George James

Series of New Laws Signed to Expand Childcare Access

Bills to expand childcare access were signed into law last week. The bills allow for a higher child-to-adult ratio and establish the Family Child Care Networks that provide technical assistance and support to small, home-based childcare businesses.

The bills also expand care options for infants and toddlers by requiring Family Child Care Networks to be in place state-wide, and addressing licensing and regulatory technicalities.  

Emily Laidlaw, Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau said, “Childcare is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we are focused on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality childcare for families.”

Laidlaw said that the licensing bureau has researched the issue by talking to over 700 people about expanding or starting their own childcare businesses. Laidlaw said, “These bills help us continue to cut red tape and expand access to care — while keeping safety for kids front and center.” 

Links to all of the childcare bills signed into law can be found below.

HB 5041 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5042 was sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores, and a copy can be found here. 

HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5044 was sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5046 was sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5047 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.  

HB 5048 was sponsored by Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fatal Accident on McKinley Road

The St. Clair County Sheriff Office is investigating a one vehicle accident that resulted in the death of the driver.

The preliminary investigation shows that the vehicle, a 2011 Ford Escape, was southbound on McKinley Road and lost control near Markel Road. The vehicle rolled over and the driver, a 19
year old Clay Township man, was ejected from the vehicle. Investigation shows he was not
wearing a seat belt.

The man was transported by Tri Hospital EMS to River District Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The passenger, a 22 year old Ira Township man, had minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.

McKinley Road was shut down for several hours during the investigation. It has been determined that speed was a factor. The St. Clair County Accident Investigation Team is continuing the investigation. The names of those involved are being held at this time pending further notification of family.

Kenockee Fire Department to Get Life-Saving Grain Bin Rescue Tubes

Kenockee Township Fire Department, serving the Avoca area in St. Clair County, is the recipient of a potentially life-saving resource. The department will receive grain rescue tubes and hands-on training to be used if the first responders ever encounter a grain entrapment situation.

Grain bin entrapment is a particularly scary fear that farmers and their families live with, as dozens of lives are lost each year to it. Once someone falls into a bin or wagon full of grain, it is very hard to get out.

Nationwide, an insurance and financial services company, provides the devices and training and has given out 265 rescue tubes since 2014.

Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide said, “It’s been our mission to bring an end to this industry issue by raising awareness of the dangers and supplying needed equipment to the front line rescuers tasked with responding when accidents occur.”

A state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulator will be brought to the Kenockee Fire Department to conduct the training and deliver the rescue tubes.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Selfridge Air Show To Honor WW2 Vets July 9-10

The Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show and Open House is honoring World War II veterans this year, along with the traditional air show and display of the military equipment at the base. The show is planned for July 9th and 10th. The theme of this year’s show is “Celebrating the Next Century of Flight at Selfridge”.

The Harrison Township base is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, and admission is free. Preferred seating is available for purchase. The air shows are held from noon to 4:00 each day.

An extensive roster of aircraft will be performing in the air, with appearances by rare and unique planes. The full list can be found at teamselfridge.com.

Fifty World War II veterans will be special guests at Selfridge on July 9th. World War II veterans are getting close to 100 years old if they have not already reached that milestone.

Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a joint military base that was established in 1917.

Celebrating The Next Century Of Flight

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

St. Clair County Library System Wants Yes Vote on August 2nd Millage to Continue Serving Community

Denise Brooks, Chair of the YES Library Committee, said, “The Library Millage is for 1.2 mills over 10 years.”

Brooks said, “The millage will help strengthen and expand current programs and services as well as expand opportunities for broader access.” She encouraged everyone to vote YES on August 2 to support the library.

David Whipple, Chairperson of the St. Clair County Library Board of Trustees explained, “The existing millage ends this year. If the millage does not pass there will be no library and all 11 branches will close. The millage provides 78 percent of the library’s budget.”

Library Director Allison Arnold said,” The library has employed cost-saving measures to reduce expenses over the past several years. Yet, in recent years the library has had to forgo basic technical infrastructure improvements, and program, service and accessibility developments to maintain a balanced operating budget.” 

Library Millage Details can be found at https://www.yeslibrary2022.org/

From St. County Library System Director Allison Arnold:

“The mission of the St. Clair County Library System is to connect our community to the world of information so our residents can be effective, ethical users and producers of ideas and information, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners in order to allow our community to participate fully in our global society. Toward this end, the library provides free educational programs, including early literacy programs for children, and circulates books, magazines, and DVDs. Other services include free public computers; free Wi-Fi access; free online databases including Gale Courses and Ancestry.com; free meeting room access for community groups; free one-on-one assistance with technology; free access to digital books; free interlibrary loan services; and low-cost copy, printing, and fax services.

The library has employed cost-saving measures to reduce expenses over the past several years. Yet, in recent years the library has had to forgo basic technical infrastructure improvements, and program, service and accessibility developments to maintain a balanced operating budget.

COVID-19 and the resulting economic uncertainty has caused a significant reduction in penal fines (fines levied for a violation of the criminal code or a violation against the state), state aid, and interest revenue, which collectively comprise 20% of the library’s annual budget. The St. Clair County Library System’s primary revenue source (almost 80%) is the locally voted property taxes, without which, the Library would not be able to operate.”

From Denise Brooks, Chairman, YES Library Committee:

“The Library Millage is for 1.2 mills over 10 years. For a $160,000 house that would be $96 per year – four hardcover books a year or a couple Starbucks coffees a month. For the wide variety of services available from the library that is a bargain!” 

“The millage will help strengthen and expand current programs and services as well as expand opportunities for broader access. I encourage everyone to vote YES on August 2 to support the library.”

From David Whipple:

“My name is David Whipple. I am Chairperson of the St Clair County Library Board of Trustees. The existing millage ends this year. If the millage does not pass there will be no library and all 11 branches will close. The millage provides 78 percent of the library’s budget. Please join us and vote on August 2 to keep your library open.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Jody Parmann Returns to Local Art Scene with Summer Show

Local artist Jody Parmann is making a comeback on the local art scene after taking some time off to focus on caring for her children. Parmann’s exhibit, “ART of a girl, daughter, sister, woman, wife & mother” will be displayed at the Exquisite Corpse Coffee House in Downtown Port Huron for the month of July and will then move to Kate’s Downtown, also in Downtown Port Huron, for the month of August.

Parmann’s series of paintings reflect the things that she processes as a mother and a woman. Parmann said her piece “Water Yourself Mama” is a reminder to fellow mothers that if they “water” themselves, that self-care trickles down and we become better mothers. 

Parmann let her real-life frustrations with navigating the public school system for her son with autism show in her painting “Let Me Put You Back Together”.

Like many mothers who put their creative pursuits on hold, Parmann had been saving up ideas for artwork as she juggles the responsibilities of the “mundane yet miraculous existence” as a mother.

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/3197780947125111

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland