Local News

Northern Light Cannabis to open on Nov. 6

MDHHS issues Emergency Order updating requirements for residential care facilities to allow for indoor visitation

LANSING — Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon today issued an Emergency Order under MCL 333.2253 that updates and further expands requirements for residential care facilities, while also permitting indoor visitation in residential care facilities in certain circumstances. Throughout the pandemic, MDHHS has used a range of public health tools and guidance to contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public health, including emergency orders.

“As we grapple with both colder weather and rising cases, our task is to increase access to visitation in ways that do not increase the spread of the virus,” Gordon said. “Visitation is a substantial source of risk. This order provides a plan for visitation that mitigates risk and continues necessary protections in facilities across the state.”

The residential care order continues to limit communal dining and internal and external group activities consistent with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance and it requires quick notification in the event an employee or resident is confirmed as positive for COVID-19.

BMIC submits comments on Enbridge permit applications

BAY MILLS— On Monday, Oct. 19, Bay Mills Indian Community and others submitted formal comments to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, in opposition to Enbridge’s permit applications for its Line 5 pipeline tunnel project.

BMIC is expressing grave concerns over the lack of information Enbridge has provided to the state —information required to determine whether or not the tunnel project satisfies the state’s legal requirements.

“We have said all along that this pipeline poses an existential threat to our rights under treaties we have signed with the United States,” said Bryan Newland, BMIC tribal chairman. “This pipeline also poses a grave danger to the watersheds of three of the five Great Lakes. We are going to make sure that the state has a clear picture of these risks, and of their responsibility to protect our waters and our rights.”

The information provided already exposes the very real threats the project would have including unnecessary harm to fisheries, wetlands, and threatened and endangered species.

In an effort to safeguard their treaty-protected fishing rights which are critical to preserving their food supply and source of income and important archaeological sites, BMIC is urging the state to reject Enbridge’s applications for permits in accordance with the Clean Water Act and Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

“Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project is nothing more than an attempt to keep an outdated and dangerous pipeline in operation for another century,” said Earthjustice attorney Adam Ratchenski. “Considering the threat this project poses to Bay Mills’ Treaty-protected rights and resources located in the Straits of Mackinac, the state should reject these permits.”

“At the end of the day, Bay Mills’ treaty rights are put at risk by the Line 5 tunneling project. These risks must be acknowledged, evaluated and resolved,” noted Native American Rights Fund attorney David Gover. It’s imperative that EGLE recognize what’s at stake for the Bay Mills people and not disregard the treaty and laws that protect their lifeways and cultural heritage.

BMIC is being represented by Earthjustice and the Native American Rights Fund in the legal proceedings against Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline and tunnel project. Earthjustice partnered with NARF, BMIC, and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, to prepare and submit these comments.

Fish farmers find new applications for old dairy equipment

It’s unlikely most people get excited when they see a vacant manure pit, but converted storage lagoons on former dairy farms can be money-making ventures for aquaculture operations. We hear from a Michigan Sea Grant expert in the Western UP and from Wisconsin farmers. Read More

BMCC to provide free virus testing to students and staff

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Community College students will have the opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 on the first two days of classes this fall term:

Monday, Aug. 31 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Testing is optional, but strongly encouraged. This service is being made available in partnership with Bay Mills Health Center. There will be no additional cost to students, although those with insurance will be asked to provide their information.

Testing for students will take place in the parking lot behind the college library at 12214 W. Lakeshore Drive.

Each student participating in testing will drive up to the designated location with a completed consent form, where a nasal swab will be taken for a rapid test. For those insured, please present your insurance card with your completed consent form. Results will be available within 15 minutes of the test.

Please contact the following people to make your appointment:

BMCC Main Line: 906-248-3354
Stacey Walden: swalden@bmcc.edu or 248-8426
Wendy Heyrman: wheyrman@bmcc.edu or 248-8403
Kendra Voris: kvoris@bmcc.edu or 248-8402

Judge grants BMIC the right intervene in court case

Aug. 12, 2020

LANSING — An administrative law judge granted Bay Mills Indian Community the right to intervene in the ongoing pipeline fight uniting Tribes, environmental groups and community members against oil giant Enbridge.