Choze Powell

The Michigan Infrastructure Office has been created in response to the windfall of federal money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The money can be used to address needs of roads and bridges, lead pipes, high-speed internet, and the creation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

On the creation of the office, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “With passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Michigan will receive billions of dollars to build on our efforts at the state-level. I am proud to establish the Michigan Infrastructure Office to effectively invest these incoming resources in communities across every region of our state.”

Whitmer said, “By establishing this office, we can move full steam ahead toward continuing to improve commutes, keep families safe on the road, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.” 

The office is supported by members of Michigan’s labor unions. Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO said, “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once in a lifetime investment in workers across our country, and the funds coming into Michigan are much needed.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

African American and Hispanic drivers are more likely than white drivers to be searched or arrested after traffic stops. That’s not just conjecture. An extensive independent study by the Michigan State Police has proven it.

Michigan State Police Director Colonel Joe Gasper said, “Today, armed with new awareness about our traffic stop activity, we’re taking another step toward transparency for the communities we serve. We will fix this together.” 

The study found that “African Americans were significantly more likely to be involved in a traffic stop than would be expected based on their representation in the population.”

Along with policy review and community engagement, access to better data and educational initiatives for officers are being implemented. Widespread use of body cameras is also planned.

Reverend Dr. Daniel Moore, Sr., Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Flint and Bridges to B.L.U.E. advisor said, “The results of this study confirm what people of color around the country have always known. Racial disparity in policing is real. I am glad to see the Michigan State Police and Colonel Gasper are taking this head on, and I will work with them to deliver the high standard of law enforcement that everyone deserves.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

The Sherman Woods neighborhood in Port Huron goes all out with their outdoor holiday decorations, and they’ve figured out how to leverage the popularity of their displays to help the community.

The Sherman Woods Homeowners Association just reported they raised $5,888 while bell-ringing in their neighborhood during the holiday season to support the Salvation Army.

They managed one of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles, and accepted donations from visitors for six weekend evenings in December. They also had a special bell ringing event on Christmas Eve which raised more that $1,500.

Fred Kemp, President of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, said, “Once again this year, our residents and the visitors to our neighborhood stepped up and supported the Red Kettle Campaign in a big way.”

This is the neighborhood’s 6th year running the campaign and they have raised more than $27,000 for the Salvation Army.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Michiganders only have until January 15th to enroll in health care from the Health Insurance Marketplace which provides low or no-cost health insurance for individuals and families.

Governor Whitmer said, “We know that having comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes and this Open Enrollment is an important opportunity for Michiganders to protect their health and financial wellness while saving money.”

More Michiganders are eligible for low to no-cost health insurance because of subsidies provided in the American Rescue Plan.

Those who want to explore their options in the Marketplace can visit HeathCare.gov/lower-costs to use the estimator tool before they fill out the application. For example, a 25 year-old single adult with no dependents who makes between $17,744 – $32,200 per year might qualify for a Marketplace plan with monthly premiums between  $259 to $608 per month depending on the level of coverage.

Those who miss the Open Enrollment deadline will have to wait until November 2022 to enroll for coverage that wouldn’t begin until January 2023 unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period for unusual circumstances.

More information is available at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Carol Dalrymple has been working with the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, the City of Port Huron Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and the Acheson Foundation to infuse 1219 Military Street with a new vision for arts in downtown Port Huron called Foundry.

After 18 months of experimenting and collaborating, Dalrymple has officially purchased the building and is moving forward with plans to expand Foundry’s commitment to “keep art flowing and growing in the community.”

As an entrepreneur, Dalrymple owns and operates The Hallway Entertainment where she provides “immersive and unique entertainment experiences.”  Now that she owns 1219 Military Street, she plans to sell the current building that houses The Hallway Entertainment at 1228 6th Street and move all her entertainment experiences to Foundry.

“I wanted more space for my original business and more space to do unique and creative things. I’ve been pretty successful over at The Hallway with the escape rooms, and that has only made my mind expand with the possibility of  other fun things that could be happening around town,” said Dalrymple.

She has already started construction on a brand new escape room at Foundry, she is formulating plans for another, and the newly opened Wizard Room will move over to Foundry when she’s ready.

Dalrymple’s vision for Foundry goes beyond her own success. Her business model includes other entrepreneurs who regularly use the space for their own creative projects. Whiskey Pine Pottery currently rents the pottery studio and runs regular classes and workshops, and Wonderwolf Entertainment rents a main-level room and hosts dance classes and workshops for small children.

“It’s not just about the experiences that we create here, it’s about the ones that other people dream up and just need a space to put them,” she said.

Foundry hosts multiple workshops put on by local artists ranging from acrylic pour painting to stained glass art to macramé creations. There is also a long list of musicians who have hosted concerts or performed in The Listening Room, an intimate theater-style room that holds about 75 people.

“You don’t have to go all the way down to Detroit to have a unique experience,” said Dalrymple.

She also credits the support and patience of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, the DDA, and the Acheson Foundation as critical to her success. She believes their investment in her vision, especially as she attempted to launch it during the pandemic, helped her get to where she is today.

Studio 1219 and Foundry have both been through a lot of changes, but Dalrymple thinks that all stages have been part of the process. She discovered that the original mission for the space was to create an arts incubator, and she believes her supporters and fellow artists have helped her turn that into a reality.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

 

 

With over 10,000 active cases of COVID-19 in St. Clair County, there is a high demand for rapid tests. The St. Clair County Health Department has suspended “walk-in” testing until they can secure more tests.

Those who have previously scheduled appointments with the Health Department will still be able to get tested, and PCR testing is still available by appointment, although results take 48-72 hours to come back from the lab.

The health department maintains a list of testing centers for St. Clair County and surrounding counties which is available <HERE>. 

If you are trying to reach the St. Clair County Health Department by phone, you may experience long wait times or have to leave a message. Call will be returned within 48 hours, and questions can also be emailed to COVID19@stclaircounty.org