Christmas Blessings - Midland County
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January 2023 Christmas Blessings Liz Ward, Ann Mahaffy, Cathy Lunsford, Patty Schwab, Kim Oswald, Angie Meyers, Christina Crawford (wrapping crew) Midland County Employees/retirees and Attorney Angela Cole made Christmas brighter for the 41st time! More on page 3. Recently Seen on Facebook
January is National Blood Donor Month Did you know that every two seconds in America, IMPORTANT DATES someone needs blood? January This demand goes well beyond those facing an National Blood Donor Month unexpected emergency like a car crash. Blood 9th Law Enforcement Appreciation Day transfusions are regularly needed to treat patients facing 11th Human Trafficking Awareness Day everything from diseases like cancer to cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries to organ and bone marrow 16th Martin Luther King Jr. Day, County offices closed transplants. In total, 1 in 7 people entering a hospital depend on a ready and available blood supply. 18th National Michigan Day 29th National Puzzle Day As important as blood is to so many of us, just three percent of all February Americans donate blood American Heart Month today. That’s despite the Black History Month fact that 65 percent of 27 - 5 Eating Disorders Awareness Week th th the U.S. population is 1st Girls & Women in Sports Day eligible to do. Less than 20 percent of all blood 3rd Wear Red Day donations each year 11st Intl. Day of Women & Girls in Science come from individuals in 14th Valentines Day communities of color and 20th Presidents Day, County offices closed donations from individuals 19 and under have dropped nearly 50 percent over the last two years alone. This reality has created an urgent need for younger, more diverse donors. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS That’s why it’s so important to celebrate National Blood Donor Month this January. This month is our chance to INFO ONLINE spread awareness about the need for more blood donors Check the Board’s Meeting Calendar. while taking time to celebrate those who already donate Look up agendas and minutes for all Board and help save lives. and Committee meetings on BoardDocs. View Recorded Meetings. The first such month was proclaimed by President Richard Nixon and held in January of 1970 to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors and encourage more people Published monthly by the County to give for the first time. of Midland for employees and county residents. Submit content to A lot may have changed over the last five decades, MidlandCountyNewsEditor@gmail.com. Subscribe to receive reminder when our but the need for blood – and the selflessness of those newsletter is published. who answer the call to give it – has remained constant. We thank all those who regularly donate blood. Their decision to give generously today helps save lives and Subscribe gives more people their tomorrow. More Information: County of Midland americasblood.org/events/national-blood-donor-month-2023/ 220 W. Ellsworth St. redcrossblood.org/ donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/auth/signin MIDLAND, MI 48640 January 2023 2
Christmas Blessings Former County Commissioner Scott Noesen and Angela Cole Midland County Employees/retirees and Attorney Angela Cole made Christmas brighter for the 41st time by providing gifts and food for two local families. Supporting a family with everything needed to make the holiday special is an effort traditionally coordinated through the Register of Deeds Office. Christina Crawford from the Treasurer’s office, Michelle Hoover, Chief Deputy Register of Deeds and Jenny Anway, County Register of Deeds made up the committee that coordinated donations from County employees, helped shop, wrap and set up delivery to the families. Former County Commissioner Scott Noesen and Angela Cole delivered gifts, including a visit from Santa himself. One family said, “it was the highlight of the day for their three year old son. Thank you for all you have done for us, it’s been such a blessing!” Michelle Hoover, Deb Stieve, Jenny Anway, Beth Murray, Register of Deeds office Thank you again Midland County! January 2023 3
Respiratory Virus Update January 4, 2023 Dr. Catherine M Bodnar, MD, MPH Medical Director Midland County Department of Public Health “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin The reason we no longer have smallpox and outbreaks of paralytic polio is very simple: vaccination. Vaccines are one of the great public health achievements, second only to clean drinking water, in reduction of severe illness and death. The World Health Organization lists 25 vaccines available to either prevent, or contribute to the prevention and control of infections, along with a number of vaccines in the pipeline. We have had an unprecedented respiratory virus season with a tripledemic of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. RSV and flu have appeared much earlier in the 2022-2023 respiratory virus season than typical years. RSV cases have peaked and are on the downturn. Influenza has peaked early and is starting to recede in many parts of the country, but Michigan was slower to rise and did not see a high flu activity level until mid-December. Michigan is still seeing increasing flu as of December 24, 2022. Michigan’s goal is to vaccinate 4 million people during the 2022-2023 flu season. The state is at just over 78% of this goal. ‘Tis the season for influenza and it is not too late to get the seasonal flu shot. It is a good match to circulating flu strains this year. The best way to protect yourself from the seasonal influenza virus is by vaccinating yourself and your loved ones. COVID-19 is still a threat in our state and it is more important than ever to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get your bivalent booster if you have not done so already. Midland County is at a low COVID-19 community level, with substantial transmission levels, as of December 29, 2022. However, it is not a time to be complacent and imagine COVID-19 is gone. The US is seeing the rise of new immune evading SARS-CoV-2 variants. There is concern that omicron XBB.1.5 could drive a new surge of COVID-19 in our community. This variant is driving an uptick of cases in the northeast US. XBB.1.5 arose in the US in the fall, being first detected in New York and Connecticut. XBB.1.5 is a recombination of two descendants of omicron BA.2, which was prevalent in Michigan in the late spring and early summer of 2022. It is more transmissible, but does not appear to make people sicker compared to other omicron variants. Currently XBB.1. makes up only 6% of COVID-19 cases in our Midwest region. The predominant strains are omicron BQ.1.1 (42.3%) and omicron BQ.1 (28.3%), subvariants of omicron BA.5, which has been the predominant strain through the summer and fall of 2022. Bottom line: Get your annual flu shot and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Although COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent transmission, they still reduce risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. References: Cold and Flu Season Plan: link to last month’s county newsletter article “Make a plan for cold and flu season” Vaccine preventable diseases: who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/diseases Weekly US Flu Map: cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm CDC Community COVID-19 Levels: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html CDC COVID-19 Variant Proportions: covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions January 2023 4
Midland County Department of Public Health Recognizes January as Radon Action Month Jim Henry, RS, MBA Environmental Health Director Midland County Department of Public Health January is National Radon Action Month – Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It enters homes through openings in the foundation floor and walls and can get into the air we breathe. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. There are no warning signs or symptoms (it does not cause headaches, nausea or fatigue). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year are radon related. Jim Henry, Environmental Health Director at Midland County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), explained; “One in eight Michigan homes is likely to have an elevated radon level. The only way to know if you and your family are at risk is to test.” The EPA recommends that houses with radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter or more should be fixed to prevent accumulation of the gas indoors. Caulking and sealing is rarely adequate as a stand-alone mitigation option. To get guaranteed results, a trained contractor can be hired to install a radon mitigation system, usually within a day. The cost is similar to that of many common home repairs, such as painting or having a new water heater installed (anywhere from $500 to about $2,500). Free radon test kits are available during the month of January at the Midland County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services Division, located at 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640. For more information, please contact MCDPH at (989) 832-6380 or visit: co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/EnvironmentalHealthServices/Radon.aspx michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/indoor-radon epa.gov/radon/radon-frequently-asked-questions January 2023 5
To the Citizens of the County of Midland: I am pleased to present the County’s Financial Summary for the fiscal year 2021. This document, more commonly known as a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), is the County’s third publication intended to enhance your understanding of county government and how it utilizes your tax dollars. Midland County has a solid reputation for fiscal excellence as demonstrated by our 2021 AA bond rating by Standard & Poor’s (S&P). Each year, the County publishes its audit, also called the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Much of this information is technical and complex, resulting in a document that is not very user friendly for the average person. Comprised of 246 pages, the ACFR consists of detailed financial statements, note disclosures, supplemental schedules, and statistical tables, all of which are prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the standards and guidelines set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. The ACFR also includes an independent auditor’s report stating that the information contained in the financial statements has been reviewed by the firm and that, with reasonable assurances, the financial information is complete, presented accurately, and in the correct format. Counties historically have been the “least known” local government. In contrast to cities, townships, and villages, we do not provide “daily services” like utilities (water, sewer, etc.) or trash pickup. Rather, we are “there when you need us” for things like immunizations from the Health Department, passports from the County Clerk, dog licenses from the Treasurer, or to pay a traffic ticket when necessary. The County also offers many human service-related programs, such as Veterans Services, Community Corrections (including services for substance abuse), and Drug Court programs. Property taxes, intergovernmental revenue for operating grants and contributions, and charges for services finance most of these activities. We hope this document will empower you to better understand county government and enhance – not replace – the accompanying ACFR, which is available for reference here. Bridgette M. Gransden, CPA, CGFM Administrator/Controller January 2023 6
Midland County Employee Service Awards December 6, 2022 5 years 10 years Jessica Gilkins - Board of Commissioners C Laurie Tarkowski - Finance O John Keefer - County Clerk Michelle Speltz - Circuit Court Nicole Nagel - County Clerk Paige Hoffman - District Court N Brenda Pollard - Human Resources Gerald Ladwig - District Court Lance Dexter - Trial Court Administrator Michael Alexander - District Court Amanda Hausmann - Drug Court Steve Wixson - Public Guardian G Kendall Kobel - Sheriff/Road Marisa Boulton - Community Corrections Gregory Price - Health Julie Baker - Health R Holly Karpovich - Health Beverly Pyles - Health Elisabeth Mudd - Health Katrina McLaughlin - District Court Nicholas Swanson - Sheriff/Jail Brian Keidel - Sheriff/Jail A Nicholas Solosky - Sheriff/Jail Cora Zinnbauer - Sheriff/Jail Clarence Williams - Juvenile Care Center Jay Latoski - Juvenile Care Center T Ryan Tijerina - Juvenile Care Center Paul Bass – Facilities 15 years 20 years Michael Beale - Circuit Court U April Histed - Circuit Court Clerk L Stephen Carras - Circuit Court Mary Cornell - Equalization Tina Branson - District Court Katie Gensel - Friend of the Court Alice Flowers - Prosecuting Attorney Lori Enszer - Public Guardian A Kelly Allen - Prosecuting Attorney Barbara Hendrickson - Sheriff/Admin Nicole Swanton - Health Jeffery Kozak - Sheriff/Road T Sharon Willsie - Juvenile Care Center Jeffery Derocher - Sheriff/Jail Robert Wolfe - Health I Fred Yanoski – Health 25 years 30 years O Debra Finney - Friend of the Court Tina Oliver - Health Lisa Kirk - Family Court Juvenile Jesus Gonzalez Jr. - Pinecrest N Daniel Teer - Sheriff/Road Julie Reed-Little - Juvenile Care Center S Korey Gillespie - Juvenile Care Center Troy Nalazek - Juvenile Care Center Thomas Lebrun - Juvenile Care Center ! Matthew Dilts - Juvenile Care Center Douglas Allen - Mosquito Control Denise Adcock - County Clerk Kelly Allen & Alice Flowers January 2023 7
Residents of Pinecrest Farms enjoyed the holidays with Christmas crafts, plenty of entertainment and a Christmas party!
MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure Introduces Initial Midland Flood Reduction Plan While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues the hydraulic/hydrologic study of the Tittabawassee River Watershed, the Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on Infrastructure wants to get a head start on flood reduction and resiliency projects. “The Corps of Engineers study is expected to be completed in 2024,” said Lee Ann Keller, co-chair of the advisory committee. “While they are creating the complex and necessary flood modeling, we wanted to continue looking for solutions we could advance – and work to fund – in the meantime. We asked the engineers at the Spicer Group to look at areas that frequently experience flooding and offer ideas.” Spicer Group engineers focused on Sturgeon Creek, Snake Creek and the Inman Drain areas in Midland. “When the Tittabawassee River reaches high levels, it starts to push up into the creeks and causes extensive flooding. In a 100-year event, approximately 800 acres flood when the Tittabawassee River backs up into these creeks,” said J.W. Fisher, co-chair of the advisory committee. “The Spicer engineers have recommended solutions that are reasonably feasible to implement and can have a big impact on flood protection.” “The engineering concepts and planning-level cost estimates were developed so we can build consensus, identify avenues for funding, and work through the permitting processes,” said Keller. “Finetuning and finalization of the engineering specifications ultimately would rely on the hydrologic/hydraulic models the Corps of Engineers is developing currently.” The Spicer Group recommendations, called the “Midland Flood Reduction Plan,” include a system of flood protection walls, berms, flood gates and pump stations: ● When Tittabawassee floodwaters start to peak, flood gates on the Sturgeon and Snake Creeks close to prevent these waters from backing up into the creeks ● Pump stations on both creeks then start to pump outgoing stream flows while flood gates are closed ● Floodwalls/berms are set to 0.3 feet below the 100- year flood elevation ● This level of design protects against the majority of recent flood events without reducing the current 100-year floodplain storage volume ● An estimated 600 homes and 50 businesses – including the hospital area – would be protected from floodwater levels similar to the 2017 flood event The MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure’s Midland Flood Reduction Plan is available at www.mbami.org/floodstudy. Here is a summary: continued on next page January 2023 9
Initial Midland Flood Reduction Plan - Continued Sturgeon Creek Area To prevent floodwaters from backing up Sturgeon Creek, this portion of the project would include the addition of flood gates at the mouth of Sturgeon Creek, upstream of Main Street. Open most of the time, the gates would be closed during high-water stages on the Tittabawassee River. Modifications to the culverts crossing under Main Street would be required to connect to the flood gate system. A pump station would be located near the Main Street crossing to provide an outlet for stream flow when the flood gates are closed. Rail Trail Area Floodwall To prevent Tittabawassee River floodwaters from extending overland, a floodwall would extend northwest of Sturgeon Creek along the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Made from steel sheet piling, the floodwall would extend from higher ground at University Avenue to the southeast past the mouth of Sturgeon Creek (a total distance of approximately 2,500 feet). The sheet piling would extend up to approximately 4 feet above the ground surface and be driven into the ground for sufficient stability. Ends of the floodwall would tie into adequately high features, such as the Main Street embankment. Because the elevation of Main Street south of the crossing is close to that required to protect from the floodwaters, its elevation would only need to be raised along approximately 800 feet of roadway. Flood Reduction Berm Flooding of Northwood University occurs due to direct overbank flooding from the Tittabawassee River. A series of surrounding berms would intercept this flow and prevent it from inundating this area. Approximately 3,500 feet of earthen berms, averaging 3 feet high, would be constructed on the east, south and west sides of campus and would terminate into adjacent high ground. The potential development of wetlands between these berms and the river would add to flood reduction efforts and create a natural area for students and the community. Snake Creek Area Flood gates would be located near Snake Creek’s crossing with Main Street. The pump station could be located in the northwest quadrant of the crossing. continued on next page January 2023 10
Initial Midland Flood Reduction Plan - Continued In this area, Main Street is largely situated above flood level, except for a sag near Snake Creek. As a result, floodwalls are not included here. Instead, Main Street would be raised for approximately 400 feet. Reconstruction of the Orchard Drive/Emerson Park Road intersection would be necessary due to the change in grade of Main Street. One Part of a Larger Effort “These projects are an excellent starting point. However, they are not the only solution we will need for our region,” said Fisher. “They are part of a much bigger effort that could take decades to accomplish. Larger projects could include enhancing and expanding wetlands and building floodwater detention systems, for example. There are many ideas we are working with, and we welcome other solutions that people may have.” “Throughout this planning, we have continued to brief local stakeholders as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE),” said Keller. “We are continuing to update an expanding circle of residents, businesses, organizations, and local, state and federal legislators. The advisory committee is also working to develop funding for this infrastructure improvement. This all takes time to coordinate.” “We have presented the plan to the Midland County Board of Commissioners, the Midland City Council, EGLE, and federal, state and local legislators. We’re also communicating with organizations, residents and other stakeholders,” said Fisher. “We are excited about these projects and we continue to press on.” If your group would like to learn more, volunteer committee members would be happy to schedule a presentation and Q&A session with you. Contact mbami@MBAmi.org. About the Tittabawassee River Watershed According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources “Tittabawassee River Assessment,” the watershed covers 2,471 square miles, including all or part of the following counties: Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon and Saginaw. The main stem of the Tittabawassee River is more than 90 miles long, with more than 600 miles of contributing tributaries, including the Tobacco River, Pine River and Chippewa River. Located in the center part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this watershed is the fifth largest in the state. About the Midland Business Alliance The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) represents more than 3,000 businesses as Midland’s business hub. The goal of the MBA is to support the attraction, development and growth of businesses throughout Midland by providing an integrated portfolio of tools and resources. Additionally, the MBA manages the Midland Area Farmers Market and Midland Blooms. Visit www. MBAmi.org for more information. January 2023 11
Challenge the National Broadband Map In 2020 Congress tasked the FCC with creating a more precise broadband map showing every address where broadband can be installed. Internet service providers then reported what internet speeds they offer at each address. At stake is a share of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, part of the infrastructure measure President Joe Biden signed into law last year. Extending service to remote areas with few customers can be expensive for internet providers but using the surge of new federal funds to fill the gaps depends heavily on knowing where they are. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a new National Broadband Map. To counter expected discrepancies, the public and states can challenge the new map. Since high-speed internet is not available to nearly half a million homes in Michigan, the Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee recommends that citizens check their home and business address on the preliminary broadband map to ensure it accurately reflects their level of internet access Here’s how to access the FCC broadband map: ● Visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home here, then type in an address and see if the reported coverage is accurate. You can access the site from a computer or a mobile device. ● Residents can submit a challenge by clicking “Location Challenge” if the location of their home or business is missing or incorrect, or “Availability Challenge” if the internet service information is incorrect. ● Residents should visit the website of any internet service provider that claims to serve their location and use the website’s “Check Availability” or similar tool to determine if the provider can serve their location. ● If they can’t, a screenshot of their website can be submitted to the FCC as evidence for an Availability Challenge. ● Consumers can follow the instructions on how to file an availability challenge using the new map here. To ensure an accurate map is used for funding decisions, all challenges must be submitted by January 13, 2023. Sources: ourmidland.com/news/article/States-contend-with-short-timeline-to-correct-17669522.php mbami.org/broadband/ January 2023 12
BE PREPARED FOR A WINTER STORM Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. FEMA V-1014/June 2018 Winter storms and blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. Greater risk Can last a few hours Can knock out heat, power, or several days and communication services IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY Use generators Stay off roads. outside only. Stay indoors and Listen for emergency dress warmly. information and alerts. Prepare for Look for signs of hypothermia power outages. and frostbite. Check on neighbors. January 2023 13
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WINTER STORM THREATENS Prepare Survive Recognize NOW DURING +RESPOND Know your area’s risk for winter Stay off roads if at all possible. If Frostbite causes loss of feeling and storms. Extreme winter weather can trapped in your car, stay inside. color around the face, fingers, and toes. leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods Limit your time outside. If you need • Signs: Numbness, white or of time. to go outside, wear layers of warm grayish-yellow skin, and firm or clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite waxy skin. Prepare your home to keep out the and hypothermia. • Actions: Go to a warm room. cold with insulation, caulking, and Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Soak in warm water. Use body weather stripping. Learn how to keep Only use generators and grills heat to warm. Do not massage pipes from freezing. Install and test outdoors and away from windows. or use a heating pad. smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Never heat your home with a gas Hypothermia is an unusually low body stovetop or oven. temperature. A temperature below Pay attention to weather reports 95 degrees is an emergency. and warnings of freezing weather Reduce the risk of a heart and winter storms. Sign up for your attack. Avoid overexertion when • Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, community’s warning system. The shoveling snow. confusion, fumbling hands, Emergency Alert System (EAS) and memory loss, slurred speech, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Watch for signs of frostbite and drowsiness. Administration (NOAA) Weather hypothermia and begin treatment right away. • Actions: Go to a warm room. Radio also provide emergency alerts. Warm the center of the body Check on neighbors. Older adults first—chest, neck, head, and Gather supplies in case you need to and young children are more at risk groin. Keep dry and wrapped up stay home for several days without in extreme cold. in warm blankets, including the power. Keep in mind each person’s head and neck. specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, Take an Active Role a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, in Your Safety bottled water, and non-perishable Go to Ready.gov and snacks. Keep the gas tank full. search for winter storm. Learn the signs of and basic Download the FEMA app treatments for frostbite and to get more information hypothermia. For more information, about preparing for a winter visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ storm. FEMA V-1014 staysafe/index.html. Catalog No. 17233-15 January 2023 14
Midland County Phone Directory Administrator/Controller 989-832-6797 Human Resources 989-832-6797 Board of Commissioners 989-832-6775 Information Technology 989-832-6653 Circuit Court - Clerk 989-832-6735 Jail 989-832-6612 Circuit Court - MI-Hope 989-832-6810 Juvenile Care Cntr - Judge Allen 989-837-6080 Circuit Court - Probation 989-832-6760 Mosquito Control 989-832-8677 Citizens Probation Council 989-832-6863 Mental Health Court 989-832-6834 Community Corrections 989-832-6646 MSU Extension 989-832-6640 County Clerk 989-832-6739 Parks and Recreation 989-832-6876 District Court 989-832-6700 Pinecrest Farms 989-832-6634 District Court - Probation 989-832-6710 Probate Court - Judge Allen 989-832-6880 Drain Commissioner 989-832-6770 Prosecuting Attorney 989-832-6722 Drug Court 989-832-6864 Public Guardian 989-837-7145 Emergency Management 989-832-6750 Register of Deeds 989-832-6820 Equalization 989-832-6844 Sheriff’s Department 989-839-4600 Facilities Management 989-832-6790 Township Code Authority 989-837-6521 Finance 989-832-6874 Treasurer 989-832-6850 Friend of the Court 989-832-6801 Trial Court Administrator 989-832-6832 Health 989-832-6380 Veteran’s Services 989-832-6843 Photo Credit: Adam Ferman January 2023 15
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