Home Latest UpdatesBoil Water Lift Notice09/28/2020News / Public ServiceThe services affected by the boil water notice resulting from the 9/26/2020 valve replacement are cleared for use. On 9/28/2020 at 2:00 PM, the second set of coliform samples came out clear. The water is safe to consume. The following addresses were affected: 15-48 W Fayette, 4-10 E. Fayette, from Fayette to College on N. West (from 208 to the Town Houses), and Kendall and Lane Halls. Lift notices are being hand delivered to the affected addresses. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you. If you have any questions, please call the Office, 517-437-3387 during regular business hours. Hillsdale BPU 45 Monroe Street Like this:Like Loading...... Water Outage / Boil Water Notice SATURDAY09/25/2020News / Public ServiceOn 9/26/2020 water will be turned off at 8am to the main supplying service to allow changing of a water valve at the intersection of W. Fayette. This drop in pressure requires boiling water after the valve is in place and the water turned on. Therefore, a boil water notice will be in effect until two consecutive 24 hour tests come back clear. Water for consumption or cooking should be boiled for at least 15 minutes. Bathing and washing clothes should not cause any problems. The boil water notice will be in effect for as little as 48 hours after the first water sample is taken but may take longer. Flushing a hose bib outside your home after flow is re-established, till clear, will aid in the clearing of your household lines. Addresses affected are 15-48 W Fayette, 4-36 E Fayette, from Fayette to College on N West (208-Town Houses), and Kendall & Lane Halls. If you have questions please call 517-437-6412. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Hillsdale BPU 45 Monroe Street Like this:Like Loading...... Hillsdale Hospital Leaders Appointed to Michigan Health & Hospital Association Committees09/18/2020NewsHILLSDALE, Mich.—Members of Hillsdale Hospital’s leadership team have been tapped to serve on several Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) committees, representing rural healthcare providers at the state level, including Jeremiah J. Hodshire, president and CEO; John Robertson, chief quality, information and technology officer; and recently retired CEO Duke Anderson, now president emeritus. “It is an honor to be nominated and selected to serve our peer hospitals in this way,” Hodshire said. “Now more than ever, the importance of developing strong relationships with our elected officials is critical. We must continue to advocate for our hospitals and healthcare providers to preserve the health and wellbeing of our communities.” Hodshire will serve on the Legislative Policy Panel, which identifies and analyzes healthcare-related legislation likely to impact Michigan’s healthcare providers. The panel recommends formal association positions on such legislation and helps direct MHA’s advocacy efforts. The Quality and Accountability Committee, on which Robertson will serve, provides input on policy issues related to safety, quality and compliance. This includes performance improvement and accreditation/regulatory issues. “At Hillsdale Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest-quality care possible to our community, so we spend a great deal of time measuring, analyzing and reviewing our quality measures,” Robertson said. “I look forward to serving on this committee to represent the voice of rural hospitals as MHA works to craft policy solutions and address the safety, quality and compliance issues hospitals face.” Anderson will continue to serve on the Small or Rural Hospitals Council, which identifies and analyzes issues specific to small and rural healthcare providers, from both a regulatory and a policy development standpoint. “To have three members of our Hillsdale Hospital team serving at the statewide level to benefit the healthcare industry is a privilege,” Hodshire said. “We are grateful to represent the rural healthcare voice among our peer hospitals and healthcare providers.” Like this:Like Loading...... New Health Insurance Special Enrollment Periods Available for Residents Impacted by COVID-1909/16/2020News / Public ServiceColdwater, MI – The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is advising that extended enrollment periods are available to help residents who qualify under existing rules take advantage of low or no-cost health care coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many of our Tri-County residents to lose their health insurance and this crisis has also made it more difficult for people to purchase replacement coverage. If you lost your coverage, but missed your enrollment window, you still have options to protect your health and the health of your family. • The first opportunity to enroll is available to people who experienced a qualifying life event this year, such as job loss or birth of a child. Typically, consumers have 60 days prior to the loss of coverage and 60 days after coverage ends to purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Under the newly-implemented Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Enrollment Period (SEP), people who lost their health coverage after Jan. 1, 2020, but failed to enroll in coverage due to the impacts of a declared national emergency, will have extra time to enroll in health coverage if they live in an area affected by a disaster declared by the FEMA. Currently all states, including Michigan, are covered under the COVID-19 pandemic national declaration. • Additional Special Enrollment Periods are available to people who have lost off-Marketplace coverage or whose income has decreased. These SEPs allow individuals to enroll in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and to take advantage of premium tax credits for which they may now be eligible. To determine eligibility for a SEP, visit https://www.healthcare.gov/screener/. “Do not delay in enrolling in health care coverage if you have lost your health insurance,” says Rebecca Burns, Health Officer at the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. “This program and these options are here to assist residents during this unprecedented time, and we want your family to stay healthy. The cost of health care should never keep you away from seeing a doctor during a time of need.” To determine eligibility and review the new enrollment period options, including the upcoming 2021 plan year regular annual open enrollment period, which runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2020, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at http://www.healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). Depending on income and your situation, you may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for your children, or Medicaid. Contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442 or email at DIFS-HICAP@michigan.gov if you need assistance. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment. For additional information, contact your local health department office or visit http://www.bhsj.org and follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/BHSJCHA. Like this:Like Loading...... Hillsdale County Interim Sheriff Announced09/14/2020NewsHillsdale County Sheriff candidate Scott Hodshire has been named to head the Sheriff’s department until after a permanent Sheriff is sworn in. Hillsdale County Clerk Marney Kast tells WCSR News that Hodshire and former Sheriff’s deputy and Hillsdale City Police officer, Randy Casler, both submitted resumes for the position. A three-member committee made up of Kast, Prosecutor Neal Brady and Probate Court Judge Michelle Bianchi voted unanimously to offer the position to Hodshire, who is the Republican nominee for the office. He’ll face a challenge from longtime deputy Wes Ludeker, who is running on the democratic ticket in November. Ludeker did not submit his name for the interim position—he apparently did not object to Hodshire’s appointment. Hodshire will take the helm at the end of the day on September 20th. That’s when Undersheriff Carl Albright’s retirement takes effect; Albright was named to head the department after Sheriff Tim Parker stepped down in early August. Like this:Like Loading...... MDHHS encourages local officials to reschedule outdoor activities as EEE cases increase09/14/2020News / Public ServiceLANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages local officials in counties affected by Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health, and applies until the first hard frost of the year. As of Sept. 10, EEE has been confirmed in 19 horses in nine counties in Michigan – Barry, Clare, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oakland. Additional animal cases are under investigation. This is twice as many animal cases as the same time last year. To date, no human cases have been identified. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people. In 2019, there were 10 human cases of EEE in Michigan, which is equal to the total number of cases in the previous 10 years combined. Last year, Michigan accounted for 25 percent of the EEE cases nationally. It is unknown exactly why some years are more severe than others, although weather, including temperature and rainfall, are thought to play a role. “As animal cases continue to grow, the risks to people increase as well,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “People get EEE the same way horses do – from the bite of an infected mosquito – so a case in a horse means people in that area are also at risk. Limiting exposure at outdoor activities, especially near dusk when mosquitoes are most active, is the best way to keep you and your family safe from this deadly disease.” EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection. Signs of EEE infection include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches, which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a medical provider. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by: Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes that carry the EEE virus are most active. Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs. Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas. For more information about EEE, visit Michigan.gov/EEE. You can also call the MDHHS hotline, which will now take calls for general questions about both COVID-19 and EEE, at 888-535-6136. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Like this:Like Loading...... New MDHHS order will allow outdoor visits at residential facilities while continuing to protect residents from COVID-1909/10/2020News / Public ServiceLANSING, MICH. People living in residential care facilities such as nursing homes soon will be able to see visitors outdoors under a new epidemic order signed today by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon that also requires precautions to protect against COVID-19. The directive permits additional exceptions to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order that temporarily restricts visits during the pandemic for the health and safety of residents, visitors and staff at health care, residential care, congregate care and juvenile justice facilities. Based in part on recommendations from Gov. Whitmer’s Nursing Home Preparedness Task Force, the new order is effective next Tuesday, Sept. 15. “Limiting visitation has saved lives,” Gordon said. “And seeing loved ones in person is important for mental health. Allowing outdoor visits – with proper procedures such as requiring social distancing and masks – is good for residents and can keep everyone safe.” In addition to the task force recommendations, other factors in the decision to expand visitation include a flattening of the COVID-19 curve and feedback from families and advocates about how the burden of the current restrictions has grown over time. On June 30, when MDHHS last expanded visitation, the epidemic curve was on the upswing. Viral spread has been stable for several weeks – and last week COVID-19 outbreaks in congregate facilities declined 19 percent from 83 to 67. To address areas with higher levels of risk, the order allows local health departments to stop visitation if necessary. Prior to offering outdoor visits, facilities must assure that the visitation area allows for at least 6 feet separation between all people and provides adequate protection from weather elements. They must also assure someone trained in infection control will be within sight range to assure compliance with resident protection protocols. Facilities must meet criteria specified in the order, including having had no new COVID-19 cases originate there within the previous 14 days. To allow visitation, the facilities must, among other things: Permit visits by appointment only. Limit the number of visitors during each scheduled visit to two people or less. Exclude visitors who cannot or will not wear a face covering during the entire visit. Require visitors to maintain social distancing. Limit the number of overall visitors at the facility at any given time based upon space limitations, infection control capacity and other appropriate factors to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Prohibit visits to residents who are in isolation or under observation for symptoms of COVID-19. Additional requirements can be found in the emergency order. “The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program welcomes this cautious step forward to allow outdoor visits with residents of long-term care facilities,” said Salli Pung, the program ombudsman. “We also appreciate residents will now have access to medical and non-medical services that many residents have not received for nearly six months. By promoting these vital and basic visits and services, long term care facilities can better ensure and address residents’ quality of life.” The order applies to residential long-term care facilities, which include nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance abuse disorder residential facilities, independent living facilities and assisted living facilities. MDHHS previously eased visitation restrictions for residential care facilities in an emergency order issued June 30. The latest order further expands permissible visits in these settings. While the order permits outdoor visits, it does not require facilities to allow these visits. After reviewing experience and feedback around outdoor visitation, the department will consider additional changes to visitation rules. Restrictions on visits don’t apply to medical service providers, resident physicians, and window visits when there is a barrier between the resident and visitor. Volunteers trained in infection control who supervise visitations also do not count as visitors. Additional non-medical services performed by visitors such as hairdressers can be provided under certain circumstances. Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Like this:Like Loading...... MHSAA Provides Guidance on Facial Coverings for Fall Athletics09/10/2020News / SportsEAST LANSING, Mich. – Sept. 10 – To provide further guidance and clarification after the announcement of Executive Order 180 regarding COVID-19 precautions and athletics by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, the Michigan High School Athletic Association today provided member schools with guidance on the wearing of facial coverings for interscholastic sports. Following is an excerpt from today’s communication sent to member schools on facial coverings: Here is a summary of current requirements as they relate to fall sports and face coverings in light of the Governor’s most recent Executive Order (EO 2020-180). It is the MHSAA’s expectation that all members comply with Executive Order 180, which was issued on September 9, 2020, and governs social distancing and facial coverings requirements for organized sports. As of September 10: Face coverings may be worn but student-athletes are not required to do so while in active participation in cross country, golf and tennis. Active participation only applies when an athlete is “in” the game/match/meet/race/competition or is actively involved in any warm-up or cool-down activity. In swimming & diving, there is no requirement of face coverings while preparing to enter the water (and obviously while in the water) but the covering shall be worn at all other times when on-deck or in the facility. Face coverings are required in football, soccer and volleyball. This includes all times during active participation and all times during non-active participation when 6 feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. There are no provisions in EO 180 for medical intolerance reasons or medical waivers. This is not an MHSAA regulation, and thus the MHSAA has no legal authority to waive or modify this Executive Order from the Governor’s office. In both indoor and outdoor practice and training sessions in all regions of the state, including Regions 6 and 8, this same sport-specific guidance applies. Consistent with current Executive Orders, face coverings shall be worn by coaches, medical staff, game event staff, media members and spectators. Note that broadcasters and PA announcers are an exception to this requirement when that person is actively broadcasting or announcing. This allows broadcasters and announcers to remove the face covering while performing those speaking duties but should wear the face covering at all other times. Officials may wear face coverings on the field of play if he/she desires. Officials shall wear face coverings upon arrival at a facility, before the contest, during intermissions away from the field/court/area of play and following the contest until departure. Remember that officials have no role in enforcing face covering requirements as this is a responsibility of school administrators. Executive Order 180 does not define ‘facial coverings’ for purposes of organized sports. Traditional cloth masks, gaiters, affixed helmet plastic shields (100% clear – no tint) and cloth/fabric helmet attachments located inside the face mask (all of which must cover the nose and mouth) are not prohibited. The MHSAA will attempt to assist schools in understanding these requirements but know the MHSAA has no authority to waive, ignore or modify Executive Orders for any reason. The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year. Like this:Like Loading...... High School Football on WCSR09/09/2020News / SportsTune in to 92.1 WCSR for the following games! 09/18: UNION CITY AT READING 09/25: LITCHFIELD AT NORTH ADAMS/JEROME 10/02: READING AT JONESVILLE 10/09: CAMDEN FRONTIER AT ADRIAN CHRISTIAN 10/16: ADRIAN MADISON AT PITTSFORD 10/23: LITCHFIELD AT WALDRON ALL HILLSDALE HORNET GAMES WILL BE CARRIED ON 99-5 THE DALE Like this:Like Loading...... Here’s To You Pub & Grub wins Hillsdale’s Best Burger09/08/2020NewsCongrats to Here’s To You Pub & Grub for getting the most votes in Hillsdale’s Best Burger contest! Like this:Like Loading...... Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading...
