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Aspirus Health shares tips for safe boating

LAURIUM – Boating is one of the best ways to enjoy Michigan’s Great Lakes in the summer. Warm weather and sunny skies mean more time outdoors and cooling off from those sun rays. Boating and being on the water soothes most ailments. No matter how much experience you may have, it’s always a good idea to review all boating safety rules before leaving the dock. “We dream of summer in the U.P. and once it finally arrives, we all head to the nearest body of water,” said Ryan Bessolo, registered nurse and injury prevention coordinator for Aspirus Health. “It’s important to ...

Dam Safety Unit doubles staff to bolster enforcement, compliance efforts

With the hiring of a third new dam safety engineer, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Dam Safety Unit now has a staff of five full-time experts, double the number from last year. This will allow for more frequent onsite inspections of state-regulated dams and a robust focus on enforcement and compliance to hold dam owners accountable for safe maintenance practices and upkeep. An expanded, standalone Dam Safety Unit was one of the recommendations from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials’ (ASDSO) peer review of EGLE’s dam program ...

New DNR land strategy sets priorities, guides actions for 4.6 million acres of public lands

The title – “The Power of Public Lands: Your resources. Our commitment. Michigan’s legacy.” – says it all. A new strategy for the 4.6 million acres of state forests, parks, trails, game and wildlife areas, and other public lands the Michigan Department of Natural Resources takes care of has been submitted to the Legislature and is now available at Michigan.gov/PublicLands. The strategy was developed over the past 18 months through a collaborative process that included multiple opportunities for the public and stakeholders statewide to get involved and help shape the final ...

MDHHS provides tips to stay healthy and safe during flood events

LANSING – Following the issue of a state of emergency in Wayne County by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in response to flooding and flood warnings, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing guidance to Michiganders on how to stay safe and healthy during flood events. “Flood-affected residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local health departments as flooding can create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “Floodwater and standing ...

Gov. Whitmer announces support for Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program benefit to transfer to spouses

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced her support for legislation that would allow for the transfer of Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (MINGSTAP) benefits to the spouses of eligible service members while at the 2021 Memorial Pass in Review Ceremony at Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center. This significant policy change will extend financial assistance to thousands of eligible spouses and support their efforts to earn a tuition-free degree or professional certificate. “The nearly 11,000 members of the Michigan National Guard repeatedly step up to ...

Updated public health advisory for Portage Canal, Houghton County

HOUGHTON COUNTY - The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD), working in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Department of Health and Human Services has updated the public health advisory for the Portage Canal following the recent fuel spill in the City of Hancock. The Portage Canal may reopen for recreational boating, fishing, and body contact swimming as long as the public avoids any areas with visible fuel sheen. Sheen can be described as a rainbow-like discoloration on the surface of the ...