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Gov. Whitmer makes largest investment in preK-12 schools in state history

Lansing — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed the School Aid budget into law in the presence of students, educators, and school administrators at Kentwood Public Schools. The signing of House Bill 4411 marks a historical moment for the state by reaching the goal of eliminating the funding gap between districts at the minimum and maximum foundation allowances, as set forth by Proposal A of 1994. The bill finalizes the fiscal year 2022 School Aid budget, which totals $17.1 billion including $85.4 million from the state’s general fund, and provides cost adjustments and supplemental ...

Foundation announces scholarship recipients

HANCOCK — The Hancock Public Schools Foundation recently awarded $31,000 in scholarships to eleven graduating seniors. Scholarships ranged from $1,500 to $5,500. Receiving scholarships were Carsen Chynoweth, Laura Fenton (Salutatorian), Jaron Hembroff, Sophie Heinonen, Marina Kero, Kyle Maki, Mason Mikesch (Valedictorian), Gavin Simonson, Jaycie Stukel, and Tanner Walrath. “It was great to present the awards in person this year at the Sylvia J. Eskola Auditorium,” said HPSF Scholarship Committee Chair, Michele Blau. “The students can be especially proud of their achievements, ...

Dial Help seeking community feedback

HOUGHTON — Dial Help is the only crisis center located in the UP, offering a 24/7 crisis line and a variety of other programs. They just released their annual stakeholder survey and are looking for feedback from the community. This information is used when creating new programs, strategic plans, and more. “We’re looking for input from other agencies, donors, community members, and especially clients who have used our services,” said Rebecca Crane, Dial Help Executive Director. “The survey only takes five or 10 minutes to complete, and it really helps us identify strengths, ...

Fairness hearing to begin for Flint water civil settlement

LANSING – The hearing to determine whether the State’s $600 million Flint water civil settlement will be officially approved begins today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. In January, Judge Judith Levy gave preliminary approval to the settlement, which established the process through which Flint residents could indicate their intention to file eligible settlement claims that will be processed and paid by the claims administrator. Attorney General Dana Nessel and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in August announced the State's portion of the ...

Motor carrier officers to participate in Operation Safe Driver Week

LANSING — This week, motor carrier officers from the Michigan State Police, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (MSP/CVED) will be conducting commercial vehicle inspections throughout the state as part of the annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week. As part of this initiative, there will be increased traffic safety enforcement and outreach in an effort to deter unsafe driving behaviors by commercial motor vehicle drivers. Officers will be on the lookout for driver behavior violations that cause vehicle crashes, such as speeding, following too ...

DataMaster defendant appears in circuit court, next dates set

LANSING – One of the men charged with creating fictitious documents while contracted to service breath alcohol testing instruments used by law enforcement appeared in circuit court for the first time Thursday. The instrument, DataMaster DMT (DataMaster Transportable), is more commonly known as a breathalyzer and measures the driver’s breath alcohol concentration after they have been arrested for suspicion of drunk driving. Last year, Attorney General Dana Nessel filed charges against Andrew Clark and David John for falsifying service records related to certain diagnostic tests ...