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Keep pets happy and healthy this summer

As Michiganders begin to enjoy the warmth of the summer season, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is sharing some of the best ways to keep animals healthy and safe. “With the warm weather, more opportunities arise for travel, gatherings and outdoor activities. As we make these plans, it is important not to overlook the needs of our animals,” said state Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they have proper identification and are fully vaccinated to making sure they are cool and comfortable, there are many precautions owners can ...

Saturday is Flag Day marking adoption of Old Glory

Old Glory. For many of us in Superiorland and, indeed, elsewhere, our flag is an all-but sacred symbol of sacrifice and freedom. Many of us fly the flag at our homes or places of business. And units of government at all levels typically have flags placed near the entrance to buildings and grounds. Today is Flag Day, commemorating June 14, 1777, when the Continental Congress determined the composition of the nation’s banner: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, ...

Learn all about PlayCleanGo

Start protecting your favorite places. The Michigan Invasive Species Program is joining the North American Invasive Species Management Association to promote PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, taking place this year from June 14 through Saturday. The annual event aims to educate outdoor enthusiasts on the importance of stopping the spread of invasive species while enjoying the great outdoors, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Nearly 50% of endangered or threatened fish, wildlife and plants are at risk due to invasive species, which people ...

June is Pet Preparedness Month

In recognition of National Pet Preparedness Month, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are urging residents to include pets in their emergency plans. “When disasters strike, families often have only moments to act,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Several significant weather events in the past few years have forced many Michiganders to evacuate their homes. They serve as a powerful ...

AG Nessel issues summer travel tips

As the summer travel season ramps up across the state, Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a Travel Tips alert to help consumers avoid common travel scams and stay informed about their rights while vacationing. Whether booking online or through a travel agent, Nessel encourages travelers to: • Research agents and booking sites: Verify phone numbers and websites independently rather than relying on web search results. Check reviews, seek personal recommendations and consult the Better Business Bureau as well as the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team for ...

Avoid encounters with bears

Anyone familiar with the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin knows this is bear country. But with this being a free weekend to go to state parks on both sides of the border, it doesn’t hurt to hear ways to better avoid attracting a large, hungry visitor when out in the woods or on the trails. In the Hiawatha National Forest, bears are most frequently sighted on Grand Island, so officials there have provided some best practices that certainly make good sense at other outdoor locations as well. “In the last couple of years, we’ve seen significant bear activity near areas ...