by orionontv | Mar 20, 2024 | Agriculture
For immediate release: March 20, 2024
Media contact: Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151
VIDEO RELEASE: MDARD Celebrates March is Reading Month & Michigan Agriculture with Lansing School District
MDARD March is Reading Month (youtube.com)
The following video is available for all news outlets to utilize.
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Chief of Staff Kathy Angerer and employees celebrated March is Reading and Michigan Food and Agriculture Month by partnering with the Lansing School District and reading to several different classrooms.
Employees read “Seed to Plant” by Gail Gibbons, “The Beeman” by Laurie Krebs and Valeria Cis, and “Too Many Carrots” by Katy Hudson to students at Gardner International School. MDARD employee Christopher Greene-Szmadzinski read and signed those books to a class of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
“This month, we have so much to celebrate in Michigan! Throughout March, we’ve been celebrating how strong and vibrant our food and agriculture industry is here in Michigan, along with it being reading month,” said Chief of Staff Kathy Angerer. “Today, several staff members from MDARD teamed up with the Lansing School District to bring together food and agriculture with reading. Agriculture’s future is in the hands of the next generation. Now is the time to showcase the opportunities working in food and agriculture, which can open many new and exciting job opportunities.”
Governor Whitmer has declared March as Reading Month in Michigan. The governor is urging all Michiganders to find time to read and recommit themselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.
Expanding literacy support and investing in education is a top priority for Governor Whitmer. Last month, the governor proposed her sixth budget making record investments in education.
The governor also proposed a bold investment in lifelong literacy, so Michiganders of all ages can get the support they need to succeed in their next grade or job. Since taking office, she has worked across the aisle to triple the number of literacy coaches and boost support for students in every community without raising taxes by a dime.
Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, to honor and celebrate Michigan’s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving.
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by orionontv | Mar 18, 2024 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2024
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MEDIA CONTACT
Jocelyn Garza
989-245-7117
[email protected] |
Eastbound Blue Water Bridge improvements shifting all traffic to westbound bridge starting May 29
– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will complete maintenance on the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) May 29 to October.
– This work will close the eastbound span of the BWB from the U.S. to Canada, carrying both directions of traffic on the westbound bridge span.
– During work, wide loads will be restricted to less than 10 feet and dedicated lanes for commuter pass holders and buses will not be accommodated.
PORT HURON, Mich. - Beginning May 29, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) to complete maintenance. This project will be managed by MDOT, and address required maintenance on the eastbound BWB span connecting Port Huron, Michigan, and Point Edward, Ontario.
To reduce impacts on traffic, both directions of BWB traffic will be carried on the westbound span. One outgoing lane will be reserved for eastbound traffic heading into Canada, becoming two lanes after center span. One outgoing lane will be reserved for westbound traffic heading into the U.S. and becoming two lanes after center span. MDOT is coordinating this work with maintenance the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) will complete to reduce impacts to customers.
While the westbound BWB span carries both directions of traffic, the following impacts should be expected:
- Dedicated lanes for commuter pass holders and buses cannot be accommodated.
- Wide loads will be restricted to less than 10 feet.
The BWB is an essential economic link between Canada and the United States. This important project continues the commitment between MDOT and FBCL to maintain and preserve the safety and reliability of the BWB.
For more information:
Dave Smith
MDOT Blue Water Bridge
810-434-3274
[email protected]
Jocelyn Garza
MDOT Communications Specialist
989-245-7117
[email protected]
by orionontv | Mar 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Friday March 15th at 8:44 PM
These are the regionals for boys golf, the updated projections will be updated during the season.
Underlined is projected champ.
Region 2 at Currie Golf Club (Midland)
Midland
CLARKSTON
Lapeer
Bay City Western
Davison
Grand Blanc
Flushing
East Lansing
Grand Ledge
Hartland
Holt
Howell
Midland Dow
Okemos
Saginaw Arthur Hill
Saginaw Heritage
Swartz Creek
Traverse City Central
Traverse City West
EARLY PROJECTIONS: Traverse City Central, Clarkston, Flushing.
Region 3 at Twin Lakes Golf Course (Royal Oak)
ROYAL OAK
BERKLEY
GROVES
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
WEST BLOOMFIELD
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Stevenson
Milford
Novi
Lakeland
Waterford Mott
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern
EARLY PROJECTIONS: Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Novi, Lakeland.
Region 4 at Fieldstone Golf Club (Troy Athens)
TROY ATHENS
TROY
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
Chippewa Valley
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Romeo
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
Macomb Dakota
New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica
Utica Eisenhower
Utica Ford II
EARLY PROJECTIONS: Lake Orion, Adams, Troy Athens.
Region 6 at TBA
FERNDALE
Allen Park
Brownstown Woodhaven
Dearborn
Dearborn Edsel Ford
Dearborn Crestwood
Dearborn Fordson
Detroit Cass Tech
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Detroit Renaissance
Fraser
Gibraltar Carlson
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Taylor
Warren Cousino
Warren DeLaSalle
Warren Mott
Wyandotte Roosevelt
EARLY PROJECTION: Warren DeLaSalle, Dearborn Crestwood, Grosse Pointe South.
by orionontv | Mar 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Friday March 15th at 9:40 PM
These are the early projections for the regionals during track. This will be updated during the season as we roll along into the year. Here are the early projections along with the regionals.
Underlined is projected champion.
Regional 8 at Rochester
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
AVONDALE
GROVES
BERKLEY
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
TROY
Birmingham Brother Rice (Boys)
Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit (Boys)
Detroit Mumford (Girls)
BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Adams, Detroit Renaissance, Oak Park.
GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Rochester, Oak Park, Troy.
Regional 9 at Milford
Milford
LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON
OXFORD
WEST BLOOMFIELD
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
Lapeer
Detroit Catholic Central (Boys)
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern
Walled Lake Western
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
Lakeland
Farmington Hills Mercy (Girls)
BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Milford, West Bloomfield, Walled Lake Central.
GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Walled Lake Central, Milford, Clarkston.
Regional 10 at Romeo
Romeo
TROY ATHENS
Chippewa Valley
Fraser
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Macomb Dakota
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica
Utica Eisenhower
Utica Ford II
BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Macomb Dakota, Chippewa Valley, Troy Athens.
GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Romeo, Macomb Dakota, Troy Athens.
Regional 18 at Ferndale
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
HARPER WOODS
Center Line
Detroit Denby
Detroit Country Day
Detroit East English
Detroit Henry Ford
Detroit Southeastern
Eastpointe
Chandler Park
Hazel Park
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Lamphere
Warren Fitzgerald
Warren Lincoln
BOYS EARLY PROJECTON: Detroit Country Day, Lamphere, Ferndale.
GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Detroit Country Day, Warren Fitzgerald, Lamphere.
Regional 19 at North Branch
North Branch
PONTIAC
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Armada
Croswell Lexington
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
Goodrich
Imlay City
Macomb Lutheran North
Marine City
Marysville
North Branch
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Brandon
Richmond
St. Clair
Yale
Birmingham Marian (Girls)
BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Goodrich, Orchard Lake St. Marys, North Branch.
GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Goodrich, Yale, Imlay City.
by orionontv | Mar 18, 2024 | Health and Wellness
Health Division Recommends a Measles Vaccination Before Spring Travel
Post Date:03/14/2024 4:21 PM
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Health Division advises residents to get vaccinated against measles before traveling. In late February, Oakland County had its first confirmed measles case since 2019. This case was travel-related. As of March 7, a total of 45 measles cases have been confirmed in 16 states across the United States, including cases in Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
“Get vaccinated for measles if you are not. Vaccination is particularly important before traveling as there are outbreaks happening right now internationally and within the United States,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director for Oakland County Health Division. “Receiving both doses of the vaccine is most effective, but if you only have time to get one dose before your trip, that still provides helpful protection.”
Measles cases are usually linked to international travel and then spread to people in the United States. Anyone who is unvaccinated against measles is at risk of getting infected and spreading it to others. One dose of the vaccine provides 93% protection, while two doses provide 97% protection against measles. It’s best to have the vaccine series completed two weeks before travel. The vaccine is also effective if used within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin
Individuals who may have been exposed to measles are advised to watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call your health care provider for guidance, and always call ahead before arriving at a provider’s office, urgent care, or hospital. Stay home as much as possible and away from others. If you leave the house, wear an N-95 mask.
The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers, Oakland County Health Division clinics in Southfield, 27725 Greenfield Road and Pontiac, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, and many pharmacies. Pregnant people should not get the vaccine.
Health Division clinics hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No one will be denied access due to inability to pay. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available for those who are under or uninsured. The Health Division accepts health insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, cash, and credit. VFC offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children. The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series and costs $76 per dose. There is a $7 fee per vaccination, per client. There are additional fees for credit card payments.
More information about measles can be found on the Health Division’s website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and X (formally known as Twitter).
For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.
