From the Reference Desk

Windows 7 Support Ending January 14, 2020

Microsoft will be ending updates and support to Windows 7, which was released to the public October, 2009, on January 14, 2020. What does this mean for users of Windows 7? According to Microsoft’s website: “When Windows 7 reaches end of support on January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide the following: Technical support for any issues Software updates Security updates or fixes While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for...

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Lyme Disease

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.” A tick bite can result in a rash, fever, headache and fatigue, and can become medically serious if not treated with antibiotics. The infection can affect joints, nervous system and heart. To learn more about the disease, visit the CDC’s Lyme Disease Webpage and explore links that will lead you to information about the Signs and...

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Kids Count in Michigan 2019 Data Book

What's it like to be a kid in MIchigan? The 44-page Kids County in Michigan report, released April 23, 2019, reviews background and trend data and evaluates the well-being of children throughout counties in Michigan. Using this data, policy strategies are identified that could improve outcomes and help children reach their full potential. The report does this by analyzing 16 key indicators across four domains: Economic security Health and safety Family and community Education. Monroe County is among the top ranked counties, falling...

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2020 Federal Census

Article 1, Section 2 of The Constitution of the United States decrees that a population count be done once every decade for the express purpose of reapportioning Congress. It also determines how federal funds will be dispersed to state and local communities each year to pay for services like schools, roads, and infrastructure. In 2020, those funds will add up to more than $675 billion. Check out the census apportionment machine to see how the apportionment formula guarantees fair representation for all. Not only does the census...

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Climate Change

Interested in finding out what the climate in any given area will be like in 60 years? The University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science has made available an Interactive Climate Map that will allow users to do just that. Simply type a city into the search box or click on the map to find out how that city’s climate will have altered. Further information on the dramatic effect climate change is having worldwide can be found in an online article published 23 October 2018 by Nicola Jones titled Redrawing the Map: How the...

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2018 Income Tax News and Resources

Key Information for Taxpayers   The Filing Deadline is Monday, April 15, 2019 The IRS has announced that the 2019 filing season will begin on Jan. 28, 2019, for individual taxpayers. The IRS began accepting business tax returns (non-1040 series) on Jan. 8. For Tax Year 2018, you will no longer use Form 1040A or Form 1040EZ, but instead will use the redesigned Form 1040. Many people will only need to file Form 1040 and no schedules. However, if your return is more complicated (for example you claim certain deductions or...

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Monroe County Alert Notification System (MCANS)

Monroe County has implemented an emergency notification system to contact county residents and businesses via recorded phone messages on land telephone lines and cell phones, as well as via text messages and e-mails during emergencies. Called MCANS, this system allows Monroe County residents to sign up to receive emergency information from both the Emergency Alert System and the Community Notification System.  Visit the website to create a profile and sign up for alerts. Upon registering, residents are automatically signed up...

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Have I Been Pwned?

Have I Been Pwned is a valuable tool enabling users to input an email address to see if a service using that address as a username or login has been compromised, resulting in a password security breach. To date, the website displays that there are 325 pwned websites and 5,566,340,042 pwned accounts. If the email address was compromised, Have I Been Pwned will list out each breached website on which the email address was found. Information includes the date of the breach, information about the breach, and what data was collected...

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VA Medical Foster Home Program

The Medical Foster Home Program through the VA is a long-term care option available for veterans who are unable to live independently, need extra support and would prefer to live in a family home setting. Veterans receive room, board, all meals, personal care assistance and 24-hour supervision while living in a MFH. This care allows Veterans who might require nursing care to avoid living in a nursing home. Caregivers offer up their home and assistance to these veterans. They help the veteran carry out activities of daily living such...

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Michigan Libraries For Life – Organ Donation Drive

Give the Gift of Life – Become an Organ Donor Did you know that more than 3,500 Michigan residents are waiting for an organ? Did you know that one donor can save up to 8 lives? Did you know that there is no age limit to become a donor? The oldest donor to date was 93. Did you know that 60% of adult residents in the State of Michigan are already registered? Have you considered becoming a donor but are not sure how to register? Libraries across Michigan will be participating in Michigan Libraries for Life during the week of October...

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