MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Animals Warm and Safe

MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Animals Warm and Safe

by | Jan 12, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: January 12, 2024
Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Warm and Safe as Temperatures Fall

Feeling the chill? Chances are your animals are too

LANSING, MI—As low artic temperatures settle in around the state and a winter storm warning is in effect for much of the weekend, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals warm and safe.

“While each individual animal tolerates the cold differently, animals that are young or elderly, short-coated, and/or have chronic health conditions can be more susceptible to frigid temperatures,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “It is important to work with your veterinarian and know your animal’s limits in cold weather to prevent hypothermia, frostbite, and more.”

Keep animals safe from the cold by following these five easy tips:

  • Give them Shelter: Bring animals indoors whenever possible or make sure they have a shelter with dry bedding.

Animals are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. It is recommended to keep pets inside as much as possible and limit their walk and bathroom time. For livestock and other outdoor animals, it is important to ensure they have access to a shelter with dry bedding if they need to get out of the elements.

  • Let it Flow: Make sure an animal’s water source does not freeze.

No matter the temperature outside, animals need access to fresh drinkable water. If their water freezes, they can become dehydrated, and it can’t be assumed they will eat snow to get the water they need. Make sure to move water bowls inside, change the water frequently, or use tank heaters or heated buckets/bowls to keep the water flowing.

  • Happy Paws: Check paws for injury and clean deicers from them.

Walking on cold, snowy surfaces can cause paw pads to crack or bleed. Also, deicers and other products used during wintertime can be toxic to pets. Applying a paw protectant can help to minimize injury and the absorption of chemicals. Wiping down your pet’s feet and legs when coming inside and using pet-safe deicers can also help to keep them safe.

  • Need More Food?: Some animals may need more calories to maintain their body heat.

Keeping animals at a healthy weight throughout the winter is important for their overall health. Some animals may require a few extra calories to maintain their body heat—especially if they spend time outdoors. To help determine an animal’s specific nutritional needs during cold weather, contact your veterinarian.

  • Quick Clean Up: Thoroughly clean areas where antifreeze may have spilled.

Antifreeze contains the chemical ethylene glycol, which is extremely hazardous to animals. Be sure to thoroughly clean any area where antifreeze has spilled from a vehicle and keep containers of the fluid out of their reach.

Following these tips can help keep your animals comfortable and safe through any cold snap. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the winter, please talk to your veterinarian.
OACC Announces New 2024 Chamber Board Members

OACC Announces New 2024 Chamber Board Members

by | Jan 12, 2024 | Local News

Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
1335 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360
248.693.6300
orionareachamber.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024
Joyce Donaldson, IOM, President and CEO
Phone: 248.693.6300 I Cell: 760.808.0823
Email: [email protected]

______________________________________________________________

Media Release

Orion Area Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2024 Board of Directors
The Orion Area Chamber Leadership Team is dedicated to creating a healthy local economy
and building a strong environment for economic growth and sustainability.
In keeping with this vision, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce three
recently elected Board Members to serve a three-year term: Tonya Hamilton, Executive
Director of North Oakland Community Coalition; Chase McMunn, Director of Orion Township
Public Library; Janice Zale, LPL Financial Advisor at Zale Group Wealth Management.
They join newly appointed Chairwoman of the Board – Angela DelPup of Ascension Michigan
Community Health; Vice Chair – Jimmy Johnson of Graphic Takeover; Vice Chair – Theresa
Doan of Genisys Credit Union; Treasurer – Steve Wandrie of Steve Wandrie Caliber Home
Loans; Secretary – Nicki North of Hershey Insurance; Immediate Past President – Wayne Haney
of Haney Farm Bureau Insurance; Aaron Whatley of Orion Township Parks & Recreation;
Jennifer Whitteaker of DTE Energy.
“The Orion Area Chamber is very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who share their
time, talent, and treasures to benefit of the Orion Area business community.” states Joyce
Donaldson, President and CEO of the Chamber. “We are a passionate team of 11 volunteer
Board of Directors, two paid staff, and 300+ enthusiastic members. Together, we are working
rigorously to enhance the quality of life in the Orion area and are proud to offer a growing and
energetic environment in which businesses can joyfully flourish”
The Orion Area Chamber will host their Annual Meeting and Membership Appreciation
Breakfast on Wednesday, January 31st at the Orion Center. To register or for more information
please contact Joyce Donaldson at 248-693-6300 or visit orionareachamber.com.

AG Nessel Warns of Disaster Scams

AG Nessel Warns of Disaster Scams

by | Jan 12, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 11, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns of Disaster Scams, Re-issues Alerts Ahead of Upcoming Winter Storm

LANSING – With meteorologists predicting the season’s heaviest-yet snowfall to occur late this week and into the weekend, and the National Weather Service issuing Winter Storm Watches and Warnings over most of the state beginning Friday morning, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is advising residents to exercise caution not only in travel, but also with their finances. Scammers and price-gougers often arrive after severe weather events to take advantage of vehicle and homeowners, and the Attorney General offers tips and best practices to avoid compounding a weather disaster with financial disaster.

Nessel has re-issued two alerts to help consumers better know their rights and how best to protect themselves from possible scams and fraudsters:

When homes are damaged by severe weather, the affected homeowners want the damage repaired as soon as possible so they can return to a sense of normalcy. Unfortunately, the rush to repair one’s home often leads otherwise careful consumers to make decisions they would not normally make.

To avoid falling victim to a scam, take the following steps:

  • Breathe! Take some time to absorb what has happened, and don’t make any rash decisions before doing your homework. This is especially true if you are approached by anyone telling you they can fix your home right away – but only if you accept their “help” right now. Legitimate home repair contractors understand you need time to do your homework and check them out before you pay them anything or sign any contracts.
  • Talk to your homeowner’s insurance agent or company. Carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine what damage may be covered and the amount of your deductible. Then be sure to contact your homeowner’s insurance agent or company, writing down questions you have and the answers that you are provided, along with a list of whom you talked to and when. Knowing what your insurance will cover will help you to determine how much you can spend on repairs, and prioritize repairs based on safety and need.
  • Do your homework. Do your homework before hiring a home repair contractor by following the tips found in the remainder of this Consumer Alert. Some of our tips include ensuring that the home repair contractor you’ve decided to hire is licensed, insured, well-regarded by your friends and neighbors, and you are comfortable with their complaint history (if one exists).
  • Get everything in writing, never pay in cash, and never pay in full upfront. Ensure that all promises, quotes, and expectations are put in writing in a contract that you will carefully review before signing. Paying for a home repair using a credit card is recommended because using credit cards provides you with added protection to dispute a charge if the repair is not completed. Finally, you should never pay for an entire home repair upfront! To ensure that all work is completed in accordance with the contract terms and your expectations, arrange to pay for only part of the work upfront and pay for the rest of the work once it is complete to your satisfaction.

“While severe weather may not be predictable, the bad actors and scammers who take advantage of distressed homeowners in the aftermath are. By knowing their tactics and schemes before they come to town, consumers can better protect themselves from those looking to profit unscrupulously from their hardship,” said Nessel. “I encourage Michigan residents to exercise heightened caution when seeking urgent repairs, and to contact my office’s Consumer Protection Team if you believe a business is engaging in fraudulent or unfair behavior in the wake of severe weather.”

Current forecasts indicate a likelihood of heavy snowfall beginning early Friday morning and into Saturday, with expected high winds resulting in blowing and drifting snow. The State of Michigan has information on what to do in the aftermath of a storm on the MIREADY website, including tips on recovering from a disaster.

Those who experience power outages are encouraged to share their outage experience online through the Department’s Outage Feedback Form. Nessel launched the feedback initiative in 2021 to begin gathering information focused on the state’s power companies. The feedback provides valuable insight as she continues to advocate for consumers before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which regulates utility companies.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, 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

 
MDHHS seeking student internship stipend program

MDHHS seeking student internship stipend program

by | Jan 12, 2024 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 11, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

MDHHS seeking proposals for student internship stipend
program to enhance behavioral health workforce  

LANSING, Mich. – As part of the state’s continuing commitment to improving access to behavioral health services for Michigan’s families, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to establish a program that will provide stipends for student interns in Michigan’s public behavioral health system. 

The Internship Stipend Program seeks to increase the availability of behavioral health services across the State of Michigan by incentivizing internship opportunities for college students. Approved sites will include Community Mental Health agencies, Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plans, Indian Health Service/Tribally Operated Facility or Program/Urban Indian Clinic or public schools. People will be eligible for stipends if they are working toward behavioral health credentials from an accredited program and interning at approved sites in Michigan. 

Organizations with expertise in or experience with internship programs or Michigan’s behavioral health care organizations are encouraged to bid on this RFP #240000000815. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) anticipates issuing one award.

The submission deadline is 1:50 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SIGMA Vendor Self-Service (VSS) system. To bid on solicitations, vendors must first be registered with SIGMA VSS. There is no charge to register. 

For additional information on how to register and obtain a VSS account to bid on open solicitations, please visit DTMB – How to Register as a Vendor (michigan.gov). The program period tentatively begins the first quarter of 2024. 

DTMB reserves the right to change mandatory minimum requirements, dates or any other information deemed necessary. 
Seeking next generation of climate leaders

Seeking next generation of climate leaders

by | Jan 11, 2024 | Environmental

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 11, 2024
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Cory Connolly, Climate and Energy Advisor, [email protected], 517-881-8972

Seeking next generation of climate leaders to join the first cohort of the Michigan Healthy Climate Corps Program!

Apply by Jan. 21 to start your career as a climate professional and help accelerate climate action in Michigan

Note: This corrected version of a Jan. 8 release fixes an incorrectly reported stipend amount for MI Healthy Climate Corps members. The correct monthly stipend amount of $3,000 adds up to $24,000 for eight months.

Are you or someone you know interested in supporting climate action and exploring a future in Michigan’s growing climate and clean energy economy? The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Office of Climate and Energy (OCE) is excited to announce the job openings for the state’s first ever MI Healthy Climate (MHC) Corps for 2024!

The MHC Corps will field a cohort of 30 AmeriCorps members who will provide critical support to communities tackling climate change starting in March 2024. These AmeriCorps members will work to advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan (MHCP) through implementation of targeted climate action projects in state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses in Michigan. The MHC Corps is a new effort aimed at developing an enduring, capable network of climate professionals committed to their communities and a sustainable future for Michigan.

“This is an exciting new chapter in Michigan’s effort to assist communities, businesses, and all Michiganders with the knowledge and tools necessary to fully engage with climate mitigation and resilience work,” said Phil Roos, EGLE director. “These leaders will be ‘boots on the ground’ to help really dig into the best strategies to help meet the state’s climate goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”

The following organizations are recruiting a climate corps member:

MI Healthy Climate Corps member applications - apply by January 21

  • Antrim Conservation District
  • Calvin University
  • City of Detroit
  • City of East Lansing
  • City of Eastpointe
  • City of Kalamazoo
  • City of Lansing
  • City of River Rouge
  • Clean Fuels Michigan
  • Detroit 2030 District
  • Detroit Future City
  • East Bay Charter Township
  • Everly Collective
  • Lansing Board of Water and Light
  • Let’s Grow Michigan
  • Marquette County
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Public Lands
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Climate and Health Adaptation Program
  • EGLE’s OCE
  • Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Worker and Community Economic Transition
  • Michigan Energy Options
  • Michigan Saves
  • Northeast Michigan Council of Governments
  • Oakland County
  • Regional Transit Authority of SE Michigan SEEDS Ecology and Education Center
  • Spartan Housing Cooperative
  • Superior Watershed Partnership
  • Transportation Riders United
  • Village of Elk Rapids
  • West Michigan Environmental Action Council
  • Washtenaw County

Projects will be tailored to the organization and community in which the MHC Corps member serves. Examples of potential projects include:

  • Connecting residents to clean energy or energy efficiency programs and funding opportunities,
  • Supporting your community in accessing clean public transit and bicycle friendly infrastructure,
  • Activating recycling or composting programs in your community,
  • Researching and assessing opportunities to advance environmental justice, and
  • Developing plans for climate resiliency and implementing adaptation measures in your community.

As a member of the MHC Corps, in addition to providing capacity to support climate action, you will:

  • Receive a $24,000 stipend for the program’s initial eight-month term and travel, lodging, and meal support for select in person events.
  • Receive an education award to use towards loans or future education expenses.
  • Receive healthcare benefits, including dental, vision, and mental health supports.
  • Become eligible for AmeriCorps child care assistance.
  • Be granted free admission to EGLE’s annual MI Healthy Climate Conference.
  • Participate in fellowship building and receive trainings and professional development opportunities.

We encourage all those who are interested to apply, especially individuals from historically underserved communities and those on the frontline of climate impacts. Individuals must be 18 years old to serve; no degree or formal work experience is required. The start date is March 18, 2024, and the service term runs through November 15, 2024.

Apply to be a MHC Corps member

Applications are due January 21, 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit MiHealthyClimateCorps.org/become-a-member.

A second cohort is planned to begin an 11-month term starting in September 2024. In future years, the MHC Corps will expand to offer additional opportunities throughout the state.

Additional background on the MI Healthy Climate Corps: The MHC Corps is a new workforce program focused on advancing and reaching MI Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity in communities across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources. The MHC Corps was launched by EGLE’s OCE in partnership with the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. The MHC Corps kicked off in August 2023 with support from the Fiscal Year 2024 budget that included $2.1 million in federal and state funding over two years to support the MHC Corps.