White retires at Groves

White retires at Groves

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Uncategorized

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

White retires at Groves.

Written Wednesday April 13th at 11:30 AM

Written by Sammy Taomina

The Falcons will have a new Boys Basketball coach next winter.

Groves coach Benny White announced his retirement from coaching boys basketball. The move was confirmed by the Falcons Twitter page.

“Thank you to Coach Benny White for four great years as our Boys Basketball Coach. We wish you well on your retirement” said the Groves Twitter page.

White is well known around the basketball world. He coached at Detroit Martin Luther King for 15 years and had a 201-89 record with the Crusaders. White was induced into the Detroit Public Schools League Hall of Fame in 2007 and was the regional coach of the year in 2010.

White coached for four years at Groves. He led the Falcons to a 42-34 record overall with the program. Groves went 13-8 this season falling to Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals.

The Falcons lose a ton of experience in Nick Lurz, Ben Roman, Quinton Steele, Armat Sran, Paige Williams, Kalik Blount, and Aaron DuBose. They have Jack Abbot, Elijah Yelder, Max Kramer, Josh Gibson, Myles McClary, Brody Tushman, and Max Young coming back.

Program strength looks to be solid heading into next season for the new coach.

Thoughts

White did a very good job with the program. Groves improved each season under White. They won 13 games this season.

It will be very interesting to see what the Falcons do next season.

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

Here is the Tweet confirming the move.

https://twitter.com/GrovesAthletics/status/1514233655169896448

MDHHS committee to seek advice on Health Disparities

MDHHS committee to seek advice on Health Disparities

by | Mar 30, 2022 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2022

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

MDHHS forms advisory committees to seek advice on Health
Disparities in Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services

LANSING, Mich, – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking advice on ways to improve health equity in home and community-based services.

The department is forming advisory committees with dollars from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“MDHHS wants to hear from stakeholders as the department works to continue to improve healthy equity,” said Kate Massey. “Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just chance to be healthy. That happens when every person can attain their full health potential. This means that who you are or where you live will not stop you from being healthy. Health inequities can make it harder to find health care, shorten a life, lower quality of life, and contribute to higher rates of disease, disability and death.”

These committees will examine what causes health inequities for people who need services and will suggest changes so it is easier for everyone to get those needed services.

Advisory committees will provide a way for people to share ideas on health equity in the following MDHHS Medicaid programs – Home Help, MI Choice, Home Health, MI Health Link and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly programs. People receiving services from these programs are invited to apply, along with family members, guardians, advocates and community partners who are familiar with the programs.

There will be a statewide advisory committee as well as separate county-specific committees for people who work or live in the counties of Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo and Wayne. The goal is to increase the use of home and community-based services by removing barriers to equitable access.

The Statewide Health Equity Advisory Committee will:

  • Review county data to learn how the findings affect statewide access.
  • Look for gaps in data.
  • Decide if the project should include more counties.
  • Propose a statewide plan to address health inequities.
  • Make suggestions to the county advisory teams.
  • Review MDHHS messages about home and community-based services.

County Health Equity Advisory Committees will:

  • Review county data to learn how the findings affect access.
  • Look for gaps in data.
  • Review messages and surveys to send to people to get more data.
  • Identify how MDHHS can get information about the public’s knowledge of services.
  • Identify how to get information about the public’s experiences with services.
  • Identify people who can help gather data on health equity.
  • Make suggestions on county-level ideas to improve heath equity.

MDHHS would like the advisory committees to include a diverse group with people who receive services and others who are familiar with the home and community-based services. Those who want to be considered for the Statewide or County Health Equity Advisory Committees can submit an application via email to MDHHS-HASA-HCBSHealthEquity@michigan.gov or by completing an online application.

Applications must be received by April 30. Questions about applications or the Health Equity Advisory Committees can be emailed to MDHHS-HASA-HCBSHealthEquity@michigan.gov.

DNR finalizes walleye management plan for inland waters

by | Jan 20, 2022 | Uncategorized

 
Michigan DNR banner

– DNR News –
Jan. 20, 2022
Contact: Seth Herbst, 517-388-7759 or Sierra Williams, 517-230-8788

DNR finalizes walleye management plan for inland waters

Walleye egg take With an aim toward maximizing both angler satisfaction and the ecological benefits of the state’s walleye fisheries, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has finalized a plan to guide the department’s management of the popular species in inland waters.

The final plan comes after careful consideration and integration of public input on the draft walleye management plan, which the DNR initially asked for in February 2021.

Although walleye reside in the Great Lakes, rivers and inland lakes, the plan focuses on inland waters – mostly inland lakes – because walleye management in Great Lake waters is primarily addressed in various other department-approved management or rehabilitation plans.

The new walleye management plan for inland waters provides an overview of:

  • The status of the species in Michigan.
  • The biology and ecology of inland walleye populations.
  • Angler perceptions about walleye management and fishing opportunities.
  • Previous management efforts.

The plan also identifies several management goals that broadly address ecological and social characteristics of walleye fisheries, because both elements are key to successful species management. The plan provides a formalized management framework for walleye that accounts for habitat suitability and describes recommended actions to efficiently and effectively protect and conserve walleye populations throughout the state.

“Walleye is an ecologically important species that also receives substantial attention from our anglers,” said Seth Herbst, lead author and manager of the Aquatic and Regulatory Affairs Unit in the DNR Fisheries Division.

“It is essential that we formalize and implement statewide manage strategies to maintain and enhance walleye populations during a time frame when this species is threatened by changing habitats, including establishments of detrimental aquatic invasive species,” Herbst said. “Effective management leads to robust walleye populations, and that means diverse fishing opportunities for anglers.”

The DNR Fisheries Division developed the Management Plan for Walleye in Michigan’s Inland Waters with assistance from Michigan State University Fisheries and Wildlife Department faculty. Additionally, consultation with Tribal governments and feedback from other state natural resource agencies, citizen advisory committees and anglers were critical to inform and revise early versions of the plan.

The DNR appreciates the input and comments provided by the public to finalize the walleye management plan. Visit Michigan.gov/Walleye to learn more about walleye and management efforts and review the final plan.

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

  • Walleye: The DNR conducted a walleye egg take on the Muskegon River.
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
Omicron Variant Identified in Oakland County

Omicron Variant Identified in Oakland County

by | Dec 22, 2021 | Uncategorized

Omicron Variant Identified in Oakland County

Vaccination, Masking, and Distancing are Vital to Reducing Spread

​Pontiac, Michigan  – The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is present in Oakland County, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) alerted Oakland County Health Division today. A county resident tested positive for COVID-19 on December 5 and a lab identified the strain as the Omicron variant on December 16, then notified MDHHS.

A case investigation determined the resident, who was vaccinated but did not have a booster dose, had travelled internationally. The resident denied having any close contacts since returning home. MDHHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the agencies that look into any possible exposures while traveling.

“The bad news is that Omicron is here. The good news is our main tools still work as with any variant – masking regardless of vaccine status, distance, and vaccinations including booster doses,” Health Division Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust said. “Even if Omicron is slightly resistant to immunity to other variants, increasing your immunity through vaccinations will help prevent infection, hospitalization, and death.”

According to the CDC, the Omicron variant will likely spread more easily, but how easily Omicron spreads, compared to the Delta variant, remains unknown. The CDC expects that anyone with the Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. Breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, however, are likely to occur. Vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.

“Emergence of Omicron in our area further emphasizes the importance of primary vaccinations and boosters, especially before any upcoming holiday gatherings” Oakland County Director of Health and Human Services Leigh-Anne Stafford said. “Vaccination, masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged to help slow spread of Omicron and all COVID-19 viruses.”

The following prevention strategies will reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus and help limit variants:

  • Get anyone age 5 and older vaccinated and a booster shot when eligible
  • Wear a mask in public indoor settings
  • Physically distance from others
  • Stay home whenever symptoms appear
  • Get tested for COVID-19, especially before gatherings
  • Self-isolate properly if you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Follow recommendations for traveling

COVID-19 cases continue to be prevalent in Oakland County and Michigan. There were more than 11,800 new confirmed and probable cases from November 29 – December 12, 54 percent of whom were ages 39 years old and younger. The seven-day case average was 657 new cases per day in Oakland County as of December 15. The seven-day percent positivity for COVID-19 tests dropped to 15.38 percent from 16.60 percent the week before.

Most new cases in Michigan continue to be among individuals who are not fully vaccinated. They comprised 85.1 percent of cases, 88.1 percent of hospitalizations, and 85.8 percent of deaths from January 15-December 4, according to the MI COVID Response Data and Modeling Update.

Visit www.oaklandcountyvaccine.com for information about upcoming COVID vaccination sites and who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments when available are strongly recommended online or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 during business hours.

More information about COVID-19 can be found on the Health Division’s website at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or [email protected]. Nurse on Call is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.

Whitmer Proclaims Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday

Whitmer Proclaims Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday

by | Nov 23, 2021 | Uncategorized

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 23, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg achtenberg[email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Proclaims Nov. 27 Small Business Saturday, Encourages Michiganders to Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season and Year-Round

 Proclamation intended to celebrate resiliency, contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs to the state 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today declared November 27 as Small Business Saturday in Michigan and urges Michiganders to buy locally this Saturday and throughout the year to support Michigan’s small businesses.

 

“Small businesses are the backbones of our communities, and we want to remind Michiganders that supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs creates jobs, leads to more vibrant communities, and builds a stronger economy for everyone,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our small businesses demonstrated incredible resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should celebrate them and their invaluable contributions to our state by shopping local this holiday season. I will continue working to ensure that small businesses have the resources they need to succeed as we usher in a new era of prosperity together.”

 

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses comprise more than 98 percent of Michigan businesses and employ half of Michigan workers. For every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy, allowing business and job growth.

 

In addition, according to the Michigan Retailers Association, one in five Michigan jobs are in the retail industry. In 2020, Michigan residents sent $23.7 billion to out-of-state retailers. If only one in 10 out-of-state purchases were switched to local stores, Michigan would gain $1.9 billion in increased economic activity, creating 14,000 new jobs.

 

“While every day is a good day to shop small and buy nearby, we hope Michiganders will make a concentrated effort this Saturday and throughout the holiday season to shop at local retailers and businesses. Not only will you find gifts on store shelves and avoid possible shipping delays by buying nearby, but you’ll be supporting the local businesses who make our communities great places to live and work. With so many challenges facing business owners this year and last, they need the community’s support more than ever,” William J. Hallan, President and CEO, Michigan Retailers Association.

 

In 2020, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) launched the “Support Local” campaign to remind Michiganders of the importance of supporting local businesses during the holidays and throughout the winter season. The Support Local landing page at michigan.org/supportlocal offers resources that help residents shop and eat local, including links to vibrant downtowns that are filled with local shops specializing in décor, fashion, pet toys, hardware and more. For the craft beverage lover, Michigan’s beer, wine and spirits can be found throughout the state at brick-and-mortar shops and local grocery stores. Around Michigan, independent bookstores overflow with page-turning stories and gifts. To refuel, shoppers can visit one of Michigan’s coffee shops and get a bag of beans to brew at home. Or give the gift of travel, creating memories at destinations throughout the state.

 

“As we look at ways to grow an equitable and resilient economy in Michigan, we remain committed to supporting our small businesses, their workers, and the local communities in all corners of the state,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “The Saturday after Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest days of the holiday season, and by shopping local, we can help Michigan workers, businesses, and communities thrive this season and beyond.”

 

“Small businesses play a vital role in their local communities and have been through unprecedented challenges during this pandemic,” said Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them and show our support during the busy holiday season.”

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

 
Approved Request to Lower Costs for Michigan Drivers

Approved Request to Lower Costs for Michigan Drivers

by | Nov 4, 2021 | Uncategorized

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 3, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer on Approved Request to Lower Costs for Michigan Drivers

The MCCA unanimously voted to support issuing refund checks to Michigan consumers

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox released the following statement after the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCAA) voted unanimously to grant the governor’s request to deliver refund checks to every Michigander with auto insurance.

 

“As we continue to put Michiganders first, I am always working to find ways to lower costs and use every resource we have to help Michiganders thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is great news that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association has swiftly taken action in response to my letter this week to begin the process of issuing refund checks to help drive down the costs and produce savings for Michiganders with auto insurance. Michiganders have paid into the catastrophic care fund for decades, and these funds from the $5 billion surplus belong in the pockets of Michigan policyholders.”

 

“I applaud the MCCA’s quick response to the Governor’s call for the MCCA to provide the maximum refund of its $5 billion surplus to Michigan policyholders while maintaining the viability of the fund for auto accident survivors,” said Director Anita Fox. “I urge the MCCA Board to act promptly to determine the amount of and process and timetable for expeditiously issuing refunds to all Michiganders with auto insurance.”

 

The refund is possible in part because of the historic, bipartisan auto insurance reform signed into law by the governor in 2019 and would return money to every Michigander with auto insurance.