It was a wonderful and successful night at the Midland County Fair’s small animal auction. I really enjoy seeing all of the kids at the auctions. Their dedication to their animals, our community and the mission of 4-H is outstanding. It was an honor to support our youth.

It was an honor to be recognized as 2017 Legislator of the Year by the Michigan Library Association (MLA). MLA Executive Director Gail Madziar and Alpena County Library Director Eric Magness-Eubank present me the award in Alpena along with Ron Meneghel and Tammy Thompson of the Alpena County Library Board of Trustees.

I want to thank Gavin Goetz and AT&T for their generous support of the United Way of Midland County. I know that Executive Director Ann Fillmore and her team will put this donation to great use in our region. I was joined by Ann, Gavin and Rep. Roger Hauck for the check presentation.

Supporting new law to protect Michigan students
As Michigan children return to school, it is important that our schools are safe places for students to learn. That is why I supported Senate legislation — now law — to continue a school safety program that has a proven record of helping prevent tragedies before they happen.

Senate Bill 267, now Public Act 100 of 2017, extends the successful OK2SAY program until Oct. 1, 2021. The program encourages students to anonymously report threats to trained authorities without fear of retaliation. Students can access the 24-hour confidential OK2SAY hotline via mobile text, phone, email and by its website and mobile app.

The prevention-based program has been effective in helping protect students. Since September 2014, more than 8,700 tips have been reported, including tips on bullying, suicide threats, violence and self-harm. Find more information at www.michigan.gov/ok2say.

Fighting the threat of Asian carp
You can join the effort to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.

The state recently launched a global contest for innovative ways to stop these invasive fish.

The Invasive Carp Challenge is accepting proposals through Oct. 31 to develop new solutions to this looming threat. One or more solutions will share up to $700,000 in cash awards. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/carpchallenge.

Jobless rate drops again
We have made huge strides in improving Michigan and making our state more attractive to job creators. A clear example of this positive change is that Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in July — the lowest rate in nearly 17 years!

The statewide unemployment rate remains well below the national average, and it is now less than a third of what it was when Gov. Snyder took office in 2011. Our job now is to build on that success and help connect those still looking for work with employers needing good workers.

Report fish and wildlife observations on new DNR app
A new computer application developed by the DNR consolidates 15 separate fish and wildlife observation forms onto one site.

The Eyes in the Field app includes forms for reporting diseased wildlife, tagged fish, mammals such as cougars and wolves, fish such as invasive carp and sturgeon, and more. The site does not replace the Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline (800-292-7800) although it provides a link to the web-based RAP complaint form. Check it out at www.michigan.gov/eyesinthefield.