Category Archives: State & Region

Unemployment agency applies for federal funding to provide additional $300 per week to unemployed Michigan residents

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Posted Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020 
The Huron Hub

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application today 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 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.”

 

Updated: Man wanted in connection to allegedly killing 4 in Sumpter Township turns self in

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By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
First posted Aug. 16, 2020 — 12:20 PM EST

Updated Aug. 16, 2020 — 11:00 PM EST: 

Sumpter police said that the suspect, 37-year-old Raymond Lee Bailey of Sumpter Township, has turned himself in. He will be transferred to their custody. Check back for any updates released in the future.

Initial article:

Sumpter Township police are searching for a man wanted in connection with a quadruple homicide that occurred on Saturday in Sumpter.

Sumpter police released information on Sunday morning about the incident in a Facebook post.

Police responded Saturday to a quadruple homicide at a house in the 24000 block of Martinsville Road.

Sumpter officers found two men and two women, all in their 30s, dead of apparent gunshot wounds.

A Crime Scene Response Team from the Michigan State Police Forensic Division was requested and arrived to assist police.

Detectives said they identified 37-year-old Raymond Lee Bailey of Sumpter Township, the ex-boyfriend of one of the women, as a suspect.

Police said they obtained information that he had fled north, possibly heading to the Upper Peninsula.

Police were told the suspect allegedly confessed to the killings to several people via telephone and texts.

Detectives were able to begin tracking him as he fled North and located his vehicle abandoned near Bay City.

“Sumpter police has worked through the night with authorities in that area to attempt to find him, and a statewide BOL is active. The search is ongoing,” a statement said.

Sumpter police ask anyone with information to contact the Sumpter Township Police Department detective bureau at 734-461-4833, option 4.

This story will be updated 

 

Whitmer extends declaration of emergency through Sept. 4

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Posted Aug. 7, 2020 | The Huron Hub

Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-165 which extends the governor’s emergency and disaster declaration until September 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

“We are in a crucial time in our fight against COVID-19, and we must do everything we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the brave men and women on the front lines of this crisis from a second wave,” said Whitmer. “Today, I signed new emergency and disaster declarations using independent sources of statutory authority to continue saving lives. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to protect Michiganders from the spread of this virus. I want to remind everyone in Michigan to wear a mask, practice safe physical distancing, and do everything in your power to fight COVID-19.”

Officials say every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases over the past several weeks, and daily case counts in late July exceeded 50 cases per million statewide.

“Michigan’s statewide positivity rate has also increased, from a low of 2% in mid-June to 3.5% in late July. The increase in cases reflects a national trend: COVID-19 cases are growing or holding steady in 40 states and deaths from COVID-19 are increasing in most of those states as well,” Whitmer said.

While cases in Michigan have increased since June, numbers here are below the national average, with roughly a 3.5% positivity rate in Michigan compared to 9% nationally, and considerably lower than surrounding states.

“COVID-19 is still devastating families across Michigan, and it’s crucial that Governor Whitmer continue to take swift action to save lives,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “I will continue to work alongside her as we make decisions to protect families’ health and safety. Michiganders should still do their part by wearing a mask and practicing safe physical distancing. Be smart, and stay safe.”

Even as Michigan experiences unemployment rates not seen in decades, federal pandemic unemployment assistance has expired, with Congress deadlocked over a renewal.

Until it is renewed, the additional $600 federal pandemic benefit will no longer go to Michigan families.

“Without that money, many families in Michigan will struggle to pay their bills or even put food on the table,” Whitmer said.

In addition to these challenges, many Michigan students will return to in-person instruction over the next month, increasing the risk of outbreaks, health officials said.

States that have reopened schools have already begun to see new cases—a second-grader in Cherokee County, Georgia, a middle schooler in Greenfield, Indiana, and a high schooler in Corinth, Mississippi, have already tested positive for COVID-19 having attended school in person, triggering quarantines in those districts.

“The health, economic, and social harms of the COVID-19 pandemic remain widespread and severe, and they continue to constitute a statewide emergency and disaster. Though local health departments have some limited capacity to respond to cases as they arise within their jurisdictions, state emergency operations are necessary to bring this pandemic under control in Michigan and to build and maintain infrastructure to stop the spread of COVID-19, trace infections, and quickly direct additional resources to hot-spots as they emerge,” Whitmer said.

 

Whitmer signs executive order requiring masks at child-care centers, camps

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Posted Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020

Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-164 today 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. By requiring face coverings, child-care centers and camps can remain open while keeping children and staff members safe.

“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. “I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect people of all ages from COVID-19. By masking up, we can all be a part of the solution to further prevent the spread of the virus and save lives.”

“Masks continue to be one of the best ways to contain the spread of COVID-19, and they can be safely worn by most of us over the age of two,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and MDHHS chief deputy for health. “Be a role model for your children and demonstrate the importance of wearing a mask. Have your child practice properly wearing a mask – over their nose, mouth and chin – while they are at home so they are comfortable with it in public. It will take all of us, of all ages, doing our part to continue slowing the spread of this disease and to protect our families and communities.”

Executive Order 2020-164 requires all staff and children ages 2 and up to wear a face covering on a school bus or other transportation. Additionally, all staff and children ages 4 and up must wear a face covering in all indoor common spaces. All staff and all children 12 and older are required to wear a face covering when in classrooms, homes, cabins, or similar indoor small-group settings. The governor also strongly encourages that all children ages 2 and up wear face coverings when indoors. These rules align with the existing rules on face coverings that already apply to preK-12 schools across Michigan.

If a child-care center is located in a region in Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan, face coverings are not required, but are still strongly recommended. Furthermore, face coverings are not required for any child who cannot medically tolerate it, during meal time, while swimming, during high-intensity activities, outside while physically distanced, or if a child is under the age of 2.

Child-care centers and camps may use facilities that are otherwise closed under Executive Order 2020-160. Furthermore, child-care centers and camps must follow additional guidelines on infection control as determined by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The governor also extended Executive Order 2020-146 until August 15, 2020.

Camilleri thanks record amount of voters for ‘promising primary election results’

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State Rep. Darrin Camilleri

State Representative thanks record amount of voters for promising primary election results as he looks ahead to November

Posted Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020 | The Huron Hub

Following record in-person and absentee voter turnout across the Downriver area, State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) secured 12,363 votes to his GOP opponent’s 8,965.

“We’re not taking anything for granted, but the momentum we’re building is undeniable,” said Camilleri. “I’m so grateful to all the people across our Downriver community who supported us in record numbers, whether it was from home or at the polls. I’m so honored to have your support as we continue our work to protect public education, fix our region’s train issues, expand access to healthcare, and address our ongoing needs through the pandemic.”

Camilleri received about 58% of the vote in last night’s primary election, a slightly higher margin than 2018, where he went on to win by over 12 points in the general election. Camilleri now looks to the general election on November 3.

Article source: State Rep. Darrin Camilleri 

Whitmer restricts indoor gatherings to 10 people, closes bars for indoor service statewide

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Posted by The Huron Hub | July 29, 2020

Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-160 and Executive Order 2020-161, amending Michigan’s Safe Start Order and issuing revised workplace safeguards.

Under the Safe Start Order, starting July 31, 2020, statewide indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people and bars will be closed for indoor service across the state, including in Regions 6 and 8.

“As we see COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Michiganders cannot afford to drop our guard. We must take every step possible to saave lives, protect the brave men and women on the front lines, and avoid overwhelming our healthcare system while we continue to combat COVID-19,” said Governor Whitmer. “After seeing a resurgence in cases connected to social gatherings across the state, we must further limit gatherings for the health of our community and economy. By taking these strong actions, we will be better positioned to get our children back into classrooms and avoid a potentially devastating second wave.”

Officials say COVID-19’s resurgence is closely associated with super-spreading events at large social gatherings, often attended by young people.

An outbreak at a Lansing bar has resulted in 187 infections; more than 50 cases have been linked to a single house party in Saline; and a sandbar party at Torch Lake over the July 4 weekend led to at least 43 confirmed cases.

Executive Order 2020-160 limits statewide indoor gatherings to 10 people or less and, across most of the state, limits outdoor gatherings to 100. (The outdoor gathering limits will remain at 250 in Regions 6 and 8.)

Executive Order 2020-160 also orders that bars in every region, including those in regions 6 and 8, must close for indoor service if they earn more than 70% of their gross receipts from sales of alcoholic beverages.

Under the governor’s orders, Detroit casinos will also be allowed to open on August 5, but their occupancy will be limited to 15% capacity.

Casinos must also, among other things, conduct a daily entry screening protocol for customers and employees, temperature screening. Casinos must require patrons to wear a face covering, except while eating or drinking or for identification purposes.

Executive Order 2020-160 will rescind Executive Orders 2020-110, 2020-115, 2020-120, 2020-133, and 2020-143.

 

Kensington Metropark closes splash-pad temporarily after employee tests positive for COVID-19

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Kensington Metropark “Splash ‘N’ Blast” closes temporarily as precaution after employee tests positive for COVID-19

Posted July 28, 2020 | The Huron Hub 

Submitted by Huron-Clinton Metroparks

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks temporarily closed Kensington Metropark’s splash pad today and released the following information and statement from Director, Amy McMillan, following a positive COVID-19 test result received late Monday, July 27, from a seasonal employee working at the Kensington water facility – Splash ‘N’ Blast.

“Ensuring the health and safety of park visitors and employees is always our top priority. That’s why we temporarily closed the Kensington splash pad to do a further deep cleaning and make this public notification as an added precaution on top of local, state and federal guidance. Metroparks is committed to communicating every step of the way and going above and beyond to help protect our visitors, team and communities against this virus.”

McMillan also shared the following additional information:

  • The employee last worked on Thursday, July 23, completed Metroparks’ health screening form protocol upon arrival, and wore a mask as required the entire shift.
  • The employee was not symptomatic when they worked on July 23.
  • The employee was tested on Saturday, July 25 after a friend tested positive. The employee’s COVID-positive results were reported and received by the Metroparks Monday evening, July 27. The Oakland County Health Department was notified immediately upon opening on Tuesday, July 28.
  • All Metroparks employees who worked in close contact (six individuals) were notified immediately and instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • Given the employee’s outdoor job duties at the water park, it is highly unlikely that any patron would have been considered in close, sustained contact.
  • The Splash ‘N’ Blast opened in late June with capacity limits and operating adjustments, including three sessions capped at 50% capacity available each day, modified layouts in standing and seating areas, social distancing requirements, and enhanced sanitation of high-touch areas and equipment.

The Metroparks has implemented numerous other COVID-19 preventive measures to help assure everyone’s safety while keeping the 13 Metroparks outdoor spaces open. Visit Metroparks.com/covid for the latest news and updates, including procedures for capacity monitoring and temporary intermittent closures.

 

Whitmer signs order requiring mask use in all indoor public spaces

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(Photo/Pexels)

Posted by Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub| July 10, 2020

Governor Whitmer signed an order Friday that requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces.

The order also reminds residents that they are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space.

The order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions.

Governors in the states of Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington have imposed similar requirements on businesses.

Whitmer said she signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country.

Executive Order 2020-147 amends and replaces the governor’s previous Executive Order 2020-114.

“The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 percent. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall. For the sake of your loved ones, let’s all mask up, Michigan.”

Officials say every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, and daily case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in the Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Lansing regions.

“Research confirms that a big part of the reason is spotty compliance with the governor’s requirement, issued in prior orders, that individuals wear face coverings in public spaces,” Whitmer said.

Health experts say studies show that wearing a mask can save lives and significantly lover an individual’s chance of spreading COVID-19.

A study on different regions in Germany, for example, suggests that the adoption of mandatory mask ordinances decreased the daily growth rate of COVID-19 infections by 40%.

Modeling from the University of Washington similarly indicates that more than 40,000 lives would be spared nationwide if 95% of the population wore a mask while in public. Furthermore, a study conducted by Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5% hit to our GDP.

“Michigan’s fight against COVID-19 is nowhere near over, which is why it’s so important that we all do our part and wear masks when we’re out in public,” said Chief Medical Executive and DHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Wearing a mask or face covering can significantly decrease the chance of spreading COVID-19 and save lives. It’s important that all Michiganders wear masks properly – not down around the neck, not only over the mouth, but correctly over the mouth and nose. Please everyone stay patient, and remain vigilant.”

Under the governor’s order, businesses that are open to the public must refuse entry and service to individuals who fail to comply, and must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside.

Those who are exempt from wearing a mask in Michigan businesses include people younger than five-years-old, those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering, and those who are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment.

The executive order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 13.

“A willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor subject to a $500 criminal penalty, but no term of confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement,” Whitmer said. “No individual is subject to penalty under the order for removing a mask while engaging in religious worship at a house of religious worship, although consistent with guidance from the CDC, congregants are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings during religious services.”

To view Executive Order 2020-147, click here.

You can view a special COVID-19 (coronavirus) news section on HuronHub.com by clicking on this link.

If you’ve valued The Huron Hub’s consistent local news coverage during this pandemic, please consider supporting us.

Preparing for the heat: Here is a list of cooling centers in Wayne County

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Posted by The Huron Hub on Tuesday, July 7, 2020

With extreme heat forecasted this week, Wayne County has compiled a list of cooling centers in local communities.

Click here for a list of cooling centers across Wayne County.

More information on the upcoming dangerous hot weather:

Heat advisory issued for southeast Michigan; heat index of 100 degrees forecasted

 

Yankee Air Museum cancels 2020 air show

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Photo courtesy of the Wayne County Airport Authority.

Posted by Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub| July 6, 2020

The Yankee Air Museum said today they are canceling the 2020 Thunder Over Michigan Air Show that was planned for August 29-30 at Willow Run Airport, home to the Yankee Air Museum.

“In the current environment, we are unable to produce the world-renown Thunder Over Michigan Air Show event for which we are so well known,” said Kevin Walsh, event director.

According to air show organizers, they explored various socially responsible models but none of them fit the demands of a major air show.

“It is hard to take a proven model of 21 years and make it work responsibly in an era of global pandemic” Walsh said. “We take the health, safety and well-being of the seven hundred plus volunteers, the hundreds of aircrews and the tens of thousands of air show fans very seriously.”

Because the event “has a strict no refund policy,” according to organizers, 2020 ticket holders who bought tickets through the air show EventSprout ticketing system will receive a complimentary equivalent package for the 2021 Air Show, and also will receive an additional complimentary package for the 2022 Air Show.

“While a global pandemic is very much out of our control, we still want to give our current ticket holders a special consideration for being so loyal and dedicated,” Walsh said. “Our goal is to always exceed expectations.”

Organizers stated that they will be contacting individual general admission ticket holders to arrange the two-year complimentary package.

Plans are well underway for the 2021 show, which is slated for August 7-8, 2021.

“We built a reputation on being one of the top shows in the world and we look forward to keeping that place in the aviation community in 2021,” Walsh said.

The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show is a primary fundraiser for the Yankee Air Museum, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. To learn more visit YankeeAirMuseum.org.