Joint Information Center
Monday, April 20, 2020
Calhoun County's Joint Operations Center (JOC) will release Joint Information Center (JIC) briefings via email every Monday and Friday, as well as hold a live presentation mid-day Wednesdays.

As of 4 p.m., Monday, April 20, there are 149 positive COVID-19 cases in Calhoun County and five reported deaths. There are 44 cumulative hospitalizations.


Unified Command Team Statement Regarding Proposed Coronavirus Relief Package
While Congress continues negotiations on an interim relief package, the Unified Command Team for the Calhoun County Joint Operations Center urges its federal representatives to include the requested funding for state and local governments.

The “COVID Relief Package 3.5” originally provided $150 billion in new funding for local governments to cover increasing expenses and plummeting revenue. Calhoun County leaders ask for the same, or similar, funding allocations for local governments.

According to a calculation by the Michigan Association of Counties, the funding allocation for Calhoun County was $11.8 million, based on population. Our cities, townships, and villages would also see drastically needed federal aid, given the probability that the state's budget shortfalls will undoubtedly impact local appropriations into the near future. For the City of Battle Creek, that proposed allocation was $4.51 million according to the Michigan Municipal League.

Local governments in Calhoun County are most concerned about continuing to provide services most needed by our vulnerable populations, while at the same time experiencing significant losses in our funding streams because of the requirements to stay home and limit most normal governmental transactions. 

It's evident the COVID-19 pandemic and its response efforts will be major impacts to local government budgets. The investment in local governments included in this congressional proposal will in turn invest in our local economies and workforces, and protect our taxpayers.

—Unified Command Team
Rebecca Fleury, City Manager for City of Battle Creek
Eric Pessell, Health Officer for the Calhoun County Public Health Department
Kelli Scott, Controller/Administrator for Calhoun County
Behavioral Health Resources
Summit Pointe continues to provide mental health and substance use services for individuals in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Free community groups are available via Zoom Meeting. A Mental Health group is available on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. There's also a Substance Recovery Support Group that takes place on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. Click the flyer for more information. 
 
And although most services are being provided via telehealth, resources have not diminished. Recovery coaches are available to talk through urges, triggers, and anything that impacts one's recovery. Watch this message from a recovery coach, https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=820805065072972 . 
 
Like the Summit Pointe Facebook Page to stay up-to-date with tips, inspiration, and tools for staying healthy mentally during this time. www.facebook.com/SummitPointeCMH


Meal Volunteer Opportunities
The SHARE Center continues to operate a day shelter for homeless individuals at the city's Full Blast recreation facility, as well as provide three meals a day. To volunteer with the SHARE Center, please sign up at http://battlecreek.covidresponse.net/offer-help/share-center . As they continue to provide meals to the community’s homeless during the crisis, they are looking for volunteers to help each day.

To volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and deliver meals to the homes of local seniors, please call 269-382-0515, extension 137.
National Guard Helping Throughout the Community
Today, Monday, April 20, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a press release about the National Guard assisting at the South Michigan Food Bank in Battle Creek. The release states that five Airmen from the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base started serving at this site last week. Support will likely continue through mid-May. The airmen, along with local law enforcement and others, have helped distribute food to vulnerable individuals in Calhoun County, as well as Barry County. Read the Press Release .


Emmett Township Local Road Project Begins
In May 2019, Emmett Township voters approved a 3-year local road improvement project, which began last week by a contractor. Local roads are primarily subdivision and residential streets. For information about what work is happening when and to sign up for future updates, please visit our site for this project,  calhouncountymi.gov/emmett_township_construction_update/index.php . Important information about road closures or changes to the schedule will be sent via Textcaster. Sign up for text updates .
 
***


For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website,  calhouncountymi.gov.

For updates from the City of Battle Creek, please visit  battlecreekmi.gov/coronavirus .

The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visit  michigan.gov/coronavirus.
For information, contact
Lucy Blair, Calhoun County Communications Manager
269-781-0926,  lblair@calhouncountymi.gov

Jessica Vanderkolk, City of Battle Creek Communications Manager