Choze Powell

Become an Angel for People Seeking Recovery

Families Against Narcotics (FAN) created the Hope Not Handcuffs program to offer another avenue to recovery for those struggling with substance abuse. The program trains law enforcement to connect those who want help with a program volunteer,  or Angel, to help them find a treatment option.

Because of the Hope Not Handcuffs program, anyone struggling with a substance use disorder can go to a participating police agency and ask for help. They will receive support, compassion, and respect as they are guided through the intake process.

Becoming an Angel on the Hope Not Handcuffs team requires an online application process and virtual training program. Angels help participating organizations with intake paperwork and support clients until a treatment option is found. They are required to volunteer to be on call 8 hours a month.

For more information on Angel training and to register for upcoming trainings in January and February, visit familiesagainstnarcotics.org/hopenothandcuffs-angel.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Small Business Survival Grant Program Open Now

Michigan’s small businesses impacted by the recent COVID-19 emergency “gatherings and face mask orders” can begin applying for $55 million in Michigan Small Business Survival grants through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to businesses that are fully closed, with grants of up to $15,000 awarded to businesses that have been partially closed, or otherwise are open and can demonstrate an impact.

The statewide application went live on Tuesday, January 19th at  www.michiganbusiness.org/survival. Applications will be accepted through 12:00 p.m. (noon)on Friday, January 22, 2021.

The Michigan Small Business Survival Grants will be administered and reviewed by the local Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) based on eligibility requirements and local priorities and objectives. Grants will not be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Businesses must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Had 1 to 100 employees (including full-time, part-time and owner/employees) on a world-wide basis on November 17, 2020.
  • Is in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the “gatherings and face mask orders.”
  • Needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses.
  • Can demonstrate an income loss as a result of the orders as determined by the EDO in which an eligible business is located.
  • Is not a live music and entertainment venue that is eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival grant program.

Submitted by Governor Whitmer’s Office

Sheriff’s Office Phone Number Being Used in Scam

St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King is advising residents to be extra vigilant in watching for the latest scam to hit the area.  The latest involves a suspect calling the victim saying he must buy Green Dot or other types of cards or they will be arrested.  One person was told he had missed jury duty and had to buy a $400 Green Dot card and give the caller the confirmation number.  The suspect had somehow rigged the call so that the Sheriff’s Office main number showed on the victim’s caller ID.

“I want everyone to know that the Sheriff’s Office does not make calls to collect money,” said Sheriff King.  “If anyone receives that type of call, immediately hang up.  Do not give out any personal information and do not purchase any type of financial transaction device.  Then call our office to make a report.”

Sheriff King went on to say there are numerous types of scams that are occurring and likely will continue in the future.

To avoid being a victim of email or phone scams, Sheriff King has the following tips:

  • Do not answer calls from unknown phone numbers. If you must pick up, refuse to engage with telemarketers over the phone. While some seem friendly, they may attempt to sell products or services you do not want or need. Or, they may attempt to gain access to your money. Do not worry about offending anyone. Firmly say, “Remove us from your calling list.” You needn’t provide an explanation. Then, hang up.
  • Do not open emails you do not recognize. Avoid clicking on links that may bring you to fake websites that often look real. If you receive an email with spelling errors, it could be a red flag.
  • If a company or individual tells you to make payments in the form of gift-cards, or tells you to keep their call a secret, it’s a scam.
  • Register your phone number on the national do not call list, utilize caller ID to avoid answering unwanted calls from solicitors, or block numbers if receiving repeated calls.
  • Anyone who contacts you to demand money, and threatens or harasses you for payments, should be reported to your local police. If you receive an unwanted call after your number was on the National Do Not Call Registry for 30 days, report it to the FTC.

Submitted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office

PHASD Auctioning Off Items from Lakeport Elementary

If you were one of the elementary students who attended Lakeport Elementary, the school’s closing likely caused some emotion. Memories of Principal Brian Winters, climbing the rope in gym class, and passing notes to your friends may have come to mind in an instant.

The school was closed after the 2012-13 school year because of declining enrollment in the district. The property was listed for sale in 2018, and the sale of the building is currently pending.

As the district prepares to vacate the school for its new owners, they opened an auction to sell the surplus items that are stored there. The auction includes electronics, furniture, HVAC materials, and storage items, and is open until January 21st at 1 PM.

Visit the auction site <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water Hospice Home Patients Getting New Rooms

The VNA & Blue Water Hospice is set to begin a Room Renovation Project at the Blue Water Hospice Home. Work begins this week on the project and it is expected to take 1-2 months to complete.

The project includes new flooring, paint, beds, tvs, restrooms, and electrical in each patient room. Work will be done on one to two rooms at a time so the Hospice Home can remain open during renovations. Staff will keep patients in rooms as far away as possible from the rooms being renovated.

Many local partners helped fund and contribute to the renovation including the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, and the VNA and Blue water Hospice plans to use local resources such as RESA and Watson Brothers among others to complete the work.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

United Way of St. Clair County Accepting Grant Requests

The federal government just released $95,359.00 of grant money for St. Clair County emergency food and shelter programs, and the United Way of St. Clair County is accepting grant requests from eligible organizations.

The funding is allocated annually by congress through a provision in the federal budget that targets the needs of families impacted by unemployment and emergency medical events. This year’s amount designated to St. Clair County was influenced by the unemployment rate in the county.

All organizations that provide emergency food and shelter services can apply for the grant online at uwstclair.org/EFSP. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM on January 25, 2021.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand