LANSING State leaders this week recognized the economic achievements of Michigan businesses and their employees 2024 Michigan Works! Impact Awards at the Michigan Capitol. The Impact Awards, held April 17, celebrated the economic impact of newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development within our communities.

CALEDONIA In May, staff members from the office of Congressman John Moolenaar will host meeting times across the district where constituents can sit down to discuss personal casework issues they are having with a federal agency. Constituents who cannot attend one of the meetings can call Moolenaar’s office at 616528-7100, or visit Moolenaar.

LANSING Rural Michigan residents who suffer from a chronic illness that requires specialized treatment may have to drive hours to receive care. That barrier to access to health care is one reason rural county death rates tend to be higher than their urban counterparts, according to Robert Howe, the medical director of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

LANSING Children in a mental health crisis require treatment. But they are often turned away due to insufficient resources and professionals spread thin, explained Angela Gardner, the president of the Michigan Association of School Social Workers and a social worker in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.

GLADWIN Senior Project FRESH gives $25 in coupons to eligible applicants to spend on regional fruits,vegetables, herbs and honey at participating farmers markets and roadside stands. Gladwin County residents who are 60 years or older or 55 and older and a member of a federallyr ecognized Michigan tribe or urban tribal group with a household income level of 185 percent of poverty or less: Household of one – annual income < $27,861.

HARRISON The first Congregational Church, located at 211 West Spruce Street, Harrison, are planning a monthly Ole Time Country Gospel Jamboree every month through November. The first Jamborees are slated for May 25, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, and November 23 from 6-8 p.m.

GLADWIN COUNTY The main branch of the Gladwin County District Library (GCDL) is hosting Star Wars Night. This event will take place from 5-6 p.m., on Thursday, May 2.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Recently, I had anal cancer and was treated with chemo and radiation. The radiation burned my insides and severely damaged most of my internal organs. One of the aftereffects was occasional blood and small clots in my urine. A few months ago, both the frequency and amount of blood, especially the clots, increased dramatically. The size and number of the clots got so large that they blocked my urethra.

“Greater love has no man than he should lay down his life for a friend.” “Not my will, but yours be done.” “Don’t be selfish.” “Love your neighbor.” “Always do the loving thing.” Wow! Some people get into serious trouble following these axioms. How? A major issue is when facing bullies, not only at school, but within marriage, the social arena, and in the workplace.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We have a contractor coming soon to renovate our kitchen. I plan to keep my cat, “Freya,” out of the way and in a separate room during the day. But at night, she’ll want to wander the house. How do I keep her out of the kitchen? -- Jim in Portland, Maine DEAR JIM: Cats are pretty wily, and I’m sure Freya will try to find a way around any barriers you set up to keep her out of the kitchen.