Community Homeworks Names New Executive Director

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Community Homeworks during this juncture in its history. The organization is well positioned to build on the tremendous momentum of the past ten years. I look forward to being a part of the effort to take the organization to the next level with our team, making a positive difference in the lives of area residents who struggle to remain in their homes,” Praedel said. READ MORE!

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Traffic Calming Project in Kalamazoo’s Northside

A new pilot project to calm traffic and create safer streets in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood began with a neighborhood event at LaCrone Park (535 W Paterson).

Traffic calming “chicanes” will be installed on residential streets throughout the Northside Neighborhood. Chicanes are physical barriers in the roadway that require drivers to slow down to navigate around them. Studies have shown that chicanes lower traffic speeds and reduce traffic crashes by about 29%. READ MORE!

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MDHHS Issues Rules to Restrict Restraint of Youth in Facilities

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is stepping up its ongoing efforts to reform the state’s child welfare system by introducing new measures that better protect the safety and well-being of youth in foster care.

MDHHS today announced emergency rules for restricting dangerous restraints of children in child-caring institutions while the department works toward its goal of barring restraints from facilities that serve youth in the state’s foster care system. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer concurred in MDHHS Director Robert Gordon’s finding of an emergency regarding current restraint procedures. READ MORE!

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Coronavirus Case linked to Plasma Center

One symptomatic employee who works for the Grifols BioMat USA, has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The health department advises people who were at the plasma center located at 167 E. Kalamazoo Avenue on the following dates June 27, 28, and 29, and July 3, 6, 8, and 9 to monitor themselves daily for symptoms of the respiratory disease and seek testing from their healthcare provider. READ MORE!

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First human mosquito-borne virus identified

Jamestown Canyon virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness can develop from a few days to two weeks following a mosquito bite. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease, including infection of the brain – encephalitis – or the lining around the brain and spinal cord – meningitis. READ MORE!

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State’s Reformed No-Fault Law

Griffin, of Mattawan, helped approve a major overhaul to Michigan’s much-maligned no-fault system. The new law guarantees lower rates by giving drivers more choice on personal injury protection coverage, stopping price gouging on medical services for car accident victims, combating fraudulent claims and strengthening consumer protections. READ MORE!

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