by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Statement from Governor Whitmer’s Office on Michigan Supreme Court Ruling
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer’s office released the following statement from Press Secretary Tiffany Brown following the Michigan’s Supreme Court ruling on Friday.
“When it comes to fighting COVID-19, we are all in this together. The governor is ready to work across the aisle with Republicans in the legislature where we can find common ground, but she won’t let partisan politics get in the way of doing what’s necessary to keep people safe and save lives. The Supreme Court’s ruling raises several legal questions that we are still reviewing. While we are moving swiftly, this transition will take time. As the governor said last week, many of the responsive measures she has put in place to control the spread of the virus will continue under alternative sources of authority that were not at issue in the court’s ruling. We will have more to say on this in the coming days. Make no mistake, Governor Whitmer will continue using every tool at her disposal to keep Michigan families, frontline workers, and small businesses safe from this deadly virus.”
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Oakland County Health Officer requires masks or face coverings in public
Issues local health order to fill pandemic safety gap following Michigan Supreme Court decision
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Health Officer Leigh-Anne Stafford has issued local health order 2020-12 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The order requires wearing masks or facial coverings when Oakland County residents leave their homes. Additional health orders may be issued in the coming days to cover capacity at restaurants, bars, employee health screenings and other public health concerns.
“Health and science experts agree that facial coverings are critical to controlling the virus,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “We have come too far to backslide now especially as we want to get kids back to school and our economy moving again. In Oakland County masks will continue to be mandatory by order of our health experts. I am confident that our residents and businesses will continue to keep each other safe and protected.”
The Face Covering Order states:
Any individual who leaves their home or place of residence must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth:
- When in any indoor public space; this includes all students in grades kindergarten through twelve; and
- When outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; and
- When waiting for or riding on public transportation, while in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle, school bus or when using a private car service as a means of hired transportation.
- Athletes training for, practicing for, or competing in an organized sport must wear a facial covering (except when swimming) or consistently maintain 6 feet of social distance (except for occasional and fleeting moments).
“Oakland County was hit hard by the COVID-19 and the virus is still in our communities,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County Public Health Officer. “The law provides the tools for a local health officer to protect the public’s health during an epidemic and that is my solemn responsibility. We will work closely with State health officials on additional measures to control the virus.”
Exceptions to the order include individuals who:
- Are younger than five years old, though children two years old and older are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering, pursuant to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”)
- Cannot medically tolerate a face covering.
- Are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment.
- Are exercising when wearing a face covering would interfere in the activity.
- Are receiving a service for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service.
- Are entering a business or are receiving a service and are asked to temporarily remove a face covering for identification purposes.
- Are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired or otherwise disabled and where the ability to see the mouth is essential to communication.
- Are actively engaged in a public safety role, including but not limited to law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel.
- Are officiating at a religious service; or
- Are giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.
- Voters are encouraged but not required to wear a face covering while at a polling place for the purposes of voting in an election.
To view Oakland County’s health orders, go to
www.OakGov.com/COVID and click on the “Health Orders” button. Also, to download a printable sign requiring the wearing of masks or facial coverings, click
here.
Under MCL 333.2453, the epidemic emergency order for local health departments under the Michigan Public Health Code, the local health officer, acting as the administrative agent of the Health Division, can issue fairly broad orders. The statute states, “if a local health officer determines that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health, the local health officer may issue an emergency order to prohibit the gathering of people for any purpose and may establish procedures to be followed by persons . . . during the epidemic to insure continuation of essential public health services and enforcement of health laws.”
Violations of local health orders issued under the Michigan Public Health Code are misdemeanors.
by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
After Surge in COVID-19 Cases, Governor Whitmer Moves Upper Peninsula to Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan to Protect Families, Save Lives
LANSING, Mich. — After a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Upper Peninsula, or MERC Region 8, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-192 moving the region back to phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan. The executive order will go into effect Friday, October 9 at 12:01am, although given the surge in cases everyone should make this transition as swiftly as possible. The move to Phase 4 will require people who can perform work remotely to do so, require schools to enforce mask requirements with limited exceptions, and place limits on social gatherings and stores that match those in place in most of the state, among other changes.
“After seeing the increase in cases in the U.P. region over the past several weeks and consulting with medical experts, I have decided to take action to protect U.P. families and move the region back a phase. I know this is hard. I know it will be an adjustment. But we can’t let our guard down,” said Governor Whitmer. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our families, frontline workers, and small businesses. Everyone should implement these changes as swiftly as possible. This virus doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, a Republican or a Democrat, young or old. No one is immune. Right now the most effective weapon we have is pretty simple: it’s wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth. It’s washing your hands with soap and water. And maintaining six feet of physical distance from one another. Let’s all be smart and stay safe.”
“The governor is taking necessary action today to protect families, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations in the U.P. region,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “We will continue to monitor the spread and work together to fight this virus. With the 2020-2021 flu season fast approaching, we must also stay laser-focused on protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Get your flu vaccine, wear a mask, and maintain six feet of physical distancing. We will get through this together.”
Although the Upper Peninsula had very low numbers from March through most of June, the region’s numbers began rising in late June, persisted at an elevated level through mid-September, and then began sharply increasing at that time, giving it right now the most concerning numbers in the state. The most recent case rate, adjusting for lag, has the region with 283 absolute cases per million and 5.1% positivity.
The governor’s order will implement the following changes in the Upper Peninsula:
- People who can perform their work remotely will be required to do so;
- Social gatherings and organized events will be subject to the new Phase 4 limits in Executive Order 2020-183: indoor residential – 10 people or less; indoor non-residential may allow more, depending on the size of the facility and subject to formulas in the order.
- Stores of less than 50,000 square feet must limit number of people in store, including employees, to 25% of total occupancy limits. Stores of 50,000 square feet or more must limit customers to no more than 20 people per 1,000 square feet of customer floor space, and allow 2 hours of week dedicating shopping time for vulnerable populations.
- Schools must require face coverings at certain times, including in the classroom, among other requirements.
“I along with other community members were given the opportunity to meet with governor Whitmer and share our challenges during this pandemic,” said George Stockero, Copper County ISD Superintendent. “Now, it’s on all of us to do our part to protect each other. Let’s get our numbers down by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands frequently. Yoopers are tough, and we will beat this virus together.”
To view Executive Order 2020-192, click the link below:
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
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– DNR News –
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Oct. 2, 2020
Contact: Lt. Gerald Thayer, 269-685-6851
Father-son duo help conservation officer rescue missing Muskegon woman lost in the woods
 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jackie Miskovich may have been the first emergency responder to locate a missing 35-year-old Muskegon woman Thursday evening in Muskegon County.
But Miskovich credits two Ravenna men – Brett Postema, 25, and his father, Michael Postema, 50 – for the rescue.
The woman, whose name was not released, became lost after she went for a walk Tuesday night, fell down a hill and was unable to find her way out of the woods. She had been reported missing earlier in the day Thursday.
“Within 90 minutes of arriving on scene, Conservation Officer Miskovich, with the help of two local men, located this missing woman who spent two nights in the woods, experiencing hypothermia from rain and cold temperatures,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “I’m happy she was rescued before the situation became worse. Thank you, Michael and Brett Postema – you went above and beyond to help. Your instincts and knowledge of the area helped save a woman’s life.”
Brett Postema had been walking to a hunting spot in the Muskegon State Game Area Thursday when he thought he heard someone cry, “help me.”
He eventually heard the faint cry again.
Postema called a friend, who could also hear the calls for help in the background.
After calling 911, he headed back to the road where he told his story to an officer. Postema left felt uneasy after reporting the incident and drove to his father’s house to explain what had happened.
“I don’t have a good feeling about it,” Brett told his father. “We need to go back out there. If this was my sister stuck in the woods, I’d want someone to go back for her.” |
 Meanwhile, at about 5:30 p.m., Miskovich had received the call and met other emergency responders on N. Hilton Park Road, located north of White Road.
She and Muskegon County Sheriff’s Deputy Ed Vanas searched the area. They yelled into the woods, but nobody called back to them.
The Postemas drove back to the game area and returned to the ridge along the swamp where Brett had originally heard the voice. After about 10 minutes of shouting, both men heard the woman cry for help.
They called 911. Brett began running back into the woods to meet the officers, while Michael, up to his chest in the swamp, attempted to reach the woman.
After receiving the 911 call, Miskovich ran into the woods, down a steep hill towards the marsh, where she encountered Michael. Using the woman’s voice to guide them, Miskovich and Postema walked about 500-600 feet into the thick marsh and found the woman at the base of a tree.
She was alert and displaying signs of hypothermia. The woman said she had been, “stranded for days,” hurt her ankle and was unable to find her way out of the woods.
Miskovich and Michael carried the woman through the marsh, to the base of the hill, where they met fire and EMS personnel who put the woman in a rescue basket. They pulled her up the hill to an all-terrain emergency vehicle that drove her the remaining quarter-mile out of the woods. ProMed Ambulance transported the woman to the hospital.
“If it weren’t for Brett trusting his instinct, going back into the woods and contacting 911 a second time, I don’t know if we would have been able to find her,” Miskovich said.
Agencies assisting included the Egelston Township Fire Department, Moorland Township Fire Department and Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. These officers undergo extensive search and rescue training to locate missing persons and have specialized equipment to navigate rural and difficult terrain. |
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Miskovich: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jackie Miskovich has been with the DNR Law Enforcement Division since July 2018 and patrols in Muskegon County.
Postema-Michael-Brett: Michael Postema, 50, and Brett Postema, 25, from Ravenna, contacted 911 and helped locate a missing Muskegon woman on Thursday. Brett heard the woman crying for help while he was walking through the Muskegon State Game Area to go bow hunting. (Photo courtesy of Michael Postema)/ |
| DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus. |
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Gov. Whitmer signs proclamation making October Michigan Cybersecurity Awareness Month
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October 2020 as Michigan Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage state residents, businesses, financial institutions, schools, and others to take the steps necessary to stop cyber criminals. Last year in Michigan there were over 6,000 victims of cybercrime, costing Michiganders almost $36 million.
“Michigan residents, businesses, schools, and organizations are more active online in 2020 than ever before,” Whitmer said. “It is up to all of us to become more aware about the tactics cyber criminals use and the ways we can protect ourselves from becoming a victim of cybercrime.”
2020 marks the 10th straight year Michigan has recognized October as Michigan Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To help increase understanding of good cyber hygiene, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan State Police (MSP) will be educating Michiganders on ways to remain safe and secure online throughout the month of October.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has given cyber criminals more opportunities to step-up their activities,” said State Chief Information Officer Brom Stibitz. “We all need to be more vigilant about securing our web-based interactions by taking some simple steps such as creating strong passwords and changing them regularly. As individuals, we are our fist line of defense against cybercrime.”
Michigan will also participate in the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign, a national awareness effort from the National Cyber Security Alliance that aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and how the American public can be safe and secure online. The theme for this year’s campaign, which was announced earlier this year, is Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.
“With society’s reliance on connected devices in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, cybercrime can pose a very real threat to us all,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “It’s important that individuals and businesses take measures to protect themselves and that law enforcement remains committed to staying current on this ever-evolving criminal landscape.”
For Michigan residents interested in learning more about how to protect themselves and their loved ones online, the Michigan Cyber Initiative website at michigan.gov/cybersecurity provides information ranging from how to practice proper cyber hygiene to learning about what to do and who to contact if you are a victim of a cybercrime.
On Oct. 7 and 8, the state will host the ninth annual North American International Cyber Summit in a virtual environment. The cyber summit highlights emerging trends in cybersecurity and shares best practices in policy, law, and all manners of public and private interests. Additional event information is available online at michigan.gov/cybersummit.
To view the proclamation, click the link below:
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Written by Sammy Taormina
Top Five Games:
Stoney Creek at Adams: The Cougars have been a scoring machine in their last three games. They have averaged 44.6 points per game in that span thanks to a loaded offensive line led by Austin Jordan, Kevar Ellis, and company. Running back Cameron Buford has also became a story along with quarterback Ryan Echout despite not having that go to wide receiver. Stoney Creek has allowed nine points per game in that stretch as well which poses challenges to anyone remaining on the schedule. This should be their biggest test of the season when they travel to Adams to take on a Highlanders team that despite their 1-2 record they have been very competitive losing both games by a combined four points. The Highlanders have been relying a lot on Parker Picot. Picot played at wide receiver last season. He is basically playing what Anthony Patritto did last season but playing different positions. Picot is in the secondary and is also playing quarterback. He scored twice for Adams in their 20-17 loss to Seaholm last week. The Cougars have only beaten the Highlanders once in their entire existence (2014) since becoming a school in 2002 and have never won at Adams. Could all of that change this season???
Troy at Ferndale: Both the Eagles and the Colts are coming off very bad losses last week with Ferndale losing 49-8 to Allen Park. Troy lost 26-0 to Berkley at home. This will be the first meeting between the schools since 1999 with the Colts holding a 15-1 overall record. Whoever wins this game will stay in the hunt for the Blue but right now both of these teams need to get back on the right track and quickly.
Berkley at Troy Athens: There are some interesting storylines when looking at this game. Billy Keenest coached at both schools for a time. He spent one season at Berkley before going back to Troy Athens to be the head coach of the Red Hawks. The Bears are back to the Chris Sikora days at 3-0 but this will be their biggest test going to John R Road to take on an experienced Troy Athens squad. The Red Hawks have had two tough losses to by a combined 13 points but they bounced back to beat Avondale 21-13 last week. Berkley beat Troy 26-0 behind the play of quarterback Ian Domzalski and wide receiver Liam Sarris. I’m watching the battle between the Bears line and Troy Athens running back Waides Ashmon, that’s the matchup to watch.
Seaholm at Groves: The Falcons had won six straight times against the Maples but that all changed last season in the district finals when Seaholm hammered Groves in Beverly Hills 42-7. Both teams stand at 2-1 and needing this game to keep pace with Stoney Creek in the White race. The Falcons need a three touchdown performance from quarterback Jack Woods. Woods scored twice from the air and once on the ground in their 36-26 victory over North Farmington. The Maples have a ton of experience led by Will McBride whom scored the winning score in their 20-17 win over Adams last week. The experience favors Seaholm in this game but history right now would favor Groves. This is shaping up to be a very interesting game.
Clarkston at Lake Orion: The Wolves look like they are back to their normal selves after a rough 3-6 year last season earning an emotional 24-21 overtime victory over West Bloomfield. Clarkston though has had a habit of slow starts. The Wolves are loaded up front led by Rocco Splindler, Garrett Dellinger, Cole Dellinger, Owen Foster, and Ben Hass. The play of quarterback Mike DePillo and running back Ethan Clark has been huge as well for Clarkston. They both had 100 yard rushing performances against West Bloomfield last week. The Wolves said they were the underdogs last week against the Lakers, let’s see how they respond being the favorites against a Dragons squad that really struggled to find any offense last week despite winning 7-6 over Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit. Lake Orion fumbled the football three times in that game but their defense played well. The defense is the reason why the Dragons stand at 2-0 on the season. This should be a very interesting game at Lake Orion.
