Southfield Arts and Tech has their new Varsity Football Coach

Southfield Arts and Tech has their new Varsity Football Coach

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Southfield Arts and Tech has their new Varsity Football Coach.

Written Thursday April 11th at 5:00 PM

The Warriors have their new football coach.

Southfield Arts and Tech has named Keith McKenzie as their new football coach. He takes over for Coach Aaron Marshall who left Southfield Arts and Tech to take over at Birmingham Brother Rice after winning the Division One State crown last season.

McKenzie coached at Wayne State and also at Ball State. He had a very successful career at both schools. McKenzie played for four different NFL teams was a Super Bowl Champion as well with the Green Bay Packers. He will be the school’s student support network coordinator according to Jeff Coriun of the D-Zone.

McKenzie will be tasked of taking over a Warriors program that lost a ton of talent from last season’s Division One State Championship team. Program strength is a huge concern for Southfield Arts and Tech this season as well.

The Warriors will be in the White with Stoney Creek, Harper Woods, Groves, and Rochester. It is unknown who they will open with week one.

This will be very interesting to watch, stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

Here is the tweet from D-Zone confirming the hire.

https://twitter.com/TheD_Zone/status/1778500752618455040/photo/1

Oakland County Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff

Oakland County Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Local News

Oakland County Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff Events Promote Environmental Stewardship and Safeguard Communities

Post Date:04/15/2024 12:14 PM
  • NoHaz events are scheduled for April 27, June 1, July 20, and Sept. 14. Registration opens approximately three weeks prior to each collection event at NoHaz.com.
  • Residents of NoHaz communities may dispose of their household hazardous waste for a nominal fee of $15 or $30, or at no charge, depending on their community.
  • More than 9 million pounds of household hazardous waste have been properly disposed of since the program’s inception in 2003.

Pontiac, Mich. – NoHaz, a consortium of communities in northern Oakland County for disposing household hazardous waste, has scheduled four collection events April through September, giving residents of these communities convenient opportunities to get rid of everything from outdated computers and dead batteries to paints, pesticides and more.

“Our NoHaz household hazardous waste collection events demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship and empower Oakland County residents to responsibly dispose of hazardous materials,” County Executive Dave Coulter said.

All 2024 NoHaz collection events run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

  • April 27, Oakland County Service Center Campus, 1200 North Telegraph Road., Pontiac
  • June 1, Oxford Middle School, 1420 Lakeville Road, Oxford
  • July 20, Kensington Church, 4640 S. Lapeer Road, Orion Township
  • Sept. 14, Oakland County Service Center Campus, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac

Registration opens approximately three weeks prior to each collection event at NoHaz.com. Those unable to register online will be able to complete forms at the collection events.

Akzo Nobel, a global company in Pontiac dedicated to sustainability, is sponsoring the NoHaz collection events. Their partnership helps ease rising costs for member communities and residents.

NoHaz member communities include Addison Township, Clarkston, Groveland Township, Independence Township, Lake Angelus, Lake Orion, Leonard, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Oxford Village, Pontiac, Rose Township, Springfield Township and Waterford Township.

Residents of NoHaz member communities may dispose of their household hazardous waste for a nominal fee of $15 or $30, or at no charge, depending on their community. Any Oakland County resident who does not reside in a NoHaz community may dispose of acceptable materials at any collection event for a fee of $130. They may also contact their city, village, or township to ask if another program is available or click on this link to view a map of available household hazardous waste programs in the county.

With more than 9 million pounds of household hazardous waste properly disposed of since its inception in 2003, NoHaz is providing Oakland County residents with an opportunity to do the safe and responsible thing with their household hazardous waste.

For more information on NoHaz and disposing of household hazardous waste responsibly, click on NoHaz.com.

The NoHaz Consortium is a group of Oakland County communities that have come together to provide residents with a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW). These wastes are substances in a home that can be harmful to humans and the environment if not disposed of properly. Each year, NoHaz schedules collection events to provide disposal opportunities for residents of the member communities.

Alert to Business Owners Tax Scams May Target Them

Alert to Business Owners Tax Scams May Target Them

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 15, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Re-Issues Alert to Warn Medium and Small Business Owners That Tax Scams May Target Them

LANSING – Amid Financial Literacy Month, and on Tax Filing Day, it’s critical that small business owners are vigilant against tax scams by bad actors who are actively targeting entrepreneurs. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her alert, Tax Scams Targeting Small and Midsized Businesses, to underscore the importance of understanding and safeguarding small businesses against financial fraud.

Scammers are stepping up their attempts to deceive businesses through dishonest schemes, putting them in serious financial danger. These scams frequently use threats of legal action, fictitious tax bills, or promises of tax refunds to deceive unsuspecting business owners or their employees.

“Criminals who perpetrate tax scams against small and midsized businesses are not only defrauding hardworking entrepreneurs but also undermining the integrity of our tax system for financial gain,” said Nessel. “My department is committed to protecting all Michigan residents from bad actors. I encourage small business owners to remain vigilant against these fraudulent attempts by understanding the common scams that target their organizations during tax season.”

In her alert, AG Nessel outlines some of the tax-related scams perpetrated against small and midsized businesses.

  • Business-Related W-2 Scams – These scams happen when cybercriminals send phony emails or text messages to payroll and HR specialists, enticing them to divulge private tax information to gain access to workers’ W-2 Forms. These tactics put employees and company data at risk. According to the IRS, the communications can read something like this: “I am analyzing some reports and need a copy of your W-2s for last year. Please send ASAP.” Once the cybercriminals obtain the W-2s, they file fictitious tax forms in an attempt to get refunds. Companies should review their policies for sharing employee data and consider a two-person oversight process for approving employee data distribution.
  • Employer ID Number Scams – When companies apply for Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), they can be lured to fraudulent websites. EINs are free and can be obtained legitimately through IRS.gov. Any site that does not end with a .gov is not an official government website.
  • IRS Imposter Scams – This is the most frequently reported scam, which involves scammers claiming to be from the IRS, who place calls to individuals telling them they or their business owes taxes that must be paid urgently to avoid additional penalties or jail. The IRS will never contact you by text, phone, or email and demand immediate payment and will never ask for payment in the form of gift cards or through money apps.

The AG’s alert recommends businesses create a security protocol and train employees to recognize scams and government imposters.

If you believe your business has been the victim of an IRS scam:

The AG has also launched a Business Identity Theft iniatiaive, and travels the state to provide educational presentations to business groups and chambers to help create awareness about the different forms of identity theft that target small businesses. To inquire about upcoming presentations or to request that this information be delivered to your organization or group, contact the Department.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.
Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Deadline

Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Deadline

by | Apr 15, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Treasury Provides Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Deadline

Tax Returns and Payments Due before Midnight Tonight

LANSING, Mich. – With taxpayers required to either e-file or mail their state individual income tax returns by midnight tonight, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) has some tips to help last-minute filers submit an accurate return.

To ensure an accurate income tax return is filed with the state of Michigan:

  • File electronically. Taxpayers can go to www.michigan.gov/mifastfile to learn more about e-filing options.
  • Mail a paper return to the right address. To avoid processing delays, paper filers should carefully follow tax form instructions when sending a paper return to a specific address.
  • Fill in all requested information. When entering information on the tax return, take the time to ensure information is accurate. Information on paper returns should be legible and easy to read.
  • Review all figures. While software catches and prevents many errors on e-filed returns, math errors remain common on paper returns.
  • Get the right routing and account numbers. Requesting direct deposit of a state tax refund is convenient and enables the taxpayer to access their money faster. Make sure the financial institution’s routing and account numbers entered on the return are accurate.
  • Sign and date the return. If paper filing a joint return, both spouses must sign and date the return. Most e-file software platforms allow electronic signatures.
  • Submit all the required forms. Paper filers should carefully follow the instructions and attach all forms as indicated. If possible, use a paperclip, binder clip or rubber band to hold all documents together.
  • Owe tax? Taxpayers can pay their outstanding tax balance by check, money order, eCheck, debit or credit card.

Need an extension?

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file a return beyond the April 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2024. Taxpayers can request additional time to file by using MI Form 4, Instructions for Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns.

Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should also estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by April 15, 2024, to avoid additional interest and penalties. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

Some taxpayers impacted by last year’s storm may qualify for an extension.

Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families?

For the 2023 tax year, Michigan quintupled the Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families.

To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return.

Taxpayers are encouraged to check to see if they are eligible. Both federal and state tax credits reduce the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund.

Have questions?

Michigan taxpayers who have questions about or need help with their individual income tax returns or refunds can digitally connect with the state Treasury Department through its Treasury eServices platform.

To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax or to download forms, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax. For more information from Treasury, go to www.michigan.gov/treasury or follow @MiTreasury on X, formerly Twitter.

AG Warns Residents of New SSA Impersonation Scam

AG Warns Residents of New SSA Impersonation Scam

by | Apr 10, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 10, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Michigan Residents of New SSA Impersonation Scam

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging residents to be on high alert for a new impersonation scam after the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued an alert (PDF) warning about criminals posing as SSA OIG agents and demanding in-person meetings to hand off cash. SSA OIG agents will never pick up money at your door or in any type of exchange.

“Staying informed and reporting any suspicious activity is the best way consumers can protect themselves from these harmful scams,” Nessel said. “I commend SSA OIG for their vigilance in helping protect consumers, and our Consumer Protection Team is ready to assist any Michigan residents targeted by these imposters.”

Consumers who believe they have been a victim of this crime should file a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and report the scam to SSA OIG.

The Attorney General’s Government Imposter Scams alert advises consumers who have received communications from imposters to protect themselves from these scams by:

  • Blocking the text, email, or call;
  • Not clicking links or opening attachments;
  • Reporting the text or email as spam; and
  • Deleting the text or email from their device.

The Attorney General’s alert also reminds consumers that government agencies will not:

  • Promise to increase benefits or fix an issue if a fee is paid;
  • Threaten arrest or legal action unless money is sent immediately; or
  • Demand payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, or cash sent by mail.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form 

 
April Newsletter: North Oakland Community Coalition

April Newsletter: North Oakland Community Coalition

by | Apr 10, 2024 | Local News, Nonprofit

Upcoming at the NOCC

April is here, and we at the NOCC are springing into action with some programming you won’t want to miss. Read below to learn about our upcoming events, such as:

  • Prescription Drug Take Back Day
  • All About Connections Suicide Prevention Trainings
  • Level Up Camp
     Take Back Day is April 27th, from 10am-2pm. We’ll be out at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Orion Substation, Lake Orion Village Police Department, and the Village of Oxford Police Department to help dispose of any old or unused medications.

Wondering what you can drop off? Currently, we cannot accept any liquid medications, inhalers, or needles. Pills, including liquid gel capsules, are allowed, and must be popped out of any blister packs or removed from their prescription bottles and put into plastic sandwich bags.
The North Oakland Community Coalition will be hosting an All About Connections Suicide Prevention Training on May 7th. At this training, we cover what to look for in friends and family members that may indicate they need professional help, how to encourage them to get that help, and how to connect them to the resources they need. The training acknowledges that talking about this can be difficult and gives tips to help make it easier. If you would like to register for this training, please visit noccmi.org or click here.
Registration for our 2024 Level Up Camp is now open! Youth entering 6th grade for the 2024-2025 school year are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day camp. Camp will run Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-1:00pm. Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in group activities while becoming better prepared for their middle and high school years. Topics covered include resiliency, goal setting, communication skills, dealing with stress, drug and alcohol refusal skills, and more. This is also an excellent opportunity for your child to become familiar with the middle school setting, practice opening lockers, and meet new friends that will be a part of their middle school experience. Campers will have so much fun they won’t even realize they are learning skills that will strengthen their future!

This year, both weeks of camp will take place at Scripps Middle School. Students may attend either week of camp but must register under the school they will be attending in the fall. There is a $40 deposit upon enrollment that can be reimbursed or donated to the NOCC at the camp’s end. You can register your student for Level Up Camp by visiting noccmi.org.
If you’d like to follow along with all that the NOCC does, make sure to follow us on social media! We share posts about what we’re up to in schools, post information about substances and mental health, and information about all our upcoming events. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more!