The state of Michigan offers several energy assistance programs to help eligible senior and low-income households keep utilities in service or have service restored. Immediate relief may be available through a network of nonprofit organizations and other financial assistance programs.

Hunting has been a tradition for many Michigan families for generations. Our state offers vast opportunities for hunters, who play an important role in wildlife conservation and management while contributing roughly $11 billion to the state’s economy and supporting 171,000 of Michigan jobs. In 2021, nearly 540,000 deer hunters harvested almost 400,000 deer.

New deer harvest reporting regulations are in effect for the 2022 deer firearm season. A deer harvest must be reported online within 72 hours at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport. Hunters who are unable to do so can have a family member help or call 517-284-9453 for assistance. There are also several locations around the state where hunters can go for in-person assistance from the DNR. The 2022 edition of the Michigan Hunting Digest from the Department of Natural Resources features all current state rules and regulations, and is one of several digests available online and that can be downloaded to a smartphone or other personal device for use in the field.

The DNR is seeking interested candidates to serve on the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup, which assists the Michigan Trails Advisory Council in providing the DNR advice on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the designated snowmobile trail system. Members will serve a four-year term and are expected to participate in four meetings a year.

Complete an online application or contact Anna Centofanti by email at [email protected] or by phone 517-331-6219 with questions or for more information.

Between 2016 to 2020, the Michigan State Police reported 202,232 crashes resulting in 370 fatalities, due to winter driving conditions. Before heading out on icy roads, drivers should double check to see that their vehicle is in good working order, check the forecast and road conditions, and prepare an emergency kit to keep in the vehicle.

Public Act 144 of 2022 also includes $305 million to support the Future Educators Fellowship program. This scholarship funding will help students in public and private teacher preparation programs working to earn teaching certificates.

The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers scholarships to aspiring teachers to eliminate or lower the cost of tuition while they train to be educators. Awards cover the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,000 and are renewable for up to three years. Students that receive the award commit to teaching in a Michigan classroom for at least three years after graduation.

Scholarship funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are now being accepted. For more information, full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the MI Future Educator Fellowship site.

The MI Future Educator Stipend provides stipends for full-time student teachers to help pay for tuition and other costs while student teaching. Starting in fall 2022, student teachers can earn $9,600 while they complete their final semester(s) of teacher preparation.

For full eligibility requirements for the MI Future Educator Stipend, or to apply visit the MI Future Educator Stipend site.

The application for the Caring for MI Future: Child Care Facilities Improvement Fund is now open. Eligible applicants include licensed child care providers located in Michigan who are newly licensed providers or existing providers expanding their licensed capacity.

Those who are interested in starting or expanding a child care facility can apply for a grant to reduce the cost of converting space that meets child care facility guidelines. The $50 million to open and grow new child care facilities as part of the state’s Caring for MI Future initiative grants will range in size from $50,000 for home-based child care and $150,000 for center-based programs and will help providers complete minor renovations and improvements to meet licensing and quality standards.

The Child Care Facilities Improvement Fund will help child care facilities address issues related to heating and cooling, ventilation, noise, lighting, classroom furnishings, and outdoor play areas.

The grants were made possible through funding provided in Senate Bill 82, now Public Act 87 of 2021. Visit Michigan.gov/caringformifuture for a full breakdown of eligibility requirements and information on the application process.

November is National Adoption Month. Each November child welfare organizations across the country use this opportunity to celebrate and raises awareness of adoption. With approximately 14,000 Michigan children in foster care, and more than 3,000 children waiting for permanent homes, now is a wonderful time to explore adoption. Visit the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange for more information.