DNR News Digest – Week of July 13, 2020
DNR News: State-record fish, survivor elms and 2020 duck stamps and prints
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 07/14/2020 11:10 AM EDT
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During the first few months of the coronavirus emergency in Michigan, a lot of people turned to the outdoors for exercise, fresh air and a little peace of mind. For two residents, that included time on the water that led to new state-record fish!
A century ago, elegant, vase-shaped American elms shaded neighborhoods with their lacy, arched canopies. Today, many of those trees are dead, skeletal husks – a legacy of the destructive Dutch elm disease. The fungal disease, spread by bark beetles, slowly wiped out most American elms after being introduced in the early 1900s.
The 2020 Michigan duck stamp is here! This year’s design features a flock of Canada geese coming into a decoy spread. The stamp is a voluntary purchase and does not replace the state waterfowl hunting license, and proceeds from stamp sales help restore and enhance wetlands and waterfowl habitat.
The Asian tiger mosquito, an invasive species, was first found in Livonia, Michigan, in 2017, and then in Romulus in 2018 and, now, 
Measures Announced To Keep Elections Safe, Healthy And Secure
Oakland County Executive, Board And Clerks Announce Measures To Keep Elections Safe, Healthy And Secure
Oakland Together 2020 Democracy Initiative is ‘largest effort in Michigan’ for voter safety
Oakland County, Michigan – County Executive David Coulter, along with Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) and Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown, announced today several steps the county is taking to ensure 2020 elections are safe and secure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These elections are sure to draw unprecedented interest, not only because of the candidates and issues involved, but because of the challenges COVID-19 presents for conducting an election that is safe and fair,” Coulter said. “That’s why this Oakland Together 2020 Democracy Initiative is so important. Our goal is to ensure safe, healthy, secure elections with full participation by Oakland County residents.”
Woodward formed the Oakland County Safe, Healthy, and Secure Election Advisory Council in June with Commissioner Nancy Quarles, local clerks and local democracy advocacy groups. Since its creation, the council has identified challenges and made recommendations to the Board of Commissioners to support local elections with safety measures during the pandemic. These measures aim to protect Oakland County voters and election workers while preserving the democratic process.
“Safe and secure elections are essential to our democracy,” Woodward said. “We are doing everything we can and using every resource necessary to help our local communities hold safe and secure election during this pandemic. The Oakland Together 2020 Democracy Initiative is the largest effort in Michigan of its kind.”
The council has focused on four key areas: easy and informed absentee voter participation, safe polling locations with full implementation of health protocols, trained new election workers and precautions for vulnerable workers, and adequate equipment to count ballots and promote confidence in elections.
“I am extremely proud of the work the council has done to help ensure Oakland County residents have the freedom and flexibility to vote in a way that makes them comfortable, while also protecting themselves and election workers, ” Commissioner Nancy Quarles (D-Southfield), chair of the advisory council, said.
The Board of Commissioners has adopted four resolutions to address these issues. They are:
- MR#20172, which urged all Oakland County residents to vote by mail to avoid COVID-19 exposure at polling locations. This was adopted by the Board on June 25.
- MR#20183, which created an interlocal agreement to facilitate local communities partnering with the county clerk to process and count absentee ballots. In accordance with PA 95 of 2020, Oakland County received requests for assistance from 20 local communities for the primary and 40 local communities for the general. This was adopted on June 4.
- MR#20241, which appropriated $500,000 to communicate about the safety of absentee voting and provide clear instructions to voters on the primary ballot. This was adopted on July 2.
- MR#20220, which appropriated funding for new voter tabulation equipment and purchasing a new virtual election worker training program so that all communities can train new workers remotely. This was adopted on July 2.
In addition, the advisory council has made two recommendations that will be considered by the Board at future meetings. They are:
- Prepaid postage for November absentee ballots to remove an additional barrier for residents who choose to vote by mail.
- A Protect Democracy Election Worker Recruitment and Retention Program, which support local clerks retain and recruit election workers during the pandemic by paying election works an additional $50.
“We see more spoiled ballots in the August primary elections than any other election,” Brown said. “We want to ensure every citizen’s vote counts, so we are reminding them to: Use a blue or black ink pen when filling in the box next to your choice; only vote for one party’s candidates otherwise you will spoil your ballot and the entire partisan section won’t count; also vote the non-partisan column, and check both sides of your ballot, voting the same party on both sides. When you return your absentee ballot, be sure to sign the outer envelope. It must be at your city or township clerk’s office by 8 p.m. election day.”
Joe Rozell, director of elections for Brown, served as vice chair of the Oakland County Safe, Healthy, and Secure Election Advisory Council. For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248-858-0100.
For media only, contact Bill Mullan in the Oakland County Executive Office at 248-858-1048, or Sarah Moreau at the Board of Commissioners at 248-494-1487 for more information.
94 Small Businesses Receive $565,750 in Support
94 Small Businesses Receive $565,750 in Support in First Round of Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund
With microloan funds still available, the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund (MERF) has already processed 113 microloans and grants, assisting 94 small businesses with $565,750 in support, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan Women Forward announced today. Launched by the MEDC with Michigan Women Forward (MWF) in May, in response to the economic impacts of the pandemic on underserved communities, the fund is intended to help entrepreneurs and small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 recover from the outbreak, as well as assist them in meeting increased demands in support of COVID-19 response efforts.
While grant funds will be exhausted by the end of July, there are still more than $500,000 in funds available for small microloans to reopen Michigan businesses, with excellent terms and repayment options. Small businesses interested in applying for microloan support through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund can do so now by visiting miwf.org/mwf-entrepreneur-resilience-fund.
“The impact this fund has already had for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state has been critical to ensuring our local economies can continue thriving long after this crisis has passed,” said Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer at MEDC. “The support and partnership of Michigan Women Forward in helping get these resources into the hands of small businesses that need them most has been tremendous and will continue to be vital in ongoing economic recovery efforts.”
Funds awarded through the program can be used to support small businesses in managing expenses through the recovery phase, including rent, payroll, and inventory, due to the significant economic impacts of COVID-19. The fund can also advance business growth by providing working capital to assist with increased product or service demand in response to COVID-19, to allow a company to revamp their business virtually through a strengthened online presence, or to start up a company to meet a new demand as a result of COVID-19.
“It is such a privilege to reach out to these entrepreneurs with the good news that they have been awarded a MERF grant,” said Carolyn Cassin, Michigan Women Forward president and CEO. “This funding is often the difference between opening or not opening their business back up. MWF also offers training and mentoring to the recipients so they are no longer alone in their recovery journey after COVID-19.
The Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund provided recovery grants of $1,000-$5,000 and is still accepting applications for microloans of $5,000-$10,000 for small businesses who are in need and have been adversely affected by COVID-19 closures at miwf.org/mwf-entrepreneur-resilience-fund.
In Pontiac, Brown Construction Collective Plus [BCC+] now has additional opportunities for growth and digital success as a result of grant support it received through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. Owned and operated by Rita Brown, a construction industry professional of Asian-Indian descent, Brown is active in several initiatives dedicated to promoting women and unrepresented populations in construction work, including the National Association of Women in Construction, and the Construction Equity & Inclusion Council. She also designed the BUILD INITIATIVE’s Project: Accelerate! Program designed to reinforce knowledge, educate and facilitate better access to opportunities for women within the construction industry.
“I plan on investing in program development, website refreshment, and parlaying this support into greater success,” said Brown. “With this grant, I can continue to move forward and cultivate intentional next steps for success in my industry.”
Lions & Rabbits is a gallery, education center and event space in the Creston business district in Grand Rapids. Owned by Hannah Berry, Lions & Rabbits houses more than 120 local visual artists and hosts pop-up shows, community parties, classes, weddings and workshops. After receiving a grant from the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund, Lions & Rabbits will be able to move forward with plans to renovate its outdoor community and gallery space, in addition to working with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Women’s Way to hold an alley takeover, showcasing the power of women in Grand Rapids and their role in modern society.
Berry said, “While we have brought our art and now our classes online, because of this grant we will be able to fully reopen and people are safe to experience community fellowship again.”
The $1.5 million fund includes support of $500,000 from MEDC and $500,000 from Michigan Women Forward’s SBA microlending funds, along with partners including Consumers Energy Foundation, the New Economy Initiative, General Motors Corporation, Fifth Third Bank and Comerica Bank. Michigan Women Forward is also working with other potential funding partners to provide additional opportunities for grants and loans through the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund.
While grant funds have been exhausted, small businesses may still apply for microloans if they meet the following criteria. Eligible candidates will be prioritized based on demonstrated need, including, but not limited to:
- Being located in a disadvantaged area within a U.S. Small Business Administration designated HubZone or Opportunity Zone;
- Demonstrating status as a low- to moderate-income borrower;
- And qualifying as a diverse business that can demonstrate ownership by underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, veterans, minorities and low-income men and women.
To learn more about MEDC’s COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response. Other resources for economic reopening efforts as well as businesses across Michigan struggling with economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
About Michigan Women Forward
In 1986, 20 extraordinary visionaries conceived of an organization that would encourage women to play an active role in philanthropy and governance. Today, MWF focuses on these primary pillars: Accelerating Women’s Entrepreneurship, Developing the Next Generation of Young Women Leaders, Sharing Women’s History and Leading the State’s Women’s Agenda, which includes the Enough SAID campaign to end the backlog of untested rape kits in Detroit. MWF also operates the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame Center in Lansing. For more information, visit www.miwf.org/.
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.
Michigan confirms first human mosquito-borne virus of 2020
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2020 CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@ Michigan confirms first human mosquito-borne virus of 2020 LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Ottawa County Health Department today confirmed the state’s first human infection with a mosquito-borne virus for 2020 as a county resident tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus. Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness can develop from a few days to two weeks following a mosquito bite. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease, including infection of the brain – encephalitis – or the lining around the brain and spinal cord – meningitis. MDHHS is releasing no further information about the resident who tested positive for confidentiality reasons. “During the warm weather months in Michigan, there is always a risk of viruses spread by mosquitoes, including but not limited to West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “This is an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect against mosquito bites throughout the summer and into the fall”. Michigan reported its first two cases of Jamestown Canyon virus in 2018 in patients from Oakland and Menominee counties. In 2019, one case was detected in a person from Cass County. While the virus is found throughout much of the U.S., reports have been increasing in the upper Midwest. This likely reflects increased awareness and testing, but may also be due to an increase in the presence of the virus in the environment. The virus can be spread by many types of mosquitoes that become infected when they feed on deer or other animals that have the virus in their blood. These infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other animals or people through bites. Residents can stay healthy by using simple, effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to avoid Jamestown Canyon virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:
For more information and surveillance activity about West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses, visit www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus |
Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families
Additional Food Assistance for 350,000 Michigan Families in Response to COVID-19 Emergency Extended Through July
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2020
Contact: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112
LANSING, MICH. Approximately 350,000 Michigan families will continue to have access to additional food assistance benefits during the month of July as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.
Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance for March through June – and now that is being extended for the month of July with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.
“Many Michigan families are still struggling to put food on the table as a result of this global pandemic,” Gov. Whitmer said. “These additional payments will help many Michiganders as they continue to deal with an unprecedented public health and economic emergency.”
Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by July 30, with payments beginning for some households on July 20. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.
Nearly 1.5 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the state’s Food Assistance Program.
Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in June to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. The 350,000 households that receive increased benefits represent close to 50 percent of the more than 800,000 Michigan households that received food assistance in May. The remaining households already receive the maximum benefit.
The table below shows the maximum allowable benefit for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:
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One Person
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Two Persons | Three Persons | Four Persons | Five Persons | Six Persons | Seven Persons |
Eight Persons
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| $194 | $355 | $509 | $646 | $768 | $921 | $1,018 | $1,164 |
The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2020
Media Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Extends Declaration of Emergency Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases
Governor remains committed to keeping Michiganders safe and saving lives
LANSING, Mich. — After every region in Michigan saw an uptick in new COVID-19 cases over the past three weeks, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today took swift action by signing a new executive order to save lives. Executive Order 2020-151 extends the governor’s emergency and disaster declaration until August 11, 2020 at 11:59pm.
“COVID-19 has now killed more than 6,000 people in Michigan. That’s more than 6,000 of our parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. And the rising numbers we’ve seen over the past few weeks prove that this virus is still a very real threat in our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I signed new emergency and disaster declarations using independent sources of statutory authority to continue saving lives and ensure that the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis have the tools they need.”
“Throughout this crisis, the vast majority of Michiganders have done their part, but we must remain vigilant and continue to do everything we can to protect our loved ones,” said Whitmer. “That means wearing a mask over your mouth and nose and practicing safe physical distancing when going out in public. If we all do our part now, there is a greater chance that schools can resume in-person learning in the fall. Be smart, be safe, and mask up.”
Daily COVID-19 case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in the Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo regions. Positivity rates are creeping upward. The increase in cases reflects a national trend: COVID-19 cases are growing in 39 states and in some are surging uncontrollably. Two days ago, for example, Florida recorded 15,300 new cases in a single day, the highest one-day total for any state so far during the pandemic.
“COVID-19 still poses a threat to families across Michigan, and it’s crucial that Governor Whitmer continue to take swift action to save lives,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “M
The severe economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to mount. During this crisis, Michigan has often processed more unemployment claims in a single day than in the most painful week of the Great Recession, and the state already saw its highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression. The Michigan Department of Treasury predicts that this year the state will lose between $1 and $3 billion in revenue. At the same time, continued federal support is by no means assured. Unless it is renewed, for example, Congress’s emergency infusion of money into the unemployment system will cease at the end of this month. Without that money, many families in Michigan will struggle to pay their bills or even put food on the table.
The health, economic, and social harms of the COVID-19 pandemic remain widespread and severe, and they continue to constitute a statewide emergency and disaster. Though local health departments have some limited capacity to respond to cases as they arise within their jurisdictions, state emergency operations are necessary to bring this pandemic under control in Michigan and to build and maintain infrastructure to stop the spread of COVID-19, trace infections, and quickly direct additional resources to hot-spots as they emerge.
To view Executive Order 2020-151, click the link below: