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Blossomland News
Blossomland News is a local, independently managed, Creative Commons news aggregator focused on the Berrien County, Michigan region with over 10,000 readers a month and social media exposure of over 100,000 impressions a month. Our website is www.blossomlandnews.com.
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Four million free masks are being provided to Michigan residents who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 through a partnership involving the state, Ford Motor Company and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today.
Low-income residents, seniors, schools and homeless shelters will benefit from the MI Mask Aid partnership that is part of the Mask Up Michigan campaign.
“Michigan needs to continue to ‘mask up’ to protect us all from COVID-19,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Vulnerable populations may have difficulties buying masks and our schools need face coverings to keep students, staff and community members safe. I am thrilled that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Ford and FEMA are working together to help control the spread of the coronavirus.”
The project is in partnership with Gov. Whitmer’s Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities chaired by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.
The irony of this pandemic that requires physical distancing is that it reveals how connected we truly are—how much we rely on one another every day,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist II said. “I’m thankful for our partners at Ford, FEMA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for coming together in a big way to ensure that our communities, particularly those hardest hit, have what they need to get through these tough times. By delivering four million masks at no cost to Michiganders, we can provide a proven, lifesaving device to countless residents as they go back to work, school, and define new way of living during this pandemic.”
The free masks include 1.5 million from FEMA that the state has already sent to organizations that include local Community Action Agencies serving low-income residents, MDHHS offices, Area Agencies on Aging, homeless shelters and Native American tribes.
Another 1 million face coverings from FEMA and 1.5 million from Ford will go to low-income schools, the City of Detroit, Federally Qualified Health Centers, some COVID-19 testing sites and to many of the organizations listed above to reach vulnerable populations – including minority residents who have been affected by the public health crisis as a result of racism.
“Masks are proven to reduce a person’s chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 percent. There’s also growing evidence that masks can protect the wearer’s life, by reducing the severity of COVID if they get it,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said. “It’s critically important to make sure communities most impacted by COVID-19 have greater access to masks at no cost. The MI Mask Aid initiative is a critical step in this effort.”
Ford’s involvement makes MI Mask Aid a public-private partnership that can provide even more free masks. Ford assembles more vehicles and employs more hourly workers in the U.S. than any other automaker.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of America and from World War II to fighting COVID-19, Ford has a rich history of stepping up in times of crisis to help Michigan and our country,” said Ford Motor Company president and CEO Jim Hackett. “And today we continue in our efforts, with the State of Michigan and in coordination with the Task Force on Racial Disparities, by donating face masks to serve communities especially vulnerable to COVID-19. We also will continue to look for ways to address urgent needs of our communities by leveraging our partnerships through the Ford Motor Company Fund.”
Anyone interested in receiving a free mask can find a distribution location by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 or looking up their local Community Action Agency online.
On average, each person in Berrien County, Michigan with COVID is infecting 0.85 other people. Because each person is infecting less than one other person, the total number of current cases in Berrien County, Michigan is shrinking.
A significant percentage (3.4%) of COVID tests were positive, meaning that Berrien County, Michigan’s testing meets WHO minimums but needs to be further expanded to detect most new cases. Identifying and isolating new cases can help contain COVID without resorting to lockdowns.
In the region, Michigan and Ohio have slow and contained disease growth. Indiana and Illinois are at risk of an active outbreak.
A cluster of southern states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida remain at critical levels.
Escanaba, MI (Blossomland News) - An Upper Peninsula bald eagle launched an airborne attack on a drone operated by a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) pilot last month, tearing off a propeller and sending the aircraft to the bottom of Lake Michigan.
The governor continued to protect Michigan’s frontline workers in grocery stores, pharmacies and long-term care facilities by signing Executive Orders 2020-168 and 2020-169. The governor’s orders extend existing safety measures, including 2 hours a week of reserved shopping time for vulnerable populations, to protect consumers and employees at grocery stores and pharmacies.
“For the past five months, Michiganders have stepped up and done their part to fight COVID-19, and frontline workers in our hospitals, grocery stores, nursing homes, and more have put their own lives on the line to protect our families,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our fight is not over yet, and that is why I am extending these protections to ensure employees, residents and customers are able to work and live in a safe environment.”
Executive Order 2020-169 maintains the strong infection control protocols in nursing homes the governor put in place at the outset of this crisis, and protects residents from eviction and employees from retaliatory action for staying home when exhibiting symptoms. From day of the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Whitmer has taken action to protect seniors. In addition to the executive orders implementing these protections, she pushed our inspectors to complete 100% of infection control surveys more than two months before the federal deadline, and they delivered. And she has worked tirelessly to procure tests and PPE to keep seniors safe, and to facilitate testing for all nursing home residents and staff, with little to no assistance from federal authorities. Executive Order 2020-169 extends through September 7.
The health and safety of nursing home residents and staff remains a top priority for Governor Whitmer. On June 26, she created the bipartisan Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). She also signed Executive Order 2020-156 which continues the limited and temporary restrictions on the entry of individuals into health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations.
Executive Order 2020-168, which continues through September 7, extends the following health and safety rules for grocery stores and pharmacies, among others:
Grocery stores and pharmacies must allocate at least two hours per week of shopping time for vulnerable populations.
If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, the business must notify other employees without infringing on private health information.
Grocery stores and pharmacies must offer accommodations to vulnerable employees, such as low-risk assignments or a leave of absence.
Dan VandenHeede, a retired teacher, Niles City Councilman, and Democratic candidate for State Representative in Michigan’s 78th State House District, nearly quadrupled his Republican opponent in fundraising this past quarter.
“This campaign has always been about bringing together a coalition of people from all sides of the political spectrum who believe that change can happen and are sick of politics as usual. This fundraising quarter, in which 70 percent of my donors contributed $50 or under, proved that we have the support and momentum it takes to go all the way,” VandenHeede said.
Brad Paquette, the current Republican incumbent in the 78th District, raised $3,650, whereas VandenHeede brought in $14,376. Both are vying to represent the District located in the Southwest corner of Michigan, spanning southern Berrien County and a portion of Cass County.
“I’m running a grassroots, people-oriented campaign in the community I’ve lived in my entire life. People from across Southwest Michigan have sent a clear message that they’re ready for change, and recognize that sending a teacher and community leader to Lansing is the best way to make that change possible. From increasing funding for our public education system, to rebuilding Michigan’s economy after this COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been a proven problem-solver in this District and I can’t wait to represent it and continue to work on these issues come November,” VandenHeede said.
This is the best fundraising quarter for any Democratic candidate in Michigan’s 78th State House District in over a decade. Paquette and VandenHeede will face off in the general election on November 4th.
Photo of Dan VandenHeede from www.danvandenheede.com
Press Release from Berrien County Democratic Party/Facebook
Berrien County is now at low risk as the infection rate has dipped to 0.73 On average, each person in Berrien County, Michigan with COVID is infecting 0.73 other people. Because each person is infecting less than one other person, the total number of current cases in Berrien County, Michigan is shrinking. According to covidactnow.org.*
Over the last week, Berrien County, Michigan has averaged 5.8 new confirmed cases per day for every 100,000 residents. As context, if these rates were to continue, 2-20% of Berrien County, Michigan’s population would be infected in the next year, according to covidactnow.org.*
A low percentage (2.2%) of COVID tests were positive, which suggests enough widespread, aggressive testing in Berrien County, Michigan to detect most new cases. Identifying and isolating new cases can help contain COVID without resorting to lockdowns, according to covidactnow.org.*
Research shows that masks can greatly reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, especially when approximately 40% of those who have COVID-19 may be asymptomatic. We can only contain the virus and keep Michigan open if everyone stays careful and masks up when they leave home, whether they feel sick or not. (michigan.gov/maskup)
Per recent Executive Order, Michiganders are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Businesses open to the public will refuse entry or service to those who decline to wear a face covering. (michigan.gov/maskup)
A cluster of southern states is still having an active outbreak. These states include: Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alababa, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Additionally Nevada and Arizona in the Western U.S. is also having an active outbreak. (covidactnow.org)
Today Governor Gretchen took action to elevate Black voices in state government, signing Executive Order 2020-163, which creates the Black Leadership Advisory Council. The governor also signed Executive Directive 2020-9, recognizing racism as a public health crisis and taking initial steps to address it within state government. Under the Executive Directive, the governor asked MDHHS to make health equity a major goal, as well as required implicit bias training for all state employees.
“Since I was sworn in as governor, I have made it a top priority to include more people of color, more women, and more members of the LGBTQ+ community at the table. We’ve been able to build a more inclusive state government, but there is more work to do. That’s why today, I am proud to create the Black Leadership Advisory Council of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “We must confront systemic racism head on so we can create a more equitable and just Michigan. This is not about one party or person. I hope we can continue to work towards building a more inclusive and unbiased state that works for everyone.”
Benton Harbor, MI (Blossomland News) - At this point in 2018, the Joey Andrews for 79th district campaign had raised $11,000. Chokwe Pitchford released a Campaign Finance Report (CFR) on Friday, July 24, showing over $37,000 in campaign contributions to date, from more than 875 unique donors.
“My brothers campaign in 2018 was groundbreaking at the time, says Pitchfords campaign manager, Nealie Andrews. “Joey excels at field organizing, which is why he was hired to do it for the Michigan Democratic Party this year. The lessons learned in 2018 were and are invaluable to helping inform what we do in Chokwes campaign, even with the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents.
Says Pitchford, “I was worried initially about what it would be like to campaign and especially to fundraise during a pandemic. Yet, despite unemployment levels we havent seen since The Great Depression, fundraising has turned out to be one of the least of our concerns. I think that speaks more loudly to the current culture than just about anything else could.
Source: Chokwe for State Rep - Michigan's 79th District - Press Release
Lansing, Michigan (Blossomland News) - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after President Trump published a tweet suggesting America should postpone the 2020 election:
“It’s clear that the president is more focused on his chances in the 2020 election than on protecting families from a virus that has killed more than 150,000 Americans," said Governor Whitmer. "The truth is that mail-in absentee voting is safe, simple, and patriotic – so much so that the president and more than a dozen of his closest advisors have done it. If we could hold an election in 1864 in the midst of a Civil War threatening to tear our country apart, we can and will hold one in 2020. It’s time for the president to get his priorities straight and work with Congress on a bipartisan recovery package that protects our families, frontline workers, and small business owners.”
Source: Michigan Governor's Office Press Release
Statewide, bars are closed for indoor service and indoor gatherings are restricted to no more than 10 people
The Saint Joesph City Commission is reviewing a proposal by community activist Trenton Bowens to paint a Black Lives Matter mural on Stadium Drive near Saint Joseph High School. The proposal was submitted at a special social justice meeting held on July 20th. At the regular meeting of the Saint Joesph City Commission of July 27th, commissioners agreed the idea deserves a review.
A snapchat video showing a recent large gathering in Benton Harbor, Michigan is causing concerns. The video shows over 100 revelers in close proximity to each other without face coverings.
According to Chikaming Township Parks, Preserves, and Beaches the community effort to rebuild the stairs at Cherry Beach has been completed on July 25th. The restoration was organized by Joe Sipek. Over $7,000 was raised in a "Go Fund Me" fundraiser and many volunteers helped with the project.
In January, high lake levels and waves caused the destruction of the steps which were recently restored by the Chikaming Township Parks in 2019. The Parks Department budget could not accommodate yet another restoration - so the community stepped up to complete the project.
The construction is now fully complete and everyone is once again welcomed to enjoy Chikaming Township's Iconic Cherry Beach.
According to the Chikaming Township Parks Website, "Cherry Beach was deeded to Chikaming Township by the Warren family in 1922. It is the largest beach, with approximately 253 feet of shoreline. There is a street level observation platform, which is handicapped accessible and a picnic site that is handicapped friendly. Parking on the weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend is by property owner pass when an attendant is on duty. The township provides maintenance, trash pickup and security patrols on summer weekends."
Since the state mask mandate took effect, Berrien County has seen a .03 overall decrease in infection rate, and has started back on a downward trend.
In response to President Trump’s threat to send federal law enforcement into cities across the nation, including Detroit, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statements:
"It is deeply disturbing that President Trump is once again choosing to spread hateful rhetoric and attempting to suppress the voices of those he doesn't agree with," said Governor Whitmer. "Quite frankly, the president doesn't know the first thing about Detroit. If he did, he would know that for nearly two months now, Detroiters have gathered to peacefully protest the systemic racism and discrimination that Black Americans face every day. There is no reason for the president to send federal troops into a city where people are demanding change peacefully and respectfully. If the president actually wants to help the people of Michigan, he can start by picking up the phone and telling Mitch McConnell to pass the HEROES Act, so we can provide immediate relief to Michigan's families, schools, and small businesses."
“President Trump’s politically motivated threat to send ‘more federal law enforcement’ to Detroit, among other cities, has nothing to do with protecting public health or safety. It is about using the power of his office as a cudgel to punish those who use their constitutionally guaranteed rights to express views he disagrees with. Such threats undermine peace and stability in our communities by unnecessarily escalating tensions and encroaching on states’ rights,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “We are a nation of laws, and the President’s attempts to intimidate our communities with threats of violence could not be more un-American.”
A Detroit woman was charged in a criminal complaint for her alleged role in a multi-million dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme aimed at defrauding the State of Michigan and the U.S. Government of funds earmarked for unemployment assistance during the COVID19 pandemic, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Hard hit Jeweler Johnny Perri maybe closing up his business for good but, he intends to go out with a bang. Mr. Perri is burying over 1 million dollars worth of inventory of coins, and gems, and inviting you on a quest to find the treasure.
According to Covid Act Now, Berrien County continues to be at high risk as of the 7/15/2020 update. On average, each person in Berrien County, Michigan with COVID is infecting 1.15 other people. As such, the total number of active cases in Berrien County, Michigan is growing at an unsustainable rate.
There were a series of incidents across the state over the past few days, including one death resulting from a dispute over a "mask up" request. There have been no such incidents reported in Berrien County. Berrien County is a close-knit community, our friends and neighbors are retail employees, police officers, and business owners. We've shown earlier this year after the tragic death of George Floyd that we are a community of both peace and progress.
Today, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-148 and 2020-149, extending COVID-19 adaptation in long-term care facilities to protect residents and staff, and extending existing safety measures, including 2 hours a week of reserved shopping time for vulnerable populations, to protect consumers and employees at grocery stores and pharmacies.
“The frontline workers across the state have been the heroes of this pandemic and we must do everything we can to protect both them and our most vulnerable Michiganders.” said Governor Whitmer. “This virus is still widespread and poses a real danger to our families, and these extensions will be crucial in protecting both frontline workers, customers and our most vulnerable populations. I urge each and every one of us to do our part through physical distancing and masking up to help fight COVID-19.”
Executive Order 2020-148 maintains the strong infection control protocols in nursing homes the governor put in place at the outset of this crisis, and protects residents from eviction and employees from discriminatory action for staying home when exhibiting symptoms. Under the order, a long-term care facility is required to take specific precautions when a resident exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 — including informing employees of the facility. The order also requires nursing homes to use reasonable efforts to create dedicated units for residents affected by COVID-19. To ensure these units provide a safe environment that can meet the medical needs of COVID-19-affected residents, the order clarifies that nursing homes that create such units must provide adequate PPE to the direct care employees responsible for staffing the units and implement reliable and effective infection procedures. The governor’s order extends through August 10, 2020.
Protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our seniors and most vulnerable residents remains a top priority for the governor. Michigan offered and prioritized nursing home testing beginning in April for every resident, and as a result of that commitment to protecting our most vulnerable residents, the state has facilitated testing for over 35,600 residents and staff in nursing homes.
Communications director for the Chokwe Pitchford campaign Kim Jorgensen Gane said, “Chokwe’s appeal is indicative of the times in which we’re living. Considering how difficult it’s been for so many years for democrats to make a dent on the west-side of this state, and in the 79th district and Berrien County especially, we feel he is exactly the right candidate for this moment in history.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan & the Upper Peninsula are warning Michiganders about fraudulent cards that falsely claim to exempt the holder from wearing face coverings in businesses and other areas where such personal protective equipment is required.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a new executive order, which reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with a few exceptions, such as those who are medically unable or children under the age of five.
Violators claiming a medical exemption can later attempt to prove their case in court where a judge can review HIPPA protected information. Similar to Michigan's Seat Belt Law.
The executive order takes effect at 12:01am 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.