 MDHHS Director Gordon responding to questions at a press conference last week  New MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel No details given; Elizabeth Hertel named Director
As Director of the Department of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon has been the spokesperson for the epidemic orders issued by MDHHS. Today at the Governor’s press conference announcing, among other items, the return to indoor dining on February 1st and a continuation of the pause on high school contact sports he did not appear at the podium. Mid-afternoon Gordon tweeted “Today, I am resigning from the Whitmer Administration. It's been an honor to serve alongside wonderful colleagues. I look forward to the next chapter.” He offered no details as to the reasons for his departure. To replace him Gretchen Whitmer appointed Elizabeth Hertel as Director. Hertel joined the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) in 2013 as the senior assistant for Policy and Planning, and in February 2014, was appointed director of Policy and Planning. Following the merger of the Departments of Community Health and Human Services into MDHHS in 2015, Hertel served as senior deputy director for Policy, Planning and Legislative Services. In October 2016, she left that position to serve as director of Michigan Advocacy for Trinity Health and returned to MDHHS and her current position in February 2019. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University and an MBA at Michigan State University.
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 Moon Dance Cafe-from their fb page Contact sports (including h.s. basketball, wrestling), water parks, still on pause; Concessions, larger gatherings get green light. Lansing, January 22- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released its next epidemic order today, which goes into effect on Monday, Feb. 1. The order will allow for indoor dining at restaurants with certain requirements; concessions at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums; personal services requiring mask removal; and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households. The new order will last three weeks, until Sunday, Feb. 21. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity with up to 100 people. Tables must be six feet apart with no more than six people per table. Outdoor tents with four sides are permitted under these same rules. Bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Additionally, contact information must be collected from diners for contact tracing purposes. “The pause has worked. The efforts we have made together to protect our families, frontline workers and hospitals have dramatically reduced cases and we have saved lives. Now, we are confident that starting February 1, restaurants can resume indoor dining with safety measures in place,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Some smaller venues however face challenges when it comes to the limits. “Well at 25% it doesn’t pay me to open the doors. I would still be losing money, so I guess I have to wait,” said Moon Dance Cafe owner Tina Drum. “It’s very unfortunate. I can ask my waitresses to come back to work but they would be making less money at work than they would on unemployment so it just doesn’t make sense. Very disappointed. “It would be different If it were spring and summer and we could use our patio then we could do it but it just doesn’t make sense in February.” “We are pleased to see the improvements in case rates, hospitalizations and percent positivity that have allowed us to reopen more activities,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “However, we must remain vigilant, especially since we now have a new more easily transmitted variant of this virus present in our state. This is not the time to let our guard down and Michiganders should minimize their risk by avoiding gatherings, wearing masks properly, social distancing and making a plan to get their vaccine when it is their turn.” MDHHS had been closely monitoring three metrics for stabilization or declines over the past several weeks. Michigan continues to see improvements in these metrics which has allowed for additional relaxing of protocols and reopening of activities. In recent days:
  Waitlists for Group 1C coming soon
January 21, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) added two additional Waitlist Registration Links to our website for those healthcare workers in Phase 1A who have not been vaccinated and for individuals in Phase 1B, except for PreK-12 school staff, to complete. DHD#10 is working directly with school administrators to coordinate vaccine clinics for their staff, so we ask that school staff not register on the waitlist. Currently there are three Waitlist Registration Links on our website:
It is important that individuals read all instructions and information posted on our website first before completing the form to get on the waitlist. If you do not have access to technology, consider reaching out to friends or family members to ask for assistance. The fastest way to get on the waiting list is to complete the online registration. For those seniors 65 and older who do not have access to technology and do not have others to assist you, there is a hotline number to call: 231-715-5557. Someone will complete your form with you over the phone to get on the waiting list. Once you are on the waiting list, you will be contacted when the vaccine is available so you can be scheduled to receive it. Please know this phone number is experiencing extremely high call volumes. Keep trying if you are having trouble getting through. In an effort to begin planning for Phase 1C, DHD#10 will be putting a COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Survey on our website shortly for employers that fall in this group to complete. This survey will ask employers how many employees they anticipate will want to receive the vaccine. This information will help us determine how much vaccine will be needed to vaccinate all who want it in this group. If you are an employer that falls in Phase 1C, consider surveying your staff now so that you can have your list ready when the Interest Survey link is posted. Phase 1B Priority Frontline Workers include:
Currently, Phase 1C Essential Workers include:
DHD#10 will announce instructions for the remainder of Phase 1C listed below as soon as plans are in place. Please note, phases may change as vaccine supply increases.
This week, DHD#10 is hosting vaccine clinics on Friday and some on Saturday throughout our ten-county jurisdiction. We will be vaccinating healthcare workers in Phase 1A and Phase 1B including seniors 65+, first responders, and some school staff. Clinics are by appointment only – please no walk-ins. DHD#10 asks for patience during this period of uncertainty. Please refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. Sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe to stay informed.  Julie Burrell is a 30 something married mom of 2 hailing from Hesperia. By day she supports businesses across the Newaygo County region. In her spare time she enjoys exploring with her family. Successful projects lead to promotion for Julie Burrell.
Economic Development is more than a jobs program, it’s an investment in growing the community’s wealth and resources and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents. Several years ago Newaygo County partnered with The Right Place to provide such activities in our area. The Grand Rapids based organization brought a successful track record of bringing sustainable economic growth to the West Michigan region. In 2018 The Right Place hired Hesperia native Julie Burrell who assumed the role of Business Development Coordinator for our county focusing on business retention expansion and attraction. Since then Ms. Burrell has provided direction and leadership on many projects including expansions at HarbisonWalker in White Cloud and Gerber Products in Fremont. Her ability to develop collaborative partnerships helped with community development projects such as the expanded housing development in Newaygo. The Right Place has recognized these efforts and promoted Julie to Business Development Manager. We caught up with a busy Ms. Burrell to offer our congrats and pose a few questions N3- How will your new role be different from your current activities? Much of my day to day remains the same, my #1 focus is retaining, expanding and attracting new businesses to Newaygo County. However, there will be an added focus in regional collaboration with the rural counties The Right Place serves, especially focusing on entrepreneurship development. N3- How has being from NC impacted your role at RP? Being from Newaygo County gives great insight to the needs of the community, helps to establish relationships with business leaders and allows me to combine my passion for my own community with my professional career. I’m not just doing the job and going home to another region, I am able to live and breathe Newaygo County. Even though I do live on the Oceana County side of Hesperia, I shop, bank, volunteer & send my kids to school in Newaygo County. N3- What are the challenges that lie ahead for NC? As we recover from the pandemic, this is a great opportunity to focus on growth. During the past year, professionals in large cities are realizing they don’t have to deal with traffic every day to do their jobs. I think we’ll see more folks choosing to live in rural communities like ours, where they can walk outside to experience adventures every day, instead of just on vacations. Our biggest challenge in realizing all of this potential comes from a lack of infrastructure, specifically broadband. Working remotely is pretty difficult with a sub-par connection. Several local leaders are working on changing this, but it is a big undertaking. Another challenge is just getting ourselves out there. Companies look to expand every day, but they typically focus on population density, proximity to airports, highways, etc… Promoting our assets is a big part of my job, along with collaborating with my colleagues at The Right Place. N3- What do you see as the economic strengths in the region? As a region, we are home to global companies, we have diverse communities, and strong leadership. This all puts us in a great position to continue growing our existing businesses and attracting new ones. Collaboration is key to our continued success. N3- Anything currently in the works? I’m currently working a few open projects (all confidential for now!), planning the 2021 Newaygo County Economic Outlook event, and developing the 2021 entrepreneur programming for Newaygo County. Save the date for Pitch North 2021 – June 8! N3- Anything to add? Our work wouldn’t be possible without our investors – if you run across any of these Newaygo County investors, be sure to tell them “Thanks!” • Bridgeton Township • Bucher Hydraulics • City of Fremont • City of Grant • City of White Cloud & DDA • Compass Credit Union • Consumers Energy • County of Newaygo • Croton Township • David M. Byrne Attorney at Law • DTE Energy • Everett Township • Fremont Area Community Foundation • Garfield Township • Gerber Federal Credit Union • Gerber Life Insurance • Goodwell Township • H&S Companies • Mighty Lube Systematic Lubrication • Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency • White Insurance Agency  Fifteen percent increase in payments will help families cope with pandemic. New benefits listed below.
LANSING, Mich. – The more than 1.2 million people in Michigan who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional payment by the end of January that raises their monthly amount by 15% to help families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is for six months, ending in June. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) advocated for the increase led by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and were pleased to see it ultimately included in the recently passed Congressional relief bill. Michigan food assistance recipients will see the 15% increase added to their Bridge Cards by the end of January that are in addition to benefits they received earlier in the month. Food assistance increases by $102 per month for a household of four, which will now receive $782 per month. In subsequent months, the 15% increase will be added to Bridge Cards from Jan. 20-30. “Helping families put food on the table is our job,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “We’re glad we can provide more food assistance to Michiganders who are in need as a result of COVID-19.” Whitmer and MDHHS also are announcing continuation in January of an initiative that provides additional food assistance to 350,000 Michigan families as a response to the pandemic. Through the initiative, anyone receiving food assistance who doesn’t already qualify for the maximum monthly benefits will see their payment raised to the maximum monthly amount for their household size. Eligible clients will see these additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by Jan. 30, with payments beginning for some households on Jan. 20. Anyone who receives both this payment and the 15 percent increase will receive them on the same day. Below are the new maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size for January through June:
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 or by calling a customer 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.  21 shipments of COVID-19 vaccine impacted due to temperature issues during shipment by distributor
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has been notified by McKesson that several shipments of Moderna vaccine shipped on Sunday, Jan. 17, had their temperature reported as going out of range and getting too cold. The cause of this is under investigation by McKesson. Each vaccine shipment is equipped with a temperature monitoring device used to monitor the vaccine temperature while in transport. McKesson is working quickly to repack additional vaccine to ship out as replacement doses for those that may be compromised and the majority of the 21 shipments were resent on Monday night with the rest being sent Tuesday. An additional six shipments were held back to check that there were no issues with the vaccine which may delay scheduled vaccinations at those six vaccine provider sites. “We are committed to accelerating vaccine delivery as we work to reach our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 as quickly as possible with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Although it is unfortunate that this vaccine will not be able to be used, we are pleased that the safeguards put into place to ensure the integrity of the vaccine worked. This is the first report of vaccine potentially being compromised during shipment in Michigan and we are working quickly with the distributor to have replacement vaccine shipped out.” Vaccines are shipped to vaccine providers across the state by the manufacturers and distributors. No vaccine is shipped or distributed by MDHHS.  Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial to offer vaccines Thursday
Appointments required to manage limited vaccine supply FREMONT, Mich., Jan. 19, 2021 – In response to the State of Michigan expanding eligibility for vaccination, Spectrum Health will begin vaccinating adults age 65 and over, and certain essential workers. Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial will offer vaccines by appointment on Thursday, Jan. 21. When an appointment is scheduled, the individual will receive information on location and time. Availability will depend on supplies of vaccines. To find out more about scheduling a vaccination, go to www.spectrumhealth.org/vaccine. Once at the page, scroll down to “COVID-19 vaccine scheduling” for step-by-step directions. Community members are also encouraged to download the Spectrum Health app and sign up for a MyChart account, which is a key step in the scheduling process for a vaccination appointment. Spectrum Health is also holding vaccination clinics by appointment in Grand Rapids, Greenville, Hastings and Zeeland with additional locations opening as more vaccine becomes available. As more vaccines become available, additional clinics will be announced. “This vaccine represents a light at the end of the tunnel for our community and a step toward moving beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Drew Dostal, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial president and leader for the Northwest Region. “Gerber Memorial is honored and excited to distribute the vaccine, working together with our partners in local health departments and throughout the community. We know many people are eager to get vaccinated, and we’re eager to help them schedule an appointment for it. We are seeing overwhelming demand for the vaccine and ask for the community’s patience as we work as quickly as possible to schedule appointments and set up additional clinics. We understand that the vaccine represents hope for better days ahead, and a sense of normalcy for our lives and the economy.” Spectrum Health is working with community partners and area health departments to plan additional vaccine sites across the region in the coming weeks—including clinics for under-represented communities—in an effort to make the vaccine as accessible as possible for all individuals. Spectrum Health has provided a total of more than 31,000 vaccinations to the public as well as to individuals in Phase 1a that the health system has been asked to vaccinate, including independent doctors, dentists and their staff. The vaccine distribution is dependent on vaccine supply, which varies from week-to-week. Scheduling will take place as Spectrum Health receives vaccine doses. Per the State of Michigan, essential workers, including teachers and others, should work through their employers to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination.  Seniors 65+ Can now get on the waiting list for COVID Vaccine
January 18, 2021 – District Health Department #10 announces today seniors aged 65 and older can get on a waiting list for the COVID-19 vaccine. There is now an online Waitlist Registration posted on our website at www.dhd10.org to get seniors on a waitlist for the vaccine. The link will open to a scheduling assistant. You must select a date and time to proceed to the next step. Please note, this will NOT schedule an actual appointment. It is only placing you on the waiting list. For those who complete the Waitlist Registration, you will receive an email with your appointment date, time, and location as soon as the vaccine is available. For those seniors who do not have access to technology, there is a hotline number to call: 231-715-5557. Someone will assist you in getting on the waiting list. Once you are on the waiting list, you will be contacted when the vaccine is available so you can be scheduled to receive it. IMPORTANT: PLEASE ONLY COMPLETE THE WAITLIST REGISTRATION OR CALL TO REGISTER - DO NOT DO BOTH. THIS COULD CAUSE DUPLICATION AND RESULT IN YOU BEING DELETED. IF YOU DO HAVE ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY, PLEASE FILL OUT THE WAITLIST REGISTRATION. THE HOTLINE IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET OR TECHNOLOGY. “DHD#10 has partnered with the Area Agency on Aging, senior centers across our jurisdiction, and other community partners to assist us with getting our seniors on the waiting list for the vaccine when it is available,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We ask that only those who are 65 and older complete the waitlist registration provided or call the hotline at this time. Do not do both.” DHD#10 continues to prioritize health care workers in Phase 1A and some in Phase 1B including seniors 65 and older, first responders, and jail/corrections staff. We are also working with schools directly to plan for their vaccination clinics. DHD#10 asks for patience during this period of uncertainty. Please refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. Sign up for our Public Health Alert at www.dhd10.org/subscribe to stay informed.  DHD#10 Clinics are full next week; waiting list coming soon
January 16, 2021 – On Thursday, January 14, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) requested 8,775 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the state and our regional partners for the week of January 18. We were notified on Friday, January 15, that we will only receive 1,700 doses from the state and no doses from our regional partners. At this time, all clinics are full for the week of January 18. We will be posting a link to get on a waiting list sometime next week and will also post a phone number for those without internet or technology to call. "We understand this may cause frustration and we ask for your continued patience," stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. "Through Friday, we were able to vaccinate 7,456 individuals in our 10-county jurisdiction, and that is an accomplishment we are very proud of. We are putting in a great deal of effort to launch the waiting list and a phone number so that individuals can get signed up. It is a process that involves numerous resources and has to be coordinated before it can launch." DHD#10 continues to ask for patience during this period of uncertainty and we ask that individuals please refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. We will continue to keep our communities updated via press release, social media, our website at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine, and our Public Health Alert. If you have not subscribed to our Public Health Alert, please do so at www.dhd10.org/subscribe. We ask for your patience as we continue to plan and prepare for additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics.  Appointments required to manage limited vaccine supply
FREMONT, Mich., Jan. 16, 2021 – In response to the State of Michigan expanding eligibility for vaccination, Spectrum Health will begin vaccinating adults age 65 and over, and certain essential workers. Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial will offer vaccines by appointment on Tuesday, Jan. 19. When an appointment is scheduled, the individual will receive information on location and time. Availability will depend on supplies of vaccines. To find out more about scheduling a vaccination, go to www.spectrumhealth.org/vaccine. Once at the page, scroll down to “COVID-19 vaccine scheduling” for step-by-step directions. Community members are also encouraged to download the Spectrum Health app and sign up for a MyChart account, which is a key step in the scheduling process for a vaccination appointment. Spectrum Health is also holding vaccination clinics by appointment in Grand Rapids, Greenville, Hastings and Zeeland with additional locations opening as more vaccine becomes available. As more vaccines become available, additional clinics will be announced. “This vaccine represents a light at the end of the tunnel for our community and a step toward moving beyond the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Drew Dostal, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial president and leader for the Northwest Region. “Gerber Memorial is honored and excited to distribute the vaccine, working together with our partners in local health departments and throughout the community. We know many people are eager to get vaccinated, and we’re eager to help them schedule an appointment for it. We are seeing overwhelming demand for the vaccine and ask for the community’s patience as we work as quickly as possible to schedule appointments and set up additional clinics. We understand that the vaccine represents hope for better days ahead, and a sense of normalcy for our lives and the economy.” Spectrum Health is working with community partners and area health departments to plan additional vaccine sites across the region in the coming weeks—including clinics for under-represented communities—in an effort to make the vaccine as accessible as possible for all individuals. Spectrum Health has provided a total of more than 31,000 vaccinations to the public as well as to individuals in Phase 1a that the health system has been asked to vaccinate, including independent doctors, dentists and their staff. The vaccine distribution is dependent on vaccine supply, which varies from week-to-week. Scheduling will take place as Spectrum Health receives vaccine doses. Per the State of Michigan, essential workers, including teachers and others, should work through their employers to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination.  5-20K Survival Grants available in Newaygo County
Yesterday, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved $55M in small business grants for COVID-19 relief efforts. The Right Place will administer grant funds to several counties in West Michigan. “Our Newaygo County small businesses continue to be critically impacted by the pandemic,” said Julie Burrell, Business Development Manager, The Right Place, Inc. “As we continue to navigate this pandemic the demand for assistance remains high, and the Survival Grants will offer a needed financial lifeline to Newaygo County businesses.” A local committee will score all applications and make awards of $5,000 - $20,000, to selected businesses based on program criteria and amount of local funding available. $171,453 has been allotted to Newaygo County to distribute. The application period will open Jan 19th at 9am and close Jan 22nd at Noon here https://www.michiganbusiness.org/survival/ The Small Business Survival Grant was designed to provide funding for eligible businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the Gatherings and Mask Order issued by MDHHS on Dec 7, 2020. It his highly encouraged for businesses to visit the application page early, and set up a ConnectSpace account (visit https://pmbc.connect.space/ to do so) if they don’t already have one, and review all eligibility criteria and FAQs. In order to assist with web traffic flow, an electronic queue system has been established, and applicants will enter the queue prior to entry into the application. All applicants who are in the queue by 12:00 on Friday Jan 22 will have an opportunity to complete their application. Grant funds will be distributed by Feb 28, 2021. Eligibility:
Industries Affected By The Order:
Live entertainment venues can access the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program, with the application period opening Jan 21 at 9am.  State Police Working with Law Enforcement Partners to Secure Capitol and Surrounding Areas LANSING, MICH. January 15, 2021- In advance of anticipated demonstrations at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing on Sunday, the Michigan State Police (MSP) has increased both personnel and protective measures, and is working in coordination with local and county law enforcement, the Michigan National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Following the January 6 siege on the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. and the resulting online promotion of marches at capitols in all 50 states, the MSP increased its visible presence at the Capitol beginning on January 11. These additional uniform resources are in addition to the MSP state properties security officers who are assigned to provide security at the Capitol. “Security enhancements that have been put in place include both seen and unseen measures,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “I can assure you that we take our responsibility for safeguarding the Capitol and those who work and visit here seriously and, together with our law enforcement partners, we will be prepared to ensure law and order.” In anticipation of an unknown number of demonstrators expected to gather on the grounds of the Capitol on Sunday, January 17, the MSP is again increasing its uniform presence by mobilizing troopers from across the state. MSP’s resources will be complemented by uniform personnel from the Lansing Police Department, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan National Guard to ensure that the greater downtown area is also protected. Details about the number of officers or their specific security missions will not be shared. “In general, we don’t discuss security measures so as not to provide an advantage to those wishing to inflict harm and cause disruption, but it’s important for the public to know that law enforcement is working together and has a coordinated plan to do everything within our power to ensure safety,” Gasper added. “We remain hopeful that those who choose to demonstrate do so peacefully, without violence or destruction of property.” There will be several road closures in effect for downtown Lansing on Sunday to facilitate ingress and egress. Law enforcement asks residents to assist by reporting suspicious and unusual activity. Tips can be submitted 24/7 by calling 1-855-MICH-TIP or submitting an online tip at www.michigan.gov/MichTip. Tips can also be submitted directly to MichTip by downloading our mobile app. For matters that require immediate police response, call 9-1-1.  MDHHS Director Robert Gordon announces a few changes for some and a longer wait for others Some HS Sports, Indoor Gym Classes Open; Hoops on Hold, Eateries Still Waiting
There’s a hold on high school hoops and restaurants remain restricted to outdoor and take out service through the end of the month but the new MDHHS Epidemic Order will allow some movement toward normalcy if not the wholesale changes many hoped for. “We are reopening cautiously because caution is working to save lives. The new order allows group exercise and non-contact sports, always with masks and social distancing, because in the winter it’s not as easy to get out and exercise and physical activity is important for physical and mental health,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “We are glad that we made it through the holidays without a big increase in numbers, but there are also worrying signs in the new numbers. We need to remain focused and continue to see declines in hospitalizations and to bring case rates and percent positivity down by doing what we know works.” The new order is effective Saturday, Jan. 16 and will last until Sunday, Jan. 31.Governor Whitmer hinted toward a return to indoor dining and other activities by February 1 and stated there would be more information in the coming days. Girls gymnastics, girls and boys bowling, and girls and boys swimming & diving, as “non-contact” sports, may also begin competition before the end of this month – swimming & diving Jan. 22 and gymnastics and bowling Jan. 25. Masks will be required of all participants except when they are actively participating in gymnastics and swimming & diving. Spectators will be capped at 100 persons in school gyms or 250 in stadiums and arenas, per MDHHS orders. Basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling are considered “contact” sports and may begin non-contact practices Jan. 16, with their first competitions scheduled for Feb. 1. Because of the later start to competition schedules in those sports, the MHSAA will adjust its tournament dates for those four to conclude on later dates than what is currently scheduled – those dates will be announced later this week. “We are glad to have three more sports join skiing in returning to full activity, but we understand the disappointment and frustration on the part of our athletes and coaches whose sports are not yet able to restart completely,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “We will continue to adjust schedules to provide all of our winter teams as substantial an experience this season as possible, as part of our greater plan this school year to play all three seasons to conclusion.\ “We have shown with our remaining Fall sports this month that our schools can participate safely, and we’re confident teams will continue to take all the appropriate precautions as we jump back into indoor Winter activities.” “We continue to make progress in our fight against this virus, and expanding vaccination to healthcare workers, long-term care residents and staff, some essential frontline workers and those age 65 and older is bringing us closer to ending the pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “It is important that everyone continues to do their part by avoiding gatherings, wearing masks properly and social distancing. This remains just as important, even as the safe and effective vaccine is being administered, to protect those who are not yet able to be vaccinated.” Previously, MDHHS had identified stabilization or declines in three metrics as critical for relaxing protocols. Although Michigan saw improvements across all three following the “pause” implemented in mid-November, some numbers have plateaued or begun to increase in recent days:
Indoor residential gatherings remain limited to 10 people and two households. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with consistent with guidance already released by the department. Families are encouraged to stay home as much as possible to maintain momentum and to protect loved ones. Families are also encouraged to Mask Up, Mask Right, using guidance for what masks to wear and how to wear them. Monday sees 255 shots in Newaygo arms, another 243 on Tuesday
January 12, 2021 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) held COVID-19 vaccine clinics in seven of our ten counties on Monday, January 11, and vaccinated a total of 1,733 individuals. Monday Vaccine totals by county include:
Tuesday Vaccine totals by county include:
Clinics are scheduled throughout the remainder of this week for those who scheduled late last week to receive the vaccine. Because vaccine supply is still limited, clinics next week will focus on healthcare workers in Phase 1A and individuals in Phase 1B who were rescheduled this week due to lack of vaccine. We will resume scheduling seniors and first responders as soon as we receive our vaccine totals. All vaccine clinics are by appointment only and not open to any walk-ins. PLEASE DO NOT WALK INTO ANY DHD#10 OFFICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. We will notify you when we resume scheduling again. “Right now, we are at the mercy of the state for vaccine distribution and we understand the state isn’t receiving what they are requesting from the federal level, so we have to do the best with what we receive,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for District Health Department #10. “There are still many individuals in Phase 1A that have not been vaccinated yet and we must prioritize the vaccine to those individuals first.” DHD#10 will be posting a survey link to our website for individuals in Phase 1B to complete that want to receive the vaccine in the coming weeks. This will put them on a list to be scheduled for the vaccine when it is available. We are also working diligently to address lack of access to technology and are partnering with community resources to fill the gaps and assure there is access for everyone. The state recently updated Phase 1B to include:
Not only are there thousands of people waiting to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but now there are many who are ready to receive their second dose. Due to the time-sensitive nature of receiving the first and second dose, DHD#10 is beginning to also schedule second doses and assures individuals who received the first dose that their second dose will be set aside for them. DHD#10 continues to ask for patience during this period of uncertainty and we ask that individuals please refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. We will continue to keep our communities updated via press release, social media, our website at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine, and our Public Health Alert. If you have not subscribed to our Public Health Alert, please do so at www.dhd10.org/subscribe. We ask for your patience as we continue to plan and prepare for additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics.  Spectrum Health Opens COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for the Public
Appointments are required to manage limited vaccine supply Grand Rapids, Mich., Jan. 11, 2021 – In response to the State of Michigan expanding eligibility for vaccination, Spectrum Health today began vaccinating adults age 65 and over, and certain Phase 1B individuals such as teachers and childcare workers. There are a total of 10,000 appointments scheduled between now and the end of the week and each has been filled. Spectrum Health will launch other vaccination clinics this week by appointment only in Grand Rapids, Greenville, Big Rapids, Hastings and Zeeland with additional locations opening as more vaccine becomes available. The vaccine distribution is dependent on vaccine supply, which varies from week-to-week. Scheduling will take place as Spectrum Health receives vaccine doses. “We are seeing overwhelming demand for the vaccine and ask for the community’s patience as we work as quickly as possible to schedule appointments and set up additional clinics,” stated Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, President, Spectrum Health West Michigan. “We understand that the vaccine represents hope for better days ahead, and a sense of normalcy for our lives and the economy.” To find out more about scheduling a vaccination, go to: www.spectrumhealth.org/vaccine. Community members are also encouraged to download the Spectrum Health app and sign up for a MyChart account, which is a key step in the scheduling process for a vaccination appointment. Per the State of Michigan, essential workers, including teachers and others, should work through their employers to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination. Sounding a note of cautious optimism about no post holiday surges,Spectrum Health President & CEO, Tina Freese Decker said they were seeing cases beginning to plateau with 20% of ICU beds system-wide currently filled with COVID patients accounting for 183 beds.  185 in Our County Take One for the Team
January 9, 2021 –District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) reports approximately 1,400 COVID-19 vaccines were administered on Friday, January 8, during vaccine clinics throughout our ten-county jurisdiction. “We couldn’t be prouder of our staff who put in an enormous effort to vaccinate almost 1,400 individuals on Friday,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “The work that went into accomplishing this operation was significant and our team is prepared to do the same at vaccine clinics throughout the week next week and the coming weeks and months.” Vaccine totals by county include:
Starting Monday, DHD#10 is hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics in all ten counties, with clinics scheduled through Saturday in many of the DHD#10 locations. These clinics are by appointment only and are not walk-in clinics. Clinics are only for those in Phase 1A and some in Phase 1B, including Persons 65+, First Responders (Police and Fire), and Jail/Corrections staff. Due to limited vaccine supply, we cannot accommodate anyone without an appointment, and we are unable to schedule any additional appointments until more vaccine is available. DHD#10 will post the Electronic Scheduling Form on our website at www.dhd10.org sometime next week when we are notified how much vaccine the state is sending us. DHD#10 is currently working with other community resources and partners to offer an alternative to scheduling for those who do not have access to the internet. We will notify the public as soon as that option is launched. “What's important to realize is we cannot order more vaccine than we are able to push out through vaccine clinics. And we cannot schedule appointments if we do not have enough vaccine. We also must administer every vaccine in a vial once opened or they will spoil, so if a clinic only has three people registered, we may not be able to host it. We will be making adjustments frequently along the way while vaccine supply is limited,” stated Hughes. Vaccine allocation is distributed at the Federal level to each state and then states must determine how much to give to each hospital system and health department across the state. The general timeline for ordering and receiving the vaccine works like this (at least for now while it is uncertain how much vaccine is allotted each week):
This past week, DHD#10 requested 3,900 doses of the vaccine, plus had some vaccine supply from the previous week. We launched the Electronic Scheduling Form on Thursday afternoon to schedule clinics for the next week where over 7,000 people schedule in a 14-hour period. DHD#10 was notified Friday morning that we were only receiving 975 from the state, which prompted us to shut down scheduling until we could receive enough vaccine to accommodate those who already scheduled. Fortunately, we were able to secure enough vaccine from regional partners to accommodate most of the individuals who scheduled. We did have to reschedule or cancel some individuals. “Until the vaccine supply is more readily available, there may continue to be shifts, adjustments, cancellations, and reschedules in the foreseeable future. We will have to make last minute changes and all our plans may go out the window, but please know we are doing everything humanly possible to get this vaccine out to those in the priority groups and then to anyone who wants it. We ask for continued patience as we work through this challenging and important effort,” stated Hughes. At this time, we ask that individuals please refrain from calling the health department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. We will continue to keep our communities updated via press release, social media, our website at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine, and our Public Health Alert. If you have not subscribed to our Public Health Alert, please do so atwww.dhd10.org/subscribe. We ask for your patience as we continue to plan and prepare for additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics.  Last week we shared highlights the first half of the year. Here is the second half of what will likely go down in history as...as...well, I guess you can say it will certainly go down. July Fred Bultman’s touching tribute to Jeanette Johnson captured a synchronic partnership in a heartwarming way. Beautiful Independence Day Sounds From A Nonagenarian’s Hands Her best was amazing. There was unexpected energy from this “little woman” in her playing the exuberant songs; there was reverential and soothing comfort in the quieter hymns; and throughout, I also noticed that her piano playing seemed always to be in direct dialogue with her fellow residents. N3 Editor Alexis Mercer took part in that inaugural ride and word has it she and her family have been regulars ever since on the ever growing epic trail. Michigan's Dragon Trail Official First Ride Organizers, project partners and media met at Brower Park in Stanwood on Monday, July 20, 2020 to hold the first official trail ride and hike on the much anticipated Dragon Trail. My personal admiration for nurses is well documented and while many are wonderful some are inspirational.Tessa Grewe’s mentorship inspired a student nurse to nominate her for a DAISY an award given for exceptional nursing practice. "A Prime Example of a Great Nurse" I will be a better registered nurse someday because of Tessa’s willingness to teach me and let me experience new skills. I am forever grateful for Tessa’s teaching and kindness. She is a prime example of what a great nurse should be.”
August The book authored by former NC resident Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is based on the murder of Newaygo resident Shannon Siders a case solved by the local cold case team. This is from our interview with Ms. G-D. “Hole In The Woods” Hits Home “I first learned about Shannon and her death by my father who was the county Medical Examiner at the time. He determined after examining her remains that Shannon had suffered a brutal death, disturbing details that I wouldn’t find out until sitting in on the trial some 25 years later. The master at mixing mirth and mindfulness Tim McGrath has a wide and varied fan base among our readers. His ability to make childhood experiences come alive and then weave them into present day reflections is never more apparent than in this piece from August. Random Bits… Summer Song Those charmed summer days of childhood that meant no school, and the endless possibilities of days stretched out before us with nothing but what our little minds could conjure up. Just had to be back home when the streetlights came on…. Ah, summer; sweet, sweet summer. September Charles Chandler tells a good story. He’s also an avid fisherman though not a requirement for telling a good story it certainly doesn’t hurt. Here he captures one of those delightfully collaborative endeavors aimed at improving our local waters and, yes, with it the fishing. The Newaygo County Bigelow Creek Watershed Project But here at this Newaygo County road intersection, it is a cool Michigan morning, there is a tiny warbler hunting insects in a bush near the side of the road. There is a bit of fall color beginning to show among the thick green pine and spruce. The small clear spring-fed creek that is getting all the attention is gurgling along a few feet away. We are all oblivious to the world’s troubles and are mesmerized by the activity in front of us. This morning the Newaygo County Road Commission crew is installing a huge box culvert on this small Bigelow Creek tributary.  October No, no misspelling here, it is indeed irruptions. We love having the Grabills respond to the birding (not burning) questions of the day. Send in your queries and we will pass them along. Ask BirdGoober: Irruptions, House Maintenance Wild bird populations sometimes get very exciting in winter. Birds that we’ve not seen in Lower Michigan suddenly appear in great numbers, causing all kinds of talk among birders and feeder watchers. An irruption, or sudden change in the density and distribution of birds can occur for several reasons, but the result is a regional buzz among the birding community as pine siskins, redpolls, red-breasted nuthatches and evening grosbeaks show up in yards where they haven’t been seen for years, even decades. I was sitting home when LSC Lil who had recently departed on an errand called and told me there was a truck in the lake just down from our house. She was right. She generally is. A Mistake at the Lake This Ford Ranger is not an amphicar and likely wasn’t anticipating an October swim but when its driver lost control of her car the vehicle jumped a seawall and ended up in the waters of Hess Lake. The driver and her passenger were unhurt, but the pickup is going to require some major drying out  November A group of our personal heroes came through again as the Drs. Nelson and their staff once again spent a day serving all veterans who came through their doors for the third straight year. Awesome: Part III “This is my 2nd time here,” said Veteran William Hall. “Awesome program to help veterans get services they need.” We wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Hall as to the awesomeness A lot of people talk about doing more for veterans. Others simply show how it's done. On Friday Newaygo Family Dental Care puts its humanity into action. And we’re a better community for it. Donna Iverson is not just our gardening guru, she also adds some intriguing tidbits to her stories. Here she shares a anecdote about Mr. Apple himself. Hands in the Dirt: Macs. It is also parent to the Macintosh commuter, developed by Steve Jobs of Apple, Inc. According to his biographer, Walter Isaacson, Jobs had become a fruitarian and was visiting an apple orchard when he encountered the Mcintosh apple and saw it and his new computer design as “fun, spirited and not intimidating.” In marketing the product, the designers misspelled the name and the iconic computer became the Macintosh.  December We have rarely had such a response as we did when Dr. Robert Clouse stepped up to the plate and delivered his take on the virus. Read the comments that followed his piece. The good Dr. continues to enjoy the respect and admiration of his community as well as an open ended invitation to honor our pages with his writings. Guest Article: COVID 19 MUSINGS The generation that fought WW2 is called, “The Greatest Generation”, perhaps in part, because individually they banded together for the good of the country. Millions joined the Armed Forces, either directly fighting or in supportive roles, (somewhat like our health care workers and essential service workers today). Everyone else sacrificed, everyone did their part. We’re in a war now against Covid-19. Our hospitals and health care workers are overwhelmed logistically, physically and emotionally and they need a break. They need our help until the population achieves a critical mass of vaccinations. You can help now to reduce new cases of Covid. You can stay away from others. You can wear a mask effectively. You can get vaccinated. Will you help now? If you are part of the generation that includes the penner of this piece Ms. Ludtke (and I) you will relate to this piece and perhaps even remember the duck and cover drill that put us under desks so the atomic bomb wouldn’t...wouldn’t...never mind. The Original Anti-Vaxxer On that tragic and fateful day, I had a plan! It came time to line up for the long walk down the hallway, one left turn then a quick right past the second grade classrooms, followed by two rights to the “health room” which was really a broom closet. Well, not me! As others lined up, I disappeared into our classroom’s anti-vaxxer bunker, also known as the bathroom. Safe from all harm. No needles for me. That’s all folks. Been a year. We hope to continue to entertain, enlighten, and encourage dialogue during this next little cruise around our home star.   Fremont Public Art Committee issues "Call for Artists"
The Fremont Downtown Development Authority's Public Art Committee continually works to enrich the lives of the City’s residents and visitors through art. Over the last 15 years, the town has seen 15 new public art pieces emerge, adding to that quality of life that we all enjoy here in Newaygo County. The Committee's next public art project will be located in the north central greenspace area of Fremont's Veterans Memorial Park. A "Call for Artists" has been issued for submission of proposals that are community/family friendly, touchable, and appreciated by multi-generations of community members. Guidelines for the "Call for Artists" are available to all interested at www.cityoffremont.net or www.ncca-artsplace.org. The proposal guidelines also may be requested to be mailed by phoning the City of Fremont at 231.924.2101. Deadlines for proposal submissions is Monday, March 1, 2021 by 5:00 p.m. An artist may submit more than one design to be considered by the Downtown Development Authority Public Art Committee.  Goal is for all Michigan school districts to offer in-person learning option March 1 or sooner
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced new guidance for schools today to keep students, staff and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic while providing the in-person instruction that is crucial to learning and development. The state’s goal is to have all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students no later than March 1, and earlier if possible. Guidance emphasizes use of scientifically proven methods of reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread, include wearing masks, ventilation improvements, frequent hand washing and social distancing. Vaccination of teachers and other school staff will begin by Jan. 11 due to educators’ roles as essential frontline workers. “MDHHS will continue to do what it takes to save lives and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Director Robert Gordon. “At the same time, in-person instruction is critical for the current and the future well-being of children, especially young learners and students who are disadvantaged. We encourage schools to reopen as soon as they can do so with proven protections for staff and students.” Guidance is for grades pre-kindergarten through 12 and includes early childhood education, such as Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program. Drawing on evidence from Michigan, the United States, and countries around the world, the guidance document outlines specific infection control measures that have worked in schools during the pandemic. Wearing masks is especially important for controlling COVID-19 transmission and masks should be worn inside schools by all staff and students, except during meals and in other limited circumstances. Face masks may be made of cloth or may be disposable surgical-style masks. Other infection control measures in the new MDHHS guidance include:
Additional recommendations can be found in the State of Michigan Guidelines for Operating Schools Safely on Michigan’s Schools COVID Testing website. In November, MDHHS paused in-person learning in high schools as part of an order to limit indoor gatherings to address an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths and in hospital occupancy rates. After case numbers decreased, high schools were permitted to resume in-person classes effective Dec. 21. The guidance is subject to change. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  DHD#10 Reaches Capacity For Vaccine Clinics Due To Vaccine Shortage
From our friends at the Health Department: January 8, 2021 –District Health Department #10 announces we are currently at capacity for our COVID-19 vaccination clinics due to a shortage of the vaccine. The registration link on our website is currently removed and will be replaced once we are able to schedule appointments. “Unfortunately, the state was unable to supply the number of doses we ordered, which requires us to make adjustments to our vaccine clinics,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We understand this disruption may cause frustration, but please know we are doing everything we can to deliver the vaccine as soon as the supply is accessible.” Some individuals who are currently scheduled to receive the vaccine next week may be cancelled or rescheduled. We will notify you via the email you registered when you scheduled if your appointment is cancelled or rescheduled. We will resume scheduling as soon as we have access to more vaccine and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We ask for your continued patience as we relentlessly work to get the vaccine out to those who want it. DHD#10 Now ready to schedule some in Phase 1B for COVID-19 Vaccine.
January 7, 2021 –District Health Department #10 announces we are now ready to start scheduling the following individuals that fall into Phase 1B ONLY:
Only those that are listed above should now complete the Electronic Scheduling Form posted on our website at www.dhd10.org to schedule your appointment. For those that do not have access to the internet, we are working on activating a phone number that you can call to schedule your vaccine and will notify you as soon as it is up and running. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working as fast as we can to get this option implemented. Due to vaccine supply limitations, we are currently not scheduling Pre-K/Childcare Staff or Frontline State and Federal Workers that fall in Phase 1B yet. We will work with your employers to notify you when we are ready to schedule your vaccine clinics. We ask for your continued patience as we work as quickly as possible to get more vaccine and schedule more clinics. At this time, we ask that individuals please refrain from calling the department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. We will continue to keep our communities updated via press release, social media, our website at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine, and our Public Health Alert. If you have not subscribed to our Public Health Alert, please do so atwww.dhd10.org/subscribe. We ask for your patience as we continue to plan and prepare for additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics.  Informational Session and Public Hearing on a proposed air permit for Generate Fremont Digester
EGLE will be holding this public hearing tonight (Thursday January 7) at 6 pm however as noted in thee information they provided below comments can be made until next Thursday, January 11. From Dan Meccariello, Generate operations manager: “The Fremont Regional Digester currently holds two air permits that were obtained in 2009 and 2011, and we’re seeking a new air permit to combine the two original permits into one and to add previously unpermitted equipment into the permit. The reason that equipment is not currently permitted is because it was not previously a requirement, so we’re now obtaining it. We are not adding any equipment to our facility and we’re not increasing emissions. In fact, this permit will add more regulation to the facility, as well as additional documentation and reporting. We’re dedicated to continuing and increasing transparency surrounding all our operations, and if any community member has additional questions they can reach out to us at info@fremontdigester.com.” This is info from the Fremont Digester website: https://www.fremontdigester.com/news/fremont-digester-seeking-updated-air-permit. And here’s the skinny on the hearing. This Informational Session and Public hearing has been scheduled to provide you with an opportunity to get information and ask questions about the proposed changes to an existing air permit for Generate Fremont Digester, LLC in Fremont, MI. You will also have the opportunity to submit written or verbal comments on the record after the Informational Session is over. This meeting and hearing are not the only way to submit comments on the record. Comments will continue to be accepted until the close of the comment period on January 14, 2021. NOTE: Additional information, including draft permit conditions as well as other ways to make an official comment, is available on the Air Quality Permit Public Notice webpage. Go to Michigan.gov/Air, select "Permits" from the left hand side, then select "Permits (PTI / NSR) Public Notice" Pre-registration is not required to attend the meeting. Individuals interested in participating can click on the registration link (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HZqHuK7kQ028vBthGhAPBw) at the start of the event (6:00 p.m.).  Newaygo County Treasurer Jason O’Connell as well as County Treasurers throughout the State are required by State Statute to hold a Show Cause Hearing each year. The Newaygo County Show Cause Hearing is typically held in the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Room. The Show Cause Hearing is scheduled for January 26, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Due to the COVID pandemic, the building is limited to 10 people at a time. If you still owe on your 2018 taxes, and were planning to attend the hearing, please call our office at 231-689-7230 to schedule an appointment. Our office is open to the public to accept payment at the window. You can also pay online with a credit or debit card by going to www.countyofnewaygo.com or calling 1-888-604-7888. Prepared by Jason O'Connell January 6, 2021  Flood of Vax Calls Forces Shutdown
January 6, 2021 – Due to the enormous volume of calls from those asking to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) had to temporarily deactivate the COVID hotline. In her press conference today, Governor Whitmer announced opening the COVID-19 vaccine up to Phase 1B beginning January 11. Whitmer also changed the age range to include individuals aged 65 and older and adjusted those considered essential workers in Phase 1B. “The majority of the calls coming into our hotline were from individuals who now fall into the updated Phase 1B and want to know how to get scheduled to receive the vaccine,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We completely understand that individuals are anxious to get their vaccine, and we ask for continued patience as we work to put our processes in place to make this happen as quickly as possible. Once our staff can get caught up on returning calls, we will consider reactivating the hotline." DHD#10 will launch an electronic link for individuals in Phase 1B, beginning with those aged 65 and older, to pre-register for vaccine as early as tomorrow. There will be an alternative way to register for those in this group that do not have access to the internet and we will announce that shortly. As a reminder, while vaccine supplies are limited, vaccine clinics are invite-only and are scheduled at specific times. They are not walk-in vaccination clinics. At this time, we ask that individuals please refrain from calling the department to ask about scheduling the vaccine. We will continue to keep our communities updated via press release, social media, our website at www.dhd10.org/covid-19-vaccine, and our Public Health Alert. If you have not subscribed to our Public Health Alert, please do so at www.dhd10.org/subscribe. We ask for your patience as we prepare for Phase 1B. |
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