WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 |
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In today's newsletter, Michigan’s $2.5 billion potato industry fills 1 in 4 chip bags nationally, DeVos family donates $50 million for children’s healthcare and Essexville-Hampton Township reeling from tragic death of school paraprofessional. |
Meet the Wolverine with a life story made for Hollywood |
He grew up on a farm in a small town and spent two years living in China. He was a straight-A student and the star athlete in high school. And now, as a redshirt sophomore at Michigan, he’s a key contributor on the basketball court and a role model off of it. “I think we’re in for casting a movie here by the time he’s done,” Michigan assistant Phil Martelli said about Will Tschetter. If Hollywood is interested, here are a few scenes for the script. While we're on Michigan sports, a new episode of our Wolverine Confidential podcast is ready for your ears. |
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People explore Black Rocks at Presque Isle Park in Marquette, Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. See more. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) |
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Look at this unbelievable snow forecast for the end of February |
Mind-blowing: The usual snowy scene in late February most likely will not happen this year . We only have a few snow showers in the forecast this Saturday. There may also be a storm system lurking for the last day of February, but it’s probably going to be a warmer storm. It’s hard to have a lot of snow in one of our usually snowier weeks with temperatures expected to be much warmer than normal. We have a few days reaching the 50s this week, and a few days in the 50s next week. We may even have a day or two going warmer than 60 degrees next week. Better than the Caribbean: The last few days have had stellar, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Why is Michigan a top spot for stunning sunrise and sunset shots? There are many reasons. |
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Michigan’s $2.5 billion potato industry fills 1 in 4 chip bags nationally |
A huge amount: About 70% of the Michigan-grown spuds become chips for brands like Frito Lay, Herr’s, Utz Snacks, Better Made Snack Foods and Great Lakes Potato Chip Co. As a result, potatoes are a $2.53 billion industry in the state , according to the first “No Small Potatoes” economic impact report from the commission. About 21,700 jobs tied to the potato industry generate $832 million in wages. Michigan growers produced nearly 1.9 billion pounds of potatoes in 2022 – when the study was conducted – with farm sales totaling $246 million. This puts potatoes in the same league as Michigan’s most well-known produce: apples, cherries, blueberries and asparagus. More in public interest: Costly childcare is keeping thousands of potential workers out of the workforce in West Michigan, costing the region $279 million in missed economic performance, a new survey shows. |
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DeVos family donates $50 million for children’s healthcare |
The DeVos Family Foundation announced a big investment in children’s health care Monday, with a $50 million pledge to Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Mary Free Bed and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Here’s 3 projects it will fund. In politics: A Kent County judge will determine whether Kristina Karamo, the disputed chair of the Michigan Republican Party, was properly removed by a breakaway faction of the party. To know: Michigan may soon make it illegal to too closely follow an active snowplow in an effort to reduce winter traffic crashes. |
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Essexville-Hampton Township reeling from tragic death of school paraprofessional |
Mourning: The Essexville-Hampton Public Schools community is reeling from the sudden death of a grade school paraprofessional, killed in a traffic crash. While her teenage son remains hospitalized, the man who allegedly caused the collision has been released from jail. An update: A body that washed up on the shores of a Lake Michigan beach has been identified as a man who went missing from Chicago, which is located on the other side of the lake from where he was found. In crime: A Michigan man is accused of ejaculating on unsuspecting women inside a Target store in Dearborn, police said. |
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Barbie boat, Jimmy Buffet tribute highlight boat show coming to Novi |
Fun on the water: Organizers of the Progressive Novi Boat Show announced details of the event this week. A wooden pirate ship, Barbie boat and Jimmy Buffett tribute are among the highlights. Per usual, a dazzling display of boats will be on display and available for purchase, but several promotions and fun activities for all ages are also planned. Olympians and world champions: Some of the top curlers in the United States are coming to Northern Michigan. The Traverse City Curling Club is set to host the USA Curling Mixed Doubles National Championship Feb. 27 through March 3. Calling all Swifties: Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Lodge is hosting a Taylor Swift-themed event complete with a three-hour “Shake it Off” dance party, friendship bracelets, snacks, mocktails and cocktails. |
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We're halfway through the week. |
Thank you for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. As always, you can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber . See you tomorrow! — Jamie Rewerts |
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