by Becky Andrus | Feb 10, 2022 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Calls on Canada to Reopen Traffic on Ambassador Bridge
Governor urges authorities to resolve bridge blockade so manufacturing, agriculture in Midwest can continue humming along
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement urging Canadian authorities to quickly resolve the ongoing Ambassador Bridge closure and its impacts on the Michigan’s economy, including key sectors like autos, agriculture, manufacturing, and more.
“My message is simple: reopen traffic on the bridge.
“In Michigan, our economy continues to grow because of our hardworking people and innovative small businesses. Now, that momentum is at risk. Commercial traffic is at a standstill at the Ambassador Bridge and heavily backed up at the Blue Water Bridge.
“The blockade is having a significant impact on Michigan’s working families who are just trying to do their jobs. Our communities and automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture businesses are feeling the effects. It’s hitting paychecks and production lines. That is unacceptable.
“The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest land border crossing in North America, used by tens of thousands of commuters and truck drivers carrying hundreds of millions of dollars of goods every day. Countless Michiganders rely on this daily flow of goods and people to get things done.
“It is imperative that Canadian local, provincial, and national governments de-escalate this economic blockade. They must take all necessary and appropriate steps to immediately and safely reopen traffic so we can continue growing our economy, supporting good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for families.”
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by Becky Andrus | Feb 10, 2022 | Regional News
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| Hi there,
I want to let you know that there is a new federal program that gives families a discount on their monthly internet bill and helps them with the cost of electronics. It’s called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and it’s administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
How can it help?
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Am I eligible?
According to FCC, a household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Participates in assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program
How do I apply?
There are two steps in the application process. First, go to ACPBenefit.org to submit an online application or print a paper form, then contact a participating provider and select a plan. If applying via mail, mail the application that you printed from ACPBenefit.com and send it to the ACP Support Center at P.O Box 7081 London, KY 40742.
I’ve heard time and time again from folks in the district about their lack of access to affordable broadband internet. While there is still work to be done on broadband expansion in Michigan, this program is a great opportunity for working families to get some relief.
If you’re having trouble submitting an application to the FCC or dealing with any other kind of issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at 517) 993-0510 or Slotkin.house.gov. We have experienced caseworkers that can help you navigate federal agencies.
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
by Becky Andrus | Feb 9, 2022 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of Feb. 7, 2022
Don’t let the cold stop you! Get great outdoors inspiration at Michigan.gov/WinterFun.
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| This week’s stories may reflect how the Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customer needs and protect public health and safety. Follow our COVID-19 response page for updates on access to facilities and programs.
We’ll continue to share news and information about the best ways to discover and enjoy Michigan’s natural and heritage resources! Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.
 Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Aubry Healy at Ludington State Park in Mason County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.
 Most everyone loves the taste of delicious, golden maple syrup drizzled over pancakes, French toast, ice cream and other favorite foods. How would you like to learn to make this sweet treat on your own – from selecting and tapping the perfect tree to canning the fresh, final product? Sign up now for an upcoming class, and you can!
Offered by the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy, the Maple Syrup Clinic is conducted in two parts:
• 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 (video/virtual): Start with a video you can watch on your own at home, where we discuss the tools you need, where you can find them and how they’re used. Next, enjoy virtual instruction from a Michigan forester and other experts who will cover tree identification, tapping a live tree, and sap collection and storage. (The Zoom portion of this class will be recorded, so anyone who misses this but still wants to participate March 6 can contact Ed Shaw via the contact info below.)
• 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6 (in person): Head to the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center (in Mitchell State Park, 6087 E. M-115, Cadillac), where you and the rest of the class will go through the steps of processing the sap, canning the syrup, making maple sugar and more.
“Most people don’t know it, but our state usually ranks in the top 10 in the nation for the amount of maple syrup produced,” said DNR park interpreter Ed Shaw, who also coordinates Outdoor Skills Academy offerings. “For some Michigan families, this is a fun winter tradition passed down through the generations, and anyone can learn to do it. This class will give people a terrific primer on starting their own tasty tradition.”
Interested? Don’t wait to sign up; class size is limited to 50 people. The class is $25 per person (that fee covers both dates), and you can get registration and other information at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills. Please note that a Recreation Passport is required for entry to Mitchell State Park.
Questions? Contact Ed Shaw at 231-779-1321. |
 Two new commissioners will be in attendance, and both the fisheries and wildlife subcommittees will convene at the next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 10.
Agenda items include the DNR Wildlife Division annual report, furbearer regulations, migratory game bird hunting seasons and managed waterfowl area regulations. Presentations also include a Partners in Conservation award and a DNR Law Enforcement Division Lifesaving award.
The meeting will start at 9 a.m. in West Campus Rooms M119-121 at Lansing Community College, 5708 Cornerstone Drive, in Lansing. See the meeting’s full draft agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. (Please note that LCC’s COVID policies include an indoor mask requirement for students, staff, visitors and event attendees.)
For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected]. |
 Michigan conservation officers do a lot of important things to help protect the state’s fish and wildlife and outdoor places, but there’s one aspect of their work you may be less familiar with: the battle to prevent the spread of invasive species (like red swamp crayfish, shown here).
Whether it’s tracking invasive species imports or making sure boaters “Clean, Drain and Dry” their boats and gear, conservation officers play a key role in Michigan’s Invasive Species Program. In case you missed it, next week Cpl. Nick Torsky, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s Great Lakes Enforcement Unit, will discuss the unit’s role in fighting aquatic invasive species, including:
- The enforcement of boating and bait-related regulations.
- Oversight of Michigan’s “organisms-in-trade” – live animals and plants brought to Michigan, both through the internet and traditional stores, for uses such as landscaping, pond beautification, bait, consumption, as pets, or even in classrooms and laboratories.
- Interagency cooperation across the Great Lakes basin.
- Recent investigations that highlight the DNR’s enforcement efforts.
It’s part of the state’s NotMiSpecies webinar series – “The AIS-Team: Conservation officers on a mission to prevent invasive species” is a free webinar, open to everyone, 9 to 10 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, Feb. 16.
Sign up for the webinar and follow Michigan.gov/Invasives for program news, updates and opportunities to help.
Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman at 517-284-5814. |
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Ready to try your hand at ice fishing, one of our state’s most prized outdoor traditions? Before you go, check the weekly fishing report to see what’s biting and where!
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If you want to do more to help Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, explore our volunteer opportunities and find the programs, campaigns and everyday activities right for you.
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by Becky Andrus | Feb 7, 2022 | Scouting
Scouts partner with local ONTV network for show
By Brandon Kathman
Scouting’s local Pontiac-Manito District has partnered with the Orion Neighborhood Television network to produce a monthly show, “Scouting on Air,” which will feature gear reviews, camp cooking segments, service projects and interviews with the organization’s state and national leadership.
Each episode will be produced and hosted by scouts from across Oakland County under the guidance of media professionals. According to the Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America, the show’s intended audience includes both active scouters and the general public.
“I was invited to help launch Scouting on Air shortly after I achieved my Eagle rank,” Brooke Muzzy, 18, one of the show’s anchors, said. ”Having the opportunity to create a program about Scouting has been so rewarding, I have made new friends and learned so many new skills in the last few months.”
Becky Andrus, ONTV’s outreach coordinator, said the relationship began when Scouting was featured on Orion Outreach, a program highlighting local nonprofits. After three appearances, Andrus suggested that they consider producing their own show. Working with the district’s leadership, ONTV provided youth journalists, anchors and producers with the requisite training courses to create a show.
“This training allows them to be involved in all aspects of the production process, from producing and directing to hosting and editing,” Andrus said. “ Everyone at ONTV is so excited to have the scouts in the studio creating their own show.”
According to the Pontiac-Manito District, their first episode will feature an interview with Jennifer Sanker, vice president of the Michigan Crossroads Council. Furthermore the episode will include coverage of their most recent district campout and a segment on “high adventure” expeditions to the Boundary Waters of the Minnesota-Ontario border. Scouting on Air’s pilot will begin airing on the network next week, with new episodes released monthly. The show can also be viewed on the ONTV YouTube channel.
“This is exactly what community television is all about, and we can’t wait to see the first episode of Scouting on Air,” Andrus said.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 3, 2022 | Regional News
Oakland County Reschedules Vaccine Clinics Due to Winter Storm
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division has rescheduled its school-based COVID-19 vaccine clinics that were set for Wednesday and Thursday to next week because of the forecasted winter snow storm.
The clinic at Donelson Hills Elementary School in Waterford will move from Feb. 2 to Feb. 9. The one at Hazel Park Junior High School in Hazel Park on Feb. 3 will move to Feb. 10.
The Health Division is notifying individuals who had appointments of the change. For more information or to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccine for the new dates, go to www.oaklandcountyvaccine.com and click the appointment button or contact Oakland County’s Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533.
