Using license plate readers to solve and thwart crimes

Using license plate readers to solve and thwart crimes

by | Sep 25, 2023 | Transportation

How police are using license plate readers to solve and thwart crimes

Early in 2022, the Detroit News reported that criminals had taken to the city’s freeways to settle arguments with guns and avoid the city’s network of high-definition surveillance cameras at gas stations and other locations. Michigan State Police reports show at least two shootings happened every month on Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county freeways in 2021. And that is despite increased police patrols that were launched in response to what officials said was then an unprecedented wave of high-speed violence.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/13634342-how-police-are-using-license-plate-readers-to-solve-and-thwart-crimes

TMT - How police use license plate readers

First Lt. Michael Shaw of the Michigan State Police joins the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast this week to talk about how license plate readers are being deployed to help.

F/Lt. Shaw

Later, he talks about how excessive speeding continues even as the pandemic subsided and more vehicles returned to the roads. He talked about the increase in speeding and fatal crashes on a previous edition early in the pandemic.

Other relevant links: 

https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/virginia-supreme-court-sees-through-police-claim-license

https://www.dhs.gov/publication/st-automated-license-plate-reader-fact-sheet

https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/rise-in-preventable-traffic-crashes-leading-to-spike-in-serious-injuries
Oakland County Budget Passes in Unanimous Vote

Oakland County Budget Passes in Unanimous Vote

by | Sep 21, 2023 | Regional News

Oakland County Budget Passes in Unanimous Vote

Post Date:09/21/2023 12:29 PM

● The Oakland County Board of Commissioners gave unanimous approval for County Executive Dave Coulter’s budget which makes significant investments in services for Oakland County residents.

Pontiac, Michigan – The Oakland County Board of Commissioners today approved County Executive Dave Coulter’s balanced, transparent, and fiscally-responsible budget for fiscal years 2024-2026 in a unanimous vote.

“This bipartisan, unanimous budget is proof we can accomplish great things together on behalf of our residents,” Coulter said. “It provides quality services to our residents in an efficient, responsible and equitable manner. And it builds on the programs and services that will allow us to maintain our AAA bond rating that will be so important for our future plans.”

The budget makes significant investments in initiatives and services that help residents and businesses thrive in a welcoming county such as expanding economic development programs that help small businesses grow, sustainability initiatives, and public health clinics and outreach programs that keep residents healthy. County parks and public transportation are among the areas also receiving significant support to boost the quality of life for residents and enable them to get to jobs.

Another highlight of the budget includes a three percent general salary increase for employees with the goal of attracting and retaining a talented and diverse workforce.

Oakland County’s budget is structurally balanced with no use of the budget surplus for ongoing operations and maintains a fund balance level of well above 30 percent of the county’s general fund, both of which are key practices for maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating. The general fund budgets for fiscal years 2024-2026 are $539.8 million, $547.4 million, and $560.9 million, respectively. The total recommended budgets for all funds for fiscal years 2024-2026 are $1.080 billion, $1.088 billion, and $1.108 billion, respectively.

To view the balanced budget, go to www.oakgov.com/fiscal.

DNR News: More than 9 million fish stocked so far in 2023

DNR News: More than 9 million fish stocked so far in 2023

by | Sep 21, 2023 | Recreation
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Sept. 21, 2023
Contact: Jeremiah Blaauw, 906-235-7679

Fishing opportunities abound, with more than 9 million fish stocked so far in 2023

A dark green and silver DNR fish stocking truck, with the words Fish for the Future on the side, on sandy shore near wide river mouthMore than 269 tons of fish, eight different species, plus one hybrid, and a total of 9,335,410 individual fish – it all adds up to successful spring and summer stocking efforts by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and some great fall fishing for anglers.

Stocking is no small task. Over the course of 2,233 hours and more than 89,000 miles, DNR fisheries crews in 17 specialized trucks took 375 trips to stock fish at 705 different sites.

“We had excellent spring and summer stocking seasons that will bring significant benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers,” said Ed Eisch, DNR fish production manager. “With the hard work and dedication of our staff, healthy, high-quality fish were reared and delivered to stocking sites in excellent condition. The numbers produced and stocked were right on target for most areas.”

The number and type of fish produced varies by hatchery, as each location’s ability to rear fish depends on the source and temperature of the rearing water. In Michigan there are six state and two cooperative hatcheries that work together to produce the species, strain and size of fish needed for fisheries managers. These fish must then be delivered and stocked at a specific time and location to ensure their success.
A man dressed in green T-shirt and khakis stands on DNR fish stocking truck, overseeing distribution of fish through a large green hoseEach hatchery stocked the following fish this spring and summer:

  • Marquette State Fish Hatchery (near Marquette) stocked 341,423 yearling lake trout, brook trout and splake (a hybrid of lake trout and brook trout) that in total weighed 41,771 pounds. This hatchery stocked 98 inland and Great Lakes sites.
  • Thompson State Fish Hatchery (near Manistique) stocked 997,431 fish that included yearling steelhead and spring fingerling Chinook salmon. These fish weighed 78,659 pounds in total. This hatchery stocked 54 sites (the majority located on the Great Lakes).
  • Oden State Fish Hatchery (near Petoskey) stocked 679,488 yearling brown trout and rainbow trout that weighed 96,372 pounds. This hatchery stocked 123 inland and Great Lakes sites.
  • Harrietta State Fish Hatchery (in Harrietta) stocked 780,654 yearling brown trout, Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout that in total weighed 95,751 pounds. This hatchery stocked 228 sites (the majority located inland).
  • Platte River State Fish Hatchery (near Honor) stocked 2,350,685 fish that included yearling Atlantic salmon and coho salmon and spring fingerling Chinook salmon that in total weighed 158,038 pounds. This hatchery stocked 48 sites (the majority located on the Great Lakes).
  • Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery (near Kalamazoo) stocked 1,469,465 fish that included yearling steelhead, yearling muskellunge and spring fingerling Chinook salmon that in total weighed 121,467 pounds. Wolf Lake also stocked 11,473 channel catfish obtained from the Ohio DNR (weighing 2,828 pounds), as well as 33,679 Skamania steelhead (weighing 3,511 pounds). This hatchery stocked 49 sites (the majority located on the Great Lakes).
  • A cooperative teaching hatchery at Lake Superior State University (in Sault Saint Marie) stocked 28,646 Atlantic salmon weighing 2,510 pounds into the St. Marys River.

Included in this year’s total fish stocked were 2.7 million walleye spring fingerlings, fish that were reared in ponds by the DNR and tribal partners with extensive support provided by local sporting organizations. These fish were stocked at 90 inland lakes and rivers and Lake Michigan.

Fish stocking is a critical DNR activity. These efforts help support a Great Lakes fishery valued at more than $7 billion.

Fish are reared in Michigan’s state fish hatcheries anywhere from one month to 1 ½ years before they are stocked.

It should be noted that some hatcheries will provide fish for a few additional stockings (consisting of brook trout, rainbow trout, coho salmon, walleye, lake sturgeon and muskellunge) to be made this fall. The lake sturgeon will come from the cooperative hatchery in Tower, Michigan, that is operated with Michigan State University.

The public is welcome at any of Michigan’s state fish hatcheries to see firsthand the fish rearing process. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.

Learn more about fishing opportunities, management and resources – including the DNR’s Fish Stocking Database, showing where many of these fish were stocked – at Michigan.gov/Fishing.
Invasive spotted lanternfly: See it. Squish it. Report it.

Invasive spotted lanternfly: See it. Squish it. Report it.

by | Sep 20, 2023 | Regional News

 
Michigan Invasive Species Program banner

News Release
Spotted lanternfly billboard. "See it. Squish it. Report it."Sept. 19, 2023
Contact: Rob Miller (MDARD), 517-614-0454, or Joanne Foreman (DNR), 517-284-5814.

Invasive spotted lanternfly: See it. Squish it. Report it.

Now is the prime time to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly! Late summer to early fall is the most likely season to spot the colorful planthoppers, and the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development are urging Michiganders to report any potential sightings of these destructive invasive pests.

An adult spotted lanternfly, with wings closed, rests on the palm of an open hand.“We’ve heard reports of spotted lanternflies swarming New York City and covering beaches on the Jersey Shore. We’d like to prevent similar scenarios in Michigan,” said Rob Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist. “Everyone can help by looking for spotted lanternfly and reporting suspected sightings.”

The spotted lanternfly spreads to new locations by hitchhiking or laying eggs on vehicles and equipment that have traveled through infested areas. If you are returning from out of state, it’s important to look for and destroy spotted lanternfly insects and egg masses that may be hiding on cars, trailers, firewood, camping gear or anything that’s been outside.

The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s new campaign – “See it. Squish it. Report it.” – reminds Michiganders and visitors of the simple steps they can take to prevent new introductions of spotted lanternflies in the state.

“If you see a spotted lanternfly, yes, we really do want you to squish it if you can. Then, take a photo or two and report it to us through the online Eyes in the Field reporting system,” said Miller. “It’s important to get to know what the spotted lanternfly looks like, though, because we don’t want to target harmless native insects with pretty wings.”

Billboards along major freeways and print material available through Michigan’s cooperative invasive species management areas were developed with support from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

How to spot the spotted lanternfly

An infographic showing the life stages of the spotted lanternfly from egg mass to adult.Take a few minutes to become familiar with spotted lanternfly life stages.

  • Adults are roughly 1 inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots, transitioning to black and white bands at the edge. Most visible August through October.
  • Egg masses resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Most visible September through May.
  • Nymphs are about 1/4  inch to 1/2 inch long. They are wingless and beetle-like, first appearing black with white spots and developing red patches as they mature. Most visible May through September.

Be aware of look-alikes

Public reports to Eyes in the Field have helped identify some insects commonly mistaken for the spotted lanternfly.

  • Several native moth species have red underwings, but their upper wings are striped or mottled.
  • Some insects have spotted wings that are translucent or differ in color from spotted lanternfly adults.
  • Common insects including boxelder bugs and red milkweed beetles have similar colors and patterns as spotted lanternfly nymphs, but their shapes are distinct.

To better identify spotted lanternfly life stages and rule out look-alikes, visit the spotted lanternfly look-alike page.

Status in Michigan

Currently, there is one confirmed population of spotted lanternflies in Michigan. The infested site, a county-owned parcel in Pontiac, is being managed by a team including Oakland County, MDARD, Michigan State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service staff. Management includes treatment and/or removal of invasive tree of heaven – spotted lanternfly’s preferred host – and regular survey and monitoring of the insect population. Extensive surveys in August found no evidence of spotted lanternfly spreading beyond the originally infested site.

Why be concerned?

The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 different plants, including grape vines and hardwood trees. It sucks sap from host plants while secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests. Swarms of spotted lanternfly adults can reach nuisance levels that hinder outdoor activities.

More information on the spotted lanternfly, including identification, look-alike species and how to report, is available at Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Billboard: These “See it. Squish it. Report it.” campaign billboards are showing up along Michigan freeways.
  • SLF hand: Spotted lanternflies are more likely to be seen with wings folded. Look for grey to brown wings with black spots, and black-striped wing tips. Photo courtesy of MDARD.
  • SLF wings: Adult spotted lanterfly’s bright wing coloration is hidden when wings are closed. Photo courtesy of Robert Gardner, Bugwood.org.
  • SLF egg mass: Spotted lanternflies may lay egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture or other items that can be transported to new areas, leading to new infestations. Photo courtesy of Emilie Swackhammer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.
  • SLF early nymph: Early stage spotted lanternfly nymphs are black with white spots on their bodies and legs. Photo courtesy of Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.
  • SLF late nymph: Late stage spotted lanternfly nymphs are red and black with white spots on their bodies and legs. Photo courtesy of Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org./
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Week Five Picks

Week Five Picks

by | Sep 20, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Five Picks.

Written Wednesday September 20th at 7:40 AM

Welcome to the 2023 football season, here are our pickers for the season. Here are everyone who is doing picks this season.

SANDY DUNES is Sammy Taormina, OAA Now host and blogger.

COTTER is Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western football and North Farmington basketball video coordinator

DUNLAP is Keith Dunlap, WDIV freelance writer

STICK is Dan Stickradt, North Oakland Sports writer

BURNEY is Scott Burnstein, MIPrepZone and State Champs sports writer.

TIM is Tim English, High School Sports Historian and Blogger.

 

SANDY DUNES 39-15

COTTER 46-8

BURNEY 36-18

DUNLAP 36-18

STICK 41-13

TIM 40-14

 

We’ll get Tim’s picks when we can.

 

Stoney Creek at 1. Lake Orion: The Cougars have been an up and down team despite their record, they have been very competitive. The Dragons are coming off an emotional 17-13 win over West Bloomfield last week. The Lake Orion defense has been the story, allowing 33 points in three weeks which was the same amount of points they allowed against Livonia Stevenson. That unit should be tested against a Stoney Creek program that likes to run a ton of time possession football. The Dragons need to be careful in this game, the Cougars are playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 38, STONEY CREEK 10.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 24, STONEY CREEK 10.

DUNLAP: LAKE ORION 31, STONEY CREEK 17.

STICK: LAKE ORION over STONEY CREEK.

BURNEY: LAKE ORION 33, STONEY CREEK 16.

TIM:

 

  1. Southfield Arts and Tech at Farmington: Farmington TV-10 should be in for a treat when the Warriors come to Falcon Field. Southfield Arts and Tech has been battle tested and has beaten four quality teams which three of them were at home. Tashi Braceful and Isiah Marshall have been the real deal for Southfield Arts and Tech. The Falcons we don’t know the status of Cam Pettaway after he got hurt in their 21-19 win over Bloomfield Hills last week. If Pettaway can’t play then Farmington is in big trouble against a very high octane offense.

 

SANDY DUNES: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 45, FARMINGTON 14.

COTTER: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FARMINGTON 14.

DUNLAP: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 42, FARMINGTON 7.

STICK: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH over FARMINGTON.

BURNEY: SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 39, FARMINGTON 19.

TIM:

 

  1. Adams at 3. West Bloomfield: Civic Center TV and Tyler Kieft should have a very interesting matchup with the Lakers and the Highlanders. West Bloomfield has lost three straight to Adams and is coming off a tough 17-13 loss to Lake Orion last week. The Lakers should be motivated against the Highlanders that has found ways to win with Matteo Humbert, Ryan Watters, Drew Heppner, and Brady Prieskorn. West Bloomfield still has proven players in Nigel Dutton, Requen Nance, Brandon Davis-Swain, Jamir Benjamin, and Bryce Rowe. Discipline has been the Lakers problem lately, if Coach Zach Hilbers can clean that up then it should be a happy Homecoming for West Bloomfield in “the Swamp.”

 

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 45, ADAMS 14.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 31, ADAMS 7.

DUNLAP: WEST BLOOMFIELD 28, ADAMS 20.

STICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD over ADAMS.

BURNEY: WEST BLOOMFIELD 23, ADAMS 21.

TIM:

 

  1. Avondale at Oak Park: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are on winning streaks. The Yellow Jackets are red hot right now winning four straight games and have a ton of confidence behind a changed offense and they can beat you in so many ways. The Knights have won two straight since their losses to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and Oxford by beating both Troy schools which is big points since they are in Division One. This should be a very interesting matchup in Knight Valley and the coaching matchup is not too shabby either between Coach Greg Carter and Coach Bob Meyer.

 

SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 17, OAK PARK 12.

COTTER: AVONDALE 21, OAK PARK 12.

DUNLAP: AVONDALE 24, OAK PARK 20.

STICK: OAK PARK over AVONDALE.

BURNEY: AVONDALE 30, OAK PARK 24.

TIM:

 

  1. Seaholm at Troy Athens: The Maples are back to themselves since their hiccup against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. The Kinnie brothers along with Kyle Robbins are back to their normal selves which means great things for Seaholm and their athletic trainer Bill Watson. The Red Hawks have been struggling allowing 52 points in the last two weeks. That’s not going to make new principal Vernon Burden too happy. It should be a very interesting matchup but it could also be a long night for Troy Athens.

 

SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 63, TROY ATHENS 14.

COTTER: SEAHOLM 49, TROY ATHENS 14.

DUNLAP: SEAHOLM 27, TROY ATHENS 17.

STICK: SEAHOLM over TROY ATHENS.

BURNEY: SEAHOLM 45, TROY ATHENS 22.

TIM:

 

  1. Clarkston at Oxford: The Wolves defense has been the story since allowing 24 points to Northville in week one. They have allowed 17 points in the last two weeks. Clarkston has relied a ton on Desman Stephens to carry them in games. He had a touchdown run in their 14-10 win over Stoney Creek last week. The offense is still a work in progress but Brady Collins and the Bowman twins have started to settle in and they still have Brody Kosin. The Wildcats have really struggled moving the football. Luke Johnson has been their best option thus far but he needs his quarterback in Jack Hendrix to step up and create that balance. It’s a big game for Oxford if they want to turn things around.

 

SANDY DUNES: CLARKSTON 17, OXFORD 14.

COTTER: CLARKSTON 28, OXFORD 7.

DUNLAP: CLARKSTON 24, OXFORD 14.

STICK: CLARKSTON over OXFORD.

BURNEY: CLARKSTON 26, OXFORD 20.

TIM:

 

  1. Harper Woods at Bloomfield Hills: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are getting better. The Blackhawks despite the losses have lost two close games by a combined nine points. Kierran Crossley and Jace Reed have been the main catalysts for Bloomfield Hills. The Pioneers snapped a two game losing streak with a 56-26 win over Rochester last week. Harper Woods has a proven offense but the defense has had some issues lately. It should be a very interesting matchup in Bloomfield Hills.

 

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 56, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 44, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.

DUNLAP: HARPER WOODS 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

STICK: HARPER WOODS over BLOOMFIELD HILLS.

BURNEY: HARPER WOODS 35, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 18.

TIM:

 

Rochester at 9. Groves: These are two teams of Falcons that are at a crossroads. Rochester has really struggled all season long especially defensively. Groves has played Southfield Arts and Tech and West Bloomfield which are two really good teams. Groves has more talent on paper but it doesn’t always happen that way. Groves needs to be careful.

 

SANDY DUNES: GROVES 28, ROCHESTER 14.

COTTER: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 7.

DUNLAP: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 10.

STICK: GROVES over ROCHESTER.

BURNEY: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 14.

TIM:

 

North Farmington at 10. Troy: This is a very interesting matchup of two teams that are in a crossroads. The Colts gave up their first points of the season and fell 28-21 to Oak Park last week. The Raiders have played a brutal schedule but picked up their first win by winning 22-7 over Troy Athens last week. Troy will have a big test against a proven quarterback in Ryan Shelby. North Farmington has to deal with a solid Colts defense also let’s not forget the Raiders won 9-0 with a third string quarterback in this game last season.

 

SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 14.

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 17, TROY 7.

DUNLAP: NORTH FARMINGTON 24, TROY 21.

STICK: TROY over NORTH FARMINGTON.

BURNEY: TROY 29, NORTH FARMINGTON 27.

TIM:

 

Berkley at Pontiac: This is a big game for both teams for different reasons. The Phoenix is coming off a really tough 40-14 loss to Royal Oak. The Bears have been outscored 160-0 in four weeks. It’s Berkley’s first road game. Pontiac needs to get that magic they had the first two weeks. It’s an interesting matchup between two teams finding their ways.

 

SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC 49, BERKLEY 35.

COTTER: PONTIAC 20, BERKLEY 14.

DUNLAP: PONTIAC 21, BERKLEY 7.

STICK: PONTIAC over BERKLEY.

BURNEY: PONTIAC 25, BERKLEY 17.

TIM:

 

Royal Oak at Ferndale: The Ravens have been up and down this season but the two wins they have had doubled their win total from last season. The Eagles had high expectations coming into the season but things have not gone their way as of late. This is a big game for both teams just for confidence sake.

 

SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 34, ROYAL OAK 8.

COTTER: FERNDALE 20, ROYAL OAK 7.

DUNLAP: FERNDALE 17, ROYAL OAK 14.

STICK: FERNDALE over ROYAL OAK.

BURNEY: FERNDALE 38, ROYAL OAK 28.

TIM:

 

My Podcast

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