Whitmer Proclaims November as ‘Michigan Craft Beverage Month’

by orionontv | Nov 7, 2023 | Regional News

This message is being sent as a public service on behalf of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.

For immediate release: November 6, 2023
Program contact: Jenelle Jagmin, 517-930-0696
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

Governor Whitmer Proclaims November as ‘Michigan Craft Beverage Month’ as the Holiday Season Begins

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed November as Michigan Craft Beverage Month, recognizing Michigan’s robust craft beverage industry’s role in thriving economies and community vitality.

“Our craft beverage industry brings communities across America together and supports tens of thousands of good-paying jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “As governor and a lifelong fan of high-quality, Michigan-made products, I will continue taking action to grow our economy, invest in workforce development, and power our agriculture industry so these leading businesses can continue expanding right here in Michigan. Throughout Michigan Craft Beverage Month, I encourage Michiganders to join me in supporting Michigan’s craft beverage makers.”

Throughout Michigan Craft Beverage Month, Michiganders are encouraged to support local businesses by including Michigan-made craft beverages into their holiday meal plans, gift giving, and other memory-making activities with family and friends.

“The diversity and versatility of Michigan’s agriculture is on full display when it comes to our thriving craft beverage industry,” said Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and chair of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council. “The specialty crops our state is known for, like apples, hops, and grain, allow the craft beverage sector to create innovative and flavorful products, exclusive to Michigan.”

Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for the number of craft breweries, seventh for craft distilleries, and is a consistent national top producer of hard ciders. The state ranks ninth in the country for wine production, bottling more than 4 million gallons annually. With more than 300 breweries, 195 wineries, 85 distillers and 90 hard cideries across Michigan, the industry thrives at the intersection of agricultural business development, tourism, and community investment, both rural and urban.

Craft beverage businesses directly contribute to the economic vitality of communities. It’s common to see them revitalizing main street buildings and lesser developed industrial areas, often acting as an anchor for more development. Wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries also impact rural communities, creating jobs and bolstering tourism.

“Thank you to the Michiganders who are already steadfast ambassadors of our one-of-a-kind industry,” said Jenelle Jagmin, director of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council. “We ask you to share your support this holiday season, using your spending decisions to support local business and Michigan-made products. Happy Michigan Craft Beverage Month!”

To learn more about the Michigan Craft Beverage Council and find Michigan craft beverage businesses near you, visit michigancraftbeverage.com.

Gardeners, boaters, off-roaders: NotMISpecies webinars

by orionontv | Nov 2, 2023 | Recreation

News Release

Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Gardeners, boaters, off-roaders: NotMISpecies webinars just for you!

No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, you’re likely to cross paths with invasive species. Gardeners might find them in the well-manicured shrubs along a walkway. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can encounter thorny brush along the trails, and boaters face increasing numbers of invasive species fouling motors and limiting access to their favorite waterways.

Michigan’s NotMISpecies webinars are here with the latest information to help clear the way to outdoor enjoyment by showing how to manage and prevent the spread of invasive species, no matter where adventure takes you. Take advantage of these hourlong sessions and engage with experts on emerging issues across the state.

November

A box tree moth, with open white wings edged in brown, rests on a boxwood twig.

Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) was first detected in Michigan in fall 2022. This invasive pest, native to East Asia, poses a major threat to the boxwood plant, an ornamental shrub that is a valuable part of the U.S. (and Michigan) nursery and horticultural industry. Join Susie Iott, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development invasive species program specialist, for “Must You Find Another Shrubbery? Understanding the Impacts of Invasive Box Tree Moth in Michigan” (9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7). She’ll share information on box tree moth identification, its impacts and the state’s response to limit the spread of this invasive pest.

January

In the off-roading world, a muddy 4×4 is a badge of honor, but dirt, mud and trail debris also can carry invasive plant fragments and seeds from one beautiful landscape to another. When the North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area set its sights on educating motorized trail users about the importance of cleaning their vehicles, the question was, “How?” Join Vicki Sawicki, NCCISMA program coordinator, and technician Zach Peklo for “Dirt Never Hurt, but Invasive Species Do – Engaging ORVers to Stop Invasive Spread” (9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23). They will share unique approaches to reaching this transient and fast-moving audience and helping them embrace the beauty of clean rides.

February

Volunteers remove cattails and European frog-bit from shallow water near Alpena, Michigan.

European frog-bit was first detected in southeast Michigan in 1996 and has since spread along the coastal areas of lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan and to some inland lakes. Kevin Kapuscinski, associate professor and assistant director of research at Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education, has been studying the aquatic invasive plant and its effects on native ecosystems and water quality since 2019. In “What’s the Damage? Ecology and Effects of Invasive European Frog-bit in the St. Marys River” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7), he will share what’s been learned about plant reproduction, removal efforts and impacts based on research in the St. Marys River in the Upper Peninsula.

The series will take a break in December, leaving ample time to catch up on episodes you might have missed. Find recordings of all the past NotMISpecies webinars or register for new ones at Michigan.gov/EGLE/Outreach/Not-MI-Species-Webinar-Series.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the Michigan departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
BTM: Box tree moths are generally white with a brown border and a white “comma” on each forewing.

Cattails: Volunteers assist in removing invasive cattails and European frog-bit from the Duck Park shoreline in Alpena. Photo courtesy of Chris Engle, Huron Pines./

assistance to help keep your house warm in the winter

by orionontv | Nov 2, 2023 | Regional News

Friend ––

Winter in Michigan means many things for many people. For some folks it means ice fishing, outdoor hockey, and shoveling your driveway at five in the morning. But for far too many of our neighbors winter brings one constant burden — a heating bill that they can’t afford.

No one should have to choose between keeping their family warm or fed, especially when it’s dangerously cold outside. That’s why I’m excited to announce that Michigan is receiving more than $161 million in federal funding to help low-income families and individuals keep the heat on in the winter through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Click HERE or on the picture below to see if you’re eligible for LIHEAP assistance, and please pass along the link to anyone you may know who could benefit.

I worked to secure an additional $100 million for LIHEAP when we passed the bipartisan infrastructure law, and I’ll keep fighting to help ensure folks have the support they need to keep themselves, their families, and their homes safe when we experience dangerous temperatures.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan

Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

by orionontv | Nov 2, 2023 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 2, 2023

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov

MDHHS reminds Michigan residents to take
steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Families urged to check fuel burning appliances, install carbon monoxide
detectors as they turn back clocks for daylight saving time change

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges Michigan residents to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing CO detectors and making sure fuel burning appliances are properly working when turning back the clocks for the end of daylight saving time Sunday, Nov. 5.

CO is known as the “silent killer” as it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poisonous gas. Most CO poisonings take place at home and are caused by items that are not properly installed, cared for or vented, including furnaces, water heaters, generators, gas grills, dryers, lanterns, space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys and gas stoves. CO is a gas that forms whenever a fossil fuel is burned (charcoal, wood, propane, gasoline, etc.).

“Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors save lives,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer. “It is imperative that you have a functioning CO detector on every level of your home, and near every sleeping area.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year approximately 100,000 people across the country visit the emergency department for accidental CO poisoning. In 2020, the latest year that data are available from the MDHHS Michigan Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (MiTracking), there were 672 Michigan emergency department visits for CO poisoning.

CO poisoning can be prevented by practicing the safety tips listed below and knowing the symptoms of exposure. At high levels, CO can cause death within minutes. If you suspect you may be experiencing CO poisoning, or your CO detector alarm goes off, go outside immediately for fresh air, and THEN call 911.

“Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion and nausea,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “If you think you have been exposed, it is important to get into an area with fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.”

To protect yourself and your family from CO, follow these safety tips:

Make sure you have working CO detectors. Detectors on every level of your home, including the basement and near sleeping areas, are strongly recommended. Detectors can be purchased at most hardware and big box stores.
Change batteries every six months (fall and spring) and replace your CO detector every five years or according to manufacturer’s instructions. Daylight saving time is a good time each year to replace the batteries in your CO detector and push the “Test” button to be sure it’s working properly.
Where you have fuel burning devices, use a CO detector. Having a CO detector handy when using tents, cabins, RVs, and boats with enclosed cabins is a good safety practice.

Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected every year. Hire a professional to make sure it is functionally sound and vents properly outside the home.

Generators should be run at a safe distance (at least 20 feet) from the home. Never run a generator in the home, garage or right next to windows, doors or other enclosed spaces.
Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running in the garage, the garage door must be fully open to allow harmful fumes to escape.

Never run a gasoline or propane heater or charcoal, gas or wood grill inside your home or in any enclosed space, including a garage.

Visit Michigan.gov/MiTracking for more information and data about CO poisoning.

OC Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center Expands Hours

by orionontv | Nov 2, 2023 | Regional News

Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center Expands Hours for Public to Adopt Pets

Post Date:11/02/2023 10:04 AM

Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is now open Saturdays and later Tuesdays and Thursdays.
County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration worked with the Board of Commissioners to hire four additional employees to support the additional hours that the pet adoption center is open.
For more information about adopting a pet, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is now open on Saturdays and expanding its hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make it more accessible and convenient for people to adopt a pet or purchase a dog license.

The shelter has an unprecedented number of dogs and cats that need loving homes. In response, County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration worked with the Board of Commissioners to hire four additional employees to support the additional hours that the pet adoption center is open.

“There’s no better time to get a friend for life than right now,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We want to make it as convenient and accessible as possible for residents to head to the Pet Adoption Center and check out all the great dogs and cats, who are patiently awaiting their forever home.”

Beginning Nov. 4, Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition, the pet adoption center will be open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Nov. 7.

“We believe that by being open to the public on Saturdays and later two days during the week, we will enable the public to have additional opportunities to come to the shelter to interact with our adoptable pets and hopefully pick out a furever loving addition to their family,” said Bob Gatt, shelter manager.

Currently, there are at least 125 dogs and more than 80 cats available at the pet adoption center.

Dog licenses for 2024 are available beginning Dec. 1. Proof of a current rabies vaccine is required to purchase a license. The shelter is offering free rabies vaccines every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. until noon when the pet owner purchases a license at the same time.

The Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 42E, in Pontiac on the county government campus. To contact the pet adoption center, call 248-858-1070 or email petadoption@oakgov.com. For more information about adopting a pet, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption.

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