George James

With Spotted Lanternfly Infestation Looming, MDARD Pleads for Vigilance in Reporting and Prevention

The spotted lanternfly is a menace and has the potential to destroy Michigan staples like apples and hardwood trees. But it’s not picky. It feeds on more than 70 different species, and an infestation could be devastating to the state’s agricultural economy.

Robert Miller with the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said, “Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape.”

The pest has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern United States and dead lanternflies have been found in packaging materials in Michigan. So far, MDARD hasn’t found any live ones.

Miller said, “With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time.”

If you come across the dreaded pest, let MDARD know immediately. Citizen awareness and reporting are critical in containing the pending arrival of the invasive pest.

From MDARD:

From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

Female spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, juvenile or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at MDA-Info@Michigan.gov or by calling 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Temporarily Moves Mackinac Bridge Escort Staging Area

For some people, exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is on their bucket list, but driving across the Mackinac Bridge is a deal breaker. The Michigan Department of Transportation has a solution for those who would rather not be behind the wheel while crossing the five-mile-long suspension bridge, one of the longest in the world. There is a service available where someone drives your car across for you. 

Bicyclists and pedestrians can also get a ride across the bridge, and commercial vehicles can request an escort to help them safely navigate the bridge. 

MDOT has announced that the location of the escort staging area, where motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists wait for their assistance in crossing the bridge, has moved due to construction on I-75 in Mackinaw City. 

The new location is at the Mackinaw City Welcome Center. It will be there for about four weeks.

There is a $10 charge and a waiver required for those who need someone else to drive their car across the bridge. There are charges for pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Go to WGRT.com for more information. 

Patrons requiring MBA transport services or escorts should contact the authority at 906-643-7600.

https://www.mackinacbridge.org/fares-traffic/transport-services/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

McLaren Port Huron Recognized as “High Performing” Hospital

McLaren Port Huron Hospital has something new to brag about. The hospital was named by U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital for 2022-23.

This is the 8th year of the Procedures and Conditions ratings, which are designed to assist patients and doctors in making choices about their healthcare, especially as it relates to common conditions and procedures.

Eric Cecava, President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron said, “Every day, we’re fortunate to have a team of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who commit themselves to providing the highest quality care for our community.”

McLaren Port Huron received the High Performing rating, the highest rating given by U.S. News and World Report, for being better than the national average in treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, Heart Attacks, Heart Failure, and Kidney Failure.

Fewer than half of the more than 4500 medical centers received the High Performing rating for any condition or procedure.

Cecava said, “Being recognized as a High Performing Hospital, among some of the nation’s best health care providers, is an honor.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron DDA Wants to Know What You Thought of This Year’s Boat Weekend

Did you go to downtown Port Huron during this year’s Boat Weekend? Planners want to hear from you with a short survey about your experience.

The yearly celebration that serves as a kickoff to the Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race had to improvise a bit this year as major construction closed down the usual venue.

City of Port Huron Downtown Development Authority Director Natacha Hayden said that she thought the event went extremely well. Hayden said that the new layout due to the ongoing construction at the Zebra Bar parking lot “caused some last-minute changes, but it still allowed festival goers to enjoy festival favorites”.

Hayden said that there is always something that can be improved, and feedback is essential to do that. She is looking forward to gaining insight into the participants’ experiences.

The survey asks for a rating for various experiences and also asks some open-ended questions for general comments.

A link to the survey can be found below.

Boat Weekend Survey

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Budget Allocates $555 Million to Address Teacher Shortage

Teachers are in short supply in Michigan, but that could change with substantial state investment in teacher recruitment and retention. Having students pay to student teach could be a thing of the past, along with other changes to the traditional way that students have embarked on teaching careers.

The Michigan legislature allocated $555 million to support the educator workforce in the fiscal year 2023 state budget. 

The Future Proud Michigan Educator Staff program supports employees who are working on teacher certification and creates education career exploration programs.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is getting involved with the Future Educator Fellowships and Student Teacher Stipends to the tune of $355 million allocated for the compensation and scholarship programs.

There is also a program to recruit military veterans to become teachers and an investment in recruiting technical education educators.

Funds will be available after October 1st.

Future Proud Michigan Educator webpage 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland