Governor Rick Snyder and governors from six other Midwestern states have sent the president a letter formally asking for assistance in dealing with a propane supply shortage that is affecting the states’ residents. The letter asks the Obama administration to explore regulatory waivers aimed at increasing the supply of propane …
Read More »New $30 Lottery Instant Ticket
The Michigan Lottery has launched a new instant game, with better odds and larger prizes. The new ticket costs $30 and offers players the chance to win as much as $2 million, with $80 million available for all players. Participants also have a 1 in 25 chance of winning $200 …
Read More »Help Available for Low-Income Utility Customers
With temperatures this heating season colder than normal so far, the Michigan Public Service Commission has stressed the importance of programs that help Michigan’s low-income utility customers with their energy bills. Low-income customers with energy assistance needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or their utility to inquire about assistance that …
Read More »Three School Districts Earn Recognition
According to Bridge Magazine, three school districts in the Copper Country made their list of the top ten percent of school districts that exceeded expectations in 2013. The list is used to view classroom performance relative to socioeconomic status. Calumet, Laurium and Keweenaw Public Schools had the highest rank at …
Read More »Propane Emergency Extended
The propane energy emergency declared by Governor Snyder several weeks ago has been extended. Record low temperatures, heavy snowfall, pipeline issues and other factors have combined for a shortage that is driving prices sky-high. Snyder’s emergency order is in effect through Tuesday, February 11th. It allows motor carriers and drivers …
Read More »Governor to Unveil Budget This Week
The governor’s budget proposal to be unveiled this week, will include a 322-million dollar spending increase in K-12 schools, although most of it will got toward mandatory school retirement costs. The Detroit Free Press, citing sources in the state budget office, reports that the governor’s overall proposal will represent a …
Read More »US-DOT Looking into Comms Between Cars
State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle is endorsing a decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to move forward with vehicle-to-vehicle communication for light vehicles, calling it a good decision for Michigan and for transportation safety. The US-DOT is currently sponsoring a pilot safety …
Read More »MI Population Increases
Michigan’s population grew last year even though more people left the state than moved in, according to Census data. The state’s population grew to over 9,895,000 in 2013, up by more than 13,000 from 2012. It marks the second consecutive year of growth after seven years of decline. M-Live.com reports …
Read More »Auto Sales Take Hit Due to Weather
The auto industry was unable to escape the throws of the polar vortex in January, a month when the weather is expected to push industry sales as a whole down about two percent. The bright spot was Chrysler which posted an eight percent sales increase. The new Jeep Cherokee pushed …
Read More »Koski Heads to Trial
The man at the center of this fall’s wolf hunt controversy is headed for a jury trial. 68-year-old John Koski pled not guilty Thursday to one count of abandoning cruelty to two or three animals in Ontonagon County District Court. Koski is accused of neglecting two donkeys that were provided …
Read More »