George James

Port Huron Armory Could Get Upgrades to Support Women in Service

Port Huron’s Army National Guard Armory needs to “get with the changing times”, according to National Guard representatives that gave a tour to legislators and media on Friday.

The U.S. military now allows women into combat roles, but Michigan does not currently have adequate facilities for guardswomen at their armories. That could change with cooperation from the Governor, the legislature, and the federal government to start construction projects at Michigan’s National Guard armories to provide adequate bathroom and shower facilities for the increasing number of guardswomen.

Paul D. Rogers, Major General in the Michigan National Guard and Adjutant General with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said that Michigan is at the forefront of the effort to welcome women into the military roles that help to build skills and provide career opportunities.

There are currently four women in service at the Port Huron Armory with another in training. The $3 million upgrade would be funded with half of the money coming from state appropriations and the rest matched with federal funds. Both State Senator Dan Lauwers and State Representative Gary Eisen expressed support for the renovations to the armory that will update the community facility and support local contractors. Eisen called the renovations “way overdue”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Children’s Author Jacquie Anter Looks to Nature in Book: You

A children’s book author with local ties is looking to guide kids to feeling their inner worth by looking to nature.

Author Jacquie Anter recently released the book, You, published by Archway Publishing. When asked about the book, Anter said, “The book’s message is a simple yet profound one that is sorely needed today. That message is that we are born in perfect love and with perfect value, and all we need to do is look to nature to be reminded of this truth.”

When asked about coming up with the book idea, Anter said, “Kids are so in tune with nature, so using nature struck me as a great way to help remind them that just as they look at the mountains, a forest of trees or a flower — or in Port Huron’s case, all the water surrounding it — and just see the natural beauty, kids can apply that same concept to looking at themselves.”

Anter has spent a lot of time in the Blue Water Area, with her husband having grown up in Port Huron, and it had an impact on her book. She said, “Port Huron is all about nature with a great lake, a major international river, and a river running through its downtown.”

You is Anter’s first book and she is hoping to publish a second book in the next 18 months.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

New State Agency Formed to Serve Aging Population

The state of Michigan is about to get a new government agency. The Health and Aging Services Administration within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been created to address the needs of the growing aging population.

Nearly 25% of Michigan’s population is over age 60 and those 85 and older remain the fastest-growing age group. The creation of the new agency combines several other previously established agencies and offices to increase coordination. Service capacity is also expected to expand with the creation of the office.

Kate Massey, the senior deputy director of the new administration said, “Long-term care policy will now come from one coordinated area of MDHHS. We expect these changes to allow smoother transitions across the continuum of care – including for older adults who prefer to age in place. Services to our aging population are a critically important part of MDHHS’s work.”  

 Paula D. Cunningham, state director of AARP Michigan, also commended the streamlined offices, saying, “These improvements are especially important as Michigan’s aging population continues to grow and as many older adults want to continue to live in their homes and communities as they age.” 

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rotary Raises Awareness of Global Polio Threat

The Fort Gratiot Rotary Club is raising awareness of the fight against polio.

October 24th is World Polio Day. Those involved with the Rotary, an international service organization, have been working to eradicate polio for over 35 years. The efforts have helped to reduce polio rates by 99.9%. Vaccinating children in the Philippines was one of their first projects in the mission to eradicate polio.

Most people think polio has been eradicated, but there are actually cases in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The rise of the Taliban has caused serious concern over the future of Rotary’s efforts in the region.

Rotarian Jessica S. Simon said, “Local Rotarians have supported this effort through personal monetary donations and fundraising efforts that included a spaghetti dinner. For over a decade, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been giving $2 for every $1 raised by Rotarians, helping our dollars to go further. While we don’t see Polio as a threat locally, it is not impossible for an outbreak in another part of the world to have an impact on us.”

https://polioeradication.org/who-we-are/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Heading to College? It’s FAFSA Time

It seems simple: You have to apply for financial aid to get financial aid. Yet, money stays on the table every year because students don’t apply for it or they don’t provide complete information.

To try to get college students and their families the maximum benefit, the Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding families to start thinking about filling out the FAFSA. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The application period opened on October 1st and goes until March 1st for State Priority Consideration. It can still be completed after March 1st, but the money might be gone.

Robin Lott, executive director of Treasury’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning, said, “Completing the FAFSA should be on top of everyone’s list when applying for college financial aid.”

Lott said, “I strongly encourage students and parents not to wait to complete this free application. Missing the March 1, 2022, deadline could result in missing out on critical dollars that could help pay for college. Please do not delay and submit your application sooner rather than later.”

At least one parent or guardian needs to obtain a Federal Student Aid ID to complete the FAFSA.

To get started with the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.gov. To learn more about State of Michigan scholarships and grant programs, visit the MI Student Aid website at www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

Administered by Treasury, MI Student Aid is Michigan’s go-to resource for finding the financial resources needed to pay for college. For more information, contact MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov 1-888-447-2687 or @mistudentaid on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Weatherization Program Helps Reduce Energy Costs

Help is available for low-income Michigan residents who need help winterizing their homes. It might still feel like summer, but winter is on its way, and along with it, high heating costs. Winterization can help reduce household energy costs.

Blue Water Community Action is the provider of the winterization service in St. Clair County. Those who sign up for the program will have trained energy auditors use energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment to create a comprehensive energy analysis of their homes.

After analysis, the most cost-effective ways to reduce heating costs are then determined and trained contractors install the energy-efficient health and safety improvements. Examples of improvements are insulation, air sealing, lighting upgrades, and water-saving measures. Safety issues like CO2 exposure, ventilation problems, and system efficiency are also addressed. Improved health outcomes like reduced asthma triggers have been attained with the program.

There are income eligibility requirements and homes must be in adequate condition to handle the upgrades.

Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program can contact their local provider. 

More information about home energy savings can be found by visiting the websites below that cover:

Air Sealing your home. 

Energy Efficiency Tips from Consumers Energy. 

The Energy Saver Guide from Energy.gov. 

Twenty-five Quick and Easy Energy Saving Tips from Direct Energy. 

Energy Efficiency Tips for Renters and Homeowners from Energy.gov.

Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland