by orionontv | May 23, 2024 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Ski Area Safety Board, Michigan Board of Accountancy, Michigan Board of Social Work, Michigan Board of Counseling, Suicide Prevention Commission, Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, and Michigan Opioids Task Force.
Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.
Michigan Aeronautics Commission
Ben Carter, of Farmington Hills, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Trinity Health. He is also a pilot and certified flight instructor. Carter received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Benjamin Carter is reappointed for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring May 27, 2028
The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is responsible for the general supervision of all aeronautics within the state. The Commission is empowered by state law to make rules and regulations governing all airports, flight schools, and other aeronautical activities.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Charles Gano, of Indian River, serves as general counsel at Boyne Resorts. Gano received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Miami University, and Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University. Charles Gano is reappointed to represent the Central United States Ski Association for a term commencing June 9, 2024, and expiring June 8, 2028.
Benjamin Bartz, of Wakefield, is the chief of mountain operations at Midwest Family Ski Resorts. Bartz received an associate’s degree in ski area management from Gogebic Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in ski area management from Northern Michigan University. Benjamin Bartz is appointed to represent Upper Peninsula Ski Area Managers for a term commencing June 9, 2024, and expiring June 8, 2028. Benjamin Bartz succeeds Samuel Bracket who has resigned.
The Michigan Ski Area Safety Board was created to license and regulate ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the operation of ski areas, surface and chair lifts, and rope tows.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Accountancy
Jacquelyn Dupler, of Dewitt, is an attorney and shareholder at Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Dupler received a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and political science from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Jacquelyn Dupler is reappointed to represent a general public member who is an attorney for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
Charles L. Moore Jr., of Lansing, is a certified public accountant and owner of C.L. Moore & Associates. Moore received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Adrian College. Charles Moore is reappointed to represent certified public accountants for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
The Michigan State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the certification, licensure, and regulation of certified public accountants and public accounting firms in Michigan.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Social Work
China Sells, of Grand Rapids, is a housing resource specialist at Inner City Christian Federation Community Homes. Sells is a graduate of Carthage Senior High School. China Sells is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. She succeeds Jasmine Calhoun whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Social Worker registers social workers in Michigan. Social Work is the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to counseling or to helping an individual, family, group, or community to enhance or restore the capacity for social functioning and/or provide, obtain, or improve tangible social and health services.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Counseling
Roberto Overton, of Berrien Center, is a school-based therapist for InterCare Community Health Network. He has also worked as an academic advisor for Southwestern Michigan College and as an English as a second language interventionist at Benton Harbor Area Schools. Overton is both a national certified counselor and a licensed professional counselor. Overton received both a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Science in counseling and human services from Indiana University. Roberto Overton is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventative techniques to clients for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
Rotesa Baker, of Detroit, is an adjunct faculty member at Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, and Central Michigan University. She has also worked as a practicum site supervisor at Grand Canyon University, an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University, an associate faculty member at University of Phoenix, a licensed professional counselor at Oakland Psychological Clinic, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Detroit. Baker is a nationally licensed certified counselor. Baker received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and rehabilitation services from Florida State University, and a Master of Arts in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Rotesa Baker is reappointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counseling for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
The Michigan Board of Counseling was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license counselors who render to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Suicide Prevention Commission
Dr. Natalie Kasiborski, of Petoskey, is an assistant professor for Michigan State University’s Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, and a public health consultant. Additionally, she is the director of the Womens Resource Center of Northern Michigan and past director of the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan. Dr. Kasiborski received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. Dr. Natalie Kasuboski is appointed to represent a member nominated by the school community health alliance for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024. Dr. Natalie Kasiborski succeeds Debra Brinson whose term has expired.
Gregory S. Ginebaugh, of Lansing, is fire chief and emergency manager for the Delta Township Fire Department. He was previously the deputy fire chief for the City of Kentwood Fire Department. Ginebaugh is also a program instructor for the Center for Domestic Preparedness. Gregory S. Ginebaugh is reappointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.
Sheriff Wilbur Yancer, of Lake City, is the Missaukee County Sheriff. Additionally, he is a certified police officer with over forty years of law enforcement experience, including working in all area’s including corrections, dispatch, patrol, investigations, and supervision. He previously served as the department honor guard, department marine division, and past coordinator of the Saginaw County Major Crimes Unit. Sheriff Yancer is reappointed to represent a member who is a suicide loss survivor and is nominated by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.
Frank K. Fischer, of Plymouth, is the executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan. He is also the executive director of The Dominique Fischer Memorial Foundation. Fischer received his Bachelor of Arts in business management from Western Michigan University. Fischer is reappointed to represent a national health care system whose work in this state focuses on providing comprehensive behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and adults throughout this state for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.
Dr. Kenneth Wolf, of West Bloomfield, is the CEO of the Incident Management Team. He is a licensed psychologist and has served as police psychologist, special deputy sheriff for Wayne County, as well as a psychological consultant for the Detroit Police Department. Dr. Wolf received a Bachelor of Arts in government from Columbia College and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Wayne State University. Dr. Kenneth Wolf is reappointed to represent a member who is experienced in crisis intervention for suicide response and is nominated by the Police Officers Association of Michigan for a term commencing May 23, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2024.
This Suicide Prevention Commission works with state departments, and agencies, and nonprofit organizations on researching the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in this state.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science
Brian Joseph, of St. Claire Shores, is the owner of Chas. Verheyden, Inc., a southeast Michigan funeral home and cremation service. Joseph received an associate’s degree in pre-mortuary science from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science from Wayne State University. He is a licensed mortician of the State of Michigan. Brian Joseph is reappointed to represent professionals for a term commencing July 1st, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.
The Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science was created to license and regulate the practice of mortuary science and funeral establishments in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of mortuary science licensees, residential trainees, and funeral homes.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Opioids Task Force
Bradley Casemore, of Battle Creek, is the chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. He also is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a former member of the Opioid Advisory Commission. Casemore received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology, a Master of Social Work in administration, and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. Bradley Casemore is reappointed to represent PIHP region 4 for a term commencing June 15, 2024, and expiring June 14, 2028.
Kristie Schmiege, of Royal Oak, is the director of strategic initiatives at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the Greater Detroit Area. Schmiege received a Bachelor of Science in clinical-community psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint, and a Master of Public Health from University of the Michigan School of Public Health. Kristie Schmiege is reappointed to represent PIHP region 8 for a term commencing June 15, 2024, and expiring June 14, 2028.
The Michigan Opioids Task Force was created as an advisory body within the Department of Health and Human Services and consists of 12 members of the executive branch of state government. Members of the Task Force are ex officio members and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The director of the Department shall designate the chairperson of the Task Force.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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by orionontv | May 23, 2024 | Feature Writers, News
ORION TOWNSHIP – On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett visited Wally Edgar Chevrolet on Lapeer Rd. to take ownership of one Chevrolet Silverado EV, with this purchase, Orion Township becomes one of the first municipalities in Michigan to add an electric vehicle to its fleet.
This purchase of a Silverado EV was made possible by an energy efficiency grant through the federal government.
This model came from GM’s Factory Zero Hamtramck Assembly Center; however, GM’s Orion Plant is undergoing modifications to be able to mass produce the same type of vehicle.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Supervisor Barnett about the purchase and what this means for Orion Township.
“So obviously, the big news came out a year and a half ago, a little over a year ago I guess, when Mary Barra announced that they were going to produce the Chevy EV Silverado right here in Orion Township at Orion Assembly, effectively doubling the size of the four million square foot plant to eight million square feet, bringing thousands of new jobs and we have been on a high ever since,” Barnett said.
ONTV also spoke to Justin Edgar, the pre-owned vehicle manager at Wally Edgar Chevrolet, about the Silverado EV at large and what this means for the future.
“We’re excited to see what comes in, in the next couple of months to the next couple of years,” Edgar said. “There’s going to be a lot more infrastructure coming in the next three, four, five years.”
Supervisor Barnett has made it clear that the future government vehicle fleet for Orion Township will be all electric – an exciting prospect and a bold challenge.
“We will be, a Chevy Silverado EV fleet, as long as I’m here,” Barnett said.
You can visit Wally Edgar Chevrolet at 3805 Lapeer Rd. (M24). For more information about the new Chevrolet Silverado EV, visit chevrolet.com/electric/silverado-ev.
by orionontv | May 23, 2024 | Feature Writers, News
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Michigan Green Communities program has recognized Orion Township in their participation in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge. Over 60 local governments were awarded either bronze, silver or gold in their achievements in climate adaptation and resilience, environmental justice, recycling, energy efficiency and more.
Out of the 62 governments awarded, seven received bronze certification, 20 received silver certification and 35 received gold certification.
Orion Township received gold certification is multiple areas: economic development, land use, climate resilience, climate adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, materials management (recycling, composting, waste diversion), water conservation and protection, and community engagement.
According to a press release from the office of Chris Barnett, Supervisor of the Board of Trustees of Orion Township, “Most remarkable was Orion Township’s demonstrated increase in quantity and quality of both commercial and recreational development, while also increasing investment in and improvement of local parks and nature reserves all while prioritizing and enhancing community social, financial, environmental, and physical wellbeing. Examples include General Motor’s Orion Assembly, Orion Township’s purchase of Great Lakes Athletic Club and their investing in and re-visioning of the space into a community recreation center, upgraded and renovated several sewer lift stations and other waste management measures resulting in a 20% reduction in household disposal since 2020, and over $3 million invested in Orion Parks and trails.”
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is a sustainability networking, benchmarking and technical assistance program open to all local Michigan governments at no cost.
According to the press release, “Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.”
Additional questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator at [email protected].
by orionontv | May 22, 2024 | Local News
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION
OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR
CHRIS BARNETT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jenny Bhatti
248-391-0304 ext. 1003
[email protected]
ORION TOWNSHIP RECOGNIZED FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
Orion Township, MI (May 22, 2024) – Orion Township was recognized for environmental leadership by the statewide Michigan Green Communities program. As part of the 2023 Michigan Green Communities (MGC) Challenge, 62 participating local governments were awarded gold, silver, or bronze seals of achievement reflecting community leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling, environmental justice, and more. Seven communities received bronze certification, twenty received silver certifications, and thirty-five received gold certification.
Orion Township achieved gold status for exemplary action in multiple categories, including economic development, land use, climate resilience, climate adaptation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, materials management (recycling, composting, waste diversion), water conservation and protection, and community engagement.
Most remarkable was Orion Township’s demonstrated increase in quantity and quality of both commercial and recreational development, while also increasing investment in and improvement of local parks and nature reserves all while prioritizing and enhancing community social, financial, environmental, and physical wellbeing. Examples include General Motor’s Orion Assembly, Orion Township’s purchase of Great Lakes Athletic Club and their investing in and revisioning of the space into a community recreation center, upgraded and renovated several sewer lift stations and other waste management measures resulting in a 20% reduction in household disposal since 2020, and over $3 million invested in Orion Parks and trails.
The Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program is open to all local governments in Michigan, at no cost. MGC is a sustainability networking, benchmarking, and technical assistance program. It guides and supports communities in adapting to a changing climate, protecting infrastructure, improving the quality of life for residents, and creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable future for the state of Michigan.
Michigan Green Communities is supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; the Michigan Association of Counties; the Michigan Municipal League; and the Michigan Townships Association. More details about this program can be found at www.migreencommunities.com.
Questions regarding the Michigan Green Communities program can be directed to Danielle Beard, Michigan Green Communities Program Coordinator at [email protected].
by orionontv | May 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday May 19th at 10:45 AM
Here is the softball district preview. This will be updated once we get the District 56 matchups.
District 4 at Lapeer
Lapeer vs. Holly
OXFORD vs. Davison
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This should be a very interesting district. Oxford and Davison will be very interesting as will Lapeer and Holly in the district semifinals. I think the Wildcats experience moves them on over a very good Bronchos team. PICK: OXFORD.
District 22 at Farmington Hills Mercy
Livonia Stevenson vs. FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: Livonia Stevenson and Farmington Hills Mercy should be a very interesting district finals. The Spartans have a very strong team but so does the Marlins. Home field will be the difference here. PICK: FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY.
District 23 at Warren Mott
FERNDALE vs. Warren Mott
OAK PARK vs. Detroit Renaissance
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. Warren Mott is a very young team and could get to the district finals. Ferndale is the other team that could make a run. I think Detroit Renaissance wins this district with ease. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.
District 26 at Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott vs. Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott/Waterford Kettering vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. CLARKSTON
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting district. Clarkston hasn’t been themselves while West Bloomfield has had some moments of good and bad. Bloomfield Hills has also been solid as well. I can’t go against the Wolves in this district even with the changes they made, nope. PICK: CLARKSTON.
District 27 at Seaholm
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. GROVES
SEAHOLM vs. BERKLEY
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting district. Berkley looks to be the favorite in this district with a ton of proven experience. Seaholm played in the Red and has home field. The Maples have been looking really strong recently. Groves has been up and down as has North Farmington. Both the Raiders and the Falcons are more than capable of winning this district as Seaholm. I think the Bears find a way and win this very competitive district. PICK: BERKLEY.
District 28 at Avondale
TROY vs. TROY ATHENS
AVONDALE vs. ROYAL OAK
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting district. Troy and Troy Athens should be a very interesting district semifinals. I really like what Royal Oak has done. They won a district last season beating Berkley and hopes to continue that same magic. It’s a tougher district this time around but the Ravens get it done for the second time. PICK: ROYAL OAK.
District 29 at Stoney Creek
LAKE ORION vs. ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK vs. ADAMS
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: Erin Flynn vs the Dragons looks like it will be inevitable pending if there isn’t any upsets. Stoney Creek is ranked, has one of the State’s best pitchers, and has home field. Lake Orion has been an honorable mention all season. If the Dragons can get to Flynn and force her pitch count to rise that spells trouble for the Cougars. Give me the team that has been there before. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 56 at Geographic host
HARPER WOODS
Detroit Denby
Detroit Lincoln King
Detroit East English
Detroit Southeastern
Harper Woods Chandler Park
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district when looking at the teams. I think Harper Woods wins this district because of the schedule. PICK: HARPER WOODS.
by orionontv | May 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday May 19th at 9:05 AM
Here are the baseball districts preview.
District 15 at Novi
Novi vs. Livonia Stevenson
Novi/Livonia Stevenson vs. FARMINGTON
Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. Northville
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very tough district. Novi won the Division One State crown last season while Novi Detroit Catholic Central is a proven powerhouse. Northville has been a very strong program as has Livonia Stevenson and Farmington. This district could go either way with the winner likely having a deep postseason run. I don’t see anyone knocking the Wildcats in this district. PICK: NOVI.
District 21 at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs. FERNDALE
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit has had a strong season but can’t count Ferndale out despite having to face the Cubs in the district semifinals. Southfield Arts and Tech and Detroit Renaissance has been up and down. I think Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit wins this district with ease. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.
District 22 at Seaholm
BERKLEY vs. TROY
BERKLEY/TROY vs. GROVES
ROYAL OAK vs. SEAHOLM
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting and competitive district. There are some really good teams in this district that could make some noise. Berkley, Groves, Troy, and Royal Oak are solid teams but Seaholm has been battle tested. Home field matters in a district like this and having the new facility will help. PICK: SEAHOLM.
District 23 at Bloomfield Hills
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
Birmingham Brother Rice vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a very competitive district. Birmingham Brother Rice just won the Catholic League crown and is the top team in the State. West Bloomfield has been state ranked all season and has a really good pitching staff. Bloomfield Hills and North Farmington could play spoilers. If there is a team that is primed to be upset it’s the Warriors. I think the Lakers get it done behind their strong pitching staff. PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD.
District 24 at Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE vs. Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott vs. Orchard Lake St. Marys
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district. I don’t see anyone in this district knocking off Orchard Lake St. Marys. PICK: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS.
District 27 at Utica Ford II
Utica Ford II vs. TROY ATHENS
Utica Ford II/TROY ATHENS vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson
Sterling Heights vs. Utica
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This should be a very competitive district in Utica. Troy Athens has been solid all season. Utica has been very consistent all season. Utica Ford II has home field and has been solid. Utica got the best draw of the teams and the Chieftains should move on. PICK: UTICA.
District 30 at Lake Orion
STONEY CREEK vs. ADAMS
STONEY CREEK/ADAMS vs. LAKE ORION
Utica Eisenhower vs. ROCHESTER
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: Lake Orion has been a very odd team to figure out this season. They lost the season series to Rochester but bounced back against Stoney Creek and Adams. The Dragons also have two wins against Utica Eisenhower. Rochester has proven they can go into Lake Orion and win, they did it twice this season. Utica Eisenhower is also a proven team as well. This is anyone’s district to take but when in doubt go with the home team. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 31 at Grand Blanc
Fenton vs. CLARKSTON
Fenton/CLARKSTON vs. OXFORD
Grand Blanc vs. Holly
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting district. Clarkston and Oxford have both been up and down all season. Grand Blanc has been very good all season. Holly and Fenton have been solid teams as well. The Bobcats have home field in their district which helps. Grand Blanc could be in line to make a deep postseason run. PICK: GRAND BLANC.
District 56 at Grosse Pointe University Liggett
Grosse Pointe University Liggett vs. St. Clair Shores South Lake
Grosse Pointe University Liggett/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs. Harper Woods Chandler Park
Detroit East English vs. HARPER WOODS
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district. Grosse Pointe University Liggett is a proven powerhouse. Harper Woods could make some noise and get to the district finals. I don’t see the Pioneers getting by Grosse Pointe University Liggett. PICK: GROSSE POINTE UNIVERSITY LIGGETT.
