Herculean effort results in a new bridge

by orionontv | Oct 9, 2024 | Transportation

Herculean effort results in a new bridge after historic mid-Michigan flooding

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about the extraordinary efforts that culminated with the opening of a new and improved bridge near Edenville.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/episodes/15896337-herculean-effort-results-in-a-new-bridge-after-historic-mid-michigan-flooding

Jack Hofweber, manager of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Mt. Pleasant Transportation Service Center, reflects on the heavy rains and floods that breached dams and ravaged roads and bridges in several counties in 2020, just weeks after many people went into lockdown because of the pandemic.

In what meteorologists concluded was a 500-year event, the flooding that resulted from up to 7 inches of rain in Midland, Saginaw and surrounding counties damaged homes and property, forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate and most spectacularly destroyed one power dam and severely damaged another.

One year after the floods, an MLive drone video captured the changes.

On Monday, Oct. 7, MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich, elected officials, contractors and labor groups celebrated the opening of the new bridge, as highlighted in this video.

With climate change and sustained high water creating headaches for shoreline communities across the state and officials from several state agencies planning for more, the challenge of planning and building more resilient transportation infrastructure, especially during an ongoing period of underinvestment, remains acute.

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointment to the Bench

by orionontv | Oct 8, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointment to the Bench

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Anthony McDowell to the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee County.

“I am proud to appoint Anthony to the bench in Genesee,” said Governor Whitmer. “He brings years of diverse experience to the position, and I know he will serve the people well and uphold the rule of law. As a fellow Spartan, I wish him the best of luck. Go Green!”

7th Circuit Court– Genesee County

Anthony McDowell, of Fenton, currently serves as the Friend of the Court director for the Genesee County Circuit Court. He previously served as both Deputy Friend of the Court and a staff attorney since starting with the Friend of the Court in 2014. Prior to his work at the Friend of the Court, McDowell worked as a judicial advisory assistant at the Genesee County Circuit Court under the Honorable Duncan M. Beagle.

McDowell is also involved in a number of Professional Associations, including the Friend of the Court Association, Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, the Genesee County Bar Association, the Michigan Child Support Formula Committee, Michigan Model Family Court Plan Committee, and the Michigan IV-D Program Leadership Group.

Anthony McDowell received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law.

“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for this appointment and her confidence in my ability to take on this great responsibility. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to continue to serve the families of my community in this new role.”

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge John A. Gadola. Judge McDowell’s term will commence on October 14, 2024, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.

judicial

News Digest – Week of Oct. 7, 2024

by orionontv | Oct 8, 2024 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of Oct. 7, 2024

a man dressed in hunter orange and camo pants and carrying game bags walks near a dead, downed tree in a low, open, grassy field

If you’re going afield, get all the information you need at Michigan.gov/Hunting.

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.

PHOTOS: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email are available in the DNR’s public image gallery: pheasant hunting, native seed collection, fall forest, seedling planting and white-tailed deer.

If you love fall colors, leave firewood at home

graphic with black black background, illustrated orange campfire and logs, with block text saying Buy It Where You Burn It.

October means leaf-peeping, hunting and plenty of other fall fun, but did you know that October is Firewood Month? Michigan’s Invasive Species Program joins The Nature Conservancy to remind Michiganders to enjoy fall adventures but always leave firewood at home.

Untreated firewood is a known carrier of invasive tree pests and diseases. That harmless-looking stack of logs in the backyard may be harboring spongy moth or spotted lanternfly egg masses, oak wilt fungus or beech bark disease. These and other tree-killing invaders don’t move far on their own, but they can travel hundreds of miles on infested firewood that is transported from place to place.

Keep the fire burning

You can still have a roaring campfire or a cozy night in front of the fireplace if you know how to burn safe.

Always leave your backyard firewood at home, even if you think it looks fine.
Buy firewood near where you will burn it – choose wood that was cut within 50 miles of where you’ll have your fire.
Use FirewoodScout.org to find a firewood vendor near your destination. With over 350 Michigan listings, you can comparison shop before you arrive.
Certified, heat-treated firewood is safe to move long distances. Look for a federal stamp or seal on the package.
If you buy firewood and don’t burn it all, don’t take leftover firewood home or to your next destination.
Tell your friends not to bring wood with them; everyone needs to know they should not move firewood.

By choosing to purchase firewood at or near your destination, you avoid the risk of introducing harmful invasive species to the places you love. Your choice helps to protect the beautiful palette of fall colors and bountiful wildlife habitat that Michigan’s forests provide.

Get more information on invasive tree pests and diseases of concern at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman at 517-284-5814.

October opportunities to help state’s natural resources

Two older women in sweatshirts, purple vests, gloves and orange hats work in a dry, grassy field to collect native plant seeds into milk jugs

There are many ways you can help the DNR take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources; sometimes you just need to know where to start! Following are a few options to get involved this month; for more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and add your voice to the conversation, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Keep state parks healthy

Volunteer stewardship workdays are an excellent way to make a real difference at some of your favorite state parks in southern Michigan! You can help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems or collect native wildflower seeds for replanting. Opportunities this month include Oct. 12 and Oct. 20 at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County) and Oct. 26 at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).

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

Improve wildlife habitat

On the Ground, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer wildlife habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR, will host a tree planting event at Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County Friday, Oct. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A mix of crabapple trees will be planted and fenced to improve food sources for wildlife including white-tailed deer. Lunch and an appreciation gift will be provided to all registered volunteers.

Find more details and registration info on the On the Ground webpage.

Give input on your state forests

A dense, scenic fall forest in Ontonagon County, Michigan, rich with orange, amber, burgundy and green colors

Prescribed burns, timber harvests and other activities are carefully executed to keep Michigan’s nearly 4 million acres of state forest thriving. Plans for these activities are currently being made for 2026, but public input is welcome now. Find out what activities are planned and how to share your feedback at Michigan.gov/ForestInput.

Submit online comments during designated 30-day periods or attend an open house or compartment review meeting, where plans are finalized. See all scheduled comment periods, open houses and compartment review meetings for the 2024 season.

Natural Resources Commission meets Thursday in Marquette

head torso view of a mature white-tailed buck standing in between tall, slender trees in a snowy forest

The next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, Oct. 10, in Marquette – leads off with updates on the new state forest management plan; deer habitat, nutrition and northern hardwoods; white-tailed deer predation in the Upper Peninsula; and the wolf abundance project. Later, there will be presentations on Bays de Noc walleye research and management and white-nose syndrome in bats.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center, 1401 Presque Isle Ave. Before the meeting, at 8 a.m., the public is invited to enjoy Coffee with the Commissioners, an opportunity to speak with commission members in a less formal setting.

See the draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For more information about the meeting, email [email protected].

Apply by Dec. 31 for Tree City USA designations

a hand wearing a woven orange and brown glove holds a scraggly pine tree seedling, the root ball hangs off the bottom of the hand

Michigan communities, utilities, and college, K-12 and healthcare campuses interested in earning a Tree City, Tree Line or Tree Campus USA designation are encouraged to apply or contact the DNR by the end of the year.

These annual recognition programs are sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered by forestry agencies in each state. Applicants must meet criteria established by the foundation; this short quiz can help determine eligibility and readiness.

The Tree City USA program began in 1976 as a United States bicentennial project to promote tree planting in urban areas and call attention to the economic, health and aesthetic benefits trees provide.

Last year, 120 communities and 16 campuses in Michigan achieved their respective designations, and 11 communities earned Growth Awards for going above and beyond. Michigan ranks ninth among all states in total number of communities certified. They range in size from the village of Michiana (population 200) to the city of Detroit (population 620,376).

Communities applying for Tree City USA certification must have met the following standards in 2024:

Standard 1: Tree board or department responsible for public tree management.
Standard 2: Public tree ordinance.
Standard 3: Tree care program and annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
Standard 4: Official Arbor Day proclamation and recorded Arbor Day celebration event.

Visit arborday.org/treecityusa for the application portal and materials and instructions on logging into the portal.

Online applications are encouraged. Paper applications may be sent to: DNR, Forest Management Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909. For questions about these programs or the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program, contact Lawrence Sobson at 313-316-4137.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Stunning sunset at Tawas Point

A golden orange sunset lies low over Lake Huron at Tawas Point State Park, illuminating some intertwined branches on the sandy shore 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 is by Karen Allmond, for the Michigan DNR, at Tawas Point State Park in Iosco County.)

As the work continues on the I-75 BL/Square Lake project, between I-75 and Opdyke, lane and ramp closures are required:

9am-3pm, Wednesday, 10/9:

NB I-75 ramp to WB Square Lake will be closed.
SB I-75 ramp to WB Square Lake will have 1 lane open.
WB I-75BL/Square Lake will have one lane open from I-75 to Opdyke.

9am, Friday, 10/11 through 5pm, Saturday:

NB I-75 ramp to WB Square Lake will be closed.
SB I-75 ramp to WB Square Lake will have 1 lane open.
WB I-75BL/Square Lake will have one lane open from I-75 to Opdyke.

Boys Soccer Top 23

by orionontv | Oct 7, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Soccer Top 23.

Written Sunday October 6th at 11:25 PM

The rankings were set by History Now host Anthony Taormina

Here they are.

Troy- Winning the OAA Red carries a lot of weight going into districts.
Adams- Second place in the OAA Red but not finishing well going into districts. Could be a concern.
Oxford- Lost only one game and didn’t win the OAA Red. Should be the favorite going into their districts.
Troy Athens- Big win over Catholic Central prepares them well for districts.
Berkley- Smallest school in the OAA Red still proving they can compete in the division. Should be well tested going into districts.
Seaholm- Playing Royal Oak back to back including in districts. Not easy.
Lake Orion- Played Adams tough. Should prepare them for an eventual matchup with Grand Blanc in the semifinals.
Clarkston- Needs to be more consistent going into districts. Surprised they are playing Lapeer on a Friday (usually a football night).
Royal Oak- Playing Seaholm back to back including in districts. Not easy.
Rochester- Continuing to do well in Non-League play despite losses to league teams and Lake Orion.
Groves- Falcons playing well going into districts. Winning four and tying one.
West Bloomfield- Lakers should be the favorite going into their district.
Stoney Creek- Cougars preparing for districts.
Bloomfield Hills- A trip out to Traverse City. The game was rough but the travel was nice.
Farmington- Despite the very tough district. Winning a league title (OAA Blue) helps.
North Farmington- The tough loss to Farmington decided the division.
Avondale- Playing schools their size will help the Yellow Jackets. Really struggled playing against schools double or triple their school size.
Ferndale- Very tough matchup with Troy Athens looms in districts. The Eagles staying in the top tier of the OAA Blue along with the Farmingtons gives them great confidence going into the future.
Pontiac- Very tough matchup with Brother Rice looming in districts. A team who already beat them 8-0 earlier in the season.
Southfield A&T- Middle of the pack in the OAA Blue. Not a bad showing for the Warriors. Tough matchup with Troy looms.
Oak Park- Knights continuing to compete. Got a big league win in a very competitive makeup game over Harper Woods. Could be a future rivalry in store between the Knights and Pioneers.
Harper Woods- Welcome back Pioneers. Finishing the league schedule will help long term going into the future.

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