May typically marks the start of the season for cruise vacations on the Great Lakes, a burgeoning segment of the market that was shaping up to have a banner year in 2020. Read the full story by the Greater Milwaukee Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200518-Cruise

Ken Gibbons

Despite virus, Michigan groups aim to keep summer fireworks tradition

ALPENA, Mich. (AP) — Some small Michigan communities aren’t giving up on summer traditions despite the coronavirus.

The Alpena Municipal Council is giving people time to raise money for a July 4 fireworks show along Lake Huron in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Lafarge North America, which operates a cement plant in Alpena, will match donations up to $12,000, the Alpena News reported.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-coronavirus-alpena-michigan-fireworks/

The Associated Press

Boats have a long history on the Great Lakes. From the first birchbark canoes, to the schooners and steamships of the 1800s, to the massive freighters of today, people have used boats to fish for food and to transport goods and people.

This week students will explore some of the boats used in the region. They’ll also learn an important skill that all sailors use: knot tying.

Time/Materials

This activity will take between 30 minutes and an hour.

You’ll need:

  • Computer
  • Rope or string

Ready? Head to the Classroom!

Watch the video below to learn about boats on the Great Lakes. 

Share the Learning

Ask your kids: What types of boats have you been on? Have you seen different types of boats on the Great Lakes or in movies? What is happening on those vessels? Who works on those boats?

Activity

Learn to tie the knots that Captain Todd showed us by watching the three videos below. You can re-watch and practice along with Captain Todd as many times as you need. 

Extra Credit

Parents: Take a photo or video of your knot, and share it on social media. Tag us in your creations, and we may share it with others!

Deep Dive

Want to learn more? Check out these resources!

  • Test your knowledge of the different types of Great Lakes boats throughout history with this quick quiz: “Boats of Many Sizes” 
  • Have you read the classic book “Paddle to the Sea” by Holling Clancy Holling? 
    • Follow along on with this “Google Lit Trip” (NOTE: You will need to install Google Earth and download the .kmz file.)
    • The classic 1966 film “Paddle to the Sea” from the National Film Board of Canada is based on the book of the same name. The film follows the birchbark canoe and it’s long trip from Lake Superior to the ocean.
  • Learn more about the Denis Sullivan Schooner, one of the boats that Captain Todd sailed.

Find more Great Lakes lessons at H.O.M.E.School.

 

 

The post H.O.M.E.School Week 7: Boating and Knots appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2020/05/homeschool-boating-knots/

Kirsten Ballard

Joint Press Release from Alliance for the Great Lakes, Freshwater Future, and Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund

May 14, 2020 (Columbus, OH) – On Thursday, Representative Erica Crawley (D-Columbus) introduced legislation that will ensure clean, safe, affordable water for everyone in Ohio. 

Nationwide, more than a third of all households will not be able to pay their water bill by the end of 2022 according to a report out of Michigan State University. A report on water and sewer affordability in Ohio found that in nearly 80 percent of Ohio communities, a month of basic water and sewer service requires more than eight hours of labor at minimum wage. The Ohio report found that water costs are disproportionately felt in communities of color which have been redlined and disinvested in for decades and in rural communities with a small rate base.  

“Freshwater Future applauds Representative Crawley for her leadership to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water,” said Kristy Meyer, Associate Director at Freshwater Future. “As water rates and economic inequality rise, many Ohioans are losing access to water, a basic human need. Hard decisions are being made between rent, food, medical care, electricity and water- the necessities for life. Without clean, safe water flowing into homes, people cannot wash their hands and keep good hygiene, leading to public health issues that also impact our economy.” 

In 2016, more than 15 million Americans, or 1 out of every 20 households, had their water shut off due to being unable to pay their water bill. Thousands across the state last year had to make the hard decision between putting food on the table and paying their water bill. When water is cut off to a house, a parent could lose custody of their child due to perceived neglect. Kids going to school with poor hygiene have reported being bullied, which can lead to grades slipping. 

“Families should not have to choose between paying their water and sewer bills and putting food on the table,” said Alliance for the Great Lakes Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement Crystal M.C. Davis. “In a water-rich state located along Lake Erie, it is unacceptable that people around Ohio cannot afford clean, safe drinking water in their homes. The Alliance for the Great Lakes applauds Representative Crawley for introducing legislation to address water affordability in Ohio.” 

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown us how fragile water security is for many Ohioans. As water rates have risen steeply in recent years, vulnerable Ohioans have been affected the most. All Ohioans should have access to clean, safe drinking water regardless of where they live or how much money they make,” said Melanie Houston, Drinking Water Director for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund. “We thank Representative Crawley for introducing this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure clean, safe water is available to all Ohio families.”

The legislation specifically:

  • Bans water shutoffs for nonpayment;
  • Requires public water utilities to create a water affordability program based on available income of the household;
  • Requires public water utilities to develop an emergency water assistance program for people who cannot afford to pay their water bill when they fall on hard times;
  • Provides an opportunity for debt forgiveness for Ohioans who are diligently working to pay down water debt for 2 years; and
  • Allows water utilities to use funds generated from rate-payers to create customer assistance programs. 

### 

About the Alliance for the Great Lakes: The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean and natural waters of the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.greatlakes.org.

About Freshwater Future: Freshwater Future builds a strong and effective environmental community working to protect and restore the waters of the Great Lakes by involving residents in civic decision-making. 

About Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund: The OEC Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy. Learn more at www.theoecactionfund.org/

 

Media Contacts: 

Jennifer Caddick, Alliance for the Great Lakes at jcaddick@greatlakes.org or 312-445-9760 

Kristy Meyer, Freshwater Future at Kristy@FreshwaterFuture.org  or 614-638-8948

Emily Bacha, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund at ebacha@theoec.org or 216-533-8637

 

 

 

The post Groups Applaud the Introduction of Water For All Legislation appeared first on Alliance for the Great Lakes.

Original Article

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

News – Alliance for the Great Lakes

https://greatlakes.org/2020/05/groups-applaud-the-introduction-of-water-for-all-legislation/

Jennifer Caddick

Sewage Check: Great Lakes researchers look to wastewater for data on COVID-19

The virus can be detected in infected people’s feces – sometimes even before they begin exhibiting symptoms.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/sewage-check-researchers-look-to-wastewater-for-data-on-covid-19/

Sharon Oosthoek

The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Flood Warning for... Central Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... * Until 130 AM CDT Tuesday. * At 454 AM CDT, local law enforcement reported flooding and several road closures in the warning area. Flooding is already occurring

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB49228.FloodWarning.125F4CC355D8WI.GRBFLWGRB.7137172b37f67e1dfabf9d5523c269a0

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CDT TUESDAY... * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...East to northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph will cause elevated water levels on the bayshore from Oconto to Green Bay. In addition, recent heavy

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB47F68.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC43480WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Flood Advisory for... Central Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... * Until 130 AM CDT Tuesday. * At 128 AM CDT, trained weather spotters reported minor flooding with area rivers approaching some roads in the advisory area.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB412D0.FloodAdvisory.125F4CC355D8WI.GRBFLSGRB.4630b7d4f21bfab49af7626218f3fd36

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

Marbled crayfish added to Michigan’s prohibited species list

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A crayfish that reproduces by cloning has been added to Michigan’s prohibited species list.

All known specimens of marbled crayfish are genetically identical females that can produce up to 700 eggs per reproductive cycle without the need for fertilization, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/ap-marbled-crayfish-michigans-prohibited-species/

The Associated Press

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT MONDAY... * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...East to northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph will cause elevated water levels on the

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB3794C.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...East to northeast winds 25 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central and northeast Wisconsin. * WHEN...Until 4 AM CDT Monday.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CB34490.WindAdvisory.125F4CB47D10WI.GRBNPWGRB.f2827a1667e623f6c2e34e36c12c205f

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a * Flood Advisory for... Calumet County in east central Wisconsin... Manitowoc County in east central Wisconsin... Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin... Kewaunee County in northeastern Wisconsin...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA6FDFC.FloodAdvisory.125F4CB37758WI.GRBFLSGRB.2a00c700fb5c942470873b3047fb827a

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT MONDAY... * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...East to northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 35 mph will cause elevated water levels on the

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA6EC68.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT MONDAY * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...East to northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph will cause elevated water levels on the

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA64FC4.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

.Several rounds of moderate to heavy rain today and tonight will bring 2 to 4 inches of rain to east-central and portions of northeast Wisconsin. This could bring some rivers to near flood stage. In addition, the rain could create minor flooding in urban or low-lying areas. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA63340.FloodWatch.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBFFAGRB.0e9b4daacce3c1e8991a630b7e5f3d71

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

The new chair of the Fox River Navigational System Authority is no stranger to the organization. We welcome back former board member Ron Van De Hey to serve as board chairman. He was appointed by Gov. Evers to fill out the remainder of Tim Rose’s term due to his passing. Ron previously served on the board of directors and ended his term in 2014. From 1982-1992 he served as mayor of Kaukauna (and is still affectionately known as Mayor Vandy) and worked for many years in the insurance industry. We are honored to have his leadership in our organization again!


Original Article

Blog – Fox Locks

Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/05/17/2954/

Fox Locks

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM CDT MONDAY... * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...East to northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph will cause elevated water levels on the

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA51DE8.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

.Several rounds of moderate to heavy rain today and tonight will bring 2 to 4 inches of rain to east-central and portions of northeast Wisconsin. This could bring some rivers to near flood stage. In addition, the rain could create minor flooding in urban or low-lying areas. ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING THROUGH MONDAY

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA4F4E4.FloodWatch.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBFFAGRB.0e9b4daacce3c1e8991a630b7e5f3d71

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 7 PM CDT MONDAY... * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...East to northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph will cause elevated water levels on the

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4CA43644.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SUNDAY TO 7 PM CDT MONDAY... The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a Lakeshore Flood Warning, which is in effect from 1 PM Sunday to 7 PM CDT Monday. The Lakeshore Flood Watch is no longer in effect. * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C97A960.LakeshoreFloodWarning.125F4CC25FC0WI.GRBCFWGRB.3f6808462c93760669ff25d8344f2212

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto and Brown counties. * LAKESHORE FLOODING...Northeast winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph will cause elevated water levels on the

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C970CBC.LakeshoreFloodWatch.125F4CB56770WI.GRBCFWGRB.61416f6958ed8a33a906f01917d20791

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a Lakeshore Flood Watch, which is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. * LOCATIONS...Shoreline areas of the bay of Green Bay in Oconto

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C95DA18.LakeshoreFloodWatch.125F4CB56770WI.GRBCFWGRB.61416f6958ed8a33a906f01917d20791

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOODING EXPECTED ON THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN BAY LATER THIS WEEKEND... A significant bayshore flooding event is expected from Saturday night into Sunday night, when strong northeast winds will cause water to pile up on the western and southern parts of the bay. Heavy rainfall, with total amounts of 1 to 2 inches, will also

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C94EF54.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C961FA0WI.GRBSPSGRB.a14d03d9658392d2940ac7a2ae4f8715

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...LAKESHORE FLOODING ON THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN BAY EXPECTED LATER THIS WEEKEND... Winds have decreased and water levels on the bay have subsided early this evening, so the threat of minor lakeshore flooding on the western bay has diminished. However, a significant bayshore flooding event is expected from

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C94AC24.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C953540WI.GRBSPSGRB.a14d03d9658392d2940ac7a2ae4f8715

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...MINOR FLOODING OF LOW-LYING AREAS ALONG THE BAYSHORE POSSIBLE THIS EVENING... A lake breeze has caused east to northeast winds to increase to 15 to 25 mph late this afternoon. As a result, water has started to pile up on the western side of the bay. Water levels are expected to increase enough to cause minor flooding of low-lying

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C88D994.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C94ECFCWI.GRBSPSGRB.a14d03d9658392d2940ac7a2ae4f8715

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

Four environmental issues in the Pittsburgh region to keep your eyes on in the age of COVID-19

By Oliver Morrison, PublicSource, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

COVID-19 cost jobs, closed businesses and limited travel. But the economic ruin has also led to record low levels of pollution and huge reductions in climate change emissions globally.

Some of the changes, such as remote work, could have lasting benefits for the environment, even after the economy restarts.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-climate-change-pollution-oil-waste/

PublicSource

For Immediate Release

May 15, 2020

 

Media Contact:

Kristy Meyer, Associate Director

Freshwater Future

kristy@freshwaterfuture.org

614-638-8948

 

Freshwater Future Organization, Others Applaud Introduction of Water Affordability Legislation in Ohio

Columbus, OH – On Thursday May 15, 2020, Representative Erica Crawley (D-Columbus) introduced state legislation that will ensure clean, safe, affordable water for everyone in Ohio. 

Nationwide, more than a third of all households will not be able to pay their water bill by the end of 2022 according to a report out of Michigan State University. In Ohio, a report on water and sewer affordability found that in nearly 80 percent of Ohio communities, a month of basic water and sewer service requires more than eight hours of labor at minimum wage. The report also  found that water costs are disproportionately felt in communities of color which have been redlined and disinvested in for decades along with rural communities that do not have enough people to pay for maintaining and upgrading the water infrastructure. 

“Freshwater Future applauds Representative Crawley for her leadership to ensure everyone has access to clean, safe, and affordable water,” said Kristy Meyer, Associate Director at Freshwater Future. “As water rates and economic inequality rise, many Ohioans are losing access to water, a basic human need. Hard decisions are being made between rent, food, medical care, electricity and water – the necessities for life. Without clean, safe water flowing into homes, people cannot wash their hands and keep good hygiene, possibly leading to public health issues that also impact our economy, kids being bullied at school, and families being torn apart.” 

In 2016, more than 15 million Americans, or 1 out of every 20 households, had their water shutoff due to inability to pay their water bill. Thousands across the state last year had to make the hard decision between putting food on the table and paying their water bill. COVID-19 has further illuminated how important it is to have access to running water in homes. When Ohioans do not have access to water in their homes, they cannot follow the CDC’s number one recommendation for preventing the spread of COVID-19 – washing hands.  

The legislation specifically:

  • Bans water shutoffs for nonpayment;
  • Requires public water utilities to create a water affordability program based on available income of the household;
  • Requires public water utilities to develop an emergency water assistance program for people who cannot afford to pay 

  • their water bill when they fall on hard times; and
  • Addresses past debt with the ability for forgiveness of debt.

### 

About Freshwater Future: Freshwater Future builds a strong and effective environmental community working to protect and restore the waters of the Great Lakes by involving residents in civic decision-making. Learn more at freshwaterfuture.org

Original Article

Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/11578/

Alexis Smith

Park rangers with the Indiana Dunes National Park Service in Northwest Indiana are working hard to connect people with nature, virtually. They have recorded a series of videos, which can be found on the Facebook page and website. Read the full story by The Chicago Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-virtual-hikes

Samantha Stanton

A letter this week signed by Minnesota’s St. Louis County’s four rural-most commissioners is calling for immediate action to address solid-waste leachate discharged into Lake Superior. The local authority, meanwhile, the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District, defended itself, saying there was no basis for the outburst of concern. Read the full story by the Duluth News Tribune.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-landfill-discharge

Samantha Stanton

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced that it has proposed to deny Macomb County’s application to modify its discharge permit to allow for an open-air sewage structure off Lake St. Clair. Read the full story by WDIV-TV – Detroit, MI.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-water-sewage-storage

Samantha Stanton

Scientists from the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Ohio State University, and the University of Akron are splitting another $2.08 million in state higher education grants announced Thursday for harmful algal bloom research. Read the full story by The Toledo Blade.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-algae-research-grant

Samantha Stanton

The Mayor of Port Clinton, OH asked the City Council for authorization of a project that is solely focused on burying the exposed cable at the city beach and encasing it in concrete. That project is estimated to cost a total of just under $100,000. Read the full story by the Port Clinton News Herald.

Original Article

Great Lakes Commission

Great Lakes Commission

https://www.glc.org/dailynews/20200515-port-clinton-beach

Samantha Stanton

...AREAS OF DENSE FOG ACROSS NORTHEAST WISCONSIN THIS MORNING... Latest surface observations and webcams indicated areas of dense fog along the Highway Interstate 41 corridor from Green Bay to Oconto to Marinette. The dense fog also continued across the lakeshore counties from Manitowoc to Kewaunee to Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C872EA0.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C87A68CWI.GRBSPSGRB.c3da79325a2463a7a02d5f2192f4955c

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov

...DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Visibility one quarter of a mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Florence, Northern Marinette County, Door, Brown, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Southern Marinette County and Southern Oconto County Counties.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C86BF4C.DenseFogAdvisory.125F4C8779A0WI.GRBNPWGRB.6d98a56548f9a564541d3e264a40582c

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...PATCHY DENSE FOG ACROSS NORTHEAST WISCONSIN EARLY THIS MORNING... Look for patchy dense fog across portions of northeast, east- central, and north-central Wisconsin during the early morning hours. The lowest visibilities will be near the lakeshore and bay of Green Bay, as well as near Iron Mountain. Visibilities could drop to one half of a mile or less at times.

Original Article

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Brown (WIC009) Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service

https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WI125F4C864A1C.SpecialWeatherStatement.125F4C86DD60WI.GRBSPSGRB.6ceefba79f5a4dabb3f61f1a7a7ffef0

w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov