Current MI News Network Audio
Current MI Sports Network Audio
STATE NEWS for FRI 14MAY21
Michigan
legislators have approved mid-year spending bills, including billions of
federal Coronavirus relief to boost pay for frontline government
workers, give an incentive to unemployed people to return to work and
upgrade infrastructure. Under a $3.3 billion plan sent to the Senate by
the Republican-led House, some federal funding would go toward payroll
costs and free up state dollars to pay the Flint water crisis settlement
- instead of borrowing - and partially replenish an unemployment
benefits fund. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration
questioned the bill, saying federal guidance states COVID-19 funds
cannot be used to pay down debt and finance legal settlements.
-Latest COVID-19 Stats-
Michigan health officials reported just over 2-thousand more
confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 112 additional related deaths on
Thursday. 73 of those deaths were found in a review of the state death
certificate database. Michigan has now recorded over 871-thousand total
virus cases since it was first detected here 14 months ago and 18,467
deaths. On Wednesday, labs tested almost 40-thousand samples for the
virus and 2,552 were positive, which works out to 6.39%. That’s the
lowest positivity rate since March 17th.
A young mother has been killed in a crash in Mount Morris Township
, north of Flint, and her baby was injured. Police say the 19-year-old
woman was driving at a high rate of speed Thursday when she hit the back
of an MTA bus that was stopped. She was killed and her three month old
baby ,in the back seat in a car seat ,was taken to the hospital. Police
say the baby is expected to be okay. They believe speed and distracted
driving were factors in the crash because there were no marks to
indicate that she hit her brakes.
The
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency plans to restart the work search
requirement for those receiving benefits, meaning unemployed people must
prove they’re looking for work if they want to keep getting benefits.
The requirement was stopped in March 2020 when the pandemic began. UIA
officials say they will begin enforcing the requirement starting
sometime “soon.” An exact date has not been set, but it will become
mandatory again sometime in late May. The work search requirement
applies to everyone on unemployment, including state and federal
programs.
A Macomb County man, who was arrested and charged in connection
with the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, is due for
another court appearance today. Fifty-sixyear- old James Allen Mels of
Shelby Township, a veteran, was charged in February with knowingly
entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without
lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol
grounds. He has denied taking part in the violence, although he did take
selfies of himself in the Capitol during the incident. He is being
represented by a public defender and faces up to 10 years in federal
prison if convicted.
State officials are warning that fire danger is high around
Michigan and residents should be careful with campfires, debris burning
and other activities The Forest Resources Division of the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources says even though the landscape is green,
forests and grasses are very dry. A fire can escape and move quickly due
to the dry air and dry fuels. Fuels includes things such as dry grass,
brush and downed tree branches. If you plan to burn yard debris, first
check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or with your local municipality to ensure
burning is permitted in your area. Keep your fire at least 10 feet away
from logs, stumps or other debris and make sure no branches are hanging
overhead.
There's a new look at the potential match up between Governor
Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Police Chief James Craig, should he choose
to challenge her as a Republican candidate. The poll from Target Insyght
finds Whitmer leading Craig by six percentage points. She would beat
Republican businessman John James by ten points, according the poll. As
for top issues in the state. The poll found Coronavirus down at
number five, with taxes, the economy and roads leading the list.
The International Bridge Walk & Bicycle Parade has been canceled
for this year. Organizers say they are canceling the walk because of the
pandemic and the closure of the U.S.-Canada border to non-essential
travel. The Walk is usually held the last Saturday in June at the bridge
in Sault Ste. Marie.
Top
STATE NEWS for THU 13MAY21
A
big push starts today to get kids 12 to 15 vaccinated against COVID-19.
Dr. Mona Hanna- ttisha, who shed light on the Flint water crisis, is
having her 12 and 15- ear old daughters vaccinated with Pfizer's
COVID-19 vaccine today. It's now been authorized for emergency use in
this age group by the FDA. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha will have her
daughters vaccinated on camera during a virtual news conference this
morning.
-Meanwhile-
State
lawmakers are continuing a discussion today on the potential impact of a
federal vaccine passport. Legislation before the House Oversight
Committee would preemptively ban digital vaccine passports from
government entities in Michigan. The bill would make it a violation for
a government building to require proof of vaccination status. Vaccine
passports are banned in several states, including Texas, Florida,
Arizona and Indiana.
-Also-
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and
Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun provided an
update on vaccine rollout and the MI Vacc to Normal Challenge. The
Governor praised Michigan’s progress on vaccinations. Michigan has
reached the first milestone of the ‘MI Vacc to Normal’ plan, and the
Governor anticipates that MIOSHA will take action allowing offices to
allow in-person work on May 24th. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations
have also decreased since mid-April. She encourages Michiganders who
have not gotten vaccinated yet to get their shots as soon as possible.
-Related-
Good news for young campers this year as many are expected to
return to their favorite sites, but with some restrictions. In
preparation for summer camps, the Michigan Department of Health and
Human Services released their ‘Guidelines for Camp Operations during
COVID-19‘. Many of the guidelines mimic school guidelines and require a
‘COVID-19 Response Plan’. This includes monitoring symptoms, social
distancing, hygiene, the use of PPE, communication protocol, and
isolation procedures if someone tests positive on-site. Campers ages 5
and up, as well as staff, parents, and visitors are required to wear a
cloth covering when in cabins and classrooms, or any other indoor
activity.
-And-
Congressman Dan Kildee has announced nearly $95 million from the
American Rescue Plan, which he supported and helped pass, in emergency
funding for colleges, universities and students throughout mid- Michigan.
The funding will help local institutions cope with the severe financial
fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students
safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be
distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students
who are facing hunger, homelessness and other hardship. A total of
nearly $95 million dollars will be distributed to colleges and
universities in mid-Michigan. Those receiving assistance include Baker
College, Delta College, Kettering University, Mott Community College,
Saginaw Valley State University and U of M Flint.
-Latest COVID-19 Stats-
There were just under 2,200 new cases of Coronavirus reported on
Wednesday. The state health department also reported 17 new deaths. This
comes as the state closes in a one million confirmed cases since the
pandemic began. Just over 2200 remain hospitalized with the virus.
A group of Republican state lawmakers are announcing an effort
today to support law enforcement across Michigan. House Republicans say
the new legislation and budget priorities would strengthen the criminal
justice system and expand community policing statewide. It would also
help departments with recruitment and retention efforts.
Human
trafficking and other charges have been dropped against the wife of a
former Kalamazoo Pastor, Jazmonique Strickland. She had also been
charged with three counts of third degree criminal conduct and child
sexual abusive activity. The victim testified at a preliminary hearing,
saying he was never forced into sexual acts with Mrs. Strickland, but
said he did it for money offered by her husband Strick Strickland. The
former pastor at Second Baptist Church in Kalamazoo still faces 11
charges. (Photo: Strickland)
Students in a south Michigan school district are learning from
home through at least the rest of the week because of a lack of bus
drivers. It's the Marshall school district, just outside of Battle
Creek. Superintendent Randy Davis says many drivers have been
quarantined because of COVID-19 exposure and there aren't enough
substitutes. He acknowledged that families had to arrange child care
with little notice.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted
to approve Food and Agriculture Investment Fund grants for four Michigan
companies preparing to grow operations, expand product lines, and
improve efficiencies. The projects are expected to create several new
jobs and increase demand for products grown and produced in the state.
The companies involved include Ackroyd’s Scottish Bakery of Redford
Charter Township, Carbon Green BioEnergy LLC of Lake Odessa, Coulter’s
Farm Properties LLC of New Era and Cultured Ferments Co. LLC of Traverse
City. The Food and Agriculture Investment Program provides financial
support for food and agriculture projects that help expand food and
agriculture processing to enable growth in the industry and Michigan’s
economy.
The
Farmington Hills Nature Center is asking for your help in preventing the
spread of European frog-bit, one of Oakland County’s newest invasive
plant species. This free-floating aquatic plant resembles a miniature
water lily with quarter-sized leathery leaves and flowers with three
white petals. It’s been found in Novi and Northville and will
undoubtedly soon find its way to Farmington Hills. Frog-bit can form
dense mats on the water’s surface that impede boat and waterfowl
movement and can also limit light and oxygen availability in the body of
water that it invades. The Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species
Management Area and the Huron and Rouge River Watershed Councils are
requesting permission to survey local ponds or wetlands to look for
frog-bit.
More improvements are expected at Berlin Raceway in Marne (Marn).
M-Live reports that's after it won the Advance My Track Challenge in an
online poll and won 50- thousand dollars. Berlin Raceway had already
announced it was adding a courtyard area, an extended Mini-wedge track
and a Brickyard Lounge.
These
caterpillars might look cool, but the DNR says they can wreak havoc on
Michigan's forests. The agency says residents across the state may start
to notice the loss of leaves on oak, aspen and maple trees because of
gypsy moth caterpillars. The leaf- ating caterpillars are hairy, up to 2
inches long and have a pattern of blue and dark-red spots. A large
population in 2020 may lead to more caterpillars hatching this spring
across Lower Michigan. They'll become more visible within the next month
and persist through mid-July.
Top
STATE NEWS for WED
12MAY21
A
northern Michigan county has become the first county in Michigan to
reach the 70% vaccination mark. According to the Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services vaccine website, Leelanau County reached the
milestone on Monday. When it comes to vaccination rates within northern
Michigan counties, Grand Traverse County comes in second with 63.39% and
Emmet County comes in third with 62.90%. In an effort to get more county
residents the COVID-19 vaccine, the Benzie-Leelanau District Health
Department will be holding several pop-up vaccine clinics throughout the
week.
-Latest COVID-19 Stats-
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state of
Michigan is now 867,341 with total deaths at 18,338. The Michigan
Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,992 more cases and 99
more deaths on Tuesday.
Today's the day that Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered that the
Line 5 pipeline shut down in the Straits of Mackinac. Whitmer and many
others are concerned about the environmental impact if there's a spill
or leak from Line 5. Pipeline owner Enbridge says they will not stop
operating the pipeline unless ordered by a court or their regulator. It
says Line 5 is operating safely, reliably and is in compliance with the
law. The issue is in the courts. People are lining up on both sides with
republican members of the state house discussing the economic impact of
shutting it down later this morning. Environmental activists & others
will rally in Detroit this evening to call for the shutdown of Line 5.
Former UAW President Dennis Williams has been sentenced to 21
months in prison for his part in the union's corruption scandal...
Williams choking back tears as he apologized to his family and to union
members, but also said his life and time as UAW President was about
more than his actions. Prosecutors who wanted a slightly longer
sentence are saying those actions dwarf any good works. The UAW saying
Williams put his personal and self interest above those of the members.
(Photo: Williams)
Top
STATE NEWS for TUE 11MAY21
The
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited 51
workplaces for violating COVID-19 protocols. M-Live reports there were
fines at four hospitals from workers dying of COVID-19. The fines were
at Children's Hospital if Michigan, Henry Ford Hospital, Sinai Grace and
Detroit Receiving Hospital. Other workplaces fined include: Birchwood
Meadows senior living in Mount Morris, Buddy's Pizza in Shelby Township,
and Champion Bus in Imlay City.
-Meanwhile-
Michigan has surpassed a 55 percent COVID-19 vaccination rate,
which will trigger a big change in allowing people to go back to the
office in a couple of weeks. Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the next
step in the plan is when we hit 60-percent vaccinations, which will
allow for more people at sporting events and gyms and would lift the
curfew on bars. For more than a year, businesses were required to
have employees who can work from home, do so.
-Lt. Governor Second Dose-
On Monday, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist received a second dose of
the safe and effective Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the community vaccine
site at Berston Field House in Flint, where he launched the ‘Making Real
Change’ tour to promote vaccinations across the state. The ‘Making Real
Change’ tour will highlight the administration’s continued efforts to
flatten and eliminate racial disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic,
focusing on what the state has learned to apply those lessons to
equitably administering vaccines; and what the state doing to build the
resilience required to close racial disparities in health and other
areas within communities. The Making Real Change Tour will also make
stops in Saginaw, Grand Rapids, and Detroit.
-No More Testing-
If you work in a long-term care facility and are fully vaccinated,
you will no longer have to be tested regularly for COVID-19. According
to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, fully
vaccinated staff at skilled nursing facilities, homes for the aged and
adult foster care facilities licensed to care for 13 or more individuals
no longer have to be routinely tested. The health department said this
reflects the current guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services. To date more than 289,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have
been administered to long-term care patients and staff.
On Tuesday, the Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom and the
Economy) bills will be reintroduced in the Michigan House. The bills
would restore drivers’ licenses for over 100,000 immigrants, including
undocumented immigrants, which every Michigan resident had a right to
until 2008. Companion bills were introduced in the Michigan Senate
earlier this week. Bill sponsors and impacted community members will be
hosting a virtual press conference at 12:30 to discuss the bills and
their importance to Michigan communities. They say it’s time we pass
these bills and provide immigrants with the dignity and respect they
deserve, while improving road safety and boosting state revenue at the
same time.
Congressman Dan Kildee issued the following statement after labor
and human rights organizations filed the first Rapid Response Labor
Mechanism under the U.S.-Mexico- Canada Agreement for potential labor
violations in Mexico: “We must enforce trade deals for agreements like
the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to work properly. Failure to protect
labor rights, either by governments or corporations, must be swiftly
addressed. I supported replacing NAFTA in part because of strong labor
enforcement provisions like the Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. As a
member of Ways and Means Committee and Trade Subcommittee, I will
continue to work tirelessly to make sure we enforce this agreement and
ensure that Mexico lives up to its commitments.”
Did you cash your latest stimulus check? In Michigan, more than
46-thousand residents didn't, or have yet to. According to data released
this week by the IRS to Newsweek, just under one-half of one-percent of
checks sent to the qualified population in Michigan have gone unclaimed
or un-cashed. That percentage was the fourth-highest per capita in the
country. It is unclear exactly why so many checks were not cashed. Some
factors may include checks being sent to someone who died, or a check
being sent to an incorrect address.
Triple
A is predicting more people will hit the road this year for Memorial Day
weekend. Nationwide, more than 37 million people are expected to travel
50 miles or more between May 27th and the 31st. That's a 60 percent
increase from last year. In Michigan, more than 1 million residents are
expected to take a trip during the holiday weekend. That's almost a 57
percent increase from last year, when fewer than 700- thousand residents
traveled, due to the pandemic.
Top
STATE NEWS for MON 10MAY21
The
weekly number of Coronavirus cases in Michigan has dropped for a third
straight week. The state Health Department reporting just over 18-
housand new cases last week. That's down about 7-thousand from the
previous week. The number of people hospitalized has also dropped over
the past week. Just over 25- undred patients are currently hospitalized,
that's down almost 600 over the past week.
-Meanwhile-
Michigan is inching closer to the number of residents vaccinated
to begin lifting more restrictions. The state says, as of Friday,
54-percent of adults 16 and up have gotten at least one COVID-19 shot.
That puts Michigan close to a 55 percent benchmark Governor Gretchen
Whitmer says is needed to allow in-person work in offices. The reopening
step will happen two weeks after the milestone is reached.
Charging up Michigan. Governor Whitmer has announced 32 new
locations that have been approved for grants to install fast-charging
stations for electric vehicles. The governor's office says that adds 88
charging outlets along key travel routes throughout the state. Since the
launch of the "Charge Up Michigan program," the state has allocated over
four-million dollars for chargers at 76 locations. Each charging station
has at least two outlets, allowing multiple vehicles to charge. More
than half of the approved direct current fast charger projects have been
installed and are operational, making them publicly available for EV
drivers at any time.
Top
.gif)
.gif)
.JPG)
Two
teenage boys have been reported missing in the Tawas City and Sand Lake
areas. Bradley is reported by his mother to be 16 years old with
brown-blonde hair about 5 foot 6 inches tall with baggy sweat pants and
possibly a T-shirt or sweat shirt is from the Tawas area and his friend,
Joseph is 17 years old and is reported by his parents to be 5 foot 8
inches tall with dark brown to black hair, wearing blue jeans, a T-shirt
or possibly a hoodie. They are accompanied by a medium to large brown
and white puppy about 11 months old. School mates report they could be
trying to reach California and the parents have reported that the boys
have taken quite a few items with them, so their progress may be slowed.
Anyone with information is asked to call police. The boys left sometime
in the middle of the night between Wednesday and Thursday May 12th and
13th. They are believed to be traveling together.
The
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced
over $770,000 dollars in grants to fund scrap tire drop-off events and
other tire cleanups. The grants fund 59 community scrap tire
drop-off events in 72 counties in Michigan. In northeast Michigan
grantees include: the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments; Arenac
Conservation District; Benton Township in Cheboygan County; AuSable and
Plainfield Township in Iosco County; Mills Township in Ogemaw County;
and in the Thumb, Tuscola County Recycling. Community events provide
affordable and convenient tire recycling opportunities to residents.
Private property in Arenac and Presque Isle County will also receive
grant money for the removal of old tire piles. For more information
visit Michigan Dot Gov Slash Scrap Tires.
Alcona
County officials recently discussed the County Building. Alcona
County Commissioners recently voted to extend the closure of the County
Building in Harrisville. According to the Alcona County Review,
commissioners have extended the closure through June 5th. County offices
will be open and available for business via email, phone or appointment
during regular business hours. Necessary appointments will require a
health screening. In addition, office mailboxes are available for
drop-off in the main entryway. For more information call 989-724-9410.
An
Onaway man has been arrested for criminal sexual conduct in Cheboygan
County. Investigators say 21 year old Cody Hoffmeyer had sexual
contact with a minor over a number of years. He faces 11 charges
including three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct. He's
been denied bond. 
A
deadline for Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac to shut down has passed,
but that didn't stop Michigan tribes and others from marching to
Enbridge's location and posting an eviction notice there. 9 and 10 News
reports that protestors say the risk of an oil leak in the straits of
Mackinac is too great.
A
woman faces assault charges in Alpena County after police say she tried
to run over her boyfriend with her car. State Police were called to an
apartment parking lot in Alpena for reports of a Chevy Impala running
into other vehicles. 20 year old Kristy Clay said she and her boyfriend
got into an argument. He was not hurt but two other vehicles were
damaged. .jpg)
The
Alcona County Jail was recently inspected. The inspection by the
Michigan Department of Corrections took place on May 6th. The inspection
included a review of the Alcona County Jail's policy and procedures,
record keeping, food services and cleanliness. The jail was found to be
in full compliance with Administrative Rules for Jails and Lockups. The
Inspector's report also noted exceptional documentation and preparation
for the inspection. He also found the jail, built in 1962, to be
exceptionally clean and well maintained for a jail of its age. .JPG)
.JPG)
District
Health Department Number Two is planning a change in locations for
COVID-19 mass vaccinations. 
Ascension
St. Joseph Hospital recently recognized one of their nurses.
Ascension St. Joseph Hospital honored one of their nurses with the Daisy
Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Dawn Krumm, an obstetrics and labor
nurse, who works with pregnant mothers and babies at Ascension St.
Joseph Hospital, was nominated by co-workers Deidra Barclay RN and
Jeanette Moran RN. The award is part of the Daisy Foundation’s mission
to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide
patients and families every day. Krumm was presented with the award in
front or co-workers and family on May 6th, which was National
Nurses Day. 
The
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of
Environmental Health recently launched the PFAS in Firefighters of
Michigan Surveillance project. During this multi-year project, Michigan
firefighters’ average exposure to PFAS will be assessed. PFAS chemicals
are commonly found in Class B firefighting foams used to fight fires
involving gasoline, oil and jet fuel. The project is currently in the
process of recruiting career and volunteer firefighters who work for
airport fire stations in Michigan, as well as randomly selected
municipal fire departments across Michigan. Seven departments are
participating in the first year of the PFOMS project, including those in
Tuscola, Alcona, Lenawee, Ingham, Wayne, Allegan and Oakland counties.
Over the course of the next three years, plans are to recruit between
600 and 900 firefighters to participate.
Another
popular northern Michigan festival is planning to return after canceling
in 2020. The Gaylord Alpenfest will take place July 13th - 17th but
there will be some changes due to the pandemic. The Alpenfest Board made
the announcement on its Facebook page stating the group partnered with
the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce to provide a safe and fun smaller
version of the festival. The carnival will have a fully vaccinated
staff, crafters, and concerts each night. Masking and social distancing
will still be required. The cancellation of Alpenfest last year marked
the first time in 56 years that the festival was not held in the Gaylord
area.
Michigan
State Police are investigating the shooting of a 15-year-old in Saginaw
last night. State Police say the teen was walking past a store when they
were shot and taken to an area hospital. Anyone with information should
call police.
West
Branch residents will see the end of a moratorium on late fees.
Comins Township
officials recently discussed the condition of sidewalks in Fairview.
The Comins Township Board will proceed with a project to improve and
connect sidewalks in Fairview. According to the Oscoda County Herald,
the project calls for standard six foot sidewalks to be constructed and
older, narrower sidewalks will be replaced. Also gaps without sidewalks
will be filled. The project is expected to cost approximately $329,000
dollars with the first phase costing around $110,000 dollars. Funding
for the Fairview sidewalk project will come from the Comins Township
General Fund.
North
Star League
Girl’s
Soccer:
Huron
Community Bank recently announced staffing changes. Huron
Community Bank, headquartered in Tawas City, recently announced Lisa
Castle is the new Commercial Loan Officer. Over her time with Huron
Community Bank, Castle has worked closely with commercial loan
processors, and will now utilize her experience in the lead role in loan
review for commercial and mortgage loans. Castle also looks to assist
loan processors and lenders in simplifying procedures with the use of
today’s technology. Huron Community Bank also recently announced the
promotion of Jennifer Jackson and Chrissy Allen to Retail Banking
Managers. Jackson has a great deal of experience both as a branch
manager and loan officer that will assist her in the new role. Allen has
been with Huron Community Bank for 26 years, starting out as a part-time
teller and has demonstrated her commitment to exceeding customer’s
financial needs in every department. 
Huron
County officials are working on an ordinance amendment dealing with land
use. 
You can get an elk or bear license application now through June
1st. You can also get a Pure Michigan Hunt application, which offers a
chance at licenses to hunt elk, bear, spring and fall turkey and
antlerless deer, and first pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area. Plus
blinds, sleds, rifles, shotguns and more, worth thousands, go home with
the three lucky hunters each year.
Boy’s
Baseball:
.gif)
Friday,
May 14, 2021
