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FY22 Food Safety Education Fund recipients announced

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced recipients of the 2021-2022 Food Safety Education Fund (FSEF) grants for food safety training for the food industry and education and outreach for consumers. The FSEF is a 12-month competitive grant program, now following the state’s fiscal calendar year from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 each year. “These grants are integral for helping train the food and agriculture industry to maintain the safety, nutritional value, and quality of food throughout the food chain,” said MDARD Director Gary ...

Governor Whitmer lowers flags to honor Colin Powell

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the State of Michigan beginning immediately on Monday, Oct. 18 through Friday, Oct. 22 to honor the life and service of Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Advisor, and retired U.S. Army General. “Colin Powell was a true leader on every level and inspired those around him to serve ...

Gov. Whitmer signs bill to provide flexibility for car dealerships

LANSING — Yesterday, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 128, which will amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow car dealerships greater flexibility in their operating hours. “I am happy to sign legislation that supports our small businesses and puts Michigan first,” said Governor Whitmer. "Senate Bill 128 lifts restrictions for Michigan car dealerships without compromising opportunities for consumers. This bill is a great example of the positive difference we can make for Michiganders.” Currently, Michigan car dealerships must be open for a least 30 hours a week for 52 ...

Governor Whitmer makes appointments to boards and commissions

LANSING — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, Michigan Athletic Trainers Board, Developmental Disabilities Council, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force. Michigan Tax Tribunal Jason C. Grinnell, of Grand Rapids, currently serves as an attorney with Orlebeke Mackraz, PC, where he specializes in corporate litigation, business law, civil litigation, tax law, estate planning, and criminal law. Mr. Grinnell previously worked as the assistant city attorney for the City of Grand ...

Special fishing regulations for warmwater species on select waters, effective Friday

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission today approved new regulations aimed at protecting fish populations in a newly acquired state game area and Lake Gogebic and allowing for increased harvest opportunities for northern pike on several lakes throughout the state. The regulations are in effect starting Friday, Oct. 15. Crystal Waters State Game Area (Monroe County) Catch-and-immediate release regulations are now required on all bodies of water in the Crystal Waters State Game Area in Louden Township, Monroe County. The 680-acre property was acquired by the Michigan Department of ...

Non-profits invited to apply for PHF’s Giving Tuesday match for 2021

Applications are being accepted by Portage Health Foundation for non-profit organizations interested in partnering with the foundation’s annual Giving Tuesday campaign, where PHF matches donations that come in on Giving Tuesday. Over the past three years this program has raised more than $1 million for non-profit organizations in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw or Ontonagon counties. “We’re looking forward to an amazing fifth year of participating in Giving Tuesday and can’t wait to see who applies to be a partner this year,” said Michael H. Babcock, director of marketing and ...