Girls Basketball Districts are Out-2023

Girls Basketball Districts are Out-2023

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Districts are Out-2023.

Written Wednesday June 22nd at 10:40 AM

Hello everyone, these are the Girls Basketball districts.

If Basketball coaches want their thoughts on their districts posted on the blog please DM me on Twitter and I’ll get them on there.

This article will be updated very often.

District 4 @ Lapeer

OXFORD

Grand Blanc

Lapeer

Davison

Holly

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grand Blanc, 2. Oxford

 

FAVORITE: Grand Blanc

NEXT: Oxford

DARKHORSE: Davison

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jada McCree-Grand Blanc

EARLY THOUGHTS: There were plenty of surprises and this district brought me a huge surprise. Flint Kearsley got moved to a different district. Oxford is in a northern district for a third straight year??? I don’t know what my good friend Dan Brown at Chicago Brothers Pizza has to say about this but knowing him he won’t be happy. They have proven experience. The Wildcats have Peyton Richter, Nevaeh Wood, Allison Hufstedlar, Sophia Rabb, Brady Elling, Isabella Rushlow, Paige Rushlow, Avery Feeny, Lexi Yankee, Emma Morris, and Miranda Wyniemko coming back for Coach Rachel Bryer. Lapeer had a really rough year last season but they have a new coach. The Lightning have Mallory Butterfield, Rosemary Kollar, Mya McKenna, MaKynna Saltzman, Laura Brown, Alexis Norman, Alida Wing, and Abigail Francis coming back for new Coach Evan Bell. Davison should be very interesting this season. The Cardinals have Gracie Little, Lillian Kish, Gabi Stevens, Marionna Dixon, Skyler Miller, Katie O’ Connor, and Lily Morey coming back for Coach Lauhnna McMahan. Grand Blanc should be the favorite in this district despite losing some key players to graduation last season. The Bobcats have Chelsea Bishop, Jada McCree, Rayven McQueen, Ali Anderson, Kendyle Hall, and Malaya Brown coming back for Coach Mike McCay. Holly is new to this district after being in a district that had Fenton, Linden, Howell, and Hartland. They could have it rough going north in this district. The Bronchos have Alana Simmons, Annabelle Basham, Audrey Combs, McKenna McGhee, Morgan Fluckey, Annalease Thiese, and Mollina Adams coming back for Coach Ben Varner. When looking at this district, the Bobcats are favored for the third straight district but I have a funny feeling that Oxford is not that far off despite the two blowout losses in the last two years, the third time is always the charm and it could be for the Wildcats.

 

District 5 @ Rochester

ROCHESTER

STONEY CREEK

ADAMS

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Rochester, 2. Stoney Creek

 

FAVORITE: Rochester

NEXT: Stoney Creek

DARKHORSE: Utica Eisenhower

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Williams-Rochester

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a district that has the same teams from last season but Lake Orion was moved to a different district. Rochester is the early favorite in the district however they have not gotten past the district finals in each of the last four years. They have home court however one of those four losses was to Utica in 2021 in the district finals when having home court. The Falcons have Alice Max, Kiley Robinson, Natalie Rayce, Ava Williams, Alania Webb, Stevie Norgrove, Abby Pleasant, Melina Troy, Trinia Mollicone, and Lindsey Gleason coming back for Coach Bill Thurston. Rochester’s toughest challenger should be Stoney Creek. They should be motivated after having a disappointing postseason falling to Lake Orion in the district semifinals last season. The Cougars have Sarah LaPrarie, Emily Flynn, Mia Carson, Liberty Allen, Merrick Schwalbach, and Lily Solek coming back for Coach Kellen James. Adams should be very interesting despite struggling with the transition last season. The Highlanders have Samantha Blaine, Olivia Marcial, Taylor Green, AuJayna Howard, Jin Ah Jasper, Morgan McPherson, Nicole Kedzierski, and Skyler Slezak coming back for Coach Joe Malburg. Utica Eisenhower is a sleeper in this district. The Eagles have Deyvn Raymond, Autumn Reed, Maggie McGuire, Layna Sturza, Jennifer McWerthy, Ava Stack, Marianna Stojcevski, Abby Klaft, Abby Nezich, and Lexi Horattas coming back for Coach Cliff Piper. Romeo had a really rough year last season but there is some optimism. They will have a new coach with Katy Bosheers stepping down which was very surprising. The Bulldogs have Eva Hill, Ava McMillan, Clare Carmody, Elise Rilley, Amanda Kitchen, Jacqueline LeBlanc, Gabriella Matina, and Rachel Miller coming back but they do not have a new coach yet as mentioned. This district looks to be very interesting. Three teams standout but anything is possible.

 

District 6 @ Clarkston

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

PONTIAC

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Lake Orion, 2. Clarkston

 

FAVORITE: Lake Orion

NEXT: Clarkston

DARKHORSE: Waterford Kettering

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ava Hernandez-Clarkston

EARLY THOUGHTS: There are two teams that really stand out and both of them won district titles last season. Clarkston won their third straight district title but missed a really great look at the end of the game and fell to Hartland in the regional finals. They have some talent coming back despite losing their two top players from graduation and 18 games last season. The Wolves have Ava Hernandez, Mia Zorski, Emily Valencia, Kierra Tolmie, Ellery Hernandez, Marley Mazur, Ella Morgner, Anna Thomas, Claire Walker, Olivia Gray and Brooklyn Covert coming back for Coach Aaron Goodnough. Clarkston also has home court for the district. Lake Orion enters this district after winning a different district. They won 18 games and was in it for three and a half quarters in their regional semifinal against Clarkston last season. The Dragons have Chloe Wiegers, Maddie Ebbert, Kylie Heck, Taylor Dinda, Audrey Wischmeyer, Ryann Pawalcyzk, Grace Sullivan, Ali May, Fontana Blackney, Bella Gonzales coming back for Coach Bob Brydges. Pontiac should be much improved this season for former Oakland University men’s basketball standout and Coach Rawle Marshall. Waterford Kettering lost some experience from last season. The Captains have Amelia Vamvakitis, Malyanna Schoof, Ellie Drops, Payton Amshay, Natalia Perez, Bella Labo, Gracela Lovelett, Abby Hayword, and Nora Hernandez coming back for Coach George Yarberry. Waterford Mott was very young last season. They should be much improved. The Corsairs have Makayla Henderson, Jillian Massey, Gillian Johnson, Karli Koskien, Rachel Rockford, Juliana Lemis, Izzy Esquivel, Emily Nasianceno, Madison Winters, Kelsey Palmer, and Emma Paschke coming back for Coach Michelle Sklar. There are a lot of PR1DE ladies in this district. This should be very interesting to watch.

 

District 7 @ Lakeland

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Lakeland

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Western

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. West Bloomfield, 2. Walled Lake Northern

 

FAVORITE: West Bloomfield

NEXT: Walled Lake Northern

DARKHORSE: Walled Lake Central

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Destiny Washington-West Bloomfield

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is where the defending Division One State Champs will begin their State title defense in this district. Lakeland also won a district crown last season as well but they were put in different regionals but they are in the same district. West Bloomfield is loaded with proven experience. The Lakers have Summer Davis, Indya Davis, Kendall Hendrix, Sydney Hendrix, Destiny Washington, Ava Lord, Gabby Williams, Jaylee Head, Jada Vaughn, and Gabrielle Hale coming back for Coach Darrin McAllister. Lakeland should be very young after getting to the regional semifinals where they fell to a very good Hartland program last season. The Eagles have Kira Brower, Molly Marino, Lizette Tanguaka, Mia McDonald, Parker Ostach, Emma Benton, and Raegan Lukes coming back for Coach Mike Leithelm. Walled Lake Western was very young last season after being very good a few years ago under former Oxford coach Steve Emmert. The Warriors have Emma Hoffmeyer, Emma Cassatta, Bella Yaldoo, Kelsey Beck, Makenna Krzisnik, Evana Gjelaj, Ryan Geisler, and Ryah Dewey coming back for Coach Kelly Costello. Walled Lake Northern could be West Bloomfield’s toughest challenger in the district. The Knights have Amal Younes, Addison Porter, Ava Horen, Mia Lanni, Reese Nemeth, Natalie Wilbert, Macie Hunter, Cate Ross, and Aleena McCullough coming back for Coach John Sharpe. Walled Lake Central was very young last season. They are a sleeper in the district. The Vikings have Jaden Henderson, Amelia Maktari, Carys Lucas, Kyeli Anderson, Savannah Breitwesier, Angelina Virga, Lillian Miracle, Maddie Schopf, Jordyn Harris, and Grace Mathson coming back for Coach Robert Schopf. This looks to be West Bloomfield’s district to lose but it’s much tougher than people think because all three Walled Lake schools have a lot of experience coming back.

 

District 25 @ Berkley

BERKLEY

OAK PARK

ROYAL OAK

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Mumford

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Detroit Renaissance, 2. Berkley

 

FAVORITE: Detroit Renaissance

NEXT: Berkley

DARKHORSE: Royal Oak

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Nevaeh Otis-Detroit Renaissance

EARLY THOUGHTS: There are a ton of storylines heading into this district. Detroit Renaissance was heavily favored in this district and had home court. There was mentions that they could make another trip to the Division One State finals however they were upset by Berkley in the district finals on their home floor last season. The Bears middle of the pack in the White but that game against the Phoenix gave them confidence heading into this season. They have home court for the district. Berkley lost a few standouts from last season but they have Jillian Gomes, Mya Jones, Ava Beard, Dakaya Cunningham, Addison Hambright, Maddi Bonsall, Avery Wintergarden, Maleve Nolan, and Sammi Withrow coming back for Coach Cody Feltner. Royal Oak should be much improved after having a really rough year last season. They are known for their defense first mentality. The Ravens have Elly Finch, Anna Waterstredt, Lucy Freytag, Emily Walden, Izzy Fairless, Alana Morello, Emiliee Austin, Maddie Lawrence, and Hannah Sanders coming back for Coach Brian Sopota. Detroit Mumford has had a ton of success as of late. The Mustangs should be in the mix for Coach Kareem Hogan. Detroit Renaissance hasn’t forgotten what happened last season in the district finals. The Phoenix have Imani Johnson, Christian Sanders, Nevaeh Otis, Makayla Coleman, Aubrey Johnson, Sterling Gooden, Makayla Johnson, Azaria Huggins, Kiyla Brooks, Haramonie Bolton, Kayln Southern, and Nyana Pharr coming back for Coach Shane Lawal. Oak Park really struggled to score last season. The Knights should be better for Coach Chantelle Corson. This district should be very interesting to watch as mentioned at Berkley.

 

District 26 @ North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Farmington Hills Mercy

Detroit Henry Ford

Livonia Stevenson

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Farmington Hills Mercy, 2. North Farmington

 

FAVORITE: Farmington Hills Mercy

NEXT: North Farmington

DARKHORSE: Farmington

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Sela Lefler-North Farmington

EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district on paper. It looks to be a two team district final but maybe a third team could emerge as a possible sleeper. Farmington Hills Mercy is the early favorite. They won 18 games last season and have a lot of proven experience. The Marlins have Maya White, Fran DeNardo, Carley Goebel, Alison Smiley, Lillian DeJong, Ava Lorraine, Caroline Butcher, Aizlyn Albanese, Lauren Smiley, and Emily Walker coming back for Coach Gary Morris. Farmington could be a sleeper. They lost a ton of talent from last season but they always seem to be in the mix. The Falcons have Yasmine Thorpe, Jayla Silver, Brooke Farrington, Annalin Nardelli, and Clarissa Hankins coming back for Coach Laura Guzman. Southfield Arts and Tech should be improved this season. They were a real Jekyll and Hyde last season. The Warriors have proven experience in Christian Banks, Jayla Austin, Kamira Page, and Jordan Ushery coming back for Coach Shiquita Coltrane. North Farmington enters this district and has home court. They had a really rough district which had Groves, Seaholm, Birmingham Marian, Bloomfield Hills, and West Bloomfield last season. The Raiders have Sela Lefler, Penelope Creary, Asiyah Jihad, Eliza Muller, Amarriah Merriweather, Hannah Hart, Sam Hoffer, and Halee Rogers coming back for Coach Jeff Simpson. Detroit Henry Ford won 10 games last season. The Trojans could be a sleeper in this district for Coach Chevelle O’Brien. Livonia Stevenson made the district finals falling to Farmington Hills Mercy last season. The Spartans have Gracie Shahu and Scarlett Webster coming back for Coach Kareem Smart. This is shaping to be a very interesting district as mentioned but this district stands like it’s the Marlins to lose for now.

 

District 27 @ Birmingham Marian

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

TROY

Birmingham Marian

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Birmingham Marian, 2. Seaholm

 

FAVORITE: Birmingham Marian

NEXT: Seaholm

DARKHORSE: Groves

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Mackenzie Swanson-Birmingham Marian

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is shaping up to be a very interesting district on the newly named “Mary Cicerone court.” Birmingham Marian looks to be the favorite on paper but there are some suitable challengers in this district. Groves should be very interesting. The Falcons have Kaitlyn Sanders, Cira Racco, Lilly Gallagher, Cameron Little, Ella Blank, Nevaeh McCay, Jean Smith, Dana Wesley, Payge Charnas, and Kirsten Jasinski coming back for Coach Alison Hidey. Troy comes to this district after overcoming their postseason problems past by making it to the State Quarterfinals last season. They were in a district that had Warren Cousino, Warren Mott, Warren Woods Tower, and Troy Athens on their home floor last season. The Colts have Lizzie Butzyzk, Charlotte Gillion, Avery Allen, Shaivani Angadi, Victoria Siegan, Raegan Zeiter, and Zoe Silver coming back for Coach Julius Porter. Seaholm had a very strong year winning the Blue but fell to arch rival Groves in the first round last season. The Maples have Shay Manchester, Taylor Hartwig, Lola Weber, Olivia Davis, Kate Anderson, Clara Guffy, Emma Weber, Mary Gumbas, and Anne Boogerian coming back for Coach Chris Manchester. Bloomfield Hills should be much improved. They fell to North Farmington in the first round in a very competitive game last season. The Blackhawks have Ashley Forner, Brianna Young, Grace Main, and Ruby Smith coming back for Coach Kristen Massey. Birmingham Marian will have a new era as former assistant Michelle Lindsay takes over for longtime coach Mary Cicerone. The Mustangs have Mackenzie Swanson, Ella Ervin, Abby Landa, Molly McLeod, and Charlie Bingham coming back for Lindsay. The district looks for now like its Birmingham Marian’s to lose but there are some challengers waiting in the wings as mentioned.

 

District 28 @ Avondale

AVONDALE

TROY ATHENS

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Utica Ford II

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Sterling Heights Stevenson, 2. Utica Ford II

 

FAVORITE: Sterling Heights Stevenson

NEXT: Utica Ford II

DARKHORSE: Utica

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Ellie Musto-Troy Athens

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district with a combination of Oakland and Macomb County schools in this district. Avondale was moved east away from Clarkston, Pontiac, Waterford Kettering, and Waterford Mott. They have home court in the district. The Yellow Jackets have Lily Titus, Madison Manyweathers, Khila Bradley, Amaria Daniels, Takera Williams, and Kaliyah Carroll coming back for Coach Roy Christmon. Troy Athens is a program that not a lot of people are mentioning about. They have a great shot to win this district. The Red Hawks have Ellie Musto, Rebekah Delia, Lily Batzold, Fiona Wingblad, Kaci Mersier, Abby Malone, Alex Link, and Skyler Emerson coming back for Coach Stacie Klumpp. Sterling Heights Stevenson had a really great year under former Rochester boys basketball coach Vance Kirkwood. The Titans won 11 games last season and is the early favorite in the district. Utica has done very well recently. They are well coached. Chieftains have Cameron McConachie, Sarah Fromm, Natalie Shtogrin, and Katelyn Shtogrin coming back for legendary coach Tom McDonald. Utica Ford II had a really great year by winning 16 games last season. The Falcons have Sydney Garon, Lilah Earl, Madison Bettys, Kailee Gillich, Anayya Davis, and Rachel Riepma coming back for Coach Matt Joseph. I see four teams that standout in this district, it’s anyone’s district to take.

 

District 30 @ Grosse Pointe North

HARPER WOODS

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Roseville

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Grosse Pointe North, 2. St. Clair Shores Lakeview

 

FAVORITE: Grosse Pointe North

NEXT: St. Clair Shores Lakeview

DARKHORSE: Roseville

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Annabel Ayrault-Grosse Pointe North

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very tough district with every team winning double digit games last season. There are two teams that made the regionals that are in this district. Grosse Pointe North is the favorite in this district. They have home court and proven experience. The Norsemen have Jenna Winowiecki, Annabel Ayrault, Mia Stephanoff, Charlotte Juilen, Natalie Babcock, and Sophie Boroski coming back for Coach Gary Bennett. St. Clair Shores Lakeview made the regional semifinals last season. The Huskies have Zion Harris, Camara Knighton, Jillian Ostrowski, Mackenzie Stein, Isabella Tiseo, Maria Decker, Ava Prasnjak, Samantha Guciardo, Autumn Wirick, Alexis Pottu, Me’Ahna Owoiya, and Madison Geib coming back for Coach Joe Charrette. Roseville should be in the mix with a ton of proven experience this season. The Panthers have Aaniya Jordan, Saniah Love, Dionni John, Cheyenne Hrelja-Hill, Haleigh Olivas, Michelle Huffman, Reyvan Frank, Rihanna Reeves, Keyonna Scorpio, Presley Rubio, and Sydney Masterson coming back for Coach Andy Houghton. Grosse Pointe South has been a traditional power however they unusually struggled winning four games last season. The Blue Devils have Maddy Benard, Bella Deveroux, Madison Duff, Olivia Dimuzio, Ava Sjorgen, Chloe Power, and Karter Richards coming back for Coach Kevin Richards. Harper Woods comes from Division Two into this district after having a really good season last season. They have a lot of experience which helps. The Pioneers have Kendall Kelsey, Mya Duncan, Lauren Peterson, and Clearia Peterson coming back for Coach Paul Allen. This should be a very tough district as mentioned. There is a lot of proven programs in this district.

 

District 58 @ Hazel Park

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

Hazel Park

Warren Lincoln

Warren Fitzgerald

 

PROJECTED MPR: 1. Ferndale University, 2. Hazel Park

 

FAVORITE: Ferndale University

NEXT: Hazel Park

DARKHORSE: Ferndale

PLAYER ON THE SPOT: Jada Buchanan-Ferndale

EARLY THOUGHTS: This is not a very strong district. Ferndale University is getting better each day for Coach Destain Hester. The Eagles made the district finals falling to Birmingham Detroit Country Day last season. Ferndale had things very rough last season but they improved each day. The Eagles have Jada Buchanan, Angel Ajonouma, Briunna Young, Tarriyah Early, Jaila Pouncey, and Jayla Martin coming back for Coach Al Katolla. Hazel Park has home court in the district and could be a team to watch in this district. The Vikings won 11 games last season for Coach Dakota Ogles. Warren Lincoln has not been the same program that really dominated the late 2010’s. They struggled winning four games last season. The Abes should be much better for Coach Jalen Ford. Warren Fitzgerald really struggled winning one game last season. They should be improved this season. The Spartans have Janiya Williams and Mariah Anderson coming back for Coach JuWan Shakespear. I see this being a two team district between the Eagles and the Vikings. Could this be the time Ferndale University makes the next step???

Here is the Girls Basketball Districts from the MHSAA Website

https://www.mhsaa.com/Sports/Girls-Basketball/2023-Districts

Girls Basketball Districts are Out-2023

Bloomfield Hills has their new Boys Basketball Coach

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Bloomfield Hills has their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Written Tuesday July 5th at 9:45 PM

The Blackhawks have their new Boys Basketball Coach.

Bloomfield Hills named Brian Canfield as their new head coach. He takes over for Phil Kurajian whom stepped down in April.

Two very accurate sources confirmed the news.

Canfield is the principal at Schroeder Elementary School in Troy. He does have a very strong basketball background. He is well known within the basketball community.

Canfield’s new program has Noah Adamcyzk, DJ Lee, CJ Jackson, Ahmad Taylor, Henry Jackson, and Brandon Newland coming back. Program strength looks to be on solid ground as well.

The Blackhawks have shared the White the last two years. They are in the White with West Bloomfield, Farmington, Troy, Groves, and Lake Orion. Bloomfield Hills hosts their district which has Orchard Lake St. Marys, West Bloomfield, Birmingham Brother Rice, Groves, and Seaholm.

It will be very interesting to see what system Canfield brings to Bloomfield Hills and what will the transition period will be like.

Only time will tell.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Help Improve Our Website!

Help Improve Our Website!

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Regional News

web surveyAt Oakland County, we are continually trying to improve the delivery of services and programs, including on our website. We’re undergoing a revamp of the county’s website – oakgov.com – and we’re looking for feedback from you. Is it easy to navigate? Is the content relevant? What more (or less) would you like to see? We want to hear it all.

The county’s website is the first way that many of our residents learn of the services and programs we offer, so we want to make the best first, second and last impression we can. Please take a moment to fill out the questionnaire at this link, so we can improve the look, content and the ease of navigation of the website.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7JHXNSY
Bipartisan Budget Investments in Working Families

Bipartisan Budget Investments in Working Families

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 8, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Highlights Bipartisan Budget Investments in Working Families, Connected Communities

Budget will honor those who served, build up infrastructure, and fund critical local projects

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted investments in working families and connected communities in the recently passed bipartisan budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The budget delivers additional resources to communities across Michigan to help them invest in first responders, speeds up replacement of lead service lines, builds a new veteran’s home, shores up pensions for municipal workers, and invests in infrastructure. The fiscally-responsible, balanced budget delivers on the kitchen-table issues, was passed on time, and does not raise taxes by a dime.

 

“Since day one, I have been focused on delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The budget makes critical investments in working families and communities to help them thrive. It will deliver more funds to local communities helping them invest in police officers and firefighters, speeds up replacement of lead service lines, and reduces congestion at local rail crossings. The budget also delivers on critical community projects, funding the construction of a new veteran’s home in Marquette, modernizing Michigan’s armories, and upgrading Selfridge Airforce Base in Macomb County. Finally, the budget keeps promises made to hardworking municipal employees, shoring up their pensions. This budget is proof of what’s possible when we put working families and communities first and stay focused on getting things done.”

 

Families & Communities by the Numbers

  • A 5% ongoing and 1% one-time increase in statutory revenue sharing, offering more resources to help cities, villages, townships and counties deliver critical services and invest in first responders.
  • $750 million to support municipal pensions.
  • $100 million to fund pensions for Michigan State Troopers to protect their retirement.
  • $100 million to modernize Michigan’s armories.
  • $97.6 million for construction of a new veteran’s home in Marquette.
  • $48 million to ensure that lead service line projects are completed effectively and efficiently.
  • $30 million for state fish hatchery upgrades.
  • $12 million to reduce congestion at local rail crossings.
  • $12 million to establish a veteran cemetery in Grayling.
  • $6.1 million for expansion of the Selfridge Air National Guard base.

 

Families & Communities Budget Investments

There are three key areas of the budget that invests in families and communities.

 

1) Honoring Those Who Serve

To ensure those who served have the support they need, the budget funds construction of a new veteran’s home in Marquette, backs a suicide prevention outreach campaign, and shores up the pensions of MSP troopers. To honor the memory of those we have lost, it establishes a veteran’s ceremony in Grayling.

 

2) Building Up Infrastructure

The budget expands on the investments in the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan signed in April by speeding up replacement of lead service lines, reducing traffic congestion at local rail crossings, improving state fish hatcheries, and funding long-overdue maintenance projects at state facilities.

 

3) Funding Critical Local Projects

The budget will make critical improvements to Selfridge Air Force Base in Macomb County, invest in Innovate Mound, a transformative project to rebuild Mound Road, one of the most important corridors in Southeast Michigan, and fund modernize Michigan’s armories, shoring up our readiness and supporting local construction jobs.

 

“Michigan’s allocation of $750M dollars to municipal pensions throughout the state is a major victory for Flint and for the entire state,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “These dollars will guarantee the availability of funds to pay retirees who have readily served our communities with pride and dignity. In Flint and Genesee County, these funds will help to strengthen our region and empower communities across the great state of Michigan, and it is all due to our fearless leader—Governor Gretchen Whitmer.”

 

“The building on Fisher Street has been a home to Upper Peninsula veterans for 41 years, with the staff and volunteers making it a true home,” said Brad Slagle, Board of Directors, Michigan Veterans Homes. “Now that tradition can be continued in a new building with a modern design that provides five-star care and with the same loving care.”

 

“Michigan has some of the nation’s best citizen Soldiers and Airmen. We are thankful for the governor and the state legislatures’ work to include money to provide for Armory. This $100M will help our warriors have the best facilities to conduct home station training, while also investing into local communities across Michigan,” said Jeffrey Frisby, Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Michigan. “As our local armories have aged, they no longer can house the true demographics of the force. The number of females serving in the National Guard has greatly increased over the last 100 years, but the armories were not constructed with the female warrior in mind. Some of our current facilities do not have female bathrooms, showers, or locker rooms.  These funds will be used to update and adapt local armories to better serve the Guardsmen in those units.  Our Guardsmen are being asked to serve in missions across the world, these modernizations will give them a building that they are proud to come home to.”

 

“The budget approved by the Legislature and Governor makes significant investment in the people of Michigan and the places they call home,” said Michigan Municipal League Board President Barbara Ziarko, Sterling Heights city councilmember. “With specific investments in revenue sharing, assistance for municipal pensions, and other programs that help local communities, this budget will bring needed relief, and improve capacity moving forward. This budget builds on the positive momentum of previous investments in our communities. There remains opportunity going forward to equitably invest those remaining resources to ensure Michigan is an attractive place for talent and supports thriving communities in ways that benefit everyone.”

 

“We applaud Governor Whitmer, and the Legislature, for their recognition in the state’s historic budget of the immense value and importance that Michigan’s townships and other communities have in the lives of every resident in our state,” said Michigan Townships Association Executive Director Neil Sheridan. “The increase in City, Village and Township Revenue Sharing, along with investments in new grant opportunities for communities for lead line replacement, will help local governments to better provide quality of life and essential services to Michiganders today, and in the future, and continue to improve the places we all call home.”
$13.4 Million in AmeriCorps Funding to Meet Local Needs

$13.4 Million in AmeriCorps Funding to Meet Local Needs

by | Jun 29, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces $13.4 Million in AmeriCorps Funding to Meet Local Needs, Strengthen Communities 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Community Service Commission will receive $13.4 million in federal funds to support over 1,100 Michigan AmeriCorps members who work hand in hand with organizations across the state to help communities tackle their toughest challenges.

 

“Today’s AmeriCorps investments will help us grow Michigan’s economy and ensure every community can thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “These investments – and the over 1,100 dedicated AmeriCorps members who will serve those in need and address critical challenges – will continue to make a tremendous impact in communities in every region of Michigan. Together, let’s help our working families and resilient communities thrive.”

 

During the last program year, similar investments helped AmeriCorps members serve 32,231 youth, treat 1,073 acres of public land, provide housing and financial services to 4,404 individuals and increase disaster preparedness for 4,300 individuals.

 

“AmeriCorps service continues to help solve pressing issues across the state,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “There is a tremendous return on investment through the federal funding of AmeriCorps and the positive impact this service has on communities across the state.”

 

AmeriCorps funds will support 23 Michigan organizations through 28 subgrants to expand their reach and impact in Michigan communities.

 

Those organizations include:

Organization

Program

Grant Funds

AmeriCorps

Members

Service Area

Focus Area

Albion College

Albion College AmeriCorps

$264,253

47

Calhoun County

Capacity Building

Cherry Health

Cherry Health AmeriCorps

$555,170

20

West MI

Healthy Futures

Child & Family Services of Northwestern MI

YouthWork Conservation Corps

$694,705

113

Statewide

Environmental Stewardship

City Year, Inc.

City Year Detroit

$2,548,800

118

Detroit

Education

Community Economic Development Association of MI

CEDAM’s AmeriCorps

$337,233

15

Statewide

Economic Opportunity

Community Economic Development Association of MI

AmeriCorps Intermediary Program

$226,128

10

Statewide

Capacity Building

Crim Fitness Foundation

Flint Community School Corps

$324,201

30

Flint

Education

Eastern MI University

Returning Citizens AmeriCorps Program

$256,280

18

Washtenaw County

Economic Opportunity

EcoWorks

Youth Energy Squad

$443,016

74

Southeast MI

Environmental Stewardship

Hope Network

MI Education Corps – Math & PreK Reading Corps

$310,195

44

Statewide

Education

Hope Network

MI Education Corps – Reading Corps

$1,161,536

128

Statewide

Education

Huron Pines

Huron Pines AmeriCorps

$528,030

26

Statewide

Environmental Stewardship

Ingham County Health Department

Power of We Consortium AmeriCorps Project

$247,702

16

Ingham County

Healthy Futures

Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation

Hannan Foundation AmeriCorps Program

$258,856

20

Metro Detroit

Healthy Futures

MI Coalition Against Homelessness

MCAH AmeriCorps

$290,537

23

Statewide

Economic Opportunity

MI College Access Network

AdviseMI / MSU College Advising Corps

$1,268,838

91

Statewide

Education

MI College Access Network

College Completion Corps

$612,624

31

Statewide

Education

MI Fitness Foundation

Safe Routes to Health

$172,536

12

Statewide

Healthy Futures

MI Primary Care Association

MPCA Community HealthCorps

$239,759

15

Statewide

Healthy Futures

Peckham, Inc.

Economic Opportunity Corps

$208,940

14

Mid-MI

Economic Opportunity

Special Olympics Michigan

Special Olympics Michigan AmeriCorps

$185,480

27

Statewide

Healthy Futures

Teach for America, Inc.

Teach for American Detroit (Professional Corps)

$20,000

20

Detroit

Education

United Way of Genesee County

Flint Urban Safety and Health Corps

$451,892

24

Flint

Disaster Preparedness, Healthy Futures, Safer Communities

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives

Detroit AmeriCorps Mentor Program

$184,091

14

Detroit

Education

Wayne Metropolitan Community Access Agency

2Gen Job Readiness Program

$176,256

7

Wayne County

 
…
Whitmer Delivers $1,000 Bonuses to Childcare Professionals 

Whitmer Delivers $1,000 Bonuses to Childcare Professionals 

by | Jun 29, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 28, 2022

 

Gov. Whitmer Delivers $1,000 Bonuses to Nearly 38,000 Childcare Professionals

5,500+ childcare providers receiving $368 million in grants to provide $1,000 staff bonuses and keep childcare facilities open for Michigan families

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer continued her commitment to expand access to quality, affordable childcare for Michigan families by awarding $368 million in grants to childcare programs across the state. Over 5,500 childcare programs received funding through the second round of the Child Care Stabilization Grant. These funds will keep programs open for business and provide $1,000 bonuses for full-time staff.

 

“Michigan thrives when every family has access to quality, affordable childcare that meets their needs,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I worked across the aisle to secure a historic investment in childcare—including grants to stabilize and strengthen the childcare industry and bonuses for childcare professionals. Thanks to the Child Care Stabilization Grant, over 5,500 childcare programs can keep their doors open, hire more qualified professionals, and continue to improve supports for kids and families. All our kids deserve a strong start. These grants are another investment in their future and our state’s prosperity.”

 

“As a father, I know the importance of having skilled, childcare professionals to care for our children. That’s why Governor Whitmer and I continue to fight to pay childcare professionals a living wage,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These bonuses are a small step toward our bigger goals to improve compensation for childcare professionals and support childcare entrepreneurs—all while keeping care affordable for working families.”

 

These grants were part of a bipartisan budget Governor Whitmer signed that included game-changing investments in childcare and delivered on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families, communities, and small businesses.

 

Grants were awarded to licensed centers, group homes, family homes, and tribal childcare providers. Funds may be used to lower tuition costs for families, increase compensation for early educators, recruit and train new staff members, improve learning environments, and more.

 

“The Child Care Stabilization Grants have uplifted the morale of the center. Staff and families are feeling heard and seen,” said Nawal Alsaeed, associate director of Kreative Kids Learning Center in Inkster. “Our staff is feeling recognized and validated and they are motivated to continue in the field of early childhood. Two staff members have gone back to school and are earning degrees in education. I have another two staff members who have registered for CDA credentials. These funds will be the catalyst to continued growth of child care businesses.”

 

“Thanks to this grant we were able to give our staff bonuses and upgrade our facility with an emphasis on safety and accessibility,” said Jeff and Yvette Fredricks, owners and operators of a group home in Saginaw. “We were also able to provide our families with peace of mind by providing relief in case of unexpected times and unforeseen circumstances by way of our ‘Parent Forgiveness Grant Fund’  — which helped families pay their tuition balance when times were tough.”

 

“I have been running a quality, caring, and loving in-home daycare for 26 years. I have been through many life challenges and changes through the years with some very hard moments. I have always kept my program going without taking sick days and rarely time off,” said Shari Marceau owner and operator of Shari’s Early Learning Center, a home-based childcare in Marquette. “I am extremely thankful for this money! I feel this is my first bonus in this career.”

 

“These grants have been a critical lifeline to providers who are fighting to stay in business and serve families and children throughout Michigan,” said Lisa Brewer Walraven, director of Child Development and Care in the Office of Great Start at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). “It has been our privilege to provide this ongoing support to the operational costs of childcare providers and ensure those who are working in the programs are supported and recognized for the important value of the work they do.”

 

The Child Care Stabilization Grant is a non-competitive grant for childcare programs to help stabilize operations and support the health and safety of children and staff. Eligible licensed childcare programs applied for funding in spring 2022.

 

  • Total grant awards: 5,544
  • Average awards:
  • Family home program: $11,394
  • Group home program: $21,775
  • Childcare center: $120,664
  • Total bonuses awarded:
  • $1,000 to 25,756 full time staff members
  • $500 to 12,207 part time staff members

 

Staff in the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Care worked diligently with the support of partners across the state to manage and process the grants to ensure that all eligible childcare providers were able to apply for and receive the funds as quickly as possible. Additional information about the program is available at Michigan.gov/childcare.