New License Plate Features Kirtland’s Warbler

Michigan auto-owners have a new way to support local wildlife conservation efforts. There is a new license plate option that features the Kirtland’s Warbler, a bird that was once in danger of extinction but has now been removed from the endangered species list.

Bird lovers helped the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to improve the availability of the nesting habitat for the little yellow and gray songbird. The Kirtland’s warbler only nests on the ground in young jack pine stands in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario. They winter in the Caribbean.

Once down to just an estimated 400 birds, the count is now at about 4500, with ongoing habitat protection and careful management of the delicate nesting areas.

Those who purchase the special designation on their license plate will be supporting the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust. The license plate program has generated over $3.9 million since starting in 2006 with the Loon icon.

The license plate will cost $35 with $25 of the price going to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan-Ontario Air Mobility Corridor Being Studied

Imagine having a drone fly a delivery from a supplier in Ontario to a customer in Michigan. That could be a real scenario with the development of the air mobility corridor in Michigan and Ontario.

Cooperation between both U.S. and Canadian entities has launched the aerial mobility corridor study to test the feasibility of commercial drones and other aerial systems.

The study will look at a proposed commercial drone skyway in three areas of Michigan including an international connection.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “Ontario has a strong and strategically important economic connection with the State of Michigan. We welcome this opportunity to further deepen that relationship and foster new jobs and economic opportunities in developing industries now and well into the future.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Considering the density of auto suppliers, logistic companies, technology start-ups, and consumers in the region, it is a natural fit to test this cutting-edge aerial technology here.”

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification was created in 2020 to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Seeks Public Input on Algonac State Park

If Algonac State Park is your go-to camping spot, you might want to get involved in making the 1,550-acre scenic St. Clair County park even better. Algonac State Park is the topic of an upcoming virtual public meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is gathering public feedback on a new management plan for the popular state park. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 20th, from 6-7 p.m.

Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division said, “Public input is a critical part of the planning process. We hope visitors, local community members and everyone interested in the future of this park can take part in the public input phase.”

The DNR reports that the meeting will feature a review of the draft management plan, proposed improvements, and planning process, and will give the public an opportunity to share feedback and questions.

The meeting will be recorded and available for viewing afterward. There will also be an opportunity for additional public input after the meeting.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDOT Using Carbon Fiber to Reinforce State Bridges

Bridges take a beating in Michigan, with a damaging freeze-thaw cycle, de-icing chemicals, and heavy traffic in many places. The Michigan Department of Transportation is using pioneering technology to reinforce bridge components in an effort to strengthen and increase the lifespan of the state’s bridges.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “The aim is bridges that last a century with minimal maintenance. This technology, developed here in Michigan, is becoming wildly popular all over the country.” 

The new technology is carbon fiber reinforcements that have a tensile strength comparable to steel but are resistant to corrosion. The longer-lasting bridges require less maintenance and could save taxpayer dollars on life-cycle maintenance.

MDOT Chief Bridge Engineer Matt Chynoweth said, “Rusting of steel elements is the leading cause of deterioration in our bridges. Since carbon fiber is non-corrosive, we are eliminating that potential for damage. Using a material that will not corrode is a real game-changer.”

A carbon-fiber fabrication plant has been built in Michigan. Two new bridges on I-94 and one on I-75 in Detroit are part of the innovative technology.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Rep. Phil Green Announces Candidacy for New 67th District

The Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Committee has completed their work and Michigan’s politicians are quickly aligning themselves with the new districts.

State Representative Phil Green, a Republican from Tuscola County, currently represents the 84th district. Green has announced his candidacy for the newly created 67th District.

The new district includes portions of Tuscola, Lapeer, and Genesee Counties, including the city of Lapeer.

Representative Green said, “I would be an honor to represent the people of the new 67th district. As a region, many of the same issues that I have fought to resolve over the past three years are the same issues the new district also faces.”

Green continued, saying, “I look forward to continue to advocate great jobs, increasing the availability of training in the skilled trades, access to high speed internet for our rural residents, and effective health care including mental health services.” 

Green worked as a youth pastor and chaplain for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office before being elected to the Michigan House in 2018.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Need Help Paying for College? Scholarships and Grants Available

Paying for college takes planning and preparation. Both the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and The Athletic Factory in Port Huron could be able to help.

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has opened its 2022/2023 Scholarship Application portal on its website. Applications are due March 13th.

One application is all that is needed to apply for most of the Community Foundation Scholarships. The scholarships are for high school or GED graduates and current college students, as well as non-traditional and returning students.

The Athletic Factory is hosting a series of workshops to explain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and the Tuition Incentive Program, or TIP. TIP money is available to students who received Medicaid benefits for two years within a three-year period between age 9 and graduation. Completing the FAFSA is mandatory for receiving any kind of aid at most colleges. 

The workshops are held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Athletic Factory’s location at Trinity Lutheran Church on 10th Street in Port Huron.

Visit the following links for more information on both the Community Foundation Scholarships and the FAFSA and TIP Workshops.

https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2165604/schools/86647

https://www.stclairfoundation.org/scholarships/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland