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Open enrollment to start for health insurance marketplace

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is encouraging Michiganders to prepare now for the upcoming Open Enrollment period. Nearly 497,000 Michigan residents are currently enrolled in health insurance through HealthCare.gov. With recent federal changes leading to higher health insurance costs, it is especially important for consumers to plan ahead, whether they intend to enroll in a new plan during Open Enrollment or reenroll in their existing coverage, DIFS advised. “With the November 1 start of Open Enrollment approaching, now is the best time for Michiganders ...

Keep collecting tabs for Ronald McDonald House

BOUQUET: “The Tab Man” Jim Brolin of Florence, Wis., is still collecting pop tabs. I have teamed up with Stacey Lantagne of Florence to support families served by the Ronald McDonald House. Stacey’s family has a personal connection to the cause. Several years ago, her family spent a month in Milwaukee when her grandson, Ezra, unexpectedly became critically ill. During that difficult time, her daughter and son-in-law, Kelsey and Skylar Newman of Kingsford, were able to stay at the nearby Ronald McDonald House while their 2-year-old son fought for his life next door at Children’s ...

UP fires may be waning, but fire risk still high

Warmer-than-normal temperatures and gusty winds in the Upper Peninsula weather forecast, coupled with more people working and playing outside, creates a wildfire risk that’s higher than usual this late in the season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources warns. “If you’re at deer camp for archery season, camping, riding ORVs or working outdoors, be aware of the fire danger,” Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan DNR, said in a news release. “It’s warmer than normal, and fallen leaves and dry grasses increase the risk of a spark from equipment or an ...