From Michigan Tech News: Michigan Tech Joins Great Lakes Research Collaborative

Michigan Tech's autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) IVER-3 is the first of the third generation sold to anyone outside the military. The torpedo-shaped robot imaged two previously unknown shipwrecks last year. (Photo © Sarah Bird and courtesy Michigan Tech University)

By Kelley Christensen, Michigan Tech Science and Technology Publications Writer
Posted April 24, 2019, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted here in part with permission

Michigan Technological University has joined the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research -- a regional consortium dedicated to solving the critical issues facing the Great Lakes and surrounding communities.

For the millions of people who live in the Great Lakes region and along the ocean coasts, the research and work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) affects their everyday lives. Weather reports, currents and water elevation monitoring and tracking harmful algal blooms are just a few of the services NOAA provides.

On Apr. 24, 2019, Michigan Tech joined the Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR). Hosted by the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, CIGLR is one of 16 NOAA-funded cooperative institutes across the United States. CIGLR partners work closely with NOAA to achieve environmental, economic and social sustainability in the Great Lakes.

"The overall goal is to make it easier for this group of universities to help NOAA meet their mission and we’re enthusiastic about that," said Guy Meadows, director of the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech.

Michigan Tech brings much to the research collaborative, particularly in three key areas: remote sensing, numerical modeling and autonomous vehicle observing systems. ... CLICK HERE to read the rest of this article on the Michigan Tech News.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein to speak April 27 at Houghton Super 8

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein. (Photo courtesy Houghton County Democratic Party)

HOUGHTON -- As a guest of the Houghton County Democratic Party, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Honorable Richard Bernstein will speak at 7 p.m. on Saturday April 27, in the conference room at the Houghton Super 8, 1200 E Lakeshore Drive. The event is open to the public.

Elected by voters statewide to the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2014, Justice Bernstein began his 8-year term in January 2015. With a commitment to justice and fairness, he has been highly successful in his human rights cases, both in private practice and through partnerships with the United States Department of Justice. Beyond his legal track record, Justice Bernstein, is a truly amazing individual as the only blind State Supreme Court Justice in the US. Here are just some of the notable aspects of his career to date:

His law practice has concentrated on fighting for the access rights of disabled people. Committed to helping clients who need him, Justice Bernstein is known for taking action in cases that have set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.

Bernstein successfully partnered with the United States Department of Justice to force the City of Detroit to fix broken wheelchair lifts on its buses, establishing a precedent for accessibility in public transportation. Further, Bernstein represented disabled residents against the Oakland County (Michigan) Road Commission after "roundabout" traffic circles were built without disabled access, impacting future ADA compliance for road construction throughout the United States.

Justice Bernstein has received many honors, including "Michiganian of the Year" by the Detroit News, one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ "40 Under 40" and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He is a recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist.

Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T. Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 22 marathons -- including thirteen New York City marathons -- the full Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2008 and the Israman triathlon’s half Ironman in Eilat, Israel in 2011.

To read more about Justice Bernstein, click here.

Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District Tree Sale is May 4 in Hancock

Images courtesy Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District.

HANCOCK -- Celebrate Earth Day! Make plans now to attend the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) Tree Sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the HOUGHTON COUNTY ARENA, 1500 Birch St., Hancock.

The sale is one day only, first come-first served, so don't miss this opportunity to purchase WildFlowers, Flowering Shrubs, Wildflower Seeds, Berries and Other Plants, Grapes, Fruit Trees, Planting Tips, Conifers and Native Trees and Shrubs.

This is HKCD's only fundraiser of the year. Click here now to see the Tree Sale Catalog listing a wide variety of items as well as a U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the Keweenaw and a map showing the location of the Houghton County Arena in Hancock. For more information call Sue at (906) 482-0214.