October 16, 2020 On the same day that Michigan's daily total for new coronavirus cases hit its highest level since April 3, the Michigan Department of Treasury announced that stores must start accepting bottle and can returns and give refunds again regardless of whether they have return machines or not. All returns were closed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on March 23 shortly after the pandemic hit Michigan. MORE There is slow motion disaster creeping toward Matt and Michelle Helmkamp’s beach house. The Indiana couple’s home sits atop an eroding bluff, which they and seven other nearby homeowners hope to keep from disintegrating further with permits to install large boulders at the base of their dune to stop the relentless erosion. Neighbors to the south want those permits denied. They argue the boulders will, eventually, worsen erosion at their properties and spark a domino effect; forcing others to install similar armor stone until the whole stretch of coast is fortified. Whose needs do we prioritize and what's the best move for now and the future? ►Seawalls, other barriers could have lasting impact on Great Lakes after water recedes A new coronavirus exposure notification app is the next step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan, state officials said. MI COVID Alert is an anonymous, voluntary exposure notification app for smartphones. A person testing positive is given a PIN that lets them share their result anonymously on the app. Then, using Bluetooth technology, other app users who were within 6 feet of the infected person for at least 15 minutes are quickly notified. MORE ►U.S.-Canada border to remain closed until COVID-19 cases are under control, Trudeau says Looking for new-to-you trails to explore? A new map from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been released to help outdoor adventurers locate all types of trails, all over the state. The interactive digital map outlines 4,600 miles of state-managed nonmotorized trails, including hiking, mountain biking, fat-tire biking, horseback riding, and cross-country ski trails, as well as rail trails, and water trails for canoeing and kayaking. SUPER COOL Deana Hair speaks after she was surprised with a visit from family and friends as she is discharged from Michigan Medicine University Hospital in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. Hair, 67, was released from the hospital after 195 days in treatment for COVID-19 and nearly two months on a ventilator. WATCH Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.mlive to your address book or safe sender list. |