Statewide tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday

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(Photo/Pixabay)

Posted by The Huron Hub | March 21, 2023

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 19-25 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is calling on residents to act by participating in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22.

“We are approaching the anniversary of the deadly EF3 tornado that devastated the city of Gaylord last year,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “It serves as an important reminder to take steps now to prepare and create a plan to protect your home, your family, and your pets.”

According to The National Weather Service, the state of Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year. “This drill gives people a chance to make a plan and put it to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes,” Sweeney said.

Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity but are not required to do so. During the drill, residents will observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in their community if the local emergency management agency is participating. Contact your local emergency management agency to learn how local alerts are administrated in your community and if your community is participating.

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means residents need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.
To be ready for a tornado:

  • Know the difference: tornado watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
  • Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark low- lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.
  • Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
  • Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.
  • Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.
  • Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.
  • Engage with your local emergency manager to find out if they are participating.

For wmore information about being safe before, during, and after a tornado, follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to http://www.michigan.gov/miready.

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Department of Public Safety releases annual report

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Posted by The Huron Hub | March 16, 2023

The Huron Township Department of Public Safety released its annual report.

The report covers the 2022 operating year.

“2022 was a year of listening, learning, and changing for the Huron Township Department of Public Safety. Learning about ourselves, who we serve, and making sure we are the best at doing what we do. The main question on our mind is always whether or not we are providing top-notch quality service to our residents who do so much to support us. With that in mind, our organization began the journey of becoming accredited. Accreditation promotes transparency and self-reflection within an agency, which fosters a culture of accountability. We look forward to finalizing that process in 2023 and hope that we will make our community proud,” said Everette Robbins, director of public safety.

You can read the entire report by clicking this link.

Whitmer, Wayne State University announce free tuition program

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Wayne State University officials Monday to announce the Wayne State Guarantee. (Photos provided)

Posted by The Huron Hub | State & Region news | March 14, 2023

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Wayne State University officials Monday to announce the Wayne State Guarantee, a new initiative offering incoming Michigan students with family incomes of $70,000 or less a tuition-free degree with zero out-of-pocket expenses.

The program will begin in the fall of 2023 and cover the full cost of tuition and standard fees. This is made possible by the bipartisan Michigan Achievement Scholarship program, which Governor Whitmer signed into law in 2022, saving students up to $8,250 on their associate degree at a community college, up to $20,000 at a private college, or up to $27,500 at a public university.

“Students in Michigan deserve the opportunity to receive quality, affordable higher education,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud to work with universities across the state to lower the cost of college for Michigan students and help them gain the skills to be prepared for the new and expanding businesses coming to the state. Last year, almost half of first-year students at Wayne State University had zero out-of-pocket expenses, with this initiative, the university is offering that opportunity to even more students.”

Who’s Eligible for the Wayne State Guarantee

-Incoming first-year undergraduates who are Michigan residents admitted for fall 2023 as a first-time undergraduate in a degree-program.
-Household income of $70,000 or less and assets of $50,000 or less as confirmed on the 2023-24 FAFSA.
-Michigan residents eligible for the Pell grant in 2023-24 are also eligible.
-Must be enrolled full time (12 or more credit hours per semester) each semester. Funding is for fall and winter semesters.
-WSU must receive your 2023-24 FAFSA by April 1, 2023, and be eligible to receive federal student aid.
-Must be admitted to WSU by April 1, 2023.

The Wayne State Guarantee covers the full cost of tuition and standard fees (matriculation, registration, and student service fees) with a combination of federal, state, and other WSU scholarships and grants. The award is renewable for up to four years, with the option to apply for a fifth year if the student is on track to graduate in that year.

Wayne State provides more than $350 million in financial aid annually.

“Wayne State has a long history of being a university of access and opportunity, and now our commitment to making a college degree affordable comes in the form of a guarantee,” said Roy M. Wilson, Wayne State University president. “We are excited to expand the opportunity for an affordable, world-class education to more Warriors. We are grateful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership in establishing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and paving the way for Michiganders to pursue tuition-free higher education.”

Michigan Achievement Scholarship 

To make college more affordable for families, grow Michigan’s talent pool, and get the state closer to achieving its Sixty by 30 goal, the governor signed bipartisan legislation creating the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. This legislation builds on Governor Whitmer’s promise in 2019 to pass Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Opportunity Scholarships to reach the state’s Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. 

The scholarships are renewable for up to three years at a community college and up to five years at a private college or public university, totaling up to:

-$8,250 at community college
-$20,000 at a private college or university
-$27,500 at a public university

Huron Township police swear in two officers

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Officers Joshua Wolfe (left) and Joe Barlow were sworn in during a board meeting March 8 by Clerk Jeremy Cady. (Photos provided)

By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted March 14, 2023

The Huron Township Police Department swore in two full-time officers during a board meeting on March 8.

Officer Joshua Wolfe began his career with the Belleville Police Department in 2012. In the following years he has worked for the Westland and Dearborn Heights Police Departments.

He has achieved training goals such as expert level shooter in firearms, a traffic reconstruction expert and investigator, speed measurement instructor. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Madonna University.

Officer Joe Barlow joins Huron Police with nine years of experience with the Dearborn Heights Police Department. While there, he was a member of the SWAT team and honor guard. He received his bachelor’s degree from Madonna University and his master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

“We feel extremely fortunate to add officers with this type of experience and training to our public safety organization. It was great meeting their families who it was easy to see are the secret to their success. I expect great things from them,” said Everette Robbins, director of public safety.

Eww: 3 to 6 inches of snow possible by Friday afternoon

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The photo speaks for itself (Huron Hub file photo)

Posted by The Huron Hub | Thursday, March 9, 2023

The photo above says it all.

Winter continues in the mitten state as we wrap-up the week.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for all of southeast Michigan from 10 p.m. Thursday night through 2 p.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service in Detroit says a period of snowfall will begin early tonight and end early Friday afternoon.

The heaviest snowfall rates of a half inch to an inch per hour are expected to occur during the morning commute which would lead to reduced visibility and snow covered roads.

Snowfall will taper off in the early afternoon.

Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected.

Plan on slippery road conditions during the Friday morning commute.

Huron resident cited after near miss with student at bus stop

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By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted Thursday, March 9, 2023

A Huron Township resident was cited recently after a near miss situation occurred with a student at a bus stop.

Huron Township Police have been patrolling bus routes throughout the school year.

On Feb. 27, police dash cam footage caught a scary situation unfold at a bus stop on a Huron School District bus route.

A student, likely of elementary age, was near the edge of the street as the bus was stopped with red flashing lights at 8:11 a.m.

The footage shows the boy was alone and did not have any adults with him at the bus stop.

Just when the student was about to cross the street to board the bus, a driver ignored the stop lights and passed the bus.

The driver appears to swerve away from the bus and near the boy standing on the side of the road.

Here is the video:

Video courtesy of Huron Township Police

The boy standing alone at the bus stop is concerning to police. This is a trend that police have noticed while patrolling the routes this year.

“More often than we should, we see kids standing near a busy street and ultimately crossing that busy street alone to get on the school bus. We are thankful that this young boy wasn’t seriously injured or worse. Hopefully this will the needed wake up call for all parents to be physically present with their children at the bus stop in the event they need to pull them to safety in a dangerous situation such as this one,” said Everette Robbins, Huron Township director of public safety.

“It’s still hard to believe that adults will disregard a school bus’ emergency lights, but unfortunately it’s a sad reality.”

Renton Junior High School choir earns top honors at MSVMA choral festival

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Photo courtesy of Brenda Bressler

Letter to editor posted March 8, 2023

Congratulations to my amazing Renton Junior High choir for their performance at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) District 12 Choral Festival.

The group earned top honors (Division I) with an overall score of 97 out of a possible 120 points.

This group of 7th and 8th grade vocalists are directed by Mrs. Brenda Bressler and accompanied by Mrs. Peggy Anderson.

Letter submitted by Brenda Bressler.

The Huron Hub accepts letters to the editor from all points of view. Submit your letter to editor@huronhub.com or through the contact page at HuronHub.com.

Accumulating snow in the forecast for Friday

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Huron Hub file photo

Posted by The Huron Hub | Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Winter just won’t let up in Michigan.

More accumulating snow is in the forecast for pretty much all day Friday.

3 to 6 inches of snow is being forecasted by late Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Detroit.

Key points:

  • Snow will overspread Southeast Michigan from the southwest after Midnight Thursday night.
  • The snow will be heaviest Friday morning, with rates of ½ to 1 inch per hour expected.
  • The snow will gradually decrease in coverage Friday afternoon before coming to an end Friday evening.
  • A uniform 3 to 6 inches of accumulation is expected across the entire area. Since this system is still two days out, some adjustments to forecast snow totals are possible.
  • The snow will impact the Friday morning commute.

Students arrested Monday for making threats against Summit Academy Middle School

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(Huron Hub file photo)

By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Huron Township police responded to Summit Academy Middle School three times Monday for alleged threats made by students.

During the overnight hours Sunday into Monday, a student reported that a 12-year-old student from the city of Wayne said that he was going to shoot up the school. The threat occurred several days prior to being reported, and charges are being reviewed at the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

At 11 a.m., staff and students reported that another student threatened to blow the school up. A 14-year-old female student from Taylor was taken into custody and will be lodged at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center pending charges by the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Later the same day at 2:50 p.m., a staff member reported hearing a student say to another student that he would bring a gun to school and kill others during a verbal argument with another student.

A 12-year-old male from Romulus was taken into custody and will be lodged at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center pending review by the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

“Unfortunately, today middle school students reported verbal threats which resulted in arrest as well as disciplinary action at the school. As you know, school safety is always our first priority. We take threats very seriously and always launch a full investigation. We are very proud of the middle school students that reported verbal threats today. They did a great job of following ‘See/hear something, say something.’ We worked in partnership with our liaison officer and the Huron Police Department to address the students involved. The staff and Summit Academy North will continue to take every threat seriously. Your child’s safety is our priority,” said Leann Hedke, superintendent of Summit Academy.

“As we approach the end of the school year, please take some time to talk to your student about the seriousness of making any type of threat. Please remind your students about the repercussions of making a threat. There will be disciplinary action up to expulsion as well as referral to the police department and possible arrest,” she said.