MDARD: Help Keep Pets Safe this Holiday Season

MDARD: Help Keep Pets Safe this Holiday Season

by | Dec 21, 2023 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: December 21, 2023
Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Following a few easy tips can help ensure you have a healthy, happy howl-iday with your pets

LANSING, MI— As Michiganders put the final touches on their decorative displays, holiday menus, and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this holiday.

“Our holiday celebrations often involve the whole family—including our pets. As we plan our festivities, we want our pets to be comfortable and calm,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “There are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this season, including keeping them away from fatty foods and ensuring they have up-to-date vaccinations.”

Keep pets safe this holiday season by following these six easy tips:

Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods.

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets; and bones can cause injury and illness.

Avoid Temptations: Keep holiday decorations out of reach.

Sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and lights make for a beautiful display and can catch our pets’ eye. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles, potpourris, and some festive flowers/plants—such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias.

Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification.

With all the holiday activities, pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home.

Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets.

Holiday celebrations can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Therefore, it is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pet is fit for travel.

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents, or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go!

Destination states, countries, commercial carriers, and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

Spread Only Joy: Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep them home if they are sick.

When pets travel or encounter other people and animals, they can be exposed to contagious diseases, which is why ensuring they are fully vaccinated is so important.

Therefore, be sure to discuss travel or boarding plans with your veterinarian to determine how best to protect your pets from disease. Based on their risk, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations.

Also, if sick, pets can equally spread their germs to others. Keep your pet at home and away from other animals if they exhibit any signs of illness, and contact your veterinarian for further care.

These tips can help your pets stay holly, jolly, and safe this holiday season. If there are ever any concerns about your pets’ health now or beyon
Return of green and white license plate

Return of green and white license plate

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Regional News

 

Department bannerFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 20, 2023
Contact: Cheri Hardmon
(517) 643-7236

sample license plate and driver's license

Return of green and white license plate, new driver’s licenses and IDs with higher security are on the way in 2024

Plates can be ordered beginning Jan. 27 at Michigan.gov/SOS

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of State today announced the state is bringing back a green and white “Water Wonderland” license plate and will begin issuing Michigan driver’s licenses and state IDs with a cutting-edge security design in 2024.

“I am proud to bring back a green and white plate that pays tribute to the civil rights advancements of 1963 along with a new, more secure Michigan driver’s license and ID,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “The new plate will serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality and justice for all. The new ID design will protect Michiganders from identity theft, fraud, and other criminal activity.”

Residents will be able to order the new Water Wonderland license plate beginning on Saturday, Jan. 27 online at Michigan.gov/SOS or when purchasing a vehicle through a dealership. Issuance of the new-look driver’s licenses and IDs will begin by the end of January and will continue until all cards with the current design are phased out over the next four years.

Green and white license plate

After six decades, and prompted by requests from Michiganders, the Michigan Department of State has approved the reissue of a “Water Wonderland” license plate that is green with white lettering. The plate is similar to one issued in 1963 for some types of vehicles.

This year marked the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and UAW President Walter Reuther leading the Walk to Freedom in Detroit to speak out against injustice and inequality. Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at Cobo Hall during that visit – two months before he addressed the March on Washington on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The green and white “Water Wonderland” plate pays tribute to that historic year.

The “Water Wonderland” plate will be available for passenger vehicles and can be purchased as a disability plate. When purchasing, a one-time $5 graphic plate fee will be assessed in addition to the normal registration fees. Personalization of the plate is available, though limited to 6 digits due to the font style and size accompanying the reissue.

Benson brought back 1965’s blue and yellow “Water-Winter Wonderland” license plate in December 2021 and it has proven to be extremely popular. More than 1.2 million of the plates have been issued through Nov. 2023.

sample ID for releaseNew driver’s licenses and state IDs

In line with national best practices and cutting-edge technology, Michigan is changing the look of its driver’s licenses and state IDs to include engraved data and numerous other new security features that will reduce the risk of counterfeiting and fraud.

The font and color theme have been updated to clearly distinguish from the current design and cards will prominently display the Michigan Coat of Arms. The names of the five Great Lakes can be seen in multicolored text when the card is held at certain angles. Shading and curved lines in the new design are difficult to replicate, strengthening the integrity of the cards.

The new cards will include a two-line name format that will accommodate more characters than the current design. In another visual change, the state will use a gold Michigan shape with a star in it to indicate licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant. Currently, cards in Michigan that are compliant feature a star within a gold circle.

As of May 7, 2025, by federal law, a standard Michigan driver’s license or state ID without the REAL ID-compliant indicator will no longer be adequate to board an aircraft for a domestic flight or to enter military bases or certain other federal facilities. Learn more about how to upgrade at Michigan.gov/REALID.

As part of the card redesign, the magnetic stripe on the back of driver’s licenses and state IDs has been removed. Bar codes that contain the information from the front of the card will remain on the back in scannable format.

The move to a new design affects all standard and enhanced driver’s licenses and state IDs, including commercial, chauffeur’s, graduated, moped, and salvage vehicle agent licenses. Current licenses and state IDs are valid until their expiration date. All Michigan residents will be issued the new design when they renew, replace, or correct their license or ID. There will be no change in current driver’s license or state ID fees as a result of the new design.

Sample green and white license plate

Sample driver’s license

Sample state ID

 
$1.3 Billion Awarded to Schools from Michigan Lottery

$1.3 Billion Awarded to Schools from Michigan Lottery

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces More Than $1.3 Billion Awarded to Schools from Michigan Lottery Sales in 2023, Second Highest in State History

 

LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Lottery contributed more than $1.3 billion to the fund in 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year the agency’s contribution has topped $1 billion.

 

“The Michigan Lottery’s fifth-straight contribution of more than $1 billion to our state’s School Aid Fund will improve education outcomes and support students,” said Governor Whitmer. “In addition to investing in our schools, each Lottery ticket purchase also supports local businesses, building on our economic momentum. With about 97 cents of each dollar spent on the Lottery returned to Michiganders in the form of contributions to the School Aid Fund, prizes, and commissions to local vendors and retailers, the Lottery makes a real difference for communities across Michigan. Congratulations to the Lottery team on another successful year.”

 

Since 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $28 billion to the School Aid Fund, which supports public education programs throughout Michigan. In each of the last five fiscal years, the Lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund, totaling more than $6.2 billion in contributions over that five-year span.

 

Lottery retailers in Michigan were paid more than $350 million in commissions in FY23. Since FY19, when the Lottery’s streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund began, retailers have earned nearly $1.7 billion in commissions. Lottery products are sold at more than 10,000 locations across Michigan, including both independently owned businesses and large chains. In 2023, nearly 600 retailers sold $1 million or more in Lottery games.

 

For the third consecutive year, Lottery players in Michigan collected more than $3 billion in prizes. Since the Lottery began in 1972, players have collected more than $50 billion in prizes.

 

“The Lottery’s contribution of $1.3 billion to the School Aid Fund provides a critical source of financial support for public schools throughout Michigan,” said acting Lottery Commissioner, Jessica Weare. “Continuing the incredible streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the entire Lottery team, the dedication of our retailers and vendors, and the support of Lottery players.”

 

The Lottery is also committed to promoting responsible gaming. Michigan was the first state lottery to receive certification of its online program through the National Council on Problem Gambling and has also attained Responsible Gaming Verification through the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. Responsible gaming information and resources are available on the Lottery’s website at: www.michiganlottery.com/responsible-gaming.

 

For each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket in FY23, approximately:

  • 61 cents went to players as prizes
  • 27 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education
  • 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors
  • 3 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs

 

Under state law, all profits from the Lottery go to the School Aid Fund. Audited financial results and the Lottery’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report are expected to be available early next year.

 
DNR News Digest – Week of Dec. 18, 2023

DNR News Digest – Week of Dec. 18, 2023

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Recreation
DNR banner

News Digest – Week of Dec. 18, 2023

thin, dark brown branches of small red berries encased in thin layer of ice
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of many of the images used in this email, and others, are available in this folder.

Winter: It’s time for wonderfully weird ducks!

a gadwall, a light tan duck with black markings and some black and white under wings, floats in calm greenish blue waterWinter has officially become the season of the duck, thanks in part to Rosemary Mosco’s comic about weird winter ducks! Each winter, bird enthusiasts across Michigan rejoice as these cool, quirky fowl descend upon our open waters.

Many of these ducks, geese and swans migrate from as far north as the Arctic tundra when northern waters freeze over. For these birds, Michigan is the perfect winter paradise.

If you live near a body of water that doesn’t completely freeze over the winter, you are likely familiar with the raucous calls and splashing sounds of congregating waterfowl. You might see dabbling ducks bobbing along the water’s surface, dipping forward headfirst in search of seeds and aquatic plants, or spot geese and swans honking in chorus as they splash-land. Diving ducks can be found disappearing and reappearing as they dive for mollusks and small fish under water.

We’ve highlighted a couple of our favorite fowl that you can see this winter, along with their special quirks (and quacks).

Gadwalls

From a distance, males and females of this dabbling duck (pictured above) appear brown and drab and can sometimes be overlooked. Identify the male by his black rump, small white wing patch and dark bill. Upon closer inspection, notice the intricately patterned feathers on the male’s head, chest and sides. Look for these underrated but gorgeous birds in southern Michigan marshes, lakes and river mouths.

Buffleheads

Three bufflehead ducks, with black, white, gray and purple coloring, swim atop deep-blue, rolling waterOur most diminutive diver, the bufflehead (pictured here), has very energetic feeding habits. Their name is from the male’s odd, puffy-shaped “buffalo head.” While females lack the iridescence of males, they have large, rounded heads and an oval, white cheek patch. Look for these adorable ducks in pairs or small groups on sheltered bays, lakes, estuaries (where river mouths meet lakes), ponds and slow-moving rivers.

To learn more about Michigan’s ducks, visit Audubon Great Lakes for the full story, or watch MI Birds’ Winter Waterfowl Identification webinar, offered in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, River Raisin Institute and Detroit Bird Alliance.

MI Birds is a public outreach and engagement program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR, which aims to increase all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

For media questions, contact Erin Ford at 313-820-0809.

Safari Club chapters honored for aiding accessible recreation, wildlife conservation

Three smiling men in jeans and long-sleeved shirts flank a camo-colored, wheeled track chair outside a building's concrete, glassed wallSeveral Michigan chapters of Safari Club International that recently stepped up to support outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation were recognized for their efforts at Thursday’s meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing.

The Roscommon area in the northern Lower Peninsula, which includes destinations like North and South Higgins Lake state parks and Backus State Game Area, is popular for outdoor recreation pursuits. With an extensive county and state forest road system, the area offers easy access for many people, but some of its more rugged terrain can be difficult to reach for those who use wheelchairs.

Six Michigan SCI chapters – Novi, Detroit, Flint, Michigan, Mid-Michigan and Southeast Bow Hunters – recently donated $1,000 each toward the purchase of a track chair for area visitors to use. Other support came from campers and boaters who added $2 donations when making campground and harbor reservations. This off-road, electronic chair can easily handle trails, snow, sand and even up to 8 inches of water, allowing users to explore places that traditional wheelchairs might not reach.

“Those donations, along with other contributions, will make better access available to Michigan residents and visitors with limited mobility and enhance their outdoor recreation experiences,” said DNR wildlife biologist Mark Boersen.

The SCI effort is unique, Boersen said, in that the track chair will be shared between the DNR Parks and Recreation and Wildlife divisions. Interest in and support for track chairs are high; just last week the DNR announced reaching a fundraising goal – nearly half a million dollars – to cover the cost of obtaining track chairs at more than two dozen state parks!

The track chair is expected to be available for use starting in early 2024. To reserve it for outdoor experiences, contact Mark Boersen at 989-275-5151 or South Higgins Lake State Park at 989-821-6374.

The SCI-Michigan Involvement Committee – made up of all 10 Michigan chapters of SCI, whose mission is to enhance wildlife conservation and education in Michigan – also recently supported advancements in technology used to manage Michigan’s wildlife resources. The committee contributed $17,000 toward the purchase of an Illumina MiniSeq Sequencing System.

The DNR will use this equipment to “harness advancements in genetic technology to modernize population monitoring methods, starting with U.P. black bears,” said DNR Genetics Lab coordinator Caitlin Ott-Conn.

Questions? Contact Dwayne Etter at [email protected].

DNR customer service ideas? Take our survey by Dec. 31

a man in T-shirt, jeans and backpack stands on a green DNR rug, next to a stone welcome counter in a well-outfitted officeWhether in person at service centers or by phone, email, U.S. mail, social media or website, the DNR talks with a lot of people every day. No matter how we connect with customers, we know we can always do better – and you can help.

Throughout December, we’re running a quick online survey aimed at learning how (and how often) customers interact with the DNR, what types of transactions and services they’re interested in, and what they’d like to see more of in the future.

If you have ideas, we’d love your feedback! Take the survey now; it should take no more than a few minutes to complete and is open through Dec. 31. Nearly 30,000 people have already submitted surveys, but every suggestion will better help us plan for evolving customer needs.

Questions? Contact Charlotte Kiefer at 231-590-5409.

Cold-weather safety tips for outdoor adventurers

three riders on sleek gray and yellow snowmobiles ride single file on a curving, groomed, snowy trail through forested areaAs people venture outside over the holiday break, the DNR reminds everyone to put safety first when enjoying favorite winter activities.

“People often get caught up in the excitement of the moment and overlook winter safety,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, with the DNR Law Enforcement Division’s Recreational Safety, Enforcement and Safety Section. “This is a beginning of the season reminder to please keep safety in mind this winter. Dress for the weather, check the forecast before you go out and, if you’re snowmobiling, please ride sober and at a safe speed.”

Before heading out, make sure to:

  • Wear light layers that can easily be added or removed – it is possible to overheat even during the winter.
  • Carry appropriate equipment for your activity, such as a flashlight, rope, ice picks or ice claws.
  • Have spare equipment available in case something breaks.
  • Stay hydrated and fueled – bring water and snacks.
  • Bring a buddy.
  • Tell others where you will be and how long you plan to be gone and schedule check-in times.
  • Carry a two-way communication device that receives service in remote areas.
  • Take an honest assessment of your health – if you’re not feeling well, don’t go out.

Wanless said there are key things to remember if plans include snow or ice.

In Michigan, all snowmobile operators ages 12 to 16 must obtain a Michigan-approved snowmobile safety certificate to operate without a legal guardian or to cross a highway or street. Earn your snowmobile safety certificate or purchase a trail permit at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.

The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile safety campaign emphasizes the importance of riding sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail. Speed is the main factor in fatal and serious injury snowmobile accidents. There were 19 snowmobile fatalities during the 2022-23 season, and one occurring at the start of the 2023-24 season. Find more safety tips and snowmobile rules and regulations at Michigan.gov/RideRight.

Always use extreme caution around ice, as there is no reliable way to test ice strength. Wear a personal floatation device and carry ice picks in an easy to reach location.

Learn more about recreation safety at Michigan.gov/DNR/Education/Safety-Info.

Questions? Contact Lt. Tom Wanless at [email protected].

Photo ambassador snapshot: Red lights, cold nights

The lit-up pier at Grand Haven State Park, with the two bright red lighthouses against the blue sky; white snow piled in foregroundSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Sarah Goodwin, for the Michigan DNR, at Grand Haven State Park in Ottawa County.)

THINGS TO DO

Ready to try fat-tire biking? Learn all about the winter season at Silver Lake State Park, plus trail opportunities statewide!

BUY & APPLY

Whatever license or permit you need for your next outdoor adventure, visit the DNR eLicense site to get started.

GET INVOLVED

Hunters, if you take an extra deer in these closing weeks of the season, consider donating a deer to help feed hungry families.
AG Warns about USPS Scam During Holiday Season

AG Warns about USPS Scam During Holiday Season

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2023

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Residents about USPS Scam During Holiday Season

LANSING – Many people are using the mail to send gifts to loved ones during the holidays. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents about fraudulent smishing text messages purporting to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) this holiday season.

“Hundreds of millions of packages are shipped each holiday season, and bad actors see that as a prime opportunity to scam you out of your hard-earned money,” said Nessel. “It is critically important for people to recognize a scam like this and avoid giving out their personal information.  Clicking on fraudulent links can lead to identity theft, the installation of malware on your device, or it could lead to your contact information being sold to other bad actors who are also looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.”

Smishing is when the scammer sends a text message purporting to be from a trusted entity, and then entices the victim by claiming they must provide them with a password, account number, debit card, or even social security number.  Oftentimes, the USPS smishing scam alerts the victim to an alleged delayed package, and then requires a purchase for updates.

In response, Nessel wants to remind residents of ways to protect their phone numbers and information:

  • Don’t share your phone number unless you know the person or organization well.
  • Don’t assume a text is legitimate because it comes from a familiar phone number or area code. Spammers use caller ID Spoofing to make it appear the text is from a trusted or local source.
  • Don’t provide personal or financial information in response to the unsolicited text or at a website linked to the message.
  • Don’t click on links in a suspicious text; they could install malware on your device or take you to a site that does the same.
  • Don’t reply, even if the message says you can “text STOP” to avoid more messages. A response tells the scammer or spammer your number is active and can be sold to other bad actors.
  • Never follow a text’s instructions to push a designated key to opt out of future messages.

This smishing scam is common and may look like the photo to the right. In addition to the sender’s email coming from a public domain instead of the organization’s domain, the suggested link does not match the public facing website for the USPS and there are typos throughout.

A library of consumer alerts created by the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team is available online and organized by a number of categories. 

To file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

Smishing

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