Agency Continuing to Require Employees to Perform Non-critical Infrastructure Duties
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office – in coordination with Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola – sent a cease and desist letter Thursday to a community action agency in Scottville after receiving complaints that the organization was continuing to require non-critical infrastructure employees to report to work, despite warnings from local police. The letter was sent to Five CAP for failing to comply with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, which limits the operations of businesses and other entities during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Stay Home, Stay Safe order prohibits any person or entity from operating a business or conducting operations that require workers to leave their homes or places of residence, except to the extent those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct basic minimum operations. The order does not prohibit or suspend work that can be performed remotely, and if an entity is fulfilling an essential service on-site and in-person, such as providing food to the general public, it should not be conducting nonessential functions. “I appreciate Prosecutor Spaniola’s cooperation and the local law enforcement authorities in Mason County who are working to enforce the Stay Home, Stay Safe order,” Nessel said. “The intent of this order is to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting person-to-person contact wherever possible, and that means businesses and other entities must reduce their staffing levels to what’s needed to perform only the most essential work. Any agency not complying with those instructions puts all of us at risk.” The Attorney General’s office and Prosecutor Spaniola were made aware of several reports of Five CAP employees being called to work to file documents, draft letters and other clerical operations that are not critical to securing the safety or welfare of the people the organization serves. The cease and desist letter demands Five CAP take action to follow social distancing guidelines and comply with the order by only maintaining necessary on-site operations. “The services which Five CAP provides to the citizens of Mason, Lake, Manistee and Newaygo counties, particularly to the disadvantaged residents, are very important and crucial for the residents’ well-being,” Spaniola said. “This is a very trying time for many of our fellow residents who find themselves recently unemployed, without health insurance and waiting for the uncertainty of unemployment payments to begin. Certainly, a number of the services provided by Five CAP meet the Governor’s definition of ‘critical infrastructure workers.’ However, the social distancing and other safety directives set forth in the Governor’s Executive Orders continue to be applicable to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to Five CAP’s employees, volunteers and consumers.” Willful violations of the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order can result in a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail for each offense, as well as licensing penalties for businesses and other entities. Violations should be reported to law enforcement agencies overseeing the jurisdiction in which the alleged offense occurred. The Attorney General’s office recently added a new section to its website, Know Your Employment Rights, to provide Michigan residents with more information on the legal rights of employees and employers under the executive order. Additional information for employers can be found on the Guidance for Business page on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19.
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$600 Federal Payments Also Begin
LANSING, MICH. – Michigan’s self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers affected by COVID-19 can apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beginning Monday, April 13 at 8AM. Under the federal CARES Act, workers on state unemployment have already begun receiving the set $600 federal weekly payment in addition to their state benefit amount. Michigan is one of the first states to begin sending the $600 payment. “Ensuring Michiganders have access to state and federal benefits during this pandemic is a critical part in protecting everyone’s health and safety,” Governor Whitmer said. “We will do everything we can to continue providing emergency financial assistance as quickly as possible to the Michigan working families who have lost income as a result of COVID-19.” Newly eligible workers who have yet to apply for unemployment benefits Self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers can apply for federal benefits beginning Monday, April 13 at 8AM online at Michigan.gov/UIA. Online is the fastest and easiest way to access these benefits. Workers need to use the UIA’s daily filing schedule based on their last names which can be found below. For example, last names beginning with letters A-L should start filing claims Monday. Newly eligible workers who have been previously denied benefits Self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers who have previously applied for unemployment benefits and have been denied should login to their MiWAM account to complete the next steps for PUA federal benefits. These steps will also be emailed to workers. They should not file a new claim, as that may delay the time it takes to get their benefits. All newly eligible workers will need to provide proof of income to receive the maximum amount they are entitled. This could include W-2s, 1099 tax forms, and pay stubs. These workers will begin receiving federal benefits as early as April 20 after their bi-weekly certification. Individuals on paid sick leave or other paid leave – and those who have the ability to telework with pay – are not eligible for PUA. “We're committed to making sure everyone who is eligible for unemployment assistance receives their benefits as quickly as possible,” Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio said. “Michigan is one of the first states to begin sending the additional $600 benefit to workers and our dedicated Unemployment Insurance Agency team is working tirelessly to provide emergency benefits during this crisis.” $600 federal payments for workers already receiving state benefits Workers already collecting state unemployment benefits have begun receiving the $600 federal set amount in addition to up to $362 they were previously eligible for. These payments are disbursed at the same time as their state benefits through direct deposit or debit card after their bi-weekly certification. $600 federal payments for newly eligible workers Eligible self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors, and low-wage workers will begin receiving their state benefit amount (paid with federal funds) and the $600 federal payment as early as April 20. All eligible workers will receive benefits The UIA assures every eligible worker in Michigan who applies for unemployment benefits that they will receive them. The UIA will be accepting claims and benefit applications back-dated to reflect the date on which the claimant was laid-off due to COVID-19, beyond the previously established 28-day period ($600 federal payment is only retroactive back to March 28). Historical demand The latest U.S. Dept of Labor report shows that since March 15, more than 800,000 Michigan workers filed for unemployment, a more than 5,000 percent increase over a three-week period. Michigan has seen a record number of claims for three consecutive weeks. Online filing schedule at Michigan.gov/UIA Customers are encouraged to use off-peak times 8 p.m. – 8 a.m. Earlier today, the UIA announced new resources to help workers resolve online technical issues with their account.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Vacations, gatherings, take a hit
On Thursday Governor Whitmer extended the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order to April 30 during an afternoon news briefing. Our friends at District Health Department #10 issued a press release that highlights some of the key components of the order. These include:
“District Health Department #10 continues to support the Governor’s Executive Orders and we ask that every individual within our ten-county jurisdiction, whether full-time residents or seasonal visitors, adhere to these orders,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “The numbers continue to rise in Michigan each day and we all have the power to slow them down if we just do our part.” Read the complete Executive Order 2020-42 for all the details. For more information about COVID-19, go to: www.dhd10.org, www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, or www.cdc.com/coronavirus Directs all Michiganders to stay home, stay safe through April 30
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Whitmer signed executive order 2020-42, extending her prior “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order through the end of April. As with the prior order, Executive Order 2020-42 limits gatherings and travel and requires all workers who are not necessary to sustain or protect life to stay home. Executive Order 2020-42 also imposes more stringent limitations on stores to reduce foot traffic, slow the spread of the coronavirus, and save lives. For video from today's press conference, click here. For a copy of the governor's PowerPoint presentation, click the link below: 38 y.o. Wyoming Woman lodged on multiple charges
On April 9, 2020 at approximately 1:55 pm, Deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office were checking on a suspicious vehicle near E 6 Mile Rd and N Thornapple Ave. While the Deputy was talking with the 38 year old female from Wyoming Michigan, she put her vehicle in drive and took off at a high rate of speed. The Deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle and tried to stop her on N Poplar Ave south of E 6 Mile Road. The driver did not stop and continued south on N Poplar Ave and then turned west on E Monroe St. The driver continued west on E Monroe St to N Evergreen Dr (M-37). At the intersection of E Monroe St and N Evergreen Dr a Sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office was able to deploy stop sticks and successfully deflate 3 out of the 4 tires. The vehicle continued north on N Evergreen until E Jackson St where the driver failed to negotiate the curve and continued north into a grassy area and became disabled. The 38 year old driver was taken into custody without incident. She is currently lodged at the Newaygo County Jail on charges of Flee and Elude, Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving on a Suspended License, No Insurance on a Motor Vehicle, No Registration Plate and a Felony Warrant. All names are being withheld pending formal arraignment at the 78th District Court. No one was injured during this incident. Deputies were assisted by the White Cloud Police Department. Weekly numbers on people recovered to be included
LANSING, MICH. In an effort to provide more information about the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing additional and improved statistics on its website. “We continue to improve the information we are providing as our goal is to share timely and accurate data during this pandemic,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health “We appreciate the assistance of Michigan Medical Advantage Group in helping us offer additional statistics about testing.” Starting today, the following information is being included:
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. U IA Extends Call Center Hours, Adds Staff to Better Serve Customers
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is adding staff and hours to better serve an unprecedented increase in customers filing unemployment claims as a result of COVID-19. The UIA has extended call center hours by an hour every day 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and it remains open from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday. Customers in the call center and online chat queues before closing time will have their calls or chats resolved that day. The UIA continues to increase call center resources and has nearly quadrupled staffing levels over the last several weeks. Normal staffing levels are around 130 employees. By March 30, approximately 300 staff were answering calls and by the end of this week an estimated 500 employees will be dedicated to the call center. Hundreds of additional staff will be added to the call center in the coming weeks. “Thank you to Michigan’s working families for their patience as the UIA continues to provide emergency financial assistance during this unprecedent increase in unemployment claims,” said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio. “We continue to ramp up our services to make sure every eligible Michigander receives their benefits as quickly as possible and we’re asking workers to please reserve the phone lines for those who cannot go online or are having trouble with their account." The best way to file a claim is online at www.Michigan.gov/UIA, where the process takes on average 20-25 minutes. All Eligible Workers Will Receive Benefits The UIA assures every eligible worker in Michigan who applies for unemployment benefits will receive them. Workers have 28 days from their last day of work to apply for benefits. Additionally, claims will be back-dated to reflect the date on which the claimant was laid-off. If there are continued technical issues with a workers’ account, the UIA will allow additional time to ensure benefits are paid. Historical Demand The latest U.S. Dept of Labor report shows that since March 15, more than 420,000 workers filed initial unemployment claims in Michigan - March 15-21: 127,810 claims / March 22-28: 303,638 claims. The two weeks prior saw around 10,000 total initial claims filed, which equates to a more than 4,000% increase in initial unemployment claims. The highest week for initial claims during the Great Recession, was around 77,000 claims in Jan. 2009. Online Filing Schedule at Michigan.gov/UIA: Customers are encouraged to use off-peak times 8 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Fremont senior headed for Grand Canyon U. The Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholarship is awarded to students who ‘flourish in academic and athletic excellence and commit to service to their local community. In Region 3, seniors from the 47 schools that make up the Highlands Conference, the Lakes Eight Conference, the Central States Activities Conference, and the West Michigan D conference. are eligible for the 12 scholarships available. Lauren Boerger of Fremont was announced as the recipient of one of those 12. While at Fremont, Lauren competed on the Tennis, Swim, and Cross Country Teams. She was a team captain for the swim team and earned all-conference on the tennis team. Academic Awards include Student of the Month, Academic Excellence Award, Frank Gerber Achievement Award for English and Social Studies. Lauren is a member of the National Honor Society and the Varsity Club. She was also the secretary for the class of 2020. Activities that Lauren is involved in outside of school include the National Baby Food Festival, and Feed My Starving Children. Lauren plans on attending Grand Canyon University to study Biology and Pre-Med. On April 3, 2020 at approximately 7:25 pm, Newaygo County Deputies were dispatched to S Green Ave near W 104th St, Bridgeton Township, on a report of a pickup truck vs pedestrian crash. Upon arrival on scene Deputies found that a pickup truck was grading a driveway when it ran over a 10 year old child. The driver of the pickup truck was identified as a 20 year old male from Fremont. He was uninjured. The 10 year old child from Fremont was airlifted to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids and later died from his injuries. The Accident remains under investigation by the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Fremont Police Department, Fremont Fire Department and Life EMS MDHHS issues Emergency Order; NCSO responds
LANSING, MICH- To help control the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon issued an Emergency Order on April 2 setting a civil penalty of up to $1,000 and a process for referral to licensing agencies for violations. The Emergency Order requires that every person must comply with the procedures and restrictions outlined in these Executive Orders and the instructions provided in their accompanying FAQs.
In addition to civil penalties, entities regulated by a licensing agency will be referred to relevant licensing agencies for additional enforcement action as determined by that agency. Places of religious worship, when used for religious worship, are exempt from the Emergency Rules. Law enforcement agencies across the state are authorized to investigate potential violations. The Newaygo County Sheriff's Office is not actively searching for violations of the executive order but will investigate any complaints filed. “We will take a complaint when given and make a determination,” said Sheriff Mendham. “A verbal warning will be issued if we feel the business is in violation. A second complaint (violation) would go to the prosecutor.” As of Tuesday, April 2, Michigan has recorded more than 10,000 cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) with 417 deaths. Goodwill in Fremont accepting medical supply donations from 11am-5pm Tuesday- Saturday GRAND RAPIDS – Spectrum Health is consolidating donation sites for medical supplies beginning April 1. As the volume of donations have decreased, and to continue to keep communities safe, Spectrum Health will be closing previous sites for donations. Six new locations and hours of operation are listed below. While Spectrum Health continues to maintain a supply of masks and other personal protection equipment for its patients and health care providers, staff are working to stretch supply and are turning to the community because the anticipated need will continue to grow. The following items will be accepted at the donation sites: Protective Gear* (visit here for specifications)
Additional Supplies
At this time, Spectrum Health is unable to accept:
Traveling to drop-off sites to donate medical supplies does not violate Michigan’s statewide stay-at-home order, which allows for an exception to the order for providing necessities to “individuals who need assistance as a result of this emergency”. To reduce the risk of exposure for all, we ask donors to place donations in the bins provided at each location while maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others. More information is available here. If you have a large donation requiring special arrangements or a question about a donation, please email our supply chain team at covid19supplies@spectrumhealth.org. Anyone who would like to make a monetary donation to support our COVID-19 response effort may do so here. Schools are closed for the rest of the year. Newaygo County superintendents have been meeting regularly since schools were closed preparing for this moment and are targeting April 20 to launch a distance learning program. “We share the Governor’s highest priority right now to protect our Newaygo County students and their families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark, NC RESA and Big Jackson Public School Superintendent. Grant Superintendent Brett Zuver added that “Our focus in planning for this closure has been to balance a transition to online learning with accessibility for students who lack resources at home. Schools are doing their best to offer online learning, while also developing a plan for those who need low-tech options due to poor Internet connectivity or lack of devices.” “We have federal and legal requirements to ensure that we’re equitably serving all students,” said Vaughn White, Superintendent of Hesperia Community Schools. “An instructional plan will be implemented to continue learning opportunities for all students.” Some schools will also be making curriculum packets available in conjunction with meal sites and delivery programs for families who might not have access to Internet or a home printer. Free learning materials for each grade will also be available through www.ncresa.org/learn. “Our teachers are helping us to develop learning opportunities and we greatly appreciate the collaboration that’s being done,” White Cloud Superintendent Ed Canning added. “We all acknowledge that our devoted teachers are trying to make this process as easy as possible.” “Undertaking remote access, distance learning, high- and low-tech options all in the course of a few weeks is significant. We’re going to ask for a little bit of patience and understanding,” said Newaygo Superintendent Dr. Peg Mathis. “We know that these plans cannot begin to substitute the quality of a face-to-face classroom.” “Newaygo County schools are prepared to provide our students with creative and unique opportunities to continue their education while schools are closed,” added Fremont Superintendent Ken Haggart. Digital poverty is high among students in Newaygo County. Each Newaygo County school surveyed families on if they have access to the Internet and/or usable devices at home. Approximately 48% of the students do not have access to Internet that can support online learning, and 41% do not have a tech device. “A moment like this puts the structural deficiency that we have in Newaygo County in a spotlight. Our vulnerable students become more vulnerable with limited access to food, health and virtual learning opportunities,” said Tubbergen Clark. Teachers will be reaching out at least on a weekly basis and will be inviting students to respond directly in order to facilitate meaningful two-way engagement. Here’s a summary of what we know to date: • Students will not receive grades or assessments for the online learning. • Attendance will not be taken daily. Homework and project assignments will be checked. • No state testing for students: Students will not be taking the M-STEP, PSAT, or SAT at school this year. • All students who were on track to be promoted to the next grade or graduate will still do so. • Students will not be penalized in any way if they are unable to complete assignments due to lack of resources. • All Newaygo County local districts are brainstorming how and when to hold graduation ceremonies later this summer, if allowed to do so by the State of Michigan. Weekly conversations amongst teachers, support staff and their students will help school officials know how they are doing academically, socially, and emotionally. Executive Order sets guidelines for remote learning, ensures teachers, school employees will be paid for remainder of school year
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-35, which orders all K-12 school buildings to close for the remainder of the school year — unless restrictions are lifted — and ensures continuing of learning by setting guidelines for remote learning. District facilities may be used by public school employees and contractors for the purposes of facilitating learning at a distance while also practicing social distancing. “My number one priority right now is protecting Michigan families from the spread of COVID-19. For the sake of our students, their families, and the more than 100,000 teachers and staff in our state, I have made the difficult decision to close our school facilities for the remainder of the school year,” Governor Whitmer said. “As a parent, I understand the challenge closing schools creates for parents and guardians across the state, which is why we are setting guidelines for schools to continue remote learning and ensuring parents have resources to continue their children’s education from the safety of their homes. There is no video chat or homework packet that can replace the value of a highly trained, experienced teacher working with students in a classroom, but we must continue to provide equitable educational opportunities for students during this public health crisis.” The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers are currently developing a Continuity of Learning Plan template application for schools to utilize in order to create their localized plan. The application will be made available by April 3. District plans will need to detail how districts will provide opportunities for students to learn remotely and how schools will manage and monitor their progress. It will also provide information on how parents and guardians can learn more about the local plan. Each district must have its plan approved by their regional intermediate school district before being implemented. Public school academies must have their plans approved by their authorizer. Districts can also partner with one another to create joint plans. Every district’s plan will be different and will reflect what’s best and feasible for their community. A plan can include learning by any number of modes of instruction delivery, including a hybrid approach. However they are designed, districts must ensure their plans are appropriate, equitable and accessible for students and families. If the plan relies on some online instruction, the district should ensure every student who needs it has access to an appropriate device with an ability to connect to the internet. Students and families will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in their alternate learning plan. Schools should continue to provide mental health care services for students, to the extent possible, and should be ready and willing to help efforts to establish disaster relief childcare centers. School districts will also continue to provide meals for families who need them during the COVID-19 crisis. If any schools have unused personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies or other materials, they are allowed and encouraged to donate them to organizations that could put them to use. School districts will have the flexibility to adopt a balanced calendar for the 2019-2020 school year and/or to begin the 2020-2021 school year before Labor Day without having to seek additional approval. Teachers and school employees will be paid for the remainder of the school year. Student teachers will still be able to get a temporary certification and current teachers will still be able to get their certifications renewed, even if they can’t meet all the requirements due to COVID-19. All Michigan high school seniors will be given the opportunity to graduate this year so that they may make a successful postsecondary transition. Additionally, all standardized tests previously scheduled for the remainder of the school year, including the M-STEP and the SAT, will be canceled. There will be a date in October for rising high school seniors to take the SAT and for other high school students to take the PSAT. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To view executive order 2020-35, click the link below: EO 2020-35.pdf Order expands steps taken to help mitigate spread
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-33, which recognizes the expanded scope of economic, educational, and civic dislocation caused by the COVID-19, and equips the administration to address fully the devastation caused by virus. The order also formally declares a state of disaster. “Since Michigan announced our first confirmed cases of COVID-19 three weeks ago, we have taken some of the most aggressive measures in the country to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect Michigan families,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s action will allow my administration to respond more effectively to every facet of this crisis. During this time, it’s crucial that Michiganders continue to stay home and keep their distance from others. We will get through this together.” “The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan is still climbing, and we must continue to do everything we can to slow the spread,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “The governor has taken a number of critical steps to protect Michigan families, and this order today will allow that work to continue. I will keep working closely with the governor and our partners across state government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.” In addition to issuing Executive Order 2020-33, Governor Whitmer sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield requesting a concurrent resolution extending this declared state of emergency and disaster under Executive Order 20-33 by 70 days from the date of the resolution. In the letter, the governor stated, “To meet the steep, varied, and ongoing demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic, my administration must continue to use the full range of tools available to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our state and its residents. I welcome you and your colleagues’ continued partnership in fighting this pandemic.” While the governor has multiple independent powers to address the challenges Michigan now faces, the powers invoked by Executive Order 2020-33 provide important protections and should remain a part the state’s ongoing efforts to combat this pandemic. The individual emergency orders, including Executive Order 2020-21 (Stay Home, Stay Safe), expire at the time stated in each order, unless otherwise continued. On March 10, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-4, which declared a state of emergency in Michigan to address the COVID-19 pandemic. In just three weeks, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan has reached 9,334 confirmed cases. To date, 337 Michiganders have died from COVID-19. The governor has taken a number of aggressive measure to protect Michigan families from the spread of the virus, including ordering businesses that are not critical to sustain or protect life to temporarily suspend in-person operations, and directing all Michiganders to stay in their homes, with limited exceptions. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. |
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April 2024
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