by orionontv | Sep 10, 2024 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Patriot Day
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 to honor and remember the heroes who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others, including first responders who showed bravery in responding to the attacks and aiding the victims.
“On Patriot Day, we remember those we lost in the terrorist attacks on 9/11, honor those who serve, and recommit ourselves to standing up for our values,” said Governor Whitmer. “I encourage all Michiganders to come together in a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. local time and participate in local community service or charitable giving. This day reminds us to cherish the fundamental, American values we all love—freedom and opportunity—and offers us an opportunity to build a brighter future where we stand together.”
“On Patriot Day, we come together as Michiganders to honor and remember the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who stepped up for their fellow citizens on 9/11,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “They cared for the wounded, ran towards danger, and in many cases made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, let us take time to reflect on their courage and commitment and rededicate ourselves to honoring their memory.”
The State of Michigan remembers and honors the heroes who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their lives for others by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also 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 September 12, 2024.
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by orionontv | Sep 10, 2024 | Regional News
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| Hi there,
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so I wanted to share a reminder to check in on your friends, family, and neighbors.
It’s important that we all take steps to make sure our loved ones are doing OK, especially if they are a member of a high-risk group like veterans who bravely served our country.
And if you’re struggling or know someone who is, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, 24/7 support.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a variety of helpful resources and programs, which you can learn more about here.
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
by orionontv | Sep 9, 2024 | Regional News
Secretary Benson celebrates Michigan’s first-ever Voter Preregistration Week, launching an online portal with mock election resources for schools
Comprehensive digital toolkit now available to promote voting knowledge, civic engagement in K-12 education
DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Today at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the launch of a new online mock elections portal, a resource for K-12 schools, educators, and youth organizations to encourage civic engagement by hosting their own mock elections for students. The announcement marks the start of Michigan Voter Preregistration Week, which was designated as Sept. 8-14 this year by an official proclamation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“As we kick off the state’s first-ever Voter Preregistration week, my message to young people is that Michigan needs your voice, your engagement, and your participation in our democratic process,” said Secretary Benson. “If you’re 16 or 17, get preregistered to vote and if you’re 18 or older, make sure you’re registered. Even if you’re not old enough to cast a ballot yet, understanding the system and the power of one vote is important. Our new online mock election resource will help students across the state get valuable knowledge and experience with voting, so they are well-prepared to be informed, active, and engaged citizens in the future.”
“Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities in a democracy,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We appreciate working with Secretary Benson and the Secretary of State team to educate high school students about how they can participate in the democratic process. It’s an important real-life lesson.”
“Even if we are not old enough to vote, we can still be a part of the electoral process,” said Crestwood senior and National Honor Society president Hala Komaiha, who spoke at today’s press conference. “For those of us who are 18 years old, registering to vote and participating in every election is crucial. And for 16- and 17-year-olds, preregistering now prepares you for the future. The decisions that shape our everyday lives are being made constantly and voting is one of the most powerful ways we can influence those decisions. By staying informed and getting involved early, we contribute to a more engaged and represented society. This is especially true for young people. Our voices matter. We bring fresh perspectives that drive change on issues directly affecting our future. By getting registered and educated about elections, we empower ourselves and ensure our generation has a say in shaping the direction of our communities and country.”
“Our democracy depends on our youngest citizens developing informed and healthy civic identities,” said Ellen Zwarensteyn, executive director of the Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE). “Educators need tools and professional learning to equip students with the knowledge and opportunities to practice democratic skills. In addition to the new Department of State mock elections resource, MCCE’s MiVoice MiVote Toolkit provides educators and students the materials and opportunities to realize PA 258 and advance more dynamic voting and elections education. MCCE celebrates the Michigan Department of State for acknowledging the importance that schools and educators play in developing opportunities for a lifetime of civic education and engagement.”
Throughout 2024, Secretary Benson has been hosting mock elections at various Michigan schools to promote democracy and engage students in the elections process. With the mock elections portal, schools will now have all the tools they need to host a mock election and help students get familiar with voting and election procedures.
During a mock election, students are selected as a secretary of state, election clerk, poll workers, and election observers – with each of the roles explained to them and then demonstrated. Students decide on a topic for the election, nominate candidates, and then vote. Students will learn about the process of counting the ballots in Michigan and eventually announce a “winner” to the group. The full toolkit can be viewed online at Michigan.gov/MockElections.
The launch is in coordination with the start of Voter Preregistration Week, which highlights the opportunity for youth, between the ages of 16 and 17.5, to legally preregister to vote. Legislation passed and signed into law in 2023 allows 16 and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote if they are a Michigan resident, a U.S. citizen, and not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison. Once preregistered, Michigan teens will be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18.
Under the new law, 16 and 17-year-olds who obtain a driver’s license or state ID at a Secretary of State office will be automatically preregistered to vote unless they opt out. Young people who preregister can vote by absentee ballot or in person at an early voting site as long as they will be 18 on or before Election Day. Learn more about preregistration online.
All Michigan citizens can register to vote, update their registration online, or learn about the safe and secure ways to cast a ballot in the upcoming November presidential election by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote.
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 Secretary Benson spoke at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights to launch the mock election portal, a tool to encourage civic engagement in education.
 Students at Crestwood High School participated in the mock election with Secretary Benson.
 During a mock election, students decide on a topic for the election, nominate candidates, and then vote.
 Crestwood senior and National Honor Society president Hala Komaiha spoke at the press conference announcing the mock election portal. From L: Crestwood High School teacher Lina Abbas; Secretary Benson; Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Crestwood School District superintendent, Roni Abdulhadi, Crestwood High School principal.
 The Michigan Department of State launched the mock election portal to encourage civic engagement and teach students about the state’s safe and secure election process.
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by orionontv | Sep 9, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Friday September 6th at 11:55 PM
UPDATED TOP TEN
- Lake Orion
- Adams
- Clarkston
- Groves
- Oxford
- West Bloomfield
- Farmington
- Seaholm
- Harper Woods
- Troy
WEEK TWO SCORES
Dearborn Divine Child 42, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.
FARMINGTON 33, Holly 7.
TROY 35, PONTIAC 0.
SEAHOLM 21, AVONDALE 7.
TROY ATHENS 20, BERKLEY 0.
FERNDALE 20, NORTH FARMINGTON 12.
OAK PARK 19 ROYAL OAK 7.
OXFORD 38, HARPER WOODS 0.
CLARKSTON 48, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 0.
ADAMS 28, ROCHESTER 0.
GROVES 28, WEST BLOOMFIELD 13.
LAKE ORION 42, STONEY CREEK 13.
WIN OF THE WEEK: Oxford: The Wildcats pulled off one of the biggest shockers in the State by beating the defending Division Four State Champions Harper Woods 38-0 on Friday night. Oxford had a strong game plan for the Pioneers high octane offense and the Wildcats offense had a field day against a really good defense. This is a huge win for Oxford especially with Clarkston looming next week.
WHAT IN THE BLUE WORLD: North Farmington: The Raiders are in a ton of trouble after falling 20-12 to Ferndale on Friday night. North Farmington is in must win mode after having another tough loss. They have Farmington looming in the Farmington Cup next week.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a rough start on Friday night in Beverly Hills falling 28-13 to Groves. West Bloomfield couldn’t stop the run early trailing 14-0 but they found some momentum but the Falcons got it back and ended up winning. The Lakers have Adams looming next week.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks are really struggling falling 42-0 to Dearborn Divine Child on Friday night falling to 0-2 on the season. Bloomfield Hills needs to bounce back in the worst way possible next week and they have Seaholm looming.
by orionontv | Sep 9, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 7th at 12:55 AM
West Bloomfield: The Lakers had a really tough outing on Friday night against Groves falling 28-13. West Bloomfield trailed 21-7 at one point but tried to battle back but the Falcons always had an answer for West Bloomfield. The Lakers have another tough matchup looming with Adams next week.
Lake Orion: The Dragons had no trouble with Stoney Creek on Friday night winning 42-13. Lake Orion used a balance attack while the defense was solid for the second straight week. The Dragons will have their home opener with Troy next week.
Clarkston: The Wolves bounced back in a big way by blowing out Southfield Arts and Tech 48-0 on Friday night. Clarkston used their balance along with a 41 point second quarter to create a running clock. The Wolves have a big one looming with Oxford next week.
Adams: The Highlanders had no trouble with Rochester on Friday night winning 28-0 but it was closer than the score indicated. Adams defense was very good all night shutting down the Falcons offense. The Highlanders have their home opener with West Bloomfield looming next week.
Oxford: The Wildcats were really impressive at home against a really good opponent in Harper Woods winning 38-0 on Friday night. Oxford was really disciplined and it showed in their game. The Wildcats have Clarkston looming next week.
Harper Woods: It was a disaster for the Pioneers on Friday night in Oxford as Harper Woods fell 38-0 to the Wildcats. Penalties were a big problem and it showed in this game. Harper Woods has been outscored 66-6 by teams that are on the M-24 corridor the last two years. It doesn’t get any easier for the Pioneers with Novi Detroit Catholic Central looming next week.
Groves: The Falcons look like they are in the drivers spot in the White after making another statement by winning over West Bloomfield 28-13 on Friday night. Groves has outscored Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and the Lakers by a combined 63-27 in the last two weeks. They have Stoney Creek looming next week.
Stoney Creek: It was a rough night for the Cougars on Friday night in their home opener against Lake Orion. Stoney Creek fell 42-13 on their home field. The Cougars are going through a transition period and it has to happen during the season. They have another tough matchup looming with Groves next week.
Rochester: The Falcons battled tough with Adams on Friday night in the Falcon Frenzy game but they fell to the Highlanders 28-0 on Friday night. Rochester hung with Adams tough throughout but they couldn’t get enough offense against a stout Highlanders defense. The Falcons have Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors had a sense of reality on Friday night when Clarkston came to Southfield. Southfield Arts and Tech had no chance with Clarkston falling 48-0. The Warriors had a ton of trouble all night with the Wolves. They have Rochester looming next week.
Farmington: The Falcons had no issue with Holly winning 33-7 on Friday night. Farmington has been rolling as of late, outscoring Oak Park and Holly by a combined 50-13 in the last two games. The Falcons have a big game looming for the Farmington Cup with arch rival North Farmington looming next week.
North Farmington: The Raiders have lost two close games which is not good. North Farmington fell 20-12 to Ferndale on Friday night at Ron Holland Field. The Raiders can’t afford to lose anymore and they have the Farmington Cup looming with arch rival Farmington next week.
Oak Park: The Knights had a bounce back win over Royal Oak winning 19-7 on Friday night in a defensive type game. Oak Park found enough offense against a Ravens defense that showed some promise especially defensively. They have Troy Athens looming next week.
Troy: The Colts had no issue with Pontiac winning 35-0 on Friday night. Troy really hasn’t been tested outscoring both Bloomfield Hills and Pontiac by a combined 70-7. The Colts should be tested when they head to Lake Orion next week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks got their first win of the season winning 20-0 over Berkley on Friday night. Troy Athens needed their experience to come through and they got it. They have a big one with Oak Park looming next week.
Seaholm: The Maples had a hard fought 21-7 win over Avondale on Friday night behind a very strong defensive effort. Seaholm looks like they haven’t lost a beat. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a really disappointing 42-0 loss to Dearborn Divine Child on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills has been outscored 77-7 in the last two weeks which is not good. The Blackhawks have Seaholm looming next week.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are really struggling on both sides of the football. Avondale fell 21-7 to Seaholm on Friday night. The Yellow Jackets need to turn things around and quick if they want to make some noise. They have Macomb Lutheran North looming next week.
Ferndale: The Eagles got back on track with a huge win at Ron Holland Field stunning North Farmington 20-12 on Friday night. This could be the start that could turn things around for Ferndale. The Eagles have Royal Oak looming next week.
Berkley: The Bears took another tough loss on Friday night to Troy Athens falling 20-0. Berkley has lost 14 straight games and they have been outscored 27-0 this season. The Bears need to bounce back in a big way. They have Pontiac looming next week.
Royal Oak: The Ravens played much better despite falling 19-7 to Oak Park on Friday night. Royal Oak held Oak Park to 19 points but the offense has struggled especially in the last two games where they have scored 20 points. They have a rivalry game with Ferndale looming next week.
Pontiac: It was a rough night for the Phoenix falling 35-0 to Troy on Friday night. Pontiac will be all right. They have Berkley looming next week.
