2024 Congressional Art Competition

2024 Congressional Art Competition

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Regional News

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Calling all artists: now is the time to get your entries ready for the 2024 Congressional High School Art Competition!

Each spring, Congresswoman Slotkin is proud to sponsor this high school arts competition along with her colleagues in the House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and encourage artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our district.

The competition is open to all high school students who either reside or attend school in Michigan’s 7th District. 

The first-place winner will have their artwork hung in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and will be invited to attend a ceremony with other winners from around the country in Washington, D.C. over the summer. The second-place winner will have their art hung in Congresswoman Slotkin’s Washington D.C. office for one year, and the third-place winner will have their art hung in Congresswoman Slotkin’s Lansing office.

Image2023 Art Competition winner Emma Li of Okemos High School visits Washington to see her painting hanging in the U.S. Capitol with Rep. Slotkin. 

A reception will also be held in late spring in Lansing to announce the winner and display and celebrate all of the art submissions.

Submissions must adhere to the following rules: 

  • Artwork must be two-dimensional and no larger than 26 inches by 26 inches by 4 inches, and must not weigh more than 15 pounds
  • Art pieces should NOT be framed for judging
  • All submissions must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws

Artwork can be: 

  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Drawing
  • Mixed Media
  • Other (ie. Computer-generated art, collages, etc.)

Artwork will be collected from participating schools and homeschool families in early April by our office staff.
All students will need to fill out a release form and attach it to the back of the artwork, which can be downloaded here. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

You can take a look at the full rules and checklist for the 2024 competition by clicking here.

Please send all your questions to Maria Moore in our office at [email protected].

We can’t wait to see what students create this year!

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Bills to Cut Red Tape & Lower Costs for Families 

Bills to Cut Red Tape & Lower Costs for Families 

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Cut Red Tape & Lower Costs for Families

 

LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Whitmer signed unanimous, bipartisan legislation that cuts red tape and lowers costs for families that are transferring assets, like a vehicle or watercraft, when a family member has passed. The new law will ensure values of the title transfers are aligned with the cost of living so that families are not left on the hook for additional costs.

 

“We shouldn’t be placing additional burdens on Michiganders when they lose a loved one. These bills make the transfer vehicle or watercraft that you own to your own family members much simpler, and lower your loved ones’ costs,” said Governor Whitmer. “With these unanimously passed, bipartisan bills, we are raising the maximum value of such a transfer to better reflect the current cost of living. Let’s keep working together to lower costs for Michiganders with commonsense changes to save them time and money.”

 

Under current law, Michiganders need to go through probate court if a vehicle or watercraft that exceeds current thresholds is transferred to a new family member from a deceased relative. With the cost of goods rising, this added an additional burden for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. The new law will reduce that cost for families who inherit assets by better aligning the threshold level with current values of assets.

 

House Bill 4416, sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler, amends the Estates and Protected Individuals Code to update certain asset threshold amounts, creates “standby guardians”, and inserts safeguards to help protect against inappropriate gifts.

 

House Bill 4417, also sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler, modifies the maximum value of a transfer of ownership of a vehicle to the surviving spouse or heir after the owner’s death, adjusting for the present cost of living.

 

“These bills will modernize Michigan’s probate code, while making our probate laws fairer and easier to understand,” says state Representative Graham Filler (R-Duplain Township). “I am proud to work on bipartisan legislation that improves the lives of Michiganders.”

 

House Bill 4418, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, amends the value of money, securities, and insurance transfers allowed to minors.

 

House Bill 4419, also sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, increases the maximum value for the issuance of a certificate of title for the transfer of a watercraft from a deceased owner’s interest, adjusting for the present cost of living.

 

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough without having to endure litigation over inherited property. That’s what these bills will help avoid,” said state Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi), chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work we’ve done to help Michigan families avoid Probate Court and make a difficult time just a little easier.”

 

The governor also signed House Bills 4325 and 4845.

 

House Bill 4325, sponsored by Rep. Helena Scott, increases fines and penalties for large amounts of illegal littering.

 

“The signage of the illegal dumping bill by Governor Whitmer is a major victory in creating a better environment for all Michiganders,” said state Representative Helena Scott (D-Detroit). “Polluters will not be able to abandon land and buildings, creating blight, without consequence. The increased fines and penalties send a clear message: We’re putting the health and safety of our ecosystem and the people of Michigan first. If you pollute, it will cost you.”

 

House Bill 4845, sponsored by Rep. Willaim Bruck, designates a portion of M-125 in Monroe County, as the “Captain Joseph M. Liedel Memorial Highway”.

 

“For 28 years CPT Joe Liedel selfishly served not only his community, but also the victims of the attack on New York City, in September 2001,” said state Representative William Bruck (R-Erie). “He loved what he did and I’m certain if he could come back from the grave would do it all over again, and he would not want to be honored. However, for the sake of his family and our communities, it is fitting he be forever honored for his enduring legacy of service.”

 
Voters cast ballots on Day One of early voting

Voters cast ballots on Day One of early voting

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 18, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

 

Secretary Benson and more than 6,500 other Michigan voters cast their ballot on Day One of early voting

In-person early voting sites open through Feb. 25 for Presidential Primary

DETROIT, Mich. – Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, along with more than 6,500 voters across the state, cast a ballot in the Presidential Primary on the first day of in-person early voting.

 

“I was proud to cast my vote yesterday along with over 6,500 voters statewide who chose to participate in Michigan’s first day of early voting,” Secretary Benson said. “All across the state, thousands of clerks and election workers ensured the historic day was a success. I am grateful to all of them for their hard work and dedication to ensuring every voice is heard and every vote is counted in every election.”

 

According to poll book totals, 6,587 voters cast their ballots yesterday at early voting sites around the state. Early voting will be available for a total of nine consecutive days through Sunday, Feb. 25. Secretary Benson voted at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit and spoke with City of Detroit Clerk Janice Winfrey, election workers, and voters at the site.

 

This is the first time in Michigan’s history voters have had the option to cast a ballot in person at an early voting site in a statewide election. At least nine days of in-person early voting for statewide and federal elections is now a constitutional requirement following the 2022 passage of Proposal 2. Michigan is the 22nd state to implement in-person, polling-place style early voting.

 

To learn more about early voting, including locations and hours of early voting sites, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

 

Voters can check their registration, track their absentee ballot, and learn more about voting in the Feb. 27 Presidential Primary at Michigan.gov/Vote.

 

# # #

Secretary Benson "I Voted! Did You?" sticker Detroit
Secretary Benson voted at the Northwest Activities Center early voting site in Detroit on the first day of in-person early voting for the Presidential Primary.

 

Secretary Benson voting in Detroit  

An election worker at Detroit’s Northwest Activities Center early voting site greets Secretary Benson as she prepares to cast her ballot.

 

Secretary Benson and a group at Detroit early voting site 

Secretary Benson and a community group at the Northwest Activities Center early voting site.
DeGeeter let go at Seaholm

DeGeeter let go at Seaholm

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

DeGeeter let go at Seaholm.

Written Saturday February 17th at 7:20 PM

Seaholm will go a different direction next season with their boys basketball program.

The Maples confirmed by Brandon Folsom of Hometown Life said that they have let coach Mike DeGeeter go. Folsom mentioned it on X formerly Twitter on Saturday.

It is unknown what led to the departure of DeGeeter. He was let go after the loss on Thursday to Bloomfield Hills.

Will Broner was named the interim coach for the rest of the season.

DeGeeter took over the Seaholm program in 2014. He went 83-126 in his 10 years coaching the program.

It will be very interesting to see what happens with the rest of the season and in the future for the Maples especially with the postseason starting next week.

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

Here is the tweet confirming DeGeeter’s departure.

https://twitter.com/folsombrandonj/status/1758939549776945525

DeGeeter let go at Seaholm

Boys Basketball Top 23

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday February 17th at 7:30 PM

  1. Troy (18-1): Colts have the best starting intro music in the league.
  2. West Bloomfield (15-5): Lakers looked a little out of sync against Clarkston.
  3. North Farmington (17-2): Raiders still haven’t been themselves lately.
  4. Adams (13-6): Peter Kardasis needs to be on the floor, if not the Highlanders are in trouble.
  5. Ferndale (11-8): Eagles have to get things figured out and soon.
  6. Groves (10-10): Paul Hubbard has been huge for the Falcons.
  7. Clarkston (10-10): Postseason goals are still in front of the Wolves.
  8. Troy Athens (12-7): Red Hawks need Griffin LaBay to be at his best or they are in trouble.
  9. Avondale (15-6): Tuesday decides it all.
  10. Harper Woods (7-11): Pioneers have been playing much better since the loss to Seaholm.
  11. Oxford (14-6): Tuesday decides it all.
  12. Lake Orion (13-7): Quay Fly has been playing well lately.
  13. Farmington (11-9): Greg Grays has led the Falcons resurgence.
  14. Berkley (13-6): Bears are gearing up for the postseason.
  15. Pontiac (12-8): Phoenix have been up and down lately.
  16. Rochester (6-15): Falcons have won three straight.
  17. Bloomfield Hills (5-14): Phil Muhammad and D’Ron Mason are the next stars in the making.
  18. Seaholm (6-15): Maples going through a lot right now.
  19. Stoney Creek (5-14): Gideon Beers and Tyree Smith can straight out play.
  20. Oak Park (4-14): Knights need to get healthy and quick.
  21. Royal Oak (9-11): Ravens are 1-6 since the Stoney Creek loss.
  22. Ferndale University (2-17): Eagles really struggling right now.
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-18): Warriors really struggling right now.
DeGeeter let go at Seaholm

Girls Basketball Thoughts

by | Feb 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday February 18th at 10:10 AM

West Bloomfield (22): The Lakers are locked in as the top seed in their district which means they would see either North Farmington or Farmington in the district semifinals and either Birmingham Marian or Farmington Hills Mercy in the district finals. West Bloomfield should be battle tested as we get deeper into the season. Coach Darryl McAllister has this team believing right now for another deep postseason run.

Rochester (27): This is the best case for the Falcons. They are locked in as the A team in the district which means they would play Romeo in the district semifinals and have their possible rematch with Stoney Creek in the district finals. Coach Bill Thurston’s team might be the most dangerous team in this district.

Stoney Creek (27): The Cougars are locked in as the top seed in their district which means they would get the bye and plays Adams or Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Stoney Creek has wins over Utica Eisenhower, Adams, Rochester, and Romeo as well. There has to be a sense of concern for Coach Columbus Williams’s team because they have had battles with these respective teams and had to survive them. If they get Rochester in the district finals that would be very interesting. (Stoney Creek won both games by a combined three points). The Cougars have home court but they have shown at times they can be vulnerable.

Lake Orion (29): The Dragons are locked into the second seed in their district. They will see Waterford Kettering in the district semifinals. Lake Orion could see arch rival Clarkston in the district finals which both teams split their regular season series. It should be a very interesting matchup to see for Coach Bob Brydges’s team.

Clarkston (29): The Wolves are locked into the top seed in their district. They will see Waterford Mott in the district semifinals. Clarkston could see arch rival Lake Orion in the district finals which both teams split their regular season series. It should be a very interesting matchup to see for Coach Aaron Goodnough’s team.

Oxford (32): The Wildcats are locked into the second seed in their district which means they could see Grand Blanc in the district finals. Coach Rachel Bryer’s team will see Davison in the district semifinals with Grand Blanc waiting the winner of Holly and Lapeer. The Wildcats won 42-34 over the Cardinals on December Seventh. Oxford will be a very interesting team to watch in their district.

Royal Oak (23): The Ravens will likely be seeded, the question is where will they be seeded??? Coach Brian Sopota’s team has the top seed in their district for now but they could fall into the two seed and their district is at Warren Cousino which means they could see the Patriots in the district finals. They will see Sterling Heights, or Warren Mott if they are the top seed and Groves if they are the second seed. Either way the Ravens are in a good spot.

Bloomfield Hills (28): The Blackhawks are in a battle for one of the two seeds in the district. They are behind Seaholm and Troy but they are within striking distance. If Coach Kristen Massey’s team doesn’t get one of the two seeds then they would be the B team in the district which means they could play Troy Athens on that Monday. It’s still very much wide open as of right now and if they can get one of the two seeds then they won’t have to play on that Monday.

Harper Woods (60): The Pioneers is the top seed in their district for now but Eastpointe and Harper Woods Chandler Park are within striking distance if Coach LaTonya Tate’s team is not careful. They would meet either Eastpointe or Detroit East English Village Prep in the district semifinals pending what happens with the two seed. If the Pioneers are not seeded they would be the B team in the district which doesn’t seem likely as of right now. Harper Woods if they can keep winning will be seeded in a district where everyone plays on Wednesday.

Seaholm (28): The Maples have the top seed for now in their district but just barely. Troy is right behind them and Bloomfield Hills is not too far behind. If Seaholm doesn’t get either seed they would be the B team in the district which would mean Coach Chris Manchester’s team would have to play Troy Athens on that Monday and if they win they would play the top seed on Wednesday in the district semifinals. If the Maples keep winning they could keep that top seed in their grasp, they don’t want to be the team playing on that Monday.

Groves (23): The Falcons are locked as the A team in their district. Groves has been up and down this season for Coach Alison Hidey. They could see Warren Cousino in the district semifinals which is a tough matchup since the district is at Warren Cousino. This presents an opportunity for Hidey as they have played a much tougher schedule but it is a test for sure for the Falcons.

North Farmington (22): The Raiders are locked as the C team in their district which means they could play Farmington in the first round in which they won their regular season meeting 59-12 on December eighteenth. If they win over their arch rivals then they would see West Bloomfield in the district semifinals. Coach Michael Allan has done a great job in his first season with North Farmington but in the district, his team got sentenced by the district formula.

Southfield Arts and Tech (21): The Warriors have an outside shot of being seeded but they need some help when it comes to that situation. Coach Shaquita Coltrane’s team is the D team in their district for now. It would mean that they would play Oak Park in the first round and possibly Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals if they win. Southfield Arts and Tech could have a strong say with their high octane offense and a much better path toward the district finals.

Troy (28): The Colts are in a battle for one of the two seeds. They are the second seed for now in their district where they are behind Seaholm and just ahead of Bloomfield Hills. If Coach Laura Guzman’s team doesn’t get seeded they would be deemed the B team in the district meaning they would have to play on that Monday against Troy Athens. It’s interesting to see where the Colts are at.

Berkley (21): The Bears got a raw end of the deal when it comes to the MPR but they are within striking distance of Detroit Mumford. They are the A team if they are not seeded meaning they would have to play Redford Thurston on that Monday but see Detroit Renaissance in the district semifinals. Coach Clay Shaver had done a very good job with his team this season. Berkley is a sleeper in this district.

Adams (27): The Highlanders are locked in as the B team in the district meaning they would have to play Utica Eisenhower in the first round then if they get by the Eagles which would be a tall task then they would play Stoney Creek or Romeo in the district semifinals. Adams played Stoney Creek very tough in the Crosstown Showdown. Coach Joe Malburg’s team is playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Troy Athens (28): The Red Hawks have an outside shot of being seeded in their district but they need some help. Coach Stacie Klumpp’s team would be the C team if they do not get seeded meaning they would be playing on that Monday against Seaholm, Bloomfield Hills, or Troy. Whoever wins would play the top seed in the district semifinals. Troy Athens is a dangerous team for anyone to play against in their district.

Farmington (22): The Falcons are locked in as the B team in their district which means they will play North Farmington in the first round. Farmington fell 59-12 to North Farmington on December Eighteenth. If they win that game then they see West Bloomfield in the district semifinals. Coach Natalie Nowak’s team basically got sentenced by the district formula.

Avondale (28): The Yellow Jackets are locked as the A team in their district meaning they would have to play the two seed in the district semifinals and it could be Seaholm, Troy, or Bloomfield Hills. It’s a tough matchup either way for Coach Roy Christmon and Avondale.

Ferndale (58): The Eagles are in a very interesting spot when it comes to the postseason. They are the two seed for now but it’s close with Detroit Lincoln King Academy. If Ferndale gets jumped they would be the C team in the district which could be a very bad matchup with Detroit Henry Ford in the first round and Detroit Lincoln King Academy in the district semifinals with playing Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district finals. A lot could happen between now and next week when it comes to Coach Keith Paris’s team.

Ferndale University (58): The Eagles are locked in as the D team in the district meaning they would have to play Detroit Henry Ford in the first round and if they get by that then they would play Birmingham Detroit Country Day in the district semifinals. It’s going to be very tough for Coach Brianna Rowe’s team either way.

Oak Park (21): The Knights are locked in as the B team in their district which means they would play Southfield Arts and Tech in the first round on that Monday. If they upset the Warriors then they would play Detroit Mumford in the district semifinals. It’s going to be very tough for Coach Tyler Washington and Oak Park with how they have struggled this season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix have dropped out of the postseason which was very surprising. If they were in the district, they would have had a tough matchup with Lake Orion in the district semifinals but it is what is.

 

Here is the Girls Basketball MPR formula.

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2023-24/2023-24%20FINAL%20GBB.pdf