George James

Senior Millage Provided $4.7 Million Worth of Services in 2020

Senior citizens in St. Clair County have a lot of resources for maintaining a high quality of life in their later years, as do their caregivers. Much of that is due to the county’s support of the Senior Citizens Millage.

While not on the ballot this year, the Senior Millage renewal will be on the August primary ballot in 2022. Jennifer Posey, Administrative Services Manager and Senior Citizens Millage Administrator, shared with us all the services that are funded by the Senior Millage.

Posey explained that services are provided for residents aged 60 and over. Over $4.7 million worth of services were provided to county seniors in 2020. Those services cover everything from adult daycare to meals on wheels to foster grandparent programs through the Council on Aging, and partnerships with community agencies like Catholic Charities, Hunter Hospitality House, and Visiting Nurses Association.

Taking care of seniors is a point of pride for the county, as St. Clair County is thought to be the first county in Michigan to authorize a Senior Citizens Millage. Posey said that the community has a long history of caring for and supporting senior residents. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Students and Parents Urged to Be Cautious When Taking out Student Loans

College is expensive and most students are forced to take out student loans. The Michigan Department of Treasury is alerting parents and students to seek the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to borrowing money for school. Americans owe about $1.7 trillion in student loans.

Robin Lott, director of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning for the Treasury, said, “More and more, students and families have to cover a considerable amount of their higher education costs. When student borrowers become financially empowered, they can better understand how to manage and leverage the financial aid they receive.”

The Treasury’s MI Student Aid Team has some tips for making the best of the student loan process. They say to complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to maximize options.

Not every student understands that loans need to be repaid, with interest. Loans are not “free money”. Students and parents should check the amount of interest being offered before accepting it. Shop around and only accept the amount you need.

Finally, students should make an account with studentaid.gov to keep track of their loans.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Latest Text Message Scam Promises Food Stamp Eligibility

A text messaging scam has been reported that targets people who may be looking to receive food benefits from the government. Text messages that say something like “you are eligible for food stamps” are scams that are just trying to get personal information. This style of criminal activity is called “smishing”.

A warning has been put out by the Office of the Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Criminals are impersonating government agencies, and preying on the vulnerable, in this instance.

Elizabeth Hertel, Director of MDHHS said, “I urge people to be on the alert for suspicious emails or texts about public assistance benefits.” 

Consumers are reminded not to assume a text is legitimate because of a familiar area code or phone number, not to click links in suspicious texts, and not to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited texts or linked websites.

Even if the message says to “text STOP”, don’t do it. Report the message to your cell phone service provider by copying the message and texting it to 7726 (SPAM) to report it as suspicious.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fairgrounds Jam-Packed with Monster Truck Fans

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair brought Monster Trucks to the masses Tuesday night and they were not disappointed. It was standing room only as several Monster Trucks put on a loud and full-throttle show at Goodells County Park.

No one in the crowd of thousands had as much fun as four-year-old Tyler Z. of Clinton Township. Tyler jumped in delight throughout the night as he cheered on his favorite truck, the Reptoid. Tyler’s mom said that he has been watching Monster Trucks on television, but this was his first live show and it was definitely worth the drive.

Tyler is obsessed with Monster Trucks and plans to be a driver when he grows up. He has already started working on building a vehicle with his dad, Matt.

World Champion Freestyle Monster Truck Driver Jim Koehler, a hometown competitor from Columbus, said that he loved the crowd and that they were “awesome”, as he gave his trophy back to the fans after another win as the driver of “Avenger” Tuesday night.

Koehler’s Team Scream, consisting of crowd favorites like Brutus, Axe, and Rage, put on an impressive show for the hometown crowd.

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair runs through Saturday. Full details can be found at stclaircounty4hfair.org/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Outdoor Fitness Court Opens in Marysville

Marysville, MI — Fitness opportunities just keep on growing in the Blue Water area. Morton Park in Marysville is the location of the latest addition to the health and wellness scene.

The Outdoor Fitness Court had its grand opening on July 20th and the Marysville Recreation Department is receiving a lot of good feedback about the project.

The project was created by the National Fitness Campaign. They have over 100 similar playgrounds nationwide with a goal of bringing 1000 courts to communities across the country by 2022. They partner with Priority Health in Michigan to give grants to 15 cities and Marysville was one of the lucky winners.

Stefanie Schneider, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Marysville, said, “Our court is located at Morton Park, which is home to the St. Clair County Community College Soccer team and the skatepark.”

Schneider said that she has wanted to provide outdoor fitness equipment for years and when the opportunity came along, she jumped on it.

The equipment is meant for use by those ages 14 and up and is for physical fitness. It is considered an outdoor gym and has instructions and equipment for a good outdoor workout year-round.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Warm, Stagnant Water Sets the Stage for Uptick in Legionnaires’ Cases

Don’t panic, but do take note that Michigan is experiencing an uptick in reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease. The respiratory infection can be spread through stagnant water and is more prevalent during warmer weather.

Buildings that have sat dormant for a time have the potential of spreading Legionnaires’ once they open back up, as the bacteria are sometimes found in man-made water systems like cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and decorative fountains, along with natural lakes and streams. Warm water, stagnation, and low disinfectant systems can contribute to the growth of Legionnaires’ and possible infection.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that 107 cases have been reported in just the first two weeks of July. This is a 569% increase from last year at the same time and 141% increase from 2019.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “Recent weather trends including rain, flooding, and warmer weather may be playing a role in the rise of reported legionellosis cases this summer. We want everyone to be aware of Legionnaire’s disease, especially if they may be at higher risk for illness and we ask that healthcare providers remain vigilant, and test and treat appropriately.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland