MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently sent letters of gratitude to more than 200 small businesses across Michigan that stepped up in notable ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These small businesses “selflessly pivoted their business models and put their communities first, which strongly contributed to Michigan’s efforts to keep Michiganders safe and healthy amidst these historic challenges,” officials said in a news release.

“I am completely in awe of the resilience and determination of Michigan’s small businesses to stand strong and push forward during such unprecedented times,” Whitmer said in the release. “Small businesses are crucial to the success of our economy, and we are more than ready to get back on track and uplift our local entrepreneurs to continue to make this state a great place to work and live.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses converted their machines and labor to make and distribute personal protective equipment, fresh meals and other necessary resources to frontline workers and people in need, the governor’s office said. They also provided inspiration and offered services to combat loneliness in quarantine.

Local businesses receiving letters include: Beth Millner Jewelry, 521 W. Washington St., Marquette; Iron Town Pasties, 801 N. Teal Lake Ave., Jackson’s Pit, 305 Iron St., and Smarty’s Saloon, 212 Iron St., all in Negaunee; and OK Industrial, 605 Elm St., Ishpeming.

Downstate cases investigated

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is working with local public health departments on an investigation of cases of COVID-19 illness associated with the Faster Horses Festival, held July 16-19.

The Faster Horses Festival is a three-day country music and camping festival at the Michigan International Speedway in Lenawee County. At least 17 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in this year’s attendees, including individuals who were at the festival while they were infectious.

If you attended the Faster Horses Festival, you may have been exposed to the virus, officials said.

“Although we have made great progress with vaccination in our state, the virus continues to circulate in Michigan and across the country,” said. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, in a news release. “Attendees at the festival may have been exposed and are urged to get tested if they are not fully vaccinated or if they develop symptoms. “

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.