by orionontv | Apr 2, 2025 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 2, 2025
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AG Nessel Issues New Consumer Alert on Genetic Testing Services
Attorney General Nessel emphasized in her alert the difference between genetic testing conducted for medical purposes by health care providers and testing performed by private direct-to-consumer genetic testing services.
“While DNA testing conducted for medical purposes by a health care provider is strongly protected by federal privacy laws, results from private direct-to-consumer genetic services are not considered medical records and lack these legal protections,” Nessel said. “Amid the 23andMe bankruptcy, consumers should be mindful of the potential risks of these private services and take steps to protect their data.”
After creating an account and receiving their report, some commercial genetic testing customers may have no more use for the service. They should consider deleting their accounts. Then they should request the destruction of any stored data.
To prevent unauthorized access or misuse of their data, account holders should:
- Take steps to delete their account from the company’s website.
- Request the destruction of their genetic data.
- Revoke permission for genetic data to be used in research, if applicable.
Most genetic testing services should have instructions for completing the above actions on their website.
Consumers who suspect their genetic data has been compromised can report their concerns to the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:
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by orionontv | Apr 1, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Tuesday April 1st at 1:40 PM
The Maples have a new baseball coach according to the MHSAA website.
Seaholm named Steve Oshinsky their new head coach. He takes over for John Toth who stepped down after nine years coaching the program.
Toth led the Maples to a 24-11 record last season and his best season was a 26-5 record with a Division One State Regional Semifinal appearance. He was 29-48 in his seven years but 50-16 his final two years.
It will be very interesting to see what Oshinsky does with Seaholm after the success they have had recently.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.
Seaholm Baseball website MHSAA
https://www.mhsaa.com/schools/seaholm/boys/varsity/baseball/2024
by orionontv | Apr 1, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Monday March 31st at 8:38 PM
Waterford Kettering has their new boys basketball coach as they are about to enter the OAA this winter.
The Captains named Rex Walters as their new boys basketball coach.
“Big thank you to AD Shayne Hynes, Principal Ben Harwood, and Waterford district AD Alison Sartorius and the search committee for the opportunity to work with the young men at Waterford Kettering. Excited to get to work and get back on the Basketball Court” Walters said on X.
Walters takes over for Coach Steve Emert who stepped down earlier in the month. Emert went 9-81 in his four years with the Captains which also went 2-44 in the last two years.
Walters will have an experienced team in Jordan Jarrell, Gustas Garbenis, Haiden Bigelow, Braycen Harrington, Dylan Hamel, Josh Wagner, Jessie Redick, Brycen Land, Jack Buczek and Katim Jallow coming back.
Walters is the father of former Adams standout Gunner Walters and Clarkston standout Ace Walters.
He played at Northwestern and Kansas and played in the NBA for ten years with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and the Miami Heat. He coached the Detroit Pistons G-League team in Grand Rapids along with assistant coaching jobs with the New Orleans Pelicans and served as an assistant at Nevada and at Wake Forest. He was also the acting head coach for a time at Florida Atlantic and San Francisco according to MIPrepZone’s Matt Mowery.
This looks to be a home run hire with Walters taking over the program. Waterford Kettering is in a long rebuild and entering a new league is going to be a challenge. It will be very interesting to see what Walters does with the Captains.
Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on the developing story.
Walters Tweet on X
https://x.com/CoachRexWalters/status/1906846531304456534
MIPrepZone Story.
https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2025/03/31/kettering-hires-former-college-nba-player-coach-rex-walters-as-boys-hoops-coach/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=social&utm_content=tw-MIPrepZone&utm_source=twitter.com
by orionontv | Apr 1, 2025 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 1, 2025
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Consumers Energy Announces New Electric Rate Hike Case Just 7 Days Following Approval of $154 Million Increase
By law, utility companies can only file rate hike requests once every 12 months, as measured from the day they file their rate hike application. Friday’s filed announcement comes 364 days since the filed announcement in Consumers’ last rate hike case, and their intended application date of June 2 would come a mere 366 days since they filed their last rate hike application.
“By allowing Consumers Energy and DTE to file a new rate hike every twelve months, the State is allowing these billion-dollar businesses to ask for more and more before anyone can even gauge the impact of the previous rate hike,” said Nessel. “Meaning they’re back asking for more money before anybody knows if their proposed investments made any difference in reliability or affordability for customers.”
While it remains unknown how many additional millions of dollars Consumers Energy will seek to bill from their customers in this upcoming rate hike request, the utility corporation opened their previous cases seeking to hike residential electric rates by 8.2% in 2024 and nearly 5% in 2023. A summary of Consumers Energy’s new rate hike request is expected to be filed before the formal application, which the corporation indicates it will file in June.
“Consumers Energy just got the green-light to raise electric rates, and one week later they’re back with their hands out before putting any of their new earnings to work for their customers,” Nessel continued. “My office will continue to hold Consumers Energy and DTE accountable before the Commission, and expose again and again the unjustifiable costs they try, perennially, to foist upon their bill-paying customers.”
The Attorney General has saved Michigan consumers more than $3.7 billion by intervening in utility cases before the MPSC. Consumers Energy sells electricity to approximately 1.9 million customers throughout Michigan and natural gas to 1.8 million customers across the state.
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by orionontv | Mar 27, 2025 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces 240 New Jobs in Kent & Oakland Counties
OVD Insurance announces acquisition of Grand Rapids building, creates 131 new jobs and TYC Americas establishes new facility in Wixom, creates 109 new jobs
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two business expansion projects in key industries that will help create 240 new jobs and result in nearly $31 million in capital investment in Kent and Oakland counties. OVD Insurance is announcing the acquisition of a new building in downtown Grand Rapids to accommodate significant growth with their customer base. In Wixom, TYC Americas is announcing a new facility to service their customer base and onshore their manufacturing operations from China and Taiwan to Michigan.
“Today’s expansions by OVD Insurance and TYC Americas will create 240 new, good-paying jobs in and drive nearly $31 million of investment in Grand Rapids and Wixom,” said Governor Whitmer. “Both these companies are betting on Michigan and doubling down on our state because of our strong network of talent and quality of life. Together, let’s keep growing our professional services industry and competing against other states and nations to bring advanced manufacturing home.”
“Today’s announcements by OVD Insurance and TYC Americas highlight Michigan’s economic diversity and these company’s steadfast commitment to Making it in Michigan,” said Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President, Regional Prosperity at the MEDC. “As we continue executing the Make it in Michigan economic development strategy by focusing on People, Places, and Projects, we stand at the ready to help support companies looking to create new jobs, invest in Michigan and help drive economic resiliency in every corner of the state.”
OVD Insurance is a full-service, independent insurance brokerage located in Wyoming, MI that has experienced significant growth, having doubled in the last five years. To accommodate its growth, OVD Insurance in partnership with CWD Real Estate Investment is announcing the purchase of the 7-story, 99,000 square-foot office building located at 37 Ottawa Avenue Northwest in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. OVD, with offices in Grand Rapids, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh, as well as partnerships in Dallas and Nashville, plans to make significant investments into the building throughout 2025 and anticipates their move to be late Q3 or Q4 this year.
“Being part of Grand Rapids’ ongoing growth is an exciting opportunity. Through this move, we’re grateful to partner with CWD, The Right Place, the City of Grand Rapids, and the MEDC,” said Josh Van Vels, President of OVD Insurance. “This relocation marks a significant milestone for OVD, reflecting our commitment to the next phase of our company’s evolution. This new location is more than just an office — it’s an investment in our culture, our people, and the future of OVD Insurance.”
“We are in the people business,” Van Vels adds. “We have world-class people, and we’re committed to attracting and retaining top talent.”
Today’s announcement is anticipated to result in the capital investment of at least $12,040,000 and the creation of at least 131 new jobs with the support of the Michigan Strategic Fund in the form of a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Attracting world-class talent was a key driving factor in their decision to select Michigan.
“West Michigan is continually growing as a competitive place for businesses to thrive and for young workers to secure good-paying jobs and put down roots — and investments like this $1 million business development grant make all the difference in ensuring we can continue building on this economic progress here in Grand Rapids,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Congratulations to the grant recipient, Wyoming’s very own OVD Insurance. Let’s keep working together to bring more new jobs, businesses, and capital investment home to West Michigan.”
“It’s exciting to see a West Michigan company making intentional investments in their community,” said state Representative Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids). “As we work hard in Lansing to attract high paying, long term jobs it’s also important that we recognize the local companies who are already doing the work so that we can find ways to support them as well.”
With rapid upward mobility opportunities, new jobs will have starting wages of $30.00 per hour, noticeably above the regional median wage of $21.97. In addition, the company provides employees with a robust benefits package.
“We’re excited OVD Insurance has chosen to grow their headquarters in the heart of Grand Rapids,” said Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place, Inc. “OVD’s decision to locate their corporate HQ in the city will bring more energy to an already vibrant downtown and speaks to the region’s ability to attract the highly skilled talent our companies need to thrive.”
For those interested in pursuing a career with OVD Insurance, please click <HERE.>
TYC Americas is a supplier of automotive lighting products for two- and four-wheel vehicles and is one of the world’s largest vehicle equipment manufacturers and worldwide supplier to both OEMs and replacement aftermarket companies.
“TYC is proud to announce the opening of the Michigan Mobility Center in Wixom,” noted John Kovalik, TYC Americas OEM Operations and Strategy. “This site will expand our global reach with world class Engineering and Manufacturing.
The company is announcing they are establishing a new facility in Wixom to service current and future customers throughout North America that will bring manufacturing operations from China and Taiwan to Michigan. The expansion project is expected to generate $18,750,000 in capital investment along with the creation of 109 new jobs paying between $24 and $55 per hour plus benefits, which is above the regional median wage of $23.73 per hour.
The company evaluated moving their new facility to Georgia near an existing customer base and company site, however, Michigan was chosen due to access to Michigan’s world-class talent pool and the elimination of supply chain issues from overseas. Today’s announcement was supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) through a $981,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. In addition to MSF support, the company is partnering with Oakland County Michigan Works! to attract, manage, and retain talent.
“The City of Wixom is thrilled to welcome TYC Americas and their new research and development hub to the community. They have a beautiful facility, and we’re excited to support their growth and success over the coming years,” said Drew Benson, Assistant City Manager & Director of Economic Development for the City of Wixom. “There is a long history of high-end manufacturers like TYC finding success in Wixom, and we sincerely appreciate TYC’s innovative presence and significant investment into our community.”
The company’s parent, TYC Brother Industrial, was founded in Taiwan in 1964. In 1991 they began doing business in the United States and today have five distribution centers with approximately 150 employees, 10 of which are Michigan residents.
For those looking to pursue a career with TYC Americas, please click <HERE.>
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by orionontv | Mar 26, 2025 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[DATE]
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Michigan Treasury Reminds Seniors About Tax Credits and Other Benefits
Tax Professionals Can Help Connect Eligible Individuals with Tax Programs.
LANSING, Mich. – Older Michiganders have important tax credits and subtractions they can use this tax season to lower their tax bill or provide a refund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
These eligible benefits include the Homestead Property Tax Credit, the Home Heating Credit and the Retirement and Pension Benefits Subtraction. Often, uninformed individuals may miss permitted tax deductions.
“I encourage seniors to seek out a qualified tax professional and investigate the Michigan tax benefits they may be eligible to receive,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “You may qualify for low to no cost tax assistance from IRS-trained and certified volunteers. Taking advantage of tax programs and available resources can lead to more income for groceries, prescriptions, housing costs and other needs on a fixed income.”
Homestead Property Tax Credit
The Homestead Property Tax Credit is a benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters, helping to pay some of the property taxes billed.
This credit can be filed up to four years from the year it could be claimed and the maximum credit amount may be adjusted annually.
Details about your income, property and living situation impact the allowable credit amount. For guidance, visit Treasury’s new Homestead Property Tax Credit webpages.
Home Heating Credit
The Home Heating Credit is a tax benefit for qualified Michigan homeowners and renters with low to moderate income, helping to pay some of their heating expenses.
The maximum credit a taxpayer can claim may change each year. For qualifications and guidance, visit Treasury’s Home Heating Credit webpages.
Individuals who do not qualify for the Home Heating Credit may qualify for other assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with high energy bills, shut off notices and home energy repairs.
Retirement and Pension Benefits Subtraction
For retirees, the Retirement and Pension Benefits Subtraction is a reduction of all eligible retirement income from your Michigan taxable income. Retirement income is reported on Form 1099-R for federal tax purposes and includes defined benefit pensions, IRA distributions and most payments from defined contribution plans.
Tax Year 2024 is the second year of the retirement tax rollback phase-in. This new law allows you to choose the most advantageous subtraction for your retirement and pension benefits.
For qualifications and guidance, visit Treasury’s refreshed Retirement and Pension Benefits webpages. These pages include a Retirement and Pension Estimator that can help individuals determine the eligible deduction and subtraction with the greatest value.
Need Filing Assistance?
For assistance filing a tax return, seniors are encouraged to visit michiganfreetaxhelp.org, irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1. Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about tax support and services available in your area.
In addition, electronic filing and direct deposit is fast, convenient, and safe. Details are available at mifastfile.org.
Allow at least 4 weeks from the date you receive your e-filed state tax return confirmation to receive your refund.
Last year, of the approximately 5 million returns received by Treasury, Michigan taxpayers e-filed more than 91% of those returns. For more information about e-filing, go to mifastfile.org.
