George James

Michigan and Ontario Work Together for the Future of Transportation Technology

Michigan and Ontario are picking up the pace when it comes to advancing the progress toward autonomous vehicles and green transportation technology.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, along with Ontario’s Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network and Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation will begin a partnership to deploy green technology at the border. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to “explore the implementation of a cross-border, multimodal testbed for advanced automotive and mobility solutions,” according to a press release.

The partnership will identify the economic, social, and environmental benefits for both sides of the border. It will also identify challenges to land, air, and water crossings, and the regulatory and policy implications.  

Caroline Mulroney, Ontario Minister of Transportation, said, “By working together to explore and advance new and innovative mobility technologies, we’re taking steps to ensure Ontario and Michigan stay at the forefront of the evolving transportation industry.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Time for Michigan Women to Get Back to Routine Health Screenings

Women are putting off getting their routine cancer screenings, such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings. Covid-19 is likely to blame as life has been put on hold in many ways since the pandemic began in March of 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report an 87% drop in breast cancer screenings and an 84% drop in cervical cancer screenings nationally when comparing April 2020 to the previous five years. That’s really not a surprise considering the state of the nation in April 2020. But, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reminding Michigan women that it’s time to make those appointments and get back on schedule.

MDHHS says that screenings are proactive and can catch cancer early when it is more treatable. Screenings also help identify risk factors for chronic disease.

MDHHS has set up a hotline to help women schedule their screenings. A program specialist will help them get a screening scheduled.

There are some free screenings available through MDHHS. Links to those programs, along with the hotline number:

People in need of screenings can call MDHHS at 844-446-8727 to speak with a program specialist.

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program provides free breast and cervical cancer screening services, statewide, to low-income women.

The WISEWOMAN Program, available in select areas, helps participants understand chronic disease risk factors and make healthy lifestyle choices.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Friends of St. Clair River Offers 10-week Conservation Program

Do you love the natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of the Blue Water Area and want to share that passion with others? Would you enjoy field trips and case studies involving wildlife habitats and conservation? If so, the MSU Extension Michigan Conservation Stewards Program hosted by Friends of the St. Clair River could be a great opportunity.

The ten-week course consists of interactive online classes and is for those who are interested in science-based ecosystem management. The course includes live online content, capstone projects, and in-person field experiences.

Kirsten Lyons, Stewardship Director for Friends of the St. Clair River, said, “We’re proud to host this conservation leadership training program again. Nearly two dozen alumni from our 2018 Conservation Stewards program have been in the community restoring trails and natural areas, leading conservation efforts, and educating youth about the environment.”

Those interested in participating need to sign up soon. Registration closes on September 1st and the cost is $95. A link to signup information:

To register, contact Kirsten Lyons at stewardship@scriver.org or visit www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Port Huron Native, Zimmer, Gets Top MDOT Award

The Michigan Department of Transportation has given its top employee award to a Port Huron native. Kimberly Zimmer received the MDOT Director’s Award for outstanding service.

The annual award is given to the MDOT employee who exhibits leadership and exemplary service. It has been given out for over thirty years.

Zimmer, who grew up in Port Huron, but now lives in Midland, was honored in the officials and administrators category for her response to the historic flooding in Midland and Gladwin counties.  MDOT reports that Zimmer has maintained continued communication with the Federal Highway Administration to maximize federal funds. The funds would not have been secured without Zimmer’s enormous efforts.

Zimmer’s innovative approach laid the groundwork for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to coordinate with MDOT in dam analysis.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “Kim’s outstanding leadership and commitment to quality make her a cornerstone of public service. Director’s Award recipients like Kim help make MDOT the dynamic and responsive organization that it is, and we are all grateful for her service.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Harker and Stone to Become an All-Way Stop

The intersection of Harker Street and Stone Street in Port Huron’s north end is about to become an all-way stop. Those who frequently travel the intersection know why: it’s a dangerous crossing.

After a study by the Traffic Safety Committee and the Transportation Improvement Association, City Manager James Freed has ordered a 60-day test of the all-way stop solution.

The intersection is in a residential neighborhood on the route between the end of the expressway and the Blue Water Convention Center and the Culinary Institute of Michigan. It is often difficult for traffic stopped on Harker Street to see oncoming traffic on Stone Street due to trees, parked cars, and houses.

The intersection did not meet the Transportation Improvement Association’s criteria for a traffic light, but because of the considerable impediments to visibility and the high rate of crashes over the five-year study, an all-way stop is recommended.

The most common of the 32 recorded crashes in the study period, plus eight more in 2020, were right-angle crashes, likely caused by the sight distance issue.

The all-way stop has been ordered to be in effect for a 60-day trial, signed on August 16th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Third COVID-19 Shot Available for High-Risk Individuals

A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine could be coming soon to vulnerable individuals. The Center for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved an additional dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines for people aged 12 and older who have compromised immune systems.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to move as quickly as possible to get the doses administered. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are the priority for the third shot.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS continues to say that the vaccine is the only way out of the pandemic. She said, “I am pleased that our federal partners have taken action to recommend an additional vaccine dose for those with compromised immune systems.”

There is a sufficient vaccine supply in Michigan right now for both first, second, and third shots. MDHHS encourages anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. Health care providers make the call as to whom is eligible for a third shot. It could include transplant recipients, those living with HIV, and those in cancer treatment or on high-dose corticosteroids. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland