Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

Written Sunday October 27th at 11:10 AM

These are the updated volleyball districts.

This article will be updated often with the most updated information

District 23 @ Farmington Hills Mercy

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH/FARMINGTON vs Farmington Hills Mercy

 

OAK PARK vs Detroit Mumford

OAK PARK/Detroit Mumford vs Detroit Renaissance

 

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: Detroit Renaissance

DARKHORSE: Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district on paper. Farmington Hills Mercy has a ton of proven talent and is well coached under Loretta Vogel. The Marlins always have found a way to reload really quickly despite losing proven talent to college and they have a Miss Volleyball finalist in Campbell Flynn. Detroit Renaissance has athletes and could be competitive. Farmington should be much improved for new coach Dan Englehardt. Southfield Arts and Tech has been up and down for new coach Rachel Watson. Oak Park could struggle this season for Coach Dameminee Goodlow. Overall this doesn’t look as strong as mentioned on paper, this looks like this is the Marlins district to lose.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I really don’t see anyone in this district touching Farmington Hills Mercy. They have home court, well coached, and proven talented college bound athletes.

 

District 25 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Walled Lake Northern

WEST BLOOMFIELD/Walled Lake Northern vs South Lyon

Walled Lake Central vs Walled Lake Western

Walled Lake Central/Walled Lake Western vs Lakeland

 

FAVORITE: South Lyon

NEXT: Lakeland

DARKHORSE:Walled Lake Central

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with a ton of proven teams. West Bloomfield will be an honorary member of the Lakes Valley Conference as they head into White Lake. The Lakers have a solid team for new Coach Elizabeth Ferguson. Walled Lake Northern has been solid along with Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western. South Lyon has been up and coming. Lakeland has been a standard bearer and has home court. This could be a very interesting district as mentioned.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I’m really impressed with South Lyon with the way they have been playing all season. I think they have a good chance to win this district. I’ve been very disappointed with West Bloomfield. This will be a really tall task for the Lakers in this district. I see a Lions vs Eagles district final in White Lake.

 

District 26 @ Holly

OXFORD vs Waterford Mott

OXFORD/Waterford Mott vs CLARKSTON

Holly vs Waterford Kettering

Holly/Waterford Kettering vs LAKE ORION

 

FAVORITE: Clarkston

NEXT: Lake Orion

DARKHORSE: Oxford

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a really interesting district. Clarkston and Lake Orion really stand out in this district. The Wolves were in the Final Four the last two years. They are also well coached under Coach Alison Smith. The Dragons are well coached and have a nice group of young and experience under Coach Tony Scavarda. Oxford has been up and down as of late but they are well coached under Coach Noelle Zebb. Holly has been a consistent power in the Flint Metro League, they are well coached under Coach Cortney Stack. Waterford Kettering has had some really rough years but have improved under Coach Savannah Hewett. Waterford Mott really struggled last season. The Corsairs should have a rebound year for Coach Beth MacVicar. Overall this looks like it should be a very interesting district especially with two proven State powers in this district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This district looks like it will be Clarkston vs Lake Orion in the district finals. The Wolves won in four over the Dragons. Lake Orion has been really hard to trust as of late. Got to give the edge to Clarkston in this district.

 

District 27 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER vs STONEY CREEK

ROCHESTER/STONEY CREEK vs Orchard Lake St. Marys

AVONDALE vs ADAMS

AVONDALE/ADAMS vs BLOOMFIELD HILLS

 

FAVORITE: Orchard Lake St. Marys

NEXT: Bloomfield Hills

DARKHORSE: Adams

EARLY THOUGHTS: This district is what in soccer terms is considered the “group of death.” These six teams are really proven programs. Orchard Lake St. Marys is well coached under Coach Molly Campbell. Adams has a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program and her track record has been very successful. Stoney Creek has had a ton of success under Coach Ross Talbott. Rochester has been rapidly improving under Coach Kirk Gibbs. Bloomfield Hills has really improved under Coach Jacob Paige. Avondale has been up and down under Coach Andrew Stepp. This should be a really interesting district, whoever gets hot at the right time should win this very competitive district.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: This really hasn’t changed when it comes to the group of death in soccer terms. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the favorite with Bloomfield Hills right there in the mix. Adams is the wildcard after they have been a funk as of late. Rochester and Stoney Creek are both solid teams but they both have tough roads if they want to make noise. This will be a battle harden district.

 

District 28 @ Berkley

GROVES vs ROYAL OAK

GROVES/ROYAL OAK vs Birmingham Marian

SEAHOLM vs BERKLEY

SEAHOLM/BERKLEY vs NORTH FARMINGTON

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Groves

DARKHORSE: Berkley

EARLY THOUGHTS: Birmingham Marian have been the defending Division One State Champs the last two years. They have a ton of proven experience coming back for Coach Mayssa Cook. Berkley has been very competitive and will be again under Coach Dakota Stainchuk. Royal Oak has been very competitive and should be again for Coach Ciara Schultz. North Farmington will always be in the mix for Coach Michael Love. Seaholm will always be formidable but they need to find it under Coach Derrick Williams. Groves has been up and coming under Coach Madison Close. Overall this district looks weak on paper but it will be very interesting to see how this district goes on Catalpa Drive.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: North Farmington has been up and down this season. It has been a surprise that both Birmingham schools have struggled. Berkley is the wildcard with home field but seriously I don’t see how any of the OAA teams can beat Birmingham Marian in this district. The Mustangs are loaded with proven talent and well coached.

 

District 31 @ Utica Eisenhower

TROY vs Utica Ford II

TROY/Utica Ford II vs Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson vs Utica

Sterling Heights Stevenson/Utica vs TROY ATHENS

 

FAVORITE: Utica Eisenhower

NEXT: Troy

DARKHORSE: Troy Athens

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping to be a really interesting district that is wide open. Troy Athens has been very proven under Coach Mary Kate Zinn. Troy has been very good and really consistent for Coach Tom Vigilant. Utica Eisenhower is well coached and has proven experience for Coach Caitlin Mahoney. Utica Ford II is well coached under Coach Randy Schantz. Utica has been very consistent under Coach Jeff Pratt. Overall the Eagles have to be the favorite because of home court but the Colts have been here before.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: It has been a very interesting season. The Colts have underperformed this season which is surprising. The Red Hawks have had a strong season but having home court helps Utica Eisenhower in this district. I think the Eagles move on.

 

District 54 @ Detroit Henry Ford

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY vs Detroit Jalen Rose Academy

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY/Detroit Jalen Rose Academy vs Detroit Lincoln King Academy

Detroit Henry Ford vs Detroit Old Redford

Detroit Henry Ford/Detroit Old Redford vs FERNDALE

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale

NEXT: Detroit Lincoln King Academy

DARKHORSE: Ferndale University

EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a really interesting district especially if the district final is between Ferndale and Ferndale University which could happen. I’m not sold on the four Detroit teams, they could really struggle and they won’t play the competition as both Eagles teams are going to be. Ferndale University is well coached under Coach Kenton Maki while Ferndale has a new coach in Andrea Phillips taking over the program where they always have athletes. This should be a very interesting district to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I was really impressed with Detroit Lincoln King Academy. The Eagles have performed well this season. Ferndale University could give them some fits in the district semifinals. I like where Ferndale is at. They could make some noise and I’ve favored them since June. This should be a very interesting district in Detroit.

 

District 57 @ St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe vs St. Clair Shores South Lake

Eastpointe/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs HARPER WOODS

Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy vs Warren Lincoln

FAVORITE: Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy

NEXT: Harper Woods

DARKHORSE: St. Clair Shores South Lake

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. St. Clair Shores South Lake has been very strong in volleyball but Harper Woods could have a say. The Pioneers are well coached under Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk. Eastpointe has had some struggles along with Harper Woods Chandler Park. Warren Lincoln is the wildcard, the Abes could make some noise in this district. Overall this is not a strong district but the Cavaliers and Pioneers look to be the teams to watch.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: I could have thought more about this district over but Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy has impressed me. Harper Woods has had a solid season as well but they could have some trouble with the hosts from St. Clair Shores South Lake. Whoever wins that matchup should have an interesting matchup with Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy.

 

District 59 @ Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

PONTIAC vs Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

PONTIAC/Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood vs Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

 

Birmingham Detroit Country Day vs Waterford Oakdale Prep

 

FAVORITE: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

NEXT: Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DARKHORSE: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a really interesting district. Pontiac came to Division Two this offseason and is looking for a new coach. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep is determined to get to Battle Creek for Coach and Athletic Director Becky Wroubel. Birmingham Detroit Country Day was up and down last season but they have been a powerhouse in the past for Coach Kim Lockhart. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood really struggled last season and will look to have a bounce back district for Coach Rachel Zawodny. Waterford Oakdale Prep is a new school and a lot of questions remain for them heading into the season. Overall this should be a two team district but you never know.

UPDATED THOUGHTS: Like I said no changes from the early thoughts other than most likely seeing a Pontiac Notre Dame Prep vs Birmingham Detroit Country Day district final which should be a very interesting distict final.

My podcast-Volleyball districts are the third segment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W5E9XcbKf0

 

MHSAA Volleyball districts

https://my.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Volleyball/2024-Districts

Volleyball Updated Districts-2024

The Sammy Postseason Projections

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

The Sammy Postseason Projections.

Written Saturday October 26th at 3:35 PM

Updated Sunday October 27th at 8:50 AM

These are the updated postseason projections. These AREN’T the official postseason projections. I’m sure Snooze2You and GoosePoop will have different projections than me. I based them on where each team is located based on postseason points with the recent MHSAA playoff point summary from Division’s One through Four.

This will be updated very often. So here we go.

Division Four

Sammy 1.

Ludington at Big Rapids

Whitehall at Forest Hills Eastern

 

Hamilton at Unity Christian

Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian

Lansing Sexton at Portland

Ionia at Hastings

Edwardsburg at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Paw Paw at Niles

Brandon at Goodrich

Lake Fenton at Freeland

Croswell-Lexington at Marysville

St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North

Pinckney at Chelsea

Parma Western at Haslett

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union

 

Sammy 2.

Ludington at Big Rapids

Whitehall at Freeland

Hamilton at Unity Christian

Holland Christian at Grand Rapids South Christian

Lansing Sexton at Portland

Ionia at Forest Hills Eastern

Edwardsburg at Niles

Hastings at Paw Paw

Brandon at Goodrich

Lake Fenton at Haslett

Croswell-Lexington at Marysville

St. Clair at Macomb Lutheran North

Pinckney at Chelsea

Parma Western at Battle Creek Harper Creek

Dearborn Divine Child at Madison Heights Lamphere

HARPER WOODS at Redford Union

Division Three

Sammy 1.

Cadillac at Petoskey

Coopersville at Cedar Springs

 

Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph

Zeeland East at Zeeland West

East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central

Kenowa Hills at Lowell

Jackson at DeWitt

St. Johns at Mason

Bay City John Glenn at Fenton

Linden at Mount Pleasent

Garden City at Walled Lake Western

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE

 

Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King

Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron

River Rouge at Southgate

Riverview at Trenton

 

Sammy 2.(Snooze Map)

Bay City John Glenn at Petoskey

Cadillac at Mount Pleasant

St. Johns at DeWitt

Cedar Springs at Lowell

East Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Central

Kenowa Hills at Coopersville

Stevensville Lakeshore at St. Joseph

Zeeland East at Zeeland West

Jackson at Mason

Linden at Fenton

 

Garden City at Walled Lake Western

Redford Thurston at AVONDALE

 

Warren Fitzgerald at Detroit Martin Luther King

Grosse Pointe North at Port Huron

River Rouge at Southgate

Riverview at Trenton

 

 

Division Two

Sammy 1.

Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores

Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center

Portage Northern at Portage Central

Lansing Everett at Mattawan

Flushing at Midland

Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage

Lakeland at Dexter

Milford at East Lansing

South Lyon East at NORTH FARMINGTON

Orchard Lake St. Marys at FARMINGTON

FERNDALE at GROVES

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM

Roseville at Grosse Pointe South

Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern

Temperance Bedford at Gibraltar Carlson

Livonia Franklin at Allen Park

 

Sammy 2.

Traverse City West at Muskegon Mona Shores

Grand Rapids Northview at Byron Center

Portage Northern at Portage Central

Lansing Everett at Mattawan

Flushing at Midland

Midland Dow at Saginaw Heritage

 

South Lyon East at East Lansing

Lakeland at Milford

 

Temperance Bedford at Dexter

Allen Park at Gilbratar Carlson

 

Orchard Lake St. Marys at NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON at Livonia Franklin

 

FERNDALE at GROVES

Warren Mott at SEAHOLM

Roseville at Grosse Pointe South

Warren De LaSalle at Port Huron Northern

 

 

Division One

Sammy 1.

Kalamazoo Central at Hudsonville

East Kentwood at Grandville

Grand Ledge at Howell

Rockford at Brighton

Lapeer at Grand Blanc

CLARKSTON at Davison

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS

OXFORD at LAKE ORION

Utica at Macomb Dakota

Romeo at Utica Eisenhower

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Detroit Cass Tech

Dearborn at Dearborn Fordson

Livonia Stevenson at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi

Ann Arbor Pioneer at Belleville

Saline at Northville

 

Sammy 2.

East Kentwood at Hudsonville

Grandville at Rockford

 

Kalamazoo Central at Howell

Grand Ledge at Brighton

WEST BLOOMFIELD at Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Novi at CLARKSTON

Livonia Stevenson at Northville

Ann Arbor Pioneer at Saline

Lapeer at Grand Blanc

OXFORD at Davison

STONEY CREEK at ADAMS

Romeo at LAKE ORION

Utica at Macomb Dakota

Sterling Heights Stevenson at Utica Eisenhower

Dearborn at Belleville

Dearborn Fordson at Detroit Cass Tech

First day of early voting in Michigan smashes expectations

First day of early voting in Michigan smashes expectations

by | Oct 28, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 26, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

First day of statewide early voting in Michigan smashes expectations

More than 145,000 Michigan voters cast ballots at their early voting site on Day One

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today announced that 145,134 Michigan voters cast their vote on the state’s first day of early voting, far exceeding the expectations of state and local election officials. At least 12 early voting sites had more than 1,000 voters cast ballots today.

 

“I’m thrilled to see so many enthusiastic Michigan citizens turning out all across the state in record numbers to make their voices heard,” Secretary Benson said. “We’re starting a new tradition of early voting here in Michigan, so we don’t just have Election Day, we have Election Days, and options that let you decide what’s most convenient for you. There’s still time to get out and vote – vote from home and return your ballot to your clerk’s ballot drop box, vote early any day between now and Sunday, November 3, or come cast your vote on Election Day. No matter which you choose, your vote is secure, and the results will reflect the will of the people.”

 

In 2022, Michigan voters overwhelmingly passed an amendment to the state constitution expanding voting rights, including a minimum of nine days of early in-person voting. This is the first general election that Michigan voters have the option to vote at an in-person early voting site. As part of the implementing legislation, clerks can offer up to 28 days of early voting in their communities. The City of Detroit started early voting on Oct. 19 and both the City of East Lansing and Canton Township (Wayne County) began Oct. 21.

 

Voters can find the location and hours of operation of their early voting site at Michigian.gov/EarlyVoting.

 

Eligible Michigan citizens can still register to vote in person up to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5 with proof of residency at their city or township clerk’s office. Voters can register and cast a ballot on the same day. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Vote.

 

Absentee and early voting statistics are updated daily and publicly available at Michigan.gov/VotingDashboard.
Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force holds first meeting

Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force holds first meeting

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 22, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force holds first meeting
Members begin work to address gun violence, reduce firearm-related deaths, injuries

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force held its first meeting Monday, Oct. 21, to begin work outlined in Executive Order 2024-4, signed earlier this year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Members appointed to the task force have been charged with identifying root causes of gun violence, compiling and reporting relevant data, maximizing existing resources, soliciting perspectives from diverse community partners and recommending policies to save lives across the state.

The task force is housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and its membership reflects a wide range of community partners, including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, academic researchers and more.

“Gun violence is the leading cause of death in children in our state and across the country–now is the time to address gun violence as a public health issue, and Michigan families deserve to feel safe whether they are at work, school or walking down the street,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive and chair of the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “This task force is undertaking the important work of helping bring solutions to light that will save lives and prevent needless tragedies.”

Governor Whitmer established the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in June to continue her administration’s efforts to address firearm-related injuries and deaths in Michigan. In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed into law the most comprehensive firearm injury prevention policies in more than 30 years, including:

  • In April 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation establishing universal background checks for all firearm purchases and safe storage requirements for firearms when minors are around.
  • In May 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation which established extreme risk protection orders, so police officers, health care professionals and family

 

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force members

The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force hosted its first meeting Monday, Oct. 21, as it began its work to address gun violence and reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries.

members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms.

  • In November 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation banning those convicted of domestic violence from buying, owning or transporting firearms for eight years after sentencing, helping ensure that violent criminals cannot harm others and that survivors of domestic violence are protected from further violence.

“I am excited to be a part of addressing and finding potential solutions for the pandemic that is gun violence,” said Task Force member Kym Worthy, Wayne County prosecutor. “As the elected prosecutor for Michigan’s largest county I especially want this Task Force to address the lack of support and other services for the forgotten victims and survivors of gun violence, the very real and prominent racial and other disparities, the primary and secondary trauma of gun violence, how gun violence has been politicized leading to the stoppage of real and common sense solutions, the deep divide between those affected by gun violence, the collection of real Michigan data, and the many other issues that must be parsed by this group in order to achieve levels of success.”

“I, like most Americans, have experienced tragedy and loss due to firearm violence. These tragedies are preventable, and I have dedicated my career to conducting unbiased, rigorous research to identify effective ways to prevent firearm violence,” said Task Force member April Zeoli, policy director at the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and faculty at the U-M School of Public Health. “The Governor’s Task Force brings together experts from many fields to work on real strategies that will reduce the number of firearm injuries and deaths in the state of Michigan. This is important work, and I am excited to get started.”

“Governor Whitmer’s administration has emerged as a beacon of defiance against the relentless scourge of gun violence,” said Task Force member Alia Harvey-Quinn, Founder and Executive Director of FORCE Detroit. “FORCE Detroit stands with the governor, as she fights with us and others to forge a freer, safer Michigan with the creation of a Gun Violence Task Force laser-focused on prevention. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) isn’t just a plan—it’s an evidence-backed solution that cuts through political bipartisanship and saves lives. Backing CVI programs means empowering frontline staff, like our team at FORCE Detroit, who grind day and night to reduce gun violence in Michigan communities.”
Michigan sees record-breaking early voting turnout

Michigan sees record-breaking early voting turnout

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 22, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Michigan sees record-breaking early voting turnout with two weeks to go before the General Election

More than 1.1 million absentee ballots have been cast statewide

LANSING, Mich – With two weeks until Michigan’s Nov. 5 General Election, more than 1.15 million Michigan voters – almost 16% of the state’s active registered voters – have already cast their ballot. A total of 5,100 Michiganders voted at an in-person early voting site, including a record-breaking 2,504 voters in Detroit the first weekend, and over 1.14 million Michigan voters have submitted an absentee ballot to be tabulated.

 

The City of Detroit was the first jurisdiction in the state to start early voting for the General Election, kicking off on Saturday, Oct. 19. On that first day, 1,888 Detroit voters cast a ballot, an almost 10-fold increase from the 266 Detroit voters who voted on the first day of early voting for the Primary Election. The City of East Lansing and Canton Township began early voting on Monday, Oct. 21, with first-day turnout of 115 (East Lansing) and 981 (Canton Township) voters. Early voting will kick off statewide this Saturday, Oct. 26 for all voters. Learn more at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

 

As of today, a total of 2,268,186 Michigan citizens have requested an absentee ballot or received a ballot after joining the permanent absentee ballot list. So far, 1,147,041 voters have returned their completed absentee ballot to be counted – a 51% return rate. A jurisdiction breakdown is available online.

 

 

14 days before General Election

(Oct. 22, 2024)

14 days before General Election

(Oct. 20, 2020)

Number of absentee ballot applications received

2,268,186

2,999,411

Number of absentee ballots returned

1,147,041

1,563,423

 

Current absentee ballot request and return rates along with early voting totals are now available at Michigan.gov/VotingDashboard. Data is updated daily on the dashboard.

 

Eligible residents who still need to register to vote in the General Election must now do so in person. Under Michigan law, online and mail registration is not permitted within 14 days of an election. Those registering in person may request, complete, and submit an absentee ballot in the same visit to their clerk’s office. Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for clerk office locations and hours.

 

To avoid postal delays, voters with an absentee ballot should hand deliver the ballot in its signed and sealed envelope to their local clerk’s office or secure ballot drop box. Voters can also bring their absentee ballot to an early voting site before Election Day.

 

To cast a ballot in person, voters can go to an early voting site in their jurisdiction or to their polling place on Election Day, Nov. 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting for the General Election begins for the rest of the jurisdictions in the state on Saturday, Oct. 26. and ends in all jurisdictions Sunday, Nov. 3. Visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting to find the days, hours, and locations where early voting sites are operating in your community.

 

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for more information about elections and voting in Michigan.
$5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects

$5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects

by | Oct 17, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

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.”