Students unveil creative artwork in MDOT’s Paint the Plow project

by orionontv | Oct 18, 2024 | Transportation

Students unveil creative artwork in MDOT’s Paint the Plow project to promote winter and road safety

LANSING, Mich. – Students from several schools throughout Michigan unveiled their vibrant artwork as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project. This initiative allows students to paint snowplow blades with designs that promote safe driving behavior and create awareness for the plow operators who work to keep Michigan’s roads free from snow and ice during the harsh winter months.

The creative and original decorated plow blades feature this year’s safety message, “Go hands-free. Just drive. It’s the law.” This year’s theme reminds road users that it is illegal to hold and use an electronic device while driving in Michigan. Each design not only highlights the artistic talents of Michigan students but also serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving and Michigan’s goal of zero deaths on our roads.

“Seeing the creativity and passion of our students is inspiring,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “The Paint the Plow project is a fun and engaging way to encourage students to think about these important safety messages, while also allowing them to contribute to their community in a unique way.”

Participating schools include:

Bay Region’s Heritage High School designed Blade of Glory.
Grand Region’s Caledonia High School designed Snows Buddies Business.
Superior Region’s Newberry High School designed Ice Force One.
University Region’s Western High School designed Bob.

The painted plows will be visible along various state trunklines in Michigan through the winter, serving as both functional maintenance vehicles and striking reminders of the importance of safe driving practices. Beginning in late autumn, MDOT snowplow names and locations will be accessible on Mi Drive, the department’s construction and traffic information website. Mi Drive also allows motorists to view traffic cameras and speeds, locate incidents, and search for construction projects throughout Michigan. To locate MDOT plows in action, select the plow layer on Mi Drive. A list of complete snowplow names is available on the MDOT website. Paint the Plow applications and theme for the 2025-26 season will be available beginning in March 2025. Applications require a draft of the intended design and commitment from the school to complete the plow blade before the winter season. Applications are open to all Michigan high schools.

To help motorists prepare for the upcoming winter season, MDOT encourages all Michigan drivers to heed essential winter driving safety tips:

Adjust your speed: Always drive for conditions. Snowy and icy conditions may mean slower speeds and an increase in following distances to allow for safe stopping.
Stay alert: Always check the weather forecast and Mi Drive (Michigan.gov/Drive) before traveling.
Prepare your vehicle: Keep your vehicle well maintained and stock it with supplies like an emergency kit and necessary fluids. Check out the Michigan State Police’s Winter Driving page for more tips.
Respect snowplows: Give snowplows room to work safely. Michigan law now requires individuals to keep at least a 200-foot distance between their vehicle and a snowplow.

Together, let’s make this winter safe and enjoyable for everyone on Michigan’s roads.

Heritage High School art students proudly unveiled their creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

Caledonia High School senior art student, Josie D. Burns, proudly unveiled the school’s creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

Newberry High School art students proudly unveiled their creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

Western High School art students proudly unveiled their creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

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Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident, they are preventable. Please use “crash” instead of “accident” when reporting. Learn more at www.Michigan.gov/CrashNotAccident.

How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done

by orionontv | Oct 18, 2024 | Transportation

How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Ryan Mitchell, marking the one-year anniversary of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Major Projects.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/episodes/15948043-how-mdot-s-major-projects-office-gets-things-done

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) categorizes major projects as those with a price tag of $500 million or more.

Mitchell helped establish and refine the alternative delivery and critical project delivery programs of numerous U.S. transportation agencies, including the state transportation departments of Nevada, Texas, Alaska, and now Michigan. In our conversation, he explains the various types of alternative delivery of projects and the benefits.

$5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects

by orionontv | Oct 17, 2024 | Regional News

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

October 17, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Announces $5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects, Protecting 85 Jobs and Supporting Community Revitalization Efforts

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced business investment and community revitalization projects in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that will represent over $5.5 million of capital investment and protect 85 high-paying jobs in the region.

“Today’s projects will drive more than $5.5 million of investment and protect 85 good-paying jobs in Houghton and Schoolcraft counties,” said Governor Whitmer. “From an upgrade to lower operating costs and emissions at a lumber plant to more housing in downtown Manistique, we are moving forward with our comprehensive economic development strategy to win projects, invest in places, and support people. Let’s keep working to add more tools to our economic development toolkit so we can help more companies expand and support developers as they build more affordable housing. Together, we will keep proving that Michigan is the best place to live, work, and invest.”

“Today’s announcement furthers Team Michigan’s commitment to people, projects and places by supporting business development, ensuring job retention and focusing on community revitalization efforts in the U.P.,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “We applaud the commitments from Northern Hardwoods and Cedar Street Real Estate in their efforts to Making it in Michigan.”

Northern Hardwoods Lumber has announced plans to invest in and install a new biomass boiler and a back-pressure steam turbine at their facility in Atlantic Mine, Houghton County. The investment in upgrades to the facility will provide the opportunity to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions leading to a more energy efficient process. Investments will also add longevity to the company’s operations and the retention of 85 jobs in the city. Without this investment, the company would have to close its doors at the end of the current boiler’s lifecycle.

The company is anticipating $4,750,000 in capital investment with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The 85 jobs that will be protected as a result of this investment will have averages wages of $23.76 per hour plus benefits, $4.50 per hour above the regional Median wage. In addition to MSF support, the company has also been awarded a $1,000,000 Wood Innovations Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Northern Hardwoods investment further amplifies how Michigan has positioned itself to compete for and win projects that create and protect good-paying jobs, while positioning the state as a leader in climate action through both the MI Healthy Climate Plan and federal macro-industrial policies like the CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Northern Hardwoods continues its long history of providing good paying jobs through the processing of some of Michigan’s highest value timber from the hardwood forests of the Upper Peninsula,” said Jeff Ratcliffe, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. “We are proud to support their continued investment in our community and appreciate the MEDC’s financial support for Northern Hardwoods’ efforts to improve capacity and efficiency and remain a great employer in the Keweenaw.”

The company’s parent, JM Longyear, is a privately held company in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that acquired Northern Hardwoods Lumber, LLC in 2015. Northern Hardwoods is a hardwood sawmill originally built in 1969 that currently produces 20 million board feet per year.

“Northern Hardwoods is deeply grateful for the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Cody Meier, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at JM Longyear. “The project to install a new biomass boiler and steam turbine will enable us to continue operations, retain our talented workforce, and further utilize the renewable resources that the Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers.”

For those interested in exploring a career with Northern Hardwoods, please click here.

Cedar Street Real Estate has announced revitalization efforts of a former bank in the heart of downtown Manistique through the activation of the second floor of the building. The architectural features of this building along with the prior façade restoration efforts make this building one of the crown jewels of Schoolcraft County. The building will be transformed from a vacant commercial building to a mixed-use commercial and future residential property with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund through a Build MI Community Grant Initiative in the amount of $250,000.

In total, the project will redevelop 4,670 sq. ft. of former office space into three residential apartments on the second floor, representing nearly $820,000 of capital investment. Activating this space will help increase the density of downtown Manistique while providing much-needed residential units in the community.

“We were looking to invest in downtown Manistique in a way that provides much-needed housing along the commercial corridor,” said Kristina Behrens and Antonio Adan, Cedar Street Real Estate Developers. “My family has been in the area since the 1960s and we feel a connection to the community. This building had been on the market a couple years ago, and when we visited, we were immediately drawn to the potential of the floor plan and the beautiful features of the building. The mixed-use development will enable patrons to enjoy a more pedestrian-friendly downtown area.”

The site is a priority for the City of Manistique and has received local support in the form of an OPRA tax abatement with an estimated value of $81,577. The regional economic development organization, Invest UP, has prioritized the project for the region by providing collateral support from the Build UP program.

“I’m thrilled for Kristina and her receipt of the MEDC Build MI Community Program grant,” noted Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce. “Her project to renovate the Manistique Bank building is a wonderful example of how small developers can make a significant impact on our community. By adding three new apartments to the area, Kristina is directly addressing our housing shortage and providing much-needed housing options for our residents. We are also grateful for programs like MEDC’s and Invest UP’s Build UP program, which provide invaluable support to those pursuing projects in our community.”

Help Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation Volunteer

by orionontv | Oct 17, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Help Their Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation Volunteer

Get trained to serve your community through your local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a unique opportunity for Michigan residents to contribute to their communities during the upcoming 2025 tax filing season: participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The VITA program provides free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance with preparing their tax returns.

“More Michiganders than ever are getting tax cuts and returns thanks to our work to lower costs for seniors and working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “We rolled back the retirement tax, saving 500,000 households more than $1,000 a year, and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, delivering $3,150 refunds to over 700,000 working families. I encourage Michiganders to volunteer with VITA programs to help hardworking Michiganders access the tax refunds they deserve. We’ll keep working hard to put money back in Michiganders’ pockets, where it belongs.”

During the 2024 filing season, VITA programs collectively saved Michigan residents approximately $16.7 million in tax preparation fees and provided $58 million back into the pockets of Michiganders, according to a Community Economic Development Association (CEDAM) analysis of Internal Revenue Service data.

“Becoming a voluntary income tax preparer can make a difference in your community,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Helping individuals prepare and file their tax returns opens the door to tax credits and other benefits that would otherwise be left behind. VITA is a high-impact program that is very meaningful and rewarding. It’s Michiganders helping their fellow neighbors. Please consider becoming a volunteer today.”

VITA volunteers are community members trained to help their neighbors file their taxes for free and claim every tax credit available to them. Their service directly aids individuals and families in securing financial stability, weathering unexpected financial challenges, and enhancing overall economic well-being.

“Anyone can give back to their community as a free tax prep volunteer,” said Madeleine March-Meenagh, director of economic inclusion at the CEDAM of Michigan. “No prior tax experience is necessary. Free training and IRS certification are just two of the many benefits of volunteering with VITA.”

Given that no tax experience is required, volunteers assisting with the VITA program come from all walks of life: working professionals, retirees, college and high school students, IRS employees, and people who simply want to contribute to their community.

Volunteers participating in the VITA program are paired with a sponsoring organization. They receive comprehensive training before embarking on their volunteer journey at a convenient location in their community.

Training options include both online and in-person formats. Tax assistance sites typically operate during evenings and weekends, accommodating the volunteers’ varying schedules. Interested individuals can sign up now through the IRS.

“My wife and I have volunteered with VITA through the Accounting Aid Society for at least 35 years,” said Peter M., a volunteer tax preparer serving southeastern Michigan. “Every year, I feel fulfilled and empowered by helping people with this particularly difficult part of their lives. We have also met many wonderful personalities…I believe that my life has been enriched by the experience!”

For more than 50 years, the VITA program has offered free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Although the IRS manages these programs, sites are operated by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities.

In addition to the VITA program, the AARP Foundation administers the Tax-Aide program to help older taxpayers with low to moderate incomes receive tax preparation assistance. Volunteers are encouraged sign up for the Tax-Aide program on the AARP Foundation website.

Learn more

Volunteer Information

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers

Taxpayer Assistance Information

https://www.irs.gov/VITA

Secretary Benson launches Michigan Voting Dashboard

by orionontv | Oct 17, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 16, 2024Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

Secretary Benson launches Michigan Voting Dashboard, an interactive tool for the public to access daily election data

Dashboard includes data on early and absentee voting by county and jurisdiction

DETROIT, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson launched the Michigan Voting Dashboard, an interactive tool that allows the public to access election data by county and jurisdiction with a focus on absentee and early voting. Secretary Benson announced the new dashboard while speaking in Detroit alongside partners from the Center for Civic Design, who helped design the look and feel of the dashboard, and the University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI).

“Democracy works best with an informed and engaged electorate, and I’m very excited today to announce our latest effort to make government more transparent and accessible to the people we serve,” said Secretary Benson. “We know that election misinformation frustrates voters. We also know that official sources of information are more important than ever to help center our conversation on the rule of law, on the truth, and on the security of the system. Making those official sources of information more user-friendly, more accessible, and easier to understand makes them more useful. It prebunks misinformation and builds trust in our elections.”

“Today’s release of the elections data dashboard puts Michigan at the forefront of election data transparency and innovation,” said Whitney Quesenbery, Director of the Center for Civic Design. “Built with cutting-edge design and technology best practices, this dashboard makes election data easily accessible and understandable, while presenting those data beautifully. I am confident that this dashboard will spur further innovation and trust in Michigan’s election administration, and I applaud Secretary Benson for this monumental achievement.”

“It’s important that voters are able to distinguish a trusted source by providing a look under the hood like this tool does in the ballot request, ballot returns, early voting, and turnout statewide,” said Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist. “Most importantly, the information is provided by legal members and is distributed through the department’s trusted dashboard. It is trusted, reliable information that anyone can see how their community is, and the public will have a better understanding of how elections work.”

The dashboard is available online at Michigan.gov/VotingDashboard. Data is posted starting 45 days before each Election Day, reporting the number of absentee ballots requested by voters, the number of absentee ballots completed and returned to be tabulated, and the number of ballots cast at early voting sites. The totals are broken down by county and jurisdictions.

Data on the dashboard is updated daily and is pulled from the state’s Qualified Voter File (QVF). The QVF is the secure database of voters used by the Michigan Bureau of Elections and more than 1,600 election clerks throughout the state. The dashboard will not display information about individual voters to protect their right to ballot secrecy.

The Michigan Department of State and Bureau of Elections are working with the students at UMSI enrolled in a year-long User Experience capstone course to further develop the dashboard. The team intends to release more data in 2025.

“University of Michigan School of Information students are shaping the future by tackling challenges at the intersection of people, technology, and data,” said UMSI Dean Andrea Forte. “In this year of democracy, civic empowerment, and global engagement, we are proud to have the opportunity to partner with the Michigan Department of State and highlight the university’s commitment to elevating expertise and applying research that increases understanding, fosters transparency, and enables democracy to flourish.”

“I believe data can be a powerful tool for positive change, whether it’s improving communication, enhancing user experience, or making critical systems like election dashboards more transparent and accessible,” said Jackson Gelbard, a student at UMSI who spoke at the press conference. “I’m honored and excited to work on a project where I can leverage my passion for data and technology to make meaningful impact as students, we see this as an incredible opportunity to apply what we’ve learned at the University of Michigan School of Information to contribute positively to the future.”

Absentee voting is already underway for the General Election. Early in-person voting will begin statewide on Saturday, Oct. 26 but some communities will offer early voting sooner. Visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting for the nearest early voting sites with their hours and days of operation.

Eligible Michigan citizens can register to vote online or by mail until Monday, Oct. 21, or in person at their local clerk’s office with proof of residency until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5.

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for more registration and voting information.

# # #

Michigan Voting Dashboard Secretary Benson spoke in Detroit ahead of the 2024 General Election to announce a new tool that will make election data more accessible to the public.

Secretary Benson spoke at a news conference in Detroit to announce the Michigan Voting Dashboard, an interactive tool that will display daily election data.

Michigan Voting Dashboard Secretary Benson smiled for a photo alongside students from UMSI, Scott Tenbrink, an instructor at UMSI; Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, and Whitney Quesenbery, director of the Center for Civic Design (right).

Michigan Voting Dashboard Secretary Benson stood alongside (pictured from left to right) Siegrist, UMSI student Jackson Gelbard, Tenbrink, Quesenbery, and Secretary Benson.

« Older Entries

Students unveil creative artwork in MDOT’s Paint the Plow project

Students unveil creative artwork in MDOT’s Paint the Plow project to promote winter and road safety

How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done

How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done

$5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects

Help Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation Volunteer

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Help Their Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation Volunteer

Secretary Benson launches Michigan Voting Dashboard

Secretary Benson launches Michigan Voting Dashboard, an interactive tool for the public to access daily election data

Dashboard includes data on early and absentee voting by county and jurisdiction

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