by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
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– DNR News –
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Oct. 2, 2020
Contact: Lt. Gerald Thayer, 269-685-6851
Father-son duo help conservation officer rescue missing Muskegon woman lost in the woods
 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jackie Miskovich may have been the first emergency responder to locate a missing 35-year-old Muskegon woman Thursday evening in Muskegon County.
But Miskovich credits two Ravenna men – Brett Postema, 25, and his father, Michael Postema, 50 – for the rescue.
The woman, whose name was not released, became lost after she went for a walk Tuesday night, fell down a hill and was unable to find her way out of the woods. She had been reported missing earlier in the day Thursday.
“Within 90 minutes of arriving on scene, Conservation Officer Miskovich, with the help of two local men, located this missing woman who spent two nights in the woods, experiencing hypothermia from rain and cold temperatures,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “I’m happy she was rescued before the situation became worse. Thank you, Michael and Brett Postema – you went above and beyond to help. Your instincts and knowledge of the area helped save a woman’s life.”
Brett Postema had been walking to a hunting spot in the Muskegon State Game Area Thursday when he thought he heard someone cry, “help me.”
He eventually heard the faint cry again.
Postema called a friend, who could also hear the calls for help in the background.
After calling 911, he headed back to the road where he told his story to an officer. Postema left felt uneasy after reporting the incident and drove to his father’s house to explain what had happened.
“I don’t have a good feeling about it,” Brett told his father. “We need to go back out there. If this was my sister stuck in the woods, I’d want someone to go back for her.” |
 Meanwhile, at about 5:30 p.m., Miskovich had received the call and met other emergency responders on N. Hilton Park Road, located north of White Road.
She and Muskegon County Sheriff’s Deputy Ed Vanas searched the area. They yelled into the woods, but nobody called back to them.
The Postemas drove back to the game area and returned to the ridge along the swamp where Brett had originally heard the voice. After about 10 minutes of shouting, both men heard the woman cry for help.
They called 911. Brett began running back into the woods to meet the officers, while Michael, up to his chest in the swamp, attempted to reach the woman.
After receiving the 911 call, Miskovich ran into the woods, down a steep hill towards the marsh, where she encountered Michael. Using the woman’s voice to guide them, Miskovich and Postema walked about 500-600 feet into the thick marsh and found the woman at the base of a tree.
She was alert and displaying signs of hypothermia. The woman said she had been, “stranded for days,” hurt her ankle and was unable to find her way out of the woods.
Miskovich and Michael carried the woman through the marsh, to the base of the hill, where they met fire and EMS personnel who put the woman in a rescue basket. They pulled her up the hill to an all-terrain emergency vehicle that drove her the remaining quarter-mile out of the woods. ProMed Ambulance transported the woman to the hospital.
“If it weren’t for Brett trusting his instinct, going back into the woods and contacting 911 a second time, I don’t know if we would have been able to find her,” Miskovich said.
Agencies assisting included the Egelston Township Fire Department, Moorland Township Fire Department and Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. These officers undergo extensive search and rescue training to locate missing persons and have specialized equipment to navigate rural and difficult terrain. |
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Miskovich: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jackie Miskovich has been with the DNR Law Enforcement Division since July 2018 and patrols in Muskegon County.
Postema-Michael-Brett: Michael Postema, 50, and Brett Postema, 25, from Ravenna, contacted 911 and helped locate a missing Muskegon woman on Thursday. Brett heard the woman crying for help while he was walking through the Muskegon State Game Area to go bow hunting. (Photo courtesy of Michael Postema)/ |
| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Gov. Whitmer signs proclamation making October Michigan Cybersecurity Awareness Month
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October 2020 as Michigan Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage state residents, businesses, financial institutions, schools, and others to take the steps necessary to stop cyber criminals. Last year in Michigan there were over 6,000 victims of cybercrime, costing Michiganders almost $36 million.
“Michigan residents, businesses, schools, and organizations are more active online in 2020 than ever before,” Whitmer said. “It is up to all of us to become more aware about the tactics cyber criminals use and the ways we can protect ourselves from becoming a victim of cybercrime.”
2020 marks the 10th straight year Michigan has recognized October as Michigan Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To help increase understanding of good cyber hygiene, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan State Police (MSP) will be educating Michiganders on ways to remain safe and secure online throughout the month of October.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has given cyber criminals more opportunities to step-up their activities,” said State Chief Information Officer Brom Stibitz. “We all need to be more vigilant about securing our web-based interactions by taking some simple steps such as creating strong passwords and changing them regularly. As individuals, we are our fist line of defense against cybercrime.”
Michigan will also participate in the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign, a national awareness effort from the National Cyber Security Alliance that aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and how the American public can be safe and secure online. The theme for this year’s campaign, which was announced earlier this year, is Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.
“With society’s reliance on connected devices in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, cybercrime can pose a very real threat to us all,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “It’s important that individuals and businesses take measures to protect themselves and that law enforcement remains committed to staying current on this ever-evolving criminal landscape.”
For Michigan residents interested in learning more about how to protect themselves and their loved ones online, the Michigan Cyber Initiative website at michigan.gov/cybersecurity provides information ranging from how to practice proper cyber hygiene to learning about what to do and who to contact if you are a victim of a cybercrime.
On Oct. 7 and 8, the state will host the ninth annual North American International Cyber Summit in a virtual environment. The cyber summit highlights emerging trends in cybersecurity and shares best practices in policy, law, and all manners of public and private interests. Additional event information is available online at michigan.gov/cybersummit.
To view the proclamation, click the link below:
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Written by Sammy Taormina
Top Five Games:
Stoney Creek at Adams: The Cougars have been a scoring machine in their last three games. They have averaged 44.6 points per game in that span thanks to a loaded offensive line led by Austin Jordan, Kevar Ellis, and company. Running back Cameron Buford has also became a story along with quarterback Ryan Echout despite not having that go to wide receiver. Stoney Creek has allowed nine points per game in that stretch as well which poses challenges to anyone remaining on the schedule. This should be their biggest test of the season when they travel to Adams to take on a Highlanders team that despite their 1-2 record they have been very competitive losing both games by a combined four points. The Highlanders have been relying a lot on Parker Picot. Picot played at wide receiver last season. He is basically playing what Anthony Patritto did last season but playing different positions. Picot is in the secondary and is also playing quarterback. He scored twice for Adams in their 20-17 loss to Seaholm last week. The Cougars have only beaten the Highlanders once in their entire existence (2014) since becoming a school in 2002 and have never won at Adams. Could all of that change this season???
Troy at Ferndale: Both the Eagles and the Colts are coming off very bad losses last week with Ferndale losing 49-8 to Allen Park. Troy lost 26-0 to Berkley at home. This will be the first meeting between the schools since 1999 with the Colts holding a 15-1 overall record. Whoever wins this game will stay in the hunt for the Blue but right now both of these teams need to get back on the right track and quickly.
Berkley at Troy Athens: There are some interesting storylines when looking at this game. Billy Keenest coached at both schools for a time. He spent one season at Berkley before going back to Troy Athens to be the head coach of the Red Hawks. The Bears are back to the Chris Sikora days at 3-0 but this will be their biggest test going to John R Road to take on an experienced Troy Athens squad. The Red Hawks have had two tough losses to by a combined 13 points but they bounced back to beat Avondale 21-13 last week. Berkley beat Troy 26-0 behind the play of quarterback Ian Domzalski and wide receiver Liam Sarris. I’m watching the battle between the Bears line and Troy Athens running back Waides Ashmon, that’s the matchup to watch.
Seaholm at Groves: The Falcons had won six straight times against the Maples but that all changed last season in the district finals when Seaholm hammered Groves in Beverly Hills 42-7. Both teams stand at 2-1 and needing this game to keep pace with Stoney Creek in the White race. The Falcons need a three touchdown performance from quarterback Jack Woods. Woods scored twice from the air and once on the ground in their 36-26 victory over North Farmington. The Maples have a ton of experience led by Will McBride whom scored the winning score in their 20-17 win over Adams last week. The experience favors Seaholm in this game but history right now would favor Groves. This is shaping up to be a very interesting game.
Clarkston at Lake Orion: The Wolves look like they are back to their normal selves after a rough 3-6 year last season earning an emotional 24-21 overtime victory over West Bloomfield. Clarkston though has had a habit of slow starts. The Wolves are loaded up front led by Rocco Splindler, Garrett Dellinger, Cole Dellinger, Owen Foster, and Ben Hass. The play of quarterback Mike DePillo and running back Ethan Clark has been huge as well for Clarkston. They both had 100 yard rushing performances against West Bloomfield last week. The Wolves said they were the underdogs last week against the Lakers, let’s see how they respond being the favorites against a Dragons squad that really struggled to find any offense last week despite winning 7-6 over Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Lake Orion fumbled the football three times in that game but their defense played well. The defense is the reason why the Dragons stand at 2-0 on the season. This should be a very interesting game at Lake Orion.
by Becky Andrus | Oct 1, 2020 | Uncategorized
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 1, 2020
CONTACT: James Fults, MDOT Workforce Programs and Recruitment Unit Manager, 517-230-8004, [email protected]
MDOT is hiring!
Learn more at Oct. 6 virtual career fair
Fast facts:
October 1, 2020 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting a virtual career fair 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, to help fill a number of seasonal and permanent positions.
MDOT has partnered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to give prospective candidates a chance to engage with MDOT staff, ask questions, and learn about current and future career opportunities through chat and video conversations.
The department is currently in need of more than 100 limited-term, winter maintenance workers in all regions of the state. The minimum requirement for these positions is a valid Michigan Class B CDL. All other training will be provided. This is a great entry point into the department and could lead to future full-time opportunities.
Other available positions include electricians, internships (including veterans, engineering, and Transportation Diversity Recruitment Program positions), transportation engineers, transportation maintenance workers (seasonal and full-time), transportation planners, transportation technicians, and other skilled trades and professional positions.
Interested candidates are encouraged to look over current positions as new ones are being posted each day at www.Michigan.gov/MDOTJobs. The virtual career fair is open to all experience levels. Hiring requirements are based upon the individual position.
For more information, contact MDOT Workforce Programs and Recruitment Unit Manager James Fults at [email protected].
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 1, 2020 | Uncategorized
Gov. Whitmer Urges Families to Practice Safety During Fire Prevention Month in October
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month in an effort to help spread the message of fire safety, protect Michigan residents, and save lives.
“It is important for Michigan residents to recognize that fires can impact anyone, and we must all take action to protect ourselves and our families,” said Governor Whitmer. “With these practical and essential preventive measures, people can help avoid fires in their homes and also be better prepared if a fire does occur.”
Based on fatal fire data collected by MI Prevention – a statewide community risk reduction effort led by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) in collaboration with the State Fire Marshal and Michigan’s fire safety organizations – most of Michigan’s fire deaths happen overnight, with 50% of fire deaths resulting from fires that started in the living room, 17% of fires that started in the kitchen, and 16% of fires that started in bedrooms.
“It is critical for each of us to practice fire safety in our home with our entire family, including our children,” said Orlene Hawks, Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “Create a fire escape plan and practice it often as a family – it is a simple thing to do and it can save the lives of the people we love.”
LARA has created several public service announcements to help spread the word in how to best prevent fires:
“Having working smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of your home, including closing your bedroom doors when you are sleeping are the best defenses against fast-moving fires and can cut a family’s risk in half from dying in a home fire,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer.
The Governor along with Director Hawks, Fire Marshal Sehlmeyer, and the members of MI Prevention ask Michiganders to check the smoke alarms of their elderly family members to help identify fire hazards in their home and correct them. It is also important to be cautious while smoking, as 51% of the fire deaths in Michigan since 2017 have involved careless smoking.
In order to make your home more fire-safe, MI Prevention offers the following tips:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside every sleeping area.
- Check the alarm by pushing the test button every month.
- Never smoke in bed; keep lighters and cigarettes away from children.
- Never leave lit candles unattended; place them in sturdy holders on uncluttered surfaces, keeping them at least one foot away from anything that can burn, including curtains, bedding, furniture, and carpeting.
- Have fireplaces, chimneys, wood stoves, and coal stoves inspected annually by a professional – and cleaned if necessary.
- Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended.
- Use caution when using space heaters; never leave them unattended, keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and place them on a hard-nonflammable surface, like a ceramic tile floor.
- Replace frayed extension cords; do not overload extension cords.
- Never overload electrical outlets; plug only one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
- Major appliances should not be plugged in using extension cords or plug strips; plug appliances and space heaters directly into the wall electrical outlet.
- Keep clothes and other items three feet away from gas water heaters.
- Clean the dryer lint screen after each load – lint is extremely flammable.
- Have fire extinguishers in the home and know how to use them.
- Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are not blocked by furniture or clutter.
- Sleep with your bedroom door closed with a smoke alarm in your bedroom; this can save lives by reducing toxic smoke levels and slowing down the spread of fire and smoke into bedrooms.
- If you need to escape out a window, close the door between you and the fire before opening the window to escape as a closed door slows down the spread of fire and smoke as you escape.
This year’s National Fire Protection Association theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” It is imperative to never leave cooking unattended and to keep the stove and burners clean and free of grease to avoid the potential for a small kitchen fire that can get out of hand quickly. To learn more about MI Prevention please go to www.michigan.gov/miprevention.
LARA and its Bureau of Fire Services will also be joining the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in recognizing Fire Prevention week October 4-11, 2020. MI Prevention will provide daily social messaging and educational material available to all 1,114 fire departments and the public to prevent fires and lower fire deaths in accidental dwelling fires during the entire month of October.
The NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, making it the longest-running public health and safety observance on record. For more information about preventing fires and staying safe, go to the NFPA official Fire Prevention Week website at www.firepreventionweek.org.
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by Becky Andrus | Sep 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, [email protected]
Bridge replacement work requires closing portion of
I-75 in Detroit this weekend
Fast facts:
– MDOT is replacing the Milwaukee Street overpass above I-75.
– Installing bridge beams requires a weekend closure of I-75 between I-94 and M-8 (Davison Freeway) starting at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
– Both directions of I-75 will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5.
September 30, 2020 — Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contract crews are replacing the Milwaukee Street overpass above I-75 in Detroit, and this project will hit another milestone this weekend when crews install new bridge beams. To accomplish this, both directions of I-75 will be closed between I-94 and M-8 (Davison Freeway) starting at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct, 2. Both directions of I-75 will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct.5.
During the closure, the posted detour for northbound I-75 follows westbound I-94, northbound M-10 (Lodge Freeway), and eastbound M-8 back to northbound I-75. Southbound I-75 traffic will use westbound M-8 to southbound M-10, back to southbound I-75.
The following ramps will close starting at 8 p.m. on Friday:
– Eastbound and westbound M-8 to southbound I-75,
– Holbrook Avenue to southbound I-75,
– Clay Street to southbound I-75,
– Eastbound and westbound I-94 to northbound I-75, and
– Warren Avenue to northbound I-75.
All ramps will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5. |
