DNR News: Fisheries, trails, parks and more
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May 29, 2024
State Treasury Providing Individuals, Businesses Tax Relief
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167 State Treasury Department Providing Individuals, Businesses Tax Relief due to Governor’s Emergency Declaration in Southwest MichiganIndividuals, Businesses in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch and Cass Counties Can Request State Tax ReliefLANSING, Mich. – With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring a “state of emergency” for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch and Cass counties due to severe weather on May 7, the Michigan Department of Treasury is providing an opportunity for severe storm and tornado survivors to obtain tax relief. Individual and business taxpayers who reside in the emergency area can request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills, with penalties and interest waived. These four southwest Michigan counties have been severely affected by strong winds and tornadoes, causing damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. “Families and businesses in southwest Michigan need relief to recover from the severe storms and tornadoes,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Impacted individuals should not have to worry about paying a state tax bill or filing a state return – they need to focus on their recovery. If taxpayers need more time to file and pay because of the emergency, there will not be any late penalties or interest. We will get through this challenge together.” To request relief due to this emergency, individuals unable to meet filing or payment deadlines should contact Treasury at 517-636-4486. Businesses are asked to call 517-636-6925. In addition, affected taxpayers may write to Treasury to request emergency-related tax relief. When writing, the following must be included in the correspondence:
Taxpayers should send the completed correspondence to the following address: Michigan Department of Treasury Some taxpayers may receive a preliminary assessment notice before a tax relief request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone to resolve. To learn more about Michigan’s tax system, go to https://www.michigan.gov/ |
OC Rises from Silver to Gold in Environmental Leadership
Oakland County Rises from Silver to Gold in Environmental Leadership
Post Date:05/22/2024 1:00 PM
- Oakland County achieved gold status for exemplary action in the Michigan Green Communities program.
- The Oakland SAVES Grant Program committed more than $5 million in grants for energy-efficient upgrades to more than 1,050 homes.
- The county has planted hundreds of trees on campus and reduced fleet fuel consumption.
Pontiac, Mich., May 22, 2024 – Oakland County has risen from silver to gold certification for its environmental leadership from the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program.
“Through innovative initiatives like Oakland SAVES and our concerted efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, Oakland County is moving toward a greener, more sustainable future,” County Executive Dave Coulter said.
As part of the annual MGC Challenge, local governments can win bronze, silver, gold or platinum seals of achievement in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, and environmental justice. At the 2023 MGC Challenge, seven communities received bronze certification, 20 received silver certification, and 36 received gold certification.
The county earned gold by reaching sustainability goals in the following categories:
- Planning for inclusive and lasting impacts
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Responsibly managing materials
- Sustainable land use and economic development
- Improving health outcomes
- Protecting and conserving water resources
- Supporting clean and inclusive mobility
- Inspiring and mobilizing residents
“Oakland County’s elevation to gold certification in multiple environmental categories underscores our relentless pursuit of sustainability, resilience, and community well-being,” Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell said.
Environmental sustainability is one of the 8 Strategic Goals that guides Oakland County. In 2023, the Oakland County Office of Sustainability with Michigan Saves invested $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to create the grant program, Oakland SAVES (Simple Actions for Valuable Energy Savings). The program helped more than 1,050 households receive approval for energy- and money-saving home improvements, including attic insulation and ENERGY STAR furnaces. On the Oakland County campus, the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Facilities, Maintenance & Operations decreased its fleet’s fuel consumption, added electric and hybrid vehicles, and planted nearly 500 trees — all to reduce carbon emissions.
The MGC program is free to all local governments in Michigan. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Department of Transportation; the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at migreencommunities.com.
Summer Gasoline Rules Take Effect on Saturday
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| For immediate release: May 28, 2024 Media contact: Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151 Reminder: Summer Gasoline Rules Take Effect on Saturday, June 1 in Southeast MichiganLANSING, MI – Ozone monitoring will return to eight counties in Southeast Michigan as extra measures are implemented to lower smog levels in the area. Effective Saturday, June 1, 2024, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense gas that does not exceed 7.0 pounds per square inch vapor pressure. The summer gasoline program was introduced in 1996 due to monitored violations of the National Ambient Air Quality for ozone in the Detroit area, as outlined in the EPA’s Clean Air Act. Enforcing the low-RVP requirement by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development ensures Michigan continues to receive federal highway funding dollars. “Governor Whitmer has taken bold actions to protect Michigan’s environment, which we echo at MDARD,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Our department is committed to protecting Michigan’s environment as our industry continues to implement climate-smart practices focused on combating climate change in Michigan.” MDARD, as part of its duties under Michigan’s Motor Fuel Quality Act, Public Act 44 of 1984, is charged with enforcing ozone protection measures and assuring the quality of the gasoline being dispensed in the state. “Summer formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps prevent smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere,” said Craig VanBuren, Laboratory and Consumer Protection Bureau Director. “MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.” Anyone who suspects problems at the pump is encouraged to call MDARD’s 24-hour hotline for reporting complaints, 1-800-MDA-FUEL (1-800-632-3835). For information on gasoline, please visit: MDARD – Gasoline Information – michigan.gov For additional information on MDARD’s Weights and Measures Program, please visit: MDARD – Weights and Measures (michigan.gov) |
Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Ski Area Safety Board, Michigan Board of Accountancy, Michigan Board of Social Work, Michigan Board of Counseling, Suicide Prevention Commission, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, and Michigan Opioids Task Force. Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.
Michigan Aeronautics Commission
Ben Carter, of Farmington Hills, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Trinity Health. He is also a pilot and certified flight instructor. Carter received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Benjamin Carter is reappointed for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring May 27, 2028 The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state. The Commission is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Ski Area Safety Board Charles Gano, of Indian River, serves as general counsel at Boyne Resorts. Gano received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Miami University, and Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. Charles Gano is reappointed to represent the Central United States Ski Association for a term commencing June 9, 2024, and expiring June 8, 2028. Benjamin Bartz, of Wakefield, is the chief of mountain operations at Midwest Family Ski Resorts. Bartz received an associate’s degree in ski area management from Gogebic Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in ski area management from Northern Michigan University. Benjamin Bartz is appointed to represent Upper Peninsula Ski Area Managers for a term commencing June 9, 2024, and expiring June 8, 2028. Benjamin Bartz succeeds Samuel Bracket who has resigned.
The Michigan Ski Area Safety Board was created to license and regulate ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the operation of ski areas, surface and chair lifts, and rope tows. These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Michigan Board of Accountancy Jacquelyn Dupler, of Dewitt, is an attorney and shareholder at Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Dupler received a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and political science from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Jacquelyn Dupler is reappointed to represent a general public member who is an attorney for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
Charles L. Moore Jr., of Lansing, is a certified public accountant and owner of C.L. Moore & Associates. Moore received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Adrian College. Charles Moore is reappointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
The Michigan State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the certification, licensure, and regulation of certified public accountants and public accounting firms in Michigan.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Social Work
China Sells, of Grand Rapids, is a housing resource specialist at Inner City Christian Federation Community Homes. Sells is a graduate of Carthage Senior High School. China Sells is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Jasmine Calhoun whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Social Worker registers social workers in Michigan. Social Work is the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to counseling or to helping an individual, family, group, or community to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning and/or provide, obtain, or improve tangible social and health services.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Counseling
Roberto Overton, of Berrien Center, is a school-based therapist for InterCare Community Health Network. He has also worked as an academic advisor for Southwestern Michigan College and as an English as a second language interventionist at Benton Harbor Area Schools. Overton is both a national certified counselor and a licensed professional counselor. Overton received both a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Science in counseling and human services from Indiana University. Roberto Overton is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventative techniques to clients for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. Rotesa Baker, of Detroit, is an adjunct faculty member at Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University. She has also worked as a practicum site supervisor at Grand Canyon University, an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University, an associate faculty member at University of Phoenix, a licensed professional counselor at Oakland Psychological Clinic, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Detroit. Baker is a nationally licensed certified counselor. Baker received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and rehabilitation services from Florida State University, and a Master of Arts in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Rotesa Baker is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counseling for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. The Michigan Board of Counseling was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license counselors who render to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Suicide Prevention Commission Dr. Natalie Kasiborski, of Petoskey, is an assistant professor for Michigan State University’s Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, and a public health consultant. Additionally, she is the director of the Womens Resource Center of Northern Michigan and past director of the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan. Dr. Kasiborski received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. Dr. Natalie Kasuboski is appointed to represent a member nominated by the school community health alliance for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Dr. Natalie Kasiborski succeeds Debra Brinson whose term has expired. Gregory S. Ginebaugh, of Lansing, is fire chief and emergency manager for the Delta Township Fire Department. He was previously the deputy fire chief for the City of Kentwood Fire Department. Ginebaugh is also a program instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. Gregory S. Ginebaugh is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Sheriff Wilbur Yancer, of Lake City, is the Missaukee County Sheriff. Additionally, he is a certified police officer with over forty years of law enforcement experience, including working in all area’s including corrections, dispatch, patrol, investigations, and supervision. He previously served as the department honor guard, department marine division, and past coordinator of the Saginaw County Major Crimes Unit. Sheriff Yancer is reappointed to represent a member who is a suicide loss survivor and is nominated by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Frank K. Fischer, of Plymouth, is the executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan. He is also the executive director of The Dominique Fischer Memorial Foundation. Fischer received his Bachelor of Arts in business management from Western Michigan University. Fischer is reappointed to represent a national health care system whose work in this state focuses on providing comprehensive behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults throughout this state for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Dr. Kenneth Wolf, of West Bloomfield, is the CEO of the Incident Management Team. He is a licensed psychologist and has served as police psychologist, special deputy sheriff for Wayne County, as well as a psychological consultant for the Detroit Police Department. Dr. Wolf received a Bachelor of Arts in government from Columbia College and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wayne State University. Dr. Kenneth Wolf is reappointed to represent a member who is experienced in crisis intervention for suicide response and is nominated by the Police Officers Association of Michigan for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. This Suicide Prevention Commission works with state departments, and agencies, and nonprofit organizations on researching the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in this state. These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science Brian Joseph, of St. Claire Shores, is the owner of Chas. Verheyden, Inc., a southeast Michigan funeral home and cremation service. Joseph received an associate’s degree in pre-mortuary science from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science from Wayne State University. He is a licensed mortician of the State of Michigan. Brian Joseph is reappointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1st, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Michigan Opioids Task Force Bradley Casemore, of Battle Creek, is the chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. He also is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a former member of the Opioid Advisory Commission. Casemore received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology, a Master of Social Work in administration, and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Bradley Casemore is reappointed to represent PIHP region 4 for a term commencing June 15, 2024, and expiring June 14, 2028. Kristie Schmiege, of Royal Oak, is the director of strategic initiatives at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Greater Detroit Area. Schmiege received a Bachelor of Science in clinical-community psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint, and a Master of Public Health from University of the Michigan School of Public Health. Kristie Schmiege is reappointed to represent PIHP region 8 for a term commencing June 15, 2024, and expiring June 14, 2028. The Michigan Opioids Task Force was created as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of 12 members of the executive branch of state government. Members of the Task Force are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director of the Department shall designate the chairperson of the Task Force. These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. |