UPDATED: Western Upper Peninsula Health Department reports COVID-19 testing statistics

HANCOCK -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) is reporting cumulative COVID-19 testing statistics for the five-county jurisdiction (Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties).

UPDATED: These testing statistics are current as of April 1, 2020:

Referred for Testing: 
Houghton County leads the five with 67 referred. Gogebic is next with 43; Baraga reports 17; Ontonagon 11; and Keweenaw 8.

Tests cancelled:
Houghton 9, Keweenaw 2, Ontonagon 2, Baraga 1 and Gogebic 1.

Positives:
Gogebic 3, Houghton 1. Zero positives in the other 3 counties.

Negatives:
Houghton 37, Gogebic 22, Baraga 5, Keweenaw 5, and Ontonagon 4.

Tests pending:
Gogebic 17, Houghton 20, Baraga 11, Ontonagon 5, and Keweenaw 1.

Deaths:
So far only one death, as previously reported, in Gogebic County.

UPDATE: Canceled tests are those tests that a healthcare provider decided not to submit after other diagnostic procedures confirmed a different illness or a clinical decision was made to not test after a referral was already assigned to the system. Most canceled tests were done early on in the process. The process has improved and additional guidance is now available to all healthcare providers.

WUPHD will not be separately reporting cases other than the first positive in each county. Residents should behave as though the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community, including businesses and buildings that are open under the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21.*

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others. Remember, the symptoms of COVID-19 are not your usual runny nose and sneezing. Instead, COVID-19 symptoms include fever of >100.4, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. If you do become ill, call your doctor before going in to the office. Testing will be determined based on a risk assessment.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should do the following:

• Stay home if they are sick
• Wash their hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Avoid touching your face; avoid shaking hands
• Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing 

WUPHD is working to coordinate its response with federal, state, and local officials, as well as healthcare professionals, institutions, schools, and community organizations. For more information, please contact the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department at (906) 482-7382. Updates are also available at www.wuphd.org.

A local COVID-19 informational call line is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT at (906) 487-5545. A State informational hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT seven days per week. That number is 1-888-535-6136. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found on the MDHHS website  (www.michigan.gov/coronavirus) or the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/).

* Click here for Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-21.

UPDATED April 4: Editor's Note: According to a new page on county cases from michigan.gov, confirmed cases in Michigan counties now number a total of 14,225 with 540 deaths as of 3 p.m. April 4. However, this State report contains an error for Houghton County. The Western UP Health Dept. reports still only one positive case in Houghton County. The State has been made aware of the error and it should be corrected by Monday, Apr. 6. Click here for this new page and see our right-hand column for updates or corrections. (Note that City of Detroit is reported separately from Wayne County.)

Coronavirus identified in Western UP; first case in Houghton County confirmed

From: Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD)
Posted March 29, 2020, on the WUPHD Web site
Reprinted with permission

HOUGHTON COUNTY -- The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) received notification on Sunday, March 29, of the first COVID-19 positive case in Houghton County. The Health Department continues to investigate the case to determine exposure risk to recent contacts.

"At this time, I advise the public to be diligent, yet level-headed in prevention efforts," said Cathryn A. Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "I urge you to get your information and situation updates from reputable sources such as the health department or your physician."

WUPHD will not be naming public low-risk exposure locations. Residents should behave as though the virus may be present when they are in public places in the community, including businesses and buildings that are open under the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21.*

First local death from COVID-19 in Gogebic County

On Friday, March 27, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) received notification of the first local death attributed to COVID-19. The individual was an elderly male Gogebic County resident with underlying health issues. The Health Department continues to investigate the case.

"Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who have lost their loved one," said Cathryn A. Beer, Health Officer at WUPHD. "This is a tragic reminder of how serious a threat COVID-19 is to our residents, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. We need to work together to protect each other, support each other, and slow the spread of this disease."

As a precaution, WUPHD is asking everyone to follow the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-21 to "Stay Home. Stay Safe." Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate for 14 days to avoid potentially exposing others.

Remember, the symptoms of COVID-19 are not your usual runny nose and sneezing. Instead, COVID-19 symptoms include fever of >100.4, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. If you do become ill, call your doctor before going in to the office. Testing will be determined based on risk assessment. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should do the following:

• Stay home if they are sick
• Wash their hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Avoid touching their face; avoid shaking hands
• Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing

Additional information regarding the Novel Coronavirus may be found by visiting the following:

COVID-19 Exposure -- What Should I Do?

Centers for Disease Control: Novel Coronavirus

Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools

Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for COVID-19 in the United States

Michigan’s Coronavirus Website

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Coronavirus Q and A

Coronavirus and You

How the Novel Coronavirus Spreads

What to do if you are Sick with the Coronavirus

FAQs About Respirators and Their Use 

Coronavirus: What the Public Should Do

Coronavirus Information for Travelers
 
Information for Healthcare Professionals

EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus

* See Gov. Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-21 here.

AG Nessel addresses confusion over businesses deemed "Critical" during Stay Home, Stay Safe Order

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel posted a video online on Friday, March 27, to address questions surrounding employment rights considering Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order.

The video can be viewed here.

The Attorney General’s office added a new section to its website Thursday, Know Your Employment Rights, to provide Michigan residents with more information on the legal rights of employees and employers under the executive order. 

Nessel called on the cooperation of law enforcement agencies and the public to ensure the executive orders are followed.

"We have already put information up on our website specifically directed to the law enforcement community," she said. "In addition, my staff is working with the Governor’s office to get new information up on their website every day -- information that will help clarify which businesses should temporarily suspend or reduce their onsite operations."

That information can be found through the Guidance for Business page on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19.

Willful violations of the order can result in a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail for each violation. Violations should be reported to law enforcement that oversees the jurisdiction in which the alleged offense occurred. 

The state’s COVID-19 website also has information on the Governor’s executive orders, directives and FAQs which allows for review of each order and its own frequently asked questions (FAQs).

"We are all in this together. If you can work from home, please do so," Nessel said. "If you are a business and the Governor’s order requires you to reduce your onsite operations or temporarily suspend your onsite operations, please do that. For those who must work, please follow social distancing guidelines."

If an employee believes their employer is failing to take the proper precautions to protect employees from exposure to various threats, they can learn how to file a complaint with MIOSHA online.  

A summary of the activities people can and cannot do under the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order can be found online here, the text of the order can be found here, and answers to frequently asked questions about the order can be found here.

Anyone seeking interpretation of an executive order should first review those orders and the FAQs posted online. If an answer is not found, requests for an interpretation of an executive order can be emailed to the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Frequently monitoring the FAQs is recommended as they are updated often.

MTU Engineering Team Joins Open-source Ventilator Movement

Using distributed technologies like 3D printing and circuit milling systems, makers around the world hope to build an open-source ventilator. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

By Allison Mills*
Posted March 20, 2020, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted with permission

HardwareX has an open call for papers to build an open-source, 3D-printed ventilator and other COVID-19 medical hardware. They need ideas, printers, medical experts and a synthetic lung.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, the research community is looking for solutions. In addition to work on vaccines and medicine, medical technology is needed. In severe cases of COVID-19, the disease attacks the respiratory system, and one of the major bottlenecks in treatment is having enough ventilators.

The open-source hardware community wants to change that.

Joshua Pearce, Michigan Tech Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and a professor of electrical and computer engineering, is an open-source hardware expert and co-editor-in-chief of HardwareX, the leading open-source scientific hardware journal.

"The research on open-source ventilators is not new, but when it started a decade ago the technology was not there. Now it is, and we have substantial motivation, and we just need to bring all the information together," Pearce said, explaining that 3D-printed lab hardware and other open-source tech can be cost-effective and encourages design improvement. "Even complex medical devices are not outside the realm of possibility anymore."

Pearce, who runs the Michigan Tech Open Sustainability Technology (MOST) Lab, has joined the Michigan Tech Open Source Initiative, which collaborates with groups like the 9,000+ strong Helpful Engineers, made up of makers, hackers, medical personnel, engineers and other researchers from around the world. Many perspectives converge on a single goal: getting 3D-printed, open-source ventilators and other medical hardware where they’re needed to overcome COVID-19.

However, technological expertise is not the same as medical expertise (and a key validation test for open-source ventilators requires a lab with a synthetic lung -- not something most people keep around their makerspace). The end goal is medical-grade, low-cost designs, which can be made using distributed manufacturing technologies, like 3D printing or circuit milling systems, by anyone who needs them locally. To use them, the medical community needs certainty that an open-source design will operate as intended and do no harm.

As the HardwareX editors write in their announcement, "This special issue is dedicated to vetting the technical specifications and reproducibility of open medical hardware that can help during this global pandemic." 

They also note that, due to the urgency, Elsevier has made HardwareX platinum open access for the special issue, meaning all articles will be rapidly peer-reviewed and published open access upon acceptance, and all article processing charges will be waived. Or, as Pearce puts it for open hardware, "We need to test it, vet it and send it out to the universe."

The work is not clear or easy. Besides prioritizing remote work and social distancing like much of the working world, another limitation to combating COVID-19 is access to hardware. This includes ventilators, negative pressure rooms (airborne infection isolation rooms), oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters, flow-splitters for oxygen supplies, flowmeters, nasal prongs/nasal cannulae, flexible nasal catheters, oxygen masks, non-contact thermometers, N95 respirators and powered, air-purifying respirators.

Even with uncertainty about whether manufacturing companies are willing to let open-source help out, there is immense pressure to get a design put together -- and fast. As pointed out by the editor-in-chief of Science, the success of the world’s recovery depends on what the research community is able to understand, mitigate and implement.

The technology enabling many of us to work at home is the same technology connecting the global open-source community. Their conversations are happening in Slack, on Facebook and through many, many emails. Lots of opportunities to get involved exist.

Engineering Needs Pro-human and Pro-tech Solutions

Joshua Pearce, Michigan Tech Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and a professor of electrical and computer engineering, speaks about open-source and sustainable technologies at Michigan Tech. Click on YouTube for larger screen.(Video courtesy Michigan Tech University)

Submit to the special issue of Elsevier's HardwareX on open-source COVID19 medical hardware.

Stay current with campus announcements at mtu.edu/covid-19.

* Allison Mills, author of this article, is Michigan Tech Associate Director of Research Communications, University Marketing and Communications.

Governor Whitmer Signs "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order

Michigan Governor Whitmer directs all non-critical businesses to temporarily close, all Michiganders to stay home or six feet away from others during COVID-19 crisis

LANSING -- Today, March 23, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order (EO 2020-21), directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life. The order also directs Michiganders to stay in their homes unless they’re a part of that critical infrastructure workforce, engaged in an outdoor activity, or performing tasks necessary to the health and safety of themselves or their family, like going to the hospital or grocery store.

Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their home or place of residence under very limited circumstances, and they must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when they do so, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household to the extent feasible under the circumstances.

"In just 13 days, we’ve gone from 0 to over 1,000 COVID-19 cases," said Governor Whitmer. "This is an unprecedented crisis that requires all of us working together to protect our families and our communities. The most effective way we can slow down the virus is to stay home. I know this will be hard, but it will be temporary. If we all come together, get serious, and do our part by staying home, we can stay safe and save lives."

"Taking aggressive action to protect our communities is the most important thing we can do to mitigate further spread of COVID-19," said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. "If we do this now, we can make sure our hospitals and healthcare workers are prepared to take care of the sickest people. It is crucial that people do the right thing by staying home and staying safe."

Executive Order 2020-21 prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes, unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations. Businesses and operations are to designate the workers that meet those criteria, and must adopt social distancing practices and other mitigation measures to protect workers and patrons in the performance of that necessary in-person work.

Workers that are necessary to sustain or protect life include those in health care and public health, law enforcement and public safety, grocery store workers, and more. For a full list of these critical infrastructure workers, click the link to Executive Order 2020-21 at the bottom of this page.*

Additionally, under Executive Order 2020-21, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons outside a single household are temporarily prohibited. People may leave the house to perform for limited, necessary purposes, and may engage in outdoor activities like walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity, consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside a person’s household and with other restrictions imposed by prior executive orders.

Michigan is currently in the top five states in the nation in number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Several governors across the country have taken similar steps to protect their communities from the spread of COVID-19, including governors Mike DeWine (R-OH), Andrew Cuomo (D-NY), J.B. Pritzker (D-IL), Tom Wolf (D-PA), Gavin Newsom (D-CA), John Bel Edwards (D-LA), Phil Murphy (D-NJ), and Ned Lamont (D-CT).

Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with these symptoms: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath.

The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is the following: 

If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

For those who have questions about the state’s actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Michiganders can apply for unemployment benefits if they have left work or taken a leave of absence because of self-isolation or self-quarantine in response to elevated risk from COVID-19 due to being immunocompromised, displaying the symptoms of COVID-19, having contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, the need to care for someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or a family care responsibility as a result of a government directive. Those temporarily laid off from work should apply for unemployment benefits online at www.michigan.gov/UIA or 1-866-500-0017. 

Governor Whitmer is working to ensure that children who rely on the food provided by schools will have the resources they need. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has developed an online map for families to find meals. Families can access the map at: https://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/.

On March 19, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved the governor’s request for a statewide Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration, opening the opportunity to small businesses to access low-interest loans from the SBA. The application for disaster loan assistance is available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ For businesses looking for more information on how to apply for an SBA EIDL loan or whether it is something they should consider, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19.

* Click here to view Executive Order 2020-21

This press release will be translated and made available in Arabic and Spanish at www.michigan.gov/whitmer.

Inset photo: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

Michigan Tech's World Water Day moves online

The artwork "Pathways for Reducing Emissions" by Alisa Singer, an artistic rendering of a graph that shows possible pathways to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to limit global mean temperature rise in the post-industrial era to not more than 2°C (3.6°F) -- the stated goal of the countries signing the Paris Agreement. This image is part the virtual exhibit Environmental Graphiti. (Image courtesy Michigan Tech University)

By Kelley Christensen*
Posted March 19, 2020, on Michigan Tech News
Reprinted with permission

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech will celebrate World Water Day March 23 - 24 with speakers, an art exhibit, and a poster competition -- virtually.

Just a week after moving instruction online for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, Michigan Technological University will celebrate World Water Day in the same fashion.

World Water Day is a United Nations event celebrated annually to raise awareness of how important the stewardship of water is for humanity and other creatures. 2020 marks the 12th year Michigan Tech has joined in the celebration.

Keynote Speaker: Joellen Russell

Watch Joellen Russell’s World Water Day keynote address via Zoom: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/981199790

Keynote speaker Joellen Russell is using robot floats and supercomputers to measure the ocean and predict future climate. She will deliver the World Water Day keynote address via Zoom from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Russell is the Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Integrative Science and a professor of geosciences, planetary science, hydrology and atmospheric sciences and applied math at the University of Arizona. Russell’s address will be recorded so those unable to make the live event can watch it later.

Youth Speaker: Sophia Kianni

Watch Sophia Kianni’s World Water Day youth address via Zoom: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/885172643

Youth speaker Sophia Kianni will give her address about climate advocacy and her experiences as a youth leader by Zoom from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Kianni is a youth climate activist based in Washington, D.C., working nationally with Fridays for Future USA and This is Zero Hour and internationally with Extinction Rebellion. Kianni’s address will also be recorded for those unable to make the live event.

Student Poster Competition

The virtual student poster competition is from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Participants will present their posters and judges will offer their feedback through Zoom. At this time 23 students are signed up to present posters. Students will be awarded cash prizes in the following categories: original research, coursework/informational, and a people’s choice award.

Finally, each World Water Day celebration features an art show. The World Water Day 2020 art show features Environmental Graphiti -- a series of digital paintings by Alisa Singer. Singer’s works were created to enhance public awareness of the science of climate change. Each of the 23 works of art is derived from a chart, graph, map, word or number relating to a key fact about climate change. Use the interactive campus map to take a virtual tour of the exhibit.

* Guest writer Kelley Christensen is Science and Technology Publications Writer, Michigan Tech University Marketing and Communications.

Insert photos: Joellen Russell and Sophia Kianni. (Photos courtesy Michigan Tech University)

Campus-wide and Virtual Exhibit: The Art of Climate Change continues from March 16 to May 15

CLIMATE MODELS ACCURACY OVER TIME, by Alisa Singer. Digital Art on Metal 35.1" W X 24.8" H. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center)

By Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center

The work of Chicago-based artist Alisa Singer, Environmental Graphiti, is a series of digital paintings created to enhance public awareness of the science of climate change. Each of the artworks is derived from a chart, graph, map, word or number relating to key facts about climate change. Michigan Tech’s exhibit includes 23 pieces displayed at 10 locations across campus and virtually via the interactive campus map.

Environmental Graphiti exhibit sponsors include the Great Lakes Research Center; the Institute for Policy, Ethics and Culture; University Marketing and Communications; the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Biological Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Geological and Mining Engineering and Science; College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science; J.R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library; and the Rosza Center for Performing Arts. The exhibit runs through May 15.

Each piece in the campus exhibit is available for purchase. Proceeds will support student seed research grants to be announced in fall 2020. To purchase artwork, contact glrcinfo@mtu.edu. Artwork sales are subject to Michigan Sales Tax.

Click here for the virtual exhibit, Environmental Graphiti.

The Environmental Graphiti exhibit is one activity planned for the University’s annual World Water Day celebration. Other World Water Day activities are being moved to virtual delivery platforms. Updates and details will be posted on the Great Lakes Research Center’s World Water Day Events website.

AG Nessel issues statement following Governor Whitmer's Executive Order temporarily stopping dine-in services at food, beverage establishments

LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement in support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order calling for a temporary shutdown of dine-in service at food and beverage establishments (and limiting restaurants to carry-out).

"My thoughts today are with the workers and businesses in our food and hospitality industries. It is heartbreaking that an industry built on service to others must be shut down to help protect and keep safe the families they call their customers and friends. In an effort to help them through this difficult and unexpected shutdown, I am asking our partners in the state and federal legislature to look for ways to help alleviate the financial impact of this shutdown. The Governor’s order was necessary and appropriate in light of the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves and we will be working with our state, county and local law enforcement partners to enforce the order. I am proud of the tens of thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of workers who recognize the gravity of this situation and are responding quickly and without hesitation. We owe them our gratitude and support."

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-9: Temporary restrictions on the use of places of public accommodation also includes temporarily closing cinemas, and indoor and outdoor performance venues, libraries, museums, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas, and casinos licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The closings are to begin as soon as possible but no later than 3 p.m. TODAY, Monday, March 16, 2020, and to continue until 11:59 p.m. March 30, 2020. Click here for the full Executive Order.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available online at a state website focused on the issue, and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Inset photo: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

Public performances and receptions at Rozsa and McArdle Theatre canceled through April 17

HOUGHTON -- According to directives by Michigan Tech administration, all public concerts/performances/receptions in the Rozsa Center and McArdle Theatre in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center scheduled during March 16-April 17, 2020, are canceled. Student productions/concerts will not be rescheduled. The Rozsa is working with agents to reschedule Rozsa Presenting Series events for the next season. Following is a list of canceled events:

March 20:  Don Keranen Memorial Concert
March 20:  Superior Wilderness Reception (the art exhibition will remain open during the safety period)
March 25:  The Solidarity Question (Lecture series)
March 28:  Manual Cinema (In negotiation for reschedule in Fall)
April 3:  Audiopharmacy (Looking at rescheduling)
April 4:  Evelynn Glennie (Looking at rescheduling)
April 4:  Vieux Farka Touré (Looking at rescheduling)
April 15-18:  The Importance of Being Earnest
April 17:  Onomatopoeia (Student Art Reception)
April 19:  A Choral Kaleidoscope
April 21-22:  Student Art Opening (Studio Here Now)
April 26:  Theatre Appreciation Plays

Events outside the March 16-April 17 window are being considered. Updates on the status of performances and events can be found in the events calendar on the Rozsa Center webpage.

Refunds for tickets purchased for these events will be made. More information on processing these refunds will be shared within the next week. If an individual would like to donate their ticket refund to the Michigan Tech Fund (Friends of the Rozsa Center) this will be an option. Refund information will be sent out to subscribers and ticket holders within the next week. More information about the COVID-19 response at Michigan Tech can be found at www.mtu.edu/covid-19.

U.P. Energy Task Force to meet March 13; public can comment through April 6

During an informal discussion session in February at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton, U.P. Energy Task Force members Jennifer Hill, Marquette City Commissioner and contractor with Citizens Utility Board of Michigan, and Roman Sidortsov, Michigan Tech assistant professor of Energy, offer residents an update on the first phase of the UP Energy Task Force work on propane supply and transport. Michigan's residential propane use is the highest in the U.S. Hill and Sidortsov were not speaking on behalf of the Task Force but were relating information they have learned from being members of it. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

LANSING -- Members of the U.P. Energy Task Force will meet Friday, March 13, in Harris and Lansing to review a final technical report on propane availability in the Upper Peninsula and discuss a draft of the panel’s recommendations.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. with U.P. members of the Task Force in the Wolf Conference Room at the Island Resort and Casino, W399 Highway 2 and 41, in Harris, and Lansing-area members in the Lee Walker Conference Room on the atrium level of Constitution Hall, 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing. There will be a public comment period at both locations beginning at 11 a.m.

The Draft Recommendations of the Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force Part I - Propane Supply contains proposed actions the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies may consider pursuing to better track and anticipate supply and demand, minimize disruption impact, and provide a more cohesive plan for those who are disproportionately affected by high energy costs in the U.P.

This slide from the presentation at Portage Library lists some of the propane issues that could be included in the Task Force report. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The draft document will be posted next week to the Task Force’s website, Michigan.gov/UPEnergyTaskForce.

Public comments on the recommendations section of the draft document can be submitted via email to EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov. All comments submitted through April 6 will be considered by the Task Force for possible inclusion in the final report, which is due to the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer by April 17. The submission date was extended to allow for a longer public review period.

People who need special assistance to participate can contact Kimber Frantz at 517-284-5035 in advance of the meeting.

Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order outlined specific goals for the U.P. Energy Task Force:

• Assess the U.P.’s overall energy needs and how they are being met.

• Formulate alternative solutions for meeting the U.P.’s energy needs, with a focus on security, reliability, affordability, and environmental soundness. This includes, but is not limited to, alternative means to supply the energy sources used by U.P. residents, and alternatives to those energy sources.

•  Identify and evaluate potential changes that could occur to energy supply and distribution in the U.P.; the economic, environmental, and other impacts of such changes; and alternatives for meeting the U.P.’s energy needs due to such changes.

The draft propane document is the first of two reports the U.P. Energy Task Force is to submit to the Governor. A full report on overall U.P. energy issues and alternatives is due March 31, 2021.

Follow the activities of the U.P. Energy Task Force at Michigan.gov/UPEnergyTaskForce.

Please send your comments regarding the work of the UP Energy Task Force to: EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov. Comments submitted via the above email address will be shared with all UP Energy Task Force members. Comments submitted will become part of the public record and subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

Finlandia University transitions to online instruction as response to coronavirus

From: Finlandia University President Philip Johnson:

HANCOCK -- According to the latest (March 12) coronavirus (COVID-19) response update from Finlandia University President Philip Johnson, Finlandia is taking steps to ensure safety and wellness for the Finlandia campus and community.

Effective today, March 12, Finlandia University is implementing the closing of Finlandia Hall. All students will be required to vacate the residence hall by no later than Tuesday, March 17, at 5 p.m.

Class instruction is transitioning to online. The following are excerpts from President Johnson's March 12 letter to the Finlandia community:

a) Face-to-face classes, labs, and clinicals are cancelled Friday, March 13, through Tuesday March 17. Faculty will transition their courses from face-to-face to Canvas, the online learning platform, during this time period.

b) Classes will resume as fully online through Canvas on Wednesday, March 18, and continue through the remainder of the semester. Faculty understand that moving their courses to the online platform can be an unsettling disruption for students. In response, the University is building support tools and processes designed to encourage continuous learning and minimize disruption. Faculty and advisors will continue to work during this transitional time and are available to students through established office hours and electronic communications.

c) The delivery of science labs, studios, and clinicals will be determined within the respective department and communicated through their respective faculty or deans.

d) Students enrolled in a second half wellness course are asked to speak to their advisors regarding alternatives.

e)  Graduating seniors are asked to continue working with their faculty advisors as they continue working towards a successful completion of their final year. Deans will be working with faculty to ensure minimal disruption occurs during this final leg of their academic journey.

All higher risk faculty and staff are encouraged to seek potential arrangements to work remotely.  This request can be made to the Office of Human Resources at (906) 487-7339 or alyson.delandsheer@finlandia.edu. Any student who has been exposed to a known case of COVID-19 or may be exhibiting symptoms of fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing is asked to report to Dean of Students Erin Barnett at (906) 487-7231 or  erin.barnett@finlandia.edu. Anyone who is ill is asked to stay home.

Administrative and other offices remain open and operations continue. Academic support and tutoring will be available via video and teleconferencing. Students awarded Federal Work Study will receive further guidance in a separate email.

Effective immediately, campus events are limited to 25 persons or fewer unless otherwise authorized. The Honors Banquet scheduled for April 17 will not be held as currently configured. Alternatives are being investigated. Decisions regarding commencement activities will be made by April 3.

Updates will be provided. Stay informed by visiting finlandia.edu/coronavirus and regularly checking campus mail.

Click here to read the complete letter from President Johnson.

For more information on the Coronavirus Disease, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Announcement: March 13 KBIC Tribal Water Day cancelled

From: Valoree Gagnon, Director, University-Indigenous Community Partnerships, Michigan Tech Great Lakes Research Center:

"The KBIC Tribal Water Day that was scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, March 13, in Baraga has been cancelled. There is no word on rescheduling it at this time but we will keep you updated if we hear any news."

Michigan Tech to suspend face-to-face instruction through April 17, 2020

HOUGHTON -- In an effort to protect the health and safety of our community from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Michigan Technological University will suspend all face-to-face instruction and move classes to a virtual instruction environment. This arrangement will remain in place until Friday, April 17, 2020. The University will decide by April 10, 2020, whether to extend the time period.

"We must all stay vigilant to help protect each other and our community from the potential effects of this virus," said Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek. "Michigan Tech’s COVID-19 response team, consisting of University leadership and public health officials, has reviewed and is modifying as needed our plans for preventing the contraction and/or spread of COVID-19. Six University task forces have prepared for and are responding to implications and impacts on the campus community."

The University is taking this preemptive measure to mitigate potential impacts associated with the spread of the virus. Michigan Tech students are currently on Spring Break and the vast majority of them have traveled outside the Houghton-Hancock area. As there is no way to definitively know who, if anyone, has been exposed to COVID-19, the University is limiting the amount of time students will spend in close proximity to each other for at least 14 days after Spring Break ends.

"We are working closely with Michigan Tech to monitor developments related to COVID-19," said Pete Baril, director of community planning for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. "We thank them for their proactive approach in helping mitigate the impacts associated with the spread of the disease."

Michigan Tech students are permitted to return to campus, and each student is expected to make the choice that is best for their personal situation. On campus, the University strongly encourages all students, faculty, and staff to practice appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures. Because the University’s priority is the community’s health and safety, high-risk populations, as identified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are encouraged not to return to campus. All dining services and residential housing will remain open and operational.

At this time, Michigan Tech Athletics will not cancel or postpone any on- or off-campus athletics events and will remain in normal operation, consistent with guidance from the NCAA, GLIAC, and WCHA. The Athletics department may revisit this decision based on NCAA, CDC, or Western Upper Peninsula Health Department guidance, or as the situation warrants.

The health, safety and security of Michigan Tech students, faculty, staff, and fans will continue to guide the University’s decision-making process moving forward. The University is working closely with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and following the guidance of the CDC in monitoring COVID-19 developments.

Please keep in mind this is a fluid situation and circumstances can change rapidly. The most up-to-date information -- including President Koubek's message to faculty, staff and students -- is available at mtu.edu/covid-19.

Editor's Note: Keweenaw Now will continue to post updates on COVID-19 developments in the university and local community in this column or in our right-hand column.

Updated: KBIC Natural Resources Department to host Tribal Water Day March 13

Poster courtesy Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Department.

UPDATE: Unfortunately this event has been cancelled. See this announcement.

BARAGA -- The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Natural Resources Department (NRD) will present a Tribal Water Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Ojibwa Casino Bingo Hall in Baraga. The event is free and open to the public.

Here is the Agenda:

8 a.m. - 9 a.m. -- Doors Open. Please take this time to view the display area and network.

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. -- Welcome and Importance of Protecting and Healing Our Waters. Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Council Leadership.
KBIC Water Walkers: Raising Awareness to Protect Nibi.

9:30 - 10:30 a.m. -- Developing Water Quality Standards. Alan Walts, Director, Tribal and Multi-media Programs Office, EPA.

10:30 - 11:10 a.m. -- KBIC Water Quality Standards Development. Cory McDonald, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University.

11:10 - 11:50 a.m. -- KBIC Fisheries Program: State of the KBIC Fisheries Program, Past, Present and Future.
Gene Mensch, KBIC NRD, Fish Biologist
Karen Anderson, KBIC NRD, AIS Specialist.

Noon - 1 p.m.: Lunch Provided

1 - 1:30 p.m. -- Assessing Climate Vulnerability through Science and Ojibwa Knowledge. Rob Kroll, Policy Analyst, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC).

1:30 - 1:50 p.m. -- KBIC Manoomin (Wild Rice) Current Restoration Efforts. Kathleen Smith, KBIC NRD Habitat Specialist.

1:50 - 2:10 p.m. -- Wetlands as the Ojibwa Medicine Cabinet. Karena Schmidt, KBIC NRD Ecologist.

2:10 - 2:40 p.m. -- Panel Discussion on Community Environmental Monitoring Program:

Geri Grant, Superior Watershed Partnership
Matt Johnson, Lundin Mining
Community Foundation of Marquette County
Evelyn Ravindran, KBIC NRD.

2:40 - 3 p.m. -- An Update on Perfluouroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Tom Asmus, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

3 - 3:20 p.m. -- Bridging Knowledge Systems and Expertise for Understanding Landscape Contamination. Judith Perlinger and Noel Urban, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University.

3:20 - 3:40 p.m. -- National Marine Sanctuary -- a Keweenaw Lake Superior Designation?
Bill Rose and ERika Vye, Great Lakes Research Center, Michigan Technological University.

3:40 - 4 p.m. -- Closing Remarks.
For questions, please contact: Stephanee Cree at (906) 524-8700 or scree@kbic-nsn.gov

Michigan Tech Travel Restriction expanded to Italy and Iran

By Scott Wendt, Michigan Tech Manager of Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety
Posted in Tech Today on March 3, 2020

HOUGHTON -- A community outbreak of the respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19, has continued to spread to multiple countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor developments. At this time, the CDC has issued additional Level 3 Travel Health Notices for Italy and Iran. Currently, the CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the following countries: China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.

Consistent with the CDC recommendation, Michigan Tech is issuing a University-wide travel restriction for Italy and Iran. Michigan Tech travel restrictions are also still in place for China and South Korea. The restriction applies to faculty, staff, and students. If you have essential travel scheduled to one of these countries, please contact the Office of General Counsel at 906-487-2318.

The University administration continues to monitor the situation for developments and will update the campus community as necessary. For Michigan-specific information on the coronavirus, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services webpage.

To get more information and view all updates from Michigan Tech, visit: mtu.edu/covid-19

U.S. Supreme Court to review Affordable Care Act decision that jeopardizes health care for millions

LANSING -- The U.S. Supreme Court today agreed to review a lower court’s decision that found the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional, at the urging of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 19 other attorneys general and the governor of Kentucky, who collectively filed the petition for review.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ Dec. 18, 2019, decision in Texas v. U.S. held the ACA’s individual mandate -- requiring people to obtain health insurance coverage -- unconstitutional and called into question whether the remaining provisions of the ACA could still stand, including those that protect and provide coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions.

"Though this decision fell short of an expedited review, I am pleased the Supreme Court will nonetheless review this case," Nessel said. "The Affordable Care Act provides essential protections for millions of Michiganders with pre-existing conditions. Ensuring those safeguards are maintained is critical to caring for our state’s residents as well as the health of our country."

Nessel and the coalition petitioned the Supreme Court to review the case because the lower court’s ruling causes uncertainty that may harm the health of millions of Americans, as well as doctors, clinics, patients and the health care market. The Supreme Court granted the coalition’s request but declined to expedite its review and consider the case by the end of the court’s current term in June as it was also asked to do.

The lawsuit was filed by a Texas-led coalition and supported by the Trump administration, which argued that Congress rendered the ACA’s individual mandate unconstitutional when it reduced the penalty to $0. They further argued that the rest of the ACA should be held invalid because of that change.

The Fifth Court determined the individual mandate was unconstitutional but declined to rule on the ACA’s remaining provisions, instead opting to send the case back to the Northern District of Texas to determine which provisions of the 900-page law were still valid. Those provisions include coverage for the 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, subsidies that help working families afford health care, investments in public health programs to prevent and combat public health threats like the opioid epidemic, and support lab capacity and immunization infrastructure for threats like novel coronavirus.

Unless the court orders otherwise, the case will be reviewed in October at the earliest.

Inset photo: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. (Photo courtesy Michigan.gov)

Supporters of Dana Ferguson, 1st District Democratic Congressional candidate, learn about his U.P. values, issues, more, at musical Friendraiser in Hancock

By Michele Bourdieu

Dana Ferguson, Democratic District 1 Congressional candidate, is pictured here with his wife, Kristi, during the Feb. 21 Friendraiser for his campaign, held at The Orpheum Theater in Hancock. (Photos by Keweenaw Now)

HANCOCK -- An enthusiastic crowd of about 75 supporters filled The Orpheum Theater in Hancock on Feb. 21 to hear from Dana Ferguson, Democratic District 1 Congressional candidate, and to enjoy listening and dancing to two local bands at a Friendraiser for the candidate.

The Thimbleberry Band, led by Oren Tikkanen, center, played music for dancing while supporters gathered to meet Candidate Dana Ferguson at the Feb. 21 Friendraiser in The Orpheum Theater in Hancock.

Ferguson introduced himself as a native Yooper with progressive working class values and spoke about growing up in Negaunee, attending Northern Michigan University in Marquette and working as union laborer in construction and carpentry:

During the Feb. 21 Friendraiser for his campaign, District 1 Congressional Candidate Dana Ferguson outlines some of his ideas for building a strong economy for the District, which includes the Upper Peninsula and parts of Northern Michigan. (Videos by Keweenaw Now)

Ferguson then spoke about another issue important to him and his family -- health care:

Dana Ferguson speaks about the high cost of health care and why he believes in a single-payer system to make health care affordable.

Ferguson concluded his presentation by pointing out that none of the issues really matter if we don't address the reality of climate change now and embrace the Green New Deal, which offers an economic opportunity to prevent negative effects of climate change.

Dana Ferguson notes the importance of addressing climate change and realizing it offers an opportunity for change and economic progress. He concludes by asking those in the audience to support his campaign with actions as well as donations.

Valorie Troesch, a member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, organized the event for Ferguson along with several other volunteers, including Barb Turuc-Mills, Janeen Stephenson, and Horst Schmidt.

"Dana is exactly what we are always looking for in a political candidate," Troesch told Keweenaw Now. "He is a native Michigander; he's lived, worked, and raised his family in the UP; and he knows better than any other candidate in this race what matters most to the people here. I don't think we can find anyone more sincere and authentic. He is eminently electable. He is the most progressive candidate running for Congress in the 1st District, and he isn't from Wall Street."

Candidate Dana Ferguson pauses for a photo with Valorie Troesch, right, and Barb Turuc-Mills, both members of the Houghton County Democrats. Turuc-Mills assisted Troesch in organizing the Feb. 21 Friendraiser event.

"Equally important to people of my generation, Dana represents the future," Troesch continued. "We complain that young people are not getting involved in politics and here is Dana. His values and the policies he supports -- single payer health coverage for everyone, recognizing that the climate crisis is both urgent and an unparalleled economic opportunity for the 1st District, among others -- are the policies that the next generation will fight for and enact. Dana is our candidate. I hope that voters in this district support him in the primary election in August and then do so again in the general election in November."

Troesch added her appreciation for the many people who helped make the Friendraiser a success, including Mike Shupe and The Orpheum, the musicians of the Cheap Therapy and Thimbleberry bands, emcee Bill Fink, the sponsors and hosts of the event, the dessert makers (for the silent auction), and the committee who helped put it all together.

"Everyone was so willing to contribute in whatever way we asked," Troesch noted.

Janeen Stephenson, Houghton resident, who also helped Troesch organize the event, expressed her strong support for Ferguson's values and his campaign.

"I have witnessed how much energy and commitment Dana Ferguson has as he campaigns for Michigan's First District for the U.S. Congress," Stephenson said. "I am confident he will work tirelessly for expanded health care, fair taxes, economic opportunity and the progressive values I hold dear if he is elected. Let's support him in the primary and as our voice to beat Jack Bergman."

Following his presentation, Ferguson fielded some questions from the audience at the Friendraiser:

Dana Ferguson replies to audience questions on the economy and environment, infrastructure, communication, and voter turnout.

Mike Lahti of Hancock, former Democratic State representative for Michigan's 110th District, attended the Friendraiser as a supporter and expressed his endorsement of Dana Ferguson for the 1st District U.S. Congressional seat.*

"I think he's a straight-talking native of the U.P. who's concerned about the District having good-paying jobs and a good environment," Lahti told Keweenaw Now. "He would give us quality representation in Washington."

Mike Lahti, former Democratic State representative for the 110th District, and his wife, Sharon, both Hancock residents, attended the Feb. 21 Friendraiser for Dana Ferguson in the Orpheum Theater. Seated behind them are Ami Wisti, left in background, former aide for former 1st District Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak, and Ruth Wisti. Judge Mark Wisti (Amy's husband and Ruth's son) is recovering from surgery.

Following the question session, the Cheap Therapy band provided lively dance music for the remainder of the evening.

Cheap Therapy musicians play a variety of popular songs and dance tunes during the Feb. 21 Friendraiser for Dana Ferguson. Both bands, Thimbleberry and Cheap Therapy, volunteered their performances for the event.

Tom Collins, second from left in the photo above, a member of the Cheap Therapy band and a Calumet resident, was enthusiastic about Ferguson.

"Dana is coming from his heart and Upper Peninsula life experience," Collins said. "He is a good choice to represent us in the US Congress!"

Linda Rulison, Houghton County resident, who attended the Friendraiser with her husband, Dave, commented on the success of the event.

"Dana's event at the Orpheum was both fun and informative," Linda Rulison noted. "The turn out and support for him was overwhelming. We got to hear not only Dana's personal story that has brought him to this point but also what he wants to accomplish for Northern Michigan and the U.P. He is a U.P. native who lives here, raised his family here -- and he understands what it means to be a Michigander, unlike our current U.S. representative in Congress."

Hancock resident Linda Belote was very impressed with Ferguson and his values.

"I was so pleased to meet Dana Ferguson and to have a chance to explore his views," Belote said. "He is a thoughtful, caring person who does not dodge hard questions but gives straight answers in a strong but humble manner. It was so refreshing to hear him talk about things I care about. I am hopeful we can replace President Trump's 'yes-man' Jack Bergman with a person who will genuinely represent us, his constituents, and will vote for women's rights, and work to protect our precious environment for the benefit of generations to come."

On his Web site, Ferguson has expressed how growing up in the UP shaped his values.

"This is where I learned what is important to me," he writes. "It’s where I learned my work ethic, my love of nature, and my respect and appreciation for a simple life."

Ferguson also notes his campaign does not accept corporate or PAC money.

To learn more about Dana Ferguson and his campaign, visit his newly updated Web site at https://www.fergusonformichigan1.com/

* Editor's Note: While individual Democrats have endorsed Dana Ferguson in his campaign for Congress, the Houghton County Democratic Party does not officially endorse a candidate until after the Primary Election of Aug. 4, 2020.

Michigan Tech University travel restrictions extended to South Korea

From: Office of the President, Michigan Technological University
Posted Feb. 27, 2020, on Tech Today

HOUGHTON -- A community outbreak of the respiratory illness, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, COVID-19, has continued to spread to multiple countries. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor developments and has issued a Warning Level 3, for South Korea. This warning instructs travelers to avoid nonessential travel to South Korea.

Consistent with the CDC recommendation, Michigan Tech is issuing a University-wide travel restriction for the entire country of South Korea. The restriction applies to faculty, staff, and students. If you have essential travel to China scheduled, please contact the Office of General Counsel at 487-2318.

At this point in time the CDC lists both China and South Korea as Warning Level 3. The University is still restricting travel to the entire country of China. Previous communication regarding travel restrictions to China was issued on Jan. 31.

The University administration continues to monitor the situation for developments and will update the campus community as necessary. For Michigan-specific information on the coronavirus, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services webpage.

More information -- including a Feb. 26 email to Michigan Tech students, staff and faculty from Scott Wendt, Michigan Tech manager of Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety -- and all Michigan Tech University updates are available here.

AG Nessel, MDHHS issue warning to consumers regarding coronavirus scams

LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today warned Michigan residents to watch for scams related to the coronavirus disease 2019. These scams include websites selling fake products, and fabricated emails, texts and social media posts used to steal money and personal information.

The emails and posts may be promoting awareness and prevention tips along with phony information about cases in residents’ neighborhoods. They may also ask for donations to victims, provide advice on unproven treatments or contain damaging attachments.

"While the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 is real, there have been no confirmed cases in Michigan," said Nessel. "Do NOT fall for these scams. In fact, this is the perfect example of criminals preying on people’s fears. Don’t give a single piece of personal information to anyone reaching out to you regarding coronavirus."

The Federal Trade Commission has offered the following tips to help you avoid these scammers:

• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know;
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus;
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations; and
• Be alert to "investment opportunities."

"While the current risk of COVID-19 in the United States is low, we are working with our local and federal partners to make sure our public health system is prepared," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. "The best way Michiganders can stay healthy is to wash their hands often with soap and water, cover their coughs and sneezes, stay away from people who are sick and stay home if they are not feeling well. For accurate, up-to-date information, visit the CDC’s website or the MDHHS’ webpage."

Regardless of who they claim to be, people who text or email asking for personal or financial information should be treated as potential thieves who may be trying to steal someone’s identity. Resist their believable scenarios and confirm the identity of a contact by independently speaking with the identified source. Do NOT provide any personal information to people who call or email seeking it. Remember, identity thieves are crafty, and they may attempt to contact people numerous times using various aliases.

For more information and tips, please read this Consumer Alert from the FTC.

Consumers are encouraged to file consumer complaints online with the Michigan Department of Attorney General or call 877-765-8388.

Inset photo: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. (Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

Informal public meeting to learn about UP Energy Task Force to be Feb. 22 at Portage Library

The UP Energy Task Force holds a meeting on Sept. 20, 2019, at Finlandia's Jutila Center. Representatives of Plains Mainstream Canada, Enbridge, and SEMCO Energy Gas Co. gave presentations at this meeting on their companies’ roles in supplying propane and natural gas to the U.P. Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) took public comments. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)*

HOUGHTON -- On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, come to the Portage Lake District Library from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to learn about and discuss the work of the UP Energy Task Force. Members of the Task Force will give an overview of the UP energy system and an update on the first phase of the UP Energy Task Force on propane supply. 

This meeting is an informal session, open to the public. No one will be speaking on behalf of the Task Force. It is an opportunity to learn and discuss.

The UP Energy Task Force was created by Michigan Governor Whitmer's Executive Order No. 2019-14. Its opening statement reads:
"The residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula ("UP") deserve an energy supply that is affordable, secure, and environmentally sound. Today, however, they face significant challenges in these respects. For several reasons, including the region’s expansive geographic reach and low population density, the UP has struggled with energy affordability and infrastructure development, and parts of the UP have some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. These prices, coupled with relatively high poverty rates in certain areas, have resulted in UP residents paying a disproportionate amount of their monthly income on energy costs."

The charge to the Task Force according to section 2(a) of the Executive Order is to:
•    Assess the UP’s overall energy needs and how they are currently being met.
•    Formulate alternative solutions for meeting the UP’s energy needs, with a focus on security, reliability, affordability, and environmental soundness. This shall include, but is not limited to, alternative means to supply the energy sources currently used by UP residents, and alternatives to those energy sources.
•    Identify and evaluate potential changes that could occur to energy supply and distribution in the UP; the economic, environmental, and other impacts of such changes; and the alternatives for meeting the UP’s energy needs in response to such changes.

The Task Force is directed to complete its final report in two stages. First, the Task Force is required to submit a propane plan to the Governor by March 31, 2020, focused on alternative means to supply propane to the UP consistent with section 2(a) of the Executive Order. The Task Force is required to submit the remainder of its report, by March 31, 2021.

Send your comments regarding the work of the UP Energy Task Force to: EGLE-UPEnergy@Michigan.gov  Comments submitted via this email address will be shared with all UP Energy Task Force members. Comments submitted will become part of the public record and subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.**

Editor's Notes:
 
* Click here to see the minutes from the Sept. 20, 2019, UP Energy Task Force meeting in Hancock.

** Visit EGLE's UP Energy Task Force page to learn about their work and find links to meeting agendas, minutes and presentations.

Friendraiser for 1st District Congressional Candidate Dana Ferguson to feature live music, pizza at Orpheum Feb. 21

Poster courtesy Valorie Troesch.

HANCOCK -- Join supporters and friends in support of Dana Ferguson, Michigan 1st District Democratic Candidate for US Congress, at the Friendraiser beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Orpheum Theater/Studio Pizza, 426 Quincy St. in Hancock. This is a great way to enjoy some live music and complimentary pizza with fellow supporters!

Music will be provided by the Thimbleberry Band from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and by Cheap Therapy from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and dance for Dana!

Michigan 1st District Congressional Candidate Dana Ferguson addresses Houghton County Democrats at their Feb. 5, 2020, monthly meeting at the Super 8 in Houghton. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"Dana is a lifelong resident of the 1st District," says Valorie Troesch of Dollar Bay. "He knows the everyday struggles that people in this district face because he has lived those same struggles. It is time for the people of the 1st District to have a Representative in Congress who is one of us, who will stand up for us, and who will be a voice for those who are too often voiceless. This is why I support Dana and why I’m asking you to help by coming to this fundraiser at the Orpheum on February 21st or, if you can’t make it, by supporting his campaign in any way you can."

Ticket donations are $25 Single, $100 Family, $250 Supporter, $500 Host, and $1000 Partner.

To buy your tickets now, go to https://secure.actblue.com/donate/houghtonforferguson.

To buy tickets at the door, please RSVP in advance to info@fergusonformichigan1.com so organizers know you are coming!

Click here to visit Dana Ferguson's Web site and learn about the issues that are important to him.