by orionontv | Jun 6, 2024 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration to Support Communities in Southwest Michigan affected by Tornadoes
LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration and activation of the federal individual assistance (IA) programs for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties following an assessment of damage to the area. The governor requested the declaration after four tornadoes and severe storms caused massive damage across the affected counties on May 7.
“Michiganders across Southwest Michigan have been devastated by four tornadoes and severe storms, with many losing their homes and businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m requesting a presidential disaster declaration so we can deliver critical financial assistance to support families, businesses, and communities as they recover and rebuild. Michiganders are resilient. We will get through this together, just as we always have.”
“On May 7, communities across southwest Michigan were impacted by severe storms and tornadoes,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “Our state and local first responders were quick to assist communities in need, but now the federal government should provide the emergency assistance needed to help those who are working to get back on their feet and recover from damages. I urge the President to swiftly issue a Major Disaster declaration so that our communities have the necessary resources to rebuild after these storms.”
“Southwest Michigan was significantly damaged by the tornados that struck the region in May,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga. “While our communities are resilient, and neighbors have rallied to help those impacted by these terrible storms, it is clear there is a role for the federal government to play in supporting recovery efforts. I am hopeful the Biden Administration will respond swiftly to this request.”
The severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that struck the southwest part of the state, resulted in roughly sixteen injuries, and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from one to four inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm related clean-up has lasted several weeks.
“I’m grateful for Governor Whitmer’s request today for a presidential declaration of disaster,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “My community continues to remain resilient following these devastating storms and tornadoes. I am hoping this will bring swift and long-term relief to my district.”
“Recent storms and tornadoes have brought unprecedented devastation to our community, leaving many without homes, power and essential services,” said state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “The swift and coordinated response from our local and state agencies has been remarkable, but the scale of the damage requires federal assistance. I support Gov. Whitmer’s request for a presidential emergency declaration from the Biden administration. This declaration is crucial for expediting the resources and support our community needs to rebuild and recover. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are committed to doing everything possible to help our residents through this difficult time.”
“I wholeheartedly support Governor Whitmer’s request for a presidential emergency declaration for the devastating storms that hit Kalamazoo County in early May,” said state Representative Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “I appreciate the emergency declarations from both state and local governments to try to mobilize resources to the hardest hit areas in our community — however, unfortunately, there is more work to be done. The significant impact of these storms requires additional assistance from the federal government as well. Having federal funding available will ensure residents can rebuild quicker and return to their everyday lives.”
The night of the storms, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the impacted counties, directing state departments and agencies to use all available state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts.
At the state’s request, a joint preliminary damage assessment was conducted by state, federal, and local officials beginning on May 15. The initial assessment estimates a need of more than $4 million in assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
FEMA will review Governor Whitmer’s request and make a recommendation to the president. The president will then decide whether to declare a major disaster and grant this federal aid.
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by orionontv | Jun 6, 2024 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2024
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MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected] |
Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – Completion of the first season of a two-season repaving project on the Mackinac Bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans has again been delayed, with completion now expected next week.
Citing rainy weather that has prevented paving, along with projected rain in weather forecasts, project contractor Zenith Tech estimates completion of remaining paving should be completed around the middle of the week of June 10.
Crews paved a portion of the bridge this past Monday and plan to pave today, completing the portions on the north end of the bridge. An expected total of three to four more full days of paving are needed to complete the work on the south portions of the bridge.
Based on forecasts, paving could resume as early as Saturday, June 8. The contractor is making a determination for paving each day by 10 a.m.
Repaving, deck repairs and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge began March 25. Traffic is being maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction.
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 are 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, with traffic stopped for brief periods to accommodate those crossings.
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by orionontv | Jun 5, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers, School News
CLARKSTON, Mich. – On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 491 seniors from LOHS graduated in a ceremony held at Pine Knob Music Theatre. The graduating Dragons gathered in the outdoor music venue that has held bands such as Chicago, The Beach Boys, Blue Oyster Cult, Steve Miller Band – just to name a few.
“Pomp and Circumstance” played the graduating class in, eager to sit down and begin the ceremony, the “Star Spangled Banner” played and LOHS Principal, Dr. Daniel Haas, welcomed the guests and gave a brief introduction. A video presentation played, highlighting the seniors’ past year at LOHS.
Photo by ONTV Production Team
Next, Danielle Bresett, President of the Board of Education gave a few brief remarks.
“As you step into the next phase off your journey, I encourage you to embrace this mindset: embrace the fun in tackling challenges that seem impossible…” Bresett said. “Seize these moments with confidence and a sense of adventure, the world is waiting for the unique contributions that only you can make.”
The Superintendent of LOCS, Ben Kirby, gave an inspiring speech after Bresett’s remarks.
“Whether you are moving on to the Military, learning a skilled trade, vying for one of the over 200 jobs that will be filled at the GM Orion Plant, or moving on to college – you have the foundation to be successful,” Kirby said. “Dragons, the world is a better place because you are in it.”
This is Kirby’s last LOHS graduation as Superintendent, he recently took a superintendent position at Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids – he starts the position next month.
After a performance of “We Rise Again” by the LOHS Choir, Elizaveta Bruner gave the student message titled, “With Roots, We Grow.”
“We came to LOHS ready to make it count, and we are leaving as leaders, our diplomas will be proof. We were greeted with the ideas of strength and the ability to succeed here each morning hearing Dr. Haas telling us: make it count, be a leader – let Dr. Haas’s consistent motto live with you,” Bruner said. “There is a universal truth we must face: everything eventually ends”
Ryann Pawlaczyk gave the next student address, the leadership message, titled, “Celebrate the Possibilities.”
“Without the friends we have made over these four years, I don’t know if we would be the people we are today….” Pawlaczyk said. “Today we celebrate our accomplishments, but also the endless number of possibilities that lie ahead of us.”
Photo by ONTV Production Team
Principal Haas gave the final address before the presentation of diplomas and the moving of the tassels.
“Protect the Thunder’s entire message, is about the understanding that you are never alone, and you always have people to back you up and to be your safety net,” Dr. Haas said. “Be sure to always take pride in your accomplishments, and ownership in your actions. You’re going to do great things and remember: your LOHS Thunder is always right here supporting you – thank you, Go Dragons.”
Pawlaczyk took the stage once more after all the diplomas were presented to the graduates to finish off the ceremony with the moving of the tassels. All of the graduating Dragons moved their tassels from one side to the other to signify their accomplishment and then threw their caps up in the air to celebrate.
“Congratulations Dragons, you have now graduated!” Pawlaczyk cheered.
To view the speeches and ceremony in full, visit orionontv.org/watch.
by orionontv | Jun 5, 2024 | Recreation
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DNR News
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June 5, 2024
Media contact: Ron Olson, 517-243-1477 or Kristen Bennett, 248-431-1265
Improvements at state parks continue; temporary closures in place
 With summer just around the corner, exciting improvements continue to take shape in many state parks across Michigan.
A $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding was approved by the Michigan Legislature and has enabled the DNR to tackle a decades-long backlog of state parks, recreation and trail system infrastructure and rehabilitation needs. The funding, secured through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and aligned with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, will also support the construction of a new state park in Flint (Genesee County).
Altogether, the ARPA funding includes the initial $250 million allocated in March 2022 – $219.8 million for state parks program repair/rehabilitation needs and $30.2 million for the new state park in Flint – plus an additional $23 million allocated in August 2023 for Belle Isle Park rehabilitation.
These much-needed enhancements will require temporary closures during construction, but the upgraded facilities will create better park experiences for everyone now and in the future.
“Although you may see shovels in the ground across many locations, there’s still plenty of outdoor adventure to be found,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “With 100-plus state parks, 140 state forest campgrounds, more than a thousand boating access sites, historic sites and much more, there is no shortage of outdoor places to explore and enjoy this summer.”
Olson also noted that other ARPA-funded projects will start this fall and into 2025. |
Current ARPA-funded closures
To install full-hookup sites and repave the roads at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), the park’s day-use area is closed through early fall and the modern campground is closed through spring 2025. These projects and others are made possible thanks to a proposed $4.1 million in federal relief funding.
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and outdoor gardens in Belle Isle Park (Wayne County) have been closed since November 2022 to revitalize the upper 60 feet of the 80-foot-tall conservatory dome in one of the nation’s oldest turn-of-the-century glass houses still in existence. Both locations are anticipated to reopen in fall 2024. Additionally, the casino is closed through at least the end of the year for accessibility improvements. These projects and others are made possible thanks to a proposed $27.75 million in federal relief funding.
The furnace complex at Fayette State Park’s (Delta County) historic townsite is undergoing structural upgrades. The furnace complex will be closed to visitors during construction, which will likely take place throughout the entire summer. A proposed $6 million in federal relief made these renovations and others possible.
Fort Custer Recreation Area’s (Kalamazoo County) modern campground is closed through July 31 to replace both toilet and shower buildings and install new underground electrical conductors, site pedestals and distribution panels in the west loop. All other park facilities will remain open. A proposed $3 million in federal relief made these renovations and others possible.
To upgrade the park’s water and sewer system and beach house toilet building, Interlochen State Park’s (Grand Traverse County) modern campground and day-use area east of J. Maddy Parkway, including the swim beach, park store, roads and trails, are closed this summer. A proposed $3.57 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
To update roads and sidewalks, beach parking lots and restrooms, several closures will occur on varying timelines at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County). The road east of Kent Lake beach and the Bluebird and Hickory shelters are now closed through October. Kent Lake beach and Trout Lake, Kent Lake Dam and the Hickory Ridge Trail parking will close Aug. 8 through October. Other park areas will close this fall, including the park entrance, which will close to vehicular traffic Sept. 16 through October. Trails will remain open throughout construction and can be accessed by various nonmotorized park entrances. A proposed $2.95 million in federal relief made these renovations and others possible.
Due to paving and electrical, water and sewer improvements, Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area’s (Lapeer County) day-use area and modern campground are temporarily closed. The day-use area and boating access site are slated to reopen this month (around June 15) and the modern campground and overnight lodging options are set to reopen in April 2025. A proposed $5.91 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
A new toilet and shower building is under construction in Muskallonge State Park’s (Luce County) modern campground. As a result, campground section 3 is closed. Completion is slated for late summer. A proposed $3.275 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
To upgrade roads, water and sewer lines, electrical and the sanitation station, Port Crescent State Park’s (Huron County) modern campground and overnight lodging accommodations are closed for the 2024 season. A proposed $4.95 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
To pave park roads and the parking lot and update the pavilion in Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), the day-use area and pavilion are closed through June 15. A proposed $2.91 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
Due to road paving and electrical improvements throughout the park, Seven Lake State Park’s (Oakland County) day-use area is closed Monday through Friday for much of the season and the modern campground is closed through Oct. 31. A proposed $3.1 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
To replace the toilet and shower building in Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s (Chippewa County) Lower Falls modern campground, the Hemlock loop is closed through at least July 1. A proposed $4.3 million in federal relief funding made these and future renovations possible.
To update electrical, sewer, park roads and the fishing pier in Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County), the beach house, picnic shelters and Gun Lake campground have closed for the season. The majority of the day-use area, main park road and boating access site will remain open (except when construction work prohibits safe access). A proposed $5.5 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.
To fix drainage issues, build new toilet and shower buildings and replace old sewer pumps in Young State Park (Charlevoix County), the Spruce campground will close through late summer. A proposed $2.82 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.
Additional ARPA and closure information
To learn about the status of ARPA-funded projects and to view an interactive map identifying proposed project locations and status of those projects, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
Check Michigan.gov/DNRClosures for the latest updates on park improvements, estimated closure dates and other details. Visitors will also find notices on other enhancements taking place this summer and into the fall.
Questions on the projects? Contact Kristen Bennett, development unit manager for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 248-431-1265 or [email protected]. |
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by orionontv | Jun 5, 2024 | Recreation
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DNR News
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June 4, 2024
Contact: Ron Yesney (ORV), 906-228-6551; Randy Claramunt (fishing), 231-622-3820 or Ron Olson (Recreation Passport), 517-243-1477
Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ Weekend June 8-9
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.
“We’re excited to celebrate ‘Three Free’ Weekend, a time when everyone gets to enjoy and take part in some of Michigan’s best outdoor recreation opportunities: fishing, off-roading and exploring Michigan’s award-winning state parks,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Whether you’re an avid outdoors-person or someone just discovering all that our beautiful state offers, ‘Three Free’ weekends make it easy to visit a new park, try a new nature experience or spend time with friends and family in a place you love.” |
 These two days include:
- Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
- Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
- Waiver of the Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends each take place on back-to-back days twice a year, but the “Three Free” Weekend happens only in June. |
Protect yourself and the outdoors
 For the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first when enjoying Michigan’s woods, water and trails.
- Helpful safety tips – for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics – are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation in the Safety Information section. Please pay special attention to fire safety at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
- Trail users can do their part for invasive species prevention by removing dirt and debris from shoes, gear and vehicles before heading to the next location. Other easy ways to help include committing to Ride Right and following simple trail etiquette.
- Boaters can help prevent the spread of invasive species by removing mud and debris from all surfaces, draining water from all bilges, wells and tanks, and drying all equipment before transporting boats over land.
- The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.
Additionally, the DNR encourages everyone to #RecreateResponsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit our Recreate Responsibly webpage to learn more about how you can stay safe and protect the health and beauty of our great state. |
Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
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