George James

Trailer Safety Week Reminds Drivers to Be Careful When Pulling Trailers

It’s Trailer Safety Week and the Michigan Department of Transportation wants motorists to be aware of the safety concerns when drivers are pulling a trailer on roadways. As thousands of motorists pull trailers packed with lawn equipment, off-road vehicles, kayaks, and more, it’s important to get it right every time.

MDOT and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers say that safe towing depends on the driver, the tow vehicle, and the trailer. A lot is riding, literally, on safe and proper driving and drivers should be focused and limit distractions.

Using an adequate tow hitch is vital to keeping the roadways safe. Correctly attached safety chains are crucial after a properly hitched trailer. Making sure trailers are loaded properly is also important. Weight distribution is critical.

Having the right vehicle to tow the trailer, checking the components of the trailer, and securing the cargo are other ways to make sure a trailer accident doesn’t ruin a trip up north or a day on the job.

https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/interest

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sheriff Mat King Earns “Go To Bat” Award from Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan has awarded St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King the “Go To Bat” Award. King was nominated by St. Clair County Community Mental Health.

The award goes to a person who “exemplifies extraordinary concern, advocacy, and leadership aimed at improving the quality and quantity of community-based mental health services for persons with a mental illness or intellectual/ developmental disability”, according to the Association.

Sheriff King was nominated because of his continued collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and CMH, including the use of the Mobile Crisis Unit for assistance with mental health issues, and for getting Sheriff’s Office staff the mental health resources that they need.

King requires his staff to get Mental Health First Aid Training and has been an advocate for the county’s Mental Health Court and Recovery Court. King was recognized for his advocacy for the public mental health system by meeting with lawmakers in the nation’s capital.

The Award was given at the CMHAM Spring Conference.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Belle Isle Survey Addresses Ideas For Old Zoo Area

Belle Isle is just about an hour’s drive from the Blue Water area. If you are interested in having your voice heard regarding improving the State Park in Detroit, there is a new survey being conducted by the Michigan State University School of Planning, Design, and Construction and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Recreation Division.

Belle Isle has undergone some improvements recently, such as the opening of the Ralph Wilson Gateway and Trail, which is the southern trailhead for the 2,000-mile Iron Belle Trail, the longest state-designated trail in the nation, stretching from Detroit to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula.

The Belle Isle Aquarium reopened last summer after a lengthy renovation project. 

The survey specifically addresses the old zoo area on Belle Isle. There are several designs and priorities that survey participants can review and rank. The themes include history, sustainable ecosystems, outdoor education, creative and performing arts, and interactive outdoor adventures and concessions.

The survey needs to be completed by July 4th.

A link to the survey can be found below.

Belle Isle Survey

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

New Law Makes Mental Health Care More Accessible

A bill to make mental health care more accessible, regardless of income level, has been signed into state law. The bill, introduced by State Representative Mary Whiteford, a Casco Township Republican, was signed into law this week and takes immediate effect.

The law requires department and community mental health services programs to determine the ability to pay in accordance with the federal sliding fee discount program. The program applies to inpatient psychiatric services of less than 61 days, all non-residential services, and all services to minors. The federal poverty guidelines would be used to determine eligibility in the “sliding fee” program.

Whiteford said, “As I listen to community mental health organizations around the state, I’ve learned how important it is to hire and retain mental health professionals. HB 5165 will truly help our communities.” 

Upon signing the bipartisan legislation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “To get more Michiganders the help they need, we need to tackle the two primary challenges around mental health: cost and supply.”

Whitmer said the new law will ensure Michiganders in more communities have access to the support they need to thrive.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Griswold Road to Get an Upgrade

Another local road construction project is starting next week. Griswold Road between Allen Road and the I-69 business loop is scheduled for an upgrade beginning June 13th and lasting about two weeks.

Griswold Road’s existing asphalt will be milled and resurfaced. There will also be the placing of aggregate road shoulders, along with new pavement markings and reconstruction of the railroad crossing.

The portion of road between Michigan Road and 32nd Street will be completely closed to traffic for approximately one week. Detours will be posted. There will be daytime lane closures between Allen and Michigan Roads.

The project has an estimated total construction cost of nearly $398,000 and is paid for by the Federal Highway Administration and the St. Clair County Road Commission. The main contractor is Ace-Saginaw Paving Company.

The Road Commission asks that drivers cooperate in keeping access open for local residents and emergency vehicles on Griswold Road and that drivers exercise patience in the construction zone.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland