George James

Special Open Enrollment Period In Effect for Health Insurance Marketplace

Michigan residents can enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace during a Special Enrollment Period. The enrollment period is in effect from now until November 30th with coverage starting on the first day of the month after enrollment.

Department of Insurance and Financial Director Anita Fox explained, “Many Michiganders now have free or low-cost health insurance thanks to increased enrollment opportunities and the American Rescue Plan, but many thousands more remain uninsured despite being eligible for significant out of pocket savings.” 

The Special Enrollment Period is for those who have a household income that falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The level is around $19,000 for an individual and $40,000 for a family of four. Those who qualify will also be eligible for an Advance Premium Tax Credit that could make the Marketplace plan available at no cost. 

Free local enrollment help is available to help you take advantage of this new opportunity at LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov. You can also contact DIFS, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 877-999-6442 for information about getting started. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Adopt-A-Highway Trash Pickup Scheduled for this Weekend

All that trash along the sides of Michigan’s highways is about to get cleaned up thanks to the Michigan Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program. The first pickups of the year are scheduled for this weekend through May 1st in the Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula has not quite reached spring-like weather and the first pickup in the U.P. is scheduled for early to mid-May.

State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “We want to acknowledge the valuable service these thousands of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers provide each year keeping our roadsides clean.”

Ajegba said, “Their commitment to their communities makes a huge difference across Michigan. We also remind motorists to keep an eye out for the volunteers and drive cautiously during the pickup periods.”

Motorists should be aware of the volunteers who will be out keeping the highways and the environment clean. They will be wearing high-visibility vests and working in groups of three.

There are still sections of highways that are available for groups or businesses to adopt. There are three trash pickups throughout the year: this weekend’s pickup, a July pickup, and a September pickup.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Emmett KOA Holiday Campground Ready for New Season with New Owners

The Emmett KOA Holiday Campground is under new ownership. James and Janet Hull are the new owners of the campground, located on Breen Road in Emmett. The campground is managed by the Hulls’ daughter, Toni Burton.

Burton said, “If they were going to retire my dad wanted something else to retire to. When I graduated high school, I started working at this campground. We’ve always been campers. He thought it would be really cool to retire and own the campground.” 

Burton called the family park a “gem in the middle of Emmett.” Burton said that the previous owners maintained the campground very well and it is a busy destination for campers. The campground is open from April 30th through October 24th.

Kampgrounds of America awarded Emmett KOA Holiday the 2021 KOA Founder’s and President’s awards for achieving world-class scores and meeting exceptional quality standards. The Emmett property is one of 525 KOA campgrounds. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Take Survey to Share Thoughts on Broadband Internet Throughout Downtown Port Huron

The City of Port Huron is taking a survey to gauge the interest in broadband internet service throughout downtown.

Jazmyn Thomas, Community Development Program Administrator, said that Port Huron has Block Grant funding from the federal government that could be used to fund the broadband project.

Thomas explained that eligible projects must have a COVID tieback and benefit low to moderate-income persons. The universal broadband service downtown would allow people to use pocket parks, public meeting areas, or their vehicles to get work done and allow for social distancing.

If the broadband project happens, Thomas said Port Huron would be pioneering the effort as no other community has used the federal block grants in such a way.

Downtown Development Director Natacha Hayden said, “The pandemic compelled a high need for quality broadband services for essential things like work and school in many communities.” Hayden pointed out the challenges with connectivity that can happen with such close proximity to the Canadian border.

City of Port Huron Broadband Internet Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2WQJRBV

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Roy Klecha Retires from Northstar Bank Board of Directors

Northstar Bank has announced the retirement of a longtime member of its Board of Directors. Roy Klecha is wrapping up his 47-year career in the banking industry.

Klecha started at Commercial and Savings Bank in 1974. He served as President of Seaway Community Bank since it started in 2001 and served as the CEO of Northstar Bank from 2013 to 2016. He served on the Board of Directors since 2001.

Along with being a leader in regional banking, Klecha served the Algonac Rotary Club, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, St. Clair County Blue Meets Green, St. Clair Downtown Development Authority, St. Clair Theatre Guild, St. John River District Hospital, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and United Way of St. Clair County.

Debbie Cunningham, President and CEO of Northstar Bank said, “We celebrate and thank Roy for his 20+ years of service and invaluable contributions. Roy’s dedication to our customers, community, and Northstar Bank has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Five Green Guardians to Be Recognized at St. Clair County Earth Fair

The 2022 Green Guardians have been announced. Green Guardians are those who work to enhance, preserve, and protect the natural environment in the Blue Water Area.

The winners are Jan Vincent of Lavender Creek Farm, LLC; Don Strauss of the St. Paul Lutheran Community Garden; Mike Shuler, a volunteer with the Blue Water Conservation District’s Spring Tree Sale; The Richmond Schools Lee Elementary Green Club; and the Memphis Elementary School Makerspace/STEAM Lab.

Melissa Kivel, a member of the Earth Fair committee, said, “We’re proud to formally recognize and celebrate the work being done by these people to clean up and support our local natural resources. Our community is a cleaner, healthier home for both humans and wildlife because of these environmental superheroes.”  

The winners will be recognized during the 2022 St Clair County Earth Fair at Goodells County Park on April 29th and 30th. The Green Guardians Award started in 2017.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland