Great Experience with OC Summer Job or Internship

Great Experience with OC Summer Job or Internship

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Regional News

Gain a Great Experience and Paycheck with an Oakland County Summer Job or Internship

  • Applications are now open for summer jobs which pay between $12.05 and $19.79 per hour and run from mid-April to mid-September.
  • Oakland County Parks and Recreation, Health Division, Children’s Village, Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, Treasurer’s Office, and Corporation Counsel are among the departments and divisions hiring.
  • Apply on-line at oakgov.com/jobs or call 248-858-0530.

Pontiac, Michigan – Discover what excites you this summer with a job or internship at Oakland County, especially if you’re a college student seeking experience in your major. Positions for teens and those who are interested in summer work are also available. Applications are now open.

Oakland County summer jobs pay between $12.05 and $19.79 per hour, depending on job classification, and run from mid-April to mid-September. Apply on-line at oakgov.com/jobs or call 248-858-0530 for more information.

Oakland County Children’s Village is on the hunt for a criminal justice intern while other departments want criminal justice/casework assistants for the summer. Health Division is filling positions for an epidemiologist intern, sanitarian interns, and health education assistants. The Treasurer’s Office is hiring a student position in public relations, marketing, communications, and office and administrative support. Corporation Counsel is seeking a law clerk intern.

Oakland County is also looking for business students to be summer business assistants and clerks. These positions have college enrollment and credit hour requirements.

Teens 16 years old and older may apply to be a parks attendant, lifeguard, or other positions at Oakland County Parks and Recreation. The county requires applicants under 18 who have not completed high school to obtain working papers at the time of hire. Also, teens under 18 must have written parental consent for the employment physical and a parent or guardian must be present for a TB skin test.

Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is hiring summer animal census workers. Plus, the county has summer seasonal labor positions available. Applicants for both positions must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, but do not need to attend college.

Consumers to Protect Themselves on Online Gambling Sites

Consumers to Protect Themselves on Online Gambling Sites

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 8, 2023

Media Contact:
AG Press

Ahead of the Super Bowl, AG Nessel Reminds Consumers to Protect Themselves on Online Gambling Sites

LANSING — As excitement builds ahead of the upcoming Super Bowl, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urges residents to be aware of potential scams, cybersecurity risks, and deceptive internet gaming sites.

A third-party marketing company, MailChimp, recently reported a cyber-attack that may have affected popular sites including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. If you believe you have been impacted by the breach, visit Data Breaches: What to Do Next Consumer Alert.

“This data breach is another reminder to always monitor your bank accounts, credit reports, and credit card statements,” Nessel said. “Bad actors are always looking for new ways to rob you of your identity and your savings, and the Super Bowl is no exception.”

AG Nessel shares the following tips on how to protect yourself in a new video Tips for Online Gamblers.

In the aftermath of a breach, bad actors may try to log into the breached accounts, or any other account, using your email address and password.  There are steps you can take to regain control and protect your personal information:

  • Stay alert. If your personal information was exposed, the affected company should notify you. Save all notices and follow their recommended steps.
  • Secure your accounts. Change all exposed passwords. If you use that password for other accounts, change those passwords as well. Always use strong passwords.
  • Set up a two-step or multi-factor authentication requirement for each account. Most financial and social media sites have this option. This requires users to use a second form of identification, usually a PIN number, to log in.
  • Freeze your credit if your social security number or financial information was included in the breach. This stops data thieves from opening an account in your name while the freeze is in place. You can place a credit freeze by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus:
  • Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports.  
  • Delete accounts you are not using.

What we Know about the Breach

DraftKings has disclosed that more than 67,000 of its customers had their personal data exposed during the attack. The data includes name, address, phone number, email, profile photo, and the last four digits of the customer’s payment card.  Social security numbers, driver’s license information, or financial account numbers do not appear to be affected.

FanDuel Sportsbook has sent a warning email to customers that the data breach exposed their names and email addresses only. They do not believe customer passwords, financial account information, and other personal information were released.

BetMGM states the breach resulted in the release of some names, postal addresses, emails, telephone numbers, birthdays, hashed Social Security numbers, account IDs, and transaction data. They claim their passwords or account funds were not accessed. They are offering two years of credit monitoring to impacted customers.

Michigan licensed internet sports betting platforms partner with Detroit and Tribal casinos to allow consumers to place bets through websites or mobile apps for a variety of sporting events. Use the following tips to protect yourself from predatory and misleading sports betting platforms:

  • Research the online platform. Read reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trust Pilot. Avoid reviews from sites that are connected to the sports betting industry.
  • Read the fine print. Platforms sometimes require users to gamble their own money before accessing the advertised bonus. Not all bets count toward those promotions.
  • Know the risks. Risk-free bets may not be what they seem. Some platforms are offering “risk-free bets” of $1,000 or more. Often, if a user loses their bets, they don’t get their money back. Instead, it becomes a credit that can only be used to gamble on that platform.
  • Know the restrictions on accessing your account. Platforms reserve the right to restrict a user’s activity without warning — not just for suspicion of illegal conduct. Platforms have suspended users for having an “unfair advantage” or “irregular playing patterns.” Platforms have also been known to freeze accounts when someone is doing well or when trying to withdraw winnings.

If you plan to bet on the Super Bowl or other sporting events, check the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) website for a list of licensed internet sports betting providers and information on legal leagues and bets.

“The ease of online betting may cause consumers to forget they are gambling with real money,” said Nessel. “Protect yourself and your livelihood by protecting your personal information, only betting on licensed platforms, and setting limits for how much you spend.”

Nessel reminds residents that gambling should be a form of entertainment and encourages Michigan residents to develop guidelines for when and how much to gamble. If gambling is a problem for you or someone in your life, seek help through the Michigan Problem Gambling Help Line online or by calling 800-270-7117.

Residents can report illegal or suspicious gambling activity to the MGCB at:

  • 888-314-2682 – a dedicated phone line for anonymous tips,
  • Email tips are not anonymous

Consumer protection is just a click or call away. To report a scam, file a complaint or get additional information, contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General:

Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Michigan’s chief mobility officer reflects on achievements

Michigan’s chief mobility officer reflects on achievements

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Regional News

Michigan’s chief mobility officer reflects on achievements

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Trevor Pawl, who recently moved on from his pioneering role as the state’s chief mobility officer, reflects on all the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) accomplished during his tenure and why he thinks more good things are ahead.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/12155741-michigan-s-chief-mobility-officer-reflects-on-achievements

TMT - Chief mobility officer

Pawl talks about why it made sense of him and his family to move on now and what they have planned for the future.

Trevor Pawl

He also shares insights on hydrogen as a vehicle fuel, what the future holds and how the U.S. federal government is making moves to catch up with other nations and how Michigan is embracing a clean-energy future as discussed in this video with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.

Pawl also expounds on Michigan’s participation as one of seven Midwestern states teaming up to accelerate the development of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative. The partnership includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, whose economies are dominated by agriculture and heavy industry such as steel and automobile manufacturing.

Among accomplishments from partners in including OFME, MDOT and other agencies, Pawl touts:

  • Launching a first-state strategy for future mobility, the MI Future Mobility Plan
  • Building America’s first road custom-built for driverless vehicles
  • Building America’s first road that charges an electric vehicle (EV) while it drives
  • Leading development of a signature EV route around Lake Michigan
  • Led America’s first feasibility study for cross-border drone skyways
  • Created the Midwest’s first airport innovation lab in GrandRapids
  • Developed a first-of-its kind partnership to attract 5,000 tech workers to the Michigan Central innovation district in Detroit
  • Co-led the creation of Michigan’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plan ($110 million for EV charging)
  • Invested in the first autonomous, electric bus on a university campus

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.
Punishments for Making Threats Against Schools

Punishments for Making Threats Against Schools

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 7, 2023

dia Contact:
AG Press

AG Nessel Reminds Residents of Potential Punishments for Making Threats Against Michigan Schools

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reissued a video today that highlights the seriousness of making threats against schools after four local districts were the targets of swatting.​

Swatting is defined as a prank call made to emergency services in an attempt to​dispatch ​law enforcement to a particular location. Michigan State Police have reported that K-12 schools in Detroit, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Okemos have been the victims of the prank calls this morning. 

“Threats of violence in our schools disrupt the classroom, tax our local law enforcement agencies and harm our students’ sense of safety,” said Nessel. “Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences. It’s critical that adults and students alike understand the seriousness of these threats and the criminal charges they could face.”

In the video, Nessel explains the potential charges one could face if they make a threat of violence, which include:

  • communicating a threat of terrorism, 20-year felony;
  • calling in a bomb threat, a four-year felony;
  • malicious use of a telecommunications device, a six-month misdemeanor; and
  • threatening violence against school employee or student, a one-year misdemeanor.

Additionally, swatting could result in the following charges:

  • false report of a crime, a 93-day misdemeanor;
  • false report resulting in physical injury, a 5-year felony;
  • false report resulting in a serious bodily impairment, a 10-year felony; and/or
  • false report resulting in a death, a 15-year felony.

In addition to serving time in jail or prison, those that are found guilty of these crimes can face fines of up to $50,000.00.

The video can be viewed on the Department of Attorney General’s YouTube page.

If you receive a threat or know of a threat of violence against your community, please contact your local law enforcement.

You can also leave a tip with the state’s OK2SAY hotline by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or texting 652729 (OK2SAY). The hotline operates 24/7 and protects the confidentiality of the reporter’s identity.

OK2SAY, which is housed within the Michigan State Police, provides for confidential reports of potential self-harm, harm to others, or criminal acts including, but not limited to, sexual abuse, assault, or rape, directed at students, school employees, or schools in this state.
Projects prompt temporary closures at state parks, campgrounds

Projects prompt temporary closures at state parks, campgrounds

by | Feb 6, 2023 | Recreation
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Feb. 6, 2023
Contact: Kristen Bennett, 248-431-1265

Planned improvement projects prompt temporary closures at state parks, campgrounds

two campers sitting at fireA handful of locations throughout Michigan’s state parks and recreation system will temporarily close this summer and fall, but for good reason: road reconstruction, historic preservation, upgraded electrical and water distribution systems, visitor center enhancements, new toilet and shower buildings and other work aimed at making the visitor experience more enjoyable and comfortable.

Many of these critical projects are possible through millions of dollars in federal relief COVID-19 funding – the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – while other planned projects are funded through Recreation Passport dollars and various state and federal grants.

A total $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds was made available to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources last March to help address a long list of critical needs in state parks and trails and build a new state park in Flint. These federal ARPA relief funds are part of a $4.8 billion infrastructure package outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan.

“It wasn’t more than a few years ago that we were trying to identify nearly $300 million in funds to assess a backlog of state park infrastructure needs,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Today, we have the great fortune of administering a once-in-a-lifetime investment of $250 million over three years, allowing us to deliver tangible improvements at these outdoor spaces that people love and return to, season after season.”

Federal funding requirements stipulate that ARPA funds must be obligated (committed to a project) by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on that project by Dec. 31, 2026.

Olson also said that approximately 97% of regular state parks funding is generated by user fees, which includes revenue from Recreation Passport entry fees, and royalty revenues. Only 3% comes from Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars, further illustrating the incredible value and importance of these one-time federal funds and their long-term impact on the system.

A few examples of ARPA-funded work are campground enhancements at Algonac, Cheboygan, Hoffmaster, Interlochen and Straits state parks and Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area; major renovations to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Belle Isle Park; visitor center improvements at Bay City State Park, and restoration work at the Tawas Point Lighthouse.

Beyond the ARPA-funded work, there are additional planned state park and trail enhancement projects that are using other funds or are due to weather-related conditions. All closures will be temporary, and staff is working hard to minimize the impact to visitors.

Find a full list of closures

Before you visit a state park, boating site or trail, it is always a good idea to check the latest closures due to planned improvement projects, repairs and weather-related events in DNR facilities around the state. A list of ongoing/updated alerts can be found at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

Follow ARPA-funded projects

To stay up to date on the status of ARPA-funded projects and learn more about funding and decision-making, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.

There you’ll find FAQs, a photo gallery and an interactive map identifying proposed project locations, details and status of those projects.

It’s important to note that the map is specific to ARPA-funded projects; it does not include the variety of other work happening at state parks, trails and waterways. Also, keep in mind that ARPA-funded project costs and timelines shown on the interactive map are estimates based on the most urgent needs in the state parks and recreation system, but those estimates may be affected by contractor availability and supply chain challenges.

Questions on the projects? Contact Kristin Bennett at 248-431-1265 or by email at [email protected].