| October 4, 2021 
 Michigan’s annual flu season stretches throughout most of the cold months of the year, with the peak typically occurring between December and February. As the state wraps up its second summer season with coronavirus active in the community, and heads into its second fall and winter with the virus, it raises the question -- will COVID become the next seasonal illness? While behavioral factors during the colder months produce ideal conditions for viral transmission, doctors say it’s too early to predict future seasonal patterns with the coronavirus. “Anyone who says this is a seasonal virus right now, I think they’re getting ahead of themselves,” said Dr. Liam Sullivan, an infectious disease specialist for Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. CONTINUE READING  The governor’s office is encouraging health officials to keep K-12 mask mandates amid confusion over provisions within the state’s budget that aim to prohibit health departments from issuing COVID-19 rules. The budget bill passed earlier this month by the Michigan Legislature contains language inserted by Republicans that looks to restrict the powers of local health departments attempting to control the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office reiterated its stance Friday, saying health departments should ignore the directives within budget as “unconstitutional.” READ MORE  There’s a company based in Bay County with a workforce of about 200 employees that’s looking to fill several high-level positions, including chief financial officer and marketing director. Like other companies, MEDfarms is working to recruit applicants through a variety of online platforms and in-person amid an ongoing labor shortage. But what’s different about MEDfarms is it’s a cannabis company, and Human Resources Director Shannon Wilkinson doesn’t want that to be a reason the right candidates don’t apply. “(We’re trying to) get rid of that negative stigma that people think when it comes to cannabis,” Wilkinson said. READ MORE  The third try wasn't the charm for the Detroit Lions ... and neither was the fourth. Not the fourth game of the season or the fourth down. The Lions had their best chance so far this season at a win, as far as oddsmakers were concerned, and they couldn't make it happen. Now, the team is 0-4. Much will be made of Dan Campbell’s decision to go for it on fourth down inside Chicago’s 10-yard line twice, including while trailing by just 10 points in the final minutes of the fourth quarter after clawing their way up from a 21-point deficit. READ MORE ►Dan Campbell stands behind fourth-down play calls that dooms Lions, but does regret no-huddle  It's the time of year for apple cider and doughnuts. But those who visit the Dexter Cider Mill for their autumnal treats will get a little bit more. It’s a history lesson on tradition and heritage that began in 1886 on the banks of the Huron River and includes an antique oak rack press that turns locally grown, hand-picked apples into different blends of cider to create unique tastes. “It’s always an exciting 15 weeks for us when we reopen the mill every fall,” said Dexter Cider Mill Owner Nancy Steinhauer. READ MORE ►Video: Inside Michigan's oldest cider mill
Fall Price Drop
MLive's most trusted local news, at a price you'll fall for.
$60 for 1 year (cancel anytime) 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
