George James

State Treasury Looking for Tax-Prep Volunteers

Good with numbers? Want to help seniors, people with disabilities, and those who have limited English speaking ability? Michigan’s State Treasury is looking for volunteers to help fellow citizens with tax preparation. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is urgently recruiting volunteers in advance of the upcoming tax filing season.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “Becoming a VITA Volunteer is an opportunity to make a difference in your community. Tax prep can be stressful. Helping your neighbors through the VITA program provides high impact help in a very meaningful and rewarding manner.”

Volunteers help low-income or otherwise vulnerable tax-payers save $19.5 million each year. They also help tax-payers claim the tax credits for which they are eligible.

Brian Rakovitis, Director of Economic Inclusion at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) said, “…without access to affordable tax preparation services, Michiganders could leave millions of state and federal refunds on the table each year.”

Learn more:

To Volunteer

https://www.opssupport-surveys.com/se/2511374571F86012

Volunteer Information

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers

Taxpayer Assistance Information

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Roads Slated for Huge Federal Investment

Michigan is expected to get billions in federal funds over the next five years with some of it earmarked for roads and bridges. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to collaborate with the legislature to begin planning for the major rebuild.

The directive focuses on streamlining the infrastructure projects by using the right mix of materials to complement work already in progress; set priorities that benefit community development, recreation, and promote equity; and make roads and bridges more resilient to flooding.

The plan emphasizes the “dig once” philosophy to complete water, internet, and other utility work in the process. The addition of electric vehicle chargers and making way for the future of mobility are also priorities.

Whitmer said, “With this executive directive, we are getting ready to build up local roads and bridges across Michigan, create thousands of good-paying jobs for Michiganders, and ensure small businesses, downtowns, and neighborhoods have high-quality, reliable infrastructure to rely on as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our state. I look forward to working with the legislature to invest these dollars and get the job done.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lead Water Pipes Could Be Eliminated with Federal Investment

Michigan could soon be undergoing a statewide lead water service line program, thanks to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that has an allocation for water infrastructure investment.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an Executive Directive to state departments and agencies to work with the legislature to get ready for a big lead service line replacement project.

Whitmer said, “With this Executive Directive, we are accelerating the timeline to replace 100% of lead service lines in Michigan, prioritizing communities that have been disproportionately impacted, fostering enhanced collaboration across departments, and ensuring that the projects are built by Michigan workers and businesses.”

The Michigan Pipe Trades are on board as well, with representative Jeremy Garza saying, “The number one responsibility of a Plumber is to protect the health of the nation and help every family and community access safe drinking water.”

The City of Port Huron has a continuous lead pipe identification process. The Department of Public Works, Water Office, and Water Filtration Plant staff respond to lead service inquiries as they come in.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Shop Local On Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 27th is Small Business Saturday. It’s a great day to check some things off of your Christmas shopping list while keeping your dollars in your own community.

It is estimated that $68 of every $100 spent at local small businesses stays in the community. Ninety-eight percent of Michigan businesses are considered small businesses.

William J. Hallan, President and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association said, “While every day is a good day to shop small and buy nearby, we hope Michiganders will make a concentrated effort this Saturday and throughout the holiday season to shop at local retailers and businesses.”

Shopping local is also a great way to avoid the headaches of shipping delays that go along with online shopping.

Brian Calley, president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, said, “Small businesses play a vital role in their local communities and have been through unprecedented challenges during this pandemic.”

Downtown Port Huron will be celebrating Small Business Saturday and continuing the celebration every Saturday through December 18th.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights Back for 9th Year

Does looking at five million Christmas lights sound like a great way to spend an evening? If so, the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights experience might be just the thing to add to your holiday to-do list.

The annual tradition at the Detroit Zoo started last weekend and runs until January 9th. This is the 9th year of the light show. Wild Lights is a walking tour of the front half of the massive property of the Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak, about an hour’s drive from the Blue Water area.

Viewing the Wild Lights can take as little as an hour, or you can make an evening of it with dinner at the Polar Patio.

There are over 280 lighted sculptures to view and admission includes viewing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Prices start at $17 and go up to $38 per person for admission to the all-you-can-eat dinner at the Polar Patio. There is limited access and tickets go fast. Advance purchasing is required as tickets are not sold at the gate. Parking costs $8. 

Admission is rain, snow, or shine. Warm footwear is a must.

Wild Lights

Several Local Christmas Parades Planned

Mark your calendars! Plenty of Christmas parades are in the works.

Santa Claus is coming to town this Friday. Downtown Port Huron’s annual Sperry’s Santa Parade is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 26th.

The community parade features local school bands and floats from various community groups. The parade goes right through the heart of downtown.

The Parade will go from North to South this year, ending with Santa lighting Downtown Port Huron’s Christmas Tree in front of Michigan Mutual.

The Marysville Lighted Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 4th at 5:00 p.m. Marysville’s parade starts at the Village Green Plaza and heads to the Marysville Park Bandshell, ending in a tree lighting ceremony.

December 4th is also the date of the Sandusky Lighted Implement Parade, starting at 7:00 p.m.  This parade features farm equipment lit up for the season and is themed as “Bigger, Brighter, Stronger” for 2021.

The City of Yale will be hosting their Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 11th, at 6:15 p.m. This year’s theme is A Dr. Seuss Christmas.

So bundle up and catch a hometown parade with your family and friends during this holiday season.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland