snow storm

In this morning's news: Snow, EITC, Detroit mayoral race

Emily Fox — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:24:29 +0000

Storm dumps at least 6 inches on Michigan

A wet snow storm dropped at least 6 inches of snow on part of Michigan. As the Associated Press reports,

"The National Weather Service says as of Wednesday morning 6 inches fell in the Grand Haven and Muskegon areas, while 5 inches fell between Lansing and Jackson. Four to 5 inches fell in Grand Rapids. Four inches fell in some Detroit suburbs and Saginaw," the Associated Press reports.

Low income earners could see bigger tax refunds under bill

"Low-income Michiganders would see bigger state income tax refunds under a bill in the state Legislature. Governor Rick Snyder and lawmakers aggressively cut the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit in recent years. The legislation would raise the credit to 20 percent of what the federal government offers. Right now, it’s at six percent," Jake Neher reports.

Mike Duggan announces run for Detroit mayor

The former Detroit Medical Center executive and Wayne County prosecutor, Mike Duggan has officially announced that he will be running for Detroit mayor. According to the Associated Press, "[Duggan] says he'll use his managerial and government experience to help turn around Detroit's finances and improve poor public services."

In this morning's Michigan news headlines. . .

Emily Fox — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:48:50 +0000

Gov. Snyder signs three bills for Detroit

"Governor Snyder was in Detroit yesterday to sign several bills he says will boost Detroit’s long-term fortunes. One bill establishes a Regional Transit Authority to fund and operate mass transit in southeast Michigan. Snyder also signed bills establishing an authority to run Detroit’s troubled public lighting system, and a downtown development district to subsidize a proposed new hockey arena for the Red Wings," Sarah Cwiek reports.

"End of the world" rumors close Genesee and Lapeer schools

"Schools are closed in Genesee and Lapeer counties today and tomorrow as a precaution and to calm people down. Police say they have determined that social media rumors about an armed ‘student revolt’ in conjunction with and "end of the world" Mayan prophecy were unfounded," Steve Carmody reports.

First snowstorm of the season sweeping the Midwest and northern Michigan

"Snow is falling in parts of northern Michigan as part of the Midwest's first major snowstorm of the season that's sweeping across several states. For parts of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, the weather service forecasts that 8 to 14 inches of snow will fall Thursday and into Friday. For parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the weather service says that 8 to 13 inches of snow could fall by Friday afternoon. In West Michigan, several inches of snow could fall. Rain and snow are expected in southeast Michigan," the AP reports.

Yes, that snow plow is moving slower

Steve Carmody — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:48:31 +0000

Michigan is getting its first significant snowfall of the year this evening. If you live in southwest Michigan, you may notice the snowplow in front of you is moving slower than you’re used to.

When a snow plow is dumping salt on icy roads, state Transportation officials refer to it as "Bounce & Scatter".

As the salt hits the road, faster truck speeds mean more salt tends to bounce and scatter, much of it landing off the road.

MDOT spokesman Nick Schirripa says to reduce the scatter salt trucks in nine southwest counties will slow from 35 to 25 miles per hour this winter. The hope is slower speed will save money by using less salt.

But Schirripa admits the slower speeds could put the trucks at greater risk of being rear-ended by inattentive motorists.

“If we find out after a season, or a few weeks of it, the crash rate is simply too high, that safety is too much of a factor, the (pilot) program may in fact be dropped," says Schirripa.

If the slower salt truck pilot program is successful, it may eventually expand to the rest of the state.

Lansing city council may tweak city's snow removal ordinance

Steve Carmody — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:40:06 +0000

Lansing’s ordinance requiring people to shovel snow from their sidewalks might get a tweak before the snow flies this winter.

Last night, the Lansing City Council voted to allow four people off the hook for failing to shovel snow from their sidewalks last winter. The reason? They either didn’t actually own the property last winter or there was an administrative mistake.

This is Michigan. And this is what we do. (Dig out after storms).

Tracy Samilton — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:39:31 +0000

The state's three main airports report business has returned almost to normal, after crews spent the evening clearing runways of snow and ice. Up to ten inches fell overnight. In many cases, that was more snow than fell during the so-dubbed "Snowpocalypse," a few weeks ago.

Detroit Metro Airport spokesman Mike Conway says the big problem last night was the roadways leading to the airport. He says it took a long time for taxis to return from outlying suburbs, and there was congestion as cars and taxis lined up outside terminals.

Gov. Snyder activates the State Emergency Operations Center

Rick Pluta — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:18:44 +0000

Governor Rick Snyder has ordered the State Emergency Operations Center to be activated to track events related to the coming winter storm.

The governor says he's also ordered the Michigan National Guard to be ready to help local governments deal with emergencies that may arise.

The governor says he's also instructed state agencies to make sure hospitals, prisons, and other essential facilities are adequately staffed.

Predicted snow storm brings new financial headache to Michigan cities

Steve Carmody — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:31:10 +0000

Forecasters say the snow is coming. It’s expected to make travel hazardous on Michigan roads.

It’s also expected to cause another financial headache to many cash strapped Michigan cities and towns.

Anthony Minghine is the Associate Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.

"Budgets have become so incredibly tight that these events become more and more difficult to absorb. And again, depending on the magnitude of the storm, if it’s as big as it says, it could be a two to three day event, and you know, getting everything cleared and back up to speed it will become very costly for folks."

Minghine says money spent now on snow removal is money that won’t be spent on road repair and other projects this Spring.