OC Juneteenth Event Spotlights Underground Railroad

OC Juneteenth Event Spotlights Underground Railroad

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Regional News

Oakland County’s Juneteenth Event Spotlights Underground Railroad

Post Date:06/06/2024 1:18 PM

Juneteenth

  • Oakland County has four official Underground Railroad sites: Birmingham, Farmington, Royal Oak, and Southfield with a local historian advocating for a fifth in Pontiac.
  • Juneteenth festivities are open to the public and will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 near the south entrance of the Oakland County Circuit Court building at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac.
  • Speakers include County Executive Dave Coulter, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, and Oakland County Commissioners Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith-Charles, and Linnie Taylor.

Pontiac, Mich. ­–  The Underground Railroad, a secret network of people and safe places used by enslaved Black people to escape to freedom, is the focus of Oakland County’s second annual Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 12 on the south side of the county’s Circuit Court building in Pontiac.

The public and news media are invited to attend the ceremony, which will culminate in the raising of the Juneteenth flag, to mark the official end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

Carol Bacak-Egbo, historian for Oakland County Parks and Recreation, will weave together the story of the Parker family who escaped slavery from Wood County, Va. They used the Underground Railroad to make the dangerous trek to freedom, concluding in Pontiac. The Parkers were founding members of the Newman African Methodist Episcopal Church and are buried in unmarked graves in Oak Hill Cemetery, which is highlighted on a keepsake card featuring the family’s story that will be handed out during the event.

“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the struggle for freedom and equality, and this year’s celebration in Oakland County will highlight the courageous efforts of the Underground Railroad, including its significant stops within our community,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “Together, we honor the legacy of those who sought liberty and those who aided in their journey to freedom.”

Joining Coulter during the festivities will be Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; Oakland County Commissioners Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith-Charles, and Linnie Taylor; Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Harry Weaver; and Sheriff’s Office Capt. Melissa McClellan.

“It’s an honor to once again be part of the county’s celebration of our community, culture, history and dedication to moving forward,” Powell said. “Juneteenth is a new holiday for some, and I look forward to taking part in an event that recognizes the experiences that form Oakland County and create a vibrant place to call home.”

Oakland County has four sites that are part of the National Parks Service’s “Network to Freedom,” which features fully-documented historic locations connected to the Underground Railroad:

  • Abolitionist Elijah S. Fish and freedom-seeker George B. Taylor burial sites at Greenwood Cemetery in Birmingham
  • Abolitionist Nathan Power burial site at the Quaker Cemetery in Farmington
  • Freedom-seekers Henry and Elizabeth Hamer’s final resting place in Royal Oak Cemetery
  • Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church, which was committed to the anti-slavery cause, abolitionism, and aiding formerly enslaved persons on their journey to Canada

Bacak-Egbo is working with the Oakland History Center and other local historians to nominate Pontiac’s Oak Hill Cemetery to be the fifth Oakland County “Network to Freedom” location.

New this year, donations may be dropped off to support Forgotten Harvest to assist in providing families in our local community with fresh and nutritious food free of charge. Items include nutritious snacks – dried fruits, nuts, trail mix and granola bars, pasta, canned soup, peanut butter, and more. A full listing can be found on our website.

Entertainers will include a choir, drummers and dancers, and storytellers. Attendees can experience diverse and sumptuous flavors from around the world with food trucks including Fork in Nigeria, Seoul Rolls on the Go, and Flavors of Jamaica.

Oakland County’s Juneteenth event will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 12 by the south entrance of the court building at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. The formal program begins at noon. Parking is available in the lot off County Center Drive East between the courthouse and Telegraph.

AG to Review, Contest Consumers Energy’s Rate Hike Request

AG to Review, Contest Consumers Energy’s Rate Hike Request

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 6, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General to Review, Contest Consumers Energy’s Latest Rate Hike Request

LANSING – Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a notice of intervention this week in Consumers Energy Company’s latest electric rate case (U-21585) before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), filed on May 31, 2024. Consumers Energy seeks a rate hike of approximately $303 million annually which, if approved, would take effect in March of 2025. Only three months ago, the MPSC approved a $92 million electric rate hike for Consumers, which took effect this March.

Consumers Energy also seeks to recover an additional $21.8 million in deferred distribution expenditures through a separate 12-month customer surcharge beginning in March 2025. If the annual rate increase is approved, it would increase rates overall by 6.5% and if the separate surcharge is also approved, the total rate increase would be 7% for the period March 2025 through February 2026.

“Our intervention in these cases is vital to ensuring corporate utilities aren’t successful in their efforts to stuff unjustifiable costs into their rate hike requests,” said Nessel.  “There are standards concerning what costs Consumers Energy, DTE, and our other utility companies are allowed to pile onto their customers’ bills in their rates and other charges. My office is working diligently to hold the utilities accountable and keep unjustified expenses off the monthly bills of ratepayers.”

Attorney General Nessel is intervening in this rate case as she does in all utility rates cases before the Commission. The Department of Attorney General’s staff, along with its experts, will carefully scrutinize the filing to ensure customers do not pay any costs that are not associated with a commensurate, quantifiable benefit to them. In Consumers Energy’s last electric rate case, the company originally sought a rate hike of $216 million, but the Commission only approved a $92 million rate increase based on the arguments made by the Attorney General and other parties. In that case, the Attorney General’s experts successfully argued that Consumers Energy’s requested rate hike was excessive and not supported on the record. The Attorney General argued Consumers’ projections and expenses were unreasonable and did not provide commensurate customer benefit. The MPSC slashed Consumers’ rate hike request by nearly 60%.

The Attorney General is currently seeking a similar 58% reduction in DTE’s latest requested gas rate hike, finding the utility included in their request unsubstantiated costs, including an attempt to pass on to customers the expenses of executive corporate jet travel. In its own ongoing gas rate case, Consumers Energy filed an application seeking a 37% increase in its residential monthly charge alongside a $136 million rate hike, and the Attorney General has argued that more than 96% of this requested sum is unjustified.

“We’re winning significant cuts to proposed bill increases when we make our case before the Commission,” Nessel added. “We will continue putting resources into scouring these rate hike requests to defend Michigan bill-payers in every rate case before the MPSC.”

Consumers Energy’s latest rate hike request is in large part predicated on implementing its $7 billion Five-Year Distribution Plan that the Attorney General previously criticized as lacking in affordability, reliability, and accountability.

Consumers Energy Company is a subsidiary of CMS Energy, headquartered in Jackson and billing approximately 1.9 million electric customers. Consumers Energy additionally sells natural gas to 1.8 million customers, which is used primarily to heat homes and businesses during the winter as well as for other uses.

Since taking office, Attorney General Nessel has helped save Michigan ratepayers more than $3 billion.
Declaration to Support Communities affected by Tornadoes 

Declaration to Support Communities affected by Tornadoes 

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 6, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration to Support Communities in Southwest Michigan affected by Tornadoes

 

LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration and activation of the federal individual assistance (IA) programs for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties following an assessment of damage to the area. The governor requested the declaration after four tornadoes and severe storms caused massive damage across the affected counties on May 7.

 

“Michiganders across Southwest Michigan have been devastated by four tornadoes and severe storms, with many losing their homes and businesses,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m requesting a presidential disaster declaration so we can deliver critical financial assistance to support families, businesses, and communities as they recover and rebuild. Michiganders are resilient. We will get through this together, just as we always have.”

 

“On May 7, communities across southwest Michigan were impacted by severe storms and tornadoes,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “Our state and local first responders were quick to assist communities in need, but now the federal government should provide the emergency assistance needed to help those who are working to get back on their feet and recover from damages. I urge the President to swiftly issue a Major Disaster declaration so that our communities have the necessary resources to rebuild after these storms.”

 

“Southwest Michigan was significantly damaged by the tornados that struck the region in May,” said U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga. “While our communities are resilient, and neighbors have rallied to help those impacted by these terrible storms, it is clear there is a role for the federal government to play in supporting recovery efforts. I am hopeful the Biden Administration will respond swiftly to this request.”

 

The severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that struck the southwest part of the state, resulted in roughly sixteen injuries, and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and the power grid. Hail ranging from one to four inches in diameter was also reported along with dangerous straight-line winds. Debris removal and other storm related clean-up has lasted several weeks.

 

“I’m grateful for Governor Whitmer’s request today for a presidential declaration of disaster,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “My community continues to remain resilient following these devastating storms and tornadoes. I am hoping this will bring swift and long-term relief to my district.”

 

“Recent storms and tornadoes have brought unprecedented devastation to our community, leaving many without homes, power and essential services,” said state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “The swift and coordinated response from our local and state agencies has been remarkable, but the scale of the damage requires federal assistance. I support Gov. Whitmer’s request for a presidential emergency declaration from the Biden administration. This declaration is crucial for expediting the resources and support our community needs to rebuild and recover. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we are committed to doing everything possible to help our residents through this difficult time.”

 

“I wholeheartedly support Governor Whitmer’s request for a presidential emergency declaration for the devastating storms that hit Kalamazoo County in early May,” said state Representative Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “I appreciate the emergency declarations from both state and local governments to try to mobilize resources to the hardest hit areas in our community — however, unfortunately, there is more work to be done. The significant impact of these storms requires additional assistance from the federal government as well. Having federal funding available will ensure residents can rebuild quicker and return to their everyday lives.”

 

The night of the storms, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the impacted counties, directing state departments and agencies to use all available state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts.

 

At the state’s request, a joint preliminary damage assessment was conducted by state, federal, and local officials beginning on May 15. The initial assessment estimates a need of more than $4 million in assistance.

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

 

FEMA will review Governor Whitmer’s request and make a recommendation to the president. The president will then decide whether to declare a major disaster and grant this federal aid.

 
Oxford Meijer Simply Give benefits FISH thru June 29th

Oxford Meijer Simply Give benefits FISH thru June 29th

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Local News, Nonprofit

Oxford Meijer Simply Give program benefits FISH thru June 29th

How to Give During the spring Simply Give campaign, Oxford  Meijer customers purchase $10 Simply Give 

donation cards at checkout. Once purchased, the donation is converted into a Meijer Food-Only Gift  

Card and donated directly to Oxford/Orion FISH. Simply Give donation cards can also be purchased  

as an add-on to pickup and delivery orders. The Simply Give spring campaign will run through  

June 29.

Oxford Meijer will double match any  

cards purchased on Saturday, June 15, effectively  

tripling contributions made on that day.

Neighbors helping neighbors… 

In addition to the letter carriers, we are so thankful for all of  the volunteers who helped make the Letter Carriers’ Food  

Drive successful. See some of them below. 

From promotion to transport, to checking in, sorting, and shelving,  it doesn’t work without all of you!  

June at the NOCC

June at the NOCC

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Local News, Nonprofit

Summer is here!

Now that the school year is drawing to a close, the North Oakland Community Coalition is excited to kick off our summer programming!

In the email below you will find:

  • How to make your voice heard by taking our quick, five minute community survey
  • Important information about registration dates for our 2024 Level Up Camp
  • A quick wrap-up on the May NOCC activities
We are listening!

You have the best insight regarding the unique needs of youth and families in Lake Orion and Oxford. Please share your thoughts with us by taking this quick, five minute survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/nocc-pc-2024 

Level Up Camp is almost here! If you are interested in having a student attend this year’s camp, the last day to register is June 7th at 12pm.

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!

Registration is open at noccmi.org.

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and the wonderful trainers at Flip Spot Gymnastics took the time to become All About Connections QPR certified!

These amazing trainers understood the importance of coaching the whole child, working not just on gymnastics skills, but helping their students build mental fortitude and strong bonds that will allow the child to feel safe and secure.

If you would like your business to become QPR Suicide Prevention certified, reach out to Jill McCollum at [email protected].
This month, the NOCC spent time at Lake Orion High School encouraging students to make the smart choice to stay sober during prom and graduation season. Students visited our tables during lunches to participate in our intoxication goggle puzzle or take a field sobriety test with School Resource Officer Deputy Tolan.
Additionally, we hosted a Smart Dragons Don’t Drink prom photobooth, where students were able to take photos with their friends and share why they are choosing to stay sober.
AG Sues Tree Service Companies for Price Gouging

AG Sues Tree Service Companies for Price Gouging

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 3, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Sues Tree Service Companies for Price Gouging, Other Consumer Protection Act Violations Following Severe Weather

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit (PDF) against a group of tree service companies alleging they deceived consumers seeking storm clean-up services.  The suit, filed in the 30th Judicial Circuit Court in Ingham County, alleges Canary Date Sculpting, Inc. (which does business as Canary Tree Service), a Florida-based company, led a group of storm chasing tree service companies that violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) while performing work for Oakland and Washtenaw County residents during the summer of 2021, and for a resident in Gaylord following the May 2022 tornado.  Following the 2022 Gaylord tornado, the Attorney General initiated an investigation into potential incidents of consumer exploitation and MCPA violations that sometimes follow severe weather emergencies.  This lawsuit follows that investigation.

According to the lawsuit, Canary Tree Service and its owner, Justin Hartmann, recruited Mississippi-based Garrison McKinney Tree and Bridge Service, LLC, Kentucky-based E & B Contracting, and Holtslander and Sons Tree Service, LLC, a Michigan-based company, to perform storm clean-up work in 2021 and 2022. The suit alleges these companies misled consumers about the nature of the agreements they were signing, the cost of the services, potential financial responsibility for costs not covered by insurance, and their legal rights and obligations. The Department also accuses Canary of price gouging consumers affected by severe weather, which increased the demand for tree-trimming services, throughout 2021 and 2022.

“After major storms, bad actors take advantage of vulnerable residents desperate to repair damage to their homes and clean up debris,” Nessel said. “My office will not tolerate businesses that exploit consumers with deceptive tactics and will continue to investigate and pursue predatory companies to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Attorney General advises consumers impacted by storm damage to request a written quote or estimate for any work, even if they expect their insurance to cover the costs. Nessel also urges consumers to read all the fine print of any contract they intend to sign. If consumers are signing an electronic contract and can not read the small text of the agreement on the screen, they should request a printed copy.

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