Choze Powell

State Rep. Andrew Beeler Starts Term

State Representative Andrew Beeler was sworn into the Michigan House on Wednesday to represent the 83rd District. Although national politics has focused largely on activity at the Capitol over the last week, Beeler says his main focus is on his district and the people he represents.

After the swearing in ceremony, the 101st Michigan Legislature had its first session, and House Speaker Jason Wentworth spoke and set the tone for future sessions. According to Beeler, Wentworth encouraged the Legislature to help improve the transparency and accountability of government, and inspired the group to shore up the people’s faith in [government] institutions.

When asked what it was like to be in his first session representing the 83rd District, Beeler said, “It was a really humbling moment. What really hit home for me was that I am here on behalf of my community.”

Beeler went on to say, “I think that after all the campaigning and all the door knocking and going through the issues back and forth, in that moment there was a calm. [There was] humility understanding what an honor it is not only to be in that chamber but also to represent the 90,ooo people who live in the 83rd District, my home and my neighbors.”

Beeler is still working out the details on how his constituents can best communicate with him. For now, he will keep people informed through his social media and through local news sources, and he is available by email at andrewbeeler@house.mi.gov and by phone at 517-373-0835.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Blue Water YMCA Helps RESET for 2021

If you’re ready to actively put 2020 behind you, the Blue Water YMCA wants to help you RESET for 2021. Their RESET Challenge is designed to help transform the spirit, mind, and body beginning on February 1st.

The Y’s Healthy Living Sr. Program Director, Jenny McElwain, said, “Everyone’s ready for a new focus, a reset, after 2020. We want the RESET Challenge to engage the entire community in moving and feeling better.”

The challenge includes 150 minutes of physical activity a week for 6 weeks and comes along with three encouraging texts each week filled with motivation, challenges, and workouts. RESET Challenge participants can also enjoys some free classes to further inspire them in their fitness goals.

The Blue Water YMCA’s new Executive Director, Josh Chapman, begins his position this week, and he’s encouraging the community to participate. “It’s the perfect time to take back our lives, reenergize, achieve goals, feel better and stronger,” said Chapman.

You can learn more about the RESET Challenge at www.bluewaterymca.com

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Whitmer Expecting Indoor Dining to Resume Feb 1st

At a press conference today, Governor Whitmer expressed that Michigan has been a leader in fighting COVID-19. She said the state is seeing an increased demand for vaccines, and they have brought Meijer on as a pharmacy partner to help achieve their goal of 50,000 vaccines administered per day.

MDHHS Director Robert Gordon spoke about the physical and emotional toll that COVID-19 has had on Michiganders especially in winter. Therefore, beginning January 16th, the restrictions on indoor fitness and group athletics are being lifted.

The state is also looking for ways to safely reopen restaurants for indoor dining, and they project that on Feb 1st indoor dining can resume with safety precautions in place such as masks, curfews, and capacity limits.

Residents are encouraged to continue adhering to mask wearing and refrain from attending indoor gatherings with people outside their household to contribute to the positive trend the state is experiencing with the virus.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

 

 

No Vaccine Appointments Available at St. Clair County Health Department

The St. Clair County Health Departments is experiencing a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, and there are no appointments available at this time. Vaccine supplies are allocated by the state on a week by week basis, so they recommend connecting with their social media pages and checking their website for updates on availability.

There is no waiting list, and they are asking residents to refrain from calling or showing up at the Health Department unexpectedly to ask about vaccines.

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, stated “We are using vaccine allocation as fast as we can. Please be patient as we work to ensure equitable distribution of these scarce resources. As vaccine supply increases, most initial distributions will take place at central locations to vaccinate many people quickly. We will expand as we can.”

The online vaccine scheduler is available <HERE> and will be updated as soon as new appointments are available.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Port Huron City Council Looking for Candidates to Fill Vacancy

At the Port Huron City Council Meeting Monday, Lisa Beedon’s Letter of Resignation was received and filed, and now the Council is asking for letters of interest from qualified city residents to fill her vacated seat.

Beedon was elected to the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners in the November election, which led to her resign from the council effective December 31, 2020.

None of the candidates who ran for the City Council position in the November election received 25% of the popular vote; therefore, the City Charter states that the Council must take applications from interested persons and appoint someone to fill the vacancy.

Letters of interest and resumes from prospective candidates will be accepted through January 26, 2021. Any qualified and registered Port Huron City elector can apply, and they can submit their letters and resumes to the City Clerk.

On Monday, February 1, 2021, the City Council will hold a meeting to review the candidates and vote to appoint the new City Council member.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Auto Show Cancelled for 2021 – Motor Bella Takes Its Place

The North American Auto Show won’t happen this year, but show officials have replaced the event with a new one in an outdoor setting. Motor Bella is described as a “bridge to the future”, and according to a press release, “the event will bring next-generation mobility and exciting vehicle debuts to media, show-goers, and automotive enthusiasts in a way never before experienced.”

The event is scheduled for September 21-26th at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac. The M1 Concourse is known as a place for people to keep, show, and exercise their vehicles and is described as an 87-acre playground for auto enthusiasts. It houses community garages, a performance track, and hosts a private Motorsports Club.

Motor Bella will take the auto show to a new level by offering vehicle showcases in action. Executive Director Rod Alberts said, “This all-outdoor venue, with adrenaline-pumping track activities and a full complement of OEM and technology exhibits, is going to offer the sights, sounds and even the smell of all that the new world of mobility has to offer.” 

To learn more, visit the event website <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand