DNR Leads Recovery Efforts for Storm-Damaged Forests

DNR Leads Recovery Efforts for Storm-Damaged Forests

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

A downed tree lays in front of an outbuilding at the Cheboygan County tower after a severe ice storm ripped through Michigan

After the storm: DNR’s efforts to restore state forests

April 8, 2025

Contact: Jeff Stampfly, DNR Forest Resources Division, 517-284-5900, [email protected]

Following the devastating ice storm and severe weather outbreaks in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources Forest Resources Division is actively assessing and addressing extensive damage to state forest lands.

State and national forest resources in northern Michigan have been significantly impacted. With many trees down or broken, the road to recovery will be long.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency to aid response and recovery efforts. The State Emergency Operations Center mobilized the Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team to assist in protecting public safety by clearing assigned roads and access to emergency communications towers. Forces cooperating with the Incident Management Team include Department of Natural Resources, Michigan National Guard and Michigan Task Force 1.

Forest Resources Division leaders and staff are in the early stages of coordinating a comprehensive response plan and are identifying key issues to address in both the short- and long-term. Among these considerations are:

  • Spring 2025 tree planting: Access to many planting sites remains blocked, impacting reforestation efforts. Clearing roads to these areas is a priority.
  • Timber sales and salvage operations: FRD is evaluating how the storm affected active timber sale contracts and upcoming sales. Modifications may be needed to facilitate salvage operations and manage timber market conditions.
  • Forest management planning: The storm’s impact on forest inventory and health will require reassessment over time. While immediate management will continue under existing plans, adjustments may be made as data becomes available.
  • Wildfire risks and fire response: FRD is providing leadership and resources to the incident management team in lower northern Michigan, supporting road clearing. Next steps include supporting road clearing for planting crews and addressing potential increased fire risks due to post-storm debris.
  • Long-term forest health and productivity: Salvage efforts will focus on maintaining healthy and resilient forests. FRD is consulting with silviculturists experienced in large-scale ice storm recovery to guide future management decisions.

As you may know, many DNR state parks, trails and facilities are closed for damage assessment and cleanup, with fallen trees and power lines blocking access. DNR crews, the Michigan National Guard and Michigan Task Force 1 are working to clear debris from roadways. Please avoid backroads and trails during cleanup. For updated closures, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

Aerial evaluations of state forest lands have begun, with additional assessments ongoing.

The DNR remains committed to addressing the immediate challenges and working alongside our partners and stakeholders to restore Michigan’s forests. We are dedicated to ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our state’s natural resources.

Updates on recovery efforts will be shared as more information becomes available.

2025 Northern Michigan Ice Storm Resources ►
State of the Township Address: April 10th at Woodside Bible Church

State of the Township Address: April 10th at Woodside Bible Church

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Local News

You are cordially invited to attend the annual State of the Township Address with Supervisor Chris Barnett. Hear firsthand about the progress of our Township, upcoming initiatives, and the vision for the future.

Date:  Thursday, April 10

Time:

  • Doors Open: 6:30 PM
  • Presentation Begins: 7:00 PM
  • Reception to Follow: 8:00 PM

Location: Woodside Bible Church, 2500 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360

Following the presentation, we invite you to stay for a reception where you can connect with Supervisor Barnett, township officials, and fellow residents. We are please to feature a taste of Orion generously provided by:

  • Culver’s
  • Palazzo di Bocce
  • Jet’s Pizza – Lapeer Road
  • Bad Brad’s BBQ
  • Ignite Tavern
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • Nothing Bundt Cakes
  • Sprout Bake

Huge thank you to Ed’s Broadway Gift & Costume for generously providing costumes as well.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This email is a paid message as part of the Chamber’s Dedicated E-Blast Program, and is a benefit of Chamber membership. Messages distributed through the e-blast program do not represent an endorsement by the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any advertisements. If you are interested in sending an e-blast, please contact the Chamber office.

This email is a paid message as part of the Chamber’s Dedicated E-Blast Program, and is a benefit of Chamber membership. Messages distributed through the e-blast program do not represent an endorsement by the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to refuse any advertisements. If you are interested in sending an e-blast, please contact the Chamber office.
Sermo leaves Berkley on a high note

Sermo leaves Berkley on a high note

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Sermo leaves Berkley on a high note.

Written Monday April 7th at 6:30 PM

Berkley will have a new boys basketball coach next winter.

Bears Coach Joe Sermo has stepped down after ten years coaching the program he played for and was an assistant for five years and 15 years overall with the program.

“This was a really tough decision but I’m at peace with it, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a program that was a big part of my upbringing. Coaching basketball is a way for me to feed my inner competitive spirit but I quickly learned that there was more to just winning basketball games. The ability to impact so many young lives was what this was all about. The relationships built over the past 15 years at Berkley High School have made me a better person. Thank you to the numerous assistant coaches on my staff over the years, and the wonderful Athletic Directors (Lori, Taylor, and Matt) that I’ve worked under. The Athletic Trainer (Jess), Teachers, and administrators, BHS Boosters, Students, Parents, Fans, my wife, sons, and family members that have been so supportive of me. I will miss competing against the great coaches that I have the honor of being in this coaching fraternity with” Sermo said on X.

Sermo was 94-96 in his ten years coaching his Alum school.

“My goal was to leave the program in a better place when I first inherited it in 2016, I’m confident we have done just that and now Berkley Boys Basketball will be ready for the next leader to put their stamp on this wonderful, prideful program. Change is healthy. I’m excited to be in the stands as a fan and as a dad next winter rooting on Sam, Drew, and their teammates. Thank you all and God Bless” Sermo concluded on X.

“Joe it was great competing against your teams during our games. You always conduced yourself with class and your teams played hard. Best wishes moving forward and wish your sons well as they continue their high school careers” said former Farmington and Southfield Arts and Tech coach Terrance Porter on X.

Sermo went 6-18 this season falling to Royal Oak in the district semifinals. Berkley will have Ries Tuttle, AJ Green, Sam Sermo, and Drew Sermo coming back for the new coach. It will be really interesting to see who takes over the Bears next season.

I’ll have my thoughts on the podcast on Tuesday.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Sermo tweet.

https://x.com/Berkleybball1/status/1909365715565752470

Oakland County Launches Tech Collaboration

Oakland County Launches Tech Collaboration

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Regional News

Oakland County Launches Tech Collaboration Featuring Keystone Companies to Strengthen Regional Innovation

Post Date:04/08/2025 2:15 PM
  • The Oakland County Tech Collaboration is an ecosystem of tech companies, innovators, suppliers, academic institutions and county government creating connections and spurring economic growth in robotics integration, IT and computer services, research, engineering and design.
  • Five of the county’s largest tech firms have taken on the role of “Keystone company” to strengthen the tech ecosystem: FANUC America, HTC Global Services, JR Automation, OneStream, and RGBSI. Learn more here: https://youtu.be/u0omSoGZ5L8.
  • The Oakland County Tech Collaboration will host a series of tech collaboration events. For more click on oakgov.com/octechcollaboration.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County has launched the Oakland County Tech Collaboration, a strategic initiative aimed at supporting and accelerating the growth of the county’s technology ecosystem powered by Oakland County Economic Development Business Retention & Growth unit.

“Oakland County is taking bold steps to establish itself as a national leader in technology innovation by strengthening our strategic focus on research, engineering and design, IT/computer services and robotics integration,” County Executive Dave Coulter said.

The Oakland County Tech Collaboration is an ecosystem of tech companies, innovators, suppliers, academic institutions and county government working to create connections, strengthen the ecosystem and spur economic growth in these key areas:

  • Research, Engineering, and Design
  • IT and Computer Service
  • Robotics Integration

These industries are pivotal to establishing Oakland County as a competitive technology hub. Five of the county’s largest tech firms have taken on the role of “Keystone company” to strengthen the tech ecosystem.

The Keystone Companies, including FANUC America, HTC Global Services, JR Automation, OneStream, and RGBSI, represent a wide array of expertise in these industries, from cutting-edge research and product design to AI and advanced IT software solutions. Their collective efforts will support the retention and expansion of the tech industry, attract new talent, and foster a collaborative environment that nurtures innovation and attracts new investments.

“These Keystone Companies are not only leaders in their fields but are committed to building a thriving tech ecosystem that will create new jobs, attract investment and ensure our region’s continued economic growth,” Coulter said.

The Oakland County Tech Collaboration will host a series of events, such as the Edu2B Tech Collaboration Series connecting business with higher education resources and opportunities at the university level connecting small tech companies to larger tech companies. Those events are scheduled as follows:

  • April 17 at Lawrence Technological University, Southfield
  • Sept. 18 at Walsh College, Troy
  • Nov. 6 at Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills

For more information about the Oakland County Tech Collaboration and upcoming events, please visit oakgov.com/octechcollaboration.

“Our focus on strengthening these three key industries is essential to the continued success of our regional economy,” said Greg Doyle, manager of Business Retention & Growth for Oakland County. “By bringing together top businesses in IT, computer services, research, engineering, and design, and robotics, we’re creating a dynamic environment for innovation and fostering the kind of partnerships that will drive economic growth for years to come.”

About Oakland County

Oakland County, located in southeastern Michigan, is a vibrant hub for innovation, research, technology, and manufacturing. With a strong focus on advancing industries such as IT/computer services, robotics, and engineering, Oakland County is committed to becoming a leading technology region in the U.S., offering businesses the tools, talent, and resources needed to thrive.

MDHHS seeks applicants for weatherization grants

MDHHS seeks applicants for weatherization grants

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2025

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS seeks applicants for weatherization grants

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a competitive Grant Funding Opportunity for statewide weatherization services.

The purpose of the program is to provide energy conservation and related health and safety services for eligible low-income households at no cost to the resident. MDHHS issues grants to local weatherization operators across the state to serve designated areas, ensuring that all counties in Michigan can benefit from this energy-saving program.

This opportunity is open to any community action agency or public or nonprofit entities.

An estimated $18.3 million is available for the first 12 months of the program. Each applicant will be awarded funding based on the number of counties served and the number of applicants awarded in each county. Maximum funding amounts for each county are based on population and temperature data. After the initial agreement period, continuation awards will be available. MDHHS anticipates issuing up to 25 awards.

All applicant agencies must register for the EGrAMS system and request an application by 5 p.m., Friday, April 25. Grant applications must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Wednesday, April 30. The initial program period begins July 1, 2025, and ends Sept. 30, 2025.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete GFO can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Community Action & Economic Opportunity” link and selecting the “WAPD2-2025” grant program.

A pre-application conference was held to discuss this funding opportunity and provide instructions on using the EGrAMS system. The recorded conference can be accessed from the “Documents” tab of the GFO on the EGrAMS website.