by Becky Andrus | Jan 28, 2021 | Recreation
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DNR Get Involved – February 2021
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Here are a few ways to get involved in taking care of Michigan’s natural resources in February. For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.
 Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in February. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.
Please note that preregistration is required for all volunteer workdays, and participation may be limited due to social distancing requirements.
Although these are outdoor programs and proper social distancing of at least 6 feet is required, participants still are encouraged to wear face coverings as an added precaution.
Workdays will take place:
- Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
- Sunday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County)
- Saturday, Feb. 13, 9 a.m. to noon at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County)
- Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. to noon at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County)
- Sunday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County)
- Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County)
- Sunday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County)
More details about each workday can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar. |
 Purchase a wildlife habitat license plate for your vehicle and help protect Michigan’s most vulnerable species.
For each sale of the $35 license plate, $25 will go to the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund to protect endangered, threatened and nongame wildlife. Kirtland’s warblers, lake sturgeon, Mitchell’s satyr butterflies and hundreds of other species have benefited from habitat projects funded by the Nongame Wildlife Fund.
To celebrate one of Michigan’s greatest conservation success stories, the 100th anniversary of the reintroduction of elk, a bugling elk was chosen to be featured on the specialty license plate in 2018.
There’s still time to celebrate this historic milestone by purchasing an elk license plate. Place an order for your plate online at Michigan.gov/SOS or visit a Secretary of State office. |
 The Run for the Trees/ Happy Little Virtual 5K is set for spring, and registration is now open. No matter how you reach the finish line – walk, run or hike – you pick the pace and the place, anywhere outdoors.
You have between April 22 and 30 to complete it. For good measure, Earth Day and Arbor Day serve as bookends to this state parks-supporting race.
For only $34 per person, your virtual 5K counts! All proceeds support tree-planting and preservation efforts in state parks.
Everyone who participates will be shipped a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, commemorative bib and finisher’s medal featuring a real Bob Ross painting. We encourage you to wear your T-shirt and bib while completing your 5K and to proudly wear your medal after completion.
Register for Run for the Trees / Happy Little Virtual 5K. |
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One opportunity to share input on decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities is at public meetings of the boards, commissions, committees and councils that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management. Several will hold virtual public meetings in February.
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Looking for an interesting summer job that gets you outdoors and helping people enjoy natural resources? Join the more than 1,200 seasonal park workers hired each summer and fall to work in Michigan’s 103 state parks, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and harbors. The application process is easy. Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs. |
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by Becky Andrus | Jan 28, 2021 | Feature Writers
Where is the trust, where is the transparency????
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer reminds me of that lady that wanted to be the “It” girl. Wanted power, wanted jewels, wanted everything but it came at a cost, sacrificing who you are.
You have to ask yourself is this her true essence.
Is she playing up the cameras????
Is she playing up the media????
Is she playing up the state????
Every press conference gives people the chance to read her mind and also that of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Executive Dr. Joeniah Khaldun.
Every statement is prepared and the questions are picked out.
Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are using these four contact sports student-athletes as pawns for a political game.
Is this really about public health or this just more power????
Whitmer said she would not be bullied but in many ways she is acting like a bully.
This is your typical spoiled brat.
The character is plain out in the open. We don’t see the mother figure. We don’t see the person who is willing to work with anyone.
She was elected in 2018. This was the moment to build bridges and bring people together.
It makes you wonder is she the messenger????
Who is truly making the decisions????
Whitmer is the puppeteer using the MDHHS to her disposal. She has wanted control. She wants to be the hero. All that is, is narcissistic just like the girl who wants everything and willing to sacrifice to get everything she wants.
by Becky Andrus | Jan 28, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Friday, January 22, 2021
Uyl Needs To Take A Stand.
Written Friday January 22nd at 4:05 PM
MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said that the MHSAA would guarantee all three seasons.
Now it’s time to prove it.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has become the biggest hurdle in the MHSAA to achieving their goals.
Whitmer and the Michigan of Health and Human Services has extended “the pause” three times since November on certain contact sports. Although non-contact sports have been given the green light to continue their seasons.
Basketball, Cheerleading, Wrestling, and Hockey remain on hold until February 21st.
Uyl was blindsided like everyone else by the decision from Whitmer and her administration on Friday morning. “We found out about this decision at 9:30 am just like everyone else and we will address it this weekend to collect more information. We did not anticipate this delay in winter contact practices and competition, and today’s announcement has created many new questions. Obviously this is very disappointing to thousands of athletes who have been training with their teams over the last week and watching teams in other states around Michigan play for the last two months.”
The reason why Uyl needs to prove it is because Whitmer and her administration have done this three times to the student-athletes by halting their ability to compete. Despite coronavirus case numbers coming down, she and her administration have extended the pause anyway.
Robert Gordon stepped down as MDHHS Director on Friday after putting the new order in place. Whitmer appointed Elizabeth Hertel to take over as MDHHS Director. This though will need to be confirmed by the Republican held Senate.
When Uyl meets with the MDHHS he needs to be firm with them. “What are the numbers that are holding them up??? And where would the road map be at???” He mentioned this on the Huge Show.
Uyl and the MHSAA Representative Council are expected to meet next week to adjust the schedule for the four sports affected by the new order.
Uyl needs to take a stand against Whitmer and the MDHHS. He needs to stand up for the student-athletes, parents, coaches, superintendents, and athletic directors that are fed up with Whitmer and the MDHHS pausing these four winter contact sports.
Could the MHSAA sue Whitmer and the MDHHS??? I don’t know but there could be multiple lawsuits filed against Whitmer and the MDHHS.
If Uyl wants three seasons it’s time for him to make a stand for these student-athletes.
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 1:12 PM
by Becky Andrus | Jan 21, 2021 | Regional News
More than 1 Million Michiganders Obtained 2021 Health Coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Healthy Michigan Plan
LANSING, Mich. — After an extensive joint outreach campaign by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), more than 1 million Michiganders obtained health coverage for 2021 during the Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment period or through the state’s expanded Medicaid program.
“No Michigander should have to worry about how they’ll afford health insurance, especially during a global pandemic,” said Governor Whitmer. “My administration has been working around the clock to ensure people across the state can access quality, affordable health care. The Healthy Michigan Plan that I worked across the aisle to pass as Senate Democratic Leader has surpassed 850,000 enrollees. I will continue to work with partners across the state to protect and expand health coverage for Michiganders.”
More than 267,000 Michiganders purchased Marketplace coverage for 2021, and more than 850,000 people are currently enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan. In a joint effort, DIFS and MDHHS invested more than $1 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds to help people get covered. The effort included an advertising campaign that was seen and heard more than 42 million times on television, social media, and radio. By the Dec.15 deadline, 267,070 Michiganders had purchased health coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace, a nearly 2% increase over the 2019 open enrollment period. An additional 853,211 residents found coverage from the Healthy Michigan Plan during 2020, a record high number of participants for the program.
“I am happy that Michigan made significant progress in 2020 in increasing the number of residents who have access to health care coverage,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “In 2021 we will continue to focus on providing coverage to Michigan families. No one should have to go without medical treatment or health care coverage due to a lack of income.”
Open enrollment for 2021 coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace ended Dec. 15, but Michiganders may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if they experience a qualifying life event, such as a job loss or change in household size. Open enrollment for 2022 coverage will begin in Nov. 2021.
“Marketplace open enrollment for 2021 is over, but you may still have options to protect your health and the health of your family,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “DIFS is here to help answer questions about health coverage and can give you the information you need to get started.”
To learn more about health insurance, including SEP eligibility, consumers should visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance. Consumers are also eligible to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan at any time online by visiting Michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling 855-789-5610.
The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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by Becky Andrus | Jan 21, 2021 | Regional News
Bipartisan Governors and Lt. Governors from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin Encourage Everyone to Make a Plan and Get Vaccinated
LANSING, Mich – Today, the governors and lieutenant governors from Michigan Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin joined together to encourage everyone to make a plan for how they can get the safe and effective vaccine once they become eligible.
“Although it is a new year, COVID-19 is still present across our states, and we all have a personal responsibility to do our part to protect our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. Each of our states is working around the clock to distribute the safe and effective COVID vaccines as quickly as possible. But we ask everyone to be patient,” said the governors and lieutenant governors. “The quicker we act to distribute the vaccine, the quicker we can reduce the strain on our health care system and defeat this virus. But until everyone is able to get vaccinated across our states we must double down on mask wearing, social distancing, and washing hands frequently.”
Over the past ten months people from across the region have stepped up to fight COVID-19. States across the region are working around the clock to ramp up vaccine distribution efforts and end the pandemic once and for all. Together, the governors urged individuals to make a plan for themselves and their families on how they can get vaccinated as soon as possible. People are encouraged to visit their state health departments website for more information.
Michigan: Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
Ohio: Governor Mike DeWine, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted
Indiana: Governor Eric Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch
Illinois: Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
Kentucky: Governor Andy Beshear, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman
Wisconsin: Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes
Minnesota: Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
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Stay informed, stay safe: 