by Becky Andrus | Dec 22, 2020 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer: Bipartisan Federal Relief Bill is a Good Start, But Washington Needs to Work Together to Pass Support for State and Local Governments
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the U.S. House and Senate passed a bipartisan relief package that provides support for families, frontline workers, and small businesses. The package does not include funding for state and local governments to fund crucial services to keep families safe.
“I am glad that Congress has passed legislation that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools, and small business loans. This support will help so many Michiganders who have borne the brunt of the pandemic at an individual level, including small business owners who are worried about how they’ll make it through the winter, people who have lost work as a result of the pandemic, and more. I’m glad Congress was able to work together to get this done, but there is more work to do.
“Michigan and states across the country need additional aid to state and local governments. For months, bipartisan governors across the country have been urging Congress to provide federal funding to states to fund crucial services like police and fire, emergency responders, Medicaid, higher education, and more. These services could face cuts without help from the federal government.
“This cannot be the last relief bill we see come out of Washington. This virus will not go away at the start of the new administration. Like President-elect Biden has said, this relief bill will be a down payment. It does not mean that Washington’s work is done. I will continue to hold our leaders in Washington accountable as we continue working to distribute a safe and effective vaccine, grow our economy, and eradicate COVID-19 once and for all.”
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 22, 2020 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112
Texts make it easier for residents to download the anonymous exposure notification app
LANSING, MICH. Today, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed the launch of a statewide text outreach aimed at increasing residents’ awareness of the state’s new exposure notification mobile app, MI COVID Alert.
The text messages, which began this month, make it simple to connect to and download MI COVID Alert. Each text includes information about the app and a link to the landing page on the state of Michigan coronavirus website with more information about how it works, details about how MI COVID Alert keeps user information anonymous, and links to Apple and Google app stores.
“We want Michiganders to know this is a legitimate communication from the department as we encourage them to take this easy step to protect themselves and others by downloading the MI COVID Alert,” said Robert Gordon, director of MDHHS. “The more of us download the app, the safer we’ll be until a vaccine is available to the broader population.”
The texts encouraging Michiganders to download the app are sent to individuals based on publicly available resident contact information. Because MI COVID Alert users are anonymous, some individuals who already downloaded the app may still receive a text message.
Early text messages included a short link to healthymi.site/alert4 directing residents to the MI COVID Alert landing page. All new messages now display the link: michigan.gov/MICOVIDAlert.
The no cost, easy-to-use, anonymous app has been downloaded nearly half a million times—a figure that represents a little more than 9.5% of 18- to 64-year-olds in Michigan—in the initial weeks of the statewide launch. Oxford researchers found that when just 15% of a population used an exposure notification app like MI COVID Alert, there was a potential to reduce infections and deaths. For more information about MI COVID Alert, visit michigan.gov/MICOVIDAlert.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
by Becky Andrus | Dec 21, 2020 | Feature Writers
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Friday, December 18, 2020
Most Winter Sports Paused for Now but Fall Sports Can Proceed.
Written Friday December 18th at 3:00 PM
Well most Winter Sports are still paused for now.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Medical Executive Joniah Khaldun, and Director Robert Gordon announced that indoor contact sports are still banned for now in a new order that is effective until January 15th.
That could change if trends improve which they have been lately.
Gordon mentioned that fall sports like football, volleyball, and swimming and diving can end their seasons. Excluding them from the order.
Football will be played on January 2nd with the semifinals on January 9th at home sites though it is possible for those games to held at neutral sites. The State Finals on January 15th and 16th at Ford Field.
Volleyball quarterfinals will start on January 5th while the State Semifinals and Finals will be played at the Kellogg Center in Battle Creek.
Girls Swimming and Diving will be held on January 15th and 16th at the three host sites.
There will be no spectators and all safety protocols will be in place.
The OAA currently has North Farmington, Oak Park, and West Bloomfield still playing in football while Clarkston is the only school left in volleyball. North Farmington heads to Traverse City Central, Oak Park goes to Livonia Churchill, while West Bloomfield hosts Romeo. Clarkston volleyball will play Grand Blanc at Lapeer in the State Quarterfinals.
The new order is not good for the indoor winter sports except for skiing which is outdoors. It’s possible they could go to the spring. It is possible that the MHSAA could extend the seasons past June.
The MHSAA Representative Council will meet again on December 22nd to address the rest of winter sports. The spring sports remain unchanged for now.
Gordon announced a new antigen testing program that can be implemented for fall sports. Wonder if it could be addressed for winter and spring sports???
“With respect to sports, outdoor and non-contact sports are reopening. We will also be offering a new pilot program for fall sports, including contact sports that use antigen tests in order to ensure safety as students complete high school fall championships. This is a very limited number of schools that had seasons interrupted and this will be a chance to do two things, it will let students complete a season that is, of course very important to them. And it will allow schools and the State of Michigan to work together to learn how these antigen tests to encourage safe reopening in January” said Gordon.
It will be very interesting to see what happens with winter sports. It will be something to keep an eye on.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Here is the MHSAA’s Statement.
https://www.mhsaa.com/News/Press-Releases/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9455/MHSAA-Fall-Tournaments-to-Resume-Updated-Winter-Tournament-Schedules-Forthcoming
Here is the Tweet from State Champs from MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl
https://twitter.com/statechampsmich/status/1340041028125020164
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 12:00 PM
by Becky Andrus | Dec 21, 2020 | Recreation
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– DNR News –
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| Dec. 21, 2020
Contact: Lt. Tom Wanless, 517-284-6026
Keep safety in mind when enjoying winter outdoor recreation
Many parts of Michigan have wintry conditions
 Where there is snow and ice, snowmobilers are on the trails and anglers are on the ice.
It’s safe to say that winter has arrived in many parts of Michigan. Winter offers plenty of great opportunities to continue recreating outside.
“This is the time of year when conservation officers see many people eager to kick-off the snowmobiling season, ice fishing and other outdoor winter activities,” said Lt. Tom Wanless of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. “These are great activities that encourage social distancing, but please keep safety in mind. Dress for the weather, check the forecast before you go out and if you’re snowmobiling, please ride sober and at a safe speed.”
Regardless of your favorite winter activity, here are some tips to help prepare for heading outdoors:
- Wear light layers that can easily be added or removed – it is possible to overheat even during the winter.
- Carry the appropriate equipment for your activity, such as a flashlight, rope, ice picks or ice claws.
- Have spare equipment available in case something breaks.
- Stay hydrated and fueled – bring water and snacks.
- Recreate with a buddy.
- Inform others about where you will be and how long you plan to be gone and schedule check-in times.
- Carry a two-way communication device that receives service in remote areas.
- Be mindful of your health – if you’re not feeling well, don’t go out.
In Michigan, all snowmobile operators between ages 12 and 16 are required to obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile on any trail or public land. Riders can earn a snowmobile safety certificate online at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.
The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile trail safety campaign emphasizes the importance of riding sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail.
If snowmobiling off-trail, stay on public lands, avoiding private property, active logging operations and sensitive areas like forest plantations; use stock exhausts only; know where you are going before you go.
Snowmobling is a fun activity that can be done safely, however, riders should remember that excessive speed is the main cause of fatal and serious injury snowmobile accidents.
During winter 2019-20, there were 14 fatal snowmobile accidents in Michigan, with one fatality recorded so far during the 2020-21 season.
If you plan to head onto the ice to fish or ride, conservation officers warn that there is no reliable inch thickness test to determine if ice is safe. Ice thickness can be checked with a spud or auger.
“Anyone going onto the ice should use extreme caution,” Wanless said.. “Avoid ice that is covered by snow. Snow acts as an insulator and may weaken the ice.”
Ice is often unstable at river mouths or other areas where there are currents present or creeks and streams feeding into lakes.
For more ice safety tips including what to do if you fall through the ice, go to Michigan.gov/IceSafety. |
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| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 21, 2020 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (“Children’s Trust Fund”), Civil Service Commission, Judicial Tenure Commission, and Wayne County Airport Authority.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (“Children’s Trust Fund”)
Sharif Hussein, of Okemos, is the chief executive officer of LPK, LLC, a strategic consulting company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland and he attended the Executive Leadership Program at Yale University. Mr. Hussein is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing December 21, 2020 and expiring December 19, 2023. He succeeds David Zyble whose term expired December 19, 2020.
Earl R. Major, of Brighton, is the vice president of human resources for Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and a Master of Science in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management from Purdue University. Mr. Major is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing December 21, 2020 and expiring December 19, 2022. He succeeds Jason Gold who has resigned.
Kristin Totten, of Kalamazoo, is an education attorney for ACLU of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cedarville College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron. Ms. Totten is appointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing December 21, 2020 and expiring December 19, 2023. She succeeds Kathleen Trott whose term expires December 19, 2020.
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Nick Ciaramitaro, of Roseville, is the retired director of legislation and policy at Michigan AFSCME Council 25. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Detroit and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University. Mr. Ciaramitaro is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds James Barrett whose term expires December 31, 2020.
The Civil Service Commission is empowered by Article XI, Section 5 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to classify all positions in the classified service according to their respective duties and responsibilities, fix rates of compensation for all classes of positions, and approve or disapprove disbursements for all personal services. The Commission also determines by competitive examination and performance exclusively on the basis of merit, efficiency and fitness the qualifications of all candidates for positions in the classified service, makes rules and regulations covering all personnel transactions, and regulates all conditions of employment in the classified service.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Judicial Tenure Commission
Danielle Chaney, of West Bloomfield, is the director of human resources at Common Ground. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Michigan State University. Ms. Chaney is appointed to represent a general public member appointed by the Governor for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Ari Adler whose term expires December 31, 2020.
The Judicial Tenure Commission serves to promote the integrity of the judicial process and preserve public confidence in the courts. The Commission strives to hold state judges, magistrates, and referees accountable for their misconduct without jeopardizing or compromising the essential independence of the judiciary. The basis for Commission action is a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct or Rules of Professional Conduct, which are published with the Michigan Rules of Court.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Wayne County Airport Authority
Dennis W. Archer, Jr., of Detroit, is the CEO of Ignition Media Group. Mr. Archer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. Mr. Archer is appointed to represent a member appointed by the Governor for a term commencing December 21, 2020 and expiring October 1, 2026. He succeeds Ronald Hall, Jr. whose term expired October 1, 2020.
The Wayne County Airport Authority is responsible for the management and operation of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Willow Run Airport – including the power to plan, promote, extend, maintain, acquire, purchase, construct, improve, repair, enlarge, and operate both airports. The Authority has established guidelines for competitive bidding of contracts, including provisions to ensure maximum participation of disadvantaged businesses, minority businesses and other targeted business enterprises.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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