Breaking News

Editorial

State launches youth initiative during Workplace Rights Week

Did you know workers younger than age 18 cannot do several potentially dangerous tasks on the job, such as operate some power-driven machines, use a meat slicer, handle certain hazardous chemicals or operate certain heavy equipment? The state is emphasizing that and additional information for minors on the job as part of its new Youth Workers’ Rights Initiative that aims to provide young Michiganders with the knowledge and confidence they need to enter the workforce safely, fairly and successfully. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity launched the initiative to ...

Take steps to stop spread of oak wilt

It’s time to leave those oak trees alone. Due to the possibility of beetles spreading oak wilt fungus from tree to tree, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises homeowners and landowners not to trim or prune any oak trees from mid-April to mid-July. Sap-feeding nitidulid beetles are most active during this period and can transfer spores from infected trees to healthy trees through wounds, the DNR states in a news release. Recent research at Michigan State University indicates that in Michigan, oak wilt infection risk peaks in May and June. The DNR recommends that ...

Check for restrictions, be careful if burning

With the snow mostly gone and longer sunny days drying everything out, spring fire season has arrived — that dangerous period before enough new greenery grows to make the brown grasses and bare branches less vulnerable to a stray spark or ember. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds the public to check fire danger and burn permit restrictions before conducting outdoor burning activities, as recent storms have increased the amount of debris on the landscape across much of Wisconsin. Even with recent heavy rainfalls and severe weather, Wisconsin last week had 50 ...