County executive declares public health emergency at Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility
In his annual State of the County address, Warren Evans detailed the past year's successes and one of the largest headaches his administration is dealing withโconsistent problems at the county's juvenile detention facility.
โIs it safe?โ -- Area of concern grows in Flat Rock after hazardous chemical found in sewer system
Officials said the city plans to use firefighting form to suppress the vapors found within the sanitary system. The industrial facility has taken measures, including inserting plugs into the onsite sewer system to prevent it from entering the system at a location north of Gibraltar Road at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant property.
Dan Gilbert announces $500M investment in Detroit neighborhoods
READ: Local organizations to invest $500M into Detroit, eliminate homeowner property tax debt for thousandsThe funds will start with help for homeowners with overdue property taxes. โNo person should have to make the decision of the choice between keeping them home of feeding their family,โ Gilbert said. Gilbert and his wife, Jennifer, are pledging half of a billion dollars through the Gilbert Family Foundation and the Rocket Community Fund to make a real impact on the problems people face. โIโd much rather see property taxes paid, interest and penalties waived, fees waived, fees removed and people have the ability to pay their taxes,โ Evans said. AdTo learn more about the organizationsโ investment, visit the Gilbert Family Foundationโs website here.
Metro Detroitโs โBig Fourโ leaders weigh in on vaccines, infrastructure, future of region
They are considered the โBig Fourโ and itโs not often you seem them together, but Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter all sat down on Thursday to talk about the future of the region. โNo, but thatโs nobodyโs fault other than we just need to ramp up production at the manufacturing level,โ said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. โBy April, we need to be up to 40,000 a week,โโOur potential is only limited by the doses, we get or weโre getting,โ said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. โWayne County is going to move ahead and continue to improve its services to its citizens,โ said Wayne County Executive Warren Evans. โI think by the end of the year, youโre going to see that weโre not just surviving, but weโre thriving,โ said Oakland County Executive David Coulter.
Flashpoint recap: Energy secretary Jennifer Granholm, county leaders weigh in on crucial issues
DETROIT โ From vaccine distribution to reopening the economy and fixing worn-out infrastructure, many major projects are county responsibilities. Sundayโs episode of Flashpoint included a conversation with the county executives from Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The leaders are Oakland County Executive, David Coulter; Wayne County Executive, Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel. Jennifer Granholm who currently serves on President Joe Bidenโs cabinet as secretary of energy made an appearance. Segment OneOakland County Executive, David Coulter; Wayne County Executive, Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive, Mark HackelSegment TwoSecretary of Energy and former Michigan governor, Jennifer Granholm
Wayne County announces new vaccination clinics for seniors
DETROIT โ Wayne County announced it will open several vaccination clinics for residents 65 and older. According to county executive Warren Evans, the vaccination clinics for residents of Canton Township, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Inkster, Melvindale, Pontiac Romulus and the city of Wayne will begin Feb. 23. โIโm pleased Wayne County is now in a position to begin vaccinating seniors,โ Evans said. โI also want to thank the state of Michigan for working with Wayne County to ensure we have more doses to vaccinate our seniors more quickly. The vaccine distribution process is limited by the available vaccine -- of which no one is getting enough -- but Wayne County is putting shots in arms as fast as we get them.โMore information can be found on the official Wayne County website here.
Historic Dunbar Hospital: Detroitโs first for Black residents
DETROIT โ Black doctors needed to establish their own hospitals in 20th-century Detroit due to segregation. Dunbar Hospital was the first of its kind in the city. The house that was once this hospital still stands at 580 Frederick Street. Hereโs its story -- watch the video above. To learn more go here: BlackScrollNetworkMore: Black History Month sectionRelated: Work underway to restore Underground Railroad safe house in Walled Lake
Wayne Countyโs new COVID vaccine clinics fill quickly -- What to know
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. โ Wayne County is now vaccinating people 65 years old and older against the coronavirus. They are only for seniors who live in those particular communities and people must make appointments to get a vaccine. โIโm pleased Wayne County is now in a position to begin vaccinating seniors,โ Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said. Our team is working hard to ensure all of our residents can get their COVID shot as quickly as the vaccine is available.โThe full list of clinics and how to register can be found below. More information can be found on the official Wayne County website here.
Nightside Report Feb. 20, 2021: New vaccination clinics opening for Wayne County seniors, stranded dog rescued from frozen Detroit River
Wayne County announced it will open several vaccination clinics for residents 65 and older. According to county executive Warren Evans, the vaccination clinics will begin Feb. 23. โIโm pleased Wayne County is now in a position to begin vaccinating seniors,โ Evans said. WATCH Local 4 News at 11Metro Detroit weather: Quickly getting colder Saturday eveningSaturday evening will be partly cloudy and cold. Under fair to partly cloudy skies, temperatures plummet to the single digits.
Wayne County announces another $4 million in COVID relief grants
DETROIT โ Wayne County is disbursing $4 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief grants. This is possible through the โWayne County Nonprofit COVID-19 Relief Fundโ launched in October 2020. โFar too many of our neighbors and families are facing unimaginable hardship and loss, and throughout this crisis, Wayne County nonprofit organizations have stepped up in big ways,โ said Evans. Background on the Wayne County Nonprofit Relief Fund:Eligibility requirements for awardees include:Registered 501c3 organizations in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service. Located within Wayne County.
Livonia mayor says city does not have COVID-19 vaccine doses, but trying to change that
LIVONIA, Mich. โ One of Metro Detroitโs largest cities is without access to COVID-19 vaccine doses as of Friday, the cityโs mayor announced while emphasizing her hope to change this. Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan expressed frustration with the Wayne County Public Health Divisionโs vaccine rollout and distribution. AdHere is the message from the mayor on Friday:โAt this time, the City of Livonia does not have access to any vaccine doses, though we are trying hard to change that. The City of Livonia is under the Wayne County Health Department, as are all Wayne County cities (except Detroit, which has its own health department). Under an agreement between Wayne County and local health systems, county residents 65 years of age and older are being vaccinated through those health systems.
Wayne County ramps up vaccinations, receives more doses from the state
DETROIT โ After state officials met with Wayne County executive Warren Evans, Wayne County will receive 8,375 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine next week from the state, an increase from the 4,350 doses Wayne County received this week. However, the supply remains insufficient to expedite vaccinations of health providers, educators, and other high-priority essential workers currently underway. Under an agreement between Wayne County and local health systems, county residents 65 years of age and older are being vaccinated through those health systems. โI will continue to press the state of Michigan until the Wayne County Public Health Division receives the amount of vaccine required to meet the needs of its residents,โ Evans said. READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesAdWayne County officials will begin vaccinating K-12 teachers and education workers Tuesday at its vaccination sites at Schoolcraft College and Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus in Taylor.
Democratic Michigan leaders eager to โget to workโ with Biden, Harris sworn in
Senator Debbie Stabenow, from MichiganโIt was such an honor to witness history today as President Biden and Vice President Harris were sworn into office. More than a trailblazer and trusted voice for President Biden, Vice President Harris will fight for justice and equality in this nation. And I look forward to getting the job done with President Biden and Vice President Harris.โ Rep. DingellU.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, Michiganโs 13th districtโI congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their historic inauguration. The inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris completed the peaceful transfer of power as required by our Constitution. The success of President Biden and Vice President Harris will be a success we all share.
14 applicants being interviewed for appointment of Wayne County sheriff
DETROIT โ A three-person panel is conducting interviews with 14 applicants for the appointment of Wayne County sheriff. County officials were accepting resumes three weeks after Sheriff Benny Napoleon died following a battle with COVID-19. UPDATE Jan. 15: Wayne County deputy chief appointed as sheriff, replacing beloved late Benny NapoleonThe panel consists of Chief Judge Freddie Burton, County Clerk Cathy Garrett and Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Applicants include Undersheriff Daniel Pfannes, as well as Charles Corley II and T.P. List of applicants for Wayne County sheriff:
Wayne County gives $6M to 12,000 people affected by virus limits
The recipients worked at restaurants or fitness and entertainment venues whose operations have been limited to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The recipients worked at restaurants or fitness and entertainment venues whose operations have been limited to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Wayne County Economic Development Department received enough applications in less than two weeks to fulfill the $6 million budget. โWhile we wait for Washington to figure out what theyโre doing, this is a stimulus for Wayne County,โ county Executive Warren Evans said. Original Story: Wayne County hands out $500 gift cards to restaurant, service workers affected by pandemic
Wayne County hands out $500 gift cards to restaurant, service workers affected by pandemic
โBut it doesnโt make any sense because Iโm not working now.โHinkley visited Eastern Market Wednesday to pick up a debit card from the Wayne County Cares Program. โThis is kind of what I would call Wayne County stimulus package, since the feds havenโt been able to figure out how to get it done,โ said Wayne County executive Warren Evans. The money is being given to 12,000 Wayne County residents whose jobs have been impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the Wayne County Cares program, the county devoted resources to support local small businesses and local nonprofits. More information can be found on the Wayne County Cares official website here.
Detroit Mayor Duggan announces 2021 re-election campaign
DETROIT โ Mayor Mike Duggan announced his run for re-election in 2021 on Wednesday. Duggan has been in office since 2013. He won re-election in 2017, meaning this would be his third term if elected. Other potential 2021 candidates for Detroit mayor include Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a Michigan state representative, and state Rep. Shri Thanedar, who ran for Michigan governor in 2018. Related: City of Detroit extends moratorium on residential water shutoffs through 2022
Michigan county, state, federal leaders discuss COVID-19 response
Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun hosted a COVID-19 town hall bringing leaders at the county, state and federal levels to talk about the latest developments. Prepping for a vaccine rollout is being done at the county and state level. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said they are in position to accommodate Pfizer vaccine, which requires special freezers. State and local governments are also desperate for aid.โWatch the full report in the video posted above. A day ahead of Michigan lawmakers returning to work in Lansing, mayors and business leaders on Monday called on the federal and state governments for coronavirus pandemic relief as Gov.
Wayne County ordinance makes street racing a public nuisance
DETROIT โ Street racing has been declared a public nuisance in southeastern Michiganโs Wayne County following a vote by county commissioners. The new ordinance allows police to impound vehicles and equipment used in street racing. County Executive Warren Evans said the new measure provides law enforcement with tools to help keep neighborhood streets safe. โFor their own safety and for the safety of other motorists and pedestrians, would-be racers need to stay off Wayne County streets. โStreet racing does endanger lives, has caused injuries, and fatalities and I have witnessed it first hand,โ Evans said.
Metro Detroit leaders urge Black men to vote on the 25th anniversary of the Million Man March
DETROIT โ Bus loads of Black men, boys and seniors from Detroit descended on the National Mall for the Million Man March 25 years ago. Around 1.7 million Black men registered to vote after the Million Man March. Now, some of the men who attended on that historic day in Washington are urging young Black men to keep the same energy. Governor Garlin Gilchrist talked about the power of the Black vote and how Black men need to make sure their voices are heard. Itโs now impossible to estimate the number of people who attended the original Million Man March.
Wayne County clarifies 4 of Gov. Whitmerโs coronavirus restrictions are still in effect
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. โ Wayne County issued a new emergency order Friday that clarifies four of Gov. Wayne County announced Whitmerโs orders are in effect now until at least Oct. 23. Wayne County school districts are also required to continue following the Return to School plan outlined by the state. โWe are keeping the COVID-19 rules and regulations in place from before the Michigan Supreme Court ruled on the governorโs authority to issue them,โ Evans said. โWayne County residents and businesses recognize the importance these health safety measures play in reducing the spread of COVID-19, and we have seen strong compliance across our 43 communities.
Wayne County issues emergency order to preserve coronavirus precautions
The Wayne County Health Department issued an emergency public health order on Oct. 8 requiring residents to continue taking steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Wayne County officials say requirements listed in Thursdayโs order essentially carry on health and safety precautions previously ordered by Michigan Gov. The Wayne County Health Department is reinforcing these measures by deeming them active and enforceable in the county through their own emergency order. Officials say schools under the jurisdiction of the Wayne County Health Department are also required to continue following the stateโs Return to School plan. Wayne County officials say the emergency order is effective immediately and is expected to remain in effect until at least Oct. 23.
Wayne County will continue following mask, social distancing guidance from state
โWe know social distancing and properly wearing a face mask are among the most effective ways to control the spread of COVID-19. The new orders will continue these life-saving public health measures. Evans added Wayne County will continue with informational enforcement of the orders as it has done since the pandemic began. Under informational enforcement, public health officials will monitor compliance, working to help businesses and individuals understand and adhere to the public health orders. For more information on facial mask and social distancing guidelines, click here.
Kroger to invest $95 million and create 250 jobs in Romulus through new customer fulfillment center
ROMULUS, Mich. โ Kroger, one of Americaโs largest grocery retailers, and Ocado, a world leader in technology for grocery ecommerce, on Monday announced Romulus as the latest location for a Customer Fulfillment Center. โKrogerโs decision to invest $95 million and create 250 new jobs in Romulus further demonstrates that Wayne County is a global leader in logistics and fulfillment industries,โ said Warren Evans, Wayne County Chief Executive. The location confirms a previous announcement stating Kroger and Ocado would construct a CFC in the Great Lakes Region. The CFC model โ an automated warehouse facility with digital and robotic capabilities โ will be used to serve customers across the region. โWe are delighted to welcome the Kroger fulfillment center to Romulus, building on the cityโs status as a logistics and fulfillment hub,โ said Romulus Mayor LeRoy Burcroff.
โThe DIA is an education leaderโ: Officials endorse Detroit Institute of Arts millage renewal
DETROIT โ A 0.2 mil renewal request from the Detroit Institute of Arts will be on the March 2020 ballot for people who live in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Officials from those counties have announced their support for the millage renewal. Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel have endorsed the renewal. โThey have done an excellent job bringing artwork to Oakland County and facilitating more visits to the museum. โThanks to this millage, the DIA provides Wayne County residents โ including students and seniors โ with free admission as well as free bus transportation for school groups.
Metro Detroit regional transit initiative announced for 2020: What to know
DETROIT โ Leaders from around Michigan joined on Monday morning to make a major announcement involving regional transit in Southeast Michigan. A regional transit plan was pitched in 2018, but never made it to the ballot. The new four-step proposal involves Wayne County, Oakland County and Washtenaw County, and noticeably omits Macomb County, although officials said Macomb could join later. The goal is to have a regional transit plan on the November 2020 ballot in Michigan. โWe support the efforts of our regional partners exploring better connected regional transit options,โ said Hackel.
Major Metro Detroit regional transit initiative announcement expected today
ROYAL OAK, Mich. Leaders from around Michigan are expected to make an announcement Monday morning involving regional transit. Sources said this is expected to be a push to expand regional transit in the Metro Detroit area. UPDATE: Metro Detroit regional transit initiative announced for 2020: What to knowMacomb County Executive Mark Hackel is not expected to be there. In 2018, Wayne County revealed a new regional transit plan that it hoped would make the 2018 ballot. At the time, Oakland County released a statement saying it cannot support a regional transit plan that taxes Oakland County communities which already said no to funding regional transit just 16 months ago.
Metro Detroit leaders launch new push for regional transit
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. Local leaders have launched a push for regional transit in Metro Detroit. Unlike many major American cities, Metro Detroit depends largely on buses for mass transit. We need transit. Mass transit can be expensive, and repeatedly Metro Detroit voters have said no," particularly, in northern Oakland County. He hopes the House will approve legislation that would allow local votes on mass transit and more carefully target funds to make sure they go only to mass transit.
Wayne County officials agree to sell Pinnacle Race Course property for $4.9 million
DETROIT - Wayne County officials have agreed to sell the 350-acre property that includes the Pinnacle Race Course for nearly $4.9 million. The Wayne County Commission approved the sale of the Pinnacle Aeropark property to Hillwood Enterprise. The sale terms were approved by a 14-0 vote of the county commission. Under those terms, the buyer agreed to invest $40 million in the property within five years. It shows that Wayne County is moving forward and the airport region will help lead the way," Commission Chair Alisha Bell said.
Son of anti-violence activist murdered in Highland Park
HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. - Bernice Ringo-Wilson received the Spirit of Detroit Award at her son's funeral. Natailian Ringo was shot and killed in Highland Park in late August. She said she's honored by the awards and will honor her son by keeping his room the way he kept it. It's the first homicide in Highland Park in 2019. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Highland Park Police Department at 313-852-7338.
Wayne County exec, ex-Detroit police chief experiences 'blatant racism' at Rocket Mortgage Classic
DETROIT - A security guard has been removed after Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said he and his wife experienced racism Friday at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. While inside the clubhouse, she was interrupted during a conversation by an employee who again asked for her identification. Part of Evans' post on Facebook can be read below. The executive director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic released a statement Saturday night. "We were very sorry to learn about Mr. and Mrs. Evans' poor experience with a security guard from the tournament's security contractor.
Wayne County exec, ex-Detroit police chief experience 'blatant racism' at Rocket Mortgage Classic
DETROIT - A security guard has been removed after Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said he and his wife experienced racism Friday at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. While inside the clubhouse, she was interrupted during a conversation by an employee who again asked for her identification. Part of Evans' post on Facebook can be read below. The executive director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic released a statement Saturday night. "We were very sorry to learn about Mr. and Mrs. Evans' poor experience with a security guard from the tournament's security contractor.
Warren County exec, ex-Detroit police chief experiences 'blatant racism' at Rocket Mortgage Classic
DETROIT - A security guard has been removed after Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said he and his wife experienced racism Friday at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. While inside the clubhouse, she was interrupted during a conversation by an employee who again asked for her identification. Part of Evans' post on Facebook can be read below. The executive director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic released a statement Saturday night. "We were very sorry to learn about Mr. and Mrs. Evans' poor experience with a security guard from the tournament's security contractor.
Flashpoint 12/2/18: Impact of GM layoffs on Detroit; battle over minimum wage in Lansing
DETROIT Here is what you missed on Sunday's edition of Flashpoint:We spend a lot of time focusing on the worrisome signs in the auto industry. The layoffs and plant closures could have major implications on the economy in Metro Detroit. On this edition of Flashpoint we also took a look at Ford Motor Company's recent announcements, which will impact the auto industry as well. Segment 2:Nancy Kaffer, columnist, Detroit Free Press; Nolan Finley, editorial page editor, The Detroit News; and Dustin Walsh, senior reporter, Crain's Detroit Business. Segment 3:Nancy Kaffer, columnist, Detroit Free Press; Nolan Finley, editorial page editor, The Detroit News; and Dustin Walsh, senior reporter, Crain's Detroit Business.
Flashpoint 7/16/17: Options for Detroit jail site, Little Caesars Arena roof complaints
DETROIT Today is all about development. Wayne County Executive Warren Evans has to make a decision on the jail project in Detroit. John Gallagher from the Detroit Free Press joins the roundtable to discuss what he thinks is the best option. Also, Red Wings fans are angry about the new roof on Little Caesars Arena. Plus, Arthur Jemison joins the conversation to talk about what's really happening and what needs to happen in Detroit's neighborhoods.
Flashpoint 9/25/16: Recent police shootings, Tesla vs Michigan and Monday's presidential debate
Flashpoint on Sunday (Sept. 25) will talk about recent police shootings, the Tesla lawsuit against Michigan and a preview of Monday night's presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Watch live here at 10 a.m.Police shootingsPanelists for the police shootings discussion include:Marlowe Stoudamire ( @StoudamireM on Twitter)Brandon Jessup ( @itsbjessup on Twitter)Wayne County Executive Warren EvansWatch the discussion in the video above. Tesla vs MichiganAutoline Detroit host John McElroy on the lawsuit Tesla filed against the state of Michigan. Watch the segment here:Related: Michigan's anti-Tesla law to change? Presidential debatePolitical strategists Dennis Darnoi and Jill Alper preview tomorrow nights presidential debate:Dennis Darnoi ( @ddarnoi on Twitter)Jill Alper ( @jillalper on Twitter)Watch the segment here:WDIV Local 4 anchor Devin Scillian (@devinscillian) hosted the show.
Wayne County exec's appointment raises eyebrows
DETROIT โ The snow-covered, $300 million, unfinished Wayne County jail project and the equally desolate looking $26 million Pinnacle Raceway both failed miserably un the banner of "EDGE": Wayne County's Economic Development Growth Engine. The new Economic Development Department gets a new leader -- politically-connected 55-year-old Hatim "Tim" Attalla, of Northville. He's a Miller Canfield attorney with a real estate license, but he has no other economic development experience on this scale. Meanwhile, Evans must decide how to defeat Wayne County's deficit, and he's looking hard at a tax hike. If it gets by there, then voters must pass a millage at the polls by a 60 percent or better margin -- a tall order, indeed.