Michigan
Michigan awards $3.6M to projects fighting invasive species
Nearly three dozen projects aimed at fighting invasive species in Michigan will share $3.6 million in grant funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
The program is meant to help with the prevention, detection, eradication, and control of invasive species in the state. The state received 50 applications for grant funding this cycle and 31 programs were selected.
“Over the last 10 years, the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program has helped to build and sustain a statewide network of cooperative invasive species management areas, which fight invasive species in their local communities,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Grant-funded projects have increased public awareness and reporting of invasive species and supported a robust early detection and response program. This helps limit the introduction and spread of plants, animals and diseases that threaten the quality of Michigan’s land and water.”
The funding will support early detection and response efforts for invasive species on the state’s watch list:
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Continuing survey and treatment of hemlock woolly adelgid along the northern edge of the infestation in Benzie, Manistee and Mason counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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Conducting surveys for hemlock woolly adelgid along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the Upper Peninsula.
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Evaluating current chemical treatment methods for hemlock woolly adelgid and assessing a potential nonchemical approach to managing the invasive insect.
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Conducting survey and treatment of invasive mile-a-minute weed infestations in Calhoun County.
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Broadening the survey for hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant recently detected for the first time in Michigan in private ponds within the St. Joseph River watershed.
Funding will also support efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species:
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Performing invasive species assessment and planning for parks with natural areas in the city of Flint.
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Continuing to share the Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes (RIPPLE) message and materials with retailers and hobbyists while expanding surrender options for unwanted aquatic plants and pets.
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Supporting continued public reporting of invasive species detections and a growing library of identification resources and training opportunities through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, housed at Michigan State University.
This year’s grants support 22 regional cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMA), the network of partnership organizations working to manage and control invasive species across the state.
Each CISMA is eligible for $70,000 each year to provide education and technical assistance to landowners and up to $40,000 for outreach, survey, and treatment of high-priority invasive species.
Program created in 2014
The state Legislature designated $5 million in annual funding to address invasive species in 2014, with $3.6 million for grants.
This is the 10th year of program funding. So far, more than $36 million has been awarded to support 269 projects.
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More than 644,000 acres of land and water have been surveyed for invasive species.
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More than 53,000 acres have been treated for invasive terrestrial and aquatic plants.
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Through direct contact, including face-to-face interactions at boat washes, workshops, trainings and other events, 395,000 people have been reached with information about invasive species.
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An additional 45 million contacts were achieved through grantees’ passive outreach efforts, including mail, newspapers, social media and handouts.
Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Michigan
Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.
Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.
Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.
Michigan
SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors
BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.
Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.
Free admission begins at 10 a.m.
General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.
A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.
Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond
The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.
“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”
Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.
Future dates planned
The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.
For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.
This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
Michigan
Yes, you can play curling in West Michigan
ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The spirit of curling is one of friendship.
While memory of the Winter Olympics may have long melted away in the minds of many Americans, there some whose curiousness for the sport of curling has extended all the way into the springtime.
“Everybody’s having fun,” said Paul Curran, league manager for the Grand Rapids Curling Club. “It’s a really weird sport in that it’s really friendly.”
The club, which plays at the Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Algoma Township, has seen a recent spike in interest in its beginners leagues and learn to curl classes.
“We’re all here to curl and learn,” said beginner Aaron Schwieterman. “Everyone’s making mistakes, but still having a great time learning the sport and trying to mimic what the professionals do at the Olympics.”
“I recommend it to anybody who wants to try something different,” said beginner Margaret Steketee. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”
For a period of time on the ice, these newcomers to the sport turn into competitors. Then, at the conclusions of their games, they revert to being friends.
“Largely, what you’ll find with curlers is that when they’re done curling, they want to be friendly and hang out,” Curran said. “Which is what our league is doing right now.”
As long as people are interested, Curran says the club will continue to put on beginners leagues and lessons.
“The more people we get out here curling, the better,” he said.
For more information on ways to play and learn how to curl in West Michigan, visit the Grand Rapids Curling Club’s website.
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