civilian support personnel. Selfridge is anchored with a strong and vibrant Base Community Council that strengthens the relationship between Southeast Michigan’s civilian and military communities.
Investing in Selfridge Infrastructure Last year’s bipartisan, balanced budget that Governor Whitmer signed into law included a $6.1 million investment in the base to upgrade critical infrastructure. In her budget proposal this year, the Governor recommended an additional $11 million investment in Selfridge. The infrastructure investments into Selfridge secured and proposed by Governor Whitmer and bipartisan allies in the Michigan Legislature would reduce costs for the U.S. Air Force by $100 million.
Fighting for Selfridge Mission Governor Whitmer and a bipartisan group of allies and private sector partners has spent more the last year making the case for additional U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) investments in Michigan. This includes replacing the current A-10 fighter mission at Selfridge.
The Governor has maintained close contact with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and his team and is working with Republicans and Democrats in the Michigan Congressional Delegation and Selfridge community on this important issue. Michigan hosted the Secretary during two separate visits last summer showcasing the state as a premier destination for Air Force and DoD investment. The Governor also met virtually and in person with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to continue advocating for a fighter jet replacement for Selfridge’s A-10s.
Michigan’s International Defense Impact Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer visited Michigan service members stationed in Latvia. Michigan’s defense presence has an impact around the world and must be secure in state to support international missions.
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Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview
Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview
Written Sunday May 14th at 11:30 PM
Here is my insight and preview for the girls lacrosse regionals.
Regional 3 at Troy Athens
Grosse Pointe North vs. Grosse Pointe South
Utica Ford II vs. TROY
BIRMINGHAM vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
Grosse Pointe North/Grosse Pointe South vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
M-1 (ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY) vs. Utica Eisenhower
Utica Ford/TROY vs. TROY ATHENS
BIRMINGHAM/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. Chippewa Valley
EARLY PICKS: This regional has Birmingham vs Bloomfield Hills written all over it. Bloomfield Hills beat Birmingham earlier in the season. The regional semifinals could be very interesting with the Bulldogs having a really tough path having to see Chippewa Valley and then Troy Athens in the second round and semifinals respectively. The Blackhawks have the much better draw to get to the regional finals. I like Bloomfield Hills over Birmingham in this matchup.
Regional 4 at Oxford
Midland vs. Grand Blanc
Fenton vs. OXFORD
Davison vs. Howell
CLARKSTON vs. Waterford
Midland/Grand Blanc vs. Hartland
Fenton/OXFORD vs. ROCHESTER
Davison/Howell vs. LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON/Waterford vs. White Lake
EARLY PICKS: Lake Orion has a great draw to get to the regional finals. They will have to get by Hartland which will be a tough matchup but Midland could give the Eagles some trouble in the second round but it’s not likely. I think Hartland moves on over the Dragons.
Regional 6 at Farmington
FARMINGTON vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
Temperance Bedford vs. Saline
Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard vs. Wixom St. Catherine Sienna
FARMINGTON/Mercy vs. Dearborn Divine Child
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Tecumseh
Temperance Bedford/Saline vs. Ann Arbor Skyline
Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard/Wixom St. Catherine Sienna vs. Dexter
EARLY PICKS: This looks to be a very interesting regional. Dearborn Divine Child, Ann Arbor Skyline, and Dexter will be very tough outs. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard has the best chance of upsetting the top three seeds. I think that the Falcons have the best chance to move onto the state semifinals.
Regional 7 at Adams
Birmingham Marian vs. Grosse Pointe Woods
Walled Lake Northern vs. ADAMS
AVONDALE vs. Warren Regina
Birmingham Marian/Grosse Pointe Woods vs. Detroit Country Day
STONEY CREEK vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Walled Lake Northern/ADAMS vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kinswood
AVONDALE/Warren Regina vs. Bloomfield Hills Academy
EARLY PICKS: This is a pick em district. Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Adams are the two best teams in the district. Adams will have to deal with Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood in the second round. The Yellow Jackets should have a nice path but Stoney Creek could give them some fits. I think the two top teams will meet but Birmingham Detroit Country Day should move on to the semifinals.
Boys Lacrosse Regional Preview
Boys Lacrosse Regional Preview.
Written Sunday May 14th at 11:00 PM
Here is my preview of the boys lacrosse regional projections.
Region 4 at South Lyon East
Brighton vs. FARMINGTON UNITED
BIRMINGHAM UNITED vs. Howell
South Lyon (South Lyon East) vs. Novi
Livonia Stevenson vs. Northville
EARLY PICKS: Give me the Brighton Bulldogs to move on to the quarterfinals but Birmingham United will have a very strong say and could upset Brighton in the regional semifinals if they are not careful.
Region 5 at Troy Athens
Detroit Catholic Central vs. Bye
TROY ATHENS (AVONDALE) vs. Detroit Cass Tech
M-1 (ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY) vs. Utica Ford II (Sterling Heights Stevenson)
Detroit University Detroit Jesuit vs. Chippewa Valley
EARLY PICKS: Can’t go against the Shamrocks, sorry rest of the field.
Region 6 at Romeo
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North vs. St. Clair
Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North/St. Clair
Macomb Dakota vs. ROCHESTER
Port Huron vs. Utica Eisenhower (Utica)
Romeo vs. New Baltimore Anchor Bay
EARLY PICKS: The Warriors are motivated enough said although Romeo might have the best chance out of anyone in this regional that can give Birmingham Brother Rice at least some issues.
Region 7 at Bloomfield Hills
LAKE ORION vs. Waterford (Waterford Kettering/Waterford Mott)
OXFORD vs. TROY
Walled Lake (Walled Lake Northern/Walled Lake Western/Walled Lake Central) vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. Huron Valley (Lakeland/Milford)
EARLY PICKS: This looks like a Dragons vs Blackhawks regional final. Lake Orion will be too much.
Region 8 at Clarkston
CLARKSTON vs. Bay City Central (Freeland, Frankenmuth)
Ortonville Brandon (Holly) vs. Davison
Grand Blanc vs. Lapeer
Saginaw Heritage vs. Swartz Creek (Flushing)
EARLY PICKS: No one is touching the Wolves in this regional. The Bobcats are the closest to having a chance but too much Wolves.
Region 14 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kinswood vs. Bye
ADAMS vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley (Clawson, Macomb Lutheran North)
STONEY CREEK vs. Royal Oak Shrine (Rochester Lutheran Northwest, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, Clarkston Everest)
EARLY PICKS: The Cranes are the early favorite but do not by any means count out the Cougars or the Highlanders. Adams could beat Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood. I see Stoney Creek getting to the district final and beating Adams who I think will upset the Cranes in the regional semifinals.
Girls Soccer District Preview
Girls Soccer District Preview.
Written Sunday May 14th at 11:00 PM
Here is my insight and projections on the girls soccer districts.
District 6 at Clarkston
Flushing vs. Davison
CLARKSTON vs. Swartz Creek
Lapeer vs. OXFORD
Flushing/Davison vs. Grand Blanc
This is a very interesting district. Grand Blanc is the top seed but Clarkston and Oxford will be very tough matchups for the Bobcats. It wouldn’t surprise me if Grand Blanc falls in the district semifinals. I can see either one or two OAA schools in the district finals that is for sure.
District 7 at Lakeland
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern vs. Lakeland
Waterford Mott vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
NORTH FARMINGTON/Walled Lake Central vs. Milford
North Farmington and West Bloomfield will be honoree members of the Lakes Valley Conference in this district. Walled Lake Northern won the Lakes Valley Conference crown this season but Milford is right there with them. West Bloomfield won the Blue and Waterford Mott is not an easy team. This district looks like it could be a Knights vs Mavericks district final which should be tight.
District 8 at Novi
FARMINGTON vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
Livonia Stevenson vs. South Lyon East
Northville vs. South Lyon
FARMINGTON/Farmington Hills Mercy vs. Novi
There is a ton of parity in this district especially with well known names like Farmington Hills Mercy, Northville, and Novi but keep an eye on South Lyon East. The Cougars have had a strong season in the Lakes Valley. The Mustangs are ranked high for a reason and will look to keep it that way but the Marlins and Wildcats could spoil that real quickly.
District 12 at Grosse Pointe South
Dearborn Fordson vs. Dearborn Heights Crestwood
Dearborn vs. HARPER WOODS
Detroit Western vs. Grosse Pointe South
Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Crestwood vs. Detroit Cass Tech
This is not a strong district but Detroit Cass Tech has the top seed in the district. I think they will have a tough time with Dearborn Heights Crestwood or Dearborn. I think Grosse Pointe South will be too much in this district with home field.
District 13 at Royal Oak
BERKLEY vs. GROVES
BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
SEAHOLM vs. ROYAL OAK
BERKLEY/GROVES vs. TROY
This is an all OAA district. Troy got a very interesting draw with the winner of Berkley and Groves. Both teams are tough teams. Seaholm and Royal Oak should also be very interesting as well. Note we aren’t talking about the defending Division One State Champs are in here as well and they have a great draw. This is a pick em district that is for sure.
District 14 at Utica
LAKE ORION vs. ADAMS
STONEY CREEK vs. Utica Eisenhower
Romeo vs. Utica
LAKE ORION/ADAMS vs. ROCHESTER
This is the group of death district. Every one of these teams has a chance to win this district. Rochester has the best shot to win this district but Stoney Creek could have a strong say pending if they can get by a very good Utica Eisenhower squad. Lake Orion vs Adams is a trap game early. Whoever wins this district has a great chance to make it to East Lansing.
District 15 at Troy Athens
TROY ATHENS vs. Sterling Heights
Chippewa Valley vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford vs. Warren Cousino
Fraser vs. Warren Mott
This should be a very interesting district. Troy Athens is the early favorite with home court and a tough schedule. Chippewa Valley could give some fits though. This district is the Red Hawks to lose.
District 24 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
Detroit Renaissance vs. Walled Lake Western
FERNDALE vs. Livonia Clarenceville
Detroit Renaissance/Walled Lake Western vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
FERNDALE/Livonia Clarenceville vs. Birmingham Marian
Birmingham Marian is the favorite and should be for good reason. The Mustangs have a great draw with playing either Ferndale or Livonia Clarenceville in the district semifinals. I think this will be a Cranes vs Mustangs district final with Birmingham Marian moving on.
District 26 at Goodrich
AVONDALE vs. Waterford Kettering
Holly vs. Brandon
AVONDALE/ Waterford Kettering vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Holly/Brandon vs. Goodrich
This is a very interesting district. Goodrich is the favorite with home field and has the best team on paper. Brandon is a sleeper. The Blackhawks can make a ton of noise if things work out well. Avondale is very interesting. The Yellow Jackets have had moments of greatness and struggles. This district is the Martians to lose.