Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover Michigan State Police’s new campaign to encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts; Detroit PAL’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

MSP launches ‘Know Your Plan. Be Alert’ campaign

The Michigan State Police has launched the “Know Your Plan. Be Alert.” campaign, encouraging residents to sign up for alerts to stay informed during emergencies. Alerts would send information during severe weather, active shooter incidents, missing or endangered individuals and more. For more information or to sign up for alerts visit michigan.gov/miready and click on local alerts. 

State holds hearing on child care licensing rule changes

The state is updating its child care licensing requirements and wants to hear from residents. The proposed rules would tighten regulations on drinking water and add standards for outdoor nature-based childcare centers. They would also make it easier for teachers to qualify for a job at a childcare center. The state held a public hearing on the changes in Lansing on Tuesday. People can submit questions or comments on the changes by mail or email until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22.

Cycling at the Velodrome

The Lexus Velodrome and Detroit Parks and Recreation are teaming up to offer an indoor cycling program for youth ages 13-17. The six-week program will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting on Jan. 7 and running through Feb. 11. Youth will learn the fundamentals of indoor track cycling from experienced competitors and coaches. Registration is open now and costs $10. For more information about this and other Parks and Recreation sports programs, visit dprdathletics.com. 

Detroit PAL hosting Thanksgiving Food Drive

Detroit PAL is partnering with APEX Leadership Academy and the Detroit NFL Former Players Chapter to offer thanksgiving meals to 500 families next week. Turkeys, dressing, cornbread, cranberry sauce and more will be distributed from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Detroit PAL’s headquarters, 1680 Michigan Ave., Detroit.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Voters in Oakland County will decide on Nov. 5 whether to approve a millage increase to fund the county’s park system over the next 20 years.

The 0.65-mill tax would replace the existing 0.35-mill rate, raising approximately $52 million annually for park improvements, new green spaces and expanded trail networks.

If passed, the millage would cost the owner of an average home about $40 more per year. Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward emphasizes that the increase is necessary to maintain current facilities, create new parks and expand partnerships with local communities to bring parks closer to residents.

“What they’re going to see is some great parks that are nearby where they live that are accessible,” Ward said. “You’re going to see our county trail network be built out and be more connected, more funding for maintenance, and more green space preserved. As we deal with the impacts of climate change, we’ll be able to use nature to build some resilience for us.”

One focus of the proposed funding is urban areas like Pontiac Oaks Park, which has seen significant improvements since Oakland County Parks began managing it. Renovations include a new fishing dock, playground upgrades, and reopened restrooms. Ward says future plans for Pontiac Oaks include a pavilion for community gatherings

The millage would also allow for $100 million in updates across Oakland County’s 17 parks. Ward notes that many facilities, such as Waterford Oaks Waterpark, need extensive repairs and updates to meet modern needs.

Ward acknowledges some voter concerns over increased costs, due in part, he says, to the current economic climate. However, he stresses that the parks are 100% funded by millage and user fees.

For the latest election information, visit WDET’s Voter Guide at wdet.org/voterguide.