by Becky Andrus | Feb 8, 2021 | Regional News
Media Contacts:
Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Feb. 8, 2021
Attorney General Nessel: Do Not Fall For Rental Payment Assistance Scam
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning Michigan residents to beware of a new scam aimed at those struggling to pay rent.
While the Attorney General’s office has not yet received complaints of the scam occurring in Michigan, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a notice recently to raise awareness of the scheme, which involves scammers offering tenants help paying rent — while stealing their personal and financial information.
Many Michigan residents are finding it difficult to pay rent during COVID-19 because the pandemic has caused economic hardship for countless families and individuals. Scammers looking to capitalize on that hardship may offer to provide assistance in the form of rent and utility payments or legal aid to avoid eviction, the FTC warns. To get help, residents must first provide personal information or money.
“Those facing eviction are more likely to fall victim to this scam, as they may have limited resources and nowhere else to turn,” said Nessel. “This pandemic has caused financial hardship for many Michiganders, and provided scammers with an opportunity to use that desperate set of circumstances to their advantage. Do not fall victim to their schemes. Always protect your personal and financial information unless you are absolutely certain it is being provided to a legitimate organization.”
Echoing suggestions from the FTC, Attorney General Nessel offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scam:
- Never give your bank account, debit card, credit card or Social Security numbers to anyone who contacts you without first independently verifying that person’s identity.
- Do your research on any organization that requests personal information or money.
- Investigate the company you are considering using online with the words “scam,” “fraud” or “complaint” to see what others are saying. Do this prior to making contact.
- Avoid companies that tell you to stop paying rent or require an up-front fee.
Anyone struggling to make rent payments should discuss it with their landlord and look into local programs that offer rental assistance and other help.
“Once the Legislature appropriates the emergency rental assistance funds, we are ready and will move swiftly to assist renters and landlords in need,” said Kelly Rose, MSHDA chief housing solutions officer. “Renters should avoid further financial risk by falling for scams. A legitimate program that can help is on the way.”
Attorney General Nessel is committed to making Michigan residents aware of deceptive scams designed to defraud them of money or personal information. The Department of Attorney General has a library of consumer alerts to educate and protect Michiganders.
To report fraud or file a general consumer complaint, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection team. Filing a complaint online is the best way to make Your Connection to Consumer Protection and provide a comprehensive report to the Attorney General’s office to ensure investigators have the information they need. If a consumer is unable to fill out an online complaint, they can call the toll-free Consumer Protection hotline at 877-765-8388 and staff will provide a hard copy form to fill out and return.
Forms may be returned via fax (517-241-3771) or via U.S. mail, by sending to:
Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
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by Becky Andrus | Feb 8, 2021 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of Feb. 8, 2021
Spend some time on the ice with your valentine over Free Fishing Weekend.
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| Some of this week’s stories may reflect the impact of COVID-19 and how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customers’ needs and protect public health and safety. We will continue to share news and information about the best ways to enjoy our state’s natural and cultural resources.
Follow our COVID-19 response page for FAQs and updates on access to facilities and programs. For public health guidelines and news, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories from the 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 the images used below, and additional ones, are available in this folder.
 Winter weather is the perfect opportunity to cuddle up with your loved ones, but you don’t have to stay inside to have an awesome Valentine’s Day weekend! Take your valentine fishing during Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 13-14.
Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy world-class fishing – without a fishing license – on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species. Just keep in mind that all fishing regulations still apply.
The Recreation Passport fee for vehicle entry into state parks and boating access sites also is waived during this weekend.
This time of year brings more anglers out on the frozen waters to fish because, unlike warmer months, it’s easier to get just about anywhere on a lake during ice fishing season without a boat. Regardless of the season, you should always make safety a priority. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid angler, review ice fishing safety tips at Michigan.gov/IceSafety.
Before you head out on the water, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing for fishing tips, regulation information and the weekly fishing report. New to ice fishing? Check out our how-to videos, which cover ice fishing basics, demonstrations on how to drill a hole in the ice and suggested gear and equipment.
Take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend with the ones you love (as long as you’re at least 6 feet apart from those outside your household) to get outdoors and experience some excellent fishing. Keep a face mask handy for times when social distancing isn’t possible.
Want to share photos of your catch or your time on the ice? Use #MiFreeFishingWeekend on social media.
Questions? Contact Sierra Medrano at 517-230-8788. |
 Delight your sweetheart, family or friends with a special DNR-themed message this Valentine’s Day! These pun-derful cards are sure to make everyone smile and feel a little more connected (to each other and the outdoors).
With 14 different designs to choose from, you’ll find just the right sentiment for your favorite people. Cards include affectionate plays on words, like “I’m very fawned of you!” and “You make me a happy camper, Valentine!”
“We wanted to create something to brighten this long stretch of winter, while capitalizing on so many of the special natural and cultural resources found in Michigan,” said Eric Hilliard, digital media specialist with the DNR Wildlife Division, who helped create the cards. “And who can resist a good pun?”
These valentines can be printed and mailed, or just grab a screen shot and text your Valentine’s Day greetings. Share your love of Michigan’s great outdoors and history! These valentines are sure to make an impression. |
 Coyotes can be found statewide in just about any type of habitat, including urban and suburban neighborhoods. People often unintentionally create excellent habitat for adaptable wildlife like coyote, fox, rabbit, squirrel, deer, geese and turkey, making it easier for these animals to expand beyond traditional wildlife habitat boundaries. While they’re an integral part of our ecosystem, coyotes can quickly become a nuisance to people.
“If there is an unwelcome coyote visiting the area, the first thing to consider is what the coyote might find appealing about the location. Is there a nearby patch of woods or natural area that might provide shelter? Are there food sources available, such as bird feeders, that attract small mammals or an abundance of bunnies?” said Hannah Schauer, wildlife communications coordinator with the DNR. “If so, where possible, modify or remove the things that make the area attractive to coyotes.”
This could be as simple as taking down bird feeders and keeping trash cans indoors until the morning of your trash collection service. In addition to removing possible attractants, there are “hazing” tactics that can help maintain the coyotes’ natural fear of people. All of these efforts reduce opportunities for coyotes or other animals to get used to finding easy food sources.
“You want to make it an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience for the coyote to be near people,” added Schauer. “Coyotes that become accustomed to being in close proximity to people may become bolder as they are less fearful. Remind them that people should be avoided.”
If you’ve tried these tactics but find coyotes are still hanging around your property or you have concerns about their presence in the area, contact a nuisance wildlife control business for assistance. These businesses are permitted by the DNR to remove certain wildlife, including coyotes, from private property.
If hunting is allowed in your area, coyote hunting season is open year-round statewide, with no bag limit. Check local laws and review the statewide hunting and trapping regulations for coyotes in the current Fur Harvester Digest at Michigan.gov/Trapping.
Learn more about coyotes and how to handle conflicts with wildlife at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.
Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453. |
 The Michigan Natural Resources Commission’s next regular meeting is Thursday, Feb. 11. Due to COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines, the meeting again will be hosted in an online format.
You can register to watch the meeting live online using this link. After registering, you’ll receive an email with info on how to join the webinar. Those who want to provide public comment should call 517-881-9630 or email NRC@Michigan.gov.
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. with the Committee of the Whole, and the agenda includes additional information related to migratory game bird hunting, Pure Michigan Hunt winners and land transactions.
See the full draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For the latest on other public meetings, visit the DNR’s boards, commissions and committees webpage. |
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There’s a new episode of Wardens this week! Tune in for salmon surveillance, a CO elementary school visit and ORV violations. Episodes air on the Outdoor Channel Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
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Registration for the Happy Little virtual 5K is closing March 1, so make sure to sign up before then! You can get some happy little swag, including a medal with a reproduction of a real Bob Ross painting. Don’t miss out!
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 Stay informed, stay safe: Mask up Michigan, DNR COVID-19 response |
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by Becky Andrus | Feb 8, 2021 | Regional News
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 5, 2021
CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov
Michigan approved for food assistance for 810,000 children whose access to free or reduced-cost school meals is affected by COVID-19
More than $741 million in federal dollars will help families put food on the table
LANSING, Mich. – Approximately 810,000 Michigan children whose access to nutritious school meals has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive $741.6 million in assistance benefits that their families can use to pay for food at stores or online.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are announcing that the state has gained federal approval for a second round of Pandemic-EBT benefits.
“The last thing that families should have to worry about during a pandemic is feeding their children,” Gov. Whitmer said. “I am happy that Michigan families will be able to count on this additional support to help them access nutritious meals during the ongoing pandemic. That’s why it’s so important that the legislature passes the COVID recovery plan I put forward that provides an additional $2.1 billion in food assistance as well as the much-needed support for vaccine distribution, small businesses, and getting our kids back in the classroom safely.”
Students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 are eligible if they qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school and in-person learning is not available at their school or is not available on a full-time basis. Pandemic-EBT will provide another way for students who do not have in-person classes to access food – along with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) programs that provide meals to students at mobile and stationary locations.
Families will receive an estimated $127.53 monthly for each eligible child who has no in-person classes and attends a school that is fully virtual and about $77.06 for each eligible child who attends a school with a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote learning. Monthly benefits will vary based on the number of school days in each month.
Benefits are retroactive to September and will be paid through June. Payments will be paid automatically, so families do not need to apply to receive the assistance. Households that already receive food assistance will receive the Pandemic-EBT payments on their Bridge Cards. Families that do not already receive food assistance will receive Pandemic-EBT cards in the mail that they can use to purchase food.
Payments are expected to begin in late March. MDHHS is working in partnership with the MDE to collect information from local school districts that’s needed to issue the benefits.
Last school year, Michigan was the first state in the nation to gain approval of and distribute Pandemic-EBT benefits. New federal rules for approval of Round 2 funding for this school year delayed Michigan’s approval. President Joe Biden’s administration provided increased flexibility that allowed Michigan to be approved.
“Throughout the pandemic, MDHHS has been committed to providing easy access to food to families who have been impacted by the pandemic,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Approval of the second round of Pandemic-EBT payments is the latest example of how we can work with our federal partners to ease the burden on families who are in need.”
The food assistance benefits will go to Michigan families with students ages 5-18 who are enrolled in the MDE program for students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
“With waivers from USDA initiated by MDE, school districts across the state have distributed tens of millions of meals to children in approximately 2,000 mobile and stationary feeding operations since the pandemic began. Children need to be healthy and fed to be able to focus on learning,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “The P-EBT program supplements these school meals and helps enormously to feed our children across the state during this difficult time.”
The food assistance benefits will go to Michigan families with students ages 5-18 who are enrolled in the MDE program for students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services received authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services to provide the additional food assistance.
Prior to receiving their EBT card, families will receive a letter from MDHHS describing how to use the card, how to set up a PIN and other information about food assistance benefits. The cards can be used much like a debit card for food purchased from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailers.
You can find a list of SNAP retailers on the SNAP Retailers website. They also can use their benefits online to purchase food from Amazon, Walmart or Aldi.
Information around coronavirus outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. |
by Becky Andrus | Feb 8, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Winter Contact Sports Are Back.
Written Thursday February 4th at 4:30 PM
Winter contact sports are back.
During her press conference on Thursday afternoon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was going to allow contact Winter Sports to start practicing and competing Monday with safeguards in place.
Participants including players, coaches, and staff are required to wear a mask during in play and on the bench. Those sports without masks, particularly wrestling will be required to go through COVID-19 testing.
The MDHHS recommended that players only allow two per player for spectators or 250 for smaller venues, 500 for bigger venues.
The five contact sports include Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Hockey, and Competitive Cheer
Contact sports were banned on November 18th when Whitmer and then director Robert Gordon announced “the pause.” The remaining fall sports were paused played a few weeks ago because the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that there was an antigen testing program that tested the remaining fall sports athletes that were still playing.
Today was a great day for everyone involved, players, parents, coaches, staff, athletic directors, superintendents.
Important Dates.
Basketball/hockey: Monday Feb 8th (Practices/Competitions)
Cheer/Wrestling: Friday Feb 12th (Practices/Competitions)
MHSAA Tournaments remain in place
Cheer/Hockey March 27th
Wrestling April 2nd/3rd
Basketball (will run together) Girls M/W/F Boys T/R/S Girls April 9th, Boys April 10th
Face masks worn at all times (Basketball/Hockey/Cheer)
Wrestling- MDHHS (rapid testing on days of meets) compete One to Two times a week
Cheer- masks (only time masks come off when tumbling/stumbling), without an opponent, physical contact.
Basketball six weeks of regular season, three games a week. (Can play when teams are eliminated.)
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
by Becky Andrus | Feb 4, 2021 | Regional News
Oakland County Veterans May Be Eligible For $2,500 Through COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program
Waterford, Michigan – Oakland County veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic and needing financial help can apply for up to $2,500 in assistance through the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program.
A total of $182,000 is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. There is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $150 limit. The grants can be used for eligible food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses. Applications can be made at www.oakgov.com/covid/grants.
“There are more than 60,000 veterans in Oakland County and many of them are struggling to make ends meet,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Some veterans have lost jobs or income, while others may be faced with higher food bills and other increased expenses. These grants are designed to help those who sacrificed for our country in the past get some much-needed help today.”
Applicants must be an Oakland County resident and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, reserves or women’s auxiliaries. Eligibility documentation is required.
Those without access to the internet should contact the Oakland County Veterans’ Services Division in Pontiac at 248-858-0785 for assistance.
“We expect strong interest in this new program,” said Garth Wootten, division manager. “The need is there, for the day-to-day living expenses for our veterans have not gone away during the pandemic. We hope these grants make life easier for them as they live through these challenging times.”
Oakland County has used $219 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding in support of its pandemic response, including more than $145 million in grants to help stabilize and support small businesses, residents, and communities in every part of the county. The grants were awarded to more than 15,000 local businesses, which employ 65,000 people; 22 local chambers of commerce; 57 cities, villages, and townships, 278 non-profit and 31 veterans services organizations; 28 local school districts as well as retailers, restaurants and community centers.
