Experts warn Michiganders to be vigilant as disease-spreading Asian tiger mosquito spreads across America

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The Asian tiger mosquito, seen here, can potentially carry a variety of diseases and has been identified in Michigan in the past few years. Photo courtesy Wiki-Commons.

Posted by The Huron Hub | May 22, 2023

• The mosquito can transmit a number of diseases, including the dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus
• Michiganders are encouraged to use repellent if they travel interstate
• Mosquito has been identified in Michigan in years past

Michiganders are being warned to be highly vigilant as the Asian tiger mosquito, a small, dark mosquito with distinctive white stripes on its legs and body, spreads across the country at an alarming pace.

Previously identified in Michigan in 2017, 2018, and 2020, the Asian tiger mosquito can serve as a disease vector and transmit a number of diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

While these diseases are not yet widespread in the US, the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito has raised concerns that they could become more common in the future.

Two factors are accelerating the insect’s spread: climate change and human transportation. While little can be done in the short-term about changing weather patterns, there are actions Americans can take to stem its spread:

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito is to eliminate standing water around homes and businesses. The mosquito lays its eggs in standing water, so removing sources of standing water, such as flower pots, buckets, and old tires, can significantly reduce the mosquito population.

Another effective strategy is to use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The mosquito is known to hitchhike on goods and materials that are transported across borders, allowing it to rapidly expand its range. Therefore, people who are travelling interstate, particularly from east to west, are encouraged to wear repellent before setting off on their journey.
Also, it is important to support community-wide efforts to control the mosquito population. This can include initiatives such as mosquito trapping and surveillance programs, public education campaigns, and mosquito control measures such as larviciding and adulticiding.

The Asian tiger mosquito was discovered in Michigan for the first time in 2017, in an industrial area of Livonia in Wayne County. In 2018, the mosquitoes were again found in Wayne County, in an industrial area of Romulus. In 2020, the mosquito was discovered in an industrial area in Taylor.

It is a highly adaptable species that can survive in a wide range of environments, from urban to rural areas, and from temperate to tropical climates. Unlike many other mosquito species, the Asian tiger mosquito is active during the day, with peak biting activity occurring in the early morning and late afternoon. The mosquito is particularly prevalent in southeastern states, where it has become established in both urban and rural areas.

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Developer in Huron Township receives violation notice for cutting down trees without proper permit

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(File photo)

Posted by The Huron Hub | May 19, 2023

A developer in Huron Township received a violation notice for cutting down trees without the proper permit, according to a story posted by WDIV-Local 4.

According to the report, residents in the neighborhood owned by Infinity Homes said the construction project is destroying a cherished wooded area and wetlands near their houses.

WDIV said it checked with the state to confirm that the developer had all the permits, and the state revealed they did not have a final issued permit to chop down the trees.

On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued a notice finding Infinity Homes in violation of Michigan wetland law, citing unauthorized activity including tree clearing and soil disturbance, WDIV said.

Click this link for the full report from WDIV

Frost advisory issued for areas of southeast Michigan

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Posted by The Huron Hub | May 17, 2023

If you jumped the gun and planted any tender annuals or other likewise plants outside, you’ll want to make sure they’re covered tonight.

A frost advisory is in effect for most of southeast Michigan tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures as low as 31 will result in frost formation which could damage sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.

Even though Wayne County is exempt from the advisory, temps will dip to near freezing and could affect plants.

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Officials hosting hazardous waste public forum Thursday night in Belleville

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By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted May 4, 2023—10:10 AM EST

Local elected officials are hosting a hazardous waste forum on Thursday, May 4 in Belleville.

The forum is in response to the transport of toxic waste from Ohio to Wayne County in February following the derailment of a train in East Palestine, Ohio.

Hosting the public forum is Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congressman Shri Thanedar, and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

The forum will include the EPA, EGLE, Norfolk Southern and Republic Services.

The forum will take place in the auditorium at Wayne County Community College District – Ted Scott Campus, 9555 Haggerty Road in Belleville.

Check-in starts at 6:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 7 p.m.

You can watch a livestream of the forum at http://www.Facebook.com/RepDebbieDingell

Metroparks launch summer-long trail program

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Bikers ride the trail at Lower Huron Metropark in this archive photo.
(HURON HUB PHOTO BY SCOTT BOLTHOUSE)

Article submitted by The Huron-Clinton Metroparks — posted May 4, 2023

You’ll find over 400 miles of trails at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, including 55 miles of paved hike-bike trails with some connecting to trails outside of the Metroparks. From paved trails to nature tails to rustic trails, the Metroparks include endless opportunities for walking, running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, roller blading, paddling, mountain biking, handcycling, fat tire biking and so much more.

Being active in the Metroparks reduces health care costs for adults an average of $1,250 per year and reduces health care costs for adults over 64 years of age an average of $2,500 per year (reported in third-party economic benefits study in 2020). This year the Metroparks have announced a way to get active and experience the Metroparks trails by participating in the Metroparks Trail Challenge. The Trail Challenge allows you to log miles, enjoy the parks, and meet your trail goals. This is a fun way to explore the Metroparks trails and stay active outdoors on your own time and at your own pace.

The Trail Challenge will run from May 1 to September 30. Register by September 23, set your trail goal and visit any Metropark trails to hike, bike, run, roll, or paddle your way to meet your trail goal. Log your miles on the online leaderboard and add selfies of your trail adventure.

Now for the best part … the incentives!
Registration is now open and includes a custom water bottle and passport book! But you can earn even more incentives.
When you visit all 13 parks and hit a designated Challenge Trail in each, you’ll earn additional incentives. These specific challenge trails have a signage kiosk along them, where you take a selfie to upload with your miles to the leaderboard. Each Challenge Trail you visit earns you a special badge on the online leaderboard.

Earn three badges and you will receive a custom Metroparks insulated lunch bag. Earn all 13 badges and you will receive a 2024 Metroparks Annual Vehicle Pass so you can keep exploring the trails for another year.

Date: May 1 – September 30
Ages: 5 and up.
Cost: $25 per person
Location: All 13 Metroparks

Consider all the ways you can participate:

  • With family and friends
  • By walking your dog
  • Challenging your coworkers and employees to see who can log more miles
  • Or just by yourself

However you choose to participate, learn more and join the Trail Challenge at https://www.metroparks.com/trailchallenge/.

Huron Public Safety responds to 366 calls in April, including multiple natural deaths

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By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted May 3, 2023—9:33 PM EST

The Huron Township Department of Public Safety responded to a total of 366 calls for service during the month of April.

The department says it had an “abnormal number,” of natural deaths this month.

“On behalf of the Police and Fire Department, we send our condolences to those who lost a loved one,” the department said in a media statement.

201 of the calls for service were police runs, and 144 were rescue runs, with 21 of them being for possible fires.

The Huron Township Fire Department had an average response time of 7.5541 minutes for the month of April, according to a report.

The Huron Township Fire Department has decreased their response time from an average of 8.2 minutes to 7.5 minutes, the report said.

Here is a summary of the calls:

April 4: Officers responded to the 37000 block of Huron River Drive for a man slumped over the wheel. An investigation led to a 30-year-old Brownstown TWP resident being arrested for operating under the influence of drugs, possession of LSD, Adderall and acid.

April 6: Officers responded to the 22000 block of Marquee for a woman stating “they have guns and get here now.” An investigation revealed that two men brandished their firearms, a juvenile was assaulted by an adult, another juvenile threatened a woman with a knife and that juveniles mother threatened another woman with a wrench. The investigation led to a 30-year-old man being arrested for brandishing a firearm, a 28-year-old man being arrested for felonious assault, and a 15-year-old man being arrested for felonious assault.

April 6: Officers responded to the 28000 block of Boxwood for a runaway juvenile. The mother stated she dropped her 16-year-old daughter off at a friend’s house the day before, and she hasn’t returned home. The 16-year-old was located the following day at a friend’s house.

April 7: Officers were dispatched to the 37000 block of Huron River Drive for a caller requesting EMS. When officers arrived, they located an 80-year-old woman who was deceased. The death was ruled natural, and the remains were turned over to the funeral home.

April 8: Officers responded to the 27000 block of Bordeau for man stating there is a man who hit a woman at the residence. The investigation revealed that a 36-year-old Huron Township resident choked his girlfriend against the wall in their bedroom while their children were present. The man was arrested for aggravated/felonious assault.

April 12: Officers responded to the 22000 block of Lafons Lane for a 57-year-old man stating a 23-year-old man pulled a knife on him. An investigation led to the 23-year-old man being arrested for felonious assault.

April 14: Officers responded to the area of Judd and Gentz for a vehicle in the ditch. The investigation led to a 55-year-old man being arrested for operating while intoxicated.

April 15: Officers responded to the 28000 block of W Huron River Driver for a 52-year-old man not breathing. An investigation determined it appeared to be natural, and the remains were turned over to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

April 17: Officers responded to the 27000 block of Bluebird Drive for a 46-year-old woman possibly overdosing. Officers administered Narcan, and she became responsive.
April 20: Officers responded to the 18000 block of Middlebelt for a threat complaint. Dispatch received notice of a 12-year-old made stating he was going to shoot a 13-year-old female and her 14-year-old boyfriend. The investigation led to the 12-year-old male being arrested and charged.

April 24: Officers responded to the 27000 block of Moulon Rouge for a 64-year-old woman who was found unresponsive. The woman was pronounced deceased from natural causes on scene, and remains were turned over to the funeral home.

April 24: Officers responded to the 38000 block of Pennsylvania for an unresponsive woman who took over 100 of her prescription medication. Paramedics and Huron Police made the scene and provided medical treatment to the 68-year-old. She was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. The investigation led to the woman intentionally took all her prescription medication and a possible suicide note was found at the scene.

April 27: Officers responded to the 29000 block of Van Horn for a hospice death. The caller advised that the 78-year-old woman was not breathing. An investigation led to natural causes.
April 30th: Officers responded to the 21000 block of Merriman Road for a 75-year-old man who was not breathing and cold to the touch. Officers completed an investigation and ruled the death was from natural causes.

Fire Investigations:

April 12: The Huron Township Fire Department responded to the 18000 block of Hannan Road for a grass fire complaint. The Huron Township Fire Department responded and were able to extinguish it before causing any structural damage.
April 15: The Huron Township Fire Department responded to the 23000 block of W. Creek Drive for a brush fire. The Huron Township Fire Department located a small brush fire and were able to extinguish it before causing any structural damage

I-275/I-94 ramps closing for 2 months for construction

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Posted by The Huron Hub | April 24, 2023

The Revive275 project is closing the ramps at the interchange of I-275 and I-94 to allow bridge, ramp, and freeway work to occur for approximately two months.

MDOT says the simultaneous ramp closures are necessary to complete the work by early summer before nearby Metro Airport begins work on its roadways.

MDOT and Metro Airport are working together to ensure access to the airport is maintained.

I-275:

Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 1, northbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 will close through early July.

Detour: Northbound I-275 traffic will continue north to Ecorse Road, then head westbound on Ecorse Road to southbound I-275, then southbound I-275 to eastbound or westbound I-94.

I-94:

Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 1, eastbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will close through early July.
Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 8, westbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will close through early July.
Detour: Eastbound and westbound I-94 traffic will use southbound I-275 to eastbound Eureka Road, then to northbound I-275.

I-275 construction update: ramp closures starting soon

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Posted by The Huron Hub | April 19, 2023

Heads-up if you commute on I-275 in Wayne County.

The massive I-275 reconstruction project is moving into the phase of repairing bridges and ramps connecting I-275 with I-94, M-153 (Ford Road) and US-12 (Michigan Avenue).

MDOT says this requires closing ramps to allow the bridge, ramp, and freeway work to occur in these locations.

Beginning 6 a.m., Monday, April 24, eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) ramp to northbound I-275 will close through late July. The detour will be eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) to southbound I-275, then to US-12 (Michigan Avenue) to northbound I-275.

The I-275 and I-94 interchange will have major ramp closures for approximately two months as part of the project.

MDOT says these simultaneous ramp closures are necessary to complete the work by early summer before nearby Metro Airport begins work on its roadways.

MDOT and Metro Airport said they are working together to ensure access to the airport is maintained.

I-275:

Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 1, northbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 will close through early July.

Detour: Northbound I-275 traffic will continue north to Ecorse Road, then head westbound on Ecorse Road to southbound I-275, then southbound I-275 to eastbound or westbound I-94.

I-94:

Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 1, eastbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will close through early July.

Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 8, westbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will close through early July.

Detour: Eastbound and westbound I-94 traffic will use southbound I-275 to eastbound Eureka Road, then to northbound I-275.

34th District Court in Romulus hosting ‘community day’ event May 5

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Posted by The Huron Hub | April 19, 2023

The 34th District Court in Romulus is inviting the public to the second annual “Community Day at the Court” on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Community Day is open to the public, though is targeted to residents of the five communities serviced by the 34th District Court: Belleville, Huron Township, Romulus, Sumpter Township and Van Buren Township.

Chief Judge Brian A. Oakley says, “We are thrilled to showcase our new facility and be able to host a day of fun for the community.”

The newly constructed 34th District Court Building is located at 11129 Wayne Road in Romulus. The Court is located in the City of Romulus Municipal Complex and opened to the public last year. It is a state of the art facility, comprised of two stories, four court rooms and 50,000 square feet.

In addition to tours of the facility, attendees at Community Day will enjoy a car show, food trucks, public safety demonstrations, pet adoptions and more. Several community agencies are scheduled to be on site at the event including Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, Michigan Youth Challenge Academy, Growth Works, Kroger, Romulus Christian Ministerial Alliance, Share Detroit, and Hegira Health, Inc.