George James

Open Meetings Act Expanded to Require Audio Recordings

A bill to expand the Open Meetings Act was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday.

The bipartisan legislation requires public meetings of state licensing boards, state commission panels, and state rule-making boards to record meetings to allow for the capture of sound, such as an audio-only recording, a video recording with sound and picture, or a broadcast that is capable of being recorded.  

The bill was introduced about a year ago by Representative Luke Meerman, a Republican from Coopersville. While the Open Meetings Act makes state and local government meetings open to public attendance, the expansion of the law requires the governing bodies to at least make an audio recording that records the entire meeting, including public comments, and makes the recording available to anyone who makes a request.

The bill was opposed by some state government agencies but passed with limited opposition in both chambers of the legislature.

Whitmer said the law would “will help Michiganders have more confidence in their public bodies”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Ducks Unlimited, DNR, Audubon Work to Enhance St. Clair Flats

The St. Clair Flats area, located in the southern tip of St. Clair County, is home to a diverse bird species and is a destination for kayakers and canoers who want to view the interesting wildlife. The area is getting revitalized with the cooperation of Ducks Unlimited, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Audubon Great Lakes.

Kali Rush, Michigan Regional Biologist for Ducks Unlimited said, “As society develops more and more of our landscape, natural areas such as St. Clair Flats take on an even greater importance for people and wildlife. We are proud to work with the DNR and Audubon on public lands that are so close to Metro Detroit and in the middle of a major bird migratory route.”

The wetlands not only serve as a habitat for birds but prevent flooding and filter water. Agencies have already been working on improving the 2600 acres of wetlands, but the next phase includes replacing water-management infrastructure to better control water levels and improve habitat on 1500 acres of wetlands on Harsens Island.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Local Mom Looking for Players for Kicking Out Stigma Kickball League

Jessica Franz, a Port Huron area mom, is committed to finding recreational opportunities for her 20-year-old special needs son. Team sports are hard to find for older kids who still need that team experience and organized physical activity.

Franz is spearheading an effort to organize a kickball league that includes young adults living on the autism spectrum, or with other special needs. It will be called KOS, Kicking Out Stigma.

Franz said that it has been harder to find recreational sports for her son, Gabe, as he has gotten older. Gabe is an active young man who is interested in trains, fishing, and bowling, but what he really wants is to join a sports team, just like his younger siblings.

When she couldn’t find what she was looking for, Jessica Franz decided to start a league of her own and to put out the call for interested players. There is a possibility of future collaboration with Community Mental Health. The league would get started in mid-June.

Kicking Out Stigma Kickball League: Jessica Franz, jahgm@hotmail.com, 810-990-5118

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 and Wayne State Partner for Engineering Degree Program

St. Clair County Community College and Wayne State University are partners in a program to make it easier to launch a STEM career with an Engineering Degree.

Students will be able to earn most of their general education credits at SC4 and then to transfer “seamlessly” to Wayne State for a bachelor’s degree. They will be able to earn their Associate of Science degree while working toward the Wayne State transfer.

SC4 President Dr. Deborah A. Snyder said, “We know many SC4 students transfer on to earn four-year degrees and have gone on to lead in cutting-edge industries, but too many others lose interest in crucial STEM subjects or encounter barriers along the way.”

Snyder said that the community college can do more to inspire, educate and prepare students and cited the Challenger Learning Center and the Wayne State partnership as ways to “help students save on tuition costs and time as they pursue a bachelor’s degree from one of Michigan’s most innovative four-year institutions.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Doc” Emrick Headlines YMCA “Night of Champions”

The YMCA of the Blue Water Area is planning a “Night of Champions” featuring Hockey Hall of Fame announcer Mike “Doc” Emrick, along with some surprise guests.

The fundraiser will be held on Thursday, September 15th at 6:00 p.m. at McMorran Arena in downtown Port Huron. The event will be hockey-themed with pregame festivities, hockey activities, food from local establishments, and live and silent auctions.

YMCA of the Blue Water Area’s Foundation Chairman, Don Fletcher, said, “This Night of Champions event provides us with a wonderful opportunity to raise positive awareness for the many ways the YMCA of the Blue Water Area strengthens our community.”

Doc Emrick has a history with the Port Huron Flags, Olympic Hockey and Water Polo coverage, and with quietly supporting causes along with his wife, Joyce, according to Fletcher.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from the YMCA in downtown Port Huron. Tickets are $100 each or $1000 for a table. Sponsorships are available. All proceeds go toward supporting the mission of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland