by Becky Andrus | May 17, 2022 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Announces Caring for MI Future Plan
The plan sets a bold goal to open 1,000 new child care programs by 2024 through $100 million investment to expand access to child care for working families and support child care providers
Battle Creek, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and the Michigan Department of Education announced an ambitious goal to open 1,000 new child care programs by the end of 2024 and launched Caring for MI Future— a $100 million plan to get there.
“Nearly half of Michigan families live in a community without enough child care options to meet their needs. Lack of child care options means families are forced to leave the workforce, work fewer hours, or piece together child care options that don’t work very well for their family. That doesn’t work for kids, families, or employers,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to secure a $100 million bipartisan investment to launch the Caring for MI Future plan, which will dramatically increase access to child care across our state. Opening and expanding child care programs will connect more kids with quality early learning and help more families return to work knowing their kids are safe.”
“We have incredible child care entrepreneurs across the state, and right now, they’re standing tall for kids on a shoestring budget. The Caring for MI Future plan responds to the most pressing needs facing child care entrepreneurs and strives to create a more sustainable child care market in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This plan helps entrepreneurs create high quality facilities, secure early capital, recruit talented staff, and connect with technical assistance before they’re licensed. Investing in entrepreneurs means more Michigan kids and families have access to top notch child care in their communities. That’s good news for Michigan.”
“Quality child care programs are the silent drivers of our economy.” said Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Orlene Hawks. “This investment will expand access to safe, quality, affordable child care across the state. LARA’s One-Stop Shop will help child care entrepreneurs find and create safe places to open their business, assist with start-up funding, connect them to child care education grants, and provide ongoing business supports to help them succeed.
“Caring for MI Future supports our expanding effort to do all we can to help our little ones get a great start and help their parents access quality child care,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “We have the resources and the opportunity in the state right now to make a significant difference for our children while helping drive an economy that can provide for children and families. This is a great bipartisan investment in Michigan’s future.”
“Bright Lights opened on February 1 of this year and the past three months are the culmination of a vision I’ve had for a while,” said Lindsey Potter, owner of Bright Lights Early Care. “I worked steadily for over a year on the licensing and business startup operations process and am excited to be a part of this announcement that will continue to support child care entrepreneurs like myself and the educators we employ.”
Caring for MI Future is a $100 million investment to help more Michigan families find quality, affordable child care in their community. Today, according to the Michigan League for Public Policy, nearly half of communities do not have enough child care options to meet demand.
To respond, the state is investing $100 million to dramatically increase access to child care across the state and open 1,000 new, or expanded, child care programs by the end of 2024. This strategy responds to the most pressing needs facing child care entrepreneurs and creates sustainable systems to support the current and next generation of child care business owners.
Through Caring for Mi Future, entrepreneurs will have access to:
- Support identifying and renovating facilities: Child care businesses need access to affordable, licensable spaces to care for kids. There will be $51.1 million in grant funding available to renovate and upgrade facilities to meet licensing and quality standards. Grant applications will be available in late summer 2022.
- Startup funding: Cashflow is an ongoing challenge for child care businesses, especially new sites that must incur costs well before they have revenue. The state will award $23 million in grants for programs before they’re licensed and immediately after receiving their license.
- Support to recruit staff: Entrepreneurs can’t open and expand their businesses if they can’t hire staff. The state will invest over $11.4 million to continue our statewide effort to recruit, train, and retain talented early educators that live and work in the communities they serve.
- Business development tools: Many new businesses benefit from support from the state and their community to assess market demands, identify space, comply with health and safety rules—including local zoning, and create a business plan. The state will invest $14.3 million to align these resources and make the startup and licensing process clearer and faster for providers.
For additional details on when specific grants will be available to entrepreneurs, visit Michigan.gov/childcare.
Caring for MI Future is part of a bipartisan $1.4 billion investment to expand access to quality, affordable child care and get Michigan families back to work. Child care is often the largest expense in a family’s budget and one in three Michigan families are now eligible for free or low-cost child care.
To qualify, families must:
- Have a child under age 13
- Need child care because they’re working or going to school
- Have a qualifying income.
- Your monthly income must be less than $2,686 for a family of 2, $3,386 for a family of 3, or $4,085 for a family of 4.
- Visit Michigan.gov/childcare for a complete list of reasons families may qualify for low or no cost child care and qualifying income levels for larger families.
by Becky Andrus | May 16, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Around the OAA.
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Sunday, May 15, 2022
Written Sunday May 15th at 11:20 AM
By Sammy Taormina
Here are the district matchups and insight for Girls Soccer.
District 5 at Lake Orion
CLARKSTON vs. OXFORD
Davison vs. 2. Grand Blanc
Flushing vs. Lapeer
Flushing/Lapeer vs. 1. LAKE ORION
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Lake Orion. I think five teams really stand out in Oxford, Lake Orion, Clarkston, Grand Blanc, and Davison. The Dragons won this district last season and have the talent to do it again despite their record. Oxford has had a stellar season thus far. Grand Blanc is Grand Blanc. Clarkston has done well this season. Davison has been playing well as of late. This should be a fun district to watch as mentioned.
District 6 at West Bloomfield
Walled Lake Central vs. Lakeland
Waterford Kettering vs. 2. Walled Lake Northern
Waterford Mott vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
Waterford Mott/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. 1. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district at West Bloomfield. I think there are three teams in Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Northern, and Bloomfield Hills that really stands out. Waterford Mott is a possible darkhorse. I don’t think any other schools really stand out besides the three mentioned above but anything is possible.
District 7 at North Farmington
FARMINGTON vs. Walled Lake Western
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. 2. Farmington Hills Mercy
Novi vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Novi/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. 1. Livonia Stevenson
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district shaping up at North Farmington. The early favorite is Livonia Stevenson. The Spartans have been solid but there are proven powers in Novi and Farmington Hills Mercy. North Farmington is a possible wildcard and could give the Marlins fits in the first round. I see a possible district final between Livonia Stevenson and Farmington Hills Mercy but things could change really quick.
District 13 at Troy
BERKLEY vs. Warren Mott
GROVES vs. 2. TROY
SEAHOLM vs. ROYAL OAK
SEAHOLM/ROYAL OAK vs. 1. TROY ATHENS
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district at Troy. The favorite has to be Troy Athens. The Red Hawks have had a strong season. There are some challengers to watch in Troy, Berkley, Seaholm, and Royal Oak. These four teams could give Troy Athens everything they can handle. Berkley and Groves are potential wildcards in this district. Warren Mott could struggle in this district but right now until anyone overcomes the Red Hawks this district is there’s to lose.
District 15 at Romeo
ADAMS vs. Utica Ford II
Romeo vs. 2. ROCHESTER
Utica vs. Utica Eisenhower
Utica/Utica Eisenhower vs. 1. STONEY CREEK
EARLY THOUGHTS: Dan Barnabo Field will host what likely would be considered “the Group of Death” in World Cup standards in the postseason. All seven of these teams are proven powers. Rochester, Stoney Creek, Adams, and Romeo are ranked in the State in Division One. It’s tough that only of these schools will move on. This is a fun district to watch in Girls Soccer with a lot of proven programs.
District 23 at Fenton
Fenton vs. Brandon
Fenton/Brandon vs. 1. Lake Fenton
AVONDALE vs. Holly
AVONDALE/Holly vs. 2. Linden
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district should be very interesting. Fenton and Linden both stand out in this district but Avondale and Brandon are wildcards. Lake Fenton is the top seed but they have a really tough matchup in the district semifinals. I would give an early edge to the Tigers because of home field but the Eagles are right there with Fenton. Brandon has always been solid. Avondale is a wildcard as mentioned. All five teams have a great chance to win this district.
District 27 at Livonia Clarenceville
FERNDALE vs. Madison Heights Lamphere
FERNDALE/Madison Heights Lamphere vs. 1. Birmingham Marian
Detroit Renaissance vs. Livonia Clarenceville
Detroit Renaissance/Livonia Clarenceville vs. 2. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
EARLY THOUGHTS: When looking at this district on paper, there is one team that stands out and that’s Birmingham Marian. The Mustangs are a proven power in Division Two so it’s clear that they should be the favorite to win this district. I don’t really see anyone in this district that can give Birmingham Marian any issues but it would be shocking if someone did.
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Friday, May 13, 2022
Written Friday May 13th at 6:15 PM
Here is my preview for Girls Tennis for the regional taking place this week.
Underlined: Projected Regional Champ.
Regional 4 at Livonia Churchill
FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Livonia Churchill
Dearborn
Dearborn Fordson
Dearborn Edsel Ford
Detroit Cass Tech
Farmington Hills Mercy
Livonia Stevenson
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Livonia Churchill, Farmington Hills Mercy, and Dearborn Edsel Ford.
Regional 5 at Troy
TROY
TROY ATHENS
ROYAL OAK
Fraser
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Ford
Warren Mott
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Troy, Royal Oak, and Troy Athens.
Regional 6 at Utica Eisenhower
STONEY CREEK
Utica Eisenhower
Chippewa Valley
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Macomb Dakota
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Port Huron Northern
Romeo
Utica
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Stoney Creek, Port Huron Northern, and Utica Eisenhower.
Regional 7 at Clarkston
CLARKSTON
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Walled Lake Northern
Waterford Kettering
White Lake Lakeland
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, and Adams.
Regional 12 at North Farmington
NORTH FARMINGTON
AVONDALE
GROVES
SEAHOLM
Fenton
Flint Carman Ainsworth
Flint Kearsley
Holly
Swartz Creek
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Seaholm, Groves, and North Farmington.
Regional 13 at Grosse Pointe North
BERKLEY
FERNDALE
Detroit Renaissance
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
Hamtramck
Port Huron
Warren Cousino
Warren Woods Tower
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Grosse Pointe South, Grosse Pointe North, and Berkley.
Regional 20 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
HARPER WOODS
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Birmingham Marian
Dearborn Divine Child
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Detroit Mumford
Eastpointe
Garden City
Hazel Park
Madison Heights Lamphere
Warren Fitzgerald
PROJECTED THREE TEAMS: Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, Birmingham Marian, and Birmingham Detroit Country Day.
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Written Friday May 13th at 3:10 PM
Here is my early regional thoughts for Boys Lacrosse.
Regional 4 at Seaholm (Birmingham)
- Livonia Stevenson vs. 5. FARMINGTON UNITED
- BIRMINGHAM UNITED vs. 7. Detroit Cass Tech
- Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs. 6. ROYAL OAK
- Livonia Stevenson/5. FARMINGTON UNITED vs. 1. Birmingham Brother Rice
REGIONAL OUTLOOK: There were some changes to this regional. Royal Oak is in this regional after they were supposed to be in a different regional and division. The Ravens would have a tough matchup with Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Birmingham Brother Rice is the overwhelming favorite in this regional but Birmingham could give them a scare in the regional final but it won’t be enough. I see the Warriors moving on to the State quarterfinals with ease.
Regional 5 at Troy Athens
- CLARKSTON vs. 8. Utica Ford
- Macomb L’Anse Creuse North vs. 5. New Baltimore Anchor Bay
- Macomb Dakota vs. 7. Sterling Heights Stevenson
- TROY ATHENS vs. 6. Chippewa Valley
REGIONAL OUTLOOK: This is a very interesting regional but one team really stands out in Clarkston. The Wolves are state ranked and should cruse in this regional. Macomb Dakota could challenge but I don’t really see anyone beating the Wolves in this regional.
Regional 6 at Romeo
- LAKE ORION vs. 8. Utica Eisenhower/Utica
- Romeo vs. 5. ROCHESTER
- STONEY CREEK vs. 7. OXFORD
- ADAMS vs. 6. Port Huron United
REGIONAL OUTLOOK: This is looking to be a very competitive regional. Lake Orion is the favorite but this is not the same Dragons program as in the past when they were in the State semifinals in the last two years. Adams has been solid. They are a sleeper in this regional. Stoney Creek is the second seed but they haven’t played the schedule as what Lake Orion and Adams have done in the Red. I’m not sold on Port Huron despite getting the three seed. I see for now a Lake Orion/Adams regional final with the Dragons moving on.
Regional 7 at Hartland
- WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. 9. Waterford United
- WEST BLOOMFIELD/9. Waterford United vs. 1. Hartland
- Linden/Fenton vs. 5. Brandon/Holly
- Walled Lake United vs. 7. TROY
- Huron Valley vs. 6. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
REGIONAL OUTLOOK: This is a very interesting regional. Brandon/Holly enters this regional and could give Linden/Fenton some trouble in the first round. They need to be very careful of Bloomfield Hills, I think Bloomfield Hills could pose an upset against Huron Valley and give Walled Lake United all they can handle in the regional semifinals. Hartland has the top seed, state ranked, and home field. They should cruse into the State quarterfinals.
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by Becky Andrus | May 16, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Written Tuesday May 10th at 8:45 PM
By Sammy Taormina
Track regionals start next week. Here is the early regional preview and insight coming in. This column will change.
Regional 7 at Farmington
FARMINGTON
BERKLEY
GROVES
SEAHOLM
WEST BLOOMFIELD
NORTH FARMINGTON
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
OAK PARK
ROYAL OAK
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Birmingham Brother Rice
Farmington Hills Mercy
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Stevenson
Redford Thurston
BOYS PREVIEW: This is a loaded regional with a lot of strong competition. Livonia Churchill is the early favorite with the distance and just enough field events to do very well. Farmington should be Livonia Churchill’s toughest challenger in the regional. The Falcons are coming off a win in the Blue/Gold league meet. Bloomfield Hills has the sprints to be in the conversation. Oak Park and West Bloomfield are wildcards. Royal Oak is another darkhorse as well. The Ravens could challenge Livonia Churchill in the distance. On paper right now Livonia Churchill looks like they are the team to beat but in a regional like this it’s anyone’s regional.
GIRLS PREVIEW: This regional looks to be very interesting. Could Oak Park be on upset alert??? The Knights have the hurdles, the sprints, and the distance to win this regional. Bloomfield Hills has a really good girls program and could be a player in this regional. Royal Oak is a darkhorse, they have the distance and they beat Oak Park in a dual meet earlier in the season. Seaholm is the wildcard with their distance. Farmington could also be a player especially taking the Knights to the max at the Blue/Gold meet. Oak Park is the favorite but watch for Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Farmington, and Seaholm, they could give the Knights everything they can handle.
Regional 9 at Lapeer
CLARKSTON
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
AVONDALE
Lapeer
Fenton
Holly
Walled Lake Northern
Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott
White Lake Lakeland
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
BOYS PREVIEW: This is a very interesting regional. The early favorite is Lake Orion whom is coming off a Red/White league title. The Dragons have a ton of balance in the sprints, relays, distance, and field events. Walled Lake Northern is a very dangerous team. The Knights have the balance especially in the distance. Adams is another scary team as well. The Highlanders are loaded in the hurdles and have just enough sprints, field events, and distance to go against the two other contenders. This regional looks to be a three team race between Lake Orion, Adams, and Walled Lake Northern. It should be very interesting to watch as mentioned.
GIRLS PREVIEW: This is a very interesting regional. The early favorite is Oxford and for good reason. The Wildcats have enough depth elsewhere but the throws are their strength and where they could have the biggest impact. Lake Orion is a sleeper to watch as is Adams and Walled Lake Northern. This regional could go any of four ways but Oxford is the favorite to win this regional.
Regional 10 at Macomb Dakota
TROY
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
Romeo
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica Eisenhower
Utica
Utica Ford II
BOYS PREVIEW: This could be a very interesting regional in Macomb County. There are three teams having very strong chances in Chippewa Valley, Troy, and New Baltimore Anchor Bay to win this regional. The Big Reds have the sprints and relays but the distance is the question mark surrounding Chippewa Valley. Speaking of the distance events, they could be very interesting between the Tars and the Colts. Macomb Dakota looks to be the wildcard. The Cougars have the top three throwers coming into this regional. Chippewa Valley looks to be the favorite on paper but don’t count out New Baltimore Anchor Bay or Troy. This could be a very tight regional.
GIRLS PREVIEW: When looking at this regional the favorite has to be Macomb Dakota for a ton of reasons. The Cougars have home field and has at competitor in the top five heading into the regional. They have balance everywhere in the lineup. New Baltimore Anchor Bay stands to be the Cougars toughest challenger in the regional. Romeo and Troy could be darkhorses to watch. Macomb Dakota stands to be the team to watch in the regional.
Regional 18 at Hazel Park
FERNDALE
FERNDALE UNIVERSITY
HARPER WOODS
Hazel Park
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood
Birmingham Marian
Birmingham Detroit Country Day
Center Line
Detroit Denby
Detroit East English Prep
Harper Woods Chandler Park
Madison Heights Lamphere
St. Clair Shores South Lake
Warren Fitzgerald
Warren Regina
Warren Lincoln
BOYS PREVIEW: Is there anyone in this regional that can beat Birmingham Detroit Country Day??? The Yellow Jackets are favored in almost every event. Harper Woods stands to be the toughest challenger to Birmingham Detroit Country Day and even they don’t have the depth and balance to match up with the Yellow Jackets. This regional looks to be a Birmingham Detroit Country Day rout.
GIRLS PREVIEW: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional. There are two teams in Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Warren Regina that have great shots to win this regional. The Yellow Jackets have the sprints while the Satellites are loaded in the distance. Madison Heights Lamphere is the wildcard. The Rams are a sleeper especially in the hurdles. This regional could come down to the field events where Ferndale could get some points in the throws. I would give a slight edge to the Yellow Jackets, just a little too much balance right now.
Regional 19 at Williamston
PONTIAC
Williamston
Corunna
Flint Powers
Flint
Fowlerville
Goodrich
Haslett
Lake Fenton
Lansing Eastern
Lansing Sexton
Linden
Brandon
Owosso
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
St. Johns
BOYS PREVIEW: This is shaping up to be a very interesting regional in Ingham County. This looks like it could be a two team regional. Linden is loaded in the distance. Corunna has a very strong sprinting, throwing, and hurdle core. Flint Powers is the wildcard and could spoil some things. The Cavaliers is the early favorite because of their sprinting, throwing and hurdle core. If they can get just enough distance to neutralize the Eagles then they should win this regional.
GIRLS PREVIEW: This is shaping up to be a very interesting three team regional. Linden has the sprints to do very well in this meet. Fowlerville has a very strong hurdle program and could make some noise. Goodrich is another program to watch with them loaded in the relays. If this comes down to the field events I would give an edge to the Martians to win this regional. Goodrich is the favorite to win this regional but Fowlerville and Linden are right there in the mix.
The Blue Lakes Fire in the northern Lower Peninsula now is 75 percent contained and estimated at about 2,200 acres, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
