Government

Audit takes state to task for handling veterans claims

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — For more than a decade, Michigan has failed to provide proper oversight and enforce legislative requirements for reporting veterans’ claims and benefits, according to a recent state audit. Veterans officials also failed to ensure the effective and efficient use of state grants given to veterans service organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, according to a state Auditor General report issued in December. The findings are similar to those disclosed in a 2001 audit of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. And they come while the newly created Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency within that department is gaining its footing in ways that state officials hope will address the problems the audits disclose. Issues noted in the recent audit include:

Performance standards were not given to veterans service organizations as a basis to determine how well they used state grants.

Health

More snow means more snowmobiling, but not an increase in accidents

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — Despite the near-record snowfall in Michigan that created a banner year for snow-related sports, snowmobile fatalities haven’t climbed with the piles of snow. Nine snowmobile fatalities were reported this season as of mid February, said Cpl. John Morey, the Department of Natural Resources off-road vehicle and snowmobile coordinator. By about this time last year, 13 fatal snowmobile accidents had taken place. An additional fatal accident not yet on the department record happened Feb. 19 in Luce County, according to the sheriff’s department.

Environment

Waterfowl threatened by confusing roads with water

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — Near-record ice and less open water on the Great Lakes are a growing concern for the safety of waterfowl in Michigan. Licensed rehabilitators say they have seen a “profound” increase in reports of waterfowl stranded on roadways that they confuse with open water. Once they land, some birds cannot take off again because their bodies are adapted to lifting off from water. Northernaire Wildlife Rescue owner Susan Good said this year she’s fielded at least 50 calls so far about stranded waterfowl. Typically her Cheboygan County business receives about six stranded bird reports each year from surrounding areas.

Government

It’s a good day to celebrate something, anything, everything

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING – Michiganders had a lot to celebrate and remember in 2013 – things like Wrestling Month and Flower Planting Day. In fact, during 2013 only about 23 days in December weren’t covered by a special designation from the House of Representatives or Senate. Other special times included Autism Awareness Day, Frisbee Day, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, Pumpkin and Pumpkin Spice Season, Professional Pest Management Month and High School Radio Day. But critics aren’t feeling festive about unique resolutions. Advocates of a part-time legislature say it shows that lawmakers have too much time on their hands.

Government

Summoned for duty? Computers may be option

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — Jury selection might become slightly less tedious for jurors and some courts thanks to a change in rules by the Michigan Supreme Court. The recent amendment allows personal history jury questionnaires to be completed, returned and maintained electronically, effective May 1. Previously court rule stated the questionnaire had to be completed in handwriting by the prospective juror. Paper is still permitted. Personal history questionnaires are used to select jurors for a specific trial while qualification questionnaires are initially sent to determine eligibility to act as a juror, said Marcia McBrien, Michigan Supreme Court public information officer.

Environment

Hunt for crop-eating bears could start early, bill says

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — In 32 years, there has rarely been a season when lifelong farmer Rep. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, hasn’t found bear damage in his cornfield. Now, he’s fighting to do something about it. McBroom, who raises corn to feed his dairy cows, recently introduced a bill to allow hunters to kill crop-eating bears out of season. But some experts say more discussion is needed on viable solutions to farmers’ crop damage. Concerns include the potential impact of hunting bears out of season on the bear population and if there are alternatives, said Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) resource policy manager Amy Trotter.

Environment

Cold weather anglers flock to thick ice; effects of ice on fish mixed

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By DARCIE MORAN
Capital News Service
LANSING — In a few years, Michigan anglers might have the polar vortex to thank for good hauls. But in a few months, they might have it to blame for particularly disappointing catches. Fish experts are keeping a close eye on how winter conditions progress, a clue to how fish populations in the Great Lakes and Michigan’s inland lakes will fare. The recent cold and resulting ice might give some fish eggs a better chance of survival, Michael Hoff, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish biologist, said. But other fish could die in droves due to lack of oxygen mixed with other stressors.