Community

Michigan’s largest wind farm

Spread over acres and acres of farmland, Michigan’s largest wind farm is welcome change. This time no one will think the sprawling area of the wind farm to be the shore of Lake Michigan.
The wind farm is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Called the Invenergy Wind Farm, it is placed in Gratiot county. At this place heavy winds blow across all the time. So it made sense to have a wind farm here that tapped into the energy that wind gives.
At this place, the state’s largest wind farm started to evolve. From what was before a field of corns, is now a sea of tall towers, and rotating blades.
Gigantic wind turbines will dot the horizon soon. In the first phase, more than one hundred and fifty people will start work on the wind farm. Around one hundred and thirty three wind turbines are being planned.
Local people feel that this development in Michigan is similar to what happened when the railroad came in 1800. There was a lot of novelty and reason behind the developments. The same applies here too.
Unlike other states in the United States of America, Michigan has been slow in adopting wind energy. This project will give a new boost to the energy needs of the state.
More than fifty thousand homes will be powered by wind energy next year. This roughly translates into two hundred megawatts of electric power.
Invenergy is a Chicago-based renewable energy company. It supplies technology for renewable wind energy development which can be used by public energy utilities.

Filed Under: Community, News Tagged With: Wind farm, Wind power, Wind turbine

Prescription drugs killing Michigan residents

Image via Wikipedia

Spread across the U.S, the issue of prescription drugs fatally harming people is affecting people in Michigan too. For even the slightest discomfort, people are taking to prescription drugs. Be it a small headache, backache, tooth pain, common cold, and other minor health issues, prescription drugs are seen as a fast and easy way of getting temporal relief.
Prescription drugs are taken indiscriminately. Such a condition is abusive in nature, because it is taken when it might not be needed. The people in Michigan are affected by their own prescription abuse behavior. Statistics indicate a higher death rate because of prescription abuse, than narcotics abuse.
What could be the reason behind this? Health officials say it is the accessibility of people to drugs that creates this situation. Doctors too add to the situation by giving out prescriptions for any small health illness. People are now relying less on their body’s immune system, and more on prescription drugs.
Young adults, and teenagers use prescription drugs as a legal way to abuse it and seek stimulation pleasure. They get replacement sensuousness which might be not the same as narcotics, but somewhere close to it. College going students use huge amounts of prescription drugs for sensory pleasures.
The chief culprit are painkillers. Taken for anything, painkillers become a bane after some time. Indiscriminate use of painkillers result in addiction, and eventually abuse of prescription drugs.
Something needs to be done fast. Health officials have to build a system around the accessibility of prescription drugs.

Filed Under: Community, Dining Tagged With: Michigan, Prescription drug, Substance abuse

Ranch Owners Hit Back ? Talks Of 5000 Pigs Running Wild In Michigan Is Absurd

Image via Wikipedia

The current problem related to pigs running wild in the state of Michigan is, according to game ranch owners, over exaggerated. The Department of Natural Resources speaks of 5000 wild pigs running around in the State. The owners of the game ranches point out that the total number of pigs in all the ranches put together will not exceed 5000. Since these ranch owners have been criticized for allowing the pigs to escape, they face the burden of punishment and penalty including the threat of litigation.

The game ranch owners have pointed out the absurdity of stating that 5000 pigs may be running around and have threatened with litigation of their own if a ban takes place. The owners have stated that they would not accept an outright ban on any individual rearing pigs in private in the state of Michigan.

According to them, the total number of pigs in the wild will not exceed 200 and that this number is not a sufficient threat to speak of a statewide emergency and an outright ban. The ranch owners admit that they lost control of the pigs and this led to the problem. They are prepared to submit to regulations, inspections and other formalities that will help them do that they are taking good care of the pigs.

However, the ranch owners point out that an outright ban is only going to affect the economy in a big manner because the sport of hunting pigs is very popular in the state of Michigan and ranches depend on this for their income along with the sport of hunting elks.

Filed Under: Community, Travel Tagged With: Michigan, Pig, Ranch

Problem Of Wild Pigs Threatening Crops In Michigan Assumes Grave Proportions

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - APRIL 12: Pig Felix ...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Michigan is the facing the problem of wild pigs destroying valuable crops in the State. The problem has been reported in more than 60 of the 83 counties in the State. This makes it a statewide problem which must be tackled as early as possible.

The state government has been on this issue for quite some time now. The government decided to permit individuals to shoot pigs found roaming on public land without any risk or fear of penalty. However, this has failed to tackle the issue. For starters, these wild pigs have a very big home range. Hence, it is difficult to pin them down to a specific area or region. It is possible for a pig to have home range as big as the county. In such a scenario, the chances of the wild pig escaping the vigil of those trying to protect their farms are significantly high.

The problem arises primarily due to the escape of wild pigs from game ranches that have been set up to enable people to hunt these as a sport. The ranches are not in a position to control the pigs and maintain them within a specific area. As number of pigs in the wild increases, the chances of State of being hit rises significantly.

The issue has reached such a level that the government is contemplating making it illegal for any individual to hold wild pigs in private. This is going to affect the game ranches in a significant manner as they depend on this sport for a significant chunk of their income. There is also the question whether a ban will help overcome the problem.

Filed Under: Community, Travel Tagged With: Michigan, Pig, Wild boar

High Demand for Physician’s Assistants in Michigan

With the whole country screaming for more jobs, there is one question everyone has on their minds: How can I recession-proof my career? The key is to think about services and or products that people will always need. Health care is one of those industries that will always have plenty of clients. One of the fastest growing fields in Michigan today is that of physician’s assistants. It is reported that 30,000 more physician’s assistants will be needed in the United States by the year 2018. Statistics like this make it clear that health care is the best employment arena in Michigan.

The next best thing to doctors, physician assistants work under doctor supervision. They perform physical exams, diagnose conditions, treat minor ailments and even prescribe medication. In a nutshell, physician assistants handle routine care of patients, allowing doctors to focus on serious health issues. This helps the health care system run smoothly and decrease wait times at health care facilities.

Jobs in this field require at least an associate degree. If you are wondering “where can I earn my degree?” there are at least five training programs located in Michigan and of course there are many colleges and online schools that have the necessary degree programs to get you started. Classes in subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology and medical ethics will prepare you for supervised clinical training in an actual medical practice.

The average yearly salary for physician’s assistants is over $80,000. This proves that working in the medical field is a great way to cushion the blow of a recession.

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Health, Physician, Physician assistant, United States

High-Need Schools Get Math and Science Teachers

With a master’s degree fellowship offering up to $30,000 in paid tuition stipend in exchange for 3 years of paid work in high-need educational posts, Michigan math and science teachers are quickly increasing in number. A new program by the Kellogg Foundation brought $18 million to Michigan in 2009 in an effort to recruit more teachers of the so-called ”STEM” subjects: science, technology, engineering and math. The program had already demonstrated a high level of success in other states such as Indiana and has since been brought to Michigan.

By partnering with colleges and universities across the state, these fellowships are offered to teachers wishing to pursue higher education. In return, the teachers commit to spending at least 3 years in certain schools and districts where teacher shortages in these fields are the most extreme, including the Grand Rapids, Godfrey-Lee, Detroit and Battle Creek school districts. The universities that are participating in the program are Grand Valley State, Michigan State, University of Michigan, Wayne State, and both Western and Eastern Michigan Universities.

This cooperation between elementary, secondary and higher education facilities creates more opportunities for students and teachers alike. Also, the program is able to match teacher specialties with the areas that are most in need. There are already nearly 200 fellows working in the state of Michigan, and the most recent program is bringing in almost 100 more. While the teachers will be working toward post-graduate degrees while holding full-time teaching jobs, they will have 3 years to complete their master’s degrees, making the goal completely attainable.

Filed Under: Community, News Tagged With: Education, Michigan, Teacher

Michigan Uncovered

When you think of Michigan the first thing that comes to mind is a Great Lake, right? Sure, there is a huge lake that you can boat on, swim in, and skate on in the wintertime, but what about the rest of the state? Grand Rapids is a central point for all the goings-on of Michigan. There are so many things to do and see in that wonderful city. The nightlife, the cafÃ©s and the scenery alone are well worth the trip. One of the first places you will want to stop on your trip is Greenfield Village.

This little village hosts Thomas Edisonâ€™s lab and the Wright Brothersâ€™ bicycle shop. Itâ€™s wonderful to let this village take you back in time where the Model-Tâ€™s and horse drawn carriages have roamed and still present themselves on these streets. There are several covered bridges that are to be seen on a trip to Michigan. These bridges often have wonderful and romantic stories attached to them for everyone to learn. Then for a piece of serenity you can go to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Never again think of Michigan as a place from where vehicles come.

Michigan can be uncovered easily by entering one of the borders that surround it. From there it is all fun and relaxation for everyone involved. Brilliant lake shores that wind for miles on end, breathtaking scenery that has myriad wildlife, and abounding and unforgettable history are all things that everyone can look forward to when they are taking a journey to Michigan. Sports fanatics are more than welcome to stop by in any season. There is always a game on at the stadium or arena that is as fun as it is fulfilling. Itâ€™s not just a Great Lake state; itâ€™s where anyone and everyone can go to have a wonderful time as a couple or with the entire family.

Filed Under: Community, Travel Tagged With: Brady Hoke, Michigan, United States

Dive into Michigan

Michigan is the land of 11,000 lakes. It is also home to the largest fresh water coast line in the nation. The beaches with their singing sand invite everyone to walk and listen. Any angler will walk away with plenty of fish stories to tell. Whether lake fishing or river fishing, there is plenty to be had by all. Traverse the sand dunes which reach up to 460 feet or hike the scenic trails for that perfect spot. Get up close and personal with the magnificent waterfalls that can soothe the soul. These natural beauties can be seen in a Michigan State park.

Outdoor adventures are not just for fishing. Skiing or parasailing can be enjoyed by those with a taste for adventure. In the winter time, snow skiing, snow boarding or cozying up next to a fire can all be great adventures of their own. Take a scenic drive, visit historic sights, boat, swim or walk the shore lines. These are exemplary ways to vacation,, or get away from it all in Michigan. Pier out at the Straits of Mackinac while standing on the Grand Mackinac bridge above the amazing waters. Breathtaking views, adrenaline pumping activities and the most comfortable eating arrangements will bring you back to Michigan again and again.

Natural attractions include the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Holland State Park and charter boats. There is a natural sandbox just outside of Traverse City and the must see Tahquemenon Falls State Park that features nature in all its glory. Michigan State parks are peppered with 3,100 miles of trails that twist and turn through delightful scenery. Come outside, play in the sand, and dive into Michigan for the experience of a lifetime. There is simply no way for boredom to creep in. Michigan is calling. Are you there yet?

Filed Under: Community, Travel

The Biggest Schools in Michigan

Detroit’s University of Michigan is a highly respected name among the U.S.’s premier institutions of higher education with its thirteen undergraduate schools and additional eighteen graduate schools. Its fame is possibly outstripped, though, by Michigan State. This strikingly individual institution is a member of the U.S.’s Big Ten and is well known for its agricultural school, and for offering degrees–vocational and academic–as diverse as music therapy, osteopathy, hospitality business, and nuclear physics. The base of the programs is far more extensive than this mere sample, unsurprising for a Public Ivy university of note.

The next most attended university in terms of student population in Michigan is Wayne State in Detroit, offering a city-based campus and more than 400 programs.

One degree program fully relevant in the technological era is library management, alternatively Resource Management and/or Information Science. As a profession, library management has an ongoing role in the operation of educational establishments countrywide. At Wayne State, the Library and Information Science program claims to prepare professionals to be strong participants in this discipline and other related fields.

The full-time commitment of attending campus in the literal sense is not for everyone, however. Those caring for children or facing travel obstacles can benefit from the proliferation of online courses listed on such websites as elearners.com. With a Library & Information Science degree, the newly fledged graduate can access careers not just in conventional librarianship, but also in web development, if not as digital librarians. Studying library management, students develop strong specialized IT skills, expertise in classifying materials, and administering the computer systems for libraries as well as making decisions about materials to acquire.

Educators recognize the revolutionary role the internet has in giving students the chance to conduct their learning experience at a distance, but without any loss of quality. Applauded also are the extensive discussions that can take place using the internet’s assorted academic forums where independent thinking flourishes.

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: Graduate school, Higher education, Information science, Library and Information Science, Library science, Michigan, University of Michigan, Wayne State University

Crime in Michigan

With a bustling population that is almost 10 million and a considerable number of unemployed citizens, the state of Michigan suffers from a soaring crime rate. Like other states in the United States, the issue of security is a big one in Michigan. Although the crime rates are not the worst in the country, they pose considerable challenges to the government.

Some of the commonest criminal activities in the state include armed robbery, kidnapping, car jacking, forcible rape, driving under influence, tax evasion and exceeding speed limits on state and federal highways. Some others include illegal possession of firearms, explosives and drugs. There have also been some murder and homicide cases in the state.

As with every responsible government, the government of Michigan has put the necessary measures in place to guarantee the security of lives and property. In recent times, the state government has embarked on an aggressive community policing drive aimed at reining in criminally minded elements and preventing crime.

As a tourist or citizen of Michigan, you are expected to play your own part in preventing crime from spiraling in the state. You are expected to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement in your neighborhood to the local authority or the nearest police station. In addition, you are not to endanger yourself by driving or walking at odd hours especially if you are a female. You should also avoid following strangers, walking in dark areas or secluded corners, you have to be responsible and safety-conscious at all times. In a case where you witness a crime scene, help make Michigan a safer place by volunteering to give useful information.

However, the security profile of Michigan is impressive especially when compared with some other parts of the country. The relative peace, security and tranquility in the state has encouraged the influx of millions of tourists who in turn contribute billions of dollars to the state tourism industry.

Filed Under: Community