Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Community Corrections Board, Propane Commission, Correctional Officers’ Training Council, and the School Safety Commission.

 

Michigan Community Corrections Board

Martha D. Anderson, of Troy, is a judge for the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Law School. Judge Anderson is reappointed to represent a judge of the circuit court for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2025.

 

Brandon D. Davis, of Muskegon, is the director of oversight and public accountability for the City of Grand Rapids. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University and a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Davis is appointed to represent a member of city government for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2025. He succeeds Bobby Hopewell whose term expired March 31, 2021.

 

Jennifer C. Janetsky, of Flushing, is an assistant prosecuting attorney for Genesee County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and German Language and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan. Ms. Janetsky is reappointed to represent a county prosecutor for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2025.

 

Bradley S. Knoll, of Holland, is the chief judge of the 58th District Court of Ottawa County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from the Detroit College of Law. Judge Knoll is reappointed to represent a judge of the district court for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2025.

 

Kevin R. Krieg, of Saline, is the business representative for the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Construction Technology from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Krieg is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2025. He succeeds Deborah Smith-Olson whose term expired March 31, 2021.

 

The Michigan Community Corrections Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections and is charged with approving many components of community corrections programs including: goals, eligibility criteria, program guidelines, program standards and policies, the application process, procedures for funding, and criteria for evaluation.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Propane Commission

 

Kristopher H. Bowman, of Gulliver, is the president of Bowman Gas Company. He is a member of the Propane Gas Association Board of Directors and the chair of the Propane Emergency Response Network Committee. Mr. Bowman is appointed to represent individuals engaged in the retail propane industry in this state as an employee or owner of a retail propane marketer for not less than 2 years immediately before appointment. He will serve for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring July 1, 2024.

 

Aaron M. Huizenga, of Kewadin, is the east division manager of Lakes Gas Company and a member of the Michigan Propane Gas Association Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Michigan. Mr. Huizenga is appointed to represent individuals engaged in the retail propane industry in this state as an employee or owner of a retail propane marketer for not less than 2 years immediately before appointment. He will serve for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring July 1, 2023.

 

Wayne Kohley, of Norton Shores, is the president of the Excel Propane Company. He is a member of the Michigan Propane Gas Association and the chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Mr. Kohley is appointed to represent individuals engaged in the retail propane industry in this state as an employee or owner of a retail propane marketer for not less than 2 years immediately before appointment. He will serve for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring July 1, 2022.

 

Thomas W. Olive, of Grand Rapids, is the president and CEO of Crystal Flash, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drake University and a Master of Management from Northwestern University. Mr. Olive is appointed to represent individuals engaged in the retail propane industry in this state as an employee or owner of a retail propane marketer for not less than 2 years immediately before appointment. He will serve for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring July 1, 2023.

 

Andrew Vanderboegh, of Grand Rapids, is the director of advertising, marketing and sales for Altogas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Dayton. Mr. Vanderboegh is appointed to represent individuals engaged in the retail propane industry in this state as an employee or owner of a retail propane marketer for not less than 2 years immediately before appointment. He will serve for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring July 1, 2024.

 

The Propane Commission was created by Public Act 332 of 2020 to educate residents, business owners, and other users of propane on the safe use of propane, and promote the use of high efficiency appliances and equipment through rebate and incentive programs for Michigan residents.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Correctional Officers’ Training Council

 

Robert Davis, Jr., of Saginaw, is the pastor at the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church. He serves as the Chaplin for the Saginaw Police Department and the chair of the Saginaw Citizens Advisory Committee. Rev. Davis is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 29, 2024.

 

Matthew Larson, Ph.D., of Sterling Heights, is an associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Wayne State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Siena Heights University, Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. Dr. Larson is appointed to represent the academic community for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 29, 2024. He succeeds Juliette Roddy whose term expired March 29, 2021.

 

Kelly Manning, of Grand Ledge, is the director of performance management for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Ferris State University. Mrs. Manning is appointed to represent the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 29, 2024. She succeeds Francine Wresinski whose term expired March 29, 2021.

 

Tamara L. McDiarmid, of Ionia, is an assistant professor of criminal justice at Lansing Community College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Ferris State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University. Professor McDiarmid is reappointed to represent the academic community and community colleges for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 29, 2024.

 

Jason M. Sides, of Marquette, is the offender succeeds community coordinator for Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Sides is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring March 29, 2024. He succeeds Christopher Mills whose term expired March 29, 2021.

 

The Correctional Officers’ Training Council establishes standards regarding training and education as prescribed in the Correctional Officer’s Training Act. The Council develops, approves, and updates course content for the vocational certificate program, minimum requirements for recruitment and selection for new state corrections officers, and standards for the certification, recertification, and decertification of state corrections officers.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

School Safety Commission

 

Theresa A. Bassett, of Ann Arbor, is a school social worker for Ann Arbor Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership and Master of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Bassett is appointed to represent an individual recommended by the Senate Minority Leader for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring January 14, 2025. She succeeds Patricia Kovacs whose term expired January 14, 2021.

 

Brian Gard, of Rockford, is the director of safety and health for National Heritage Academies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University, Master of Management from Aquinas College, and a State of Michigan Law Enforcement Certification from the Kalamazoo Valley Police Academy. Mr. Gard is appointed to represent an individual recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring January 14, 2025. He succeeds David Forystek whose term expired January 14, 2021.

 

Rick Joseph, of Royal Oak, is a teacher with Birmingham Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Teaching Bilingual and ESL Education from the University of Illinois – Chicago. Mr. Joseph is reappointed to represent an individual recommended by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring January 14, 2025.

 

Alicia Urbain, of Brighton, is the vice president of government and legal affairs for the Michigan Association of Public School Academies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. Mrs. Urbain is appointed to represent an individual recommended by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing April 9, 2021 and expiring January 14, 2025. She succeeds Brian Gard whose term expired and is now serving as the nominee of the Speaker of the House.

Whitmer to Provide Update on the COVID-19

Whitmer to Provide Update on the COVID-19

s

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

April 9, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer to Provide Update on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Response 

 

LANSING – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun will provide an update regarding COVID-19 and the continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

 

WHO:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer

MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Friday, April 9 at 10:00 AM

WHEREPlease see RSVP Information below. 

 

Satellite Coordinates: 

Galaxy 17 K 14 slot 4

Downlink Freq. 11983.0 vertical

Symbol rate:  4.0

FEC:  ¾

DVBS-2/8PSK

1080i

Satellite coordinates provided by WLNS-TV 6

The satellite window will open at 9:50 AM.

 

LIVE STREAM FOR PUBLIC VIEWING:

 

RSVP DIRECTIONS FOR MEDIA ONLY:

To RSVP and attend the press conference virtually, please email [email protected] with your first and last name and outlet.

 

Members of the general public DO NOT need to RSVP to view the press conference.

 

RSVPs will be considered in the order they are received and space is limited.

 

To be considered, RSVPs must be received by 9:30 AM TODAY   

 

If your participation is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email from our office with further directions.

 

AG Commends Biden for Combatting Gun Violence

AG Commends Biden for Combatting Gun Violence

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

 Kelly Rossman-McKinney
(c) 517-512-9342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 8, 2021

AG Nessel Commends President Biden for Executive Orders Combatting Gun Violence

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement applauding President Joe Biden for his executive orders to combat gun violence.

“I commend President Biden and his administration for taking action to address a problem in our country that has claimed far too many lives. The fact is this: a single life lost to gun violence is one too many and it is time for those in power to do something about it. From putting an end to the proliferation of ghost guns and their purchasers’ ability to circumvent common sense gun laws to model legislation that would work to keep these dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands, I am grateful to President Biden for taking significant steps to tackle our nation’s gun violence epidemic.”

MDHHS identifying COVID-19 variants

MDHHS identifying COVID-19 variants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – Since shortly after the first positive COVID-19 test was diagnosed at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) on March 10, 2020, BOL scientists have been busy genome sequencing the virus to identify variants.

More than 10,000 samples have been sequenced by BOL staff to date with over 4,200 of those tests completed in 2021.

“Our lab is a national leader in genome sequencing and our efforts have allowed us to implement rapid public health responses to slow the spread of outbreaks involving more easily transmitted variants,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We will continue to work to identify these variants in Michigan as an important tool in fighting this pandemic back in Michigan.”

Viruses are constantly changing, and this includes SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These genetic variations occur over time and can lead to the emergence of new variants that may have different characteristics.

The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes instructions organized into sections, called genes, to build the virus. Scientists use a process called genomic sequencing to decode the genes and learn more about the virus. Genomic sequencing allows scientists to identify SARS-CoV-2 and monitor how it changes over time into new variants, understand how these changes affect the characteristics of the virus, and use this information to predict how it might impact health. Some variant viruses are of particular concern because they spread easier, cause more severe disease or may escape the body’s immune response.

The genome sequencing process takes about a week after the lab receives the positive test results. The MDHHS BOL is one of two labs in the state currently conducting sequencing and can process about 500-600 samples week. However, not every COVID-19 positive test is sequenced, which means additional cases of the variant could be resent in the state.

Because sequencing of specimens associated with outbreak investigations is a priority, 2021 many of the samples sequenced were from a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) outbreak with the remainder submitted from a variety of other locations throughout the state. As of April 6, 1,998 B.1.1.7 (U.K.) cases have been identified, with 513 of those (26%) connected to the MDOC investigation. Additionally, eight cases of the B.1.351 or South African variant have been identified, three cases of P.1 or the Brazilian variant and 16 cases of the B.1.427 and B.1.429 or California variant have been discovered.

“The presence of more infectious variants, such as the B 1.1.7 variant, threatens our progress in control of the epidemic and is likely contributing to our current increase in cases,” said Khaldun. “It is critical that we not let up now and I urge Michiganders to continue to mask up, wash their hands, social distance, get tested and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

On a daily basis, scientists at the Bureau of Laboratories protect the health and safety of Michiganders by testing for hundreds of microbes, diseases and chemical substances in human, animal and environmental sources.

“The important testing being conducted by our highly qualified, skilled and dedicated scientists protects the health and safety of all Michiganders every day,” said Dr. Sandip Shah, BOL director. “Their work is allowing the state to effectively monitor and respond to environmental as well as public health threats and to expand investigation of potential contamination of public water and food sources.”

Tests can take from a few minutes to a few weeks and on an annual basis lab staff conduct nearly 6.8 million tests. This includes sexually transmitted diseases, influenza, Salmonella, rabies, lead, measles, newborn screening and hundreds of other tests.

The lab is also responsible for testing fish in the state’s lakes, rivers and streams for mercury, PCBs, dioxins and PFAS. These results are published in the Eat Safe Fish Guide which helps protect residents who eat Michigan fish by providing information on which fish are safe to eat and which ones to avoid.

It also completes newborn screening (NBS) where infants blood spots are tested for more than 50 potentially life-threatening diseases. Every year, the NBS program tests more than 120,000 newborns and identifies approximately 250-280 babies afflicted by one of the 54 blood-spot-testable disorders included on the NBS panel. Screening is completed between 24 and 36 hours after birth and lab staff work quickly to identify conditions that require immediate medical or nutritional intervention.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

OAKLAND SCHOOLS TO HOST VIRTUAL APPRENTICESHIP APRIL 19

OAKLAND SCHOOLS TO HOST VIRTUAL APPRENTICESHIP APRIL 19

OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN WORKS! PARTNERS WITH OAKLAND SCHOOLS TO HOST VIRTUAL APPRENTICESHIP SHOWCASE ON APRIL 19

Waterford, Michigan – Students looking for exciting and rewarding career opportunities, as well as working adults seeking a career change, are invited to participate in the Oakland County Apprenticeship Showcase.

The event, being held virtually for the first time to assure everyone’s safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, takes place from 4-6 p.m. Monday, April 19.

Participation is free, but advance registration is required to receive login information. To sign up, visit https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/Michigan/e/6xoAD.

The Apprenticeship Showcase is being hosted by Oakland County Michigan Works! and Oakland Schools, in partnership with Oakland Community College, Oakland County Economic Development and the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity.

“An apprenticeship can be a rewarding career move, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction that ultimately leads to outstanding full-time job opportunities,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This showcase gives participants the chance to meet one-on-one with organizations that offer Registered Apprenticeship programs and their representatives are ready to answer questions about how to get started.”

Employers participating in the Apprenticeship Showcase represent a number of industries:

  • Building Trades
  • Manufacturing
  • Health Care
  • Pharmacy
  • Information Technology
  • Culinary

A Registered Apprenticeship is a primary postsecondary pathway promoted by Oakland Schools through its career readiness team. Upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship, a person typically earns one or more professional certifications or certificates.

“Apprenticeships continue to be an important means of providing relevant and rigorous preparation for students interested in careers in multiple industries such as construction, skilled trades, information technology and more,” said Jarrad Grandy, executive director of student services at Oakland Schools. “We support Oakland County’s employers in this initiative to expand opportunities to prepare talent in our county. “

The Apprenticeship Showcase takes place as the state of Michigan places more emphasis on Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity recently announced grants totaling more than $6 million to help support the development of more than 2,300 Registered Apprenticeship opportunities across the state. This includes $625,000 to Oakland County Michigan Works! for 250 apprentices, which will help cover costs of on-the-job learning and related technical instruction to earn certificates and certifications for in-demand careers.

“Apprenticeships benefit everyone,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works! “Companies build their future workforce from within, while apprentices learn hands-on skills and more while being paid and avoiding debt. Don’t miss this chance to see firsthand why Registered Apprenticeships are growing in popularity among people of all ages.”

For more information on the Oakland County Apprenticeship Showcase, visit www.oaklandcountymiworks.com.

Oakland County Michigan Works! operates service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, and Waterford. Combined, they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.

The service centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking assistance with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring, and training support, layoff support and labor market data.

Service center staff remain available by virtual appointment to work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule a virtual meeting, call 1-248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The service centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

UIA Stops Imposter Unemployment Claims

UIA Stops Imposter Unemployment Claims

Residents warned of new wave of criminal attempts to file imposter claims in pursuit of benefits

April 7, 2021

Media Contact: Lynda Robinson, 313-456-2945

Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), like other states across the country, remains under attack by criminals. Since Friday, April 2, Michigan has seen a dramatic increase in new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims likely filed by criminals that have been halted for identity verification. No payments have been sent to the approximately 100,000 flagged claims.

“Because of the additional fraud protections we developed last year at the onset of these coordinated attacks on state unemployment agencies, these fraudulent claims have been stopped and no payments have been sent,” said Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency. “We continue to be vigilant in protecting the integrity of the system and the benefits for those who rightfully deserve them.”

Imposter claims are filed using previously stolen or fraudulent personal information – no personal data from claimants has been stolen from the UIA. The expanded benefits available under the federal PUA program have resulted in increased activity among criminals, particularly those posing as self-employed workers or independent contractors to illegally obtain benefits.

UIA has alerted state and federal partners on the Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force created by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, as well as the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) to this new wave of claims.

How to Know If You May Be a Victim of Unemployment Identity Theft

When fraudulent or suspicious claims are identified by the UIA, a Request for Information letter that aides in verifying a claimant’s identity is sent by mail to the address on the claim. In addition, when an individual files a claim for unemployment insurance, they will receive a written Monetary Determination letter.

If you receive either of these letters from the UIA, and did not file a claim for benefits, you may be a victim of identity theft. Please visit Michigan.gov/UIA and click on “Report Fraud or Identity Theft” to alert the Agency.

Once the identity theft has been reported and the investigation is concluded, you will be sent a null and void determination letter that should be kept for your records. Be aware that you may continue to receive correspondence from the UIA until the matter is resolved. Because each case must be manually investigated, there will be a delay in closing cases.

More tips on how to prevent unemployment identity theft in Michigan are available online.