News & Fun in Michigan
Site announcements of changes that affect the Thumbwind website are highlighted.
News and events of Michigan’s Upper Thumb that are worth knowing in the region.
Here are some of the top stories.
President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including George Romney and Magic Johnson, recognizing their significant contributions in public service, sports, activism, and humanitarian work. The ceremony highlighted the impact of diverse leaders and the importance of unity in promoting American values.
President Biden signed 37 bills, including renaming federal facilities in Michigan to honor local heroes like Medal of Honor recipient Duane E. Dewey. The legislation, reflecting bipartisan support, addresses veterans’ issues, disability resources, and tourism, but critics urge attention to Michigan’s infrastructure and water safety concerns.
The Great Lakes are experiencing rapid ice formation due to an Arctic air mass, causing temperatures to drop significantly below freezing. This poses challenges for navigation and local communities while also creating opportunities for winter recreation. However, safety remains a concern amidst unpredictable ice conditions.
Record-high precipitation in the Great Lakes Basin has not raised water levels above January averages. Despite warmer weather and heavy rainfall, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron experienced declines. Stakeholders are advised to monitor changing conditions and navigational alerts closely, especially with ice formation impacts.
Michigan has awarded over $106,000 in grants to 28 organizations for tree-planting projects statewide, aiming to enhance urban forests and green spaces. This initiative, supported by the DNR and DTE Energy Foundation, promotes environmental sustainability while improving air quality and community aesthetics across multiple municipalities.
Michigan lawmakers are calling for accountability from the DNR after plans to clear 420 acres of forest for solar farms near Gaylord emerged. Critics argue this move contradicts conservation efforts, poses threats to wildlife, and undermines Michigan’s climate goals, raising concerns about local control and environmental practices.
On December 29, 2024, Dispatcher Cidnee Schramm of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office effectively guided a father through his wife’s emergency childbirth over the phone, showcasing remarkable training and composure until paramedics arrived. Both mother and baby are reportedly healthy.
Veterans in Bay City are invited to a Town Hall and PACT Act Resource Fair on January 27, 2025, hosted by the Saginaw VA Healthcare System. The event will provide essential information on benefits, toxic exposure screenings, and community resources aimed at supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life.
