Flags Lowered to Honor Students of MSU Shooting 

Flags Lowered to Honor Students of MSU Shooting 

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Regional News

Office of the Governor header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Students on One-Year Anniversary of MSU Shooting

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to honor and remember the students who lost their lives in the shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing that took place on February 13, 2023.

 

“A year ago today, every Spartan’s heart stood still as our community was shattered by a devastating act of gun violence,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today we honor the memories of those we lost and hold each other close as we continue to grieve and process. We are—and always will be—Spartan Strong, but days like today are hard for everyone. I encourage us all to give each other some grace and be there for one another. We will get through this together.”

 

The State of Michigan remembers the students who lost their lives and stands in solidarity with the Spartan community by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, February 14, 2024

 
New gun safety laws go into effect February 13

New gun safety laws go into effect February 13

by | Feb 8, 2024 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 8, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

New gun safety laws to protect families go into effect February 13
Requires secure storage of firearms to prevent access by minors, enacts penalties

LANSING, Mich. – To help protect Michigan families – particularly children – from the tragedies of gun violence and unintentional firearms injuries, a law requiring secure storage of firearms goes into effect starting Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The new secure storage law, Public Act 17 of 2023, requires individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises.

“We want to make sure Michigan families are aware of the new law designed to prevent unintentional deaths involving guns and how to comply with the new requirements,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Data shows firearms involved in unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents were often stored both loaded and unlocked, and children were most often fatally injured when the shooter was playing with or showing the firearm to others.”

If an individual fails to store a firearm as required and a minor obtains the firearm and any of the following occur, they are guilty of a crime under Public Act 16 of 2023, as follows:

  • If the minor possesses or exhibits the firearm in a public place or possesses or exhibits the firearm in the presence of another person in a careless, reckless or threatening manner: a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 93 days or a fine of up to $500, or both.
  • If the minor discharges the firearm and injures themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
  • If the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts serious impairment of a body function on themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $7,500, or both.
  • If the minor discharges the firearm and inflicts death on themselves or another individual: a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

These penalties could be imposed in addition to charges for other criminal offenses arising from an incident.

“As the top law enforcement officer in the state of Michigan, as a former Wayne County prosecutor and as a mother, I too am exasperated and deeply saddened that thousands of Michigan residents fall victim each year to the scourge of senseless, preventable gun violence in our state,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am proud that our state has finally implemented new commonsense gun safety measures and am committed to using the resources of my office to educate residents about the new measures and support our communities through implementation.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two-thirds (67%) of unintentional firearm injury deaths among children and adolescents occurred when the shooter was playing with the firearm or showing the firearm to others. Overall, firearms used in unintentional injury deaths were often stored unlocked (76%) and most of these unlocked firearms were also loaded (91%). Unlocked firearms were most commonly accessed from a nightstand or other sleeping areas (30%).

In addition, firearms are involved in more than half of suicide deaths in Michigan. Secure storage can also serve as a suicide prevention strategy.

In 2020, firearms became the number one cause of death for children in the United States and Michigan, surpassing motor vehicle deaths and those caused by other injuries.

“Firearm violence is preventable, and a leading cause of death in our young people,” said Dr. Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “In Michigan, and across the United States, childhood deaths from firearms now exceed deaths from pediatric cancers and drownings. We have had major success over the past decades in reducing pediatric deaths from motor vehicle accidents, and we need to harness the same public health approach – including education and community outreach – to help keep Michigan children and families safe from firearm violence.”

What else the state is doing

To ensure federally licensed firearms dealers communicate the new requirements to their customers, MDHHS is working with the state Attorney General’s Office to provide dealers with safety information on the use and storage of firearms, requirements and penalties of the new laws and lethal means counseling literature.

To help defray the cost of purchasing firearm safety devices, additional legislation made these devices exempt from sales and use taxes through Dec. 24, 2024. Free gun safety kits can also be obtained through Project ChildSafe law enforcement partners across the state. MDHHS is also working with the Michigan State Police to make gun locks available; additional details of this partnership will be announced soon.

“The research underscores the crucial role safe firearm storage plays in safeguarding our children, families and communities,” said Holly Alway, Safe Kids Michigan president and Safe Kids West Michigan Coalition coordinator. “Michigan’s safe storage laws will help prevent tragic accidents like unintentional injuries, suicides and homicides. These laws prioritize safety and responsibility in every Michigan household and are a critical piece of a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to reducing firearm-related injuries and fatalities.”

“There are many options for parents and caregivers to obtain what they need to store their firearms safely,” said Pam Ford, coordinator, Safe Kids Greater South Haven, led by Bronson Healthcare. “In 2023, Bronson Healthcare helped raise awareness by launching a campaign for National Safety Month, making gun safety locks available at Bronson pediatrician offices and provided free cable locks at community events. Gun owners can also get free cable locks at local police departments – with no questions asked. The goal is to assist gun owners in southwest Michigan safely store their firearms.”

Additional gun safety laws going into effect protect Michigan communities by closing loopholes in the law and expanding universal background checks to all firearms as well as legislation that allows judges to order law enforcement to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals they deem a risk to themselves or others.

For more information, visit the MDHHS Firearm Safety website.
Super Bowl Snacks, Don’t Fumble on Food Safety!

Super Bowl Snacks, Don’t Fumble on Food Safety!

by | Feb 8, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: February 8, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-242-2575 or Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151

When Serving up Super Bowl Snacks, Don’t Fumble on Food Safety!

Play it Safe and Keep it Local for Game Day

LANSING, MI – As Michiganders gear up to watch the big game this Sunday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds party hosts to play it safe when handling and serving Super Bowl snacks. And, when planning your menu for game day, make sure your game plan includes Michigan food and agriculture ingredients.

“There are two ways to host a winning Super Bowl watch party,” said MDARD Food Safety and Animal Health Bureau Director Tim Slawinski. “First, take a few easy steps to prevent foodborne illness and keep your family and guests healthy; and second, feature Michigan grown and processed foods for a winning menu.”

Game on!

Here are a few tips to play it safe on game day:

  • Play a clean game.

Wash hands immediately before and after handling food. Research shows that 99 percent of people don’t wash their hands correctly. To properly wash your hands, wet your hands with water, lather with soap and scrub for 20 seconds. Rinse your hands and dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Clean and sanitize all cooking surfaces and utensils, especially after handling raw meat. You’ll also need to wash your hands often throughout the game.

  • Don’t mix players from different teams.

Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other foods like fresh fruits and vegetables by using separate cutting boards and utensils. This will prevent cross-contamination of bacteria and keep your MVPs from getting food poisoning.

  • Have a game plan.

Foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Know when you plan to serve the food and set a timer to remind yourself to start packing up leftovers. If you plan on serving food throughout the game, make two portions of each dish. Serve one portion as the game starts and keep another portion in the refrigerator or oven to rotate out after half time.

  • Play zone defense.

No matter the season, bacteria love the temperature Danger Zone — 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C) — and will grow rapidly within 20 minutes if they are in this in that temperature environment for more than 2 hours. Read more about the Danger Zone.

  • The right equipment counts.

Stock up on shallow food containers and make sure you’ve got extra space for them in your refrigerator or freezer. Use a food thermometer to ensure that food reaches a safe internal temperature when you’re cooking and that leftovers reach 165°F when you reheat them. Here are the recommended internal temperatures for some Super Bowl party favorites:

  • Chicken wings = 165°F (74°C)
  • Burgers and sliders = 160°F (71°C)
  • Chili and other reheated foods = 165°F (74°C)
  • Before halftime take a timeout and insert substitutes into the game, if needed.

Check your food with a food thermometer to make sure hot foods are still hot and cold foods are still cold. Ensure you’re keeping crockpots on the “warm” or “low” setting; and always use a cold source (such as a bowl of ice) below cold foods and check throughout the party to make sure dips and cheeses are still cold. Discard any food that has been out for more than two hours. Bring out fresh portions of food that you’ve been keeping hot or cold.

  • Post-game coverage.

Pack any leftovers in small portions in shallow containers and place the containers into the refrigerator or freezer immediately. When you’re reheating leftovers, make sure they reach 165°F, as measured by a food thermometer.

By following these tips at your Super Bowl gathering, you may be celebrating more than just a team victory – you’ll be celebrating a successful party and healthy, happy friends and family.

Support the Home Team!

MDARD and the Michigan Ag Council teamed up with Michigan farmers represented by the Michigan Beef Industry Commission, Michigan Pork Producers, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, and Michigan Sugar Company to bring you some “Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT” recipes for your Super Bowl celebration.

When you think Michigan first, you’re sure to score big, from appetizers and main dishes to desserts and cocktails. Check out these delicious Michigan recipe ideas to kick off your celebration. If you try a recipe, post a picture on social media with the hashtag #MIMade4SuperBowl and show off your Michigan snacks.

“Buying Michigan-grown and processed food products supports our local economy and our hard-working farm families,” said Slawinski. “This Super Bowl Sunday, why not try some recipes using products grown and made here in Michigan? When we all support ‘Team Michigan’ our food and agriculture industries thrive.”

For more information about Michigan’s food and agriculture industry and other recipe ideas, visit MichiganGrown.org.

For more food safety tips, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854; email or chat at Ask USDA; or visit FoodSafety.gov.
Begin Building a Career with a Summer Job

Begin Building a Career with a Summer Job

by | Feb 7, 2024 | Local News

Begin Building a Career with a Summer Job at Oakland County

Post Date:02/07/2024 10:30 AM
  • College students and teens will gain valuable experience with a summer job at Oakland County.
  • Starting pay for summer jobs and internships at the county range from $12.42-$20.38 per hour.
  • Apply online at oakgov.com/jobs or at one of the application PC stations at the Oakland County Human Resources Department. For more information, call 248-858-0530.
Pontiac, Mich. – The “O” in Oakland County stands for opportunity as the county begins accepting applications for summer jobs. These positions give college students and teens indispensable experience as they prepare for their adult careers.
“Making new friends and some hard-earned cash is a great way to spend the summer in Oakland County,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This is an excellent chance to gain job skills and explore career paths for the future.”

County departments and divisions hiring summer employees and interns include Oakland County International Airport, Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, Health Division, Parks, Sheriff’s Office, Circuit Court, and Water Resources Commissioner (WRC).

Some of the available jobs, which have starting pay ranging from $12.42-$20.38 per hour, are epidemiologist intern, sanitarian intern, health education assistant, animal census worker, criminal justice/casework assistant, law clerk intern, summer business clerk, summer business assistant, and laborer.

Apply online at oakgov.com/jobs or at one of the application PC stations at the Oakland County Human Resources Department in the Executive Office Building at 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. For more information, call 248-858-0530.

Summer employment will generally be limited to a maximum of 13 weeks. In some departments and positions, the nature of the work may require a longer term of employment.

Applicants under 18 who have not completed high school will be required to obtain working papers at the time of appointment. They will also be required to provide written parental consent for the employment physical and a parent/guardian must be present for the TB skin test.

Drug testing may be required of individuals assigned to the Sheriff’s Office and Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center.

1.3 million Michigan voters applied for absentee ballots

1.3 million Michigan voters applied for absentee ballots

by | Feb 7, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 6, 2024Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

 

Nearly 1.3 million Michigan voters have applied for absentee ballots three weeks before Election Day

Michigan voters have several options to participate in Presidential Primary this month

LANSING, Mich. – There are three weeks left until Election Day in Michigan’s Presidential Primary and nearly 1.3 million voters have requested absentee ballots for the primary – an 80% increase over the same point before the 2020 Presidential Primary. Starting this year, voters have new options for casting their ballot safely and securely – absentee voting is underway; in-person early voting begins statewide on Saturday, Feb. 17; and Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 27.

 

”I’m thrilled to see so many Michiganders engaged and energized about this month’s presidential primary,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Whether you choose to vote early – from home or at an early voting location – or in person on Election Day, clerks across the state are ready to ensure you are able to cast your ballot safely and securely.”

 

Absent voter ballot request data shows that 1,287,265 Michiganders have requested an absentee ballot as of Feb. 6. As a comparison, 713,465 Michiganders had requested absentee ballots three weeks before the 2020 presidential primary. 1,083,863 ballots have been sent to voters by clerks so far this year and 391,404 voters have completed their ballots and returned them to be counted. A breakdown by jurisdiction is available online.

 

21 Days Before Election Day

 (Feb. 6, 2024)

 21 Days Before Election Day

(Feb. 18, 2020)
 

Number of applications received

  

1,287,265

  

713,465
 

Number of ballots issued

  

1,083,863

  

707,361
 

Number of completed ballots returned 

  

 

391,404

  

 

230,565

In 2022, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which created a permanent mail ballot list. Voters can choose to automatically receive an absentee ballot and vote from home for every election.

 

Eligible Michigan residents can register by mail or online to vote through Feb. 12 or at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Under Michigan law, voters can cast a ballot for only one party’s candidates during the Presidential Primary and must select either a Democratic or Republican ballot before casting their vote. However, if the voter does not wish to participate in the presidential selection, and their jurisdiction has local contests to be decided, they can request a local-only ballot instead.

 

Michigan does not register voters by party – every voter is free to select a ballot from one of the two parties. Third-party or minor party presidential candidates are selected by a different process under Michigan law.

 

Voters can track their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Absentee ballots have prepaid postage and can be returned by U.S. mail. Voters who still need to return their completed ballot can drop it off at their clerk’s office or designated secure ballot drop box to avoid postal delays.

 

Michigan.gov/Vote provides important election information, including a sample ballot and how to contact your local clerk.

 

To find an early voting site near you, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.