Flint families can get nutritious food at mobile pantry to limit effects of lead exposure.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Flint families may get nutritious food that can limit the effects of lead exposure during mobile food pantry hours set for March at locations throughout Flint, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are announcing the upcoming schedule for mobile food pantry stops to distribute foods rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron. Families in March will receive produce that includes apples and potatoes.

 This mobile food pantry is extremely important and necessary for residents in my hometown of Flint, as the entire city was poisoned with hazardous water beginning in 2014.

More than $300 million has been provided to help the residents of Flint, including funding for this initiative. Food distribution sites remain open while supplies last. Upcoming dates are:

• Thursday, March 8, at noon – Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 1417 N. Stevenson St.
• Saturday, March 10, at 10 a.m. – Flint Muslim Food Pantry, 4400 S. Saginaw St.
• Tuesday, March 13, at noon – Catholic Charities, 910 Chippewa St.
• Wednesday, March 14, at noon – Salem Lutheran Church, 2610 Martin Luther King Ave.
• Thursday, March 15, at noon – United Methodist Community Center, 4601 Clio Road.
• Friday, March 16, at noon – St. Luke’s NEW Life Center, 3115 Lawndale Ave.
• Wednesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. – Hispanic Tech Center, 2101 Lewis St.
• Thursday, March 22, at 11 a.m. – Fairhaven Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1379 W. Louis Ave.
• Tuesday, March 27, at noon – Catholic Charities, 910 Chippewa St.
• Wednesday, March 28, at noon – Richfield Academy, 3807 N. Center Road.
• Wednesday, March 28, at noon – Salem Lutheran Church, 2610 Martin Luther King Ave.
• Saturday, March 30, at 10 a.m. – My Brother’s Keeper, 101 N. Grand Traverse St.

This schedule is subject to change, and information about additional food distribution dates will be announced as they are scheduled.

For more information or to find out about any changes in the schedule, visit the Food Bank website at www.FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call810-239-4441.

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Milan Area Schools receive Bomb Threat Monday.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Monday, February 26, Milan Area Schools received a bomb threat through an email stating that multiple bomb devices had been placed in multiple locations within Milan Area Schools.

According to Milan police, the Milan School District contacted the Milan Police Department immediately. Schools were evacuated and closed for the day.

According to the police department, students were evacuated to the Milan Community Center for release, or shelter awaiting release to their parents. The Milan Area School District is reporting 100% accountability of all students.

Currently, the Milan Police Department along with the Michigan State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol and Firearms and Explosives are investigating the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.

All schools within the Milan Area School District have been searched by school administration, police officers and bomb detecting canines, and have been found clear of any threats, according to the Milan Police Department.

Parola Perspective: Police unions need to lead way in demanding assault weapons ban.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola.

 I keep wondering when cops are gonna get tired of being outgunned and join the rest of the sane world in demanding the return of the assault weapons ban.

Of course, that’ll never happen since so many cops are NRA members themselves. Folks, Rubio was right about one thing: It’s not just the NRA money, it’s how many of his constituents are NRA members.

If we cannot get enough NRA members to stop buying the NRA’s “their gonna take all of our guns away” hysteria, we’ll have an awfully tough time voting the Rubio’s out of office.

Why I keep saying it’s the sensible gun owners, and how about police unions, that need to lead the way on this issue.

Students in Florida stage school walkout protesting gun violence/Hold press conference at State Capitol.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Hundreds of students in Florida are holding a school walkout in protest of gun violence and are gathering in solidarity with survivors of the Parkland Florida school shooting which occurred one week ago. 17 students were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last Wednesday.

Many students are carrying signs reading #NeverAgain and are demanding gun control legislation. Other students are holding signs listing names of schools where shootings have occurred and list names of those who were killed.

Students throughout Miami Dade County, as well as, Broward County in Florida are participating in the walkout as of 1:30 pm.

Concurrently, at this moment, student survivors of the Parkland school shooting are holding a press conference, while students hold a massive rally in front of the State Capitol building calling for gun control.

Student survivors of the Parkland school shooting are speaking with passion, eloquence and poise as they desperately demand gun control in wake of the horrendous school massacre that took place one week ago at their school in Broward County. Among the many student speakers addressing the media at the press conference are Lorenzo Prado, Ryan Deitsch, Alfonso Calderon and Delaney Tarr. Each of these students speak with power, authority, passion and more importantly, they speak from the heart. Each and every student is expressing anger and frustration with the fact that the Florida state House Tuesday rejected a ban proposal on semiautomatic assault weapons.

I cannot begin to express how proud and supportive I am of these student survivors of the Parkland school shooting. Today I am watching high school students passionately and powerfully lecture the grown ups in this country on how to be decent human beings.

Congresswoman presses Postal Service on continuing issues with Ypsilanti mail delivery.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Tuesday, Feburary 20,  U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12)  pressed U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan on continued issues with mail delivery in Ypsilanti. According to Dingell's office, Dingell wrote to Ms. Brennan in January detailing recurring problems reported by constituents and city leaders, including long delays in pickup and delivery, periods where no mail is delivered for days at a time, and unresponsive and unreachable customer service. Despite written assurances from USPS that the problems are being addressed, Dingell has received more than 100 complaints from residents since her last letter detailing continued mail delays and other issues.

“This letter is to once again address the significant issues with mail delivery service in Ypsilanti, Michigan and to request that the U.S. Postal Service take prompt action to rectify the problems that the community is having in this regard,” Dingell wrote. “This is the third time that I have had to reach out to USPS on behalf of the Ypsilanti residents since 2016 and the second time this calendar year. Residents of Ypsilanti deserve to have timely and consistent mail service, and the magnitude and duration of these mail problems is unacceptable. Please provide me an updated assessment of the problems the Ypsilanti Post Office is facing as well as steps taken to address these delivery issues.”

According to Tuesday's press release, Dingell requested detailed answers to questions raised about the operation of the Ypsilanti Post Office, including staffing issues and the management of the mail delivery workload. She also requested a meeting with senior USPS staff in Washington, D.C. and a follow up meeting with regional USPS personnel in Michigan. 

Community Forum on Student Safety to be held in Dearborn Tuesday Feb 20th.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), in conjunction with the SAFE Substance Abuse Coalition, State Representative Abdullah Hammoud and Dearborn Police will conduct a community forum tomorrow, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. to address the concerns of parents and families regarding the current wave of violence in schools across the country. This according to Dingell's office.

The forum will aim to educate the community on practices and procedures in place in Dearborn Public Schools to ensure student safety and address emergency situations, build coalitions within the community to make positive change, and discuss legislative solutions to keep our schools and communities safe. 

 TOMORROW: Tuesday, February 20, 2018

WHAT: Dingell to join SAFE Coalition for Dearborn Community Forum on Student Safety

WHO:  Rep. Dingell

            Hassan F. Abdallah, Executive Director, SAFE Substance Abuse Coalition

            State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud

            Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad

           

WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 20; doors open at 7 p.m.

WHERE: UM-Dearborn, Michigan Room, 19000 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn, MI

Parola Perspective: Trump will do nothing against Russia.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint.

Interesting how the Russian indictments come down a day after the school shooting, and yet another opportunity for Republicans to tell the world they'll do nothing about gun violence. My take:

1) Trump will do nothing against Russia, because they helped him get elected, and can probably blackmail him, but...he's not the only one susceptible.

2) Much of the GOP is also susceptible since evidence seems to indicate that many of them have been financed by the Russians VIA the NRA Which explains why they won't do anything about Russia, and why they'll do nothing about gun control.

What did Deep Throat say? Follow the money. Folks, the entire party has been corrupted by Russian and NRA cash.

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy on Florida School Shooting.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 In a scene that has played itself out far, far too often in America, 17 students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida were slaughtered at the school Wednesday, February 14, 2018. 15 other students and teachers suffered serious wounds, some remain critical.

Local, state, federal government and adults have left our children vulnerable to mass school shootings. This reality is horrific, yet Washington remains inactive in addressing mass shootings and instead has chosen ambivalence over the safety of American children and teachers.

There is, however,  one senator who is desperately attempting to legislate sanity into our gun laws in this country in effort to end these horrible school shootings that have plagued our nation for years.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Wednesday in response to reports of an active shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“Turn on your television right now, you're going to see scenes of children running for their lives. It’s what looks to be the [18]thschool shooting in this country, and we have not even hit March,” said Murphy. “Let me just note once again for my colleagues: this happens nowhere else other than the United States of America. We are responsible for a level of mass atrocity that happens in this country with zero parallel anywhere else. As a parent, it scares me to death that this body doesn't take seriously the safety of my children, and it seems like a lot of parents in South Florida are going to be asking that same question later today.”

Full text of Murphy’s remarks about the shooting is below:

"As we speak, there is a horrific scene playing out at a high school in South Florida. Turn on your television right now, you're going to see scenes of children running for their lives. It’s what looks to be the [18]th school shooting in this country, and we have not even hit March. 

I'm coming to the floor to talk about something else, but let me just note once again for my colleagues: this happens nowhere else other than the United States of America. This epidemic of mass slaughter, this scourge of school shooting after school shooting.

It only happens here not because of coincidence, not because of bad luck, but as a consequence of our inaction. We are responsible for a level of mass atrocity that happens in this country with zero parallel anywhere else. 

As a parent, it scares me to death that this body doesn't take seriously the safety of my children, and it seems like a lot of parents in South Florida are going to be asking that same question later today.

We pray for the families and the victims. We hope for the best."

Florida School Massacre: A letter from a local high school parent to representative.

By Purple Walrus Press contributor Dolly Tittle of Pittsfield Twp.

Dear Ms. Dingell,

I have two children in Huron High School in Ann Arbor, a junior and a senior.  They are involved in swimming and orchestra in addition to their day to day subjects.  This morning my husband made sandwiches for them and put the in brown bags for their lunch.  I drew hearts on their brown bags and wrote Valentine messages for them.  I told them how much I loved them and reminded them that God is love to go to school and love one another.  When they came home I had ordered take out and we all sat down at the table, gave thanks, and enjoyed a meal together.

Ms. Dingell, there were parents in Florida this afternoon who started the day like my husband and I.  They did similar things in the morning, but were not able to end the day like we did because our country allows rifles in the style of AR-15s to be easily available.  It's been almost 19 years since Columbine and we have still not figured out how to make it difficult for anyone to get their hands on these type of weapons.  Today's perpetrator has lived his entire life in an environment where school shootings or any mass shooting in the United State is received with great media coverage and no real change.  

Ms. Dingell, this is what I tell my children about gun control, if guns are banned, someone could still kill me with a knife or their hands, but they are going to have to work hard because I will fight back.  People with these type of weapons do not give anyone a fighting chance.  

In conclusion, I do not know what is this particular perpetrator's story, but I can say that the pattern that I observe in all of these terrible cases are people who are not well adjusted in society.  They don't feel included and are not feeling loved.  We can do our part as citizens to promote love, and compassion, empathy, and camaraderie to those who are not fitting in.  But please, urge your fellow representatives to do whatever is in their power to keep these true weapons of mass destruction away from our kids.

Sincerely,
Dolly R. Tittle

Parola Perspective: Heads of intelligence speaking before senate committee Tuesday.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint, MI.

The heads of all of the intelligence agencies went before a senate committee today. In that hearing they stated:

1) Russia is continuing to interfere in our elections...Trump and the rest of the GOP don't care, and do nothing. FBI says, they have never received specific instructions from Trump to take action.

2) The biggest threat to our nation's security is the national debt...GOP is no longer interested in fiscal responsibility as the GOP tax plan clearly indicates.

3) FBI completely contradicts Trump administration's timeline on what they knew about Rob Porter and when they knew it.

Again, when will have a president (backed by a party) that cares about the sanctity of our elections, our constitution, our economic future, and American women?

Eastern Michigan University regents approve $15 million capitol budget that includes investment for improvements to academic facilities in the Science Complex and Quirk/Sponberg Theater building.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Friday, February 9, the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a $15 million capitol budget for 2018-19. The budget will include investment resulting in improvements to academic facilities in the Science Complex, the College of Business, Quirk/Sponberg Theater building and renovations to student housing and information technology. This is according to Eastern Michigan University.

According to a statement from Eastern Michigan University, "The primary investments in the FY19 budget include:

Academic Facility Enhancements ($2.9 million): Projects include $1.4 million for a remodel of the fifth floor of the Science Complex to house lab space for the new EMU neuroscience and fermentation science programs.

The College of Business, located in the Gary Owen Building in downtown Ypsilanti, will receive renovations, including new flooring, at a cost of $750,000. The Quirk/Sponberg Theatre building, which houses the Department of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts, will receive renovations, including windows and paneling, the first part of a three-year renovation, at a cost of $720,000.

Housing, Student Programming ($1.6 million): Five residential facilities will receive routine upgrades, including Cornell, Hill, The Village, Westview and the First-Year Center.

Technology ($2.7 million): Individual expenses include classroom technology ($780,000)  network/servers ($1.4 million), campus Wi-Fi ($450,000) and the Data Center ($88,000).

Safety and Security ($1.4 million): Planned enhancements include additional lights and cameras ($600,000), ADA sidewalk repairs and compliance ($450,000) and security fencing ($350,000).

Other Campus Capital Investment ($6.4 million): Projects include an asset preservation retaining wall for Ford, Boone and Pierce halls ($565,000), Rynearson Stadium concrete repairs ($400,000), infrastructure replacement and upgrades (approx. $1.3 million), fire alarm replacement ($870,000), roadway improvements for the new health center ($1.8 million), annual roof repair ($500,000) and contingency funds of $1 million to cover any unforeseen expenses.

The annual capital budget is in addition to three supplemental projects approved at the Dec. 15 meeting of the Board of Regents. Those projects include:

• The renovation and expansion of Sill Hall, home of the College of Technology, in support of the University’s existing, new and future engineering and technology programs – which are a crucial element in furnishing skilled professionals for high-demand jobs in Michigan. The estimated cost is $40 million.
• Renovation of the Rec/IM facility, to be initiated in summer of 2018. The extensive Rec/IM Building plan, which is a major priority among our students, includes a variety of upgrades that will increase the facility’s physical appeal as well as the range of activities, services and student wellness initiatives available. The estimated cost is $16 million.
• Construction of a new building to provide contemporary sports medicine and performance training services. The estimated cost, which will be heavily supported by athletics fundraising, is $20 million."

Parola Perspective: Much blame to go around on budget bill.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola formerly of Flint Town.

Folks, if you wanna call out the GOP for their hypocrisy on spending in the budget bill, you also need to call them out (Rand Paul included) for their hypocrisy on the tax cuts in their "tax reform" bill, which Rand Paul, also enthusiastically supported.

Now, if you want to be intellectually honest about the deficit, then we need to agree that while Dems might be blamed for too much spending, the GOP must be blamed for refusing to raise revenues!

You know who else needs to blamed? Voters who penalize politicians who legitimately raise taxes to help get rid of the deficit!

Tom Izzo gives tepid statement on hiring of Bill Beekman as MSU interim athletic director.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo gave what appeared to be a tepid statement about former MSU acting president William Beekman being named interim athletic director. Izzo's comments came after the basketball team's afternoon practice Thursday.

In a statement made to the Michigan State University student run newspaper The State News, Izzo commented. "I do know Bill Beekman, and I like Bill Beekman. I don't know him as an AD, I barely know him as a boss. "I really don't know him that well, but like everybody as new people come in, I'm going to get to know him. When I get to know him, I'll have a better comment." This According to the State News.

Earlier in the week MSU interim president John Engler named Beekman interim AD. Former MSU AD Mark Hollis retired in late Jan.

Parola Perspective: Save players health and careers by demanding NBA shorten long season.

Brooks Parola: Purple Walrus Press.

Folks, how many pro basketball players will go down with serious injuries, and have their careers shortened, because of the GREED expressed in this ridiculously long season?

82 games! A season that begins in November, but won't end until June! Save players health and careers by demanding the NBA shorten the season!

Cut the season in half to 40 games. Have a college based schedule, where they play only two games a week. It would make the games more exciting, since they mean more, players would be more motivated to play and play hard. Resting star players would happen far less frequently, and the regular season might actually mean something again.

Eastern Michigan hoops edges Kent State in tight game Tuesday.

Eastern's Paul Jackson brings the ball upcourt. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

It was a close game throughout, but in the end, the 14-10 Eagles of Eastern Michigan edged 12-12  Kent State University at the M.A.C Center in a 71-67 win.

The teams traded leads throughout the entirety of the game, but the Eagles were able to hold the Golden Flahes back in the final minutes.

Junior Paul Jackson led the Eagles in scoring with 17 points, adding eight assists. Junior Elijah Minnie played well scoring 15 points, with six rebounds. James Thompson grabbed eight boards while adding 12 points.

Next up EMU travels to Bowling Green to take on the Falcons Saturday, February 10. Tip off is at 4

pm.

Congressman Kildee of Flint statement on Trump's State of the Union.

Editor Publisher Jeff Brown.

Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint (MI-05) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress:

“The American people deserve less talk and more action regarding the big challenges we face as a country. My constituents want real leadership from the President and action by Congress to get things done.

“Over a year into the President’s term, it is completely unacceptable to continue funding the government just weeks at a time. Short-term bills hurt our military readiness and inject uncertainty into our economy.

“I was disappointed that the President failed to address the epidemic of gun violence in tonight’s address. Gun violence affects every town in America. I was honored to have Flint Pastor Hawkins as my guest tonight, who tragically lost both of his sons to gun violence. President Trump and Congress need to do more to address senseless gun deaths and build safer communities.

“I want to work with the President on infrastructure. The ongoing Flint water crisis is a tragic example of what happens when we ignore our aging infrastructure. To fix our crumbling roads, bridges and water systems, we must make big and bold investments. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives our infrastructure a D+ rating and estimates America has a $3 trillion infrastructure deficit. The White House proposal—$200 billion over 10 years—is a drop in the bucket compared to the actual federal investments needed nationwide. If we fail to go big on infrastructure, we will hold back our economy, especially with countries like China already outspending us.

“After tonight’s speech, Congress should act immediately on a bold infrastructure plan that addresses America’s true infrastructure needs."

Michigan State Police focus on drunk/drugged driving during Super Bowl.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.


During Sunday's Super Bowl festivities, the Michigan State Police is reminding motorists to make safe driving choices.

Sunday, troopers will join their counterparts from across the country in this international traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts).

“We want everyone to enjoy the game with friends and family, and that includes getting to where you need to be safely,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Our troopers are taking a zero tolerance approach to those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as those who are driving distracted and motorists not wearing their seat belts. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.”

The enforcement period runs from 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, until 11:59 p.m.

Gov. Snyder declares Feb 4 T.V, Furniture and Appliance Tip-Over Prevention Awareness Day. Hunh? Well, now that I think about it...

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By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services states that every 24 minutes a child in the United States ends up in an emergency department because of a TV or piece of furniture tipping over. Therefore, in light of up-coming Super BowlSunday, Gov. Rick Snyder has declared Feb. 4 as TV, Furniture and Appliance Tip-Over Prevention Awareness Day.

In support of the awareness day, the Injury and Violence Prevention Unit of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging Michiganders to keep their loved ones safe by taking simple preventative steps to eliminate dangers posed by heavy furniture and appliances in their homes.

According to MDHHS, between 2014 and 2016, there were an estimated 30,700 emergency department-treated injuries annually in the United States, and 52 percent of these were children age 17 and under due to TV, furniture and appliance tip-overs. There were 514 reported fatalities between 2000 and 2016 associated with tip-overs in the U.S, and 84 percent of these were children age 14 and younger.

“As football fans across the state prepare for the Super Bowl on Feb. 4, it’s a great opportunity to ensure furniture and TVs are secured and anchored in place so they don’t pose a risk of tipping over,” said Nick Lyon, MDHHS director. “These are simple, preventive steps everyone can take to ensure their homes are safe for all ages.”

It is estimated only one in four adults anchor their TV to a wall. Using furniture straps or a bracket to mount flat-screen TVs is an easy way to protect everyone. When applying these preventative measures, it is important to follow product instructions to ensure proper installation. This according to MDHHS.

Heavy, old-style tube TVs should only be placed on a low (below knee-level), stable piece of furniture. Even lower pieces of furniture can destabilize if they have drawers that can pull out, or if a child tries to climb it. Book shelves and any cabinets or dressers with drawers should also be secured to a wall with a brace or strap.

Well, now that I think about it, as a father of two young kids who like to use the living room as a jungle gym, maybe Governor Snyder is onto something! Now, if only the governor  showed as much concern for residents of Flint and the on-going Water Crisis.