by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Scouting
Scouts honor new commodore for Sea Scouting
Brandon Kathman | District Executive
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Michigan Crossroads Council
The Boy Scouts of America honored local volunteer Wayne Hastings with the National Sea Scout Award in a virtual ceremony on May 21, commending him for his work with young people.
Hastings has also been appointed commodore of the Sea Scouting program in National Service Territory 9, which spans Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Sea Scouting, while founded on the same core principles as traditional Scouting, places particular emphasis on boating and water-based activities.
“I have a real love for sailing and a real love of Scouting, and this is where they come together,” Hastings said.
A member of the Port Huron Yacht Club, Hastings volunteers with local Sea Scout Ship 109. In addition to nautical know-how, Hastings said he enjoys teaching youth leadership skills, which they will use throughout their lives. Ship 109 meets several times each month, and occasionally the youth help crew racing vessels during the club’s regattas
“It’s a different program, but all the Scouting values are the same,” Hastings said. “Being safe on the water is a lifelong skill living in Michigan. Knowing how to be safe on the water can save your child’s life or equip them to save someone else’s life.”
An Eagle Scout himself, Hastings grew up in Nebraska and was never exposed to the Sea Scouts as a youth. After learning about the program through friends at the yacht club, Hastings accepted a position as unit commissioner for ships in the Blue Water District, which covers the Thumb’s eastern coastline.
“Wayne is a fantastic volunteer and ambassador for the Scouting movement,” Christa Warner, executive for the Blue Water District, said. “We are so lucky to have him, and we are proud of all he has achieved.”
Eventually, Hastings became involved with the National Sea Scout Committee and helped to found new ships. He also serves as assistant council commissioner for the Michigan Crossroads Council.
“Now that I’m retired, Scouting is my full-time hobby,” Hastings said.
To learn more about the local Sea Scout program or other opportunities in Scouting, contact the district office at (810) 841-5568.
by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Recreation
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DNR News
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 May 20, 2022
Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-582-3209, or Mike Smalligan, 517-449-5666
Join Mi Trees and plant a tree (or trees!) for the future
More than 50,000 trees already have been planted and mapped statewide
Want to help Michigan with cleaner air and water? Want to provide cooling summer shade and a haven for wildlife?
Start with a tree. Pick one out at your local nursery, plant it and then pin it on the DNR’s interactive map!
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites residents to help in planting 50 million trees by 2030 through our Mi Trees campaign. Whether you have a family forest plot handed down through generations or a small city lot, a new tree (or trees!) can make a big difference in your landscape.
“Michigan’s natural beauty and resources are the pride and joy of every Michigander,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “To protect our state’s green spaces, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Michiganders to join the Mi Trees campaign, helping to plant 50 million trees by 2030. If you’re interested in being a part of this statewide effort, plant your own tree, and log it online through the DNR website. As governor, I’ll keep working across the aisle to make bold investments in our parks and public lands, including the $450 million investment we made in our state and local parks earlier this year—the largest one-time investment ever—in the Building Michigan Together Plan.”
One state, global effort
Mi Trees is part of 1T.org, a global effort to plant more trees to help communities adapt to the world’s changing climate. Since Michigan’s campaign launched on Arbor Day, nearly 270 planters have pinned over 50,000 trees on our map!
The DNR plans to plant more than 6 million trees this year on state forest land. The department typically plants millions of trees a year. |
Help your trees thrive
“To make sure new trees stay healthy, plant them correctly and water through the summer,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry coordinator for the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.
- Spring and fall are best for planting trees. Staff at local nurseries can help you choose a tree from their inventories that will thrive where you want to put it.
- Consider the size your tree will be when it is fully grown and plant an appropriate distance from your house or other buildings and away from power lines. These tips from the Arbor Day Foundation can help you make the right selection.
- Consider planting native trees, which provide food and cover for wildlife.
- Water your tree daily during the first week, then weekly afterward. You want a balance; enough water but not too much. If the ground feels wet, you may not need to water.
- Once you plant your tree, go to our interactive online map and log in your tree.
For more information on how the DNR takes care of state forests, visit Michigan.gov/Forestry.
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by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Regional News
Oakland County Extends Free Rabies Vaccine with Dog License Purchase Through End of June
- Free rabies vaccine clinics Tuesday mornings throughout June.
- Animal shelter will waive dog license delinquency fee for pet owners who participate.
- No appointment necessary.
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center has extended its offer of a free rabies vaccine with the purchase of a dog license on Tuesday mornings through the end of June. Pet owners who take advantage of the offer also will not have to pay the dog license delinquency fee which begins after June 1.
Free rabies vaccines with the purchase of a dog license have been available at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Pontiac from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays since April. To date, 375 pet owners have opted into the deal.
“Protecting your dog against rabies also protects your family and neighbors,” said Bob Gatt, Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center manager. “We don’t want the cost of the rabies vaccine to be a barrier for anyone getting a dog license.”
If a dog is spayed or neutered, a dog license costs $15 for one year or $40 for three years. For a dog that is not spayed or neutered, those fees rise to $25 or $70, respectively. The three-year license requires a three-year rabies vaccine. Pet owners must bring proof of a prior rabies vaccination to get the three-year vaccine.
After June 1, dog license fees rise to $40 for a spayed or neutered dog for one year, $55 for a spayed or neutered dog for three years, and $85 for a non-spayed or unneutered dog for three years.
Michigan law requires licenses for all dogs as a public health measure to ensure dogs have their rabies vaccines. Plus, it makes it easier to return strays to their owners. For more information, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption or call 248-858-1070.
About Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center
Since 1980, the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center has been helping animals by providing shelter and care while attempting to reunite them with their owners or to find new homes. The shelter handles more than 4,000 animals per year. The new state-of-the-art shelter is located at 1200 North Telegraph, Building 42 East, in the city of Pontiac on the Oakland County Government campus. The shelter is 35,000 square feet and provides the very best in industry standards to the animals residing here.
by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2022
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, WuthC@michigan.gov
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose
authorized for children ages 5 to 11;
Those 12 and older and immunocompromised or age 50 and older
should receive a second booster dose
LANSING, Mich. – Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announces Michiganders ages 5 through 11 are eligible for a booster vaccine five months after receiving their primary series. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently authorized for those under age 18. COVID-19 booster doses may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.
“We are excited for continuing developments in our fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We have safe and effective tools to prevent severe outcomes and this booster is another way to combat this virus and keep our children and vulnerable populations protected. Children ages 5 through 11 may now receive a booster dose five months after their primary series. It is important that all Michiganders ages 5 and up get vaccinated if they aren’t already, and we urge everyone to stay up-to-date on vaccines.”
Symptoms may vary when children are infected with COVID-19, and unvaccinated children can still infect those around them even if they are not showing symptoms. Getting children vaccinated and boosted helps keep communities safe.
The CDC is also strengthening its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised, and those 50 years and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first booster dose.
When getting a booster dose, you’re encouraged to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card or immunization record to show the vaccine provider. Downloadable immunization records are accessible for adults 18 and older free of charge at the Michigan Immunization Portal. Visit Michigan.gov/MiImmsportal and upload a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport. If you do not have records in the portal or are seeking records for a child under 18 years of age, contact a health care provider or local health department.
To date over 6.7 million Michiganders ages 5 and up have gotten at least their first dose of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Eligible Michiganders are encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, which includes booster doses that provide extra protection, and residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks can spread quickly and extra protection is strongly recommended.
MDHHS also encourages Michigan residents to pay attention to local guidance as some communities may be at a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission.
To schedule a primary or booster dose of the COVID vaccine, visit vaccines.gov.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.
For more information about COVID-19 in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus. |
by Becky Andrus | May 19, 2022 | Regional News
Media contact:
AG Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 19, 2022
AG Nessel Joins Bipartisan Coalition Working to Protect Trafficking Survivors
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition of 41 attorneys general in asking the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to support the intent of the Debt Bondage Repair Act in the agency’s rulemaking implementing recent amendments to Section 605C of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The Debt Bondage Repair Act was signed into law in December 2021 and prohibits credit rating agencies from providing consumer reports that contain negative items about human trafficking survivors from any period during which the individual was being trafficked. It is a common tactic of traffickers to strip their victims of their financial independence or stability in order to keep them trapped. Even after they escape their trafficking, these survivors are often left with a wrecked credit history that leaves them unable to rent an apartment, purchase a car, or find employment.
“I remain committed to using a victim-centered approach with human trafficking survivors,” Nessel said. “It would be contrary to this approach to allow victims harmed by human trafficking to be further harmed – this time financially – by unauthorized debt taken out in their name by their traffickers. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting the Debt Bondage Repair Act because one of the first steps in recovering from the ordeal of human trafficking victimization is regaining financial independence.”
As the Attorneys General note in their letter: “More than 1 in 4 survivors of human trafficking reported that a bank account or credit card which was opened in their name was then used or controlled by their trafficker. Traffickers can then mismanage the victim’s account, resulting in harm to their credit. This harm can linger for years after survivors have escaped their trafficking. Restoring financial independence is a crucial component of a survivor’s recovery. By regaining control over their finances, survivors reclaim and reassert their personhood in defiance of their traffickers. This takes bravery and time. Without some mechanism to help them, negative consumer reports that resulted from their trafficking become an almost insurmountable obstacle to simple tasks, like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, and applying for a job – all foundational steps as they try to get back on their feet. We welcome the Bureau’s proposal to implement the prohibition against reporting adverse information resulting from trafficking and to establish a method for submitting broadly-defined documentation of that trafficking, as contemplated by the Debt Bondage Repair Act.”
The letter was signed by Attorneys General of Delaware, Mississippi, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
