Southbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 to Genesee county

Southbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 to Genesee county

by | Feb 20, 2025 | Transportation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

February 20, 2025                                                                   Diane Cross

CrossD@Michigan.gov

Southbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 (Ortonville Road) to Oakland/Genesee county line begins in early March

VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON, Mich. – Bridge and road work along I-75 in northern Oakland County is expected to resume in early March. The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $160 million to resurface and repair I-75 from M-15 (Ortonville Road) to the Oakland/Genesee county line. This project includes resurfacing I-75, repairing 11 bridges, drainage improvements, culvert replacements, signs, and guardrail. Various work will be performed in different locations with different schedules throughout the 15 miles over four years.

This year, southbound I-75 will be milled and resurfaced from M-15 to the county line, with two lanes of northbound and southbound traffic sharing the northbound side of the freeway. Bridge repairs will be performed throughout the project limits along southbound I-75. Work is expected to be completed for the year in late fall.

In 2026, crews will remove the temporary crossovers and perform remaining miscellaneous activities.

Funding for this project is made possible by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improve the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,936 jobs.

DNR News: Protect, discover, share Michigan history

DNR News: Protect, discover, share Michigan history

by | Feb 20, 2025 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News

a woman and two young girls in summer clothing walk down a brick pathway in a museum, lined with ornate exhibits and bulb lights
Feb. 20, 2025
Contact: Shelby Laupp (Michigan History Center), 517-930-8493

$2 million available for local projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

The first round of applications for the America250MI History Grant Program, awarding $2 million to history organizations and their partners across the state between 2025 and 2026, opens Saturday, March 1. It’s an opportunity to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the American Revolution’s role in Michigan’s history; examine the impact of these and other historic events on the people of Michigan’s past, present and future; and strengthen efforts to protect, interpret and share this vital history.

a circular navy blue graphic with white lettering and Michigan state profile, reading AM250MI and the years 1776 and 2026The grant funds, appropriated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by the state Legislature, represent a key element of the state’s commemoration of the USA’s 250th anniversary.

In 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan History Center to lead Michigan’s commemoration of this semiquincentennial. The two organizations oversee the statewide program, America250MI, part of the national America250 program. America250MI shares and supports efforts to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through programming, education and statewide outreach with support from a committee of historians, educators and community leaders.

“The America250MI grants create a lot of possibilities for safeguarding and elevating Michigan history and making that history more tangible, understandable and impactful to all Michiganders,” said Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.

partial view of a stack of large, old, hardcover books, with tattered edges and curled pages

America250MI grant program details

Composed of two rounds, with $1 million available per round, the grant program will help fund projects of all sizes that interpret, preserve or explore Michigan’s history. Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including but not limited to educational programming, capital improvements, exhibits, collections management and interpretive signs.

Projects may focus on any historical subject that has helped shape the Michigan of today.

“New equipment or storage materials to improve the long-term preservation of and access to collections; partnerships to co-create learning opportunities for under- and unrepresented communities; bricks-and-mortar and conservation work on significant artifacts and historic sites – there are a variety of ways to leverage this funding to make a powerful, lasting impact on Michigan history,” Wagenaar said.

Eligible applicants include tribal governments, 501(c)(3) nonprofit history organizations and local units of government. All applications must include at least one organization devoted to history.

“This is an incredible opportunity to invest in local history,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan History Center. “We hope that communities and their governments take this opportunity to collaborate with and get to know their local or regional historical organizations and discover new ways to embrace their stories.”

young girl and boy smile, wide-eyed, as they look at a model ship with a masted sail

Guiding themes

The grant program will prioritize impactful projects that encourage community collaboration and align with the America250MI Five Guiding Themes:

  • Unfinished Revolutions. From the American Revolution through the Underground Railroad, Michigan has a history of people fighting for freedom, recognition and basic human rights. What revolutions continue to this day?
  • Power of Place. It is human nature to identify ourselves by place, whether that is the geographic, geologic and physical environment or the political, economic, historic, cultural and emotional connections to it. How does “place” define us?
  • We the People. Michigan is home to more than 10 million unique people of different races, cultures, languages, ethnicities, religions and points of view. What does “being American” mean today, and how do new generations discover belonging?
  • American Experiment. Democracy is challenging. Through the lens of history we can see successes, mistakes and opportunities. How can we build on these to shed even more light on our government, democratic institutions and civic life?
  • Doing History. As those who love, teach, preserve and make history, we must work together with our communities to interact with Michigan’s past. How can we best engage people in conversations about what history is and why it matters?

Learn more about the Five Guiding Themes in the America250MI Program Guide.

Costumed interpreters of Battery D 1st Michigan Light Artillery demonstrate military life of 1800s Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor

Application info, timeline

The first round opens March 1 and will accept grant applications until April 15. Round 2 opens Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15, 2026.

Applicants must submit a detailed project description, timeline, communications plan and budget. The America250MI committee will evaluate all applications.

Award amounts are available in three tiers:

  • Tier 1: $2,500-5,000.
  • Tier 2: $5,001-25,000.
  • Tier 3: $25,001-50,000.

Tier 1 projects have no match requirements. Applicants who are awarded an amount within Tier 2 will be required to match 15% of the grants. Tier 3 projects require a 30% match.

All grant details, including requirements, eligibility and scoring, are outlined in the grant booklet, which all prospective applicants should review before beginning the application process. Additional information about the grants and the statewide commemoration is available on America250MI’s website. Questions about the program? Email Grants.America250MI@gmail.com.

“These funds demonstrate a dedication not only to Michigan’s past, but also to its future,” said Clark. “Awarded projects will help preserve and share Michigan stories that can guide us over the next 250 years.”

Note to editors: High-res versions of the America250MI project logo are available below for download.

 
America250MI is Michigan’s statewide committee tasked with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the American Revolution’s role in Michigan’s history and the impact that these, and various historical events, have had on the people of Michigan’s past, present and future.

Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan is Michigan’s oldest cultural organization and helps connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through programs and events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities and support for local history organizations. The society is a member-supported educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives zero state-appropriated funding.

The Michigan History Center discovers, preserves and shares the stories of Michigan through museums, historic sites, Michigan Historical Markers, heritage trails and programming. The center, a part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, manages 11 museums statewide, an extensive artifact collection and various educational programs.
Start Your Career with a Summer Job at Oakland County

Start Your Career with a Summer Job at Oakland County

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Regional News

Start Your Career with a Summer Job at Oakland County

Post Date:02/19/2025 12:05 PM
  • Summer employment and internships with Oakland County enable students to begin developing professional networks.
  • Starting wages for summer employment at the county range $12.71-17.89 per hour.
  • Apply at oakgov.com/jobs. For more information, call 248-858-0530.

Pontiac, Mich. – With a summer job or internship at Oakland County, college and high school students can earn credit hours and paychecks while understanding how local government serves residents.

“Working for Oakland County helps young people explore different career paths and gain new skills, all while earning a decent wage,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “And it’s a great opportunity to make new friends.”

Young woman working in Groveland Oaks booth

Summer employment at Oakland County begins April 1 with wages ranging between $12.71 and 17.89 per hour depending on job classification. College internships are paid and eligible for credit hours for freshman through graduate students during all semesters. Additionally, employees and interns are enrolled in a retirement plan.

Oakland County is actively hiring for various positions across different departments and divisions, including:

Applications opened Tuesday, Feb. 18. Apply online at oakgov.com/jobs or in person at the Oakland County Human Resources Department in the Executive Office Building at 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. For more information, call 248-858-0530.

Summer employment is generally limited to 13 weeks; however, some departments and positions may require a longer term of employment.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school or college. Job seekers younger than 18 who have not completed high school must obtain working papers at the time of appointment. They will also be required to provide written parental consent for the employment physical and a parent/guardian must be present for the TB skin test. For positions that require proof of college or university enrollment, applicants must upload a copy of their college transcripts.

Bloomfield Hills new Varsity Football Coach

Bloomfield Hills new Varsity Football Coach

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Bloomfield Hills has their new Varsity Football Coach.

Written Monday February 17th at 9:05 PM

Bloomfield Hills has their new varsity football coach.

The Blackhawks have named Scott Merchant as their new varsity football coach. He takes over for Dan Loria who stepped down this past offseason.

Two very accurate sources confirmed to me the news.

Merchant was at Chippewa Valley from 2007-2023 before going to Lawrence Tech for a season. Merchant stepped down on Monday from Lawrence Tech and returned to High School football accepting the Blackhawks job. What attracted Merchant to the job according to sources was that his son was in the Bloomfield Hills program and that he wanted to coach his son.

Merchant is a game changer for a program that is in need of a reboot. He brings a ton of proven experience to a program that needs it. The Blackhawks were 5-22 in their last three seasons with no postseason appearances.

Loria was at Bloomfield Hills Lahser before they merged with Bloomfield Hills Andover to become Bloomfield Hills in 2013. Loria went 42-67 with four postseason appearances in his 11 years with the program.

Merchant will have a ton of challenges ahead of him. He will have to build the program which starts with program strength. Bloomfield Hills has not fielded a freshman program on a consistent basis. With Merchant expect the Blackhawks to have three programs.

The Blackhawks are in the Blue and will be with Seaholm, North Farmington, Farmington, Oak Park, Troy Athens, and Troy this season. Bloomfield Hills could be a possible sleeper in the division with Merchant coaching the program.

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

Bloomfield Hills new Varsity Football Coach

OAA Basketball Top 23

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday Februray 15th at 10:25 AM

Boys

1. Groves 15-5: Falcons locked into the two seed, on a collision course with Birmingham Brother Rice.

2. Avondale 14-7: Holding Clarkston to 33 points is impressive, always hard to beat a team three times.

3. Oxford 19-1: Wildcats are on a collision course with Grand Blanc.

4. Farmington 15-5: Falcons could see arch rival North Farmington in the future.

5. Clarkston 14-6: Wolves are in deep trouble heading into the postseason.

6. Lake Orion 13-7: Dragons got the best draw with the Waterford schools looming.

7. Rochester 16-5: Falcons have home court and locked into the top seed.

8. Royal Oak 12-7: Ravens look poised to take the top seed but beware of Berkley.

9. Troy 10-11: Colts looking at rematch with arch rival Troy Athens.

10. North Farmington 11-9: Raiders fortunate to get the two seed.

11. Ferndale 8-13: Eagles staring at Detroit Pershing before Warren Lincoln.

12. Adams 6-14: Could the Highlanders get the two seed with all the struggles they had.

13. Bloomfield Hills 11-9: Blackhawks/Maples rematch should be really interesting.

14. West Bloomfield 5-14: Lakers on a collision course with Walled Lake Central, if they win it’s Orchard Lake St. Marys.

15. Stoney Creek 9-10: Cougars are in a very delicate situation with the two seed in the balance.

16. Troy Athens 6-14: Red Hawks/Colts part three, neutral site could be really interesting.

17. Pontiac 11-8: Phoenix have to go through Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at some point this postseason.

18. Ferndale University 9-10: Eagles looking at Hazel Park before Warren Lincoln looms.

19. Oak Park 5-9: Knights looking at Southfield Arts and Tech if they win Birmingham Brother Rice looms.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech 6-14: Warriors looking at Oak Park if they win Birmingham Brother Rice looms.

21. Seaholm 2-17: Maples could make amends in the postseason.

22. Berkley 4-15: Bears have a tough stretch looming.

23. Harper Woods 3-13: Pioneers looking at Eastpointe before seeing Center Line if they win.

 

Girls

1. Clarkston 13-6: Wolves depth being displayed as we speak.

2. Rochester 15-3: Alice Max has really carried the Falcons to the White crown.

3. Avondale 15-3: Amaria Daniel has been playing really good basketball lately.

4. Stoney Creek 12-5: Cougars need to put Clarkston loss behind them and move on.

5. West Bloomfield 11-7: Lakers bouncing back after a tough one to Stoney Creek.

6. Lake Orion 11-9: Dragons need a break after a rough week.

7. Oxford 6-13: Wildcats playing hard despite record.

8. Southfield Arts and Tech 11-7: Warriors have not been consistent lately.

9. Berkley 12-7: Bears looking forward to the postseason.

10. Ferndale 6-12: Eagles balance is the key if they want to make a run.

11. Seaholm 11-8: Maples are 2-6 since their loss to Rochester on January 23rd, not good.

12. Bloomfield Hills 7-9: Brianna Young has been playing well lately.

13. Groves 5-12: Harlem Simpson is the real deal enough said.

14. Royal Oak 8-9: Ravens are a Jekyll and Hyde right now.

15. Troy 6-11: Colts have been a Jekyll and Hyde lately.

16. Harper Woods 7-7: Pioneers starting to bounce back after rough start.

17. Adams 7-10: Highlanders injuries starting to catch up on them.

18. Troy Athens 7-11: Red Hawks have been competitive.

19. Farmington 7-11: Falcons well on their way to win the Gold.

20. North Farmington 5-12: 20 point win over Hazel Park is a start.

21. Pontiac 8-5: Phoenix getting ready for the postseason.

22. Ferndale University 7-7: It wasn’t a good week for the Eagles.

23. Oak Park 0-11: 18 points in two games is not a good sign.