Choze Powell

Child Support Changes May Increase Payments Received

Policy changes enabled by the state’s fiscal year 2023 budget may mean bigger child support payments received for some Michigan families.

Through a continuation of efforts on behalf of Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Human Health and Services (MDHHS), the budget allows low-income families that receive cash assistance and child support, to receive an additional $1.1 million this year. 

Currently, MDHHS keeps a portion of all child support payments that are above what a parent would be paid, if that parent receives cash assistance. The money collected is used by the federal and state government to offset expenses used to fund the Family Independence Program. 

With the new change coming in January 2023, the law permits states to “pass through” child support payments directly to the families instead of it being recouped for government expenses.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

What To Do With Unwanted Christmas Gifts

Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us once again, we can all get back to our regularly scheduled lives. Time to sit back, and enjoy all of the gifts we have received from family and friends, but what do you do if you didn’t enjoy the gift you received this holiday season?

Seven in ten Americans say they have felt disappointed with gifts they have received, according to foxbusiness.com. So what do you do with those unwanted socks that you got from grandma for the fifth Christmas in a row? Instead of throwing them in the trash or setting them on fire, you can try one of these more thoughtful ideas:

  • Re-gift it.
  • Return or Exchange it.
  • Sell it. 
  • Or donate it to charity.

There’s no need to throw away your unwanted gifts or let them collect dust when there may be other uses for it, unless it’s fruitcake.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Flint Mobile Food Pantries Available Throughout January

Food resources are always important to the community, but during winter months that need is even more critical. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue to provide the residents of Flint with truckloads of food throughout the month of January. 

The MDHHS, in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint, began the service of mobile food pantries back in February, 2016. The pantries allow agencies the ability to reach those communities in need, even if they are not physically located in that area. 

There will be four local churches distributing food throughout the month of January including: 

  • Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davidson Rd.
  • Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
  • Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy.
  • St. Mark Baptist Church, 3020 Dupont St.

For more information on food distribution schedules, visit: FBEM.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Currency Readers Now Available For The Blind Or Visually Impaired

For those Michiganders in the population who suffer from blindness or are visually impaired, there is a new currency reader available to assist you in counting your cash.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced the introduction of the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier. The iBill is a small handheld device that will identify the value of specific denominations of cash. It accomplishes this in one of three ways: a pattern of tones, a pattern of vibrations for privacy, or a clear natural voice. The iBill can identify all U.S. currency in circulation from the single dollar bill, up to the $100 bill.

Those who are blind or visually impaired can apply to receive the audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library. After the application process, the currency reader will be shipped out to the individual the next business day.

For more information on how to apply, contact the library by calling 1-800-992-9012, or by emailing: turnerb9@michigan.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Register For 2023 Winter Programs With Port Huron Rec Department

The Port Huron Recreation Department provides the community with a safe, and fun learning environment for adults and youth. This winter they will be offering Port Huron residents the opportunity to register for their upcoming 2023 winter programs.

Beginning Thursday, at 8AM on January 5th, 2023, residents will be able to register for upcoming projects. Nonresidents will have to wait until 8AM on Friday, January 6th to register. The Recreation Department will have many of their programs returning, as well as a few new ones that may interest you or someone you know.

A few of the returning programs include activities such as: 

  • Modern Fencing
  • Learn to Skate and Play With The Pros
  • Bring Your Own Grownup Sweetheart Dance
  • Karate Classes

With the newer events consisting of:

  • Puzzle Palooza
  • Adaptive Rec
  • Snowy Saturdays

For more information on how to register and a full list of programs, visit: porthuronrec.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

3 North Lexington Hosting Christmas Eve Eve SIng-Along

If you are in the mood for celebrating the Christmas spirit with friends and family, check out the upcoming event hosted by 3 North Lexington, a locally owned and operated winery and brewery. 

The Annual Christmas Eve Eve Sing-Along will be held Friday, December 23rd, at 5475 MainStreet, Lexington. The event will be held from 6PM – 10PM, with music beginning at 7PM. A limited edition mug will be available to commemorate the evening, along with giveaways and a special menu featuring Christmas Ale, brewed with fresh ginger and cinnamon. There will also be a creepy santa at the event, so be prepared for something a bit different than your typical St. Nick.

Tickets for the Christmas Eve Eve Sing-along are $5 each with a portion of all ticket sales going to a local charity.

For more info visit their Facebook page at: 3 North Lexington. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell