Cub Scout Day Camp returns to Agawam

by orionontv | Jul 28, 2022 | Scouting

Brandon Kathman For Immediate Release:
Operations Marketing Lead 7/26/2022
(947) 886-5736

Cub Scout Day Camp returns to Agawam

Cub scouts from across southeastern Michigan returned to Orion Township’s Camp Agawam for
Day Camp in late July, more than doubling the attendance of the event in 2021.
“This is a milestone to be proud of as we build this thing back up after COVID,” Keegan
Springfield, a field director for Scouting’s local Michigan Crossroads Council, said.

Over 100 elementary-age youth participated in this year’s “wild west” themed camp, along with
their siblings and parents. Twenty-four older youth staff from the Scouts BSA program also
supervised the games and activities. Many have volunteered to put on the program for years.
“I like to staff Day Camp because I get to meet people from different troops in the area,” Nick
McKinnon, 14, said. “I remember when I was a Cub Scout, and the staff made Day Camp a lot
more fun.”

Scouts learned how to make paper, shot BB guns and tried to “herd” beach balls. Other summer
mainstays like swimming and fishing also featured. Several scouts caught their first fish on
Tommy’s Lake, and one excited youth attested that a large fish had snapped his pole.

The increase in Day Camp attendance coincides with a marked growth in membership of the
national organization during 2022. With 35,789 more youth in the summer of 2022 than the
previous year, the Boy Scouts of America is outpacing its own projections. The growth is most
apparent in the Cub Scout program, which experienced a spike of 15.5% more active youth.
Cub Scouts teaches young people grades K-5 perseverance and develops their problem-solving
abilities, according to the Boy Scouts of America. It allows youth to develop foundations in
leadership, citizenship, and personal fitness through fun activities involving parents and guardians.

To learn more about local Scouting, visit beascout.org or call the local office at (947) 886-5736.

A Cub Scout pulls a fish from Tommy’s Lake Campers participate in a team-building exercise

Theo Foss jokingly “rides” a pool noodle horse Campers “herd” beach balls

Whitmer Statement on Senate Passage of CHIPS+ Act

by Becky Andrus | Jul 27, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Senate Passage of CHIPS+ Act

Bipartisan legislation will face the chip crisis head-on, lower costs, shore up national security, boost domestic manufacturing, create and protect tens of thousands of good-paying jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the United States Senate passed legislation including the Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors for America (CHIPS) Act.

“The Senate’s bipartisan passage of the CHIPS Act is a win for Michigan’s workers, manufacturers, and consumers.

“This game-changing bill will make once-in-a-generation investments to set up the United States for decades of economic growth by bringing this vital supply chain home, creating and protecting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for families.

“I am grateful to Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters for leading on this issue in the Senate and working across the aisle to get it done. When it is signed into law, the CHIPS+ Act will shore up our supply chain and support companies based in Michigan including our auto industry, homegrown chip manufacturer Hemlock Semiconductor, and other high-tech firms including SK Siltron and KLA.

“In the days ahead, I am confident that thanks to the strong support of our Michigan delegation, the House of Representatives will pass this bill, and I urge them to send it to the president’s desk as quickly as possible so we can get the incentives laid out in the legislation out the door, build on Michigan’s economic momentum, and ultimately lower costs for Michiganders. I am proud that we are showing the world that the United States is the place to build the future. Let’s keep moving Michigan forward.”

CHIPS+ Act Opportunity

The CHIPS+ Act would fund $52 billion in incentives to boost domestic semiconductor production and research, $2 billion of which would be dedicated to incentivizing production of the “mature node” semiconductors used by automakers and parts suppliers. Mature node chips are also used in medical devices, agricultural machinery like farm tractors and combines, as well as radiation-proof chips required by our national defense industrial base.

The CHIPS+ Act would provide a new, powerful tool in Michigan’s economic development toolbox. Increasing domestic chip production near automakers and other manufacturers will spur innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and avoid costly delays, helping Michigan attract long-term, sustainable investments from companies around the world.

Late last year, the Michigan Legislature, businesses, labor, and utilities worked with Governor Whitmer to pass bipartisan economic development legislation that helped Michigan land a $7 billion investment from GM creating and retaining 5,000 good-paying jobs, and earlier this year, Ford invested $2 billion creating 3,200 jobs. Signing the CHIPS+ Act into law will pave the way for more transformational projects that will invest billions into our communities and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

Chip Crisis Impact

Semiconductor chips are a vital component of many products used by people every day. The global shortage of these chips, exacerbated by the pandemic and supply chain constraints, has impacted people and industries across the country from auto manufacturing to consumer electronics, home appliances, medical devices, agriculture, defense and more. These shortages have resulted in reduced production and in some cases, idled plants, impacting more than 575,000 auto-related American jobs. In 2021, automakers in North America lost an estimated 2.2 million vehicles, equaling over 3,000 days of work.

This means workers with less income, higher prices at the store, less products for consumers to buy and an ever-growing dependence on foreign supplies. In the long run, increasing domestic production of chips will protect and create jobs, strengthen our supply chain, and grow the economy. Fully funding the CHIPS+ Act will bring chip manufacturing back home, creating and protecting thousands of good-paying jobs, growing America’s economy, and lowering costs for families.

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day

by Becky Andrus | Jul 27, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2022

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day
MDHHS encourages hepatitis B and C testing during pregnancy and among infants born to people with hepatitis infection

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recognizing World Hepatitis Day on Thursday, July 28 to highlight the importance of hepatitis B and C testing during pregnancy, and among infants born to people infected with hepatitis B (HCB) or hepatitis C (HCV).

“World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to encourage all eligible Michiganders to get tested for hepatitis B and C, as testing is critical and important for early detection and treatment,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Many infected individuals can live decades without experiencing any signs or symptoms. Left untreated, hepatitis B and C infections can cause severe liver damage.”

HBV is transmitted from person to person through the contaminated blood or body fluids of a person who has the virus, such as through unprotected sex and from an HBV-infected person to their infant at birth (perinatal HBV). The most effective way to prevent HBV infection is to get vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends hepatitis B vaccination among all infants, unvaccinated children under 19 years of age, adults ages 19 through 59 years, and adults ages 60 years and older with risk factors for HBV.

HCV is a blood-borne pathogen that spreads through contact with blood from an individual who is infected. This includes through sharing needles or equipment used to inject or prepare drugs, occupational exposures, unregulated tattooing, sharing personal care items contaminated with infectious blood (e.g., razors or toothbrushes) and from an HCV-infected person to their infant at birth (perinatal HCV). There is no vaccine to prevent HCV, however, there are effective medications to cure an individual of their HCV infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hepatitis B testing during each pregnancy. HBV vaccine is also recommended among pregnant persons who are identified as being at-risk for HBV infection during pregnancy. The HBV vaccine contains no live virus and there is no apparent risk of adverse events to developing fetuses when the vaccine is administered during pregnancy. The CDC also recommends HCV testing among all adults ages 18 and older, and among pregnant people during every pregnancy, regardless of age.

People who are HBV or HCV positive during pregnancy should seek follow-up care in the postpartum period for evaluation and treatment management in addition to testing of their newborn

For more information, visit the Hepatitis, Syringe Service Program or We Treat Hep C webpages.

$321 Million Investment in 1,650 Michigan Communities

by Becky Andrus | Jul 27, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces $321 Million Investment in 1,650 Michigan Communities Supporting Infrastructure, Economic Growth

Federal funding from American Rescue Plan will help local governments deliver essential services

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced more than 1,650 communities in Michigan will receive more than $321 million to help them invest in infrastructure, grow their economies, and continue delivering essential services as part of the second batch of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund payments.

“This funding will empower over 1,650 communities across Michigan continue getting things done that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we focus on growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs, today’s over $321 million in funding will help counties, cities, villages, and townships across the state invest in local roads and bridges, support essential workers, and protect safe drinking water. Local officials have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make lasting investments in the kitchen-table issues that matter most. Let’s keep working together to get things done.”

The funding provided to counties, cities, villages and townships across the state can be used to respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, bring back jobs, provide premium pay to essential workers, make up for lost revenue or invest in water, sewer or high-speed internet infrastructure. Recipient local units of government have until 2024 to identify projects and obligate funds.

Previously, the first half of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund payments totaling more than $321 million was distributed to smaller communities within the last year. In total, ARPA provided more than $642 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to Michigan’s smaller communities.

The U.S. Department of Treasury is responsible for directly distributing $1.80 billion to 49 Michigan metropolitan cities and townships and $1.93 billion to all 83 Michigan counties. The state of Michigan is responsible for distributing Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds dollars to smaller cities, villages and townships.

The Michigan Department of Treasury worked with local government partners and local communities to provide technical assistance and education through webinars, phone calls and certified letters to ensure local officials would not miss the opportunity to claim their allotted federal funds. If a local community received payments from the first round, no further action is required from local officials.

“My team is ready to continue to assist local communities receiving this important aid,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Local officials are encouraged to reach out to our team if they encounter issues receiving a payment.”

The U.S. Department of Treasury is responsible for providing rules on how local units of government can spend their ARPA dollars.

Details about the first and second batch of state Treasury Department disbursements to smaller communities are available. To learn more about the program, go to Michigan.gov/ARPA.

Quotes from communities:

“The village of Calumet has received $72,195.96 in American Rescue Act Plan funds,” said Amber Goodman, Calumet Village Manager. “These funds are vital to strengthen the community and will be offsetting costs associated with employee salaries. The America Rescue Act Plan funds have provided a needed boost to the community.”

“The city of Gaylord is utilizing its ARPA funds for a utility upgrade project,” said Kim Awrey, Gaylord City Manager. “Over the last few years, we have seen significant development on the East side of town. The Pines45 apartment complex is nearing completion and construction has started on a Luxury RV Park in the same area.  The sanitary sewer line servicing this area is undersized and requiring an upgrade prior to the RV Park being able to open. Under normal circumstances, the city would have had to choose between this project and the proposed project laid out in our Capital Improvement Plan.  The receipt of ARPA funds allowed the city to move forward with both projects this summer.”

“The infusion of ARPA funds will allow the city of DeWitt to extend sanitary sewer to several homes in DeWitt currently served by aging septic systems,” said Dan Coss, DeWitt City Manager. “The expansion of this critical infrastructure will aid in the protection of one of the most valuable assets in Clinton County and city of DeWitt, the Looking Glass River. In addition, a portion of the ARPA funds will allow DeWitt to increase our 2023 paving projects to include additional streets that would have otherwise been delayed to future years.”

“The village of Dansville is very thankful for the ARPA funds,” said Mike Stolz, Dansville Village President. “It will allow us to upgrade some of our technology and systems that we use and also help us with our infrastructure needs.”

“The benefit of ARPA funds in Buchanan Charter Township will be recognized in broadband expansion to our unserved and underserved areas,” said Malinda Cole-Crocker, Buchanan Charter Township Supervisor. “The economic boost to the community through broadband will be priceless.”

“While Allendale Charter Township is still in the process of narrowing down our list of uses, we see several needs in the community that can be addressed with our ARPA funds,” said Adam Elenbaas, Allendale Charter Township Supervisor.

“The ARPA funds have been used to provide a professional fire assessment study that, once acted on, will greatly improve fire suppression services in Harper Woods,” said John Szymanski, Harper Woods Finance Director. “Additionally, we are using the funds to make one time building improvements on behalf of our first responders and redesigning service delivery models to include 24-hour duty shifts for police officers that will effectively double the amount of visible patrols in the city.”

“The village received a little over $186,000 for our ARPA funds,” said Sue Kohn, Standish Village Treasurer. “We are engaged in a new water and sewer project in the White’s Beach area in Standish Township, Arenac County. We will have some extra costs for a Water Tower and a Lagoon, so those extra funds will take some burden off of the citizens in that area.”

“Bangor Charter Township has approved to spend $1.03 million of its ARPA funds to replace drinking water lines, including replacing cast-iron lines and the current four-inch lines with eight-inch lines,” said Glenn Rowley, Bangor Charter Township Supervisor. “This will ensure safe drinking water for our residents, and the replacement of undersized piping will guarantee proper pressure in the lines to the hydrants for fire suppression. The township board has also approved the purchase of two moist heat decontamination units, totaling $15,900, for our fire department.”

Michiganders to be on lookout for spotted lanternfly

by Becky Andrus | Jul 26, 2022 | Recreation

The following news release was issued yesterday by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

July 26, 2022
Program contact: Robert Miller, (517) 614-0454
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD asks Michiganders to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive species threatening agriculture, natural resources

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for the public’s help by being on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect with the potential to seriously affect Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources. This insect feeds on more than 70 different plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees.

“Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape,” said Robert Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist within the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “With its ability to wreak havoc on grapes, apples, hops, stone fruits and more, this could be devastating to Michigan’s farmers and the state’s food and agriculture industry.”

Spotted lanternfly with wings folded showing grey wings with black spots

First detected in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern states. To date, infestations have been confirmed in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Although live spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan, MDARD and the United States Department of Agriculture have confirmed five cases of dead spotted lanternfly found in separate locations across the state. In these cases, the dead insects were found in packaging materials or objects shipped from states with known infestations.

Spotted lanternflies cannot fly long distances, but they lay eggs on nearly any surface like cars, trailers, firewood, outdoor furniture and more. Before leaving an infested area, MDARD is asking people to check vehicles, firewood and outdoor equipment for unwanted hitchhikers. Individuals and businesses receiving shipments from states known to have spotted lanternfly also should be on the lookout for adults or egg masses on goods and packing materials.

“With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time,” Miller added. “Public awareness and reporting are essential to early detection, which provides the opportunity to contain an infestation before it becomes a widespread problem.”

Two spotted lanternflies on a tree trunk

Spotted lanternfly causes direct damage by sucking sap from host plants while secreting large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. This honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and foul surfaces. The honeydew often attracts other pests like yellow jackets, flies and ants, affecting outdoor recreation and complicating crop harvests.

From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

Female spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage.

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, juvenile or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report it to MDARD via email at [email protected] or by calling 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Natural Resources.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Credits and suggested captions follow.

SLF folded wings: Spotted lanternflies are more likely to be seen with wings folded. Look for grey to brown wings with black spots, and black-striped wing tips. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

SLF wings: Adult spotted lanterfly’s bright wing coloration is hidden when wings are closed. Photo courtesy of Robert Gardner, Bugwood.org.

SLF egg mass: Spotted lanternflies may lay egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture or other items that can be transported to new areas, leading to new infestations. Photo courtesy of Emilie Swackhammer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org./