Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/author/lopezc13/)
Hello! My name is Chrystel Lopez, and I am a junior with a dual major in journalism and RCAH and a minor in documentary production. I like writing, photography, video and design.
From large healthcare facilities such as Beaumont Hospital and Bronson Hospital, to nursing homes and elective surgery, health care workers continue to bear the burden in Michigan where cases are rising higher than any other state.
With vaccines on the rise and an end to self-isolation in sight, HOMTV, Meridian Township’s government television station in Okemos, will broadcast its first live show of the year next week.
Some interns haven’t even been able to visit the newsroom. Bryanna Idzior, a senior at MSU and reporting intern at HOMTV, recently interviewed a source via Zoom while she was in the station. Other than the tour of the studio she received when she was first hired on, this was her first time in the newsroom.
“It’s kind of been amazing over the past year or so what journalists have learned what they can do remotely,” Idzior said. “Zoom has been a really great tool to get to speak with people.”
She will be a part of the team filming the Meridian News Now live show. They are planning on working after-hours at the station so that there are less full-time staff in the building to accommodate social distancing.
As of March 22, Sparrow Hospital widened its vaccination criteria to those who are ages 50 and up, as well as people with medical conditions who are ages 16 and up and their caregiver family members and guardians. “It’s been an extremely busy and hectic time, but it’s been a really fun assignment,” said Sparrow Laboratories Manager Elizabeth Reust. “People are excited to get the vaccine, and we’re super pleased to be able to provide it to them.”
Following Ingham County’s March 15 COVID-19 update, we can see that COVID cases and hospitalizations are jumping up and down weekly, with an overall decline. The drive-thru at Sparrow began as a COVID-testing facility (previously a Sears Auto Center), in January of this year and morphed into a place for rapid-vaccination. This model allows for up to 1,000 vaccinations a day.
Niche, a community data website, rated the Okemos Public Schools the number one district in the Lansing area and the fourth-best district in Michigan. Other ratings include an A+ in teaching, academics and college prep.
Among the information provided, Okemos schools rank 18 of 561 under Districts with the Best Teachers in Michigan and 23 of 552 under Best Places to Teach in Michigan. Niche analyzes comprehensive data on colleges, school districts and communities. It collects data from different sources and conducts its own research to provide accurate information every day.
Assistant Principal of Okemos High School, Lamanzar Williams, said he is proud to be a part of the school community.
“We all play a role in the collective success of the students,” Williams said. “The hard work of our students, families, and teachers [show commitment] to educating students at a high level.”
Superintendent John Hood has worked in the Okemos Public Schools for 24 years.
The Meridian Farmers’ Market has made major changes in reopening to keep the community safe. Initially, the market was held inside the Meridian Mall during the winter months. That immediately shifted once COVID-19 hit.