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Huron deputies rescue
Owen-Gage honors Where are we going
Bay City pilot on
several students wrong in the U.S.?
Page 2 Letters to the Editor, page 3 Saginaw Bay
Page 4
Complete coverage of the Cass City community and surrounding areas since 1899
VOLUME 106, NUMBER 42 CASS CITY, MICHIGAN - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2013 75 CENTS ~ 14 PAGES, 1 SUPPLEMENT
Families applying for assistance
referred to assessment program
Beginning Jan. 1, families applying caseworkers are provided with
for cash assistance through the enough time to identify barriers and
Family Independence Program (FIP) connect clients to resources. The
will be referred to a new program complexity of multiple challenges or
launched by the Michigan particular circumstances makes the
Department of Human Services in 21 days necessary to fully engage the
partnership with the Work clients in charting their paths to inde-
Development Agency and Michigan pendence as well as identifying
Works! Agencies – PATH resources.
(Partnership. Accountability. Like the JET orientation period, the
Training. Hope.). PATH assessment period is an eligi-
PATH replaces the Jobs, Education bility requirement. Once clients
and Training (JET) work participa- complete the 21-day assessment and
tion program that has been in place resource connection, their cases will
since 2007. be open. If the application is denied
The hallmark of the new PATH pro- for any reason, including lack of
gram is a 21-day assessment period client participation in the assessment
in which the client works one-on-one period, the applicant is welcome to
with both DHS and Michigan reapply for benefits immediately.
Works! caseworkers to identify bar- The new program also does a better
riers to employment and connect the job of aligning with federal guide- OLD MAN WINTER can’t match Mother Nature’s artistic skills when it
client to resources addressing those lines. Under current federal regula-
challenges. Caseworkers in both tions, the important work of connect- comes to creating green meadows and flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors,
agencies have long reported that the ing key resources to move beyond but that doesn’t mean “the old man” can’t conjure up a little natural artwork
challenges many FIP applicants face employment barriers is not counted
pose significant roadblocks to toward the required employment of his own along with the cold and snow Michigan is known for each winter.
obtaining and sustaining employ- search hours. As such, addressing
ment.
“Our clients apply for cash assis-
these barriers could result in the state
being fined for clients not meeting
DNR conservation officers stress safety first
tance in varying degrees of job readi- work participation requirements. Outdoor recreation doesn’t stop in knows where you’re going, what • Use the buddy system: always trav-
ness,” says DHS Director Maura D. DHS and Michigan Works! will the winter; for some folks, it intensi- you’re doing and when you’ll be el with someone else.
Corrigan. “For many, issues ranging work cooperatively to track the suc- fies. But because of weather condi- back. Although lakes are highly attractive
from transportation to literacy and cess of the PATH program. A met- tions, going outdoors for fun in the “Always tell someone where you to snowmobile and ORV users, the
childcare will make finding and rics dashboard will be available for winter can require even more atten- are going,” said Cpl. John Morey, the DNR says that people should never
keeping a job nearly impossible. review and will measure perform- tion to safety than at other times of DNR’s off-road vehicle and snow- assume that ice is safe.
Together with our partners at ance in 3 key areas: work participa- the year. A simple case of getting wet mobile coordinator. “Breaking through the ice is a com-
Michigan Works!, we are committed tion, barrier identification and - or getting turned around in the “Tell them your planned travel mon occurrence,” Morey said.
to helping our clients work through employment opportunities. woods - is much more significant route and expected time of arrival or “People go into areas where they are
these challenges by dedicating the when the thermometer reading is return,” he said. “Then, if someone is unfamiliar with the ice conditions,
21-day assessment and resource allo- “The January launch of PATH is into the single digits. overdue, whoever has the travel plan like in areas with current or under
cation period necessary to be suc- only the first phase of this program,” Michigan Department of Natural can contact 911 and give responders bridges where the ice is thinner.
cessful on their path to independ- says Corrigan. “We are working Resources (DNR) conservation offi- a chance to get out and look for them Don’t. Know what the ice conditions
ence.” with our state and federal partners – cers remind snowmobilers, off-road right away.” are and the only way to do that with
Under the current JET program, ori- as well as the private and non-profit vehicle (ORV) riders, hikers, cross- With nearly 6,500 miles of desig- certainty is to get out and check them
entation periods are inconsistent sectors – to create innovative solu- country skiers and fishermen to pay nated snowmobile trails - and more for yourself.”
statewide—ranging from 4 hours to tions to the issues that our clients close attention to safety as they pur- than 11,000 inland lakes that offer an Morey said ice should be checked -
3 days. PATH standardizes the face most often. We fully intend to sue outdoor winter hobbies. Their appealing frozen surface during the on foot - as you make your way out.
assessment period and ensures that continue enhancing this program.” best advice? Make sure someone winter - Michigan is one of the top Avoid areas where the ice is discol-
destinations for snowmobile enthusi- ored or there is vegetation or objects
asts in the Midwest. And although sticking up through it. Use a spud to
ORVs are often thought of as fair- punch the ice ahead of you (to make
weather vehicles, they remain popu- sure it is safe) as you walk and carry
lar with some sportsmen who use a rope in case someone should break
them during all seasons to get to through. It is also recommended that
backwoods hunting or fishing desti- anglers carry spikes - usually
nations. encased in wood or plastic cylinders
The 2 modes of transportation are for handles - so they can grasp the
not always compatible. ice with them should they break
“Conflict arises when ORVs oper- through.
ate on a designated snowmobile Breaking through the ice into freez-
trail,” Morey explained. “That is not ing water is an extremely serious sit-
permitted unless it’s designated as an uation. Anyone who finds himself
ORV trail as well. In most places, immersed in icy water must get his
especially in the Lower Peninsula, head above the surface immediately,
snowmobile trails are snowmobile get breathing under control and
trails - not ORV trails.” attempt to breathe normally, and
Many - but not all - Upper work on getting out. Get to good ice
Peninsula snowmobile trails are also - generally in the direction from
designated ORV trails, Morey said. which you came - and get your arms
“It’s the rider’s responsibility to up on the ice. Use your arms to pull
know whether where he’s going is your upper body onto the ice while
legal for his intended activity,” he you kick your legs - in a swimming
said. “Ensure the area in which you motion. (This is where ice spikes
intend to operate your snowmobile help greatly.) If you can get out, ini-
or ORV is legally open to such activ- tially roll or crawl along the ice - do
ity.” not get back on your feet right away
Morey cautioned riders to make - ensure you are on safe ice, and then
sure their machine is properly regis- immediately walk toward heated
tered and that operators are properly shelter.
licensed. If you are unable to get out, reach
THE 2012 Cass City Lady Red Hawk 8th grade basketball team members “Anyone whose driver’s license is out as far as you can, hold on, and
suspended or revoked may not oper- yell for help. If you see someone fall
are: (front, l-r) Savana Doerr, Jordan Pawloski, Kelcie Autry, Victoria ate a snowmobile or ORV,” Morey through the ice, make sure you do
said. “Youngsters who are less than not put yourself at risk when
Cumper, Hope Wilson, Olivia Smerdon (back) Chyenne Novinski, Karasten 17 must be under direct adult super- attempting to assist them. “Call 911
Warford, Lauren Russell, Paige Bagnall, Josephine Loomis and Coach Lloyd vision (someone 21 years of age or immediately,” Morey said.
older) to operate a snowmobile, When attempting to reach someone
Schinnerer. unless they are in possession of a who has fallen through the ice, dis-
snowmobile safety certificate. And tribute your body weight by lying on
youngsters under 12 may not cross a the ice and toss a rope or reach for
road on a snowmobile.” them with a pole, branch stick or lad-
Morey said that while most safety der, which works very well. Do not
rules for snowmobile and ORV rid- compound the problem by breaking
ers are common sense, they bear through the ice yourself.
repeating. For instance: Morey said there’s no need for
• Always wear a helmet. Michiganders to hibernate all winter.
• Slow down. “Outdoor recreation can be enjoy-
• Dress appropriately and able, invigorating and fun, but for it
wear proper safety equipment to be any of those things,” he said, “it
(gloves, boots, goggles, etc.). must also be, first and foremost,
• Keep your lights on. safe.”
• Stay to the right.
• Properly maintain your machine. To learn more about recreation safe-
• Check the weather conditions. ty, including class offerings in tradi-
• Only carry passengers if the tional and online settings, visit
machine is designed to do so. www.michigan.gov/recreational-
• Carry basic safety and rescue gear - safety or www.dnr.state.mi.us/rec-
including a cell phone. nsearch/.