Emergency lane and ramp closures are currently being set up at WB I-96/M-14 at the I-275 interchange due to the poor conditions of the roads:
* *WB I-96/M-14 from I-275 to Sheldon Road will be reduced to 1 LANE.*
* *SB I-275 ramp to WB M-14 will be CLOSED*
These areas would have been closed within the next few weeks/months for reconstruction but the recent extreme weather changes have caused major deterioration of the roads and they must be closed, as soon as possible, *around noon time today.*
The detour for the SB I-275 ramp closure to WB M-14 is to continue further south to WB I-94 to NB US-23 to M-14.
Project information can be found at M14Reconstruction.org.
*Give plows space; it’s not a race.*
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“Individuals and Businesses Eligible in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph Counties”
*Key Points:*
* “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties to assist with recovery efforts after severe storms and tornadoes on March 6, 2026.”
* “Individuals and businesses in these Southwest Michigan counties can request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills, with penalties and interest waived.”
* “Taxpayers must request tax extension relief through the Michigan Department of Treasury by using online systems, corresponding through the U.S. Postal Service or calling by phone.”
Individual and business taxpayers in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties may now request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills. Penalties and intertest will be waived for those who qualify.
This relief follows Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s March 8 declaration of a state of emergency for the three counties [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIEOG/bulletins/40d3f83?reqfrom=share ] to assist with response and recovery efforts. The severe storms and four confirmed tornadoes caused significant damage to homes, business and public infrastructure.
“Natural disasters create unexpected personal and financial stress,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “By offering additional time to file tax returns or meet other payment deadlines, individuals and businesses can focus on recovering and restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives. Affected taxpayers should reach out to us to learn more about the process for obtaining this relief.”
The tax extension relief is not automatic. Taxpayers must contact Treasury online, by U.S. Postal Service or phone to request relief.
When requesting tax extension relief, the following must be included:
* Name and account number of the individual or business taxpayer.
* A description of how the taxpayer was affected by the severe weather.
* Taxpayer or tax preparer address within the emergency area.
Requests for state tax extension relief can be submitted online:
Taxpayers opting to send their request through the U.S. Postal Service should use the following address:
Michigan Department of Treasury
Attn: Disaster Tax Relief
Lansing, Michigan 48922
Taxpayers can inquire about state individual income tax extension relief by phone at 517-636-4486. For business taxes, taxpayers should contact 517-636-6925.
Some taxpayers may receive a preliminary assessment notice before a tax extension relief request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone for a resolution.
Specific details related to the types of individual and business state tax extension relief available can be found in a Treasury-issued Taxpayer Notice [ https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/reference/taxpayer-notices/march-2026-severe-storms-and-tornado-notice ]. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact the Internal Revenue Service about federal tax extension relief options.
*Gov. Whitmer Announces 13 New Jobs Coming to the Upper Peninsula, $1.2 Million Expansion Project in Mellen Township*
*LANSING, Mich. *– Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Menco, LLC is relocating their machining facility to Mellen Township in Menominee County. The company’s relocation will generate at least $1.2 million and create 13 new, good-paying jobs in the area.
“Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects in next-generation industries,” said *Governor Whitmer. *“Today’s announcement will create 13 new good-paying jobs and help cement Michigan as the best place for manufacturing. Let’s keep working together to show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”
“Today’s announcement reflects the company’s commitment to investing in hardworking communities and building long-term economic opportunity in the region,” said *Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President of Regional Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation*. “By establishing their operations here, they are creating good-paying jobs and contributing to the growth and stability of the Upper Peninsula. Welcome to Team Michigan!”
*Menco, LLC* [ https://menco.com/ ], is a CNC machining and custom fabrication business that began operations in Wisconsin in 2021. The company has recently announced their plans to relocate from Wisconsin to Mellen Township in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to consolidate operations and expand their capabilities with additional machinery and equipment. This move will strengthen the company’s ability to serve existing and new customers in the region.
“I’m looking forward to moving to Michigan and continuing to grow Menco LLC,” said *Adam Menor, General Manager of Menco LLC*. “Thanks to Team Michigan, as they were easy to work with and made the decision to move to Michigan easier.”
This move will generate approximately $1,225,000 in capital investment and create at least 13 new jobs with starting wages of $21.00 per hour plus benefits, above the regional median wage. The Michigan Strategic Fund provided support for this move with a Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant in the amount of $100,000. In addition, Michigan Works! will support the company with a workforce proposal that will aid in talent recruitment and workforce development, with an estimated value of $188,754. InvestUP will also support the project with staff time and resources.
“We are grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for awarding Menco LLC a $100,000 Business Development Program grant. This investment accelerates the expansion from Wisconsin into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and strengthens the company’s commitment to creating long term economic opportunity in Menominee County,” added *Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP*. “We’re honored by MEDC’s confidence in this vision and excited to build a future that benefits both the company and the community.”
The company also considered an additional site in Wisconsin, but ultimately, it was Team Michigan’s approach to supporting small businesses and providing tailored solutions that secured this win.
Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as milestones are reached, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature.
Food Drive Collects Record $17,000 for Oxford/Orion FISH
*ORION TOWNSHIP, MI – February 20, 2026* – Orion Neighborhood Television https://orionontv.org/ontv-food-drive has concluded its 16th
annual Food Drive for the Oxford/Orion FISH Food Pantry https://oxfordorionfish.org/ with historic results, raising
more than $17,000 in cash donations. This total more than doubles the
event’s initial $8,000 goal and sets a new all-time record for the annual
televised fundraiser.
The five-day drive, which ran from February 2 through February 6, featured
live studio programming including check presentations, resident-led
segments, and performances. The event was broadcast across multiple
platforms, including Comcast Channel 10, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and the ONTV
YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@OrionONTV/videos.
“The support from our business community and residents really came through
this year,” said Ian Locke, ONTV Executive Director “Many are experiencing financial strain, yet the community’s overwhelming
generosity has allowed us to far exceed our collection goals at a time when
FISH is needed more than ever”.
The funds raised will help restock the pantry’s shelves following the
high-demand holiday season, bridging the gap until the next major food
drive in the spring.
How to Continue Supporting Oxford/Orion FISH:
While the televised event has concluded, the need for support remains
year-round:
Monetary donations can be made securely at https://www.oxfordorionfish.org.
Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the ONTV studio located at
1349 Joslyn Rd.
About Orion Neighborhood Television (ONTV)
ONTV is Orion’s community access television station, dedicated to
empowering residents to create and connect through local media production.
About Oxford/Orion FISH
Oxford/Orion FISH is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization providing
emergency food aid to families in Oxford, Lake Orion, Addison, and Oakland
Township. For assistance, call 248-628-3933.
