Flags Lowered to Honor 10,000 Michigan Lives Lost to COVID-19  

by | Dec 9, 2020 | Regional News

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 8, 2020

Contact: Press@michigan.gov   

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor 10,000 Michigan Lives Lost to COVID-19

As of this order, the coronavirus has infected 410,295 and killed 10,138 people in Michigan.   

 

LANSING, Mich. – 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 for 10 days —  representing one day per 1,000 deaths – immediately on Tuesday, December 8 through Friday, December 18 to honor and mourn those who have lost their lives due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Right now, more than one out of every 1,000 Michiganders has lost their lives to this virus.

 

“Our nation is grieving alongside each of the families who have an empty seat at the dinner table each night or who will be missing family members during the holiday season,” Whitmer said. “Right now, we need to listen to our scientists and medical professionals who are asking us to double down on wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing to prevent an unnecessarily greater loss of life. With a vaccine on the horizon, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we each need to do our part until then. We will get through this together.”

 

The State of Michigan recognizes and mourns the lives lost to the coronavirus 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 Saturday, December 19, 2020.

Businesses Affected by COVID-19 Provided Tax Assistance

by | Dec 9, 2020 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2020

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

 

Treasury: Businesses Affected by COVID-19  Epidemic Orders Provided Tax Assistance

 Penalties and Interest Waived on  Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes through Jan. 20, 2021

 

LANSING, Mich. – Businesses that require social gatherings for customers and have experienced disrupted operations due to COVID-19 epidemic orders now have additional time to make their December sales, use and withholding tax monthly payment, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

 

Effective immediately, most entertainment and recreational venues and restaurants that depend on indoor dining scheduled to make their monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments on Dec. 20, 2020, can postpone filing and payment requirements until Jan. 20, 2021. The state Treasury Department will waive all penalties and interest for 31 days.

 

“Allowing small businesses affected by COVID mitigation protocols more time to pay their taxes will provide some crucial support to business owners that are struggling right now,” said Governor Whitmer. “My administration will continue working around the clock to provide more support for our businesses as we head into the cold winter months and continue working to eradicate COVID-19 in Michigan. I also urge the Michigan Legislature to work with me to pass a $100 million relief package for our small businesses and families that have been hit hard by this pandemic. Remember, Michiganders: be smart, wear a mask, practice safe social distancing, and support your local small businesses this holiday season.”

 

Specific information about Treasury providing tax assistance to affected businesses due to COVID-19 epidemic orders can be found in SUW Penalty and Interest Waiver Notice.

 

“We understand the operational challenges being faced by restaurants and entertainment venues,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Changing some tax deadlines will provide some help to businesses as they navigate their way through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

 

The waiver is not available for accelerated sales, use or withholding tax filers. Businesses with questions should call the Treasury Business Tax Call Center at 517-636-6925 or through Michigan Treasury Online.

 

To learn more about Michigan’s taxes, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Orion Township Board of Trustees meeting of 12-7-2020

Orion Township Board of Trustees meeting of 12-7-2020

by | Dec 8, 2020 | Local News

Stuff a Truck toy donation sites open in Detroit

by | Dec 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

Stuff a Truck toy donation sites open in Detroit, Clare and Gaylord

Contact: Lt. Todd Szyska (Detroit), 313-396-6868 or Lt. Brandon Kieft (Roscommon), 989-275-5151, ext. 272-7100
Agency: Natural Resources

Dec. 7, 2020

Stuff a TruckHow many toys can fit in the back of a Michigan Department of Natural Resource conservation officer’s patrol truck? Officers are working with local organizations to collect toys at three socially distanced drop-off locations in Clare, Detroit and Gaylord. All toys – which will be given to local children before Christmas Day – should be new, in original packaging and free of any wrapping or decorations.

DETROIT STUFF A TRUCK LOCATIONS

  • Belle Isle Park, 99 Pleasure Drive – Accepting toys 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, now through Dec. 18. The donation bin is located just outside the park office.
  • DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St. – Accepting toys 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.

Anyone bringing toys to the OAC will receive a courtesy family four pack for admission to the center, which can be used once it reopens. Additionally, donors will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a free, exclusive family experience – a group of up to 10 people, with a guide to assist them, will have the Outdoor Adventure Center to themselves for 90 minutes. To receive the courtesy admission tickets and a chance at the exclusive family experience, donated toys should be securely tagged with the donor’s name, phone number and email address.

Toys collected at the Detroit locations will be donated to the Detroit Police Department’s Sergeant Santa Program. Last year, conservation officers doubled the number of families that received donations in 2018.

“We are honored to work with our brothers and sisters in the Detroit Police Department for this noble cause,” said Lt. Todd Szyska, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Detroit. “Last year was very successful and we hope to see the same contributions. This year has been exceptionally difficult for our community and we want to do everything we can to make sure that every child in Detroit has a wonderful Christmas.”

CLARE AND GAYLORD STUFF A TRUCK LOCATIONS

Jay’s Sporting Goods will accept toy donations during normal business hours now through Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Clare store (8800 S. Clare Ave.) and the Gaylord store (1151 S. Otsego Ave.). Although donations can be dropped off anytime during store hours, conservation officers also will be in the parking lots with patrol trucks at both locations as follows:

  • 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.
  • Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.

Toys dropped off at the Jay’s Sporting Goods locations will be donated to the local Toys for Tots programs in Clare and Gaylord.

“Working with Jay’s Sporting Goods is an excellent partnership, making it easy for holiday shoppers to also pick up some gifts that help kids connect with the outdoors,” said Lt. Brandon Kieft, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Roscommon. “We are excited to work with our northern Michigan community to help local children have the Christmas they deserve.”

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 services and conducting lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.

Note to editors: An accompanying Stuff a Truck graphic is available below for download.

First Financial Empowerment Curriculum Launched  

First Financial Empowerment Curriculum Launched  

by | Dec 8, 2020 | Regional News

3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2020

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

 

Lt. Governor: First Financial Empowerment Curriculum Launched 

Pilot Between Henry Ford College and Dearborn Public School Begins Winter Semester

 

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II today announced that Henry Ford College and Dearborn Public Schools have launched the state’s first Financial Empowerment Curriculum that teaches our youth the basic principles of managing their money.

 

The pilot program represents the beginning of anticipated programs and partnerships between Michigan’s school districts and community colleges. Financial empowerment means having the skills and knowledge to make informed and effective decisions with available financial resources, like creating a budget, saving money and paying bills.

 

“Empowering our youth with an understanding about money will pay dividends for our future,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said. “This pilot program provides a roadmap so we can help our youth plan a budget, save money, plan for taxes, and buy insurance. Those students who take this class will have a better understanding to make well-considered financial goals and the knowledge necessary to achieve those goals.”

 

The financial wellness of families is increasingly being discussed across the nation as many families are experiencing a great imbalance of debt versus assets and savings. The imbalance can be attributed to extenuating circumstances in some cases and lack of financial education for others.

 

In Michigan, the pilot between Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College represents a first step to better equip Michiganders for life’s financial challenges. During this pilot, Dearborn Public High School students will enroll in a Personal Finance course concurrently with Henry Ford College, gaining valuable financial life skills while earning college credit.

 

 “The Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College work hard to prepare our students for successful lives,” said Russ Kavalhuna, President of Henry Ford College. “Financial literacy is an important skill set that our students will need throughout their lives. Understanding the basic concepts of how money works can make a huge difference in empowering people and reducing financial concerns. We are proud to partner with the state in this effort.”

 

At the inaugural MI Financial Literacy Summit at Henry Ford College last year, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks facilitated a panel discussion with experts from across the state about the role financial literacy has in shaping Michigan’s future through all phases of life.

 

Much of the conversation focused on the need to educate our state’s youth. For young adults, financial empowerment often comes abruptly in life with limited access to resources and consistent education.

 

“Our first summit last year was the beginning on an incredible dialog with so many experts who wanted to create a more successful Michigan,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “This curriculum is the beginning of what I desire to be available across our state. We must continue our discussions on how we can best financially empower individuals and families through statewide coordination.”

 

MI Financial Empowerment is a part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s focus on literacy, which includes the education and understanding of knowing how money is made, spent and saved, as well as the skills and ability to use financial resources to make decisions.

 

To learn more about the MI Financial Literacy initiative, go to www.michigan.gov/finlit or follow the state Treasury Department at @MITreasury on Twitter.