George James

Student Loan Repayment Pause Extended to August 31st

The student loan repayment pause has been extended again by the federal government. The current ruling remains in effect until August 31, 2022.

As pandemic relief payments are being phased out, the pause is meant to give borrowers time to continue to recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic, now in its third year.

A statement from the press office of President Biden said that the extension will provide time for borrowers to get a plan in place for resuming payments and reduce the risk of default or delinquency once the billing resumes.

Borrowers can look forward to resuming payment in “good standing” with any previous delinquencies eliminated. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is expanding to automatically credit those working in public service. Those who work in public service need to apply for loan forgiveness by October 31st of this year.

More information about the payment pause and supports for borrowers can be found at StudentAid.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Heading West on I-69? Expect Delays as $54.5 Million Road Rebuild Begins

Commuters and travelers driving on I-69 in Lapeer County will be encountering construction starting April 18th. A seven-mile stretch of the interstate will be getting rebuilt and the Five Lakes Rest Area will be completely replaced.

The project has a $54.5 million price tag and is part of the Rebuilding Michigan program. Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said, “This investment will greatly improve an important east/west corridor supporting commuters and commercial traffic.”

According to MDOT, drivers should expect lane closures and traffic shifts over the next two years. The estimated end date is October of 2023.

The project will start with the rebuilding of westbound I-69. Traffic will be maintained on I-69 throughout the project. 

Several ramps will be closed during the first phase of construction, including southbound M-24 to eastbound I-69, westbound I-69 to M-24, westbound I-69 to Wilder Road, Wilder Road to westbound I-69, and Lake Pleasant Road to westbound I-69.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

PHS, City Recreation Collaborate for Ks for Kids Fun Run June 9th

If you need a goal for getting into shape for summer, how about training for the Ks for Kids Fun Run? The annual race is in a new location with a new partnership. The Superhero theme race will be held on June 9.

The race is a fundraiser for the Port Huron Schools Endowment Fund and is being held with cooperation from the City of Port Huron Parks and Recreation Department. The race will honor local heroes and participants are invited to dress as their favorite superheroes.

The race will be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 9th, launching and ending at Pine Grove Park in downtown Port Huron. The route goes along the St. Clair River. Awards will be handed out to the top three running times in each age group. There is also a prize for the best costume.

Organizer Kim Dooley said, “The partnership with the Port Huron City Parks & Recreation Dept. gives us an opportunity to have a more centralized location in our district for the run. We hope it’s a big family event and a celebration of the beginning of summer.”

For more information about the race, please go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/PortHuron/KsForKidsFunRun

Roe v. Wade Uncertainty Prompts Pre-emptive Lawsuits

Michigan’s Governor and Attorney General, along with Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union, are taking pre-emptive legal action to protect unrestricted abortion rights in response to the possibility of the U. S. Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion.

Planned Parenthood, the nation’s biggest abortion provider, is suing Attorney General Dana Nessel to prevent enforcement of a 1931 Michigan Law that bans abortion. They have targeted other states with similar suits.

Nessel says she won’t enforce the 1931 law anyway. In fact, she is part of a multi-state lawsuit to try to restore federal funding for providers such as Planned Parenthood.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to settle the issue as to whether the 1931 law will go into effect if Roe is overturned. Whitmer said she would “fight like hell” to maintain abortion rights.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Prowlers Sign on for Another Five Years at McMorran

Port Huron will be the home of the Prowlers for at least five more years. The Federal Prospects Hockey League team has renewed their lease at McMorran Place in Downtown Port Huron until 2027.

In a statement on their website, the organization thanked the fans and said they are “ecstatic” to continue their relationship with McMorran. The Prowlers have been the home team in Port Huron since 2016.

Owner Barry Soskin described the team as “Bringing a Championship to the city in our first season, setting milestones and breaking professional hockey records for wins and winning streaks in our third year.”

He also said, “The arena is in the center of an expanding downtown, and we are excited to be a part of that growth.”

Regular season games conclude this weekend with Port Huron businessman and former Port Huron Beacons hockey player, Casey Harris, making an appearance on the ice on Saturday when the Prowlers take on the Columbus River Dragons.

The Prowlers have clinched a playoff spot with league playoffs starting immediately after the regular season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

You Can Help Animal Control Rehab 21 Animals Seized from Local Home

St. Clair County Animal Control could use some help in providing materials for animals that were recently rescued in a case of alleged animal hoarding and neglect in the City of Port Huron.

After a citizen complaint, a search warrant was drafted and executed on a home on the City’s south side. Animal Control and the Port Huron Police Department seized thirteen cats and kittens and eight dogs. Law enforcement reports that several of the animals required emergency veterinary care. The home was found to be in poor condition, and unsuitable for hygienic pet care.

While the case is under investigation, the animals are recovering with Animal Control. They will be available for adoption once they are medically cleared.

St. Clair County Animal Control is asking for donations of Clorox bleach, Dawn dish soap, unscented scoopable cat litter, Indoor Purina Cat Chow, and Small Breed Purina Dog Chow.

Suspected cases of animal neglect, cruelty, or hoarding can be reported to St. Clair County Animal Control.

810-984-3155 or animalcontrol@stclaircounty.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland