NotMISpecies webinars, Register now for fall sessions

NotMISpecies webinars, Register now for fall sessions

by | Sep 13, 2021 | Environmental
Sept. 13, 2021

Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

NotMISpecies webinars focus on phragmites and woody invasives

Register now for fall sessions

NotMISpecies webinar bannerManaging invasive plants, pests and animals in Michigan is a year-round endeavor. The Michigan Invasive Species Program’s NotMISpecies webinar series explores how agencies, universities and locally led organizations are working together to protect Michigan’s natural resources.

If you are concerned about the impacts of invasive species or interested in the techniques used to control them, join us as we examine species-specific actions, innovations in research and technology, and programs designed to help communities prevent and manage harmful invasive species.

Follow the link in each webinar title to register.

“Fowl play” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15) explores the work of protecting Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas from the threat of invasive species including phragmites. DNR wildlife biologists Jeremiah Heise from Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area and Zach Cooley from Pointe Mouillee State Game Area share their experiences and techniques for managing and restoring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders to provide prime habitat for waterfowl viewing and hunting.

“Just do it!” (9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21) offers an invitation to learn about invasive species management by volunteering for a state park stewardship workday. DNR natural resource stewards Kelsey Dillon and Emily Leslie will share information about the program and its focus on special habitat areas in need of protection. Fall opportunities include woody invasive plant removal at state parks. Learn how you can get involved in preserving your favorite places for future generations.

If you are new to the series, it’s easy to catch up on topics including collaborative efforts in invasive carp management, early detection and response for aquatic invasive species, and the threat posed by spotted lanternfly. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents under “Featured Webinar Series.”

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
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OC Accepting Applications For $10 Wellbeing Grants

OC Accepting Applications For $10 Wellbeing Grants

by | Sep 13, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Accepting Applications From Non-profits For $10 Million In Mental Health And Wellbeing Grants

​Pontiac, Michigan – Applications are now open for non-profit organizations to apply for a share of $10 million in Oakland Together Mental Health and Wellbeing Non-profit Grants aimed to help increase capacity to meet the growing demand for mental health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be a webinar for non-profits Friday, September 17, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. to answer questions about the application process and grant program. Click here to register for the webinar.

“One of the ongoing effects we’re seeing from the COVID-19 pandemic is people struggling to improve their mental health and getting access to timely care,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “These grants will help non-profit organizations that work in the realm of mental and behavioral health expand their ability to provide resources to our residents.”

There will be three types of grants awarded to non-profit organizations to support mental or behavioral health services offered only to Oakland County residents:

  • Operational grants from $50,000 to $99,999 to maintain or enhance mental and/or behavioral health services because of increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Expansion grants from $100,000 to $249,999 to expand or implement new mental and/or behavioral health services because of increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Community grants from $250,000 to $500,000 may be awarded to non-profit organizations with an annual operating budget of at least $4 million which need funds to maintain or expand mental and/or behavioral health services because of increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan will administer the grant program.

“Everyone should have access to mental and behavioral health services when they need them. The ongoing stress and trauma of this pandemic have only caused an increase in demand,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We are proud to partner with Oakland County to ensure a high-quality grant opportunity for the tireless non-profit service providers who work to meet this need every day. We continue to stand ready to partner to ensure our community is resilient through this crisis.”

To be eligible for any of the grants, an applicant must:

  • Be based in Oakland County or providing services to Oakland County residents.
  • Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in good standing with both the State of Michigan and Internal Revenue Service.
  • Be a provider of evidence-based mental and/or behavioral health services and those services must be delivered by professionals licensed by and in good standing with the State of Michigan.

All funds from the Oakland Together Mental Health and Wellbeing Non-profit Grants must be spent during the period from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. Funds awarded through the grants cannot support services that have already received federal, state, county, foundation, or philanthropic reimbursements. To apply, click here.

Apply for $10 Million Non-Profit Mental Health Grants FINAL 091321.pdf

Orion Township Board of Trustees Meeting of 9/7/2021

Orion Township Board of Trustees Meeting of 9/7/2021

by | Sep 10, 2021 | Meetings, Township/Village

 

Clean Slate Package for Non-Repeat OWI Offenders 

Clean Slate Package for Non-Repeat OWI Offenders 

by | Sep 10, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 10, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Legislation Representing Final Piece of Clean Slate Package for Non-Repeat OWI Offenders

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer today signed Senate Bill 400, which strengthens expungement legislation that the governor signed last month for a first violation of operating while intoxicated (OWI). The governor also signed Senate Bill 408, which strengthens judicial procedures.

 

“No one should be defined forever by a mistake they made in the past,” said Governor Whitmer. “Senate Bill 400 strengthens recent expungement legislation I signed last month to allow an estimated 200,000 non-repeat OWI offenders to have the opportunity for a second chance at a clean record. In total, this legislation will help us remove barriers so that all residents are able to compete for jobs with a clean record and contribute to their communities in a positive way.”

 

Senate Bill 400 will require a person seeking an expungement of a first-time OWI offense to wait at least five years after whichever of the following events last occurs before filing a set aside application:

  • Imposition of the sentence for the conviction the applicant seeks to set aside
  • Completion of probation
  • Discharge from parole
  • Completion of any term of imprisonment

 

“I want to thank the Governor for her further considerations of this issue and for signing this bill,” said Senator Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan. “This is an amazing opportunity for perhaps over 200,000 citizens who made one error years ago to have new job opportunities and personal freedom. I also thank Lt. Governor Gilchrist for his tremendous support of this effort.”

 

“Safe & Just Michigan thanks Gov. Whitmer for signing SB 400, which was a key component of the first offense OWI package that passed last month,” said John S. Cooper, Executive Director of Safe and Just Michigan. “These bills represent a long-awaited chance for a fresh start for tens of thousands of Michiganders whose opportunities have been limited by a single old drunk driving conviction.  We also thank Sen. McBroom, Rep. Yancey, Rep. Bellino, and the other legislative leaders on this issue that were instrumental in moving these bills through the legislative process with broad bipartisan support.”

 

Senate Bill 400 was sponsored by Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, and a copy of the bill can be found here.

 

The governor also signed Senate Bill 408.

 

Senate Bill 408 will allow litigants to appeal a court’s decision to set aside a jury verdict, reflecting the importance of ensuring that jury verdicts cannot be overturned lightly.

 

Senate Bill 408 was sponsored by Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, and a copy of the bill can be found here.