by orionontv | Mar 12, 2024 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 12, 2024 as Equal Pay Day
March 12th marks the number of days into the year that women would need to work to match what men made last year
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 12th as Equal Pay Day to bring attention to the Michigan women who experience unequal pay at all levels of work.
“Women in Michigan and across the nation deserve equal pay for equal work,” said Governor Whitmer. “Women who work full-time are paid 84 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts, and women of color make even less. This discrepancy has ripple effects across our economy and impacts nearly every Michigan family. Fair pay is about making sure Michigan is place where anyone can work hard and build a good life. I’m proud of every Michigan woman working hard to provide for themselves and their families. I want you to know that I’m going to keep fighting for you.”
Women in the U.S. who work full-time, year-round are typically paid only 84 cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts. Based on today’s wage gap, a woman who works full-time, year-round could lose $399,600 over a 40-year career, a gap that only grows when examined by race and ethnicity. Nationally, for every dollar paid to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women are paid only 93 cents, Black women are paid only 69 cents, Native women are paid only 59 cents, and Latinas are paid only 57 cents. This wage gap typically means an annual loss of $22,120 for Black women, $30,450 for Latinas, $28,747 for Native women, and $4,690 for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women.
Governor Whitmer’s Record to Support Women
In 2023, Governor Whitmer increased the Working Families Tax Credit to put an average of $3,150 into Michiganders’ pockets and assisting more than 700,000 Michigan households. She has also proposed statewide paid family and medical leave to help workers, especially women, care for loved ones, bond with newborns, and recover when they’re sick. During her first term, Governor Whitmer awarded grants to community-based organizations that help women understand and exercise their rights and benefits in the workplace. Governor Whitmer has appointed more than 1,280 women to boards, commissions, and full-time positions.
Last year, Governor Whitmer signed the Reproductive Health Act to decriminalize abortions and ensure access to reproductive healthcare. This helped to build on the momentum in expanding abortion access across the state. Through Governor Whitmer’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Initiative, Michigan became one of the first states to support expecting mothers by covering doula services, so that they receive the care they need for a healthy pregnancy and support for interventions that are proven to increase health outcomes for women and their children.
To view the full proclamation, click here.
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by orionontv | Mar 11, 2024 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of March 11, 2024
The Karner blue butterfly, a stunning summer sight!
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| Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
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.
 The newest episode of the DNR Wildlife Division’s “Wildtalk” podcast is now available. The March show covers Michigan’s largest carnivore, the black bear, and does a deep dive on the American woodcock, a peculiar little ground-nesting bird with lots of charisma and some unique physical adaptations.
James Miller, a DNR wildlife biologist based in southwest Michigan, stops by to talk about spring infrastructure projects such as maintenance of the dike systems and water control structures at Maple River State Game Area, habitat work at Allegan State Game Area to support the Karner blue butterfly and prescribed burn planning for several locations.
DNR wildlife biologist Pete Kailing also drops in with an overview of hunting and trapping opportunities, plus a nod to filmdom’s famed mountain man, Jeremiah Johnson.
Visit the “Wildtalk” webpage for the March episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected]. |
 Jenilee Dean, of Northeast Michigan Forestry, picked up the 2024 Stewardship Forester Award from the Michigan Association of Consulting Foresters, an honor bestowed because of Dean’s exceptional service to customers in reaching their forest management goals.
The Stewardship Forester Award, given at the association’s annual meeting in February, recognizes private sector foresters who serve Michigan’s 400,000 family forest landowners.
Dean studied biology at the University of Michigan and gained forestry experience on the job. She traveled around Michigan and the eastern United States doing seedling surveys and other forest measurements for large government and corporate landowners. A few years ago, she started her own company, Northeast Michigan Forestry LLC. |
 Dean said she appreciates the flexible schedule that a career in consulting forestry provides. As a business owner, she gets to take her three daughters to the woods with her in the summer. They love spending time outdoors with their mom as she helps landowners take good care of their forests.
Dean has written more than 100 forest management plans over the last 15 years, covering thousands of acres in Alcona, Alpena and Iosco counties. Her clients use their plans to achieve goals like planting trees or harvesting timber to improve wildlife habitat.
“I really enjoy chatting with landowners and hearing about the history of their property and educating them about forestry,” said Dean. “I am beyond blessed to call the forest my office.”
Dean has numerous credentials to document her professional forestry skills and help landowners enroll in various forestry programs. She is a member of the Association of Consulting Foresters, a Michigan Registered Forester, a Technical Service Provider, a Qualified Forester, a DNR timber cruiser and a qualified specialist to identify and treat oak wilt disease. If you own forest land, a consulting forester like Dean can help you manage, protect and enjoy your forest.
Dennis McDougall with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service appreciates Dean’s great work.
“Relationships between foresters and landowners are at the heart of successful private forest management,” he said. “By listening to the landowner’s vision for their property, the forester develops a unique management plan designed to achieve that vision. Foresters like Jenilee help landowners understand and navigate timber markets and government programs to make sound decisions about their land.”
The Forest Stewardship Program is funded by the Forest Service and administered by the DNR. All partners are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, contact Mike Smalligan at 517-449-5666. |
 Suffering football withdrawal and need a little Lions love? Catch the next episode of “Wardens” – the Outdoor Channel’s weekly show that tells the story of dedicated DNR conservation officers and other staff members, and the work they do to protect and conserve Michigan’s natural resources.
This week’s show – here’s a teaser video – airs Friday and takes you behind the scenes of a charity skeet shoot hosted by Detroit Lions favorite Frank Ragnow at the DNR’s Bald Mountain Shooting Range, as well as a CO who handles separate encounters with two hunters in violation on the same road during the firearm deer season opener.
To get the Outdoor Channel, ask your local TV service provider or go to outdoorchannel.com, myoutdoortv.com or Amazon Prime Video, or call 855-44-OUTDOOR. More than 78 episodes of “Wardens” have featured Michigan and tallied over 36 million viewers!
Episodes air on the Outdoor Channel every Friday at 9 p.m. Previous episodes air on FOX UP/WLUC-TV6 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The show also is available under the title “Wardens of the North” or “Michigan Wardens” on Animal Planet.
Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819. |
 See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. This photo of purple loosestrife – a beautiful but invasive herb that harms wetlands and shoreline habitats – is by Aaron Burden, for the Michigan DNR, at Holly Recreation Area in Oakland County. Learn more about troublesome plant and animal species at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
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Learn about white-tail food plots, steelhead fishing, wild mushrooms and other cool pursuits at upcoming Outdoor Skills Academy classes.
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Whether you want to lend a hand or plan the perfect day, use the DNR events calendar to find inspiration and opportunity statewide.
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by orionontv | Mar 11, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday March 10th at 9:35 AM
The Falcons had to earn this one.
Groves won the Division Two State title by seven points last season. They had to endure a disqualification in the 200 medley only to come back score 245 points holding off arch rival Seaholm and Farmington by a point at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
Groves, Seaholm, and Farmington were ranked in that order in the standings.
In Division One at Oakland University, Stoney Creek finished seventh with 107 points, Rochester was eighth with 95.5 points, Oxford was 12th with 64 points, Troy was 16th with 49 points, and West Bloomfield was 26th with 15 points, and Lake Orion was 30th with five points in team scoring. Ann Arbor Pioneer won the meet with 275 points.
The OAA proved again its domination in boys swim and diving with the Falcons repeating as State Champs in Division Two while Seaholm and Farmington both had dominating performances as well each scoring 244 points.
by orionontv | Mar 11, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday March 9th at 10:00 AM
Here is the early thoughts about the Girls Regional and Boys State Quarterfinals.
Girls Regionals Preview
Region Eight at Milford
CLARKSTON vs Lakeland
Howell vs Grand Blanc
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Milford. Clarkston had to survive an emotional 41-40 district final win over Lake Orion where they trailed all game until the final second. The Wolves will take on a Lakeland team that can play any style. The Eagles are coming off a 24-22 win over Milford in the district finals. It should be a very interesting first game. In the second game, Howell is coming off an emotional 43-42 overtime win over Hartland in the district finals, it’s the second time in two years that the Highlanders have knocked out their bitter rivals from Hartland in the district finals. Grand Blanc has had a solid year, they won 60-38 over Oxford in the district finals but this should be a test for the Bobcats. When looking at this district, Clarkston does have a win over Howell in the regular season and is very familiar with Lakeland but they are not to well familiar with Grand Blanc.
EARLY PROJECTION: I think the winner of Howell and Grand Blanc wins over Clarkston in this regional. The Wolves should have no issue with Lakeland in the regional semifinals because of Elliana Robak and Brooklyn Covert. The lack of size could hurt especially if Clarkston has to play the Bobcats. The Highlanders should be motivated after what happened in Clarkston against them if they were to play them in the regional final. Grand Blanc is well coached and too experienced but Howell is a very tricky game.
Region Seven at Macomb Dakota
STONEY CREEK vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Macomb Dakota vs Chippewa Valley
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This should be a very interesting regional at Macomb Dakota. Macomb Dakota has to be the favorite on paper but they had to survive New Baltimore Anchor Bay 47-45 in the district finals. Chippewa Valley is riding a ton of confidence after winning 63-53 over Utica in their district final. Stoney Creek has lived on the edge lately which included a 37-32 win over Rochester in their district final. Bloomfield Hills is in their first regional after winning 49-46 over Seaholm in overtime in their district final. Looking at this regional, Macomb Dakota is favored as mentioned because of home court. Stoney Creek beat Bloomfield Hills earlier in the season but both teams are different now. Chippewa Valley is very dangerous in this regional and is playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
EARLY PROJECTION: I see Stoney Creek vs Macomb Dakota in the regional final but Bloomfield Hills could beat Stoney Creek in the regional semifinals especially with their size in the interior but Stoney Creek has played a much tougher schedule. Macomb Dakota should get by Chippewa Valley. Home court looks to be the difference in this regional.
Region Six at Birmingham Marian
ROYAL OAK vs Grosse Pointe North
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Detroit Renaissance
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional in Birmingham. Both regional semifinal games are very interesting. Royal Oak is coming off their first district title with a 43-41 win at Warren Cousino in the district finals behind a winning layup from Emmy Walden. They will see Grosse Pointe North who is a regional juggernaut. The Norsemen won 56-35 over Roseville in their district final and they feature a proven player in Natalie Babcock. In the second regional semifinal, you have two teams that are very similar in West Bloomfield and Detroit Renaissance. Both teams have proven experience, love to go up and down, and beat you in different ways. The Phoenix is coming off a 60-29 win over Berkley in their district final, they put 91 on Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinal while the Lakers won 68-39 over Farmington Hills Mercy in their district final and put 97 on the same Warriors team in the regular season.
EARLY THOUGHTS: I think both games are tight and close. Royal Oak is playing with house money in this regional, with apologies to Coach Brian Sopota and the Ravens, I think Grosse Pointe North’s experience gets them to the regional final. In the second game, it will be high scoring and tight, the Lakers move on because of the Davis sisters. West Bloomfield wins this regional and moves onto the State Quarterfinals.
Region Fifteen at Hazel Park
HARPER WOODS vs Warren Fitzgerald
Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Detroit Edison
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional at Hazel Park. Harper Woods had no issue winning 64-14 over Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy in the district finals but they have a really difficult regional ahead of them. The Pioneers play Warren Fitzgerald who is also coming off two blowout wins including a 48-15 blowout win over Center Line in the district finals. The other side is not easy either with Detroit Edison and Birmingham Detroit Country Day. The Yellow Jackets beat Ferndale 67-43 in the district finals. Detroit Edison had a 2-0 forfeit win over Detroit University Prep in their district finals.
EARLY PROJECTION: This should be a Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Warren Fitzgerald regional final, going with the Yellow Jackets to move on, too much experience.
Boys State Quarterfinal Preview
NORTH FARMINGTON vs River Rouge at Callahan Hall on the campus of Detroit Mercy
THOUGHTS/INSIGHT: The Raiders have been riding an emotional high behind the play of Landon Williams, Tyler Spratt, and Robert Smith. North Farmington needed two free throws from Avi Meltser free throws to beat Warren DeLaSalle 54-53 in the regional finals. Coach Todd Negoshian’s team has been tested in the postseason by Groves and the Pilots. They get to face the Panthers of River Rouge. River Rouge is coming off a dramatic 59-58 win over Dearborn in the district finals where senior Keshawn Fisher hit three free throws after being fouled on a three point attempt to spring the upset of the Pioneers. He had 27 points in their 66-60 upset win over defending Division One State Champion Detroit Cass Tech in the regional semifinals and was a huge catalyst in their regional final win over Brownstown Woodhaven. It should be very interesting to see how Negoshian plays Fisher and the Panthers in this matchup at Detroit Mercy. Whoever wins will see Muskegon or Zeeland West at the Breslin Center on Friday.
EARLY PROJECTION: I don’t think River Rouge has seen the pressure that North Farmington will put on them in this tournament. I think Negoshian gets the Raiders to the Breslin Center.
by orionontv | Mar 11, 2024 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2024
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MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected] |
Repaving on Mackinac Bridge starts March 25
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) will begin a two-season repaving project on the bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans March 25, weather permitting.
Repaving, deck repairs, and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge will begin March 25 and is scheduled to be completed by May 23. Traffic will be maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction. All lane closures will be lifted after May 23.
Work has been scheduled to help minimize delays to traffic and disruptions to special events on the bridge.
“As with any construction in northern Michigan, the best weather unfortunately coincides with the highest traffic volumes,” said MBA Chief Engineer Cole Cavalieri. “We’re glad we’ve been able to schedule this work to occur before traffic peaks for the summer to reduce delays for travelers.”
Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., often resulting in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.
Wide-load restrictions will be in place in both directions for any vehicles wider than 10 feet during construction. Wider loads will be allowed to cross once per day between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and traffic will be stopped for brief periods for those crossings.
Due to this work, the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau’s annual Jeep the Mac event will not include a bridge crossing. Instead, the Bureau has renamed the event, Jeep the Yoop, scheduled for May 10-12.
Work will resume in late March 2025 with repaving of the two southbound lanes. The overall project is scheduled to be completed, with all lanes reopened, by May 22, 2025.
The MBA’s sole source of funding is from tolls and fees collected, with all revenue used to maintain, operate, and protect the bridge. Live traffic camera views of the bridge, updates on bridge conditions, toll rates, and information on the MacPass program can all be found on the MBA website: www.MackinacBridge.org.
