Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Sergeant Zachary Bryant 

Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Sergeant Zachary Bryant 

by | Aug 17, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Fallen U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Zachary Bryant

 

Lansing, Mich. — Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 to honor the life and service of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Zachary Bryant. The flag honors will coincide with his birthday.

 

“Our entire state and nation is thankful for Zachary’s dedication, bravery, and selfless service in the U.S. Army,” Governor Whitmer said. “We pay tribute to Zachary’s memory and recognize his commitment to our state by lowering the flags in his honor. My heart is with his family and loved ones today.”

 

Bryant was born on August 17, 1992 in Detroit. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army in Syria, Iraq and Kuwait.

 

Bryant passed away on August 16, 2020 at the age of 27 years old.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Staff Sergeant Zachary Bryant by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Wednesday, August 18, 2021.
Proclamation Marking August 8-14 as Health Center Week 

Proclamation Marking August 8-14 as Health Center Week 

by | Aug 10, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 10, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Proclamation Marking August 8-14 as Health Center Week

 

Lansing, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking August 8-14 as Health Center Week.

 

“Community health centers are at the forefront of fighting emerging healthcare crises in our state, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our community health centers have supported testing and treatment for COVID patients while continuing everyday operations through extraordinarily difficult circumstances. These centers provide affordable, comprehensive care to underserved communities across Michigan and our state is grateful for the hope and healing they provide to countless communities every day.”

 

”The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has continually challenged Michiganders in all facets of life,” said Dennis Litos, CEO of the Michigan Primary Care Association. “Our community health centers have done yeoman’s work in helping us navigate through COVID-19 by providing testing, vaccine administration and quality health care for all. The MPCA is very grateful for the leadership of Governor Whitmer and MDHHS in supporting our health centers and our citizens throughout the pandemic.”

 

Health Center Week offers the opportunity to celebrate Michigan’s health center organizations and all those responsible for their continued success and growth. Health centers are a critical element of the health system, serving both rural and urban communities, often providing the only accessible and dependable source of primary care in their communities.

 

View the full proclamation here.
Health Division Reminds Residents To Mask-up

Health Division Reminds Residents To Mask-up

by | Aug 10, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Health Division Reminds Residents To Mask-up During Current Surge Of COVID-19 Cases

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Health Division reminds residents that in addition to vaccinations, wearing masks and social distancing remain the most effective means of preventing the spread of COVID-19. A recent surge in confirmed novel coronavirus cases, including the Delta variant, prompted the reminder for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated.

Oakland County is seeing an uptick in confirmed cases with a seven-day case average of 78 cases per day as of August 4.

“With COVID-19 variants in the community, vaccination continues to be the most effective way of stopping the spread of the virus,” Oakland County Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said. “In light of the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, which include the Delta variant, we agree with the recommendation by the Centers for Disease to Control for all Oakland County residents to wear masks and socially distance in public indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status.”

Though 70.6 percent of Oakland County residents 16 years old and older have received at least their first dose, over 85 percent of the recent rise in cases in Oakland County has been among residents younger than 60, a group that has not reached 70 percent vaccine coverage. Meanwhile, only one in seven of the recent COVID-19 cases is above the age of 60, a group whose vaccination coverage far exceeds 70 percent.

Oakland County Health Division continues to host pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics in communities throughout Oakland County, including:

  • Best Western Premier Hotel in Southfield on August 19, August 31, September 16, and September 29
  • Emergency Management Day in Pontiac on August 11
  • Carnival Market in Pontiac on August 11
  • Oak Park Schools August 16 and August 18
  • Berkley CruiseFest in Berkley on August 20
  • Believers Community Outreach Back to School Event in Pontiac August 28
  • Carnival Market in Pontiac on August 31
  • Berkley Art Bash in Berkley on September 11

In addition, the Health Division will be administering doses on the campuses of Lawrence Tech and Oakland universities, Walsh College, Oakland Community College, Baker College and Rochester University.

All these locations will take walk-up appointments. For more information on these community and event-based COVID-19 vaccination clinics, go to OaklandCountyVaccine.com. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for more information.

Use the State of Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccine finder to locate a convenient provider.

The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of August 3, 2021:

Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737

  • Number of residents 16 and older necessary to reach 70 percent coverage: 720,816
  • Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 727,263
  • Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 676,452
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 70.6 percent

Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389

  • Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 756,017
  • Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 701,275
  • Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 69.3 percent

Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676

  • Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 185,173
  • Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 177,170
  • Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 85.1 percent

Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,392,215

  • Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,406,891
  • Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A
Michigan granted $51.7 million to Mitigate Future Disasters

Michigan granted $51.7 million to Mitigate Future Disasters

by | Aug 9, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces State of Michigan granted $51.7 million to Mitigate Future Disasters

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a $51.7 million federal grant from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to invest in infrastructure that is resilient against climate change, creating jobs and putting Michigan first.

 

“I am grateful to have an ally in the Biden Administration that is working diligently to ensure that we have the resources to upgrade our state’s infrastructure to ensure that our communities are protected from the effects of unprecedented storms,” said Governor Whitmer. “This grant will make a difference in building infrastructure that is resilient against changing climate. We have already seen roads, bridges and communities deeply damaged by extreme weather conditions. This investment will allow Michigan to enhance mitigation efforts for our communities, create jobs, and put Michigan first.”

 

Over the past three years, the total national cost of weather and climate events exceeded $450 billion—an average of $150 billion per year.

 

Governor Whitmer has taken action responding to extreme weather events. Last month, Governor Whitmer secured a Presidential Disaster Declaration to help residents and businesses in Wayne and Washtenaw counties affected by flooding. The governor also announced a plan to use $10 million in state general funds to provide emergency relief to households impacted by the heavy rainfall and flooding in southeast Michigan on June 25 and 26. And the Michigan Department of Transportation has put forward a proposal to purchase $50 million worth of backup generators to ensure that pump stations can continue to operate if there’s a power outage during a storm.

 

HMGP funds can be used for projects including, but not limited to, erosion stabilization, flood control, and stormwater improvement to better prepare for future extreme weather events. Making infrastructure more climate-resilient has a strong return on investment, for every dollar invested, six dollars can be saved.

 

FEMA’s HMGP provides funding to state, local, tribal and territorial governments so they can reduce or eliminate long-term risk from hazards. Under the program, a federal grant would cover 75 percent of the cost of an eligible climate-change resistant mitigation projects to reduce the risk of loss of life and property from future disasters. The remaining 25 percent would be covered by local or state matching funds.

 
Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Sergeant Zachary Bryant 

Flags Lowered to Honor Former State Rep. Douglas A. Bennett 

by | Aug 9, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Former State Rep. Douglas A. Bennett

 

Lansing, Mich. — Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, August 7 to honor the life and service of former State Rep. Douglas A. Bennett. The flag honors will coincide with his celebration of life.

 

“Our state mourns the loss of former State Representative Doug Bennett,” Governor Whitmer said. “It was an honor to serve alongside him in the House. He will be remembered for his dedicated service to the Muskegon area. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

 

Bennett was born on October 24, 1945 in Muskegon, Michigan. He was a graduate of Ravenna High School in 1964, and began his Steamfitter’s apprenticeship at U.A. Local #174. He was elected Business Manager of U.A. Local #154 in 1983. He served as Muskegon County Commissioner from 1999 to 2004, and as State Representative for the 92nd District from 2004 to 2010.

 

Bennett passed away July 16, 2021 at the age of 75 years old.

 

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of former state Rep. Douglas A. Bennett by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, August 8.
AG Applauds COA Ruling Related to Ethnic Intimidation

AG Applauds COA Ruling Related to Ethnic Intimidation

by | Aug 5, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, August 5, 2021

AG Nessel Applauds COA Ruling Related to Ethnic Intimidation Against Transgender Individuals

LANSING – Today, in People v Deonton Rogers, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that Michigan’s ethnic intimidation statute protects individuals who are targeted because of their gender, including intimidation against transgender individuals. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel previously filed amicus briefs in the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court supporting this outcome.

“The transgender community is at heightened risk for intimidation and bias-based crimes, and I applaud the Court for making clear that gender intimidation includes intimidation based on a person being transgender,” Nessel said. “I also want to thank Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and the Fair Michigan Justice Project for their dedication to protecting vulnerable communities from violence by pursuing this important case.”

In the case, defendant Deonton Rogers is alleged to have intimidated and threatened a transgender woman as she entered a gas station in 2018 in Detroit. Rogers allegedly prodded her with insulting remarks, showed her that he had a gun, and threatened to kill her. The victim believed Rogers to be serious and attempted to pull the gun away; the gun went off, hitting the victim in the shoulder and requiring her hospitalization.

After Rogers was bound over on an ethnic intimidation charge, among others, the circuit court quashed it. On appeal, and contrary to Nessel’s position in her arguments to the Court, the Court of Appeals initially agreed that Rogers’ conduct did not fall within the ethnic intimidation statute. Ultimately, the Michigan Supreme Court remanded the case to the Court of Appeals to reconsider its ruling. Nessel filed an amicus brief in the Michigan Supreme Court prior to that ruling.

Today, the Court of Appeals changed course, holding in part that a “plain reading of the statute would dictate that, whenever a complainant’s gender was the impetus for the intimidating or harassing behavior, the conduct falls within the ethnic-intimidation statute.”

Thus, the Court of Appeals reinstated the ethnic intimidation charge and remanded for further proceedings.

“Incidents like these are unfortunately far too common in the transgender community,” Nessel said.  “Since taking office, I have fought for all Michiganders – especially those who are often the target of hate crimes. This ruling supports that priority and reinforces our most basic and fundamental protections under the law.”

Most recently, in June, Nessel declared unconstitutional a state law requiring “sex-reassignment surgery” to change the sex designation on a birth certificate in Attorney General Opinion #7313. She also enacted a department-wide Transgender Policy that same month.