Lansing
New website launched to help senior drivers
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is launching a new website to help senior drivers.
The website provides information to help aging drivers safely maintain their independence and switch to other transportation options when it's time to give up the keys.
It's aimed at drivers, family, caretakers and medical professionals. The website is at www.michigan.gov/agingdriver .
Johnson says Michigan has one of the oldest populations in the U.S., with 14 percent of residents 65 or older.
Johnson was joined at the announcement Monday by Michigan State Police, the state Transportation Department and others in the field. Paula Kartje, an occupational therapist, says the website is comprehensive and easy to navigate.
Detroit
Unions for casino workers reach tentative deal
DETROIT (AP) - Unions representing workers at Detroit's three casinos have reached a tentative contract agreement that would cover about 7,000 workers.
The Detroit Free Press reports the Detroit Casino Council, a consortium of four unions, reached the deal Sunday with Greektown Casino, MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino.
Joe Daugherty, president of Unite Here Local 24, says details will be shared with union members at informational meetings. The deal is subject to a ratification vote by workers.
Marc Whitefield, a spokesman for the casinos says it's "a good deal for the employees, a good deal for the Detroit casino industry and a good deal for Detroit."
The negotiations were closely watched by leaders because of the high volume of tourism and tax revenue generated by the casinos.
Traverse City
Judge nixes request for voter referendum
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A judge has tossed out a voter-initiated effort to strike down a portion of the Traverse City zoning code that allows downtown buildings to reach 100 feet tall.
The Traverse City Record-Eagle reports Grand Traverse County Circuit Judge Philip Rodgers ruled Monday city residents don't have the right to initiate, amend or delete zoning ordinances under state law.
He says, however, that city officials erred when they denied petitions calling for a March referendum on technical issues. He says the petitions were valid and the city clerk should have accepted them.
Attorneys representing two residents and a local environmental group asked Rodgers to order city officials to accept petition signatures.
Published: Tue, Dec 08, 2015
