Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Condemns State Budget Cuts To School Safety And Mental Health Funding

State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, criticized the new state budget, highlighting its severe impact on local school districts due to significant cuts in school safety and mental health funding. The budget slashes per-pupil school safety grants by 92%, reducing the funds to $26.5 million after a $300 million cut.

“As a mom, seeing these reckless cuts and thinking about how they will affect the safety and well-being of our kids is absolutely infuriating,” Greene said.

Utica Community Schools is set to lose over $5 million, with Oxford and Romeo losing more than $1 million each. Other districts face losses in the hundreds of thousands, impacting their ability to maintain safety measures and provide mental health support.

The Michigan Education Association called for supplemental funding to address these cuts, emphasizing the need for safe learning environments.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Flushing Bathroom Wipes Could Now Cost You A Fine In Michigan

No more flushing bathroom wipes down the toilet, Public Act 43 of 2024 has banned the labeling of bathroom wipes as “flushable” unless they pass stringent requirements in Michigan, aiming to tackle sewage system clogs. The new law requires the manufacturers of non-flushable wipes to clearly label them with the “Do Not Flush” symbol.

The law, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 22nd, mandates that packaging must include the phrase “Do Not Flush” and a symbol to deter improper disposal. This applies to any premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes containing petrochemical fibers with significant potential to be used in bathrooms. Violators of the law can face fines.

Michigan public works operators have long argued that wipes marketed as “flushable” cause major problems in wastewater treatment systems, as they do not break down like toilet paper. The wipes often clog screens and pumps, leading to sewage backups and the formation of “fatbergs”—masses of wipes, fats, oils, grease, and other solids.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

E. Coli Contamination Closes Chrysler And Holland Beaches In St. Clair County

The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Chrysler Beach in Marysville and Holland Beach in Port Huron due to elevated E. coli levels. The beaches will remain closed until water samples show acceptable E. coli levels, as advised by the State of Michigan.

E. coli, a common microbe in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, indicates fecal contamination. Elevated levels often follow storms or strong winds, which carry bacteria in stormwater runoff and stir it up from waves.

Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are available on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the Michigan BeachGuard website at egle.state.mi.us/beach. 

For more information, visit: scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Marvel Artist Jerry DeCaire To Perform Live Drawing At St. Clair County Library

Calling all comic book fans and aspiring artists. The St. Clair County Public Library, located at 210 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, invites you to its spectacular event, “Super Readers: A Marvel Artist Presentation” featuring Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire.

On Saturday, July 27th, from 2 to 3 p.m., attendees can watch DeCaire bring superheroes, sorcerers, dragons, and wizards to life in a live drawing performance. DeCaire, known for illustrating iconic characters like Thor, X-Men, Wolverine, The Punisher, Iron Man, and more, will be showcasing his rapid drawing skills in the Gilbert Wilcox Meeting Room.

This all-ages event promises an unparalleled experience of art, fantasy, and fun.

For more information and to register, visit: stclaircountylibrary.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Record Absentee Voting In Michigan Ahead Of Primary Election

With just under four weeks until Michigan’s Primary Election Day, over 1.5 million voters have requested absentee ballots, and more than 178,000 have already submitted their ballots, breaking the previous records set in 2020.

“This is great news for Michigan, and for democracy,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. The current absentee ballot requests total 1,518,665, surpassing the 2020 numbers by 157,833. 

Michigan citizens can register to vote online or in person and cast their ballots in person from July 27th to August 4th, or on Election Day, August 6th.

Voters can also track their absentee ballots or find more information at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Fresh Produce Available Weekly Through “The Last Food Mile” Project In Michigan’s Thumb Area

Every Wednesday, residents of Michigan’s five-county Thumb area can access fresh produce through “The Last Food Mile” project. 

Funded by the USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Agreement Grant and partnered with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Thumb Food Policy Council, this initiative aims to reduce barriers and introduce healthy food options to homebound seniors and at-risk families. 

The project, which will run through September 2025, could extend depending on the Farm Bill’s passage. Fresh produce can be picked up from various locations in St. Clair, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac counties. No sign-up is required, and distribution operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. “The Last Food Mile” strives to meet people where they are, offering a vital resource to those who cannot access traditional food pantries.

For more information, visit: Thumb Food Policy Council on Facebook.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell