Keep Animals Safe this Valentine’s Day Holiday

Keep Animals Safe this Valentine’s Day Holiday

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For immediate release: February 11, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

 MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Valentine’s Day Holiday

Share the love this holiday by keeping animals happy and healthy

LANSING, MI—As Michiganders prepare to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to share the love by keeping their animals healthy and safe.

“One of the best ways to show our pets some love this holiday is to make sure they don’t have any additional stress or discomfort,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they are fully vaccinated to making sure they don’t eat any unsafe treats, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals healthy this Valentine’s Day.”

Keep animals safe this holiday by following these five easy tips:

  • Treat them Right: Avoid feeding animals chocolate or other candy.

While it may be tempting to share a sweet treat with your animals, they cannot enjoy all the same foods we do. Any type of chocolate or treat sweetened with xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals. Instead of these sweets, stick to their normal treats.

  • Avoid Temptations: Keep holiday decorations out of reach.

Gift wrap, ribbons, and balloons can make a celebration special, but they can also catch the eye of our pets. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles as curious paws and excited tails should not be near an open-flame unsupervised.

  • Build a Better Bouquet: Make sure all arrangements are pet friendly.

Whether flowers and plants are given as a gift or used as a decoration, not all of these plants are safe for your animals. Flowers with thorns (like roses) can cause injury if bitten, swallowed, or stepped on; and certain floral varieties (like lilies, chrysanthemums, and tulips) can be dangerous for pets if they are ingested. Keep these items away from pets and make arrangements with plants that are not toxic to animals.

  • Share the Love, Not the Germs: Take steps to keep animals healthy.

Healthy animals begin with setting healthy boundaries. Make sure your animals do not have contact with wildlife or other animals of unknown health status, drink from puddles or other open sources of water, or ingest items you have not given them.

Also, vaccinations are central to animals’ preventative care as the vaccines can protect them against common diseases, such as rabies and distemper. Contact your veterinarian to ensure your animals’ vaccinations are complete and/or to schedule an appointment.

  • Be a Secret Admirer: Consider donating to the Animal Welfare Fund.

Not every animal has someone to be their Valentine as many are waiting at one of Michigan’s 212 registered animal shelters for their fur-ever home. When generous Michiganders check the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns, one hundred percent of the contributions go directly to these shelters to help them better care for local animals and support their broader community.

Consider donating to the fund to keep the good going by continuing to protect local animals and increasing their chances of adoption into a loving home.

These tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy throughout the holiday. If there are ever any concerns about your animals’ health now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian.

AG Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam

AG Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert about scammers impersonating government entities as residents continue to report a missed jury duty scam across the state, most recently in West Michigan. In this scam, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff’s Department call unsuspecting residents, falsely stating that they have failed to appear for jury duty and must immediately post bond.

Attorney General Nessel reminds residents that delinquent jurors are never contacted by phone to pay fines for missed jury duty. Official notifications are sent by mail with specific instructions on what to do next.

“Scammers use fear and intimidation as tactics to steal your hard-earned money,” Nessel said. “A government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a government agency and suspect it’s a scam, hang up and verify the agency’s contact information.”

If you are concerned that you are being targeted by a government imposter, you can protect yourself by doing your own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows you to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer.

Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it actually belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams. Attorney General Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.

For more details, view the Government Imposter Scams alert.

AG Launches Crime Victim Rights Webpage

AG Launches Crime Victim Rights Webpage

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Launches Crime Victim Rights Webpage

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently launched a webpage aimed at educating crime victims of their rights and guiding them through the legal process after a crime is reported. The webpage, as the Attorney General explains in a video, serves as a comprehensive resource, providing critical information to those affected by a crime.

“Ensuring crime victims have access to the support and information they need is one of my main goals as Michigan’s Attorney General,” Nessel said. “The Crime Victim Rights webpage will serve as a vital tool in empowering victims to report crimes, connecting them with resources, and guiding them through the legal process.”

The Crime Victim Rights webpage includes:

  • A list of victims’ rights;
  • Statewide victim support services and resources within the Department of Attorney General;
  • Information on crime victim compensation;
  • Guidance on victim advocates services; and
  • An overview of the legal process for felony and misdemeanor cases.

The Crime Victim Rights webpage can be found on the Department of Attorney General’s website.

Breaking down the federal funding challenges

Breaking down the federal funding challenges

 
MDOT header (SOM branding)Talking Michigan Transportation (TMT) banner with the Mackinac Bridge.

Breaking down the federal funding challenges for transportation

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Zach Rable, a federal policy specialist at the Michigan Department of Transportation, who talks about priorities for funding as a new Congress convenes.

US CapitolThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will expire in September 2026, and members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are in early discussions about the next reauthorization and what it should include. Three members of the committee are from Michigan: Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City.

Some key points from an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) analysis of the IIJA:

  • The IIJA reauthorizes surface transportation programs, with 34 percent more funding than the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act
  • The IIJA provided close to $500 billion for road and bridge programs in communities across America.
  • The act included 21 new DOT grant programs that will make targeted investments to repair bridges, improve the resiliency of our surface transportation system, and more.
  • These funds go a long way to address the $1.2 trillion, 10-year surface transportation funding gapthat ASCE identified in the 2021 Report Card.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025

Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025

Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025: A Global Forum for Automotive and Mobility Innovation
Post Date:02/05/2025 9:05 AM
  • This international business to business (B2B) forum, organized by Oakland County, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and advanced business events (abe), will explore cutting-edge topics such as transport electrification and batteries, hydrogen and sustainable propulsion, connectivity and cybersecurity, autonomous driving, urban infrastructure and more.
  • Attendees will encounter a full program of expert-led technical presentations, pre-arranged B2B meetings to connect buyers, suppliers and innovators, exhibitions of cutting-edge technologies and solutions, and participants from around the globe.
  • To register, go to michiganvehiclemeetings.com.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and advanced business events (abe), is proud to announce the second edition of the Vehicle & Transportation Technology Innovation Meetings (VTM Michigan), taking place April 23-24 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Mich.

This international business to business (B2B) forum will bring together leaders from the automotive and mobility sectors for two days of plenary conferences, B2B meetings, exhibitions and networking opportunities. The event will explore cutting-edge topics such as transport electrification and batteries, hydrogen and sustainable propulsion, connectivity and cybersecurity, autonomous driving, urban infrastructure and more.

“Oakland County and Michigan are leaders in mobility innovation, and VTM Michigan is a unique opportunity to showcase our successes on the world stage,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “With a history of automotive excellence and a thriving ecosystem of advanced technologies, we’re excited to welcome companies and innovators from across the globe to the heart of Southeast Michigan.”

Learn more about VTM Michigan during a free upcoming webinar presented by the MEDC at 9-9:30 a.m. Feb. 12. Advanced registration is required at medc.cventevents.com/event/VTM/summary.

To register for VTM Michigan 2025, click on michiganvehiclemeetings.com.

VTM Michigan 2025 builds on the success of the inaugural event in 2023, which brought together more than 320 attendees, 110 companies and delegations from more than 10 countries. The 2025 edition promises an expanded event, offering attendees opportunities to connect with suppliers, manufacturers and technology leaders driving the future of mobility.

“Whether you’re a startup, a tier supplier or a major OEM, VTM Michigan provides an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, discover new solutions, and drive the future of transportation,” said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development.

Attendees will encounter:

  • Technical Presentations: A full program of expert-led sessions on key challenges and advancements in mobility.
  • B2B Matchmaking: Pre-arranged meetings to connect buyers, suppliers and innovators.
  • Exhibitions: A showcase of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
  • Global Representation: Participants from countries including Austria, Germany, South Korea, Sweden, the UK, the USA and many more.

Michigan remains at the forefront of the mobility industry, with 26 OEMs headquartered or operating technology centers in the state and a $304 billion annual contribution to its economy. The state is also home to the largest concentration of mechanical, industrial and tool-and-die engineers in the nation, making it an epicenter for innovation and collaboration.