by Becky Andrus | Mar 2, 2021 | Transportation
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021
CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, 248-483-5107, MorosiR@Michigan.gov
Work to replace the southbound I-75 bridge over 13 Mile Road begins Tuesday, March 2, in Oakland County
Fast facts:
– Crews will be replacing the southbound I-75 bridge over 13 Mile Road this year.
– Northbound and southbound I-75 will have one open between 14 Mile and 12 Mile roads from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. while crews install a traffic shift.
– 13 Mile Road will be closed under I-75 from 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, until Monday, March 8.
March 1, 2021 — Weather permitting, work to replace the southbound I-75 bridge over 13 Mile Road in the city of Madison Heights begins Tuesday, March 2. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, northbound and southbound I-75 will have one lane open between 14 Mile and 12 Mile roads while crews install a traffic shift. By tomorrow afternoon, two lanes of southbound I-75 will be maintained on the northbound side of the freeway from 14 Mile to 12 Mile roads. The southbound I-75 exits to 14 Mile and 12 Mile roads will be open.
Scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 13 Mile Road will be closed under I-75. The closure will allow for crews to safely demolish the southbound I-75 bridge over 13 Mile Road and to begin excavation work for the new bridge supports. 13 Mile Road will have one lane open in each direction under I-75 by 5 a.m. Monday, March 8.
Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75. |
by Becky Andrus | Mar 2, 2021 | Regional News
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 1, 2021
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
MDHHS launches campaign to promote harm reduction services
Ad campaign features real-life stories from people across Michigan sharing their
personal experiences with substance use and benefits of harm reduction services
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has partnered with Vital Strategies to launch a media campaign to promote the critical importance of harm reduction services in Michigan’s response to the opioid epidemic.
As part of Michigan’s comprehensive opioid strategy, the harm reduction component includes expanding the availability of naloxone and access to syringe service programs (SSPs). Naloxone can save lives by reversing the effects of opioid-related drug poisonings or overdoses. SSPs are agencies that offer clients compassionate, judgement-free and person-centered care to reduce the harms associated with substance use.
The campaign kicks off on the heels of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring Feb. 24-28 as Opioid Addiction Awareness Week.
“Those who use substances are many times the first in a situation to respond to someone experiencing a drug overdose. It is critical we empower those who can most quickly help with the tools necessary to save lives,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at MDHHS.
In 2020, 52,032 naloxone kits were distributed from the online portal and 32,000 kits were dispersed by SSPs. During this same time, SSPs distributed over 1.7 million syringes at nearly 29,000 direct or indirect client visits. When clients are ready, SSPs also help navigation to recovery services. SSPs helped refer over 2,000 clients to substance use treatment in 2020.
“There is a tragic and preventable overdose crisis in our country, and we know that harm reduction services are among the most effective strategies we can implement to reduce deaths,” said Daliah Heller, Director of Drug Use Initiatives at Vital Strategies. “We applaud MDHHS for this moving ad campaign, featuring Michiganders doing harm reduction work in their communities, and offering critical information, hope, and dignity for people who use drugs.”
Vital Strategies work on this campaign is part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies $10 million investment in overdose prevention in Michigan that was announced in March 2019. This $900,000 campaign includes billboards, gas station posters, search, video, social media and digital media. The ads encourage Michiganders to “change at their own pace” and include real-life stories from people across Michigan sharing their personal experiences with substance use and harm reduction services.
For more information and resources, visit Michigan.gov/Opioids. |
by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021
CONTACT: Michael Frezell, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-281-6519
FrezellM@Michigan.gov
MDOT Accelerated Rail Project
wins prestigious engineering award
Fast facts:
– MDOT and Quandel Consultants won the top Engineering Eminent Conceptor Award from American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC/M) of Michigan for work on the Accelerated Rail Project.
– The project involved acquiring railroad right of way and infrastructure improvements on MDOT-owned track from Kalamazoo to Dearborn.
-ACEC/M recognizes worthy Michigan engineering and surveying projects from the past year.
March 1, 2021 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Quandel Consultants recently received the highest honor with the Engineering Eminent Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC/M) of Michigan for their work on the Accelerated Rail Project. The ACEC/M recognizes worthy Michigan engineering and surveying projects from the past year, as well as engineering professionals who have significantly contributed to the profession. The award was announced at the organization’s annual gala held virtually on Feb. 26.
“I am thrilled MDOT and Quandel Consultants won this top honor for their hard work involved in the important Accelerated Rail Project,” said Peter Anastor, MDOT Office of Rail director. “MDOT took bold initiative to become a nationally recognized leader in supporting intercity rail service by acquiring the railroad right of way and investing in these infrastructure improvements. Now Michigan is the only state outside of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor carrying trains at speeds of 110 mph.”
The passenger rail corridor runs from Chicago to Detroit/Pontiac, which includes the MDOT-owned accelerated rail segment between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. Infrastructure improvements included replacing railroad track, modifying curves for higher speeds, improving grade crossings, replacing bridges, implementing a positive train control (PTC) system, and other safety improvements. Project management services were provided by Quandel Consultants, which included planning, implementing, and monitoring the series of projects that went into the buildout of the corridor.
“The State of Michigan is a national leader in the support of intercity passenger rail service, and this project epitomizes what can be achieved with great vision, leadership, and partnership,” said Daniel Schulte, Quandel Consultants senior director of engineering.
This truly unique project began in 2011 when MDOT became a recipient of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) federal funds dedicated to reinvigorating the economy and bringing passenger rail back as a prominent form of surface transportation. Neither the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) nor MDOT had ever undertaken a project like this, so the management team was essentially starting from scratch on many aspects of delivering a project of this magnitude. Since then, MDOT has made strategic partnerships with the FRA, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern Railroad, local agencies, and the engineering consulting industry to bring the project to fruition.
“Our partnership with MDOT is successful and important for the traveling public. From developing a rail safety system now used internationally to our work to correct years of deferred private maintenance, together we’re building out Michigan’s corridor east of Kalamazoo to shorten travel times and improve reliability,” said Amtrak Vice President and Chief Engineer Gery Williams. “Amtrak is here to help Michigan and other states achieve their intercity rail goals.”
by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Recreation
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– DNR News –
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March 1, 2021
Contact: Doug Heym, 517-284-5867
State forest fuelwood permits available now at no cost
 For the second year in a row, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer free permits to cut fuelwood from dead and downed trees in approved areas of Michigan’s state forests.
This year, fuelwood season begins today, March 1 – earlier than in previous years to help people who might be facing economic hardship during the heating season due to COVID-19.
“We are trying to make the permit process as simple and effective as possible,” said Jeff Stampfly, chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
Like last year, residents need to use an online permit which can be found at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood. First, use the Fuelwood Map button to locate the township and range where you would like to collect. Then, use the Fuelwood Permit button to bring up a fillable pdf. Complete the form, enter the township and range of the map that you will be using (for example, T22N, R09W), and then print, sign and carry it with you when you go to cut wood.
Please note that permits are for use on designated state forest land in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula. The quality and quantity of dead wood varies by location. DNR staffers suggest you visit the site where you plan to cut before applying for a permit. Some sites still may be inaccessible due to snow in March, so check the area where you plan to cut to make sure you can reach it before filling out the permit form.
Fuelwood permits allow for collection of up to five standard cords of wood per household. Wood is for personal use only and cannot be resold or traded. Wood must be dead and down within 200 feet of a road. No off-road use of vehicles is permitted to gather wood.
Permits are good for 90 days after they are issued; all permits expire Dec. 31 regardless of issue date. |
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 Stay informed, stay safe: Mask up Michigan, DNR COVID-19 response |
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by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20.
Written Saturday February 27th at 4:00 PM
Records will be updated throughout the weekend.
Boys Top 22.
- Ferndale (6-1) – Traevon Lewis and Jason Drake really carrying the Eagles right now.
- North Farmington (5-1) – Raiders will be fine there is no need to panic.
- Troy (3-1) – Colts finally out of COVID protocol and playing however they have to play five games in eight days.
- Stoney Creek (6-1) – Trevor Smith is really carrying the Cougars on his back.
- Adams (6-3) – Jared Thomas has done a heck of a coaching job with the Highlanders.
- Clarkston (6-3) – The Wolves will be tested now that Keegan Waslik could be out for a while.
- Lake Orion (6-2) – Dragons are breathing fire at the right time.
- Troy Athens (4-3) – Wasn’t a great week for the Red Hawks but they will bounce back.
- Berkley (4-3) – Bears can be very streaky at times.
- West Bloomfield (3-5) – Don’t look now but the Lakers have won three straight.
- Oak Park (2-4) – Knights coming off huge win over Clarkston. Could this be the start of something???
- Bloomfield Hills (4-4) – Blackhawks are a mystery team right now.
- Groves (3-3) – The heartbreaks seem to continue for the Falcons.
- Pontiac (4-0) – Strength of schedule bothers me with the Phoenix.
- Rochester (4-5) – Falcons are a deep mystery right now.
- Oxford (3-5) – Wildcats are used to close and overtime games.
- Farmington (2-6) – Falcons having a really tough time right now.
- Seaholm (3-5) – If the Maples can get that secondary player to go along with Johnny Cross then look out.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (2-4) – I’m at loss of words to describe the Warriors.
- Avondale (4-3) – I really thought the Yellow Jackets turned the corner after upsetting Berkley then came Seaholm.
- Royal Oak (0-6) – I really don’t know what to say about the Ravens.
- Ferndale University (0-7) – Rising Eagles still giving up a ton of points which is concerning.
Girls Top 20.
- West Bloomfield (6-1) – Lakers besides the Detroit Edison game has played much better lately.
- Clarkston (7-1) – Wolves have multiple players and ways that can beat you that’s what makes Clarkston dangerous.
- Stoney Creek (6-1) – Cougars will be fine after a tough loss to Troy. They should have at least two more opportunities to see them.
- Troy (5-3) – Colts have control of the White for now but what happened against Berkley???
- Groves (6-4) – Falcons are going to be a dangerous team come postseason time.
- Lake Orion (5-4) – Dragons have won four of five, look out.
- Royal Oak (4-3) – Is Kira Vance becoming the new Robin for the Ravens???
- Oxford (5-2) – Myranda Wynnabego has really filled in nicely for the Wildcats.
- Berkley (4-3, 5-3) – Bears depth woes concerns me heading into the postseason.
- Farmington (6-2) – Ah what happened against Berkley???
- Adams (4-2) – Highlanders have been a really odd team to figure out.
- Rochester (3-3) – Falcons are in COVID protocol but they are a darkhorse in the postseason.
- Troy Athens (3-4, 4-4) – Skylar Emerson will be a big time player in the future.
- Seaholm (2-5) – Ah why are the Maples playing Adams, Clarkston, and Macomb Dakota???
- North Farmington (1-5) – Raiders have been playing tough just hasn’t gotten the results.
- Oak Park (1-2) – Knights are in a bit of a rough patch right now.
- Ferndale University (1-2) – It’s going to take some time for the Rising Eagles to get used to the OAA.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (0-5) – Warriors have allowed over 70 points four times, not good.
- Bloomfield Hills (0-6) – Blackhawks really struggling right now.
- Avondale (0-4, 0-6) – Reigan Lawrence has been the key for the Yellow Jackets.
