by Becky Andrus | Dec 28, 2020 | Regional News
Oakland County Executive, Mayors And Supervisors Video Encourages Residents To Continue COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Pontiac, Michigan – A host of government leaders from Oakland County are featured in a new video urging residents to continue practicing COVID-19 safety protocols as the best way to beat the dangerous virus.
The leaders from 10 communities joined County Executive Dave Coulter in the video reinforcing the county’s “The Only Way to Beat It is to Face It” public education campaign, reminding residents not to get too comfortable or forget the dangers that come with the virus. The campaign will feature public service announcements on radio, television, social media and print.
“Let’s beat this virus and we can – if we do it together,” Coulter said.
Leaders including Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana, Novi Mayor Bob Gatt, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett, Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Waterman, Royal Oak Township Supervisor Donna Squalls, Southfield Mayor Ken Siver, and West Bloomfield Supervisor Steve Kaplan implore residents to continue to wash their hands regularly, wear a protective face mask and practice social distancing as common sense ways to defeat the virus.
They encourage residents to shop locally, use curbside pickup of good or grocery delivery services where possible and consider virtual gatherings instead of face-to-face for the holidays.
“You know we’ll get back to normal,” said Squalls, her sentiments echoed by Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier and Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett.
“Someday,” Siver said.
“But not yet,” Coulter said slowly, emphasizing every word. Several others echo his comments, with the clear message being that although many residents have grown weary of the pandemic, the fight is not over.
Earlier this month the county launched its public education campaign with former Detroit Lion Lomas Brown among other local celebrities who are joining the campaign include former Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarty and Olympic figure skating champion Meryl White.
The campaign received a significant boost this week from Hollywood actress and Huntington Woods native Kristen Bell as she added her talents – and her 15 million Instagram followers – to encourage residents to remain vigilant about following health and safety measures to help control the spread of COVID-19 as they wait for a vaccination.
“By wearing a mask, you can decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission! We can beat this virus if we face it together,” Bell said.
“The Only Way to Beat It Is to Face It” is funded by a federal CARES Act grant. The initiative’s name reinforces the practicality of wearing a mask to protect yourself and others, acknowledge the dangers that we face in the coming weeks and highlight the necessity of embracing public health measures to help eventually overcome the pandemic.
“None of us expected to be here nine months ago,” Coulter said. “We are in the middle of the second wave of a terrible pandemic. And while there is hope on the horizon in the form of a vaccine, it is only our actions that keep us safe, slow the spread of the virus, protect our health care workers and keep people alive.”
by Becky Andrus | Dec 28, 2020 | Health and Wellness, Regional News
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 23, 2020
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov
MDHHS issues Requests for Proposals for
behavioral health mediation services program
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) to develop and implement a statewide system of local mediation services to resolve disputes related to behavioral health services.
The Mediation Services for Behavioral Health Service Recipients program seeks to plan, develop, pilot, implement, monitor, oversee, evaluate and deliver a comprehensive, complex, high-quality statewide mediation program for recipients of behavioral health services. A total of $500,000 is available in this RFP, and MDHHS anticipates issuing one award.
Funded applicants will receive ongoing guidance from the MDHHS project coordinator regarding program start-up, reporting requirements and barriers to program implementation.
Grant applications for the Mediation Services for Behavioral Health Service Recipients RFP must be submitted electronically through the MI E-Grants program by 3 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2021. The program period begins Feb. 1, 2021 and ends Sept. 30, 2021.
For more information or to apply, visit the MI E-Grants website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Behavioral Hlth and Dev Dis Adm Standard” link and selecting the “MSBH-2021” grant program. |
by Becky Andrus | Dec 28, 2020 | Recreation
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– DNR News –
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| Dec 28, 2020
Contact: David Haupt, 989-426-9205, ext. 226-7614
New episodes of Outdoor Channel’s ‘Wardens,’ featuring Michigan DNR, start today
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues its partnership with the Outdoor Channel on production of the 2021 season of its television series “Wardens.”
New episodes begin today and air on the Outdoor Channel every Monday at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The show also continues to be available on Negaunee-based station WLUC Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Focusing on ice fishing, bear hunting, opening day of firearm deer hunting season and more, the episodes will showcase the law enforcement work of DNR conservation officers, as well as the science behind the DNR’s natural resources management efforts.
“Since the show began filming in Michigan in 2017, 39 episodes have aired and viewership is over 28 million!” said David Haupt, analyst in the DNR’s Gladwin Field Office who helps coordinate production. “We’re excited to continue offering people a closer look at what the DNR does to take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources.” |
 Michigan-based Wolf Creek Productions is filming episodes at locations around the state with conservation officers and staff members from other DNR divisions who will be featured throughout the season.
On the air since 2011, “Wardens” chronicles the lives of conservation officers in America. To learn more about the show, visit OutdoorChannel.com/Wardens.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. To learn more about their work, visit Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficer. |
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Observing: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Anna Viau observes possible violations of natural resources regulations.
Patrolling: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Joe Deppen patrols Lake St. Clair after severe storms caused a number of accidents and injuries./ |
| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 28, 2020 | Regional News
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Friend –
While the recent FDA vaccine emergency use authorization of two vaccines will give much-needed reinforcement to combat this virus and there is light at the end of the tunnel, without question this is a difficult time for Michiganders and Americans across the country. As we approach the new year, I want to provide you with an update on the end-of-year funding package and COVID relief deal as well as my other efforts in the Senate.
COVID RELIEF
I’m pleased to share that we finally came together and passed long-overdue, bipartisan COVID relief. I will not sugarcoat it: this deal does not go nearly far enough. There’s much more we must do, particularly to assist communities across Michigan that are facing budget shortfalls because of this pandemic and could be forced to make difficult cuts to essential services and force layoffs of health care professionals, teachers, firefighters and law enforcement. But there is also no question that Michiganders need help — and they need assistance immediately. This package will provide urgently needed emergency relief checks, unemployment assistance, resources for schools, support for small businesses that are struggling, and funding for vaccine distribution and support for the Postal Service.
This bill should not be the end, and I’m going to keep fighting to ensure Michiganders have the support and resources they need to overcome this historic crisis.
These negotiations again reinforced that we must work together to address the challenges facing us.
WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER FOR MICHIGAN
Finding common ground and bringing people together has always been my approach to serving the people of Michigan and this nation.
I’ve continued working together with my colleagues to advance legislation on priorities that not only address the pandemic but also tackle issues important to Michiganders and people across the country.
As a result, this Congress I’ve passed 14 standalone bills through the Senate, the most of any Senator in either party. I’ve also sent 10 bills to the President this Congress—no Senator in either party has advanced more standalone bills to the White House during this period. This is despite being in my first term and serving in the minority.
These bipartisan bills I have advanced:
- expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans;
- help Great Lakes communities address rising water levels and shoreline erosion;
- close loopholes that posed a threat to our national security;
- hire more agricultural inspectors at our nation’s ports of entry; and
- improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Caregiver Program.
I’m also pleased to report that efforts by our office to assist Michiganders has resulted in returning more than $1.7 million this year in benefits they were owed. Since I began serving in the Senate in 2015, we have returned more than $9 million to constituents.
I’m looking forward to building on this progress and continuing to serve you in the United States Senate. Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy holidays and a Happy New Year.
Thanks for reading,
Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michiga
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 23, 2020 | Feature Writers
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
What Gives???
Written Wednesday December 23rd at 1:15 PM
So Fall Sports are postponed again for the third time???
Winter Sports haven’t even started yet in the State
What gives???
Someone has clearly dropped the ball.
The MHSAA announced to teams to stop practicing on Tuesday because of the testing protocols aren’t ready yet from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Players, Coaches, Fans, Athletic Directors are absolutely fed up and I don’t blame them. All the false hope just for these student-athletes to return to play. It’s like a yo-yo.
Probably villain number one has to be MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.
Gordon was the person that suggested to MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl that a return to play was possible if student-athletes do an antigen test program. I question the legality of this program because most parents don’t like or want to see their student-athletes get tested three times a week. Also by law the government cannot forcefully give something the kid doesn’t want without the parent’s consent.
Gordon and Governor Gretchen Whitmer has put so many hurdles on these student-athletes just to let them play and finish their seasons.
On November 18th Whitmer and Gordon announced through an epidemic order that new restrictions were given because of rising coronavirus cases caused “the pause.” The move included pausing school sports. Gordon said that the reason was because of the mixing of different households was why they were included in the order.
Although there have been stats that teammates are like families and playing inside a bubble could work. It was very successful in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and in the NBA restart even though they went through vigorous testing.Travel is not really an issue when it comes to high school sports.
It was in September after a Let Them Play protest in Lansing, Whitmer gave the go ahead for schools to start sports under strict safety guidelines. The move gave student-athletes a chance to play much to the disagreement of MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Joneiah Khaldun.
I did talk to my co-host Ian Locke and he is right there were the majority of kids that got to play a fall season which I get and very thankful for but there are others that haven’t finished what they started.
Look at what happened in winter in 2020 and spring sports didn’t even have a season.
Uyl said that spring season will get a guaranteed season in 2021. Uyl also said that there will be three seasons but Whitmer and Gordon have been making things very difficult for Uyl to keep his promise.
Here is a suggestion for Uyl that he and the MHSAA Representative Council need to consider. They could move Winter Sports to start in February and end in early April with the postseason tournament. Also have Spring Sports start in late April and end on Independence Day weekend.
That is an option for the MHSAA.
There will be parents and fans who want to blame Uyl but clearly looking at all the data all the blame has to fall on Whitmer and especially Gordon. Nobody is denying that COVID-19 is real. It is real but there are sporting events that can be done safely.
I just read MIPrepZone’s Drew Ellis article and he’s exactly right on the money.
All I want to say to the student-athletes, athletic directors, and coaches. Just hang in there, stay strong. This is not your fault. Things are going to get better just got to believe and trust in each other. Do the things we can control.
This is clearly a failure in government.
The State of Michigan is truly failing our kids and are not seeing the bigger picture especially from an emotional and mental standpoint.
Drew Ellis Article.
ttps://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/miprepzone/drew-ellis-get-prep-athletes-off-this-emotional-roller-coaster/article_08ae1df4-4546-11eb-8316-c727627ebd23.html
Posted by Saginaw Bay at 10:16 AM
