Coulter Sets Bar High For Net Zero Greenhouse Emissions

Coulter Sets Bar High For Net Zero Greenhouse Emissions

by | Mar 19, 2021 | Uncategorized

Coulter Sets Bar High In Oakland County For Net Zero Greenhouse Emissions

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has a bold vision to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To reach that goal, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration has asked the Board of Commissioners to approve the creation of a campus-wide sustainability plan as well as a new executive office role of chief sustainability officer.

“Oakland County has a quality of life that endures because of its 1,450 lakes, 138 miles of trails, 90,000 acres of parks, and headwaters of five watersheds that flow throughout Southeast Michigan,” Coulter said. “We have a responsibility to address climate change so future generations can enjoy better public health, a stronger economy, and our beautiful natural resources.”

Through a competitive bidding process, Oakland County has selected AECOM to cultivate the sustainability plan. The company has led the development of over 30 city and county resilience plans around the globe. It will team up with Thomas Consulting Group and Eminence Partners to assist in this large and comprehensive project.

“The primary goals of this plan are to assess where Oakland County is in our environmental sustainability efforts and focus on areas of improvement and resources,” Deputy County Executive April Lynch said. “The focus will include ensuring we have a strong plan moving forward that can be in tandem with our capital improvement planning and adjustments in our operations.”

The sustainability plan will focus on four areas: campus operations, emissions and energy, nature and ecosystems, and health and well-being. A parallel goal will be to help local communities as they develop their own plans to protect the environment.

To oversee the creation and implementation of Oakland County’s sustainability plan, county executive administration has asked the board of commissioners to use a vacated position for the chief sustainability officer. This person will serve as a strategic advisor to the county executive on environmental sustainability initiatives, develop the county’s sustainability initiatives, and lead the countywide climate action plan. The base pay will be $129,817.

“We are committed to addressing climate change, and these actions show that the board and county executive are moving swiftly to protect our environment,” Commissioner Gwen Markham of Novi said. “The new sustainability officer will bring together all aspects of sustainability across our parks, operations and future planning, and the energy audit and sustainability plan will deliver changes we can make to reduce the county campus’s carbon footprint.”

“The creation of the chief sustainability officer position is critical and will be an important new role at the county,” Commissioner Kristen Nelson of Waterford said. “Having a green initiative expert join our team is a bold step forward in our commitment to climate protection, and it is key to executing Oakland County’s sustainability initiatives and countywide climate action plan.”

The sustainability plan will begin in April of 2021 with background research, stakeholder engagement, and a sustainability asset management study. The county expects to have the final sustainability plan developed by spring of 2022. The total cost to create the plan is $575,000.

Board of Commissioner committees have approved the county sustainability plan and the chief sustainability officer position. The full board will vote on both on Thursday, March 25.

COVID-19 variant B.1.351 identified in Jackson County

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Uncategorized

MDHHS identifies first Michigan case of new COVID-19 variant B.1.351 in Jackson County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The first Michigan case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.351 was identified in a male child living in Jackson County by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories today. Case investigation is currently underway to determine close contacts and if there are additional cases associated with this case.

Originally detected in early October 2020 in South Africa, B.1.351 shares some mutations with B.1.1.7. Cases caused by this variant were reported in the United States at the end of January 2021. B.1.351 is believed to be more contagious, but there has been no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the United States for months. Scientists are still evaluating how well COVID-19 vaccines work against this new variant.

However, a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. To date, the virus has been identified in at least 20 other states and jurisdictions in the U.S. This is the only known case in Michigan at this time, however it is possible that there are more that have not been identified.

“We are concerned about the discovery of another variant in Michigan, although it was not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We continue to urge Michiganders to follow a research-based approach by wearing their masks properly, socially distancing, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often, and making a plan to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine once it is their turn. We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”

Based on available evidence, current tests can identify COVID-19 in these cases. The available COVID-19 vaccines also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of both identified variants in Michigan, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351. Michiganders should:

  • Get vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Wear a mask around others.
  • Stay six feet apart from others.
  • Wash hands often.
  • Ventilate indoor spaces.

Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. MDHHS’s Bureau of Laboratories is a national leader in whole genome sequencing for SARS-CoV-2. MDHHS identified the variant in this individual’s sample and will continue to conduct whole genome sequencing to quickly identify any variants of interest, including B.1.351.

Whole genome sequencing allows scientists to examine the genetic material of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Over the past 10 months, laboratories across Michigan have been submitting samples to the state public health laboratory for surveillance to help monitor the emergence of any variants of concern. MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories prioritizes additional specimens for whole genome sequencing when there is increased concern for a new variant of the virus, such as in people with a travel history to places where the variant is known to be circulating.

As of March 8, Michigan has also identified 516 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in 23 Michigan jurisdictions.

Information changes frequently regarding the outbreak and vaccine updates.  For the most current information check with the Jackson County Health Department webpage located at Jackson County Health Department COVID vaccine webpage or check us out on our Facebook page.   .

Jackson County vaccine updates are also available by calling the COVID Vaccine Information Line at 517-817-4469.

At this time, information is limited and changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Navy Ship Named in Honor of Local Korean War Veteran

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Regional News, Uncategorized

New Navy Ship Named in Honor of Local Korean War Veteran and Medal of Honor Recipient

Robert Simanek wearing medal​Farmington Hills, Michigan – Farmington Hills resident, Korean War veteran and Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient Robert Simanek, 90, is being further recognized for his bravery in combat by having a new U.S. Navy ship named in his honor.

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite recently announced the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Robert E. Simanek, has been ordered, noting it will carry on the Navy’s sacred mission to secure the sea lanes, stand by our allies, and protect the United States against all adversaries.

“Mr. Simanek, a long-time Oakland County resident, is the epitome of an American hero,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter.  “I’m in awe of his selfless act of bravery nearly 70 years ago and so happy for him and his family today.  Not only did he receive the Medal of Honor for his valor, but now a Navy vessel with his namesake will be supporting Marines across the globe.”

This ship is currently scheduled to be completed in 2024. Weighing 100,000 tons when fully loaded, the USS Robert E. Simanek will perform a variety of missions, including launching helicopters, small boats, unmanned surface vehicles, special operations, troop transportation and maintenance services.

“I didn’t think having a ship named after me would happen,” Simanek said. “I was tickled to death when I found out about it.”

Simanek was a 22-year old Private 1st Class in 1952, when his squad was ambushed by Chinese troops.  Already wounded by shrapnel, he threw himself onto a grenade to absorb the blast and save his fellow soldiers from injury or death. Somehow, he survived while sustaining serious leg wounds.  After a nearly year-long recovery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Simanek enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951.  He joined Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines in 1952 as a rifleman and radioman when needed.  The honor of having a ship named after him this year is but the latest recognition for service to his country.  In addition to the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart, he also was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars.

Expansion of MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants 

Expansion of MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants 

by | Mar 2, 2021 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2021
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Gov. Whitmer Announces Expansion of MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants 
New Grant Program Provides $2.5 Million for Specific Program Teachers

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks today announced the expansion of the MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants to include a new grant program for Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP), Head Start, adult education and young adult (ages 18-26) special education classroom teachers.

“The MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants are just a small token of our gratitude to educators for going above and beyond during the pandemic,” Governor Whitmer said. “When COVID-19 hit, teachers worked around the clock to quickly transform from in-person teaching to remote instruction to ensure that their students could continue learning. It is simply the right thing to do to expand these grants to include all specific program teachers across the state.”

The GRSP, Head Start, Adult Education and Young Adult Special Education Teacher COVID-19 Grant Program enables these specific program teachers to receive up to $500 for extra hours worked and costs incurred during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring.

A state budget appropriation signed by Governor Whitmer at the end of 2020 provides $2.5 million to make specific program teachers eligible to receive a MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grant, who were not eligible under previous programs.

“The Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants provide funds that our educators so richly deserve for their outstanding work during the pandemic,” said David Hecker, President of the American Federation of Teachers Michigan. “In addition to the money, these grants are a sincere showing of respect for our teachers and support staff, and what they do for Michigan’s students.”

 

Full-time and part-time GRSP, Head Start, adult education and young adult special education teachers in a school district or nonprofit nonpublic school classrooms during the 2019-2020 school year prior to moving to remote learning are eligible.

 

To receive up to $500, specific program teachers must have performed at least of 75% of their standard instruction workload in brick-and-mortar classrooms to moving to remote instruction on April 2, 2020.

 

“My staff has been working with school districts and other stakeholders to help ensure that all eligible teachers and support staff receive the MI Classroom Heroes Grants,” State Treasurer Eubanks said. “We will work urgently to ensure these specific program teachers receive their much-deserved grant payments.”

 

The state Treasury Department is working with the Michigan Department of Education, school entities and other education partners to implement MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants. Eligible specific program teachers should consult the school entity where they worked during the 2019-2020 school year to ensure they receive a grant.

 

Grant funding checks for the GRSP, Head Start, Adult Education and Young Adult Special Education Teacher COVID-19 Grant Program are anticipated to be sent directly from the state Treasury Department to teachers in June.

 

“Expanding the MI Classroom Heroes Grant to GSRP staff is a tremendous acknowledgement of the value of the work that they do every day,” said Scott Koenigsknecht, Deputy Superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education. “These educators are committed to helping our earliest learners develop the social emotional and academic skills that will help them be prepared to successfully enter kindergarten.  We appreciate them being recognized for the heroes that they are.”

 

Under the Teacher and Support Staff COVID-19 Grant Programs – the first two grant programs under the MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants umbrella – more than 138,000 K-12 teachers and support staff payments were sent MI Classroom Heroes Grants checks. More than $51 million is being distributed to eligible K-12 public school teachers and support staff and nonpublic school teachers.

 

For more information about MI Classroom Heroes COVID-19 Grants, go to www.Michigan.gov/MIClassroomHeroes.
MPSC to tackle issues of customer engagement

MPSC to tackle issues of customer engagement

by | Feb 19, 2021 | Uncategorized

MPSC initiatives to tackle issues of customer engagement, equity as state’s energy transition moves ahead amid pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   February 18, 2021

Media Contact: Matt Helms 517-284-8300
Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555
Michigan.gov/MPSC
Twitter

The Michigan Public Service Commission today launched new efforts focused on educating and engaging utility customers amid sweeping changes in the energy industry and ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Michigan is in the midst of a significant transition from large, central power plants to clean, distributed sources of energy, and active customer involvement will be critical to taking full advantage of the benefits of that shift,” said MPSC Commissioner Tremaine Phillips. “Today’s actions take the next steps in exploring how to best engage and educate customers, and ensure we do so equitably, so that all Michiganders benefit from the energy transition, while also considering the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on access and affordability for so many residents and businesses.”

In Case No. U-20959, the Commission established a Customer Education and Participation workgroup as part of Phase III of MI Power Grid, the MPSC’s multiyear initiative supported by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to maximize the benefits of the energy transition for residents and businesses. The workgroup will wrap in the customer data access section of the existing Data Access and Privacy workgroup. The goal of the workgroup is to examine the evolving role of utility customers as active and effective participants in Michigan’s energy system amid the transition and best practices for customer education and outreach.

That includes exploring the adoption of energy waste reduction and demand response programs, time-of-use rates and distributed energy resources that will be essential to ensuring the energy transition maximizes the benefits for all ratepayers while also ensuring the reliability of service. The workgroup will also address equitable access to energy programs and services, customer data access and privacy issues and ways to improve outreach. The order directs MPSC staff to file a report by Feb. 25, 2022, summarizing the workgroup’s efforts and providing recommendations for the Commission to consider.

In Case No. U-20757, the MPSC directed staff to convene an Energy Affordability and Accessibility Collaborative in coordination with the MPSC’s Energy Waste Reduction and Low-Income Workgroup to address recommendations in the Commission’s ongoing work on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, affordable energy bills, and issues related to data collection and communication and engagement. The order directed Staff to file an interim report on progress and recommendations by Dec. 17, 2021.

To look up cases from today’s meeting, access the MPSC’s E-Dockets filing system.

Watch recordings of MPSC meetings on its YouTube channel.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.Michigan.gov/MPSC, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs, or follow the Commission on Twitter.

DISCLAIMER: This document was prepared to aid the public’s understanding of certain matters before the Commission and is not intended to modify, supplement, or be a substitute for the Commission’s orders. The Commission’s orders are the official action of the Commission.

DNR: News Digest – Week of Feb. 15, 2021

DNR: News Digest – Week of Feb. 15, 2021

by | Feb 16, 2021 | Recreation, Uncategorized

Centennial banner

News Digest – Week of Feb. 15, 2021

hare

Wondering what the founding fathers ate? Check out the historic small game recipe below.
Some of this week’s stories may reflect the impact of COVID-19 and how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customers’ needs and protect public health and safety. We will continue to share news and information about the best ways to enjoy our state’s natural and cultural resources.

Follow our COVID-19 response page for FAQs and updates on access to facilities and programs. For public health guidelines and news, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories from the Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and additional ones, are available in this folder.

Eat like it’s 1742

hare & pheasantHave you ever wanted to eat like a founding father? Small game was common in the diet of early European colonists in North America and likely was something these early settlers were quite familiar with. A common recipe of the time was “jugged hare.” Jugging referred to the way the meat was cooked: sealed in a jug or pot that was placed in a pot of simmering water, usually for a long time – basically a low-tech crock pot!

So how would such a meal have been prepared? Most likely with some bacon, butter and seasonal spices. Adding a little fat helped with the cooking of these lean meats and fresh sprigs of spices like thyme, parsley, marjoram and rosemary added flavor. Want to make this tasty fare? Here’s a jugged hare recipe from the 1700s you can re-create in a 21st-century kitchen with rabbit, snowshoe hare or squirrel. If you don’t have a shilling coin, don’t worry; a quarter is about the same size.

Cut a Hare in pieces, but do not wash it; season it with half an onion shred very fine, a sprig of thyme, and a little parsley all shred, and beaten pepper and salt, as much as will lie on a shilling, half a nutmeg, and a little lemon-peel; strew all these over your hare, and slice half a pound of bacon into thin slices; then put your hare into a jug, a layer of hare, and the slices of bacon on it; so do till all is in the jug; stop the jug close that not any steam can go out; then put it in a pot of cold water, lay a tile on the top, and let it boil three hours; take the jug out of the kettle, and put half a pound of butter in it, and shake it together till the butter is melted; then pour it in your dish. Garnish with lemon. [from “The Compleat Housewife” by Eliza Smith, circa 1742].

What do you think? Does it take you back in time? Use your base hunting license this winter and try your hand at making jugged hare, rabbit or squirrel. We’d love to see your results! Share with us at Facebook.com/MichiganDNR.

Looking to learn more about small game hunting? Visit Michigan.gov/SmallGame or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Traveling soon? Don’t forget your recreation safety certificate

jet skiTaking an out-of-state hunting trip? Planning to rent a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski) on spring break? Don’t forget to take along a copy of your Michigan safety certificate, demonstrating your completion of an appropriate safety program.

Many states require this documentation before you can rent equipment or participate in a season. Misplaced your certificate? Don’t worry. If you’ve previously completed a Michigan hunter, bow, marine, ORV, snowmobile or trapper education course, you can request a duplicate safety certificate.

Requests can take seven to 10 business days to process and mail. These certificates cannot be emailed or faxed, and the DNR cannot provide certificate numbers over the phone. Recreation safety education courses are available to complete online from the comfort of your home and at your own pace at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

Questions? Contact the DNR Recreational Safety Section.

Join the DNR wildlife team this summer

duck releaseIf you or someone you know is seeking valuable experience working in wildlife conservation – or just looking for an interesting job that gets you outdoors – consider applying for one of the 55 open summer positions with the DNR Wildlife Division.

“These positions are a great opportunity for college students, those looking to re-enter the workforce and seniors or retirees who want to be involved in the outdoors,” said Jennifer Schafer, DNR Wildlife Division human resources liaison.

The division regularly hires additional staff to work at DNR state field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. Seasonal staff helps in several areas, such as:

  • Assisting with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include cutting clearings and adjusting water levels.
  • Mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance.
  • Handling tasks related to wildlife surveys, nuisance animal control and equipment operation and maintenance.

Learn more about these positions – and other openings throughout the department – at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs; scroll to the seasonal and temporary positions section.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Schafer at 517-284-6163.

Dive into the story of Tuskegee airmen in Michigan

tuskegeeOn April 11, 1944, Tuskegee Airman Lt. Frank H. Moody was killed when his Bell P-39Q Airacobra crashed in Lake Huron near Port Huron. He was one of 15 Tuskegee Airmen killed while training in Michigan during World War II.

Divers discovered Lt. Moody’s aircraft in 2014, and the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen in Detroit was issued a recovery permit to help DNR State Maritime Archaeologist Wayne Lusardi document, recover, conserve and exhibit the aircraft.

Watch Lusardi’s presentation on the Tuskegee Airmen in this new video (part of the DNR’s Black History Month commemoration); it covers the history of the airmen training in Michigan, the artifacts recovered from Lt. Moody’s aircraft and an in-depth look at the airmen killed while training here.

On Aug. 28, 2021, a memorial will be dedicated along the St. Clair River at Flag Plaza in Port Huron to recognize the bravery, conviction, patriotism and sacrifice of the Tuskegee Airmen who died in service to their country. Artifacts found from Lt. Moody’s aircraft currently are being conserved at the state of Michigan’s archaeological conservation facility at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena. The remainder of the aircraft will be recovered this summer.

For more information on projects like this and on underwater preserves, including Michigan shipwrecks, visit the Michigan History Center’s underwater preserves page.

Questions? Contact Wayne Lusardi at 989-766-3294.

ICYMI: The sea shanties of Black Great Lakes sailors

john v moran shipThanks to a recent viral Tik Tok cover of The Wellerman, a whole new generation is interested in these maritime work songs and discovering lyrics like:

Before the boat had hit the water,

The whale’s tail came up and caught her.

All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her,

When she dived down below.

The Great Lakes were an important trade route, and in case you missed it, Michigan has its own rich history of shanties to explore – including those sung by Black sailors, like The Ward Line. Check out these sea shanties and get a glimpse (or a listen) into the seafaring life of these hearty souls.

THINGS TO DO

Michigan has some of the best fat-tire biking trails in the country, and now’s a perfect time to get out and ride. Brush up on trail etiquette and find rentals and a trail near you on our fat-tire biking page.

BUY & APPLY

Free Fishing Weekend may be over, but you can enjoy world-class fishing year-round. Just make sure you have a fishing license, review ice fishing basics and know the rules and regs.

GET INVOLVED

Want to know more about underwater preserves and marine archaeology? Check out the upcoming Underwater Salvage and Preserves Committee meeting on Feb. 24.
Enjoy responsible recreationStay informed, stay safe: Mask up Michigan, DNR COVID-19 response