AG Asks FCC to Put in Place Anti-Robotext Protections
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Whitmer Awards Funding to 35 Local Small Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Awards Funding to Support 35 Local Small Businesses Around the State Through Match on Main Grant Program
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced thirty-five communities around Michigan have been awarded a total of $807,673 in grants aimed at supporting small local businesses to create resiliency and strengthen downtowns under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main grant program.
“Michigan’s small businesses and traditional downtowns are the heart of our communities, and with today’s Match on Main grants, we are helping small businesses in both peninsulas grow while further developing unique and inviting places that attract talent and new investment,” said Governor Whitmer. “These grants will help our vibrant downtowns continue to thrive in all corners of the state.”
MEDC’s Match on Main program provides funding to communities that participate as a select and master level community in the Michigan Main Street program or are considered an Essentials or Certified Redevelopment Ready Community. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support.
The grants are expected to create or retain 296 full-time jobs, and the projects are expected to generate a total private investment of more than $2.7 million. Of the 35 grant recipients, 26 are existing and nine are new business. Eight of the 35 communities are first-time recipients of the Match on Main grants.
“Thriving small businesses are the cornerstone of what makes Michigan’s downtowns unique and authentic while helping to create economic opportunity across the state,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Small Business Services Amy Rencher. “With the support of the Match on Main program, we can help local businesses grow and create jobs, while further developing vibrant and attractive places where people want to live, work, visit and play.”
Grants may be used by the business for eligible expenses that support technical assistance, interior building renovations, permanent or semi-permanent activation of an outdoor space, permanent or semi-permanent business infrastructure related to COVID-19 recovery efforts, and other working capital needs such as marketing needs and inventory expenses. Additional needs identified by the business and supported by the local community are also considered.
The Lapeer Downtown Development Authority awarded a $25,000 Match on Main grant to Hernandez Mexican Food, a food stand has been operating in the community since 1969. Hernandez Mexican Food is renovating a former office building in downtown Lapeer into a vibrant new food takeout experience. This includes updating the plumbing, electrical and all other utilities that are necessary to be compliant with current health and building regulations.
“Thanks to the Match on Main grant, we are able to create the family-owned, brick-and-mortar restaurant we’ve always dreamed of,” said Hernandez Mexican Food owner Deanna Hernandez-Schlaud. “The funds will give us the added flexibility to put more money back into the space and community. We would like to thank all of our loyal customers over the years who have supported us. Without their support and encouragement, we may never have taken this step.”
In Clare, the Middle Michigan Development Corporation is awarding a $25,000 grant to McEwan Street Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, who will use the funds to purchase display and fudge/gelato making equipment. Adding an iconic northern Michigan staple like freshly made fudge will be another welcome addition to travelers’ destination spots and will further strengthen the overall brand of downtown Clare, according to Middle Michigan Development Corporation Director of Business Services and Economic Development for Clare County Sarah Adkins.
“MMDC feels that McEwan Street Fudge and Ice Cream will exceptionally complement the offerings and atmosphere of downtown Clare,” Adkins said. “This business adds something novel to the downtown, caters to both locals and visitors, and expands on the ‘made-in-Clare’ entrepreneurialism represented by other downtown businesses like Four Leaf Brewing and Cops & Doughnuts.”
December 2022 Match on Main grant winners:
List of Awardees:
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Around the OAA: Boys Basketball Top 23
Boys Basketball Top 23.
Written Saturday December 10th at 8:40 PM
Here is the top 23 for Boys Basketball. It was really tough to rank teams since everyone is doing very well.
- North Farmington (2-0): Raiders are the best team in the OAA right now no questions.
- Ferndale (1-2): Eagles are five points from being 3-0 against a very tough schedule.
- Oak Park (1-0): Knights worry me a little bit.
- Troy (2-0): Colts have been well balanced.
- Bloomfield Hills (2-0): Noah Adamcyzk has been really carrying the Blackhawks.
- Clarkston (1-1): Wolves will be fine despite loss to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit.
- Adams (0-0): Can’t judge the Highlanders yet.
- Groves (2-0): Josh Gibson has played very well lately.
- West Bloomfield (1-0): Mitchell Seay might be back to his old ways.
- Lake Orion (2-0): Dragons defense has been key to their success.
- Royal Oak (2-0): Ravens proving that last season was not a fluke.
- Ferndale University (2-0): Eagles are proving they are battle tested.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (2-1): Warriors are better than thought.
- Rochester (0-0): Can’t judge the Falcons yet.
- Harper Woods (2-1): Pioneers are winning games on the defensive end, that’s a good sign.
- Berkley (1-1): Nice bounce back after Coach Joe Sermo called himself out on Twitter.
- Farmington (1-1): Falcons are much improved.
- Troy Athens (1-1): Brogan Withun is a name to watch.
- Avondale (1-2): Yellow Jackets have been very competitive.
- Oxford (0-1): Wildcats have to get tougher that’s not a question.
- Stoney Creek (0-1): Can’t blow an 18 point lead and expect to win.
- Seaholm (0-2): Maples have had a rough week.
- Pontiac (1-2): Phoenix have been very competitive.
Around the OAA: Boys Basketball Thoughts
Boys Basketball Thoughts.
Written Saturday December 10th at 8:40 PM
Here are my thoughts on Boys Basketball in their first week of the season.
Pontiac: The Phoenix has had a tough start to the season. They fell to Lincoln King Academy 75-61 but bounced back and beat Detroit Denby 48-45. Pontiac also fell 45-34 to Holland as well. The Phoenix could easily be 0-3 but they sit at 1-2 right now. They have Detroit Central and Jackson looming this week.
Ferndale University: The Eagles are off to a good start with two good wins. They beat Hazel Park 49-43 and Detroit Cody 58-51. Ferndale University had really improved as a program and now they are getting battled tested against some solid teams. They have Southfield Christian and Troy Athens looming this week.
Avondale: It was a very interesting week for the Yellow Jackets which saw an 87-55 opening night win over Warren Mott behind 18 points from Jeremiah Phillips and Anthony Burton along with 15 points from Justin Sykes. Avondale was blown out by Groves 74-47 and had a heartbreaking 67-65 loss to Novi. The Yellow Jackets should be fine. I think they are improved and a sleeper to watch in the Gold this season. They have Holly and Berkley looming this week.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers have had a battle tested three games. They fell 69-52 to Warren Michigan Colligate but have bounced back by beating Detroit Mumford 47-45 and Warren Fitzgerald 42-36. The defense has really stood out with Harper Woods. If they can keep teams under 45 then they are a very good team. The Pioneers have a tough week with Detroit Renaissance and Sterling Heights Stevenson looming this week.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been playing really good basketball early despite going 2-1 on the week. Southfield Arts and Tech beat Seaholm 45-43 on a buzzer beater then they fell 71-69 to Romulus and then bounced back with a 65-47 win over neighbor Southfield Christian. The Warriors are much improved than they were last season. They have Carleton Airport, West Bloomfield, and Northville looming this week.
Royal Oak: The Ravens are off to a good start winning two games over Cranbrook-Kingswood 60-47 and Fraser 58-33. The big three for Royal Oak has been the difference with their start. Davis Arebieter had 23 points and Dylan Hoffman had 10 points against Cranbrook-Kingswood while Camden Clark had 17 points and Hoffman added 14 points against Fraser. Dylan’s younger brother Nick added 10 points against Fraser as well. The Ravens are off to a nice start as they have Pontiac Academy of Excellence looming this week.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks had a split last week by beating Warren Cousino 61-52 but fell 51-38 to arch rival Troy. Brogan Withun had 19 points, Kyree Harper had 15 points, and Evan Coquholn had 13 points against Warren Cousino. Troy Athens should be fine going forward. They have Rochester and Southfield Arts and Tech looming this week.
Seaholm: The Maples have had two tough losses to start the season. Seaholm lost 45-43 on a buzzer beater to Southfield Arts and Tech and 35-23 to Lake Orion in a defensive low scoring game. The Maples have Walled Lake Western and Troy looming this week.
Oxford: The Wildcats are coming off a very tough 50-37 loss to Lake Orion on Tuesday night. Jake Champagne led Oxford with 23 points in their game. The Wildcats rely on Champagne to carry the load and that’s not a recipe for success. They need someone besides Champagne to step up if they want to make some noise this season. The Wildcats have Groves and Lapeer looming this week and both games are at Ian Smith Gym.
Berkley: I give a ton of credit to Bears coach Joe Sermo for taking responsibility in their 58-29 loss to Troy on Twitter. Berkley came through in a big way with a 52-44 win over Detroit East English Village Prep. Tamir Runkenvich had 20 points and Henry Robinson added 10 points. The Bears have Avondale looming this week.
Rochester: Can’t judge the Falcons since they haven’t played a game yet. Rochester has West Bloomfield and Farmington looming this week.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars looked real good early however they blew an 18 point lead against New Baltimore Anchor Bay falling 62-60. Aiden Grosko had 16 points while Tre Walker added 12 and Peyton Rummler added nine points for Stoney Creek. I think the Cougars will be fine going forward. They have Groves looming this week.
Groves: The Falcons look like a completely different team with Coach Marc West’s return to the bench. Groves had two wins over Avondale 74-47 and Redford Thurston 66-45. Josh Gibson had 19 points and Paige Williams added 10 points in their win over Avondale. The Falcons are clicking but it’s early. They have Oxford and Stoney Creek looming this week.
Farmington: The Falcons looked improved even though they split this week. Farmington fell 63-45 to Ann Arbor Pioneer but beat Detroit Osborn 79-52. The Falcons are a very interesting team to watch. They have Brighton and Rochester looming this week.
Lake Orion: Defense wins championships, that’s likely going to be the mantra that the Dragons could be using this season. Lake Orion beat Oxford 50-37 behind 21 points from Blake Liddell and Seaholm in a hard fought defensive game 35-23 in which Liddell had 12 points and DJ Morrow added 10 points. The Dragons are a very interesting team that has a nice blend of youth and proven experience. They have a tough week looming with Clarkston and Adams this week.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers opened their season with a 68-63 win over Detroit Western. Mitchell Seay had 22 points while Jayden Jones and Corey Pittman had 14 points each and Donald Watts had 13 points for West Bloomfield. The Lakers are off to a good start even though there are some concerns they will need to address at some point. They have Rochester and Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks are off to a very good start with two wins over Romeo 62-48 and Novi Christian Academy 76-56. A big reason for their success has been the play of Noah Adamcyzk. He had 32 against Romeo and 33 against Novi Christian Academy. Bloomfield Hills has also gotten contributions elsewhere as well. The play of Adamcyzk is critical to the Blackhawks success this season. They have Plymouth and their annual trip to Traverse City to play Traverse City West this week.
Troy: The Colts are off to a strong start by beating Berkley 58-29 and Troy Athens 51-38. Mason Parker has been an x factor for Troy. They have also gotten contributions from Darius Whiteside, Chase Kuiper, and Zach Penoza as well. Troy has Adams and Seaholm looming this week.
Adams: Can’t judge the Highlanders since they haven’t played a game yet. Adams has Troy and Lake Orion looming this week.
Clarkston: It was a split week for the Wolves. Clarkston beat Sterling Heights Stevenson 45-33 behind a dominant defensive effort. The Wolves had a really tough time against Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit falling 71-47. The Wolves have Lake Orion and Detroit Old Redford Academy looming this week.
Oak Park: The Knights are off to a good start with a 60-54 win over Detroit Old Redford. Oak Park was tied with Detroit Old Redford after three quarters but had just enough to get the win. The Knights know the Red will be tough and if they aren’t on every night then it could be a long night for them. Oak Park has Detroit University Prep looming this week.
Ferndale: The Eagles have had things very tough when it comes to the schedule. They could easily be 3-0 but they are 1-2. Ferndale lost their last two games by a combined five points including a 57-55 loss to Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit and a 55-52 loss to Detroit University Prep. They beat Grosse Pointe South 67-61 in a hard fought game. Noah Blocker had 29 points. He had been a surprise for the Eagles. Ferndale should be fine despite the record. They have Birmingham Brother Rice looming this week.
North Farmington: The Raiders have been very impressive by earning two dominant wins over Detroit Martin Luther King 49-36 and Detroit Edison 70-39. Ryan Hurst has been dominant for North Farmington whom besides Hurst has a ton of proven depth. They have Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Hamtramck, and Warren Lincoln looming this week.
Whitmer Statement on GM’s Ultium Battery Plant in Lansing
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Gov. Whitmer Statement on Investment in GM’s Ultium Battery Plant in Lansing, Additional Workforce Training to Support Thousands of Michigan Jobs
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement on U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Julie Su’s announcement of a $2.5 billion loan for Ultium Cells LLC to manufacture electric vehicle batteries in Michigan and across the country.
“As the state that put the world on wheels, high-tech manufacturing is part of both our past and our future. That’s why we’ve been working hard to outcompete other states for every job and every dollar of investment, so everyone knows Michigan is the place to do business. Today, the Department of Energy announced continued support for GM’s $2.5 billion investment to build Ultium’s third battery cell plant in Lansing, promising 1,700 new jobs. Investing in our workers will help us bring supply chains home and ensure that Michigan is the best place to innovate, design, test, and manufacture the technology of the future.”
While in Michigan, the Department of Energy also launched next steps in the Battery Workforce Initiative (BWI), a program geared toward supporting workforce training for good clean energy manufacturing jobs and the development of strategies to bring supply chains back home from overseas.
About Ultium Cells LLC Investment Today, the DOE Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced approval of a loan up to $2.5 billion to Ultium Cells LLC to finance the construction of three manufacturing plants to produce electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion battery cells in Lansing, Michigan; Lordstown, Ohio; and Spring Hill, Tennessee.
In July, LPO announced a conditional commitment for the loan to Ultium Cells to manufacture large format, pouch-type cells that use a state-of-the-art nickel-cobalt-manganese-
Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer announced GM plans to construct its third U.S. Ultium high-volume battery cell manufacturing facility in the city of Lansing and Delta Township. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $2.5 billion and create 1,700 jobs. Over 20 years, more than $28.8 billion in new personal income is expected to be generated by the direct, indirect, and induced jobs this opportunity will create. In addition, the project has an employment multiplier of 3.8, which means that an additional 2.8 jobs in Michigan’s economy are anticipated to be created for every new direct job, due to the extensive supply chain that exists in Michigan.
About the Battery Workforce Initiative As the United States is expected to double its lithium battery manufacturing capacity by 2025, with more than 10 new battery plants expected to be operational in the next five years, the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Battery Workforce Initiative to meet this growing manufacturing demand and speed the development of accessible, high-quality jobs in the battery industry.
The goal of the Battery Workforce Initiative is to bring together battery industry organizations to cooperate in the development of an essential foundation of a strong workforce training structure for the emerging battery supply chain industry, by sharing non-proprietary requirements for high-demand occupations across that industry. Roundtable participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences in building out this industry, especially around potential training models and skills that will be essential as we collectively work to meet the anticipated rapid growth of battery manufacturing and related jobs.
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Around the OAA: Girls Basketball Thoughts
Girls Basketball Thoughts.
Written Saturday December 10th at 8:30 PM
Here are my thoughts this week in Girls Basketball.
Oak Park: The Knights had a huge win over Detroit Martin Luther King in which they scored more points against them than the entire year last season. Oak Park may have found something. They have Farmington looming this week.
Ferndale: The Eagles have not played a game yet. They will have Ferndale University looming this week. Ferndale will be very interesting this season.
Pontiac: The Phoenix are really struggling right now. They fell to Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, Lake Orion, and Southfield Christian. Pontiac has a really tough week with Troy Athens and Avondale looming this week. Maybe it could help them going forward.
Ferndale University: The Eagles have some serious concerns after losing to Sterling Heights Parkway Christian. Ferndale University could be in some trouble with the blowout losses. They have Ferndale looming this week but long terms concerns are there with the Eagles.
Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are really struggling right now. Avondale has been blown out three times since their opening night loss to Warren Mott. The Yellow Jackets have two winnable games against Holly and Pontiac looming. Avondale needs to turn things around and quickly.
Farmington: The Falcons have had a rough week with losses to Troy and North Farmington. There are some concerns with Farmington. They have Royal Oak and Oak Park looming. It’s a big week for the Falcons if they want to bounce back from their rough week.
Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks used that 19 point fourth quarter rally in their loss to Seaholm and put up two good wins over Detroit Cody and Orchard Lake St. Marys. Bloomfield Hills has two road trips to Adrian and Sterling Heights Stevenson this week. It will be a very interesting week for the Blackhawks.
Adams: The Highlanders had a very tough week against their city rivals. They fell by one to Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest and was blown out by Rochester. Adams is very young to their defense. They have Utica and Berkley looming this week. It’s a big week for the Highlanders.
Troy Athens: The Red Hawks beat their arch rival Troy last week. Troy Athens has been playing very good basketball. They have Pontiac and a big one with North Farmington later in the week. The Red Hawks have been rolling but their biggest test awaits on Friday.
Harper Woods: The Pioneers haven’t played a game yet. They have St. Clair Shores Lake Shore and Royal Oak this week. It will be a tough challenge especially the second game for Harper Woods. If they can win both games then they could be a sleeper.
Seaholm: The Maples have some concerns. They did not play well against Groves last week. Seaholm has a tough week looming with Clarkston and Oxford both on the road. It’s going to be a very tall task for sure for Seaholm.
Royal Oak: The Ravens had a good win against arch rival Royal Oak Shrine. Royal Oak has been a pleasant surprise this season. The Ravens have Farmington and Harper Woods looming this week. Should be a very interesting week for Royal Oak.
Berkley: The Bears did not played a game this week but the 0-2 start is a big concern. Berkley has Southfield Arts and Tech and Adams. If they can get two wins then maybe it could turn things around for them. It’s a big week for the Bears for sure.
North Farmington: The Raiders weren’t really tested this week in beating arch rival Farmington. We’ll know a lot more about North Farmington when they play Stoney Creek, Orchard Lake St. Marys, and Troy Athens this week. The Raiders have been solid right now but this week should be a big test.
Oxford: The Wildcats almost had a letdown against North Branch last week but managed to survive that one. Oxford has a very interesting matchup with Riley Abbney and Brandon and Seaholm looming this week. The Wildcats should be fine going forward but they have to be careful of the letdowns.
Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have been scoring a ton of points lately which is a great sign but the defense is still a problem. They beat Hamtramck but lost to Romulus. Southfield Arts and Tech has Berkley and Stoney Creek looming which should be tough matchups. It looks like the Warriors are heading in the right direction when it comes to putting up points.
Troy: The Colts had their moments of ups and downs. They beat Farmington but lost to arch rival Troy Athens. The road for Troy gets tougher with Dearborn and Stoney Creek looming this week. The Colts are very young as mentioned last week but going through the process is a tough road.
Groves: The Falcons had two bounce back games against Seaholm and Livonia Thurston winning both games after losing to Novi on opening night. Groves has two tough games looming with both programs that made the Division One State Finals in Hartland and West Bloomfield. This is going to be a very tough challenge looming for the Falcons.
Stoney Creek: The Cougars are quietly going along with their business by winning over Orchard Lake St. Marys and Macomb Lutheran North. Stoney Creek has a tough week ahead of them when they play North Farmington and then Southfield Arts and Tech. The Cougars have been rolling but we will see if they are for real this week.
Clarkston: The Wolves are clearly a different team without Ellie Roback. Roback had a concussion which was evident in their blowout loss. Clarkston also went on the road and beat a good Macomb Dakota program. They have Seaholm and Lake Orion this week. It should be a very interesting week for the Wolves.
Rochester: The Falcons are a much different team since their opening night loss to Farmington Hills Mercy. They had a good week by beating a very good Utica Ford II program and also arch rival Adams. Rochester should have a very interesting week with Rochester Lutheran Northwest and Troy this week. The Falcons have been starting to figure some things out.
Lake Orion: The Dragons have went along with their business by beating Pontiac and Rochester Lutheran Northwest. Lake Orion has Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and then should be tested on Friday when they host Clarkston in what will likely be three meetings this season. There are some critics that have really criticized the schedule on a competitive part but its strategic scheduling to improve the depth heading into the Red. The Dragons are in good shape right now.
West Bloomfield: The Lakers took on the top ranked team in Indiana in South Bend Washington and fell 86-74. Summer Davis had 29 points while her sister Indya had 14 points in the loss. Turnovers and missed layups doomed West Bloomfield in their loss along with rebounding. The Lakers depth remains a concern. They have two very tough but winnable games with Saginaw Heritage and Ann Arbor Prep looming this week.