Monthly Archives: May 2020

(May 12, 2020 6:25 AM) Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-81 to replace her previous order that temporarily lifts weight and other delivery-related restrictions for vehicles carrying essential supplies.    “While we have seen signs for cautious optimism over the past couple of weeks, we are not out of the woods yet. We still need essential supplies to be delivered all across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “By extending this executive order, we can ensure people have the supplies need to slow the spread of the virus and protect as many Michiganders as possible. “   Executive Order 2020-81 extends provisions lifting state and local non-seasonal load restrictions, as well as other restrictions on the timing and loading of deliveries, for deliveries that meet immediate needs for medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, as well as other critical supplies, equipment, and personnel.  The executive order is effective immediately and extends until May 25th.   Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  To view Executive Order 2020-81, click the link below:   EO 2020-81 Emerg order - deliveries - re-issue.pdf

Tuesday on The Morning Show, the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, plus Andy and Bart’s guests:  Tim Rogers, CEO, The Enterprise Group and Geoff Bontrager, Superintendent, Northwest Schools. Live at 9 AM, replay at 11 AM. On The Bart Hawley Show, continuing coverage, plus Bart’s guests: Jeff Beal, Superintendent, Jackson Public Schools;  Dr. Alan Lazzara, Emergency Room Physician, HFAH;  Ken Toll, CEO, United Way of Jackson County; Mark Smith, Jackson Community Food Pantry.  Live at 1 PM, replays at 5, 8 and 11 PM; 2 and 5 AM Wednesday.

(May 12, 2020 6:18 AM) The Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) will meet in an online special session at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, to discuss the Annual Bridge Walk currently scheduled for Labor Day. The meeting will be conducted on the Microsoft Teams platform here. The meeting will be available for public viewing and commenting via the same link through a web browser or the Teams application, or through YouTube at https://youtu.be/-tjXBvEGcQg. "Just a few years ago, the Mackinac Bridge Authority had to make a very difficult decision to close the bridge to traffic during the bridge walk due to concerns for participants' safety," said Authority Board Chairman Patrick "Shorty" Gleason. "We need to give the equal attention and deliberation to this year's event with the same goal in mind: protecting the safety of all participants."           Due to concerns about gathering large groups that might speed the transmission of COVID-19, the MBA is meeting electronically in accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Executive Order No. 2020-75, which gives temporary authorization for remote participation in public meetings and hearings. Accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking ability. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or…

(May 12, 2020 6:08 AM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-80, which continues to allow certain state administrative hearings to be held by video conference or phone in place of in-person hearings. This order is effective immediately and remains in effect through June 8, 2020 at 11:59 pm.   “By extending this Executive Order, we help ensure Michigan can continue to flatten the curve while allowing certain agencies and commissions to conduct their important work remotely during this ongoing crisis,” Governor Whitmer said. “I continue to urge all Michiganders to work together and do their part so we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of everyone in our state.”  Executive Order 2020-80 continues to permit the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Unemployment Insurance Agency, and other administrative hearings to be held by video conference or phone in place of in-person hearings. The order also temporarily allows e-signatures in place of written signatures on related documents.  Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.   To view Executive Order 2020-80, click the links below:    EO 2020-80 Emerg order - admin hearings - re-issue.pdf

(May 12, 2020 6:02 AM) Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-79, which lifts certain requirements of the application process for young Michiganders to obtain a work permit.   Young Michiganders constitute an important part of the summer workforce, especially because the COVID-19 pandemic requires that many workers stay home when experiencing symptoms or because they are part of a vulnerable population. As a result of the governor’s previous order to close schools for remainder of the school year, obtaining the proper documentation from school personnel is difficult and therefore it is necessary to lift requirements to ensure youth can obtain summer work during the COVID-19 pandemic.    “Michigan’s young people are an essential part of the state’s workforce, and making sure they have an opportunity to acquire the proper permit and help fight COVID-19 is vital,” said Gov. Whitmer. “This executive order will lift some requirements to ensure those opportunities for them.”  The order suspends the requirements of Youth Employment Standards Act to allow work permits to be mailed, emailed, faxed or sent via the web rather than the previously required in person submission.   The executive order is effective immediately and extends until June 8th.    To view Executive Order 2020-79, click the link below:   EO 2020-79 Emerg order - youth work permit reqs.pdf

(May 11, 2020 5:19 PM) St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea announced they are now offering a drive-up COVID-19 screening and testing site to members of the community experiencing symptoms and for patients who require a Covid-19 test before seeking treatment or undergoing a surgical procedure in the hospital.  No physician order is required, however, members of the community must require care in the hospital or meet certain criteria to be tested. The screening and testing site is located in the White Oak Parking Lot, on the hospital's campus (775 S. Main St. in Chelsea).  The site is located near north hospital drive, just off of M52. "As our community hospital resumes programs and services, we are committed to offering a safe and convenient location where anyone can be screened and, if need be, tested," said Nancy Graebner, president of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.  "We are committed to keeping our community safe and doing our part to stop the spread of Covid-19." The drive up Covid-19 screening site allows for individuals to be screened and tested without ever leaving their vehicles.  Symptoms that qualify for Covid-19 testing include any one of the following: ·         Fever above 100 degrees / Chills ·         Cough…

(May 11, 2020 3:48 PM) Jackson area businesses directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have shown strong interest in the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).   County National Bank (CNB) has been taking proactive steps to respond to the needs of individuals and business customers, assisting with loan applications and funding.  The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a government initiative to provide needed financial assistance to the small business community in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Banks and other financial institutions were asked by the government to serve as the delivery mechanism for this aid, and CNB has responded.  Following the SBA’s initial launch of the program, County National Bank provided 509 small businesses with $102 million in loans backed by the government to keep their workers on the job. Having seen the overwhelming demand for PPP loans, Congress appropriated an additional $310 billion towards the program. CNB welcomed this development, which offers even more small businesses a much-need financial lifeline that will in turn help save millions of jobs. Since the release of the second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding, CNB has provided an additional 400 small businesses with $29.7 million in loans. In total, over…

(May 11, 2020 3:31 PM)  Michigan reported 414 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 47,552. The State of Michigan is reporting 33 COVID-19-related deaths today, bringing the state total to 4,584.. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 5/8/2020): 22,686. This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m. Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by Jurisdiction updated 5/11/2020 County Confirmed Cases Reported Deaths Alcona 4 1 Allegan 157 2 Alpena 87 8 Antrim 10   Arenac 27 1 Baraga 1   Barry 51 1 Bay 204 9 Benzie 4   Berrien 403 24 Branch 80 2 Calhoun 268 17 Cass 42 2 Charlevoix 13 1 Cheboygan 19 1 Chippewa 2   Clare 12 2 Clinton 128 10 Crawford 57 4 Delta 14 2 Detroit City 9851 1192 Dickinson 5 2 Eaton 151 6 Emmet 21 2 Genesee 1765 224 Gladwin 17 1 Gogebic 4 1 Grand Traverse 20 5 Gratiot 33 4 Hillsdale 153 22 Houghton 2   Huron 36 1 Ingham 586 17 Ionia 110 3 Iosco 55 8 Isabella 62 7 Jackson 400 26 Kalamazoo 622 32 Kalkaska 18 2 Kent 2332 42 Lake 2  …