News conference about effects of COVID-19 on general aviation

News conference about effects of COVID-19 on general aviation

by | Sep 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

REMINDER: MEDIA ADVISORY: News conference about effects of COVID-19 on general aviation

A news conference to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted general aviation, which contributes about $12 billion a year to Michigan’s GDP. Also, they will discuss general aviation’s contributions to supporting pandemic response. General aviation accounts for 97% of all aircraft in the United States. Michigan ranks ninth in the United States for number of aircraft.
Who

David Coulter, Oakland County Executive

Ryan Waguespack, Senior Vice President, National Air Transportations Association
Gregory Schmidt, President & CEO, Pentastar Aviation, LLC

What

A news conference to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted general aviation, which contributes about $12 billion a year to Michigan’s GDP. Also, they will discuss general aviation’s contributions to supporting pandemic response. General aviation accounts for 97% of all aircraft in the United States. Michigan ranks ninth in the United States for number of aircraft.

Oakland County International Airport (OCIA), Michigan’s second busiest airport, has over a $1 billion economic impact on the economy of Southeast Michigan. Its aviation businesses employ about 800 individuals. Fun fact: OCIA is part of aviation history as the first certificated airport in the United States. Inside the terminal is certificate No. 000001.
Where

Pentastar Aviation, 7310 Highland Rd., Waterford Twp., Mich. 48327
When

Sep 14, 2020, 2:00 PM
Additional Info

Visuals: Aircraft will be the backdrop. Aircraft taking off and landing.
Safety measures:

  • Individuals will be screened for COVID-19 prior to entering.
  • A mask will be required. One will be provided for those who do not have one. Hand sanitizer will also be available.
  • News media who attend will be socially distanced six feet apart.
  • Those who are unable to attend will be able to watch the news conference on the Executive Office Facebook page (@OakGov.EO) and ask questions via text at 248-202-9668.
Coulter Designates September 12-20 “Welcoming Week”

Coulter Designates September 12-20 “Welcoming Week”

by | Sep 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

Coulter Designates September 12-20 “Welcoming Week” As Oakland County Joins National Welcoming America Celebration

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive David Coulter today designated the week of September 12 as Welcoming Week as the county joins the national Welcoming America celebration and its 2020 theme of “Creating Home Together.”

“I want to make sure Oakland County is accessible and safe for foreign-born residents who are so vital to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our communities,” Coulter said. “These residents continue to enrich our culture with new ideas, educate us about new places, introduce us to new traditions and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit that improves our lives. We want our cities, villages and townships to be welcoming places where everyone feels they belong.”

Launched nationally in 2009, Welcoming America is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports diverse communities and partners which lead efforts to make their communities more vibrant places where everyone feels at home in the places they call home. A growing number of communities recognize that being welcoming leads to prosperity. Welcoming America provides the roadmap and support Oakland County and other locations need to become more inclusive toward immigrants and all residents.

In 2019, Commissioner William Miller delivered the initial welcoming resolution to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, kicking off what became Welcoming Oakland, a consortium of agencies and organizations that operate in the immigrant and refugee space within the county. Earlier this year Coulter directed the county to become a member of Welcoming America.

Oakland County is hosting a virtual event on September 17 at 5 p.m. as part of the celebration. State Representative Padma Kuppa, 168 Group CEO Ricky Dong, and MSU Mechanical Engineering student Kattie Romero-Otero will share their stories of Creating Home Together and their experiences in Oakland County.

Register at Eventbrite https://ocwelcomeweek20.eventbrite.com and a secure Zoom link will be emailed to you. Please include your email in your registration. More information about Welcoming Week is at www.oakgov.com/welcomingweek.

Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

by | Sep 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction will raise critical child abuse prevention dollars virtually this year; Bidding begins today, ends Wednesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 14, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

LANSING, Mich. – Child abuse and neglect prevention programs statewide will benefit from the 18th annual Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event that is being held virtually this year due to COVID-19 and begins today.

The Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, serving as the state’s chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, facilitates, funds, and supports more than 100 child abuse prevention programs across all 83 counties. The prevention programs include training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect and children’s personal safety lessons, as well as respite care, parenting support and education, home visiting and family support, among other programming.

The items that are available for bidding include a Detroit Entertainment Package including Detroit Tiger, Red Wings, Fox Theatre and Motor City Casino experiences; a week–long trip to Maui, Hawaii, and original art from Michigan artist Elizabeth Schwartz and the world-renowned Peter Max.

Registration is on the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction website.

This year’s virtual event includes the opening of the Silent Auction at 9 a.m. today, which remains open until 9 p.m., Wednesday. The highlight of the three-day event will be Wednesday from 7-8 p.m., when the presentation of premier items occurs along with the opportunity to virtually meet some of the individuals impacted by critical funding raised during this event previously.

Honorary chairs Sharif Hussein and Pascale Eid, long-time supporters of the Children’s Trust Fund mission, will lead the auction along with the legislative co-chairs – Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield and House Democratic Leader Christine Greig.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Children’s Trust Fund Board Chair Amy Tattrie Loepp have prepared opening messages.

The auction is the major fundraiser for the Children’s Trust Fund, which is within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It pays for services such as respite care, home visitations, child development support and other targeted services allowing local community programs around the state to continue to provide education and other prevention programs that are not funded by the state.

“The 18th Annual Pam Posthumus Virtual Event is a celebration of the public and private sector working together to strengthen our families and protect our children across the great state of Michigan, said Suzanne Greenberg, director of the Children’s Trust Fund.

“MDHHS and the Children’s Trust Fund are committed to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I’d like to thank our donors, volunteers, staff and all those who attend. It is not too late to register. Please visit ctfauction.givesmart.com to sign up so you can Stand Up for Kids!”

The event is named in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse. She was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors in 1997 and became its chair in 2002.

During the event, the Children’s Trust Fund will share the presentation of the 2020 Champion for Children Award to Jackson for the life insurance company’s tireless support of Michigan’s children and the Children’s Trust Fund mission of preventing child abuse and neglect. Michigan artist April Wagner of Ann Arbor designed the awards.

Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, the Children’s Trust Fund is Michigan’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. For more information on Children’s Trust Fund efforts to end child abuse or to donate, visit michigan.gov/ctf.

The event is made possible by the generosity of the following sponsors: Akkad Holdings, Cinnaire, DTE Foundation, Jackson, M3 Group, The Louis, Lauren & Lana Foundation and many more.

MDHHS encourages local officials to reschedule outdoor activitie

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 11, 2020 

MDHHS CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONTACT: Jessy Sielski, 517-331-1151 [email protected]  


MDHHS encourages local officials to reschedule outdoor activities as EEE cases increase

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages local officials in counties affected by Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children.

This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health, and applies until the first hard frost of the year.

As of Sept. 10, EEE has been confirmed in 19 horses in nine counties in Michigan – Barry, Clare, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland. Additional animal cases are under investigation. This is twice as many animal cases as the same time last year. To date, no human cases have been identified. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people.

In 2019, there were 10 human cases of EEE in Michigan, which is equal to the total number of cases in the previous 10 years combined. Last year, Michigan accounted for 25 percent of the EEE cases nationally. It is unknown exactly why some years are more severe than others, although weather, including temperature and rainfall, are thought to play a role.

“As animal cases continue to grow, the risks to people increase as well,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “People get EEE the same way horses do – from the bite of an infected mosquito – so a case in a horse means people in that area are also at risk. Limiting exposure at outdoor activities, especially near dusk when mosquitoes are most active, is the best way to keep you and your family safe from this deadly disease.”

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection.

Signs of EEE infection include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches, which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a medical provider. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases.

Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

  • Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes that carry the EEE virus are most active.
  • Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
  • Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
  • Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

For more information about EEE, visit Michigan.gov/EEE. You can also call the MDHHS hotline, which will now take calls for general questions about both COVID-19 and EEE, at 888-535-6136. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

DNR News: officers urge proper etiquette on and off the river

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

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– DNR News –
Sept. 11, 2020
Contact: Lt. Joe Molnar, 231-922-6061

Conservation officers urge proper etiquette on and off the river

White-and-red and yellow no-trespassing signs attached to a tree trunk in the woodsThe abundant amount of Chinook and coho salmon produced in the Betsie and Platte rivers every September – known as “fall fish runs” – draws anglers eager for this unique fishing opportunity in northwest Michigan. Unfortunately, the season also attracts illegal fishing activity and community disruption, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are working with local property and business owners to correct the situation.

Conservation officers are conducting enhanced patrols to reduce the illegal fishing, camping and parking, trespassing, littering and loud and abusive behavior.

“Local businesses and communities open their doors and welcome anglers every fall,” said Lt. Joe Molnar, the DNR’s district law supervisor who oversees officers in northwest Michigan. “Many people treat the area and fishing resources with care and respect, but those who live and work in these communities are tired of those who continue to snag fish, litter and exhibit poor behavior.”

Snagging is an illegal method of catching a fish using hooks, without the fish having taken the bait with its mouth. Read more on page 9 of the 2020 Fishing Guide.

Last September, conservation officers worked more than 900 hours and made 3,875 contacts in 14 days patrolling the fall fish runs in northwest Michigan.

“Snagging, littering and trespassing are the common violations we see during the fish runs,” Molnar said. “Landowners have gone above and beyond to clearly post their private property but continue to experience trespassers wandering their land to get to the next fishing spot – often leaving a trail of litter.”

Molnar encourages anglers to walk through state-managed public land to avoid trespassing.

Protecting the river systems in northwest Michigan is essential for continued success in replenishing the Chinook and coho salmon populations. On Thursday, the Michigan Natural Resource Commission approved new regulations for the Betsie River Homestead Dam in Benzie County to prevent additional erosion, littering and unlawful activities.

Anyone found guilty of illegally taking fish may be charged with a misdemeanor, lose their fishing license, serve jail time and face fines and costs.

“At least four people served jail time for their unlawful activity during the fall 2019 fish runs,” said Sgt. Dan Bigger, who oversees the DNR’s fish run patrols.

For more on fall fishing opportunities and resources throughout the state, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Anyone who witnesses a natural resources crime or has information about such a crime is encouraged to call or text the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. During 2019, more than $9,700 was paid to people who provided tips that led to the arrest or conviction of poachers.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

/Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows./

Trespassing: Many landowners in northwest Michigan have posted their property as private to prevent anglers from trespassing to get to fishing spots. Anglers are asked to respect those postings and instead use state-managed public land to reach their fishing locations.