George James

County to Pay for and Coordinate Spraying for Spongy (Gypsy) Moths

Those pesky gypsy moths, now renamed spongy moths, won’t know what hit them if St. Clair County’s mitigation strategy works. After county residents reported the infestation of the little caterpillars with the huge appetites, the county adopted a plan to provide aerial spraying in areas identified as spongy moth hot spots.

County Commissioner Jorja Baldwin said, “Through a partnership with multiple county departments, St. Clair County MSU Extension and the Friends of the St. Clair River, an annual Spongy Moth Mitigation Program and 2022 aerial spray both have been successfully designed and implemented.”

Baldwin said that there will be no cost to residents or municipalities for the 2022 aerial spray, which could cost up to $550,000.  The county is picking up the tab this year.

Over 5500 acres of land have been identified as needing treatment. Spraying will begin in May and should be completed no later than the first of June. Affected property owners will be contacted and have the option to decline.

More information will soon be available at stclaircouty.org.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

$400 Auto insurance Refunds in the Mail

Auto insurance refund checks are in the mail. The $400 returns for each insured auto have been processed by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association. The $3 billion transfer of funds has to be completed no later than May 9th. Eligible vehicles are those that met minimum insurance requirements at 11:59 p.m. on October 21, 2021.

Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services said, “Our goal is to make sure that Michiganders understand the eligibility requirements and to help ensure that this money makes it into consumers’ pockets as quickly and securely as possible.” 

The refunds are the result of bipartisan legislation that has been criticized by accident victims and health care providers who have had their funding severely reduced. Two billion dollars remain in the fund.

For those who are expecting a refund, but don’t receive it, there is a hotline and a webpage to answer questions.

Eligible consumers who do not receive their refunds by the deadline should contact their auto insurer or agent. If consumers have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer, they should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov.  

To help Michiganders learn more about these refunds, DIFS has launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SC4 Announces STEM and Athletic Summer Camps

Summer Camps are back at St. Clair County Community College. There is a wide selection of athletic camps along with a STEM-based camp.

The Galaxy Quest STEM Summer Camp is for students in 5th through 8th grade. There are two sessions in July, each with limited capacity. The cost is $300. Galaxy Quest STEM Summer Camp will use hands-on science in the new Challenger Learning Center.

Referring to the STEM Camp, Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4 said, “Participants in this camp will be among the first to experience our Challenger Learning Center, which officially opens this spring.”

The athletic camps include baseball, basketball, cross country, esports, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. Costs range from $80-$150 per athlete.

SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos said, “These camps provide a wonderful opportunity to learn from collegiate coaches, athletes and experts. We expect these camps to fill fast and look forward to welcoming youths to camp this summer.”

For more information and to register for SC4 athletic camps, visit sc4.edu/camps, email athletics@sc4.edu or call 810-989-5662.

A link to more information can be found at WGRT.com.

Ship Sunk in 1891 Found in Lake Superior

Lake Superior has been hiding a secret for 130 years. Thanks to sonar technology, the secret is out with the discovery of a 172-foot ship buried in the depths of the big lake.

The Atlanta was a schooner-barge that sunk in May of 1891 while carrying a load of coal. It was being towed by the steamer Wilhelm. A northwest gale snapped the towline and the crew was forced to get in the lifeboat. Only two crew members made it safely to shore.

The discovery was made 35 miles from Deer Park, Michigan, in 650 feet of frigid Lake Superior water after a tedious mapping of the lake by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and Marine Sonic Technology.

Bruce Lynn, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Historical Society, said, “It is rare that we find a shipwreck that so clearly announces what it is and the name-board of the Atlanta really stands out. It is truly ornate, and still beautiful after 130 years on the bottom of Lake Superior.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Hope Blooms From Home Fundraiser to Benefit Hunter Hospitality House

Hunter Hospitality House will be holding its spring fundraiser, Hope Blooms, virtually this year. The Port Huron non-profit is offering an interesting mix of items that are being raffled off.

Hunter Hospitality House provides free lodging to anyone who needs to stay close to either of Port Huron’s hospitals. They have two bed and breakfast style homes and one family home.

Executive Director Tracy Willard said, “We’re really grateful for how the community always comes through for us with this important fundraiser. Once again, three Woman’s Life Chapters are providing matching funds up to $500 for donations and purchases of raffle tickets.”

Raffle items include a large screen tv, a Shinola watch, and many others. There are also sponsorship opportunities. The prizes will be drawn on April 28th, but tickets are on sale now.

Willard said, “Individuals and businesses donated really wonderful prizes, and we’re already hearing from sponsors. Supporting HHH through Hope Blooms ensures guests will receive free hospital lodging and abundant amenities.”

For more information, go to hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland