By N3 News
“I’ve always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings”- Jenny Han Starts Monday, right? Whether heading back into the familiar buildings, classrooms, hallways and cafeterias or firing up the computer at home Newaygo County students will be starting perhaps the most atypical year of academic achievement one could imagine. N3 is looking to explore this sea change of scholastic systems on a number of levels. We hope to bring contributions from students, teachers, parents, and all others touched by the changes that lie ahead for our schools and the students who populate them. To chronicle what will undoubtedly be an uncommonly unusual undertaking as our schools begin this much anticipated adventure. We began with a look at Newaygo Schools and Superintendent Peg Mathis. https://www.nearnorthnow.com/news/ready-set-school Now we move to Grant where many might have begun the school year last week by catching the Tiger volleyball team play their home opener against Tri County last week or watching the soccer team taking on Northern Michigan Christian. Except not. Because while school is set to open, volleyball and soccer remain on hold for now. “In 17 years as a basketball coach I always told my players to love the battle so here in Grant we’re loving the battle,” said GPS Superintendent Brett Zuver who was kind enough to take time from an uber-busy schedule to answer some of our questions. “We have so many good people here and that has made all the difference in the world” About 500 students have chosen to opt for virtual learning during the first 9 weeks of school. According to Zuver the percentage of students is equally shared among elementary Middle schol and high school. “Having it balanced is a good thing. This way there isn’t a huge difference in the number of students in each building. It makes social distancing easier as well.” N3- How is school going to look at Grant this year? Well we obviously want it to look as traditional as possible. One thing different is we’re going with a shorter school day releasing an hour earlier to help our staff time to give assistance and respond to the needs of our remote learners. N3-How is online learning being handled in elementary? One teacher per grade level dedicated to online or each teacher doing both? Any difference with MS and HS? Each teacher will be responsible for both online and in school. We’re in a unique situation especially with our dual immersion programs. We have right around 40% involved in it so we’re using a platform called Maven. This will be helpful in facing the challenges of connectivity since it’s not solely based on internet signal and students can use cell phones and such. It's more than a Learning Management System, it’s also a way to check in and see how they’re doing every day instead of just pushing out content. We call it an engagement management system. This has meant more work for staff for sure but they’ve been awesome about it. A couple have taken the lead to help others get up to speed.The plan is to have the classroom experience be the same experience for our students working remotely. If I’m in school 3 weeks and get sick and have to stay home I won't be missing anything when I get back it will be the same instruction and I can transfer back in seamlessly Like I said a lot of work but our students are worth it. N3-What are the most significant challenges you see ahead? Absolutely every aspect of school has been touched significantly Not just transportation or food service, everyone. It doesn’t matter your role, every person is going to be a first year educator. Every year you might have a couple of new teachers or teachers just out of college but it's so different for everyone this year even veteran teachers are going to be first year. It will also be very different for students with the new procedures and protocols It’s a huge change for everyone and we keep reminding ourselves it's not just Grant. It's every school in the United States having to make significant changes. N3-Situations such as these often reveal the character of a community. What are the strengths and assets of the district in facing these challenges? We’re happy the parents and students have been able to ask questions and they have been incredibly supportive. Myself and other staff didn’t have answers all summer especially with all the changes. That was the toughest thing but never once did we have anyone get frustrated or lash out. They’ve all been so supportive the entire way and that’s been a huge benefit. We’ve been talking with directors and principals about how maintaining a positive attitude is so crucial to everybody because and being an old coach I know that a team takes on the personality of their leader. If we’re hanging our heads, kicking the dirt and saying how horrible this is, that's how everyone else will react. We need to make sure to find positives in everything. That's one thing we really worked on.There will be challenges to be sure but what a blessing to be able to have our students back in school. We haven’t been able to do this in 6 months and it's so fun to see them again. Yes, we’re doing things differently but we’re doing these things so we can have our students back where they belong. It’s a positive thing for us. We’re excited and can’t wait. My favorite part of the job is seeing the students and feeding off their energy and doing that every day and I have to admit I got a little lonesome since last spring. The last couple weeks has been great with some of our students back practicing again and preparing for seasons that are going to be played. Students have come by to check in and everyone is ready and excited . I think there is some quiet nervousness for sure but we’re going to address it together and do our absolute best to ensure everyones taken care of.That nervousness means you care. If you didn’t have a few butterflies it means you weren’t as invested. Like with coaching, I’m sure we’ll have to make some halftime adjustments. Many thanks Mr. Z. And again, please refer to the school’s website... https://www.grantps.net/COVID-19-Updates ...where you will find a wealth of information about the coming year. What will be different?
By N3 News Team Well, here we go. After a spring and summer of scholastic uncertainty, school is on tap to begin Monday. And folks are keeping their fingers crossed as we head into a new chapter of “Coping with COVID”. Schools throughout the state are responding in any number of ways with some doing all remote learning, some attempting to bring all students back in the building, some offering hybrid models and the majority, including Newaygo County, offering options for in school or virtual. Caledonia High School began in school instruction last Tuesday. Three days later after 4 students tested positive and a staff member began showing symptoms, they closed the doors and moved to all virtual learning. We contacted NCRESA Superintendent Dr. Lori Tubergen Clark, who reviewed and approved the plans each district submitted as is required. She shared the common themes that each district had in place when it came to guidelines
Dr. Clark also noted each district would likely be a bit different in their approach. As we mentioned in an earlier article, each of our unique districts are presented with their own challenges and their own ways of facing those challenges. At N3 we understand that under the best of circumstances school folks are truly swamped this time of year, to say nothing of all that has been added on to the task of educating our progeny this year. However being media people we, of course, plowed ahead and asked the Supes if they might answer a few queries on the upcoming year. Today and tomorrow we’ll share a couple of those responses as a way of looking at how each district is approaching this quagmire of unknowns that lies ahead. But first off… Each district has a section on their website that addresses many of the concerns parents have and includes ways to get more info. Please access these in lieu of turning to social media for answers. Believe it or not the schools have way more reliable info than can be found on local facebook pages. NEWAYGO- Striving for 'normal' Most expected to kick off the school year with Friday’s Lion football game against Kent City. But that won’t happen until spring. While volleyball and soccer remain up in the air, cross country has been given the go ahead and Coach Mercer (our esteemed Editor) has a group of gridders logging some miles and learning to appreciate the athleticism of the harriers. https://www.fox17online.com/sports/without-a-fall-season-several-newaygo-football-players-join-the-cross-country-team?fbclid=IwAR0dTxoEknmnNUyUBjTMzXDTzEkiEJsMtCyrzNc8MxL5zfXLAGbew_kjNp8 Beyond how high school sports will play out this year, there are numerous other adjustments of course. One is simply the reduced number of students roaming the hallways. Newaygo Superintendent Dr. Peg Mathis reported about ⅔ of their students had chosen in person learning. N3: Can you give a bit of a synopsis on what you believe school will look like this fall? We are trying to make "in-person" school as "normal" as possible given the circumstances. Our start and end times for our school day are staying the same as in the past so families and students can experience that structure. Middle School and High School students have to wear masks consistently and elementary students will wear masks when traveling in hallways. All staff are required to wear masks. We have worked very hard to keep the daily schedules consistent as well. Class changes, lunch periods, specials classes and VOC classes are all staying consistent so the student experience is similar as in the past. While it is not ideal, we are trying to "do school" like in the past with the added layers of concern and safety due to COVID. We do have students who have chosen Newaygo Virtual which is taught by Newaygo teachers. Their daily schedule looks significantly different, of course. N3: How is online learning being handled in the elementary? Will there be one teacher per grade level dedicated to online or each teacher doing both? Any difference with MS and HS? Newaygo Virtual is taught by one teacher at each grade level in grades K-4. For example, if there are 5 sections of 1st grade; 4 will be taught in-person and 1 will be taught by a teacher via Newaygo Virtual. This keeps all of our students in a similar place in terms of curriculum and pacing no matter if they've chosen in-person or virtual. At the secondary levels, each teacher is teaching 4 in-person classes and 1 Newaygo Virtual class. N3: What are the most significant challenges you see ahead? For Students? Parents? Teachers and support staff? Administration and Board? One challenge that affects everything we do is communication. Students and parents can only know and learn things about our plans if they are willing to take time to read. This is true with anything in life. If parents don't stop and read school materials, letters, mailers, websites, and social media sites and educate themselves and if students don't read the material for their academics, no growth occurs and information is missed. I am guilty of this as well. People get busy in their lives and miss communications from family, work, and school. Another significant challenge is compliance. I don't mean this in the "sheeple" kind of way where some think we are just supposed to be "controlled" by people on high who make us wear masks. Perhaps compliance isn't the right word. Just think; if everyone were to social distance, wash their hands, and wear a mask, we could be getting out of this mess sooner rather than later. I realize and understand how the issue of mask-wearing became political. Ultimately, though, the politicization of the virus has hurt our youth and we'll see the effects for years to come. For students, a significant challenge is getting back into "school mode" and getting on track academically. Self-discipline is a huge component of this and for families that have chosen Newaygo Virtual, this will be especially tough. For parents, a challenge is knowing when your student needs help, when to step in and assist, and when to sit back and let your student experience failure. These are very hard things to do as a parent in "normal" times, let alone during COVID. We want our kids to be okay and since nobody has parented during a pandemic before, this creates a whole new set of challenges. For teachers and support staff, a challenge (like for everyone) is the unknown. Teachers want students to achieve. They want students to grow socially and emotionally. When masks and social distancing are thrown in the mix, teachers could experience the feeling of failure because how do you know if you're making a difference? The same is true with support staff. Connecting with other younger humans with masks on is going to be a challenge for all of us. The trick is to have faith in the process, do the best you can, and know that this cannot last forever. For the administration and board, the challenge is that there is absolutely no way to make everyone satisfied and that is sometimes difficult to hear or deal with. The school leaders did not create this pandemic, yet we are expected to handle it flawlessly. Like many others, the board and administration has had sleepless nights for sure over this. N3: Situations such as these often reveal the character of a community. What are the strengths and assets of the district in facing these challenges? I said this in my message to staff. There is no other group of people I'd rather be in this with. We have an amazing staff and community. We are learning to extend grace to each other. This community is very special and that continues to manifest itself in the encouragement I (and others) have received from parents and community members. While there are struggles and frustrations as I mentioned, here at NPS we do feel like we are all in this together. I really hope we can continue to be "all in." Our kids deserve it. Thank you Dr. M. And again, please refer to the school’s website... https://www.newaygo.net/district/return-to-learn/ ...where you will find a wealth of information about the coming year. From our friends at DHD#10: August 27 – District Health Department #10 was recently notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) that a horse in Newaygo County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This horse is the third one to test positive for EEE in the state so far this year. EEE is a zoonotic, viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes to both animals and people. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., and the virus is typically seen in late summer to early fall each year in Michigan. While horses are highly affected by the disease, people can also be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. In humans, signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, and body and joint aches. EEE infection can develop into severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma, and death may also occur in some cases. To protect your horses and other domestic animals (such as dogs, sheep, and goats), measures could include the following:
To protect yourself and your family, here’s what you should do now:
A sanitarian for DHD#10 is currently performing mosquito trapping in Newaygo and Oceana counties to determine if there are mosquitos found with EEE. Newaygo County Treasurer Holly Moon as well as County Treasurers throughout the State are required by State Statute to hold a foreclosed property auction each year. The purpose is to sell parcels with 2+ years of delinquent property taxes to recover the tax dollars lost from the tax revolving fund and to return the properties to tax producing status in future years. This year we have 10 parcels of one acre or more on the auction. “Typically we hold two in-person auctions at the County Building each year,” stated Treasurer Moon. “This year, however, for the safety of our bidders, we will be holding one on-line auction on October 12-15 beginning and ending at 1 p.m.” The move to an on-line auction is due to the health crisis in Michigan, and the Governor’s Executive Orders prohibiting in-person gatherings of more than 10 people in a building. Treasurer Moon shared that she “understands the concerns our local bidders may have due to limited internet capabilities in the County.” BippusUSA, who handles the Treasurer’s auction process, is prepared to assist all potential bidders with proxy bids to ensure everyone has the opportunity to purchase properties. BippusUSA staff can be reached toll free at 1-800-686-6416. Interested bidders should also refer to the County Treasurer’s website at www.countyofnewaygo.com for the foreclosed property list, the auction terms and conditions, and for a link to register as a bidder. The Newaygo County Treasurer’s Office has hard copies of the property list available for purchase at $7.50 each. All properties offered at auction are sold “as is” “where is.” It is the buyer's responsibility to do their homework as to their desired use of a property, and to execute any eviction process that may be necessary if they purchase. This auction is for the real property only, and the buyer will receive a Quit Claim Deed to the property. There are no liens carrying forward on any of the parcels offered, but the new buyer is responsible for the 2020 summer bill before a deed can be issued. “Foreclosures continue to be a top priority for my Office, and we continue to educate taxpayers struggling with this issue,” stated Holly Moon, County Treasurer. “This year’s foreclosure numbers are the lowest in our history due to a combination of the extensions approved by the Circuit Court Judge, federal stimulus payments, and increased unemployment payments.” The earlier taxpayers reach out to us for help, the more options we can provide for them.” Holly further stated, “It’s my job to collect delinquent taxes. Foreclosure is what is mandated by law when the delinquent taxes are not paid.” By N3 News Team
Photo by Alexis Mercer Been a year hasn’t it? All jokes and social media memes aside, 2020 turns the corner on the final third of its go-round the sun having already basically emulated the scorched earth policy of the Russian army retreating from Poland in ‘39. We’ve weathered shutdowns and partial shutdowns, the proliferation of zoom meetings, the hoarding of hand sanitizers, endless mask debates, and runs on toilet paper (pun intended). Pro sports are being played but they’re eerily fanless, while concerts and festivals have pretty much disappeared. Big weddings went small. Family reunions took a year off. Graduation parties became immediate family affairs. And social media exploded with vitriolic verbiage accompanying a range of opinions as to the reality of our situation. So now we’ve managed to get by and perhaps for some of us even thrive during this strange and surreal summer. And now it's time for school. Oh man, schools. Across the country schools have opened with many already shifting to all virtual. Some colleges have attempted to open only to spin 180’s the next day and move to online only. It’s a different world to be sure and now we are faced with fitting schools into it. And next week Newaygo County schools take the plunge. Our local school systems each face both similar and unique challenges. These are good people trying to do the jobs they do so well but this time around it has become a tricky maneuver to pull this off. After all, part of the faces who help make the classroom learning experience what it is will be learning from home. For teachers there are ancillary tasks added including those that go beyond the usual duties such as the constant sanitizing required after each shift of classes, balancing in room and virtual instruction, and remaining aware of how their students are reacting emotionally to these sea changes in their world. Staff members from drivers to IT to food service to custodial will each be starting what will seem like a new job with all the adjustments added to their previous tasks. And Superintendents, other administrators, and school boards face huge decisions. Some they will have to make and some that will be made for them while requiring their action. Over the next few weeks we hope to deliver a picture of how our educational systems evolve during these challenging times, and how students, teachers, parents and we as a community evolve with them. We’ll start with a look at our local schools and how they are reacting to this uniquely demanding situation. Stay tuned. N3 Staff Supplemental benefits to be retroactive to August 1. LANSING, Mich. -- Today, the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) approved the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s application for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. “This is good news for the thousands of Michiganders who are still without work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” said Governor Whitmer. The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Eligible claimants will be paid benefits retroactive to August 1. It is unclear at this time how long funding for the program will last. “This additional $300 a week will provide some much needed support to those who are still struggling to make ends meet during this time of extreme need,” said Steve Gray, Director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency. “Our goal now is to work as quickly as possible to implement this new program to get people the benefits they need.” At this time, claimants do not have to take any action to receive the additional benefit amount provided by the program. The additional benefits will be added automatically for all claimants who are eligible to receive at least $100 in weekly unemployment benefit payments. This includes claimants receiving any type of regular unemployment insurance benefits as well as those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. From our friends at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Department:
On 08/15/2020 at 1221 hours, Deputies from the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the area of S Chestnut Ave and E 40th St for a bicyclist that was hit by a vehicle. The unknown suspect vehicle fled the area immediately. The bicyclist sustained serious injuries. Newaygo County Sheriff's Office is requesting public assistance with any information. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to please contact Deputy Higgins at 231-689-7303 or Central Dispatch at 231-689-5288 On August 18, 2020, at approximately 2:05pm, Deputies of the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to N Woodbridge Dr (M-37) north of W 15 Mile Rd, in Lilley Township, on a report of a motorcycle vs passenger car accident. Upon arrival on scene Deputies found that a passenger car was being driven southbound on M-37 attempting to turn into the M-37 Meat Shack when it collided with a motorcycle that was being driven northbound on M-37. The driver of the motorcycle, 38 year old male from Bitely was pronounced dead on scene. The driver of the passenger car, 27 year old male from Grandville was uninjured. The accident remains under investigation by the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office, drugs and speed appear to be factors in the accident. Deputies were assisted on scene by the Michigan State Police, Lilley Township Fire Department, Life EMS, and the Newaygo County Road Commission. $300 on the way? Payments to be retroactive.
Arizona got the approval. So did Colorado, Iowa, Utah and a few others. Some, like Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Oregon have been undecided. South Dakota outright declined with their Gov saying they didn’t need it. And many, including Michigan, have not yet responded. Until today. Today, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits. “Right now, there are an unprecedented number of Michiganders who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide some much needed support for families that are struggling to put food on the table or pay their bills, but it’s a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” said Governor Whitmer. “A robust Congressional recovery package that meets the scale of this crisis is what’s needed to help individuals who have lost work as a result of the pandemic get through this unprecedented time.” The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Eligible claimants will be paid benefits retroactive to August 1. It is unclear at this time how long funding for the program will last. “We look forward to receiving a response from FEMA in order to implement and distribute these additional funds to Michiganders as quickly as possible,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. “Michigan workers are advised to continue their bi-weekly certifications as they normally would and do not need to contact the UIA or make changes to their MiWAM account to receive these additional funds.” Consumers Energy announces siren tests to take place near Rogers, Hardy and Croton Dams on Wednesday CROTON, Mich., Aug. 17, 2020 – Consumers Energy announced the emergency public warning siren systems near its Rogers, Hardy and Croton hydroelectric generating plants on the Muskegon River will be tested on Wednesday, August 19, at about 9:30 a.m. The tests will include a voice message, a 30-second siren and a second voice message. The public does not need to take any action during the tests. The siren systems are tested each August and December. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires hydroelectric facilities to be able to quickly notify residents and visitors of any developing emergency at the plants. In an emergency, the sirens would be used only if the threat of a dam failure is imminent at one of the facilities. At that time, anyone on or near the river should evacuate at once to high ground. Additional information would be provided on local radio and television stations. Did you receive an invitation or two (or four) to any weddings earlier this year? Maybe a few ‘Save the Date” cards last fall? If so, more than likely any sizable receptions or large group gatherings were postponed or even cancelled. The weddings themselves however continued to remain on the docket for most. An unusual year to be sure and, one hopes, a year that will be an anomaly so we can go back to indulging in banquets, buffets, speeches, enthusiastic DJ’s,, the occasional open bar that can make folks believe they can dance, varied interactions with relatives we rarely see at any other time, and, of course, cake. In the meantime,despite all the changes brought to our lives with any number of plans being scrapped or modified, people continue to fall in love and continue to sign up and commit to the relationship by obtaining a license to marry. These couples recently made their way to the Newaygo County Clerks office in White Cloud. Amanda Gordon, Casnovia and Jacob Stover, Rockford Krystal Jacques, Lorain,Ohio and Christer Majors, Muskegon Johanna Herrington, Rockford and Eric Klein, Sparta Jessica Alvarado, White Cloud and Kyle Sutton, White Cloud Amy Gunnels, White Cloud and Brent Krueger, White Cloud Karla Whela Tjapkes, Newaygo and Scott Shippy, Newaygo Elizabeth Lawson, Grant and Ryan Crandall, Grant Randy Pekel, Fremont and Courtney Dupras, Fremont Amanda Haner, White Cloud and Mickey Rodriguez, Conroe, Texas “It is such a happiness when good people get together -- and they always do.”- Jane Austen, Emma Newaygo County area churches are receiving an average of over $1,000 in free energy saving devices such as LED lights, smart thermostats and water-saving faucet aerators. Churches begin saving money immediately on their utility bills once these are installed. In addition to these free items, the churches obtain an energy assessment of their building, guidance on steps to take for further energy savings, and assistance with qualifying rebates. “Light the Way” is a program specifically for houses of worship, and is a partnership between Consumers Energy and Michigan Interfaith Power & Light (Michigan IPL). 3R Environmental Education, a local environmental non-profit organization, is contacting all local churches on behalf of Michigan IPL to bring this state-wide program to Newaygo County. “We are helping local houses of worship spend less on energy and more on their mission,” states Sally Wagoner, 3R Board Member and Light the Way Outreach Specialist. “This is one of the few actual free programs I know of – no strings attached. Churches get free energy upgrades, a thorough energy assessment of their building, and they begin saving on their energy and utility bills from the get go!” Michigan utility companies are required to spend a percentage of their profits on energy efficiency products and services for their customers. Churches who have signed up for the program have received an average of $1,000 in free energy upgrades, and can expect to save about $650 on annual energy expenses. That amounts to $1,000 these congregations didn't have to spend on building maintenance, and $650 more each year that can go into programming for kids, supporting local food pantries, and other vital ministries. 3R is providing an easy way for churches and houses of worship to sign up for Light the Way. The only requirements for churches are they must own their own building and have Consumers Energy for gas or electric. “Over 800 houses of worship across the state have already participated in Light the Way. We will be happy to help any of the congregations in and around Newaygo County sign up for this free program,” added Ms. Wagoner. “We are honored to be working with Michigan Interfaith Power and Light, a statewide nonprofit organization, to bring this great program to our area. Michigan IPL’s mission ‘to inspire and equip people of faith to exercise stewardship of and love for all Creation’ aligns with that of 3R: to promote the environmental beauty and sustainability Newaygo County.” As this program is on a first come - first served basis, congregation members and leaders are urged to contact 3R as soon as possible. For information on how your house of worship can sign up for Light the Way, contact Sally Wagoner: [email protected], 231.924.5822. You can also learn more about the Light the Way program at https://www.miipl.org/light_the_way. DHD#10 Reports public exposure site at Lake County restaurant District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) reports that an individual went to Na-Tah-Ka Restaurant in Irons, Lake County, on the evening of Friday, August 7. The individual tested positive for COVID-19 on August 8. If you were at Na-Tah-Ka in Irons on the evening of August 7, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days from the possible exposure date – through August 21. Anyone that is self-monitoring as a result should keep away from family, close contacts, and roommates as much as possible. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and recent loss of taste or smell. Anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should immediately quarantine themselves and contact a medical provider. While DHD#10 will release information about public exposure sites when it is determined through investigation that it’s not possible to identify all close contacts, everyone needs to remember that approximately 40% of COVID-19 cases appear to be asymptomatic. Asymptomatic cases are especially difficult because they are not sick and therefore not staying home. Additionally, contagious individuals can spread virus prior to experiencing symptoms. “We continue to urge everyone to take the required masking and social distancing mandate seriously to prevent further spread of COVID-19,” said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “This virus impacts people differently – some may have mild symptoms or none at all, while others can have severe symptoms and may become hospitalized. Wearing a mask and social distancing will help to protect others from you if you have the virus and do not know it.” Daytime (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) lane closures for road work will be in effect this Tuesday, August 11, through Friday, August 14 on M-37 between M-82 west and M-20 east.
And as a reminder to proceed with caution in and around road construction this was posted on social media by NC Road Commission Director Derek Wawsczyk on Friday: Yesterday morning a road commission patch truck was involved in an accident where it was hit in the rear by another vehicle, this caused parts of the truck to strike our employee as he was performing maintenance on the roadway. This is a grim reminder of just how dangerous our men and women's job is everyday. It is also a reminder that we all must give the road our full attention at all times. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employee and their family as they recover from surgery. Except for the Lansing Region?
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-164 which requires face coverings to be worn in all child-care centers and camps. Michigan has seen COVID-19 outbreaks at these locations, adding to the mounting evidence that children can contract and spread the virus. “Child-care workers have been on the front lines of this crisis and have worked tirelessly to provide a safe place for our children and families during this time. COVID-19 is still a very real threat to Michiganders of all ages, and we must continue to stay vigilant and use every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves and each other,” said Governor Whitmer. The order requires the wearing of face coverings that cover the nose and mouth for: (a) All staff and all children ages 2 and up when on a school bus or other transportation provided by the child care organization or camp; (b) All staff and all children ages 4 and up when in indoor hallways and common areas. Face coverings should be encouraged for children ages 2 and up c) All staff and all children ages 12 and up when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor settings. Face coverings should be encouraged for children ages 2 and up. (d) All visitors to the child-care organization or camp. Exceptions? Face coverings at child-care organizations and camps are not required: (a) For children under the age of 2; (b) For any child who cannot medically tolerate a face covering, has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the face covering without assistance; (c) While eating, sleeping, swimming, or performing high-intensity activities (not including singing or cheering); (d) When a child or staff member is outdoors and able to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household; or (e) For child-care centers located in the Lansing region of the Michigan Safe Start Plan, though face coverings are highly recommended. Hardy Dam Road, closed since July 20, has reopened bringing transportational relief to residents and travelers alike.
Still Time for Businesses and Nonprofits to Apply for Grants through Michigan Small Business Restart Program
In addition, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today signed into law an amendment to the program that now allows those small businesses that received grants through the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, authorized by the Michigan Strategic Fund in March, to be eligible for the Michigan Small Business Restart Program grants. The combined total of both grants cannot be in excess of $20,000. Previously, businesses that had received grants through the Small Business Relief Program were ineligible to apply for Restart grants. “The Michigan Small Business Restart Program is providing a significant opportunity to address immediate needs of small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by COVID-19, and we encourage any small business or nonprofit in Michigan that hasn’t already applied for a grant to do so before the August 5 deadline,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “Through this program and other MSF programs and services, as well as local and federal economic development support, we are working to ensure that small businesses throughout the state can recover from the short and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.” Approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund on July 7, the Michigan Small Business Restart Program allocates $100 million of federal CARES Act funding to provide support to Michigan’s small businesses and nonprofits that are reopening and have experienced a loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The funding will be distributed across 15 local or nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) covering all 83 counties in the state for grants up to $20,000 to support certain small businesses and nonprofits that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 virus. The Michigan Small Business Restart Program application period will be live through Wednesday, August 5 at michiganbusiness.org/restart and all applications received during that three week period will receive consideration; grants will be awarded after the close of the application period based on criteria that are defined by the EDOs. Funds can be used as working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses. The MEDC anticipates that more than 5,000 businesses across the state will benefit from this program. To qualify for grant support, businesses must meet the following criteria, based on statutory requirements for the program:
Per statutory requirements, a monthly report will be provided to the legislature that includes a listing of grants awarded in the previous month and the name of the recipient of each grant provided under the program. All reporting forms will also be available on michiganbusiness.org/restart. The Michigan Small Business Restart Program is modeled after the Michigan Small Business Relief Program, approved on March 19 by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Michigan Small Business Relief Program consisted of a total of $20 million aimed at supporting businesses in need of immediate relief. The program included $10 million that was distributed to 15 local EDOs to provide grants up to $10,000 to certain small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, the program authorized $10 million for small business loans of not less than $50,000 and not more than $100,000 to eligible borrowers impacted by COVID-19 that were not able to seek alternative, suitable financing. Under the Michigan Small Business Relief grant program, local EDOs selected more than 2,700 businesses across the state covering all 83 counties that received grant support expected to retain approximately 11,000 jobs. To date, more than 130 small business loans totaling more than $8 million have been approved through MSF delegated approval. To date, the MEDC has launched 19 COVID-19 relief and recovery programs supporting more than 3,400 businesses in the state and helping to retain more than 14,700 jobs across all 83 counties. To learn more about MEDC’s COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response. Other resources for economic reopening efforts as well as businesses across Michigan struggling with economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19. |
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November 2024
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