State Representative Triston Cole

12/31/2020

12/25/2020

12/23/2020

Thank you.

Thank you to my family, my incredible beautiful wife and my three daughters. To each and every one of you who helped and sacrificed something during my time as State Representative for the 105th district. Sorry my family and and I missed so many gathering and events.

Thank you to the voters, the constituents who elected me in 2014 then again two more time for my lifetime limit of six years total. It has been a privilege and the honor of a lifetime to serve in this capacity. It's been an honor to make decisions as part of our representative republic.

Thank you to my staff over the past six years. I couldn't have done it as successfully without you. You rarely get the accolades and do not hear thank you enough. You have all been a blessing through every challenge.

Thank you to my colleagues. Each of you. Some I was much closer with than others as we worked together in the legislature but we came together when it counted. I am a better person for having worked with you. And that goes for both sides of the aisle.

Thank you to all of the policy and supporting staff in the House of Representatives. You are often unseen and I so appreciate each and every one of you.

Thank you republican colleagues for electing me Majority Floor Leader for my last term. I will be forever grateful. Thank you also to the leadership team that I was so blessed to be part of these last two years serving as Majority Floor Leader. It was a challenge working in divided government but we sure had a lot of things go our way. Standing at the microphone raising my hand to be recognized so many times is something I'll never forget.

Good luck and best wishes to Ken Borton as he takes over the position as the next State Representative for the 105th District.

I'm leaving the position a better person having left a small mark on government and in Michigan's history with so much to be thankful for. We truly live in an amazing area in an amazing state.

Merry Christmas and God bless.

12/21/2020

Rep. Cole: Funding plan provides resources needed to protect lives and livelihoods during pandemic

Rep. Cole: Funding plan provides resources needed to protect lives and livelihoods during pandemic

State Rep. Triston Cole today voted in favor of funding to help Michigan distribute the COVID-19 vaccine while helping those whose livelihoods have been forcibly disrupted by the virus and economic shutdowns.

12/21/2020

12/21/2020

Snagged a selfie with my friend minority Floor Leader Yousef Rabhi (D-53rd district) today is our last day serving together.
(We took off our masks for the photo so you could see our shining faces and smiles)

12/16/2020

Rep. Cole leads House in granting subpoena power needed to provide clarity on elections

So many questions that need answers, I am committed to resolving issues of election integrity.

State Rep. Triston Cole led the Michigan House in granting authority to the House Oversight Committee to administer oaths, issue subpoenas and examine books and records related to the 2020 primary and general elections.

11/27/2020

Had a blessed morning in the deer woods! This big mature six-point has been haunting me for multiple weeks, I finally caught up with him this morning. 210lbs live weight and I'm guessing 4.5 years old or older. Good luck to all you fellow hunters still out there!

11/26/2020

11/22/2020

Back to Michigan

https://www.backtomichigan.com/

Does your Thanksgiving visit have you thinking about a move back to the Mitten? Back to Michigan is a statewide virtual career event where jobseekers can connect with hiring employers throughout Michigan. Happening November 17-24, register for an event in your region today.

11/20/2020

It is imperative that common sense be applied while we work safely through this time together.

11/19/2020

Michigan Senate Stream 3

The Michigan Legislative Joint Oversight Committee will be meeting Thursday, November 19th at 1pm.
There will be zoom testimony from the Antrim County Clerk at 2pm. Several other Clerk's will also be giving testimony. This is very important for people to tune in for. If you have questions for the Antrim County Clerk or any of the others please contact my office:
517-373-0829

Please note that we are experiencing higher than average streaming activity. When the senate is in an extended recess or a recess to a time certain, the stream will be offline. The stream will resume 10 minutes before the Senate returns to order. We appreciate your patience during this time.

11/13/2020

As COVID cases surge, Rep. Cole calls on Michiganders to practice personal responsibility

As COVID cases surge, Rep. Cole calls on Michiganders to practice personal responsibility

State Rep. Triston Cole, chair of the Michigan House’s Northern Caucus, participated in a call Thursday with other members of the caucus and hospital leaders from Munson Healthcare and McLaren Northern Michigan to discuss their significant concerns about the current trajectory of COVID-19 cases in...

11/13/2020

Triston Cole, State Representative (R) Mancelona

Live from the deer blind this morning!

Michigan's Big Show - Michael Patrick Shiels’ personality-based, news making show covers state, national and international politics in a non-partisan manner. Michael Patrick skillfully mixes politics, which he affectionately refers to "as the family business" with news, business, sports and lifest...

11/06/2020

Rep. Cole: Legislative oversight committees to ensure election integrity concerns are thoroughly investigated

Rep. Cole: Legislative oversight committees to ensure election integrity concerns are thoroughly investigated

State Rep. Triston Cole today issued the following statement in response to questions about the integrity of Michigan’s presidential election:

10/23/2020

Making progress!

10/17/2020

You’ve probably heard a lot about invasive species, but do you know what is being done in Michigan to prevent and control them? NotMISpecies, a new, monthly webinar series provided by Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, has the answers.
Each hourlong webinar will feature people on the front lines of invasive species response sharing what they are doing to prevent and control non-native species that pose a threat to Michigan’s environment, economy and, sometimes, human health. A question-and-answer period will follow each presentation.
The series kicks off at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, with a look at how science and technology are fueling a multijurisdictional response to grass carp in Lake Erie.
“Delicious but Dangerous” at 9 a.m. Nov. 17 examines the hazards caused by thousands of burrowing invasive red swamp crayfish and how this species’ habits complicate removal efforts.
The series takes a break for the holidays and returns Jan. 22 with “Hemlock Rescue” – a look at the labor-intensive effort to inventory and treat eastern hemlock trees infested with hemlock woolly adelgid. Topics for future sessions will be added throughout the year.
Each webinar will be presented live, with recordings available for viewing approximately one week after the live event. For more information on each NotMISpecies webinar, including registration links, visit Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents.

10/16/2020

Appeals court rejects counting Michigan's late ballots

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/10/16/appellate-panel-wont-allow-michigans-late-ballots-counted/3685251001/

A Court of Appeals panel has reversed a lower court ruling that would have required election officials to count late absentee ballots and allowed third parties to collect absentee ballots from voters.

10/14/2020

Winged Wednesday’ text updates give birders a boost
Of all the wild creatures we share the planet with, birds are among the most beautiful. They’re everywhere but can blend into the background of busy lives. During the COVID-19 quarantine, many people found themselves with more time to appreciate the birds in their backyards – some for the first time.
Downloads of two of the most popular bird identification apps spiked and – like most outdoor gear and equipment – things like binoculars, bird feeders and birdseed were harder to find as they were snagged by these newly minted ornithologists. Google searches for “birds” reached an all-time high in the U.S. in early May and searches for “the best binoculars for birdwatching” increased 550%, according to USA Today.
Now, with the migration season upon us, previously unseen birds are starting to show up in many of Michigan’s communities, enjoying layovers on their way to winter destinations. While many of us are spending more time at home, why not explore these beautiful species that add pops of color and interest to our yards and communities?
To encourage novice birders, the DNR is providing Winged Wednesday text updates on birds being spotted in state parks. With a new bird and new park highlighted each week, the team behind the effort hopes to help birders make meaningful connections to this lifelong pursuit.
Ready to get started? Text BIRD to 80888 or register online to sign up for Winged Wednesday weekly text updates.
Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.

10/14/2020

Successful Trails Week Challenge looks to next year
Droves of Michiganders headed outdoors late last month to demonstrate their love and appreciation for Michigan’s spectacular network of non-motorized trails.
In fact, more than 6,000 participants traveled a collective 83,069 miles over a span of eight days on Michigan’s local, county, state and federally managed trails.
It was all part of the inaugural Michigan Trails Week Challenge. Over eight days during Michigan Trails Week (Sept. 20-27), the DNR and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance invited Michiganders to pay tribute to trails and – together –walk, run, ride, hike, bike or paddle 100,000 miles.
“We want to thank the more than 6,000 participants who took part in the first-ever Michigan Trails Week Challenge,” said Michelle Coss, DNR Parks and Recreation Division volunteer and donor coordinator. “Not only did we come close to our collective 100,000-mile goal, but we were thrilled with the 1,800-some photos that were submitted. These photos told the story about how Michiganders connect to nature and are proud to live in the Trails State.”
Participants generously raised more than $11,000 to fund various trail projects across the state.
Additionally, Peninsulas created a commemorative Michigan Trails Week Challenge pin and sticker for the event. For just $10 (including shipping with code MICHIGANTRAILS2020), you can show your Michigan trails pride and feel good knowing 10% of the proceeds goes toward supporting trail programs.
Coss also said that the weather for the 2020 challenge could not have been more beautiful, and plans are already in the works for next year.

10/13/2020

Michigan House TV

If you would like to watch the Michigan House of Representatives here is the link:

https://house.mi.gov/SharedVideo/VideoPlayer.html?data=3

10/13/2020

DNR Hunter Education

As more hunting seasons open up, it’s a good time to brush up on safety. If you’re using a tree stand or an elevated platform during your hunt, keep these tips in mind:
• Wear a full body harness that is properly attached above your head.
• Always maintain three points of contact when climbing up to or down from the stand.
• Ensure your tree stand is securely attached and stable before using it.
Watch this short video about tree stand safety for more good ideas.
No matter how you choose to hunt, make safety your top priority. The Michigan DNR teaches tree stand safety, safe firearm handling, first aid and other important skills as part of our hunter education program. Read more hunting safety tips or earn your online hunter safety certificate at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation.
Questions? Contact Lt. Tom Wanless at 517-284-6026.

10/12/2020

******* News Update*******

Today the Michigan Supreme Court issued 2 orders conclusively agreeing with the Legislature.

First, in the Certified Questions case, the Court (6-1) denied the Governor’s request to pause the effect of the Court’s opinion for 28 days.
Second, the Court (4-3) granted the motion to apply its opinion in the Certified Questions case to the case against the Governor. The Court of Claims is to take it up immediately putting an end to the confusion caused.

10/08/2020

Attended a ribbon cutting for Bear River Heath in Gaylord today. It's important to our communities to focus on effective treatment for individuals and help keep families together.

10/04/2020

Nessel will no longer enforce emergency orders following Supreme Court decision

Nessel will no longer enforce emergency orders following Supreme Court decision

NewsCoronavirus Actions Facebook Tweet Email Nessel will no longer enforce emergency orders following Supreme Court decision David Eggert/AP FILE - In this March 5, 2020, file photo, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel addresses the media during a news conference in Lansing, Mich. Jacob Wohl, 22,....

10/03/2020

As we enter deer season please take time to learn the BIG changes for this year. For example your (buck) combo tags both regular and restricted are BOTH good for a doe on both PUBLIC and private land in the lower peninsula. Good luck and happy hunting!

10/03/2020

As we enter this period of time of freedom restoration regarding the court striking down the Governor's authority to unilaterally issue executive orders bypassing the legislature and what happens with current edicts that have been handed down, I ask people to please be patient. We all have a lot of questions. We do not have answers and may not for some time. I have received calls from business owners and individuals fearful of the future.

My PERSONAL opinion is: I hope the courts continue to uphold YOUR freedom to operate your business or entity as YOU choose and see fit for the safety and security for you, yourself, your employees and your customers. It appears some business owners are fearful of justifying and defending the protocols they have implemented by force and threat if they choose to keep them in place. If you are comfortable maintaining the current protocols/rules do so, If you wish to adjust protocols I hope you are able to do so. Your customers and patrons will decide what's best for themselves.
The governor is and will continue threatening individuals and businesses who do not completely comply with her rules and will attempt many things. Please continue to communicate with my office for updates as we move forward together.

10/01/2020

Happy birthday to Denise Pallarito! She works hard for the constituents of the 105th District! If you have ever called my office you've probably spoken with her. Thanks Denise for your dedication and hard work. Have a great birthday!

10/01/2020

10/01/2020

Please be sure to share your hunting photos. Good luck

09/30/2020

Michigan Environmental Justice Virtual Event

Took part in a virtual press conference today with EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler and others to help announce a $200,000 Federal grant to MDEGLE and for dollars that are now available for grants to keep our Michigan waters clean and pristine. My comments are at the 9:20 mark.

NOTE: If you need captions, please click the CC button on the player to turn them on. During a virtual press conference in Michigan with Michigan House Major...

09/22/2020

09/18/2020

09/11/2020

Temporary hunter education safety certificates extended through June 2021

Information regarding Hunter Safety classes and the extended timeline for completing the field day requirements:

Eligible hunter education students will be allowed to purchase a Michigan hunting license through June 1, 2021 – prior to completing the required field day. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division administers the state’s hunter education program and is providing a t...

09/11/2020

Rep. Cole welcomes Gaylord VFW post for House’s annual Sept. 11 ceremony - Mi House Repubs

This was an honor!

State Rep. Triston Cole today welcomed the members of the Ralph Holewinski VFW Post 1518 in Gaylord to the Michigan State Capitol, where the veterans served as the color guard and performed a rifle salute during the Michigan House’s Sept. 11 Memorial Service.