Talking Michigan Transportation: Road building 101

Talking Michigan Transportation: Road building 101

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Transportation

 
MDOT header (SOM branding)Talking Michigan Transportation (TMT) banner with the Mackinac Bridge.

Road building 101

Jason Gutting joins the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast this week to talk about his role as director of MDOT’s Bureau of Field Services.

Construction work on M-46 in Sandusky, Sanilac County.As talks heat up between Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over various road funding proposals, the discussion again turns to paving standards and practices.

Gutting talks about standards and specifications for paving materials and how MDOT engineers confer with counterparts from across the country; innovations in road building, winter maintenance and operations; and ongoing challenges because of inflation and supply chain pressures since the pandemic began.

Jason Gutting portraitGutting was previously the administrator of the Construction Field Services (CFS) division. He also worked in Operations and was the construction contracts engineer for CFS as well as the construction engineer and an assistant construction engineer at the MDOT Lansing Transportation Service Center (TSC).

Other references in the podcast:

Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Projects-Studies/Rebuilding-Michigan-Projects

MDOT winter road maintenance  www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Travel/Safety/Road-Users/Winter-Safety

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates. 
Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR to protect lake sturgeon

Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR to protect lake sturgeon

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Recreation
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
March 19, 2025
Contact: Spencer Wheelock, 616-776-3511

Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR partner to protect lake sturgeon

Lake Street Light campaign launching after successful Rainbow Rodeo IPA initiative, which raised $10,000 for habitat restoration across Michigan

Saugatuck Brewing Company is reaffirming its commitment to supporting conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the state by once again partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Set to launch in April 2025, the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program is a collaboration between SBC and the DNR designed to raise awareness and support the conservation of Michigan’s lake sturgeon population. A portion of proceeds from every Lake Street Light sold will be donated to DNR efforts aimed at restoring the lake sturgeon’s habitat and boosting its population.

The new light lager, Lake Street Light, is a crisp, refreshing brew with only 96 calories and 4% ABV, inspired by the beauty of Michigan’s lakes and waterways.

“Lake Street Light is more than just a beer—it’s a nod to Michigan’s wild heart,” said Sara Van Splinter, Director of Marketing at Saugatuck Brewing Company. “These shores, our ‘Lake Street,’ are home to countless species, and we’re proud to help protect one of them: the lake sturgeon, living fossils that have swum since the time of dinosaurs. This partnership with the Michigan DNR allows us to give back to the waters we love while sharing the story of these remarkable creatures.”

Lake sturgeon are critical to Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems, but their population has declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. The program’s proceeds will directly support the DNR’s sturgeon conservation projects.

“To say that lake sturgeon are a major part of Michigan’s aquatic history doesn’t quite do them justice,” said Patrick Ertel, with the Habitat Management Unit of the DNR’s Fisheries Division. “These fish have been around for more than 100 million years, which may be hard to even comprehend. In terms of more recent generations, there are individual sturgeon in our waters today that are older than anyone reading about this partnership. We’re excited to partner with Saugatuck Brewing Company to highlight this incredibly persistent fish and the fact that some lake sturgeon currently in Michigan waters have been there since before the invention of the automobile. Think about that!”

SBC is planning to extend the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program to neighboring Great Lakes states, collaborating with other DNR agencies on lake sturgeon conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the region.

This announcement comes on the heels of a successful partnership between Saugatuck Brewing Company and the Michigan DNR through the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program. From May through October 2024, the initiative raised $10,000 to support habitat restoration projects focused on Michigan’s trout population.

“Working alongside the Michigan DNR was an incredible experience and a true team effort,” said John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company. “Together, we raised not only funds but also awareness about the importance of protecting Michigan’s natural habitats.”

Saugatuck Brewing Company also highlighted this important initiative through its sponsorship of the West Michigan Whitecaps Bung Hammers game, spreading the message to baseball fans across West Michigan.

Both the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program and the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program are part of Saugatuck Brewing Company’s vision to promote sustainable practices and engage the community in preserving Michigan’s natural resources. For the latest news and announcements on Saugatuck Brewing Company’s 2025 programs, follow the brewery online at saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

About Saugatuck Brewing Company: Saugatuck Brewing Company, established in 2005, is an independently owned craft brewery situated next to Saugatuck along the shores of Lake Michigan. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brewery takes pride in crafting unique and flavorful beers that capture both tradition and the spirit of the region. Saugatuck Brewing Company’s footprint covers 13 states and 7 foreign countries with plans for continued growth. Follow their journey online at saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

About the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The department strives to protect resources, ensure sustainable recreation use and enjoyment, enable strong natural resources-based economies, improve and build strong relationships and partnerships, and foster effective business practices and good governance. For more information and updates, visit Michigan.gov/DNR or follow on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Check presentation: A 2024 DNR/Saugatuck Brewing Company partnership raised $10,000 to support fishing habitat restoration. Shown here are Scott Whitcomb, director, DNR Office of Public Lands; John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company; Patrick Mohney, senior lands program manager, DNR Office of Public Lands; and Scott Bowen, director, Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Track Regionals-2025

Track Regionals-2025

by | Mar 18, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Track Regionals-2025

Written Wednesday March 12th at 4:50 PM

This will be updated.

Region 8 at Rochester

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

AVONDALE

BERKLEY

GROVES

SEAHOLM

ROYAL OAK

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

OAK PARK

TROY

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit (Boys only)

Birmingham Brother Rice (Boys only)

 

BOYS: This should be a really interesting regional. Adams should be the favorite because of balance but keep an eye on Oak Park, Birmingham Brother Rice, Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Troy is the wildcard and could be a team that could sneak up with their balance. This should be a fun regional.

 

GIRLS: Oak Park is loaded in the girls but Rochester can have a strong say along with Detroit Renaissance. Royal Oak, Troy, and Seaholm brings balance. Overall the Knights are the favorite but the Falcons are right behind them.

 

 

Region 9 at Milford

Milford

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Novi Detroit Catholic Central (Boys only)

Holly

Lapeer

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Western

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

Lakeland

Farmington Hills Mercy (Girls only)

 

BOYS: Walled Lake Central looks to be the favorite but keep and eye on West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and Novi Detroit Catholic Central. They could do some damage in this regional. Overall this should be a really interesting regional.

 

GIRLS: This should be a really interesting regional. Lake Orion is the early favorite winning last season but keep an eye on Clarkston and Walled Lake Central, these teams can score in bunches. Milford is the wildcard.

 

 

Region 10 at Romeo

Romeo

TROY ATHENS

Chippewa Valley

Fraser

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Macomb Dakota

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Utica Ford II

 

BOYS: This should be a wide open regional. Chippewa Valley has the sprints, Macomb Dakota has the balance while several teams bring the field events. Overall this is anyone’s meet to take.

 

GIRLS: This should be a really interesting regional. Macomb Dakota is the early favorite but Troy Athens and Romeo might have says who could win this regional. This should be a three team regional between these three teams.

 

Region 18 at Marian (Oakland)

Birmingham Marian (Girls only)

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

HARPER WOODS

Center Line

Detroit Country Day

Detroit Denby

Detroit Henry Ford

Eastpointe

Harper Woods Chandler Park

Hazel Park

Madison Heights Lamphere

St. Clair Shores South Lake

St. Clair Shores Lake Shore

Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Lincoln

Warren Regina (Girls only)

 

BOYS: Birmingham Detroit Country Day is loaded with proven experience. Ferndale could challenge although they don’t have a lot of balance. Overall this is the Yellow Jackets regional to lose.

 

GIRLS: Birmingham Detroit Country Day is loaded with proven experience. Ferndale and Madison Heights Lamphere could challenge but neither team has a lot of balance to challenge the Yellow Jackets. Overall this is the Yellow Jackets regional to lose.

 

 

Region 19 at North Branch

North Branch

PONTIAC

Armada

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Croswell Lexington

Goodrich

Imlay City

Macomb Lutheran North

Marysville

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Brandon

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Richmond

St. Clair

Yale

 

BOYS: This is a really interesting regional. Orchard Lake St. Marys is favored but Yale and Goodrich could have strong says. Marysville and North Branch are the wildcards. This is anyone’s regional to take.

 

GIRLS: This is a wide open regional. Yale, North Branch, Goodrich, Marysville, and Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood could score big in this regional. This regional like the boys is wide open at the moment.

Track Regionals-2025

Boys Lacrosse Regionals-2025

by | Mar 18, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Lacrosse Regionals-2025

Written Wednesday March 12th at 4:30 PM

This will be updated.

Regional 3

CLARKSTON

OXFORD

Bay City Central (Frankenmuth, Freeland)

Davison

Grand Blanc

Hartland

Brandon/Holly

Swartz Creek/Flushing

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: We could be on a collison course between two powerhouses in Clarkston and Hartland which could be a tense drama in the regional final. Grand Blanc is a sleeper but this has Wolves and Eagles all over it.

 

Regional 4

ROCHESTER

ROCHESTER ADAMS

TROY

TROY ATHENS/AVONDALE

Birmingham Brother Rice

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower/Utica

Waterford United

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a tough regional for anyone having to deal with Birmingham Brother Rice. The Warriors are loaded every season. No one is touching Birmingham Brother Rice in this regional.

 

Regional 5

LAKE ORION

Chippewa Valley

Macomb Dakota

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Port Huron United

St. Clair (Marine City, Marysville)

Utica Ford II/Sterling Heights Stevenson

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting regional, no one stands out to challenge Lake Orion, maybe Macomb Dakota but this regional looks to be painted in green and white early.

 

Regional 6

BIRMINGHAM UNITED

M-1

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON UNITED

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Brownstown Woodhaven

Detroit Cass Tech

Livonia United

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: Could this be the year Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham have a rematch in the regional finals, it looks possible. This is anyone’s regional to take it’s wide open.

 

Regional 14

STONEY CREEK

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Madison Heights Bishop Foley (Macomb Lutheran North, Clawson)

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Royal Oak Shrine (Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, Rochester Lutheran NW, Clarkston Everest)

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This regional looks like it will be Birmingham Detroit Country Day against Stoney Creek. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood looks to be the wildcard in this regional.

Track Regionals-2025

Girls Lacrosse Regionals-2025

by | Mar 18, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Lacrosse Regionals-2025

Written Wednesday March 12th at 4:23 PM

This will be updated.

Regional 2 at Brighton

Brighton

FARMINGTON UNITED

Ann Arbor Huron

Ann Arbor Pioneer

Canton

Detroit Cass Tech

Livonia United

Novi

Northville

Plymouth

Salem

Walled Lake United

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This looks to be a really interesting regional. Brighton is loaded with proven experience. I don’t see anyone in this regional that can beat the Bulldogs not a home.

 

Regional 3 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BIRMINGHAM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

ROCHESTER

M-1 (ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY)

TROY

TROY ATHENS

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Chippewa Valley/Dakota

Utica Eisenhower

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

Utica Ford/Utica

St. Clair Shores Lakeview/St. Clair Shores Lake Shore

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This regional could see Birmingham vs Bloomfield Hills in a rematch although Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood could challenge. This could be a repeat of the past or something different.

 

Regional 4 at Hartland

Hartland

LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON

OXFORD

Davison

Fenton/Linden

Howell

Grand Blanc

Holt

Howell

Lansing Catholic

Waterford United

Midland United

White Lake United

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This regional looks like it has Hartland written all over it. They have home field. Lake Orion and Grand Blanc look to be the top challengers to the Eagles in this regional. Oxford is the sleeper.

 

Regional 7 at Stoney Creek

STONEY CREEK

ADAMS

AVONDALE

Sacred Heart Academy/Bishop Foley/Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

Holly/Brandon

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Birmingham Marian

Birmingham Detroit Country Day

Grosse Pointe University Liggett

Warren Regina

 

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a really interesting regional. Five teams have a chance to win this district in Grosse Pointe University Liggett, Warren Regina, Birmingham Marian, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, and Stoney Creek. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is the wildcard. This should be a fun regional.