George James

New Law Makes Mental Health Care More Accessible

A bill to make mental health care more accessible, regardless of income level, has been signed into state law. The bill, introduced by State Representative Mary Whiteford, a Casco Township Republican, was signed into law this week and takes immediate effect.

The law requires department and community mental health services programs to determine the ability to pay in accordance with the federal sliding fee discount program. The program applies to inpatient psychiatric services of less than 61 days, all non-residential services, and all services to minors. The federal poverty guidelines would be used to determine eligibility in the “sliding fee” program.

Whiteford said, “As I listen to community mental health organizations around the state, I’ve learned how important it is to hire and retain mental health professionals. HB 5165 will truly help our communities.” 

Upon signing the bipartisan legislation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “To get more Michiganders the help they need, we need to tackle the two primary challenges around mental health: cost and supply.”

Whitmer said the new law will ensure Michiganders in more communities have access to the support they need to thrive.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Griswold Road to Get an Upgrade

Another local road construction project is starting next week. Griswold Road between Allen Road and the I-69 business loop is scheduled for an upgrade beginning June 13th and lasting about two weeks.

Griswold Road’s existing asphalt will be milled and resurfaced. There will also be the placing of aggregate road shoulders, along with new pavement markings and reconstruction of the railroad crossing.

The portion of road between Michigan Road and 32nd Street will be completely closed to traffic for approximately one week. Detours will be posted. There will be daytime lane closures between Allen and Michigan Roads.

The project has an estimated total construction cost of nearly $398,000 and is paid for by the Federal Highway Administration and the St. Clair County Road Commission. The main contractor is Ace-Saginaw Paving Company.

The Road Commission asks that drivers cooperate in keeping access open for local residents and emergency vehicles on Griswold Road and that drivers exercise patience in the construction zone.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Fishing, Kid’s Fishing Clinic, Kid’s Fishing Derby June 11th

June 11th and 12th are part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ “Three Free” Weekend that offers free fishing, off-roading, and state park entry for both Michigan residents and those visiting from out of state.

DNR Director Dan Eichinger said, “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ Weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

A pair of local events are geared toward kids who might want to give fishing a try.

The City of St. Clair is holding its River Activity Day with the Cargill Kid’s Fishing Derby from 7:30 a.m to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th at Pine Shores Golf Course.

Port Huron Township is hosting the 30th Annual Free Fishing Clinic for Kids at the William P. Thompson Pond on 40th Street from 11:00 to 2:00 with free fishing poles and bait available, free food, and fun informational booths.

More information about the local events and the statewide “Three Free” Weekend can be found at the links below.

https://porthurontownship.org/news/kids-free-fishing-clinic

https://www.stclairrec.com/events/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/31a44b6

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DTE Does Not Anticipate Any Brownouts This Summer

If you’ve heard reports that there could be blackouts or brownouts during the days of highest demand on the electrical grid this summer, DTE says not to worry.

In a statement to customers, DTE Electric President and Chief Operating Officer Trevor Lauer said that there is plenty of power for the region that DTE covers and that the report from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator actually refers to the whole power grid that contains fifteen states and one Canadian province.

That grid as a whole could have issues, and in response, DTE might have to ask for voluntarily reduced consumption so that DTE can supply for the gaps in the region, but they do not anticipate any forced power outages.

In the letter, Lauer said, “As the largest energy producer in the state of Michigan, DTE has the energy needed to serve our customers – plus reserves – even during the hottest days of summer. We do not expect rolling brownouts or any issues with generating the electricity you need to live your life all summer long.”

Lauer also mentioned that the Blue Water Energy Center power plant in East China will launch in June and will be the cleanest, most efficient natural gas power plant in the United States.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Spero Offers Free Obstetric Ultrasounds as Part of Nurse-Sonographer Training

Spero Pregnancy Center in Port Huron is offering free obstetric ultrasounds to expectant mothers on Thursday and Friday, June 23rd and 24th.

While ultrasounds are always free to women seeking services at the center, this special event is for training registered nurse-sonographers on their ultrasound equipment. All pregnant women at least 5 ½ weeks along are invited to help the Spero staff while getting free ultrasound pictures of their little ones on the way. While finding out whether it’s a boy or a girl is not part of the free ultrasound, participants will be entered into a drawing for a gift card.

The Spero Pregnancy Center is located at 1211 Griswold Street in Port Huron. Volunteers and staff at the life-affirming non-profit medical clinic offer free services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, mentoring, material assistance, adoption referrals, and prenatal and parenting classes.

Call 810-985-4673 to make an appointment for the free training ultrasounds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland