The Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE) Program

Firefighter and firefighting research are important to improve fire suppression/avoidance and maximize human capital for the highest results. As budgets get smaller, qualifying firefighters more difficult and the nation switches to a more volunteer force (approximately 2/3rds) we find that research can help ease some of that burden. The US National Science Foundation offers opportunities for research support and funding. Research and Education (FIRE) The more information firefighter departments learn, the more effective they will become. 

To advance convergent research and education in wildland fire science, FIRE proposals should demonstrate strengths in one or more of the following areas (quoted):

(1) new advances in data collection, storage, and sharing relevant to wildland fire dynamics, including Earth observations;

(2) new modeling and computational approaches to understand wildland fire (including artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches);

(3) new understanding of the cross-scale interactions of wildland fire across local, regional and global extents;

(4) new insights into community adaptation and governance relevant to wildland fire;

(5) new approaches to reduce the vulnerability of built infrastructure, natural fuels, and social systems to wildland fire; and

(6) engagement of a variety of community members and stakeholders to promote a forward-looking approach to wildland fire science.

*This is part of a project on firefighting resources and encouragement of donations. If you are interested in donating to a great fire department send me a message to the right. Jaws, grass truck, fans, etc. Non-profit and tax deductible.

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (5/20/2025): Engagement, Meetings, Attorneys, and Airport

Delta County continues to diligently move toward its goals through updating its path, obtaining records, adjusting processes to enhance financial outcomes, adjust contracts, and encourage high participation. What one may find interesting is that more people are engaged in local governance compared to most townships. That is the same for Escanaba and as far as my understanding allows Gladstone as well. That is a good sign that people are active citizens, and the area has begun to reap additional rewards.

Bullet Points:

-Subsidy for airport.

-More people wearing suits. Styling!

-Master Planning

-Meetings to be recorded and uploaded.

-Request for documents with cost for copying from county attorneys. Daily Press Delta County Attorney Woes (A very nice well written paper that is good for local advertising.)

-FOIA

-$175K money lost through PFC services contract. PFC account.

-Termination of contract

-Good things to come with the airport.

-High engagement more than other counties in survey feedback by the public. A sign that people are very interested and involved in local government.

 

Future Use of AI and Integration as a Decision-Making Tool: Academia and Business

The world has moved into a largely digital existence where infrastructure, innovation, and human capital are important considerations of growth. AI can be a useful tool in business and therefore should be encouraged in training/education in a way that enhances productivity but also makes sure people don't fall into the trap of not exploring information beyond AI generated answers (A type of group think).

As more people rely on AI, the more we must learn about it. AI is expected to increase productivity $4.4 trillion and 92% of companies plan on using AI in the workplace over the next 5 years. The report by McKinsey Digital offers information on the use of AI, its growth, what industries are using, etc Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI’s full potential

There are some benefits to AI in education/training and business. A metanalysis of 51 studies found that ChatGPT can be a benefit to learning when used well. One can use ChatGPT within their training/education because it is a growing tool used by business managers, leaders, and others to increase productivity.

The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis

The conversation would not be complete unless we discuss how information is framed through AI and search engines and lowers the variety of information generated. That means that new discoveries and groundbreaking innovation in decision making or science will require understanding AI and willfully seeking to expand knowledge beyond AI's presented/returned information.

Risks of AI Use in Decision Making

Tips for Use:

• AI can help brainstorm but may limit the total creative new discovery.
• AI is good for historical information and Internet searching. Use for first search strategies to understand a situation on a basic level.
• While AI provides a starting point it is important for people to do their own resources, writing their own knowledge, and citing sources appropriately.
• AI is likely to continue to grow so learning how to use it in education and business helps improve productivity.
• Beware that data pulled in specific ways may limit what is understood so ensure you are understanding the details, the alternatives, and some of the theoretical underpinnings.

Wang, J., Fan, W. The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 621 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04787-y

Dew Drop Hosts Music Saturdays During the Summer

The Dew Drop Restaurant has been a must-stop destination in Gladstone for a long time. The summer months are finally here, and they have put together a music line up every Saturday from 6 to 9 pm. This is tourism season in the local area so you will find a broad selection of activities ranging from water skiing to hiking. The evening action also gets a little pep in their step. 

If you are familiar with Gladstone Michigan one can spend the day on the beach, in the park, and out fishing and then come back to grab a something to eat while listening to some music. 

Definately will order again!

Today I went with a friend and ordered a chicken ceasar salad. Sat around and listened to the tunes and watched the dancing (I was hoping to have them play at one of our local veterans clubs). 

The Dew Drop is also known for its really good food with casual dining. They are located in a very beautiful Gladstone downtown which focuses on boutique experiences. The brewery, coffee shop, new bar and pristine cleanliness makes it a good place for a getaway relaxing night out.

The Dew Drop Restaurant 

The Dew Drop Google Map

Rapid River Hosts Memorial Day Parade

Rapid River hosts the Memorial Day Parade Google Map Rapid River

Why Should Executives Learn to Write Well?

As one moves upward within an organization, they must learn to influence more people. Executives can't micromanage every finite aspect of an organization so they will naturally rely on others. This is where the concept of leadership comes forward through influence. The higher one moves, the better they need to be to influence groups of others through various communication skills. In the modern world much of our communication is going to be written. 

Forms of Writing in Executive Positions:

-Emails

-Memos

-Formal business letters

-Reports

-PowerPoints/Presentations

-Meeting minutes

-Notes

Why Leaders Should Add Writing To Their Leadership Toolkit In 2025

Remember and Honor Memorial Day Tribute

Memorial Day is the day to remember those who have gone before to preserve our freedoms today. We should not give up on those freedoms, manipulate those freedoms, or disregard those freedoms for convenience. Our future is based on our beliefs and actions today. True patriotism is around principles and values. The next time you pledge or make an oath ensure you understand the deeper meaning of the words.