South Kent News

Concerns raised over public sector wage increases while Michigan small businesses get shut down

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 11, 2021

Despite the struggles that businesses and their employees have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those who are charged with enforcing restrictions on private business are actually faring better than they were before the pandemic.

Michigan lockdowns present short- and long-term economic consequences

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 18, 2021

Severe lockdowns across the state enacted in response to COVID-19 fears have hit Michigan’s unemployment rates hard.

Michigan emergency room visits for COVID-19 symptoms in decline

By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 14, 2020

A new metric on Michigan’s official website offers a different view of the impact of COVID-19 on health care since the beginning of the pandemic.

Michigan hospital study shows antibiotics were prescribed at high rates early on for COVID-19 patients

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 29, 2020

A recent study published in the journal "Clinical Infectious Diseases" looked at the administration of antibiotics to suspected COVID-19 patients admitted to 38 Michigan hospitals between March and June, and determined that, although confirmed community-onset bacterial co-infections were low, approximately half of the patients received antibiotics.

Midwest lawmakers ask Big Ten to reconsider cancellation of fall season

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 18, 2020

The Big Ten Conference has no plans for a fall season, with member schools agreeing to suspend all fall sports in response to concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19, but Michigan lawmakers are asking the schools to reconsider.

From Shiawassee Times

Michigan school districts opt for a variety of options for fall reopening

By Benjamin Kibbey | 4 years ago

Bridge Michigan recently published a list detailing not only the reopening plans for local school districts across the state, but how those plans will progress into the coming year, with the promise to continue updating the information as it changes.

Michigan efficiency experts assist in creating field hospital during pandemic

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 8, 2020

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, as much of the world ground to a halt, the Office of Continuous Improvement’s (OCI) Lean Process Improvement specialists went into high gear to meet the rising demands that the crisis created.

Kent County seeks participants for 2020 health survey

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 31, 2020

The Kent County Health Department is seeking community participation in a survey used to determine local health needs, which will guide the efforts of both governmental and non-governmental agencies in directing their efforts in the county.

MacGregor joins senators in supporting plan for reopening Michigan schools

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 25, 2020

Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter MacGregor (R-Rockford) recently added his vote to the approval of the "Return to Learn" plan, a bipartisan package that would give the final decision over in-person education to the local school boards and health departments.

Municipalities seek $375 billion in direct federal funding for COVID-19

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 22, 2020

Westland Mayor Bill Wild, vice president of the Michigan Municipal League, recently joined "The Frank Beckmann Show" on WJR radio to discuss the push by the organization to get COVID-19 financial assistance from the federal government for local municipalities in the state.

Benson encourages voters to hand-deliver mail-in ballots to county clerk

By Benjamin Kibbey | Aug 20, 2020

An audit from within the U.S. Postal Service has revealed that delivery delays could potentially result in some voters not receiving their mail-in ballots until after the election, and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office has recommended voters go in person to receive or turn in mail-in ballots.