by Becky Andrus | Nov 2, 2020 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Top Five Games:
By Sammy Taormina
Chippewa Valley at Stoney Creek: This is going to be the Cougars biggest challenge of the season when they host Chippewa Valley on Friday night. The Big Reds come into this game riding a ton of confidence after coming back from 14-0 down to beat a very good Utica Eisenhower squad 21-14. They have a ton of experience led by quarterback Ryan Schuester along with running back Ryan Hawkins and top wide receiver Cephas Harris. Also Chippewa Valley is well coached under Coach Scott Merchant. Stoney Creek features their fair share of experience as well in quarterback Ryan Echout, running back Cam Buford, and running back Jon Fogler. They too have a proven coach in Nick Merlo. This is a perfect opportunity for the Cougars to show that they mean business especially against a proven MAC Red opponent like Chippewa Valley.
Groves at Seaholm: This is the Battle of Birmingham Part II. Think of what Caleb Knoer did against Jaden Mangham a few weeks ago stripping him of the football in the endzone in a 21-21 game in the fourth quarter and forcing a touchback. The next drive the Maples scored and earned a 35-28 victory over the Falcons in Beverly Hills on one pass attempt no less. Groves has long been waiting for revenge against Seaholm. The Maples have won the last two in this rivalry. It’s going to be very interesting in the Maple Forest.
Oak Park at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit: The Knights picked up their first win of the season going into Grosse Pointe South and stunning the Blue Devils 35-27 last week. I think the return of ReShawn Benny has been huge for Coach Greg Carter’s team along with the improved play of quarterback James Burnley. Oak Park has played a brutal schedule playing the likes of West Bloomfield, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Southfield Arts and Tech, Oxford, and Groves and to do that against a MAC Red team in Grosse Pointe South is a statement. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit does have some athletes as well and they played Lake Orion tough losing 7-6 in week three. The Cubs beat Grosse Pointe North 28-14 last week in Grosse Pointe. It’s shaping up to be a very interesting game between two schools that know each other well.
Grand Blanc at Clarkston: The Wolves have been rolling all season long but they were tested last week by Oxford and their time possession game. Clarkston had to survive 21-7 last week. Grand Blanc needed a double reverse, a fake punt for a touchdown, and a bad snap to earn a 28-14 victory over Lake Orion last week. The Bobcats have a prolific offense of balance and speed. The Wolves are huge up front and can beat you in different ways. Clarkston’s pass defense should be tested in this game.
Southfield Arts and Tech at Sterling Heights Stevenson: I wonder how the latest episode of “The MAC Attack with Zach and Zack” is going to feel about how Oak Park stunned Grosse Pointe South. Could it happen again with another OAA Red team beating another MAC Red team on the road??? It’s possible. The Titans have playoff experience but the Warriors have been a Jekyll and Hyde team. Southfield Arts and Tech has athletes like quarterback Isiah Marshall, running back RaeQuan Lee, wide receivers Jeff Bowens and Robert Army. Sterling Heights Stevenson has size up front and proven playmakers. With what happened to Grosse Pointe South the Titans needs to be on upset alert. Southfield Arts and Tech should come into this game playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
by Becky Andrus | Nov 2, 2020 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Recognizes Election Workers by Proclaiming Election Hero Day
LANSING, MICH. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed today, November 2, 2020 as Election Hero Day in Michigan. The day is dedicated to the hardworking, dedicated election administrators and poll workers who ensure that every Michigan voter can cast their vote with confidence in this year’s election as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s election has been unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to our election process and these heroes have stepped up to ensure Michiganders can participate in our Democracy,” said Governor Whitmer. “I urge everyone to continue to do their part to keep both themselves and our election and poll workers safe. As always, wear a mask, stay at least six feet apart and wash your hands frequently. Democracy is a team sport, and we all have a part to play in this election.”
“I am so grateful to the more than 30,000 Michiganders who have volunteered to serve as election workers through our Democracy MVP campaign, and I thank Governor Whitmer for recognizing their heroic service to our democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
More than 2.8 million Michigan citizens have already voted in the Nov. 3 election. That’s more than half the 5.08 million total turnout in the 2008 presidential election, which was the highest turnout in Michigan history. For those who still plan to vote in person on Election Day, clerk’s offices, polling places and election workers will be supplied with protective equipment and hygiene supplies, and will follow protocols to protect voters from COVID-19.
This close to Election Day, voters should not mail absentee ballots. Instead, voters should bring their ballot to their city or township clerk’s office or ballot drop box. They may also have an immediate family or a member of their household do so for them. All ballots must be received by the voter’s city or township clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.
Voters can track their absentee ballot and find their clerk’s hours, locations and drop boxes at Michigan.gov/Vote.
To view the proclamation, click the link below:
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by Becky Andrus | Nov 2, 2020 | Uncategorized
Governor Whitmer highlights program that weatherizes homes, saves money for low-income Michigan families
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is raising awareness on National Weatherization Day for a weatherization program that reduces household energy costs by an average of $283 per year – benefitting approximately 1,300 low-income families in Michigan. The governor has also proclaimed October as Weatherization Month in Michigan.
“As the temperatures get colder, the Weatherization Assistance Program will reduce energy costs for low-income families,” Governor Whitmer said. “This program will help families across the state who need support this winter as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will help us protect our environment by making homes more energy efficient. This program is also good for our local economies, as it supports 8,500 jobs nationally for workers who weatherize homes. Moving forward, my administration will continue working around the clock to ensure Michigan families have the support they need as we head into the winter months.”
The U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program is administered at the state level by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity. MDHHS utilizes Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations to provide weatherization services at the local level.
“MDHHS is committed to helping Michiganders who are struggling to pay their energy bills,” said Lewis Roubal, the department’s chief deputy director for opportunity. “We want to give these families more peace of mind by assisting them in lowering their energy costs. That can remove worries about having their heat shut off and leave more money in the household budget for food, clothing and other needs.”
Trained weatherization professionals known as energy auditors use computerized energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis is used to determine the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order and trained contractors and crew members install the identified energy-efficient and health and safety measures.
Energy efficiency measures installed in client homes include items such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key junctures, and installations such as lighting and water saving measures.
Health and safety issues such as carbon monoxide, moisture problems, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence that the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes. These healthier living conditions often lead to reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits.
Eligibility is based on household income and if the home’s current condition is weatherization ready.
More information about home energy savings can be found by visiting websites that cover:
Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org.
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by Becky Andrus | Nov 2, 2020 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces U.S. Small Business Administration Relief for Eligible Businesses Impacted by Excessive Rain
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is making Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million available to eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits impacted by excessive rain that occurred Oct. 1, 2019 through June 3, 2020. SBA extended the loans following the Secretarial Disaster Declaration obtained by Governor Whitmer from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue last year.
“This is welcome news for Michigan businesses that had to endure one of the wettest years on record in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m glad the federal government has recognized the need for this support, and I am eager to continue working with them to further assist Michigan businesses.”
Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations in Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Midland, Montcalm, Saginaw and Shiawassee counties.
In June 2019, Governor Whitmer requested a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for the entire state of Michigan to provide relief to farmers impacted by historic rainfall. USDA ultimately designated more than 40 Michigan counties as primary disaster areas beginning in November 2019. When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, SBA issues a declaration to eligible entities, affected by the same disaster.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants should apply under SBA declaration #16760. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Applications are due to SBA no later than June 21, 2021.
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by Becky Andrus | Nov 2, 2020 | Uncategorized
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020
CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, [email protected]
A portion of northbound I-75 to have one lane open Wednesday and Thursday in Oakland County
Fast facts:
– Northbound I-75 will have one lane open from 12 Mile to Adams roads continuously Wednesday and Thursday.
– The lane closure is needed for crews to install lane markings.
– Additional work is also scheduled the first week of November.
November 2, 2020 — Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracting crews will be installing pavement markings this week. This work will require reducing northbound I-75 to only one open lane from 12 Mile to Adams roads continuously starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and ending at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. As the application process continues, there may be short-term closures of northbound I-75 exit and entrance ramps. This work is weather dependent, and any form of precipitation will push back the lane opening by one day.
In addition, the following lane and ramp restrictions are scheduled:
– The Rochester Road entrance ramp to northbound I-75 will be closed 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
– The northbound I-75 exit to Rochester Road will be closed 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.
– The left lane of southbound I-75 will be closed from Maple to 13 Mile roads 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 and Thursday, Nov. 5.
Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75. |
