Focal Point News

Warm Fall Weather Could be Cause for Concern

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OKEMOS, Mich.- There has been a change in our local weather patterns over the last few years. Temperatures are rising and continuing to stay warmer for longer. According to the National Weather Service, they predict that there is a 40% chance that temperatures will be warmer than normal this fall. While these warmer temperatures may be enjoyable for most, they actually are having an effect on our local ecosystems.

In regards to wildlife, Jeffrey Andresen, the state climatologist for Michigan thinks that we will see wildlife migrating to a more suitable climate over time. However some plants and animals will not have that luxury.

Business & Economy

Haslett family owned farm fights inflation

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HASLETT, Mich. –  The cost of taking a trip to a local cider mill is a little more expensive this year due to rising inflation rates, but Barkham Creek Farms tries to keep their prices affordable for customers. 

“No one’s complained, no ones said oh my god what are you doing,” said Robert Barkham

Barkham and his wife Jana started their farm 8 years ago and haven’t looked back since. 

“I think it’s in my blood, the farming part,” said Jana Barkham. 

The Barkham’s want community members to be able to enjoy their product without breaking the bank. Local Michigan State University student Tessany Burton works with elders, and enjoyed every moment of her trip. Burton states, “I mean this really is an experience that is really affordable.” 

Barkham Creek Farms will be open Thursday through Friday up until Halloween. To learn more about the farm and what it offers visit their Facebook page Barkham Creek Farms.

News

Young activists speak out on guns

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When Madeline Johnson lost her best friend in the shooting that took place at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, she knew that she wanted to do something to create real change. 

“I was near her when it happened,” she said. “It’s obviously been pretty hard for me. I decided that I wanted to take action and change something for her and the other three that we lost, hopefully to stop things like this from happening in the future.”

Johnson, along with other Oxford students, banned together to create No Future Without Today, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. The members’ goal is to educate students and raise awareness about gun violence in schools. 

The rise of gun violence across the country has left students feeling afraid for their well-being.

East Lansing

Students take lead against gun violence

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Zoe Touray knows the reality of how gun violence can alter one’s life because she herself is a survivor. 

“I was already a very jumpy person before everything happened,” Touray said. “[Now] any little movement I have to look and see what’s going on.” 

As a recent graduate from Oxford High School, Touray has carried the trauma of surviving the Oxford shooting on Nov. 30, 2021. Since then, her parents have encouraged her to speak out and become an activist for victims of gun violence and the movement toward more strict gun legislation. 

Following the shooting, Touray was contacted by March for Our Lives, a youth-led nonprofit organization that aims to end gun violence. It is through the Michigan chapter of MFOL that Touray serves as a youth member and frequently speaks about her experience at different events. 

“They’re [members of the government] working on giving billions of dollars to schools for mental health resources, they’re working on tighter background checks and waiting periods for the age limit to buy a gun,” said Touray.

Article

Minimum wage could be on Michigan’s ballot this year, MT community weighs in

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The Raise the Wage Michigan Ballot Committee’s proposal would increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2027, which could impact Meridian Township workers and business owners alike.

Michigan’s current minimum wage is $9.87 an hour. This would increase in one dollar increments over five years. After reaching $15 an hour in 2027, the initiative requires automatic adjustments for inflation each year.

The initiative also seeks to end the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers, for people with disabilities and people younger than 20-years old. The sub-minimum wage would be phased out by January 2028.

News

Buddy’s Pizza eager to open Okemos location

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They call it a pizza that started a style. And Detroit-style pizza has landed in Okemos. The location at 2010 W. Grand River Ave. marks the 20th location in Michigan. Known for its rectangular cut with a thick crispy crust, it’s no secret that the Detroit-style pizza is a big hit.

Article

Monica Del Castillo, Haslett’s newest Board of Ed member advocates for student mental health

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Source: Aubrey Rademacher / Haslett High School

Monica Del Castillo, a retired mental health therapist, worked for 25 years at Lansing Community College where she also served as president of the academic Senate. Last fall, she became Haslett’s newest board of education member. 

Del Castillo said because of her immigrant childhood experience and mental health background, diversity and inclusivity play a heavy role in the decisions she makes. She said it was one of the main reasons she wanted to be a Haslett school board member. 

Del Castillo said, “Working with young adults in a college setting offered me insight into the challenges that young people face. While on the school board, K-12 teachers have reported mental health challenges create the biggest barriers to learning. My first hand knowledge and experience allowed me to strongly advocate for mental health services and initiatives.”

Alex Azima, a professor at Lansing Community College, served on LCC’s Academic Senate with Del Castillo.

Government

Meet the new MT Board Trustees

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Out of nine applicants, the Meridian Township Board unanimously selected Scott Hendrickson and Marna Wilson to fill the vacant trustee seats on on March 15. They were sworn on March 17. https://youtu.be/UHptNW1ZKjI?t=5386

One seat opened up after former trustee Dan Opsommer left the board early last month to be assistant township manager. Then, Patricia Herring-Jackson was appointed to Township Supervisor after former supervisor Ron Styka’s death meaning she vacated her trustee seat. 

“We are very happy to have returned to a fully functional Township board with two new members who are well known and respected in Meridian Township,” Herring-Jackson said. “The Board determined that Marna Wilson and Scott Hendrickson both bring slightly different perspectives but shared values and interests to the Township Board.