Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County

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Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
June 2022
                                                      Newsletter

Corrections Officer Makes an Impact
                       Andy Miller, former inmate and Drug Court
                         graduate, was at the jail recently picking
                         up an inmate for rehab through the Hope
                           Not Handcuffs program. Andy is doing
                         very well with his own recovery and now
                       works in the recovery community assisting
                       others. While at the jail he gave Corrections
                          Officer Lt. Randall his eight-year key tag
                          from Narcotics Anonymous because he
                         said, “Lt. Randall was such a huge part of
                          my recovery process. She helped me in
                        ways I couldn’t even begin to explain. She
                        gave me a chance, time and time again on
                       trusty and that helped me begin to believe I
                       was worthy of a life in recovery. I know a lot
                        of people have bad things to say about law
                          enforcement, CO’s [corrections officers]
                          and such-but those CO’s in the jail were
                       good to me and believed in me before I was
                                  able to believe in myself.”

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Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
IMPORTANT DATES

                                                                                June
                                                                        LGBTQIA Pride Month
                                                                         Men’s Health Month
                                                                 1 World Reef Awareness Day
                                                                   st

                                                                              6th D-Day
                                                                             14th Flag Day
                                                                 14th Scrap Tire Collection Drive
                                                                15th Household Hazardous Waste
                                                                           Collection
                                                                  18th National Go Fishing Day
                                                                           19th Father’s Day
 Meet the Department                                          23rd National Detroit-Style Pizza Day
 Environmental Health
 Meet Jim Henry, Midland County Environmental                                    July
 Health Director, and learn about the many things that           1 National Postal Worker Day
                                                                  st

 the department does to protect and improve the quality                 4th - Independence Day
 of the environment and the health of Midland County                    (County Offices Closed)
 citizens. From soil evaluations and septic systems to
                                                                23th - National Day of the Cowboy
 restaurant inspections and radon, environmental health
 is there. Watch this interview with Bridgette Gransden,           24th - National Parents Day
 Administrator/Controller to learn more.                   26th - National Disability Independence Day
                                                              30th - International Day of Friendship

                                                             BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
                                                                   INFO ONLINE
                                                             Check the Board’s Meeting Calendar.
                                                           Look up agendas and minutes for all Board
                                                           and Committee meetings on BoardDocs.
                                                                  View Recorded Meetings.

                                                               Published monthly by the County
                                                                 of Midland for employees and
 Useful Resources for Your Summer                             county residents. Submit content to
                                                            MidlandCountyNewsEditor@gmail.com.
 Before heading off on that summer road trip check out      Subscribe to receive reminder when our
 the MiDrive map for traffic slowdowns, work areas and              newsletter is published.
 more.
 How’s the water? Check the water quality at Michigan                     Subscribe
 beaches before you go at the Beach Guard website.
                                                                        County of Midland
 Explore all this great state has to offer in the Pure
 Michigan Summer 2022 Travel Guide.                                    220 W. Ellsworth St.
                                                                   MIDLAND, MI 48640

June 2022                                                                                              2
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
Spongy Moth Questions & Answers
                By: Neal Swanson, Midland County Spongy Moth Suppression Program Director

   Q) What is a spongy moth? What do they look like? What are some signs that a
   property may be experiencing a spongy moth infestation?
            A) Spongy Moths (Lymantria dispar) (formerly Gypsy Moths) are an invasive insect from
            Europe originally introduced in the Boston area around 1876. They are a silk-worm and
            were intended for use in silk production but escaped and have spread though-out the
            Northeast and Midwest United States since escaping. Spongy moth populations go
            through cycles of high and low numbers every 6-10 years. When populations are high,
            nuisance from the presence of larvae (caterpillars) and their feeding activity, and the
            associated defoliation and damage to trees can be extensive.

            Spongy Moth Life Cycle. Egg masses are laid by adults in fall and will over-winter. Larvae
            (caterpillars) hatch in late April/early May and may last into early July. Adults emerge mid-July
            and will survive up to 1 month. Brown males fly 24 hrs/day, the white females are flightless.
                                                                                     continued on page 13
June 2022                                                                                                       3
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
Increased COVID-19 Community Transmission
 and Action to Take
 May 30, 2022

                                                          Dr. Catherine M Bodnar, MD, MPH
                                                                           Medical Director
                                                 Midland County Department of Public Health
 Midland County has been experiencing a slow uptick of COVID-19 cases that began in early April due to the
 omicron BA.2 variant and subvariants. Midland County moved to high transmission, based on case reports, the
 last week of April. On Sunday May 22, 2022, Midland County recorded the highest 7-day running average number
 of cases reported since February 27, 2022 at 325 cases per 100,000 population. Over the past 9 days, COVID-19
 reported cases numbers have declined. The county is at 259 cases/100,000 population 7-day running average as
 of May 26, 2022. The hope is this is the beginning of a sustained decline in cases as we move into summer. The
 next two weeks will reveal if there is a post-Memorial Day weekend increase in COVID-19.

 Midland wastewater COVID-19 testing has been fluctuating up and down, but not to the level seen in the first
 quarter of the year. Wastewater COVID-19 levels may forecast case numbers about a week out. The Michigan
 Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says to expect rising COVID-19 case numbers through May.
 This is consistent with the wastewater forecast and case rates we are seeing to date.

 The actual burden of COVID-19 in the community is likely much higher than what is officially reported to Public
 Health, due to mild infections from substantial population immunity (COVID-19 vaccination + recent infections) as
 well as increased use of home testing. Our local health system has a relatively low number of hospitalized patients
 with COVID-19. Midland County is at a medium CDC COVID-19 Community Level, which primarily reflects hospital
 capacity and is less dependent on transmission levels. Most of the Great Lakes Bay Region is experiencing similar
 trends.

 COVID-19 is highly transmissible in close personal settings. Make sure you are up to date with COVID-19
 vaccinations. You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary
 series and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible. Refer to the CDC page to review your COVID-19
 vaccine status:

 High quality masks, such as N-95’s and KN-95’s, help reduce transmission in crowded indoor spaces.
 Transmission of COVID-19 is less likely at outside verses inside events. Do not forget to cover your cough and
 wash hands frequently. Have over-the-counter tests on hand and test before and after you travel. Test in advance
 of group celebrations and gatherings, especially when events may include family and friends who are more
 vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Test if you have symptoms or become exposed to someone with COVID-19. Stay
 home if you are ill.

 Follow the CDC guidelines for isolation and quarantine.

 Isolation: If you have COVID-19 symptoms or test positive, even if no symptoms, isolate at home and stay away
 from others in your household for at least 5 days. “Day zero” is the first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. “Day
 1” is the first full day after symptoms developed or the test specimen was collected. Wear a well-fitting mask if you
 must be around others in your home. Do not travel. End isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours
 (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving. Wear a well-fitting mask for 10
 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public. Do not go to places where you are unable
 to wear a mask.

 Quarantine & Not Up to Date With COVID-19 Vaccinations: If you are a close contact to someone with
 COVID-19, stay home and quarantine for at least 5 full days. The date of your exposure is considered day 0. Day
 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has had COVID-19. Wear a well-fitting mask if you
 must be around others in your home. Get tested at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with
 COVID-19, even if you do not develop symptoms. Watch for symptoms and wear a mask around others for the full
 10 days. Follow the isolation guidance if you develop symptoms or until you receive a negative test result.

                                                                                              continued on next page
June 2022                                                                                                                    4
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
Increased COVID-19 Community Transmission - Continued
 Quarantine & Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccinations: If you are a close contact to someone with COVID-19,
 you do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms. Get tested at least 5 days after you last had close
 contact with someone with COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms. Isolate and get tested if you develop
 symptoms of COVID-19. Follow the isolation guidance if you develop symptoms or until you receive a negative test
 result. Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public. Do
 not go to places where you are unable to wear a well-fitting mask.

 Speak to your physician ahead of time to find out if you qualify for treatments if you are infected with COVID-19.
 For more information on treatment, visit the MDHHS COVID-19 Therapeutics Information web site. Contact the
 Midland County Department of Public Health with any questions at MCDPH@co.midland.mi.us or 989-832-6380.

 Global Monkeypox Outbreak
 Since May 7, 2022, clusters of monkeypox cases have been reported in over 20 countries outside
 of Africa, including the US, totaling over 500 confirmed or suspected cases. No suspected or
 confirmed cases have been identified in Michigan as of May 31, 2022. This outbreak is the most
 widespread outside of Africa to date. Monkeypox has previously been identified in travelers from,
 or residents of, West African or Central African countries where monkeypox is considered to be
 endemic (regularly found in a certain area).
 Monkeypox was first identified in monkeys in 1958. The first human case was described in 1970.
 It is a viral illness caused by an orthopox virus, which is the same genus as smallpox. However,
 monkeypox is much less severe than smallpox, with a fatality rate for the currently circulating strain
 of about 1%. Monkeypox spreads through prolonged close contact such as skin-to-skin contact
 with the rash, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.
 Symptoms are flulike and include fever, headache, body aches, generalized weakness, back pain,
 swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands) and a characteristic rash of pus-filled blisters with a central
 dimple (umbilicated rash).
 Prior vaccination against smallpox may provide protection against monkeypox. Several antiviral
 medications available from the CDC may be effective against monkeypox. Public Health experts
 feel it is very unlikely that monkeypox would lead to a pandemic. The virus that causes monkeypox
 is much more stable than influenza of COVID-19 and prolonged close contact is required for
 transmission. On May 31, 2022, the CDC updated its travel advisory for monkeypox as global cases
 continue to increase. The risk to the public is still considered low, the CDC said, but travelers
 should “practice enhanced precautions” and avoid close contact with sick people.
 For more information on this topic, refer to the CDC web site: Monkeypox in Multiple Countries -
 Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions - Travel Health Notices | Travelers’ Health | CDC

June 2022                                                                                                             5
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot for
 Children Age 5-11
 Midland County Department of Public Health began giving COVID-19 Vaccine Booster shots to
 children age 5-11 on Tuesday, May 24 and will also continue to offer 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Booster
 doses for all that are eligible. For walk in clinic schedules and appointments go to https://www.
 co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/COVIDVaccineInformation.aspx.
 Following the May 19th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP),
 CDC has expanded eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age
 and older. CDC now recommends that children age 5 through 11 years receive a booster shot
 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. This booster, which FDA has
 authorized, would be a third dose for healthy children and a fourth dose for children who are
 immunocompromised. The dose is child-sized at 1/3 the size of the adult vaccine, and it has shown
 to be nearly 91% effective during clinical trials.
 Since the pandemic began, more than 4.8 million children age 5 through 11 have been diagnosed
 with COVID-19, 15,000 have been hospitalized and, tragically, over 180 have died. As cases
 increase across the country, a booster dose will safely help restore and enhance protection against
 severe disease. Waning antibody levels have been seen in children and adults after initial COVID
 vaccine series. Pfizer says clinical trial data shows the booster raised omicron-fighting antibodies
 by 36-fold in children, with no new safety issues.
 Many children age 5-11 haven’t been vaccinated at all. CDC says only 35% have gotten one dose
 and only 28% have had both initial doses.
 Free KN-95s are available at the Health Dept. and can be picked up during regular business hours.
 Contact the Midland County Dept. of Public Health with any questions at MCDPH@co.midland.
 mi.us or 989-832-6380.

                         PREPAREDNESS BY THE MONTH
                                       Do1Thing For June
   Be aware of and prepare for your family’s unique needs.
   Every household is different. Is there an infant or young child in your home? Does someone
   in your family have a medical condition that requires medication? Do you have a pet? Before
   disaster strikes, talk to your family about your household’s unique needs. Make a list of special
   items you may need in a disaster.Tasks
    1. Talk with family members to identify your household’s unique needs.
    2. Make a plan to make sure pets are taken care of in a disaster.
    3. If you or someone in your household has a disability, create an evacuation plan that works
       for them.
   For more information on these tasks go to do1thing.com/individuals/unique-family-
   needs/ and to https://www.co.midland.mi.us/EmergencyManagement.aspx for local
   information.

June 2022                                                                                               6
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
Congratulations!
June 2022                      7
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
June 2022   8
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
Tick Awareness

                                                                Jim Henry, RS, MBA
                                                       Environmental Health Director
                                          Midland County Department of Public Health

 Midland County Department of Public Health encourages
 residents to take steps to avoid tick bites while enjoying the
 outdoors this summer. “Preventing tick bites is key to preventing
 Lyme disease,” said Jim Henry, Midland County Environmental
 Health Director. “It is important to promptly remove ticks that
 have bitten you and monitor your health. Contact your medical
 provider, if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches.”
 Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium and is transmitted by the
 blacklegged tick (deer tick). There has been a significant increase
 in cases in Michigan. In 2021, there were 878 confirmed and
 probable reported cases of Lyme disease, nearly double the 451
 cases reported in 2020. Information about Lyme disease risk by
 county is available at Michigan.gov/Lyme.
 Symptoms of Lyme disease typically begin one to two weeks
 after a tick bite. Early symptoms can be non-specific and include
 fever or chills, rash, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. Early
 treatment with appropriate antibiotics can decrease the risk of
 serious complications. You can protect yourself and your family
 by following these tips:

 Avoid tick-infested areas:
    •   As ticks live in grassy, brushy and wooded areas, walk in
        the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass,
        brush and leaf litter at trail edges.
    •   Protect your pets – dogs and cats can come into contact
        with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home. Talk with
        your veterinarian about the best tick prevention products
        for your pet.

 Use insect repellent:
    •   Apply repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed
        skin.
    •   Treat clothes (especially pants, socks and shoes) with
        permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that
        are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
    •   Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when
        applying repellents.

                                               continued on next page

June 2022                                                                              9
Corrections Officer Makes an Impact - Midland County
Tick Awareness - continued
 Perform daily tick checks and removal:
    •   Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even in your own
        yard.
    •   Inspect all body surfaces carefully and remove attached ticks with tweezers.
    •   To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady
        motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.

 Bathe or shower:
    •   Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (within two hours) to wash off and
        more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
    •   Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to help kill ticks in clothing.
 If you are unclear about identification or have questions regarding ticks, please contact Midland
 County’s Environmental Health Division at 989-832-6380 or email ehinfo@co.midland.mi.us.
 Additional information regarding ticks and Lyme disease can be found here:
    •   michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/lyme-disease
    •   CDC.gov/Ticks

June 2022                                                                                               10
Affordable Connectivity Program
 The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households
 can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
 The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible
 households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible
 households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop
 computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50
 toward the purchase price.
 The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device
 discount per household.
 For eligibility requirements and an application go to: fcc.gov/acp

 Just in Time for Summer!
 Good news! The splash pad at Sanford Lake Park is open!
 There is no charge for entrance, but voluntary donations are
 accepted at the splash pad should you choose to do so. Come
 and beat the heat this summer at Midland County Parks and
 Recreation - Midland, MI.

 Household HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
 Midland County residents may dispose of household
 items that are considered hazardous, such as chemicals,
 oil-based paints and stains, pesticides, insecticides,       Dates scheduled for 2022 are:
 household cleaning products, certain auto products,
                                                                     Wednesday, June 15
 and mercury during Hazardous Waste Collection days.
                                                                     Tuesday, August 16
 Household hazardous materials (HHM) can lead to                    Wednesday, October 12
 contamination of groundwater, surface water, well water,
 or other water sources when spilled on the ground,
 poured down the drain, or placed in trash containers.
 This is your opportunity to safely and properly dispose of most hazardous materials you may have
 in your home.

 Appointments are required, click here for more information and to schedule appointments or call
 the Midland County Health Department at 989-832-6681. Be prepared to indicate the type and
 amount of materials you wish to drop off. Only Midland County residents with appointments will be
 allowed to drop off materials.
 These collections are made possible by a partnership between the City of Midland and the Midland
 County Department of Public Health.

                                                                               continued on next page
June 2022                                                                                               11
2022 Midland Youth Law Enforcement Academy
         Monday, August 1st through Friday August 5th 2022

Presented by Midland City and County School Resource Officers
     9 AM to 4 PM EACH DAY – LUNCH IS PROVIDED
      MIDLAND LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
2727 Rodd Street, Midland, MI (Corner of Rodd and Jefferson)
Enrollment is open to the first 30 applicants. Students must be between 13 and 15 years
of age. The class is open to new participants only. Students will engage in physical
training throughout the week. Appropriate athletic clothing and athletic shoes are
required each day.

                   Topics covered pending availability
Juvenile laws           Bicycle Safety                 Crime Scene
Boating Safety          Tour of Courthouse             Crash Investigation
Tour of the Jail        Tour of 911 Dispatch           Visit with Judges
Jail Security           Court Security                 DNR
SWAT                    Criminal Law                   Physical Fitness
Detective Bureau        Road Patrol functions          Internet Safety

    COST: $70.00 PER COUNTY RESIDENT STUDENT
   OR $90.00 PER NON-COUNTY RESIDENT STUDENT

Please make check payable to Midland County Sheriff:
Youth Law Enforcement Academy
ATTN: MCSO Records Division
2727 Rodd Street Midland MI, 48640
Direct any questions to MCSO records
Phone: 989-839-4630
Email: sheriffrecords@co.midland.mi.us
Spongy Moth Q & A Continued From Page 3

              Several (4) fresh egg masses on bark.        Third instar (juvenile) larvae, on leaf.
            Each egg mass may contain 500-1,000 eggs.

        Sixth instar (mature) larvae, may be 2-3” long.   Pupae, where larvae metamorphosizes.

        Defoliated trees and frass-stained pavement.      Frass (droppings) and leaf fragments.

June 2022                                                                                             13
Q) Why do we think we are seeing elevated spongy moth infestations this year
   when it has not been as much of an issue in previous years?
            A) There are natural environmental controls that act on growing spongy moth
            populations. These controls include a virus called Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV), egg
            parasitoid wasps called Ooencyrtus sp., and a fungus called Entomophaga maimaiga,
            which together limit exponential population growth in most years. A key control (E.
            maimaiga) requires cool, wet conditions in early-mid June to multiply fungal spores and
            infect the caterpillars. Unfortunately, we have not been getting the rain we need at the
            right time for the last 4 years, so the E. maimaiga has not been acting on the
            populations like we expect, resulting in a region-wide infestation of much higher-than-
            normal numbers.

   Larvae likely killed by E. maimaiga fungus.     Dead larvae in inverted “V” characteristic of NPV.

June 2022                                                                                               14
Q) What does it mean when the Spongy Moth Suppression Program says their
   methods follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach?
            A) The Spongy Moth Suppression Program performs egg mass surveys in the fall of the
            year prior to treatment to identify rising populations, spray to contain spreading into
            the surrounding area, and reduce caterpillar numbers to limit defoliation and nuisance
            in wait of latent natural controls to kick in. We use low environmental footprint
            (biological) pesticides only as needed to keep operating costs low, while maintaining
            control of the populations. This approach is known as Integrated Pest Management
            (IPM) and is the standard in spongy moth suppression. The program is not intended to
            treat every forested acre in the county and city in any given year, as this would be highly
            cost-prohibitive and damaging to the ecosystem.

   Q) What does the program spray? How does it work? Can it be sprayed multiple
   times? How does the spray effect humans or pets?
            A) We spray a biological (bacterial) insecticide called Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki
            (Btk) that is effective only on moth or butterfly caterpillars that eat the Btk at the time it
            is active. A liquid formulation is sprayed in a fine mist on leaves, the leaves are
            consumed by the caterpillars, and a toxic crystal is released into the caterpillar’s
            digestive tract. This will cause the caterpillar to stop eating, and it will die within 3-4
            days. There is an inverse relationship to Btk effectiveness and caterpillar size. Larger
            caterpillars must consume a larger dose of the Btk, so may not die even if they eat the
            Btk. Given this fact, the best strategy is to spray the highest proportion of the smallest
            possible caterpillars. This usually happens in mid-late May. Multiple sprays are not
            usually necessary and are intended primarily to treat a wider range of egg hatch
            conditions and would not target the same cohort twice. There is no evidence that the
            spray has harmful effects on people or animals, or even any other insects outside of the
            target genus (butterflies & moths). Various formulations of Btk are even used in organic
            gardening and beekeeping.

   Q) How long might this infestation spike last?
            A) Spongy moth populations loosely follow a 6-10 year cycle where populations spike
   and crash. The population spikes may last for 2-3 years or longer if conditions are right for
   prolonged infestation. The Btk spray is intended to suppress the populations, limiting tree
   defoliation and reducing nuisance (ideally to tolerable levels). It is impossible to eliminate the
   populations, and we can’t expect to. The spray is intended to lessen the effects of an infestation
   until latent natural controls begin to act again (causing a population crash). This will reduce
   populations to unnoticeable levels once again. In a few years, the cycle will begin again,
   hopefully less severe the next time.

June 2022                                                                                                    15
Q) What can homeowners do to combat the spongy moth population on their
   own property?
          A) A few home remedies have been proven effective on various life stages of the spongy
   moth. Different activities may be more or less effective, but any reduction in population helps.

   Small Caterpillars: Sticky barrier bands can be placed on tree trunks at chest height beginning
   in early-mid April. These bands will help keep small caterpillars from climbing up less infested
   trees from neighboring trees and any caterpillars that may fall to the ground.

                                                                 Source: University of Wisconsin Extension

   Barrier bands should consist of some sort of tape or fabric backing to be placed around the tree
   for 8-12” to ensure the sticky substance does not directly contact the tree bark. Do NOT put the
   sticky substance directly on tree bark, this may cause permanent staining and damage to the
   tree bark. The sticky substance is the homeowner’s decision; Vaseline, inverted duct tape
   (sticky side out), or a product called Tanglefoot or similar caterpillar trapping paste are options.
   Sticky substance should be checked after rains, dust, caterpillars to maintain stickiness. On
   rough bark, a sheet of cotton batting may be placed underneath tape intended to block
   caterpillars from passing under and past the barrier.

June 2022                                                                                                    16
Larger caterpillars: In early-mid June, sticky barrier bands may be switched out for burlap
   barrier bands, and/or burlap barrier bands may be added to the defense. Larger caterpillars
   may travel up/down the tree trunk at various times in the day, so the burlap band can act as a
   trap or a place of refuge, concentrating the caterpillars for easier collection/killing.

   At chest height, wrap 10-20” of burlap around the tree. Tie a string in the middle of the burlap
   sheet allowing the sheet to flop over into an inverted U or V. The caterpillars will then be able
   to travel down the tree and over the folded burlap, but as caterpillars crawl back up, they tend
   to get caught within the fold. Periodically check the burlap for caterpillars throughout the day,
   especially in the afternoon. Any caterpillars collected may be crushed or scraped off into a
   container of dish soap solution, left in the solution the caterpillars will die.

   Dish soap solution: Combine 2 cups of water with 3 Tbls of dish soap

   This solution can be used on caterpillars and egg masses.
   When the live caterpillars are dropped into the solution, the soap will kill the caterpillar. Once
   dead, the caterpillars can be thrown out. The solution can also be used in a hand sprayer and
   sprayed directly on the caterpillars, soaking them. The addition of several ounces of vinegar has
   been shown to be even more effective on caterpillars, and if the water/soap/vinegar solution is
   sprayed on siding or surfaces, it may act to deter the caterpillars from climbing up surfaces.

June 2022                                                                                               17
Fresh egg masses can also be scraped off from tree bark, decks, etc, into the dish soap solution,
   submerging the egg mass. The egg mass should be left in the solution for at least 3 days, and
   the soap will kill the eggs within the egg mass and the egg mass can be discarded in the trash.

   50/50 Water & Oil solution: Mix 1-part water with 1-part horticultural oil (mineral or Neem oil),
   vegetable oil will also work, but may not be as effective. Add a few ounces of dish soap to
   solution to act as an emulsifier.
   This solution can be used on fresh egg masses.
   Egg masses that are visible but may be out of reach for scraping into dish soap solution, can be
   sprayed with 50/50 oil water solution. The solution can be loaded into pump hand or backpack
   sprayers and sprayed in a stream onto egg masses. The goal is to saturate the egg mass with
   the solution, to the point the egg mass darkens and looks saturated. The oil in the solution will
   smoother the eggs inside so the egg mass won’t hatch the following spring. Be advised, this
   process can be messy, so wear clothing you don’t mind getting some vegetable oil on.

   Killing Adult Moths: Adult spongy moths will emerge after pupation, generally in early-mid July
   and may be present through late August. The white female moths are flightless and will be
   visible on tree bark, deck railings, and siding. The brown male moths fly erratically and can be
   seen flying 24hrs/day. The female moths are easier to locate and squish due to the fact that
   they will not fly away. Any female that is killed prior to laying an egg mass can reduce next
   year’s potential population by 500+ caterpillars. Male moths are hard to kill due to erratic flying
   patterns, but bug zappers have been effective at killing male moths in higher densities.

       Adult female spongy moth laying egg mass            Adult male spongy moth in flight

June 2022                                                                                                18
Full-Time and Part-Time Technicians (seasonal)
April 4 - September 16, 2022       and       May 9 - September 16, 2022
             (Two hiring start dates - April 4th and May 9th)
$14.10/1st year             $14.60/2nd year                 $15.35/3rd year

Performs work of routine difficulty in mosquito control operations. Conducts
field inspections and application of insecticides in areas such as woodlots,
flooded fields, marshes, ditches and other areas with rugged terrain with
significant obstacles; will work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
including rain and variable temperatures; performs routine maintenance and
repair of equipment; maintains daily records of activities; attends training
programs; answers questions and interacts with the public. Exposure to
environmental allergens such as grass, weeds and pollens.
Onsite training provided for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development Registered Applicator exam. Must be able to work weekends,
holidays and shift work. Must be able to lift and/or carry 40lbs over rough
terrain.

Applications accepted until all positions are filled.

Required for all positions
Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent, Valid driver’s license and good driving record
mandatory; ability to read maps and perform simple math computations. Must pass a physical, drug test and background check. In
order to be considered for these positions you must provide a Midland County Employment Application which can be submitted at:

Midland County Human Resources Department
220 W Ellsworth Street
Midland, MI 48640-5194

If you prefer email send to HR@co.midland.mi.us.
For additional question contact (989) 832-6797. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. You can obtain an application or
submit your application online at:
Midland County Parks and Recreation is hiring Seasonal Staff for the
              summer! Deadline to apply: Open until filled

Seasonal Park Ranger/Maintenance - Performs park maintenance tasks and participates in the construction
  and repair of park facilities. Operates park vehicles and landscaping equipment. Oversees park visitors to
 ensure adherence to park rules and regulations. Works outside on a regular basis with exposure to various
                                  weather conditions. Starting wage: $14.10/hr.

    Requirements - Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older, retain a high school diploma or
                             equivalent and possess a clean driving record.

Candidates desiring consideration for this position must pass a physical/drug screen and criminal background
    check. Candidates must be able to work weekends, holidays and multiple shifts (40 hr. workweek).
                                          May 6 - October 30, 2022.

For consideration, you must complete a Midland County Employment Application, which can be obtained at
 the Midland County Human Resources Department, 220 W. Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640-5194 or
online at https://www.co.midland.mi.us/HumanResources/JobPostings.aspx. Contact (989) 832-6876 ext. 5
                                       with any related questions.
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

 National Correctional Officers
 and Employees Week
 On May 3rd the Midland County Board of Commissioners
 proclaimed the week of May 1-7, 2022 as National
 Correctional Officers and Employees Week to recognize
 the men and women who work in jails, prisons, and
 community corrections in our community and around the
 country. The Full Proclamation.

June 2022                                                                                       21
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