Members of the Michigan Liberty Militia, including Phil Robinson, right, join protesters at a rally at the state Capitol in Lansing Thursday. Hoisting American flags and handmade signs, protesters denounced Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-home order and business restrictions due to COVID-19, while lawmakers met to consider extending her emergency declaration hours before it expired. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP photo)

The order, which extends until May 28, also limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders to maintain social distancing practices.

“Although we are beginning to see the curve flatten, we are not out of the woods yet,” Whitmer said in a news release. “We must continue to be diligent, observe social distancing and limit in-person interactions and services to slow the spread of COVID-19. Michigan now has more than 40,000 cases of COVID-19. This virus has killed more Michiganders than we lost during the Vietnam War.”

The order does not restrict a business from offering food and beverages using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service or drive-up service.

The restrictions do not apply to these locations: office buildings, grocery stores, markets, food pantries, pharmacies, drug stores, providers of medical equipment and supplies, health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, juvenile justice facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, and industrial and manufacturing facilities.

Counter-protester Karen Spitler of Lansing holds a sign during the rally. (Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal via AP photo)

Theater season affected

The local theater scene is being affected by the COVID-19 crisis, too.

“The future has always held surprises along with complications, but this Lake Superior Theater season has brought a unique adventure,” said Peggy Frazier, who is involved with LST, in a news release. “Usually this time of year we are excitedly announcing our season show and plans for our Lightkeeper fundraiser.”

However, she said the safety and health of the patrons, volunteers, cast and crew is the top priority.

“We are also aware that our audience tends to be high risk,” Frazier said in the release. “Additionally, live theater is by its very nature a process that involves working closely together to provide an amazing product with a large group of people who cannot participate in appropriate social distancing.

“In light of ongoing developments with the corona-virus, we have reluctantly decided to extend our intermission until national and state guidelines give us the all-clear for social gathering, which in all likelihood will be the summer of 2021.”

However, Frazier noted the time will be spent upgrading the boathouse green room, which will give the actors a “fresh, new, amazing space” to enjoy during the summer.

“We may, as time goes on, be able to provide some events/shows with limited audiences and unique circumstances, perhaps with social distancing or under the tent,” Frazier said.

She also said the cast, crew and board are bolstered by the community’s spirit, loyalty and support.

“Our musicals are designed to lift our spirits — something we need this year more than ever,” Frazier said. “We will miss LST as it feeds our collective soul and adds great joy to our lives.”

Free meals available

McLane Global, based in Houston, announced that students and families of Superior Central Schools in Eben Junction may be eligible to sign up for home delivery of free meals through the Emergency Meals-To-You Partnership.

Each student enrolled in the program will begin receiving a two-week supply of shelf-stable, nutritious, individually packaged foods.

With schools closed because of the pandemic, McLane Global, together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, PepsiCo and others, are joining together to get food to kids, organziers said.

Students who were receiving free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program are eligible to participate.

Superior Central Schools will reach out to families with more information and instructions for signing up, but parents can visit www. MealsToYou.org to register their children.

Christie Mastric can be reached at cbleck@miningjournal.net.