We Must Make Quality Child Care More Affordable

We Must Make Quality Child Care More Affordable

by | Aug 15, 2025 | Regional News

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Friend –

I’ve heard it time and time again from my constituents: the lack of quality and affordable child care has reached crisis levels in Michigan. The cost of child care has skyrocketed and parents are having an increasingly hard time even finding a day care with available spots for their children. As a result, parents are often forced to choose between breaking the bank, missing work, or leaving the workforce altogether.

Not only is the child care crisis placing a strain on parents, it’s also hurting our economy. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Michigan loses nearly $3 billion in economic activity every year when working parents struggle to find child care.

On top of all this, the Trump Administration is making drastic cuts to the resources that are currently helping working families – including Head Start – a vital child care program that helps Michigan kids start on a bright path for success in school.

But we need to be doing more – not less – to lower costs and support our families. That’s why I just helped introduce the Child Care for Working Families Act to make child care more affordable and accessible for hardworking families.

This bill would help improve the quality of child care and expand families’ child care options. To help grow and retain our child care work force, the bill would also support higher wages for child care workers and expand access to high-quality pre-K education.

 

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I never want Michigan families to be forced to choose between missing work and caring for their children. The Child Care for Working Families Act would help ensure all families can find affordable, quality child care – making a long overdue investment in working families.

I’ll keep working to support our state’s kids and help working families thrive.

 

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan
Nicks leaves Ferndale University for Hazel Park

Nicks leaves Ferndale University for Hazel Park

by | Aug 15, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Nicks leaves Ferndale University for Hazel Park.

Written Wednesday August 14th at 3:15 PM

Josh Nicks has been linked to Ferndale University since coming into the OAA but they will have a new coach this winter.

Nicks has has been named the new Boys Basketball Coach at Hazel Park confirmed by Hazel Park Schools and the D-Zone. Nicks led the Eagles to a 32-57 record in his four years at Ferndale University. He takes over for CJ Goff who stepped down last month and will have to learn a new conference in the Macomb Area Conference.

Nicks should have Jayce Goff coming back along with others for the Vikings. “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something but I can’t accept not trying” he said on X which was posted by Hazel Park Schools.

It will be interesting and adds a subplot because the Eagles are in the same district as Hazel Park along with Detroit Old Redford, Ferndale, Detroit Lincoln King Academy, and Detroit Jalen Rose Academy.

Whoever the new coach takes over at Ferndale University will have some experience and some work to do. The Eagles will be in the Gold with Oak Park, Harper Woods, Berkley, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Waterford Kettering this winter.

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

 

Hazel Park Schools on X

https://x.com/HP_Schools/status/1956050761948770550/photo/1

 

The D-Zone Basketball on X

https://x.com/TheDZoneBBall/status/1956064255637164254/photo/1

Nicks leaves Ferndale University for Hazel Park

Walters leaves Waterford Kettering for Regis University

by | Aug 15, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Walters leaves Waterford Kettering for Regis University.

Updated Thursday August 14th at 8:00 AM

In a shocking turn of events, the Rex Walters era at Waterford Kettering lasted a summer.

Walters stepped down at Waterford Kettering on Wednesday which was shocking and stunning to the basketball community. He accepted the Men’s College Basketball coaching job at Regis University.

“I am sorry to say that I will not be coaching at Waterford Kettering High School. To the young men I got to work with, I just want to express how much I enjoyed the time spent with you, you are all good young men that worked extremely hard in the spring and summer. I know it was short and we had goals but I’m looking forward to following the team from afar. To the good people at Kettering HS and the Waterford School District you were nothing but great to me and I thank you for the opportunity” Walters wrote on X.

Regis University is a Division Two school in Denver, Colorado. Walters son Gunner who played at Adams is playing College Basketball in South Dakota.

Walters took over at Waterford Kettering in late March for Coach Steve Emert is back at Walled Lake Western coaching girls basketball.

Emert went 9-81 in his four years with the Captains which also went 2-44 in the last two years.

Waterford Kettering will have their third coach in five months this season. The Captains will have an experienced team in Jordan Jarrell, Gustas Garbenis, Haiden Bigelow, Braycen Harrington, Dylan Hamel, Josh Wagner, Jessie Redick, Brycen Land, Jack Buczek and Katim Jallow coming back.

Waterford Kettering will be coming back into the OAA from the Lakes Valley Conference this winter. They will be in the Gold with Oak Park, Harper Woods, Berkley, Ferndale University, and Southfield Arts and Tech and a very difficult district which has Clarkston, Lake Orion, Avondale, and arch rival Waterford Mott.

There is going to be a lot of questions about why Walters took the Waterford Kettering job only to exit stage right three months before the season starts and not even coach a game. It just doesn’t seem right.

Hopefully for the students and administration at Waterford Kettering they can find the right person who will be at Waterford Kettering for the long term and build their program.

It will be really interesting to see what happens with the Captains.

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

 

Here is the post on X confirming the move

https://x.com/CoachRexWalters/status/1955624475438756167

 

Press Release- Regis Rangers.

https://regisrangers.com/news/2025/8/13/rangers-hire-rex-walters-as-head-mens-basketball-

Nicks leaves Ferndale University for Hazel Park

OAA Football Uniform Grades 2025

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

OAA Football Uniform Grades 2025

Written Friday August 8th at 3:30 PM

Here is what I’m famous for the OAA football uniform grades.

Red

Clarkston (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Wolves made some changes to the uniforms last season which was an absolute disaster. The Michigan helmet stays which is the classic Clarkston look goes very well. The white jersey, white pants they wore against Belleville in week one last season looked awesome with the Michigan helmet. The new road white jerseys are absolutely hideous with yellow numbers along the blue pants, they added a yellow pair of pants for the postseason. If done correctly the white top with the yellow pants would be a good look but the white jersey top has to pop and on this uniform it does not pop at all. The home blue jerseys needs a lot of work. I think white lettering and numbers on this set does not look good at all, it’s too Hartland like. I’m not a fan of the yellow stripes on the elbows with white on the side or the font in white with the lettering and numbering, it’s not Clarkston. If the Wolves were to had went classic Michigan that look would be so much better on them. The alternate grey look saves the look but that was before Clarkston went to their current jersey set. These current home/road jersey set at Clarkston are an absolute disaster. GRADE F.

Lake Orion (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Dragons went old school with the football uniforms but they made a little kinks to the uniforms. The all green and all white with the green V-Neck look with players names on the back is classic Lake Orion but they can mix and match especially the white top and green pants would also be a good look. There are no stripes but the LO V-neck collar returns which to me is a red flag. The uniform looks classic with names on the back. The only down side is the road uniforms say DRAGONS as well and not LAKE ORION. The pants have the classic stripes on the sides with the Dragons logo along with the green LO helmet makes the uniform a perfect combination. The LO V-neck return is a red flag. GRADE B.

Adams (Uniform Provider-Adidas): The Highlanders have a yellow helmet which has the script Adams which I questioned why they did that??? They had to change their home jerseys after the state banned yellow as a primary jersey. Adams has two choices when it comes to their jerseys, they have a home brown look with the brown pants and yellow outlying or their alternate charcoal uniform which has been their big game look but sometimes they could be hard to read. The look is an upgrade over the brown jerseys and white pants look and or the brown and yellow look which has been their traditional look. The road whites are different with the brown and yellow stripes on the elbows. Overall I’m not a fan of these jerseys. GRADE D.

West Bloomfield (Uniform Provider-Home/Road/Alt-Nike, Third jersey-Russell Athletic): The Lakers changed their uniforms and they look great. The white pants are classic along with the green and white uniforms. The all white look great with the green V-Neck and elbow piping looks great. My best guess is the home green is the opposite which is great. The all black uniforms look solid along with the military uniforms but the white helmet is just not there. The new uniforms look great along with the helmet design a lot like Alabama but the helmet needs a paint job, green would be much better and smoother. GRADE B.

Oxford (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Wildcats have a new coach in Trevor Potts but he kept the classic simple uniform whether it’s the home blue or road white uniforms. They went with a yellow helmet which is different from past tradition when they wore blue helmets. The design with the small wildcat with the OHS on top of the sides along with the white stripe is too LSU like, which doesn’t seem right. The simple plain uniform looks very nice especially with yellow or blue pants. They have a alternate uniform which is black on black which is really nice and they wear these for special occasions. Oxford should NEVER wear white pants under any circumstance, they have been bad luck in the past. The uniform is great the helmet needs work. GRADE B.

 

 

White

Harper Woods (Uniform Provider-Zenith): The Pioneers have an interesting uniform combination. They have three helmets and a very good uniform design. I like the black and maroon helmet much better than their white helmets. The uniform top looks great whether if it’s maroon, black, or white jerseys and pants. They have a pink uniform that they wear in October for Cancer Awareness Month is a great look. The black or maroon helmets make the uniform look very strong but the white helmet, not so much. GRADE B.

Southfield Arts and Tech (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Warriors got out of the Adidas looks and went to Nike in 2023. The all blue uniforms with the blue helmet looked very good along with the all white with red helmet as well but I’m not a fan of the Warriors name on the back of the road uniforms but in talking to Coach Keith McKenzie he mentioned they are getting new road uniforms. They have multiple combinations with the home red or blue uniforms along with red, white, or blue pants. The Warriors look so much better in the Nike uniforms. They went back to the blue helmet with the S A&T logos which is fine. The home uniform looks great but the road uniforms needs some modifications which hopefully they get. GRADE B.

Groves (Uniform Provider-Nike, Alternate-Zenith): The Falcons uniform combinations are interesting. They have a great home uniform but a subpar road uniform. The green helmet looks great with the old classic Atlanta Falcons bird on both sides of the helmet. The home green, gold, and black look is a great look for the Falcons especially the green and black at home games. The road white uniforms is just too plain with green lettering and numbers. The alternate uniforms look good with an all black with black pants. I really like the green and black look at home and the all blacks, the whites are too plain. GRADE C.

Rochester (Uniform Provider-Under Armor): The Falcons went back to their old school tradition with no gimmicks. Rochester has an all blue uniform with blue or white pants, the white pants being the main look at Rochester Stadium and a road white with white pants. The Falcons has the traditional blue helmet with the R on both sides with no gimmicks. They have an alternate black look for a game if it’s a big one. The Falcons also have a USA uniform they wear usually during week two which is great. I like that they finally figured out the uniform design and not go all Oregon like they did a few years ago which was the definition of fashion disaster. GRADE A.

Stoney Creek (Uniform Provider- Zenith): The Cougars released a new uniform set for Coach Rick Powell last season going with the all navy blue helmet and the navy blue jersey and game pants along with an all white look on the road. I like the design of the uniform set but it needs modifications. The gold doesn’t pan out as I thought it would. I don’t like the SC collar on the jersey, I think that’s too much. I think the Stoney Creek name is too small and the numbers are too big. The back of the jerseys says the players last names. It’s good look but some of the fonts need work. They also have different jerseys for different themes which is good as well. The main jerseys have it’s ups and downs. GRADE B.

 

 

Blue

North Farmington (Uniform Provider-Adidas): The Raiders went with three jerseys last season with each having a jersey and a set of game pants. The Adidas logo scares me but Coach Jon Herstein loved the look especially the black with the brown trim and the same with the white with brown trim. They finally got out of the white helmets which is a start and went with a gold helmet with the North Farmington Raiders logo on it last season. Herstein honored the Raiders and Harrison traditions with the gold helmets. The road white uniforms with the gold helmet looks strong along with the all black and golds as well. Great look, not a fan of the provider. GRADE B.

Seaholm (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Maples went back to Maple helmets which was a great start. They went with an all Maple look at home with maple pants and white lettering and a white jersey with white pants and maroon lettering on the road. It’s not like the uniforms from a few years ago when they had opposite colors on the elbows. I wished the Maple helmet were with the old uniforms of the past. Seaholm has a third jersey which is an alternate black look with black pants. It’s a plain and simple uniform with both home and road looks. GRADE B.

Troy (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Colts finally got Nike uniforms a few years ago and they look as sharp as ever. The home black has the COLTS name with black pants while the road white has TROY with white pants with both looks having the black TC helmet with the number on the other side. Troy is going to update the road white uniforms but no design changes, just an update to the pants which is a concern. I wish they would put name plates on the back of the road uniforms but they got the all black and the all white look nailed down. GRADE B.

Troy Athens (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Red Hawks are getting new uniforms but are not changing the design concept. The helmet will be is gold with the Red Hawks logo. The home look is solid with a red jersey and red pants. The road uniforms will be the same but in all white with red and gold trim along with white pants. The lettering and numbering have the same design concept with ATHENS on the front and gold numbering with the home look and red and gold on the road. It’s a good look but a gold pair of pants would make the home look even better even though red pants are awesome too. GRADE A.

Oak Park (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Knights changed uniforms last season. I really like the home red uniforms with the name OAK PARK on the crest with white pants with the Knights logo and the Jumpman photo. The all white look looks good and they changed to black helmets which makes it better with the OP on both sides of the helmet. I like the uniform design but NO WHITE HELMETS. GRADE B.

Bloomfield Hills (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Blackhawks went back to black helmets which made the most sense and brought back the traditional home black uniform with purple and white numbering. I liked the purple uniforms from the past but they changed the helmets from black then to white and then back to black for a few years. The helmet is black with the Blackhawks logo on both sides, there was one season they went white helmets which wasn’t a good look if they went with their home black look. The white uniforms looks plain with the BLOOMFIELD name in purple font with white pants. The home black uniforms look plain with the BLACKHAWKS name in white outline and the numbering in purple and black outline. This uniform set needs some work. GRADE C.

Farmington (Uniform Provider-Nike): This is not the best design when it comes to uniforms. I don’t like the helmet being white with the Falcons name scripted on the helmet. The home blue jersey looks very good but the helmet doesn’t click to go along with gray pants is very concerning. I know Coach Jason Albrecht wanted to go with the Dallas Cowboys look, this is just not it. If there is a team that needs to go back to a classic look like they did with the Penn State look then Farmington might have to do so. GRADE F.

 

 

Gold

Berkley (Uniform Provider-Nike): Berkley went back to the old tradition but something a bit different. They have blue helmets with the same design which is fine. The Bears are going with blue uniforms which looks great and white pants on both home and road. I’m going to miss the all maroon look but the old school blue with white pants at Hurley Field and the all white look on the road looks great anyway. GRADE A.

Royal Oak (Uniform Provider-Zenith): The Ravens kept their uniforms from past years making updates to it. The home black jerseys have the Ravens name in white with blue numbering. The elbows have white and blue stripes along with black pants. The road white uniforms are the same design but with white pants and with blue lettering. They have a black helmet with the Ravens logo on one side and the number on the other side. I forgot the provider but they look fine. GRADE A.

Ferndale (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Eagles kept the same look with the all brown look which is their main home look. They go all white on the road along with an all yellow look for big games. The helmet is dark brown which I really like a lot. This is a great uniform that can make the colors work to their advantage even though the font could be better. GRADE B.

Pontiac (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Phoenix have a solid color scheme. Pontiac has purple uniforms with black pants at home. They added a purple uniform with the PONTIAC name on them in white numbering. The road white is great with purple lettering and white pants. They also have black set which is great, there is something with purple that I like. GRADE A.

Avondale (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Yellow Jackets made some changes this offseason under new Coach James Carlisle went to more of a traditional look. He is putting name plates on the home purple uniforms which is very different. They have a classic home purple with yellow pants to go along with the purple bee helmet. They changed the road uniforms by going to Nike and introducing an all white set. The all black third jerseys look very good but it’s unknown when Carlisle will release them or go to more of a traditional set which is fine too.  GRADE A.

 

Future Members

Waterford Kettering (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Captains really didn’t change much to the uniforms. The dark green looks really good on Waterford Kettering although I would like for them to get rid of the lightning rod on the jerseys. The helmet has the Captains logo on them which is fine and better than the WK from years past. They are bringing a new all white look which I’m curious to see. Waterford Kettering current look looks fine just need to make some changes with the helmet and no lightning rod on the jerseys and we’re good. GRADE B.

Waterford Mott (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Corsairs are going to change their look for new Coach Tra’Jan Seay. Waterford Mott will be going to Nike but they will keep some of the Adidas look which is very concerning. I’m not a fan of mix and match with different companies, that spells trouble in my book. The baby blue North Carolina helmets look good with the WM on the sides will look sharp. I’m not a fan of the Adidas navy blue jerseys and paints. I’ll be very curious to see what the new Nike jerseys will look on Waterford Mott. I think the light blue helmet with the all white look would look great. The jury is out when it comes to the Corsairs when it comes to their uniforms but until they get out of their Adidas look, the grade will be low for now. GRADE C.

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Regional News

 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control; Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors; Health Information Technology Commission; Michigan Onion Committee; Crime Victim Services Commission; Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems Board; Local Community Stabilization Authority Council; Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Michigan Appellate Defender Commission; Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity; Michigan Opioids Task Force; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; School Safety and Mental Health Commission; Michigan Municipal Services Authority; Michigan Board of Nursing; Elevator Safety Board; Michigan Board of Collection Practices; Michigan Board of Cosmetology;  Farm Produce Insurance Authority; Michigan Potato Industry Commission; and the Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors’ Board.

 

Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control

Shaun Johnson, of DeWitt, is the executive vice president of business transformation and chief legal and administrative officer for Consumers Energy. Johnson previously served as the director of Dykema Gossett’s energy industry group. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Saginaw Valley State University and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law. In 2017, Johnson served as SVSU’s commencement speaker and was awarded the distinguished alumni award by the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences in 2022. Shaun Johnson is appointed to the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 21, 2033. Johnson succeeds Lindsay Eggers, whose term has expired.

 

Dr. Debasish Mridha, of Saginaw, is the owner of Michigan Advanced Neurology Center, a neurologist at St. Mary’s of Michigan, and a Clinical Associate Professor at Central Michigan University. Dr. Mridha is also the founder of the Mridha Foundation. Dr. Mridha previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan State Medical Society Foundation and on the Board of Directors for the Saginaw Valley State University Foundation. Dr. Mridha holds a Doctor of Medicine from Kiev Medical Institute and completed a residency in neurology and fellowship in neurophysiology at Wayne State University. Dr. Debasish Mridha is appointed to the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 21, 2033. Mridha succeeds Joann Crary, whose term has expired.

 

Article VIII, § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution, and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.

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

 

Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors 

Lynda Rossi, of Williamston, is a senior advisor and consultant for McKinsey & Company. Rossi recently retired as the executive vice president of strategy, innovation, and public affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and serves as a board member for Blue Cross Complete. Rossi holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University. Lynda Rossi is appointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. Rossi succeeds Charles Rothstein, whose term has expired.

 

Sue Tellier, of Grand Rapids, is the president of JetCo Federal. Tellier is the immediate past president of the Michigan Chapter of Women in Defense and the immediate past chair of the Women in Defense National Council. Tellier holds a Bachelor of Science in public affairs management from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration and graduate certificate in economic development from Wayne State University. Sue Tellier is reappointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029.

 

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors was created by Executive Order No. 2019-13. The Board’s responsibilities include approval of the use of private activity bonds, authorizing the submittal by local governments of Community Development Block Grant applications, and approval of Tool and Die Renaissance Recovery Zones.

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

 

Health Information Technology Commission

Jeffrey Chin, of Grosse Pointe Park, is the director of data collaboratives and governance at Michigan Medicine and an adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Chin holds a Bachelor of Arts in music economics and a Master of Health Services Administration in health management and policy from the University of Michigan. Jeffrey Chin is reappointed to represent hospitals for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring August 3, 2029.

 

The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission’s mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Onion Committee

Mark Nail, of Marshall, is the owner of Mark Nail Farms. Nail is a member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau and has over 20 years of experience growing onions, corn, and soybeans. Mark Nail will be reappointed to represent growers-at-large for a term commencing August 17, 2025, and expiring August 16, 2028.

 

Nate Brink, of Grant, is the farm manager at Brink Muck Farms. Brink previously worked as a field equipment specialist at Helena Agriculture Enterprises. Brink holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Lake Superior State University. Nate Brink will be appointed to represent growers-at-large for a term commencing August 17, 2025, and expiring August 16, 2028. Brink succeeds Mitchell Schreur, whose term has expired.

 

James Young, of Hastings, is the technical sales manager at American Takii Seed Company. Young holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. James Young will be reappointed to represent industry experts for a term commencing August 17, 2025, and expiring August 16, 2028.

 

The Michigan Onion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of onions grown in Michigan as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of onion farming.

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

 

Crime Victim Services Commission

Robin Hornbuckle-Scott, of Detroit, is a police corporal at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and first vice president of the Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Robin Hornbuckle-Scott will be reappointed as a peace officer for a term commencing September 28, 2025, and expiring September 27, 2028.

 

The Crime Victim Services Commission provides reimbursement expenses on innocent crime victims who suffer a physical injury. The Commission is the state agency charged with overseeing a wide range of funding and services for victims of crime. Its goal is to promote services and supports that protect and enhance the health, safety, dignity, and rights of victims of crime across the state of Michigan.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Public School Employees Retirement Systems Board

Deven Parrish, of Williamston, is an English teacher at Howell High School. Parish is also the chief negotiator for the Howell Education Association and a trustee of the Michigan Education Special Services Association Board of Trustees. Parrish holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in teaching from Marygrove College. Deven Parrish is appointed as a teacher for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring March 30, 2029. Parrish succeeds Brian Kwiatkowski, whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

 

Local Community Stabilization Authority Council

Andrew McMechan, of Garden City, is the assistant superintendent of financial services for the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency. McMechan is president of the Garden City Library Board of Trustees and was previously the chief financial officer for Garden City Public Schools. McMechan holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Hillsdale College and Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Andrew McMechan is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring September 3, 2029. McMechan succeeds Steven Ezikian, whose term has expired.

 

Julius Suchy, of Rockford, is the township manager for Ada Township. Previously, Suchy served as the municipal manager for the Village of Sparta, Village of Dundee, and City of Vassar. Suchy holds a Bachelor of Arts in public administration and Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. Julius Suchy is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring September 3, 2030. Suchy succeeds Donald Rogers, whose term has expired.

 

The Local Community Stabilization Authority Council is the governing body of the Local Community Stabilization Authority, which replaced the METRO Authority, and is responsible for coordinating access to public rights-of-way and the payment of maintenance fees by telecommunications providers to municipalities. The Authority is responsible for distributing personal property tax replacement revenue to municipalities throughout the state according to specific statutory formulas.

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

 

Early Childhood Investment Corporation Executive Committee

Dr. Steve Tunnicliff, of Flushing, is the superintendent of Genesee Intermediate School District. Tunnicliff additionally serves as president of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and on the Michigan Autism Council. Dr. Tunnicliff holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership from Oakland University. Dr. Steve Tunnicliff is reappointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029.

 

Laurie Linscott, of East Lansing, is the director of the Michigan State University Child Development Laboratories. Linscott is a past president of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children and serves as a member of the Ingham County Great Start Collaborative, the Ingham County School Readiness Advisory Committee, and the Ingham County Preschool Inclusion Workgroup. Linscott holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and teaching from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in child development from Michigan State University. Laurie Linscott is reappointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029.

 

Anissa Eddie, of Grand Rapids, is the founder and principal consultant for Liminality Consulting. Eddie additionally serves as a consultant and evaluator for the Wimee Animation Project, a research assistant for Wombats Family Study and Prenatal DULCE Adaptation Study, and as a member of the CHILD Research Lab. Eddie previously worked as the district director for U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten. Eddie holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Calvin College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Philosophy in human development from Michigan State University. Anissa Eddie is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029. Eddie succeeds Sonia Acosta, whose term has expired.

 

Brandon Gleaton, of Detroit, is a senior portfolio manager for PreK-20 education at Ballmer Group. Previously, Gleaton was a program officer for Borealis Philanthropy, a fellow at Grantmakers for Southern Progress, and executive director of the Hazel Park Promise Zone and College Access Network. Gleaton serves on the City of Detroit Master Plan Advisory Group and as co-chair of the Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center Board of Directors. Gleaton holds an associate of arts from Oakland Community College, Bachelor of Education from Wayne State University, and a Master of Public Administration and Policy from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Brandon Gleaton is appointed for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring July 22, 2029. Gleaton succeeds Luanne Ewald, whose term has expired.

 

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation was created to be the state’s focal point for information and investment in early childhood education in Michigan so that children can arrive at the kindergarten door safe, healthy, and eager for learning and life. The Investment Corporation was founded in 2005 and charged with implementing a Great Start system for Michigan both at the state and community level.

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

 

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

Jeremy Murphy, of Mount Pleasant, is the chief financial officer of Gratiot Integrated Health Network. Murphy holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and management information systems from Central Michigan University. Jeremy Murphy will be reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

 

Rodney Craig, of Okemos, is a division director for Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Craig holds an associate’s degree from St. Clair County Community College and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of Michigan – Flint. Rodney Craig will be appointed as a member representing a state agency that administers funds under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029. Craig succeeds Maureen Webster, whose term will expire.

 

Sarah Winslow, of Okemos, is a contractor at the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education. Winslow holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, a Bachelor of Arts in social relations and political science, and a Master of Arts in K-12 educational administration from Michigan State University. Sarah Winslow will be reappointed as a parent or guardian of a child with developmental disabilities for a term commencing October 1, 2025, and expiring September 30, 2029.

 

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) is an advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. MiDDC channels federal funds to support programmatic activities and grants to improve systems and services to help people with I/DD live self-determined and self-directed lives in a diverse and inclusive community. MiDDC also supports a statewide self-advocacy system, led by individuals with I/DD, known as the “Self-Advocates of Michigan,” or SAM. SAM receives staff support and funding from MiDDC to help people with lived experiences in their advocacy journey.

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

 

Michigan Appellate Defender Commission

Judge Michael Hatty, of Brighton, is a visiting judge and facilitator, and the former chief judge of the 44th Circuit Court and the 53rd District Court. Hatty previously presided over the business and adult drug treatment courts in Livingston County. Judge Hatty holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and business from Western Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Judge Michael Hatty is appointed as a member recommended by the Michigan Judges Association for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring May 24, 2029. Judge Hatty succeeds Judge Thomas Solka, whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission is responsible for the development of a system of indigent appellate defense services which shall include services provided by the office of the state appellate defender and locally appointed private counsel. The Commission will be responsible for the development of minimum standards to which all indigent criminal defense appellate services shall conform and will compile and keep current a statewide roster of attorneys eligible for and willing to accept appointment by an appropriate court to serve as criminal appellate defense counsel for indigent defendants.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity

Katie Anderson, of Hartford, is the CEO of Healing with Katie, LLC. Anderson holds an associate’s degree in business and marketing from Lansing Community College. Katie Anderson is reappointed as a member representing low-income individuals for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring June 21, 2028.

 

Dwan Dandridge, of Detroit, is the chief executive officer of Black Leaders Detroit. Dandridge serves as a board member for Life Remodeled, New Detroit, and the Hope Village Initiative. Dwan Dandridge is reappointed to represent the private sector for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring June 21, 2028.

 

The Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity was created to provide opportunities for low-income persons to actively participate in the development of policies and programs to reduce poverty, and serves as a statewide forum to address the needs and concerns of low-income people in the state of Michigan.

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

 

Michigan Opioids Task Force

Caitlin Koucky, of Boyne City, is the executive director of Community Recovery Alliance in Petoskey, Michigan. Koucky holds a Bachelor of Arts in human development from Kalamazoo College and social relations and a Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida. Caitlin Koucky is appointed as a member representing PIHP Region 2 for a term commencing August 7, 2025, and expiring June 14, 2026. Koucky succeeds Sue Winter, who has resigned.
…
Attorney Launches Operation Robocall Roundup

Attorney Launches Operation Robocall Roundup

by | Aug 8, 2025 | Regional News
Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Nessel Launches Operation Robocall Roundup, Issues Warning Letters to 37 Telecom Companies

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched Operation Robocall Roundup, a multistate effort by the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force to crack down on robocalls across the country. As part of the initiative, Attorney General Nessel and 50 bipartisan attorneys general are sending warning letters to 37 voice providers demanding that they act now to stop illegal robocalls being routed through their networks.

“Operation Robocall Roundup will help ensure voice service providers do their part to stop illegal robocalls,” Nessel said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force to protect people from these persistent and intrusive calls.”

These providers haven’t complied with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules about responding to government traceback requests, haven’t registered in the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Databases, or haven’t filed a plan that describes how they will reduce illegal robocalls on their network. By disregarding these simple rules, these companies are allowing robocallers onto their phone networks and then passing their calls on to other downstream providers until they reach the phones of Michigan residents.

The task force is also sending the letters to more than 100 downstream providers that accept call traffic from the 37 companies, so that they know they’re doing business with bad actors that are not willing to follow the rules that apply to everyone equally.

The FCC is also taking a close look at several of these companies. It announced yesterday that it will be removing seven of these providers from the Robocall Mitigation Database, which means that other providers will no longer be allowed to accept and route any calls from their networks.

The voice service providers receiving warning letters are:

  • Advantage Investors LLC
  • Alpha Stream
  • Ananya Traders LLC
  • Ariyan Khan
  • BBT Voice Private Limited
  • Belthrough
  • BPO VoIP
  • Collection 3 LLC
  • Communications and Telephone Systems Co.
  • Dial Vista Corp.
  • DigitalOcean, LLC
  • Dtel Network LLC
  • End Zone Financial Services
  • EON Telecom Inc.
  • Family Communication Inc.
  • Fiber Flux VOIP
  • First Tele Communications Inc.
  • Flow VOIP LLC
  • Globe Tech Solutions
  • Higher Response Marketing, Inc.
  • HK KwaiFong Group Limited
  • Infinity SIP LLC
  • Lexico Telecom LTD / Lextel LTD
  • Mexico IP Phones LLC
  • Nexusphere VOIP LLC
  • Pleedex LLC
  • Quantum Link VOIP LLC
  • Ringnition
  • SK Teleco LLC
  • SkyPulse VOIP
  • Stacy Newsome LNCC LCC
  • Telnextrix LLC
  • Terra Voip
  • TheVisionConnect
  • Tiera Enterprises LLC
  • Voip Torque
  • Whisl Telecom, LLC / Telconus / Telcon US / Telcon Voice

In 2022, 51 attorneys general joined forces to create the Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force. The Task Force investigates and takes legal action against companies responsible for significant volumes of illegal and fraudulent robocall traffic routed into and across the United States.