Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction

by | Sep 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction will raise critical child abuse prevention dollars virtually this year; Bidding begins today, ends Wednesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 14, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

LANSING, Mich. – Child abuse and neglect prevention programs statewide will benefit from the 18th annual Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event that is being held virtually this year due to COVID-19 and begins today.

The Michigan Children’s Trust Fund, serving as the state’s chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, facilitates, funds, and supports more than 100 child abuse prevention programs across all 83 counties. The prevention programs include training for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect and children’s personal safety lessons, as well as respite care, parenting support and education, home visiting and family support, among other programming.

The items that are available for bidding include a Detroit Entertainment Package including Detroit Tiger, Red Wings, Fox Theatre and Motor City Casino experiences; a week–long trip to Maui, Hawaii, and original art from Michigan artist Elizabeth Schwartz and the world-renowned Peter Max.

Registration is on the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction website.

This year’s virtual event includes the opening of the Silent Auction at 9 a.m. today, which remains open until 9 p.m., Wednesday. The highlight of the three-day event will be Wednesday from 7-8 p.m., when the presentation of premier items occurs along with the opportunity to virtually meet some of the individuals impacted by critical funding raised during this event previously.

Honorary chairs Sharif Hussein and Pascale Eid, long-time supporters of the Children’s Trust Fund mission, will lead the auction along with the legislative co-chairs – Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield and House Democratic Leader Christine Greig.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Children’s Trust Fund Board Chair Amy Tattrie Loepp have prepared opening messages.

The auction is the major fundraiser for the Children’s Trust Fund, which is within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It pays for services such as respite care, home visitations, child development support and other targeted services allowing local community programs around the state to continue to provide education and other prevention programs that are not funded by the state.

“The 18th Annual Pam Posthumus Virtual Event is a celebration of the public and private sector working together to strengthen our families and protect our children across the great state of Michigan, said Suzanne Greenberg, director of the Children’s Trust Fund.

“MDHHS and the Children’s Trust Fund are committed to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I’d like to thank our donors, volunteers, staff and all those who attend. It is not too late to register. Please visit ctfauction.givesmart.com to sign up so you can Stand Up for Kids!”

The event is named in memory of Pam Posthumus, a tireless advocate for preventing child abuse. She was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors in 1997 and became its chair in 2002.

During the event, the Children’s Trust Fund will share the presentation of the 2020 Champion for Children Award to Jackson for the life insurance company’s tireless support of Michigan’s children and the Children’s Trust Fund mission of preventing child abuse and neglect. Michigan artist April Wagner of Ann Arbor designed the awards.

Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1982, the Children’s Trust Fund is Michigan’s only statewide nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. For more information on Children’s Trust Fund efforts to end child abuse or to donate, visit michigan.gov/ctf.

The event is made possible by the generosity of the following sponsors: Akkad Holdings, Cinnaire, DTE Foundation, Jackson, M3 Group, The Louis, Lauren & Lana Foundation and many more.

MDHHS encourages local officials to reschedule outdoor activitie

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 11, 2020 

MDHHS CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONTACT: Jessy Sielski, 517-331-1151 sielskij@michigan.gov  


MDHHS encourages local officials to reschedule outdoor activities as EEE cases increase

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages local officials in counties affected by Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children.

This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health, and applies until the first hard frost of the year.

As of Sept. 10, EEE has been confirmed in 19 horses in nine counties in Michigan – Barry, Clare, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland. Additional animal cases are under investigation. This is twice as many animal cases as the same time last year. To date, no human cases have been identified. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people.

In 2019, there were 10 human cases of EEE in Michigan, which is equal to the total number of cases in the previous 10 years combined. Last year, Michigan accounted for 25 percent of the EEE cases nationally. It is unknown exactly why some years are more severe than others, although weather, including temperature and rainfall, are thought to play a role.

“As animal cases continue to grow, the risks to people increase as well,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “People get EEE the same way horses do – from the bite of an infected mosquito – so a case in a horse means people in that area are also at risk. Limiting exposure at outdoor activities, especially near dusk when mosquitoes are most active, is the best way to keep you and your family safe from this deadly disease.”

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection.

Signs of EEE infection include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches, which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a medical provider. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases.

Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

  • Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes that carry the EEE virus are most active.
  • Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
  • Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
  • Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

For more information about EEE, visit Michigan.gov/EEE. You can also call the MDHHS hotline, which will now take calls for general questions about both COVID-19 and EEE, at 888-535-6136. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

DNR News: officers urge proper etiquette on and off the river

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

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– DNR News –
Sept. 11, 2020
Contact: Lt. Joe Molnar, 231-922-6061

Conservation officers urge proper etiquette on and off the river

White-and-red and yellow no-trespassing signs attached to a tree trunk in the woodsThe abundant amount of Chinook and coho salmon produced in the Betsie and Platte rivers every September – known as “fall fish runs” – draws anglers eager for this unique fishing opportunity in northwest Michigan. Unfortunately, the season also attracts illegal fishing activity and community disruption, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are working with local property and business owners to correct the situation.

Conservation officers are conducting enhanced patrols to reduce the illegal fishing, camping and parking, trespassing, littering and loud and abusive behavior.

“Local businesses and communities open their doors and welcome anglers every fall,” said Lt. Joe Molnar, the DNR’s district law supervisor who oversees officers in northwest Michigan. “Many people treat the area and fishing resources with care and respect, but those who live and work in these communities are tired of those who continue to snag fish, litter and exhibit poor behavior.”

Snagging is an illegal method of catching a fish using hooks, without the fish having taken the bait with its mouth. Read more on page 9 of the 2020 Fishing Guide.

Last September, conservation officers worked more than 900 hours and made 3,875 contacts in 14 days patrolling the fall fish runs in northwest Michigan.

“Snagging, littering and trespassing are the common violations we see during the fish runs,” Molnar said. “Landowners have gone above and beyond to clearly post their private property but continue to experience trespassers wandering their land to get to the next fishing spot – often leaving a trail of litter.”

Molnar encourages anglers to walk through state-managed public land to avoid trespassing.

Protecting the river systems in northwest Michigan is essential for continued success in replenishing the Chinook and coho salmon populations. On Thursday, the Michigan Natural Resource Commission approved new regulations for the Betsie River Homestead Dam in Benzie County to prevent additional erosion, littering and unlawful activities.

Anyone found guilty of illegally taking fish may be charged with a misdemeanor, lose their fishing license, serve jail time and face fines and costs.

“At least four people served jail time for their unlawful activity during the fall 2019 fish runs,” said Sgt. Dan Bigger, who oversees the DNR’s fish run patrols.

For more on fall fishing opportunities and resources throughout the state, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Anyone who witnesses a natural resources crime or has information about such a crime is encouraged to call or text the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. During 2019, more than $9,700 was paid to people who provided tips that led to the arrest or conviction of poachers.

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. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

/Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows./

Trespassing: Many landowners in northwest Michigan have posted their property as private to prevent anglers from trespassing to get to fishing spots. Anglers are asked to respect those postings and instead use state-managed public land to reach their fishing locations.
Michigan AG Nessel Helps Bring $3M in Donations

Michigan AG Nessel Helps Bring $3M in Donations

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, Sept. 11, 2020

Michigan AG Nessel Helps Bring $3M in Donations to Organizations that Provide Energy Assistance for Utility Customers

LANSING – The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Thursday and late last month approved two settlements that include donations from both DTE Gas and Consumers Energy to several organizations that provide energy assistance for utility customers who struggle to pay their bills, an agreement Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office helped reach.

In the order released Thursday, the MPSC approved a settlement reducing Consumers Energy Gas Co.’s $245 million rate increase request by over $100 million, along with a moratorium on any new increase until fall 2022, a $1 million donation to The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) and an additional $1 million going to nonprofits that provide energy assistance to customers in the utility’s service territory. None of these donations are included in the rates paid by customers. The order also prevents, until review and litigation in the next rate case, any cost recovery of the infrastructure improvements made to the Ray Compressor Station, where a fire in January 2019 caused the station to go offline and contributed to an energy emergency.

In the order released late last month, the MPSC approved a settlement reducing DTE Gas Co.’s $203.8 million rate increase request by nearly 50 percent along with a $1 million donation to THAW.  Again, none of this donation is included in the rates paid by customers. The order also approved a demand response pilot program to increase energy resilience in the state as well as provide a framework to increase safety in DTE’s distribution system in keeping with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s push for a statewide energy assessment by the MPSC.

“As the state’s chief consumer advocate, I pushed hard for rate increase reductions as well as for donations in order to help customers struggling to pay utility bills during this pandemic crisis,” Nessel said. “With fall and the cold weather coming, $3 million in donations will go a long way to help customers stay warm.”

Saunteel Jenkins, CEO of THAW, underscored the importance of the donation to Michigan families.

“Heat, electricity and water are basic and essential needs, especially during a pandemic. Attorney General Nessel’s work on behalf of struggling families has real impact in this regard,” Jenkins said. “The donation will enable THAW to keep thousands more families healthy, safe and warm as Michigan struggles with both the cold and the pandemic. We are grateful for an Attorney General who is committed to advocating for families who too often do not have a voice.”

The Attorney General also worked with the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan (CUB), another consumer advocate group in both of these cases to bring about these results.

“Working with Attorney General Dana Nessel and Commission staff has yielded great results for consumers in these cases and we’re pleased to see these donation commitments included in the recent settlement agreements,” said Amy Bandyk, Executive Director of CUB, a nonpartisan Michigan non-profit dedicated to making utility costs affordable for Michigan residents.

DTE Gas, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, is headquartered in Detroit and serves about 1.3 million customers in Southeastern Michigan.

Consumers Energy Gas Co. is headquartered in Jackson with roughly 1.7 million customers throughout Michigan’s lower peninsula.
NOCC NEWS: FALL 2020

NOCC NEWS: FALL 2020

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

NOCC NEWS | FALL 2020
Hello NOCC Friends,

Given the challenges of the past six months, we are looking for input regarding the greatest needs of our community both right now and into the future. Would you please help us by taking this quick survey?

Your participation puts you in a drawing for a $200 Visa gift card! In fact, the more people that take the survey, the more $200 gift cards we will be able to give away, so please SHARE it! Click on the button below to get started. This survey is most user-friendly from a PC or laptop, but can also be completed on your mobile device.

Thank you for your help!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NOCC_CPS_2020?fbclid=IwAR0BxuDMtsa_x7OuCwj-tCqtaLV4A5Ke8Op7XGYU8aQ0wycwiTZZOf0YyNM

Whitmer Lowers Flags in Remembrance of 9/11

Whitmer Lowers Flags in Remembrance of 9/11

by | Sep 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 10, 2020

Contact: press@michigan.gov   

 

Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags in Remembrance of 9/11 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, September 11, 2020 to remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and those who perished when the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

 

“On Patriot Day, we remember the Americans who lost their lives and honor the first responders who put everything on the line as they rushed toward danger,” Whitmer said. “During those tragic moments, our nation came together as a united force to help our fellow Americans in their time of need. It showed us that we can, and will, overcome any tragedy.”

 

The State of Michigan honors Patriot Day 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 Saturday, September 12, 2020.