Judge's ruling gets Hesperia new Council members, much needed quorum.
The Village of Hesperia has been at a virtual standstill for nearly a year. Last May council member Carol Kochans who had not recently been present, joined the three regular attendees including members Jim Smith and Joyce McDonald and Village President Mike Farber to form the first quorum in months in order to pay bills. Kochans submitted a letter of resignation the following day. Kristen DanBesten resigned in May and fellow VC Member Gerald Derks Jr. who had not attended since March 11 2019 resigned in July leaving three on the 7 member board attending meetings since the only other VC member, Mike Maynard, continued to not attend. And thus, no quorum. Last week the Hon. Robert D. Springstead ruled that the resignations of DanBesten, Derks, and Kochans were valid when they were submitted.DanBesten also moved out of the village making her ineligible to hold a council seat.Though Derks and Kochans recently tried to rescind their resignations it was ruled that this made no difference and they were also off the Council. Michael Maynard who has not attended in a year will retain his council seat. Three new members were appointed to the council as Jackie Slocum, Dan Herin and Sara Walker now fill the once vacant seats and the Village of Hesperia once again numbers 7. “The individuals we chose have been attending the meetings and have been involved in the village,” said Farber. “Now we can get back to getting things done beginning next Thursday when we will have a hearing on the budget” And Hesperia is back in business.
0 Comments
The Michigan Department of Attorney General sent a cease and desist letter today to Menards after the Attorney General’s office received 18 complaints from consumers about face masks, bleach and other products being sold at high prices. Investigators from the Attorney General’s office have found that Menards appears to be exploiting public fear about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through a systematic effort of raising prices. Investigators discovered the store last week doubled the price of cleaning products like bleach and significantly raised the price of face masks while tying their purchase to an in-store rebate. The Attorney General’s office began receiving complaints about Menards early last week, including one from a customer at the South Haven location. “Big box stores are not immune to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act or the Governor’s Executive Order,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “Large corporations must also play by the rules, and my office will work diligently to ensure this state’s consumers are treated fairly and not abused by businesses seeking to unlawfully jack prices up to line their pockets with profits at the expense of the public during this time of great need.” Menards will have 10 days to respond to the letter or the Attorney General’s office will further investigate the matter and potentially take legal action. Menards and the state could also agree to an assurance of voluntary compliance. Due to the high number of complaints related to COVID-19, Attorney General Nessel has extended hours of operation for her Consumer Protection intake team, making phonelines available until 11 p.m. today. (Note: The consumer tip line is generally open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.) As of 11 a.m. today, the Attorney General’s office has received a total of 363 complaints, with nearly 80 percent of those being submitted since 1 p.m. Friday. However, written complaints are still being reviewed and the number for complaints received electronically since Friday was not immediately available. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order Sunday to specifically address price-gouging related to COVID-19. That order, in part, states no business or person can sell products grossly in excess of the purchase price at which they bought the product. It also says products cannot be sold or offered at a price that’s more than 20 percent higher than what it was listed as of March 9, 2020 – unless the seller can justify the higher price due to an increase in the cost of bringing the product to market. Meanwhile, legislation introduced in the Michigan Senate would create additional tools for investigators to rein in price-gouging. The bipartisan bills would add price-gouging protections during an emergency declaration or market disruption. Nessel recently stated her support for the legislation. Retailers may be in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act if they are:
NEWAYGO COUNTY – In light of the current state of emergency, and in accordance with the State Court Order, the Newaygo County Trial Courts have an approved LAO (Local Administrative Order) for closure to the public beginning March 18, 2020 and going through April 3, 2020. It has been determined that there is no less restrictive means reasonably available to protect the interests of the public and staff if the courthouse remains open. Newaygo’s judges are closely monitoring the COVID 19 information and will make any adjustments needed as this matter evolves. The Newaygo County Trial Courts are committed to providing essential and emergency services to the public during this emergency. Please see the information below on what services are being offered and how you may contact the court for assistance. The public may visit countyofnewaygo.com in the Circuit Court menu for access to forms for certain essential services. The public may submit any filings by going to countyofnewaygo.com under the Contact Us tab and select Email Us. The public may select Circuit Court and send an email. The Court will then respond with how filings may be uploaded. The public will be encouraged to mail in new filings as mail will be reviewed and processed daily. Motions seeking ex parte relief, and any other motions, can be filed via fax or email to the appropriate court for handling. The public may also utilize the appropriate court’s contact numbers below. The following essential and/or emergency services will be dealt with by the appropriate court and staff members will be available in each court to assist the public with questions as staffing levels permit. Only essential clerking and staff operations will be processed during this time. • Incarcerated defendants will be reviewed on a daily basis and arraigned for both 27th Circuit and 78th District Courts. Arraignment attorneys will be contacted as needed. Proceedings related to such arraignments such as bench warrants and violations of probation will also be considered an essential function for both Circuit and District court. • The 27th Circuit Court and 78th District Court shall provide trials and sentencings for incarcerated defendants only due to the increased risk for jurors in large numbers being summoned for duty. Due to the reduced ability to safely have counsel and court staff present in the courtrooms the postponements required by this LAO will be excluded from speedy trial requirements as the Newaygo Courts have determined that the benefits of such postponements outweigh the defendant’s/respondent’s right to speedy trial pursuant to MCR(C)(6) and MCR 3.942 (A). • The 27th Circuit Court shall provide civil services as essential functions: emergency show cause and injunctive orders, infectious disease cases, personal protection orders (initiating cases, hearings for denied personal protection orders, motions to terminate personal protection orders and arraignments on alleged personal protection orders), hearings for respondents unable to bail out after arraignment, parental consent waivers and the signing/preparing of any emergency orders necessary for the safety and/or well-being of a litigant or child. • The 27th Circuit Court – Family Division will continue to provide the following essential services to the public including emergency proceedings for abuse/neglect cases including, but not limited to, permanency planning hearings, preliminary hearings, scheduled trials and dispositional hearings for detained youth. • The 27th Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations Division shall facilitate the submission of motions seeking ex parte relief, and will present the motion and prepared order to the court for review as necessary for the safety and well-being of a litigant and or child/ren. • The 78th District Court shall uphold its normal probable cause conferences and preliminary exams for all lodged defendants and a 21-Day waiver shall be requested from all defendants who are represented by counsel. Pursuant to MCR 6.110(B) the court may adjourn a preliminary hearing examination for good cause. • The Newaygo County Probate Court shall continue to provide the following essential services to the public such as emergency proceedings for decedent estates, trusts, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, mental illness and judicial admission proceedings. Please see the complete Local Administrative Order for more complete details or contact the appropriate court using the information below: Circuit Court Email: wjarvis@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7251 Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 Fax: (231) 689-7015 District Court Email: dmr@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7228 Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 Fax (231) 689-7258 Probate Court Email: c2762nmp@co.newaygo.mi.us Phone: (231) 689-7274 Main: (231) 689-7270 Fax: (231) 689-7276 From Hon. Robert D. Springstead Chief Judge Circuit Court Judge Newaygo County Trial Courts: The Newaygo County Trial Courts will continue to keep the public aware of any changes to the essential and emergency services we offer during this challenging time. We appreciate your patience and understanding. On March 17, 2020 at approximately 7:56 am, Deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 1140 N Walnut Ave, Wilcox Township, on a report of an adult male threatening to shoot an adult female and 3 kids. While enroute to the scene deputies were advised that the male suspect left the residence on foot with a gun.
Upon arrival on scene, law enforcement set up a perimeter around the area. Newaygo County K-9 team was called in for tracking the suspect. After tracking the suspect and making contact with him on the phone he agreed to come out of the woods. The male suspect surrendered peacefully to law enforcement. The male suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Newaygo County Jail on charges of Home Invasion 1st Degree and 4 counts of Felonious Assault. All names are being withheld pending formal arraignment at the 78th District Court. No one was injured during this incident. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police and Newaygo County Central Dispatch. On March 16, 2020 at approximately 5:12 pm, Deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 3588 E Fox Drive, in Grant Township on a report of a female being held against her will at gunpoint. Upon arrival on scene, law enforcement was setting up a perimeter around the house when the female was able to escape out of the house unharmed. Newaygo County Emergency Response Team arrived on scene and started negotiations with the male suspect. After hours of negotiations, the male suspect surrendered peacefully. The male suspect was taken into custody and lodged at the Newaygo County Jail on charges of assault with intent to murder, felon in possession of a firearm, and assault with a dangerous weapon. All names are being withheld pending formal arraignment at the 78th District Court. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police, Grant Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Ashland-Grant Fire District, Life EMS and Newaygo County Central Dispatch.
As of tomorrow, March 17, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will begin reporting COVID-19 case numbers at a new time with new metrics. In a daily web update at 2 p.m., the department will provide statewide numbers for:
The afternoon web update will include all information reported through midnight the previous day. As of 2 p.m. today, one additional individual tested positive for COVID-19, an adult female from Macomb County with history of domestic travel. No additional announcements on case counts will be made tonight. “It is important to provide the public with accurate data regarding this outbreak,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “As the number of people tested has drastically increased in recent days, our team has transitioned the way it prioritizes and reports testing.” As new counties get cases of COVID-19 and more labs begin testing for the virus, the epidemiologists who track statewide data are gathering and analyzing information from many sources. They must work closely with local health departments and labs to make sure statewide data is accurate and complete. Health care providers, local health departments or others may publicly announce cases or deaths before they are included in the statewide count. Local public health departments are a great source of information and may report more details on specific cases than the state. In order to provide case counts as quickly and efficiently as possible, the department has also stopped reporting some of the numbers available online earlier in the outbreak. MDHHS will no longer report the number of persons under investigation, tests pending, referred for assessment and/or monitoring to date and total assessment and/or monitoring referrals under active monitoring. Those public health resources will be redirected to case investigation and management. Local public health officials will continue tracing close contacts of new cases as part of their case investigation process. Providing accurate and timely public information in a rapidly changing situation is a top priority for health officials. As the statewide response changes to meet current needs, there may be additional changes to numbers reported. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Action in response to COVID-19 outbreak, effective for two weeks GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 16, 2020 – In a continued effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, effective Tuesday, March 17, Spectrum Health is canceling all appointments, surgeries and procedures that are not urgent or emergency-related for the next two weeks. “We believe this is the right step to protect our patients, team members and communities,” said Darryl Elmouchi, Chief Medical Officer, Spectrum Health System and President, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “We appreciate the understanding of our communities as we navigate this unprecedented situation and strive to do what is right. We will continue to evaluate this on a weekly basis and will extend these closures as needed.” Patients with scheduled non-urgent appointments, procedures or surgeries during this time will be contacted by their provider(s) regarding next steps. If you have questions, please call your physician’s office. More information about COVID-19 is posted on the Spectrum Health website. Gerber Memorial changes hospital entrances to boost screening, safety
FREMONT, Mich., March 16, 2020 – In an effort to better screen visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is keeping only a few entrances open for staff, patients and visitors. Starting today, patients and visitors can access the hospital only through the entrance at the Emergency Department. Gerber Memorial employees can enter through two other entrances, off Maple Avenue and between the hospital and Professional Office Building. Those entrances are open for a limited period during the day, Monday through Friday, and can be accessed only with a valid employee badge and appropriate COVID-19 risk factor screening. All other entrances will be locked. Designated parking areas will not be affected: Visitor lots will remain for patients and visitors, and employees will still park in employee lots. Pandemic changes Gerber Memorial lab, rehab, diagnostic services
FREMONT, Mich., March 16, 2020 – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial announced today that it is limiting outpatient rehab services at the Fremont/Tamarac and Newaygo locations. Gerber Memorial is also moving lab services from the hospital in Fremont to Tamarac and cancelling diagnostic exams. OUTPATIENT REHAB: Rehab services will be significantly scaled back and staff are calling people with appointments to postpone or reschedule. The changes to rehab begin Tuesday, March 17 through March 27, and will be evaluated weekly. For more information, contact rehab in Fremont at 231.924.3195 and in Newaygo at 231.652.5079. LAB: The outpatient lab located at Gerber Memorial’s hospital will be relocated to Tamarac, 1401 W. Main, Fremont, starting on Tuesday. Hours for the relocated lab, which will remain open to the public, are: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lab will be closed Saturdays and Sundays. COVID-19 TESTING: People who want to give specimens for COVID-19 testing must go to the hospital. They must enter through the Emergency Department entrance to be screened. A hospital worker will swab the person and the specimen will be tested at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services lab or four private labs in Michigan. DIAGNOSTIC: Gerber Memorial is cancelling all non-urgent outpatient diagnostic exams, including mammograms, MRIs, CT scans, walk-in X-rays and other services. Diagnostic mammograms and breast biopsies, as well as procedures ordered as urgent, will continue to be performed. Hours will vary for different services. For questions, contact: 231-924-1365 From the Governor’s Office:
LANSING, Mich. March 16-- Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-10 to temporarily expand eligibility for unemployment benefits. This executive order is effective immediately and until Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59pm. Under the governor’s order, unemployment benefits would be extended to:
“While we work together to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, we must do everything we can to help working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “This executive order will provide immediate relief to those who can’t go to work, and who rely on their paycheck to put food on the table for themselves and their families. I urge everyone to make smart choices at this time, and to do everything in their power to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.” “We know that many families are and will experience economic pain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.,” said Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Our expansion of unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits is designed to help provide emergency support to Michigan’s working families." The State is also seeking solutions for self-employed workers and independent contractors who traditionally do not have access to unemployment insurance. Access to benefits for unemployed workers will also be extended:
Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/UIA or 1-866-500-0017. A factsheet on how to apply for benefits can be found here. Under the order, an employer or employing unit must not be charged for unemployment benefits if their employees become unemployed because of an executive order requiring them to close or limit operations. The order also expands the State’s Work Share program. Employers are encouraged to implement the program that permits employers to maintain operational productivity during declines in regular business activity instead of laying off workers. More information about Work Share can be found here. Additional unemployment resources for employees can be found here and for workers here. Governor Whitmer is also seeking additional solutions for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Earlier this month, Congress passed legislation that makes $1 billion available to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide low-interest loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor has informed SBA that she is seeking an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration for the state and has initiated the process to receive the declaration from SBA. Once granted, small businesses in qualifying areas will be able to access low-interest loans through the SBA. In the interim, we are encouraging small businesses that could benefit from SBA loans to start collecting the information they’ll need to complete and submit their application. Examples of information needed can be found here. For additional information or to obtain help preparing the loan application in advance of the declaration, please contact the Michigan SBA offices in Detroit or Grand Rapids. The governor has requested that President Trump issue a Major Disaster Declaration so that Individual Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance through FEMA may be made available to additional Michiganders affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) call center stands ready to support businesses looking for assistance through other available state programs. For more information, visit MEDC’s website: www.michiganbusiness.org or call 888.522.0103. The Michigan Small Business Development Center can also provide resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Visit their website https://sbdcmichigan.org/small-business-covid19/ for additional information. Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Temporarily Closing Bars, Theaters, Casinos, and Other Public Spaces; Limiting Restaurants to Delivery and Carry-Out Orders
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-9, which temporarily closes theaters, bars, and casinos, and limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders. Under Executive Order 2020-9, effective Monday, March 16 at 3:00pm, the following places of public accommodation will be closed; restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, bars, taverns, brewpubs, distilleries, clubs, movie theaters, indoor and outdoor performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas, and casinos. This order does not restrict a place of business from offering food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, or drive-up service. Places of public accommodation are encouraged to do so and use precautions to mitigate potential transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing. Restaurants may allow five people inside at a time to pick up orders, so long as they stay six feet apart from each other. These restrictions do not apply to the following locations: office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, and providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities. Order restrictions will remain in place until Monday, March 30 at 11:59 pm. “This disease is a challenge unlike any we’ve experienced in our lifetimes,” said Governor Whitmer. “Fighting it will cause significant but temporary changes to our daily lives. By practicing social distancing and taking aggressive action now, the state is working to mitigate the spread of coronavirus so we reduce the risk that our health care system becomes overwhelmed. This is about saving lives. Michiganders are tough and we are going to get through this, but it will require everyone doing their part. That means making smart choices and not putting yourself or others at risk by going out in public unless it is absolutely necessary.” “We need to move quickly to slow the spread of the virus and protect public health,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “I realize these actions will present temporary changes to the way we live, but they are critical to help ensure our health care system is prepared to treat those who need the most urgent medical care.” “This crisis will require business and labor working together to ensure that we are putting the best interests of Michiganders first in order to protect public health,” said Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “We understand that these decisions will impact the way we do business, but the decisions we make now will allow us to get our economy back on track sooner rather than later. We are putting measures in place to help protect the employers, employees, and individuals that will be impacted.” To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Governors across the United States have begun implementing similar measures in their states, including Jay Inslee (D-WA), Charlie Baker (R-MA), and Tom Wolf (D-PA). Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To view executive order 2020-9, click the link below: Tamarac, Spa and child watch close as coronavirus spreads
FREMONT, Mich., March 16, 2020 – Tamarac, the Center for Health and Well-being, will close effective today, March 16, to help slow the transmission of coronavirus. All activities and appointments at the Wellness Center and the Skincare Center and Spa are cancelled. The Treehouse Child Watch will also be closed starting at 3 p.m. today Because of the rapidly changing situation related to the coronavirus pandemic, updates and new information will be shared in real time on Tamarac’s Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TamaracWellness/ Questions can also be directed to: Tamarac.membership@spectrumhealth.org Tamarac announced the following today:
“Out of an abundance of concern for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and our community, we have no choice but to close Tamarac to help reduce the chances of transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and we will reopen as soon as Spectrum Health medical and health experts advise us that it is safe to do so,” said Amanda Irwin, wellness Center manager. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Based on the advice of health experts and medical professionals, we want to do our part to minimize social contact and assist with social distancing.” In addition, Tamarac staff will be assigned to support community efforts in coming days and weeks. Community members, churches, schools, businesses and others are encouraged to visit www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19 to access informational resources. The materials include information on COVID-19 symptoms, prevention tips from state and federal agencies, a hand-washing video, articles featuring Spectrum Health infectious disease experts and links to action plans and other important information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, Spectrum Health is offering free virtual COVID-19 screenings to those who have symptoms and may be concerned they have the virus. The purpose is to prevent the spread of illness by enabling people to seek the information they need from their homes, while making it easy and convenient for them. People in the state of Michigan who are experiencing symptoms can call Spectrum Health’s hotline 616.391.2380 to be scheduled for a free virtual screening. Anyone with severe or life-threatening symptoms should call 911. The Governor’s office will release more information later today but it has been announced that an order will be issued closing bars and restaurants as of 3pm Monday in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 Takeout and delivery will still be available but check your local eatery as to their plans. Mercy Health, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health and Spectrum Health Announce New Visitor Restrictions
Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Mich., March 15, 2020 –Mercy Health, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health and Spectrum Health have revised their visitor policies to align with a new executive order from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The additional restrictions are intended to prevent the spread of illness and protect patients, health care workers and our communities. Starting Monday, March 16, restricted/no visitors will be allowed at any locations (hospitals, outpatient locations and long-term care facilities) for all local health care systems. For special circumstances, one approved visitor will be allowed in situations involving patients undergoing surgery and pediatric, maternity, end of life or critically ill patients. Info on county closings, procedures, restrictions In response to the State of Michigan’s efforts to take proactive steps to prevent and prepare for the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19), the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Chief Elected Official has declared a Local State of Emergency. This declaration of a Local State of Emergency activates the Newaygo County Emergency Operations Plan to direct the jurisdiction’s response and recovery efforts and resources so that local resources are being utilized to the fullest possible extent. This includes activation of the jurisdiction’s emergency operations center for coordination and control and utilization of the National Incident Management System by disaster relief forces. In accordance with Section 10 of the Michigan Public Act 390, as amended and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommendations for the COVID-19 Community Mitigation strategies, the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners Chief Elected Official has also issued an Executive Directive. The following actions shall be taken by the designated government, public, and private officials as to provide appropriate emergency response support to the incident:
From our friends at the NC Sheriff’s Office
In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the following procedures will be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to the inmates and staff of the Newaygo County Jail. These procedures will remain in effect for the next 30 days or until such time as the state of emergency response to the Covid-19 outbreak has been lifted by Governor Whitmer or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. These procedures are intended to keep critical functions of the jail operational to accommodate and support the rights of the individuals incarcerated in the Newaygo County Jail, as well as protect the health and safety of staff, inmates, and the public. All non-essential, non-mandated ancillary and educational programs will be suspended for the duration of the emergency. This includes the following programs: GED, ETC Schools, substance abuse programs, Church services, bible studies, and any other programs that are facilitated by individuals from the general public that require entrance to the Jail. In order to reduce the amount of public traffic through the visitation area and to accommodate attorney’s, public visitations will be suspended for the duration of the state of emergency. Inmates still will have the ability to participate in the home-visit function of the video visitation system, inmate phone system, and e-messaging (emails) to remain in contact with friends and family members. Hopefully, these protocols will only be necessary for a short duration. Please reach out if you need assistance, and stay healthy and diligent in doing your part. We look forward to resuming normal operating procedures in the very near future. Chad Palmiter, Undersheriff Total of 16 cases in the state to date; testing still underway for the day
LANSING The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today four adults tested presumptive positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This brings the state total of COVID-19 cases to 16. The specimens will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation testing. The cases include:
COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:
Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. MDOC Halts All Visits at State Prisons LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) will cease in-person visiting of prisoners effective immediately for the safety of staff, prisoners and the public. This will also include outside volunteers and other tours and groups who routinely come into the prisons. There are now 12 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state, and in seven counties. These are community cases and there is no known connection between these cases and the MDOC. “This was not a decision we arrived at lightly, as we understand and recognize the importance of family contact with the prison population,” said MDOC Director Heidi Washington. “Our primary concern has to be public safety and reducing the number of people who enter our facilities is a key factor in limiting the potential spread of this illness into our prisoner population.” The department will monitor the situation to determine when visits will be restored. During the period without visits, the department is working with its vendors that provide communication services to the prison population on enhanced services that may be able to be offered. For staff working in the facilities, all will be asked a series of screening questions and will have their temperature checked before being allowed entrance into the prison. For those with a temperature above 100.4, they will not be allowed to work. Information on prevention has been provided to the prison population and MDOC staff. For the past week, facilities have undergone additional and more frequent cleaning of the prisons. Staff and visitors can also access information about their facility by signing up for Nixle alerts. To sign up for Nixle alerts, go to www.michigan.gov/corrections and select the page for the correctional facility in your area to register via the Nixle Widget, or text the zip code of the facility you would like to receive updates from to 888777. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. High school students who are enrolled at NC RESA’s Career-Tech Center met with Rep. VanSingel last week and demonstrated their high-tech skills learned in their career-tech programs. Gretchen Spedowske, NC RESA Director of Career and Employability Services, shared with Rep. VanSingel how Career-Tech Center (CTC) students have opportunities to participate in work-based learning, internships, pre- and current apprenticeship programs with local employers. Furthermore, students attending any of the 16 programs at Newaygo County Career-Tech Center receive business and industry-related skills, as well as, credentials that give Newaygo County students an advantage to employment. “At the Career-Tech Center, we offer college credit and pre-apprenticeship opportunities for students, upon successful completion in their CTC program,” explained Gretchen Spedowske. “It’s exciting to watch students grow and follow their career pathway.” Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark, NC RESA Superintendent, stated, “A career and technology-based education gives approximately 650 of our high school students technical skills, academic skills and employability skills. Regardless of whether students are headed for college or the workforce, our Career-Tech Center programs prepare them for the future. In fact, college-bound students can get job experiences to help them define their career plans, identify an appropriate course of study, and give them a jump-start by the college credits they earn in these programs.” High school students from Newaygo County can attend the Career-Tech Center for one, two or three years to gain skills in multiple trades; or choose to attend a single program for multiple years to deepen expertise. MHSAA Suspends Winter Tournaments Amid COVID-19 Concerns All MHSAA winter tournaments are suspended, effective immediately and indefinitely, due to concerns related to COVID-19. EAST LANSING, Mich. – March 12 – Postseason events sponsored by the Michigan High School Athletic Association have been suspended immediately and indefinitely due to concerns related to COVID-19. “Based on the events of the last 48 hours and with things changing by the minute, we believe we have no choice but to suspend our winter tournaments immediately,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “This is a suspension until we have a better handle on the situation. The health and welfare of everyone involved is our number one priority.” Uyl added that more information and updates will be forthcoming over the next few days. No timetable has been determined for possible rescheduling of tournaments. Action in response to COVID-19 outbreak
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 11, 2020 – Spectrum Health has taken additional action to help limit the spread of COVID-19 by announcing new hospital family and visitor restrictions. The State of Michigan has its first presumed cases of COVID-19, and an official state of emergency has been declared by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This act has heightened the concern regarding limiting the spread of the disease. To help keep our communities and our patients healthy, effective immediately, Spectrum Health will be enforcing the following family and visitor restrictions at all of its hospitals:
Spectrum Health continues to offer free virtual COVID-19 screenings to those who have symptoms and may be concerned they have the virus. The purpose is to prevent the spread of illness by enabling people to seek the information they need from their homes, while making it easy and convenient for them. People in the state of Michigan who are experiencing symptoms can call the health system’s hotline 616.391.2380 to be scheduled for a free virtual screening. Anyone with severe or life-threatening symptoms should call 911. Spectrum Health has posted downloadable materials, travel tips, videos and other information on its website as a means to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Community members, churches, schools, businesses and others are encouraged to visit www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19 to access the resources. The MHSAA sent this press release on attendance restrictions due to prevention efforts regarding COVID-!9 at 10am. This is due to be updated at 2pm and we will post any changes. GIrls Basketball Regional Finals Rounds: All scheduled for March 12. Attendance: Limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators. Broadcast: Live streaming of some games, with subscription, on MHSAA.tv. Boys Basketball District Finals Rounds: All scheduled for March 13. Attendance: Limited to parents, legal guardians and essential administrators. Broadcast: Live streaming of some games, with subscription, on MHSAA.tv. Bands, cheerleaders and gatherings in parking lots or elsewhere on-site will not be allowed. Restrictions on noisemakers, etc., will continue to be upheld for those fans who will attend. For those allowed to be present, there will be no attendance charged at any of these five events. Online ticket sales have been stopped, and all tickets that have been purchased are voided and will be fully refunded. This remains a fluid situation, and another update will be released today, March 12, at 2 p.m. Updates will be posted to the MHSAA Website at https://www.mhsaa.com/coronavirus. Entrepreneurial pitch competition returns to Fremont for a second year
“Entrepreneurs in our rural communities are eager for local support and growth, and Pitch North is here to provide a solution. We are proud to bring it back again in 2020”.-Julie Burrell, Business Development Coordinator, Newaygo County Newaygo County’s first-ever entrepreneurial pitching competition, Pitch North, will be returning to the Dogwood Center in Fremont for a second year on April 30, 2020. Entrepreneurs living in Newaygo, Oceana or Lake Counties will once again have the opportunity to compete for more than $7,000 in cash prizes to cultivate their business or idea. Entrepreneurship is critical to the success of rural communities. When people start and grow businesses, they contribute to the economic diversity of their area. These unique local businesses become differentiators for their communities. Unfortunately, individuals living in rural areas often have less access to funding and resources to pursue these endeavors. Pitch North was launched by The Right Place, Inc. in 2019 to change that. Pitch submissions for Pitch North 2020 are being accepted at pitchnorth.com now through April 6, 2020 at 11:59 pm. A hand-picked committee will review and score all submissions and select five finalists to present their pitches live at the April 30th event, where cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists. Pitch North is hosted by The Right Place, Inc. and made possible through a Consumers Energy Foundation grant and support from The Fremont Area Community Foundation, Northern Initiatives, Gerber Federal Credit Union, Shelby State Bank, River Country Chamber of Commerce and West Shore Community College. Games may restrict spectators due to Covid-19 The MHSAA will be putting out a press release at 10am today (Thursday) regarding attendance at the district and regional finals being held Thursday and Friday. Specific plans and policies for spectators at this weekend’s Ice Hockey Semifinals & Finals, Girls Gymnastic Finals, Girls Regional Basketball and Boys District Basketball games will be provided by 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12. Spectator plans for the final two weeks of the Girls and Boys Basketball Tournaments will be provided by Monday, March 16. Executive Director Mark Uyl: “While this is unfortunate for many reasons, we intend to do everything possible to allow our students who have earned the opportunities to compete at these highest levels to do so. However, we also take seriously our responsibility to help slow the spread of this disease. We will continue to follow guidance from the Governor’s office, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, county health departments and our member schools, maintaining the flexibility necessary to allow us to finish this winter season and provide opportunities for lifetime memories to be made while keeping all involved in our events as safe as possible.” Updates will be posted as necessary to the MHSAA Website at https://www.mhsaa.com/coronavirus |
CategoriesArchives
April 2024
|